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ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

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LOGO

 

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

2500 COLUMBIA AVE., LANCASTER, PA 17603

P.O. BOX 3001, LANCASTER, PA 17604

 

www.armstrongceilings.com

 

April 29, 201628, 2020

 

LOGO   

Thomas M. Armstrong    

Founder    1860    

LOGO

20162020 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

We look forward to your attendance virtually via the Internet in person, or by proxy at the 20162020 Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. We will hold the meeting at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 8, 2016.Thursday, June 25, 2020. To provide a consistent and convenient experience for all shareholders regardless of location, we have adopted an entirely virtual format for this meeting.

FollowingIn 2019, we completed our transition to an Americas-focused ceiling, wall and suspension system solutions provider with the separationsale of Armstrong Flooring,our European, Middle East, African, and Pacific Rim businesses to Knauf International GmbH. Within our Mineral Fiber segment, we continued to drive net sales growth and deliver strong earnings performance. Within our Architectural Specialties segment, we expanded our portfolio and capabilities through the acquisitions of Architectural Components Group, Inc. into a new publicly traded company on April 1, 2016, we believe that Armstrong Worldand MRK Industries, Inc. is well-positionedAdditionally, we continued our share repurchase program and enhanced our regular quarterly dividend by 14%.

As we look forward to leverage its industry leading positions2020 and beyond, we are excited to highlight several of the initiatives that will transform our business this year and into the future. As an Americas-focused ceilings and walls company, we are investing for growth, agility and speed across our entire organization to (i) rapidly innovate and launch new products, (ii) effectively utilize data and digital technology, (iii) brand, recognition around the world, including investments in expandedpromote and drive specifications for our broad range of product offerings, and (iv) expand our portfolio of solutions and manufacturing and sales capabilities with increased flexibility to pursue domestic and international growth strategies,through a pipeline of business development opportunities, as well as new programs focused on the sustainability of our products and operations. These initiatives and investments make this an exciting time for our company.

Finally, as we mail this letter and proxy statement, our dedicated teams are proactively managing thefar-reaching impacts of the coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic. Our primary concern continues to be the health and well-being of our employees and their families, our business partners, and our communities, and the needs of our customers and the economy as a whole. Please know that, with the support of our Board, management is taking actions on a daily basis to safely and effectively navigate this unprecedented economic and public health disruption for the benefit of all of our stakeholders, while operating within CDC guidelines and maintaining a safe working environment for employees and business partners. Manufacturing operations have altered crewing; adjusted line speeds; reconfigured work and common areas; installed barriers to maintain recommended social distancing; and increased the frequency with which facilities are cleaned. Corporate and sales staffs are working remotely, and an emergency leave process has been instituted for all employees. The Company remains focused on serving and supporting customers, particularly priority healthcare projects. With our strong balance sheet, experienced and dedicated teams, industry leading product portfolio and long-standing customer and supplier relationships, we are well-positioned to manage through these challenges and position our company for future opportunities and continued success.

Our Board of Directors and management team look forward to continuing our work to advance our strategic opportunities.priorities, serve our customers, create value for our shareholders and, through our products and solutions, make a difference in the spaces where people live, work, learn, heal and play.

At the 2020 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, we will vote on the election of directors, vote to ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, and vote on anon-binding advisory basis on the compensation of our named executive officers. Please refer to the proxy statement for detailed information on each of the matters to be acted on at the meeting. meeting virtually via the Internet.

Your vote is important, and we strongly urge you to cast your vote. For most items, including the election of directors, your shares will not be voted if you do not provide voting instructions via the Internet, by telephone, or by returning a proxy or voting instruction card. We encourage you to vote promptly, even if you plan to attend the meeting.meeting virtually via the internet.

On behalf of your Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support of our company.support.

Very truly yours,

 

LOGOLOGO

James J. O’ConnorLarry S. McWilliams

Chairman of the Board


LOGO

NOTICE OF 20162020 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

Time and Date

8:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, July 8, 2016Thursday, June 25, 2020

 

Attendance

Online atwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/awi2016awi2020, or in person at 2500 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603

 

Record Date

April 15, 201621, 2020

 

Agenda 

Items of Business

  

Board Recommendation

 

1.  Elect as directors the 9nine (9) nominees named in the attached proxy statement

  FOR EACH DIRECTOR NOMINEE
 

2.  Ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 20162020

  FOR
 

3.  Approve, the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Directors’ Stock Unit Planon an advisory basis, our executive compensation program

  FOR

4.  Approve the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan

FOR

 

How To Vote

 Please act as soon as possible to vote your shares, even if you plan to attend the annual meeting via the Internet or in person.Internet.

 

  

Your broker willnot be able to vote your shares with respect to the election of directors unless you have given your broker specific instructions to do so. We strongly encourage you to vote.

You may vote via the Internet, by telephone, or, if you have received a printed version of these proxy materials, by mail.

 

  

You may vote via the Internet, by telephone, or, if you have received a printed version of these proxy materials, by mail.

See ADDITIONAL MEETING INFORMATION“ADDITIONAL MEETING INFORMATION” on page 7358 of this proxy statement for further information.

 

Attending the Meeting

via the Internet:

 

Instructions on how to attend and participate via the Internet, including how to demonstrate proof of stock ownership, are posted atwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/awi2016awi2020.

 

Shareholders may vote and submit questions while attending the meeting on the Internet.

in person:

Proof of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. stock ownership and photo identification will be required to attend the annual meeting.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF

PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING

TO BE HELD ON JULY 8, 2016:JUNE 25, 2020:

The Notice of Annual Meeting, this Proxy Statement and

the Company’s 20152019 Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

   1 

Director Nominees

   2 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   9 

Corporate Governance Principles and Other Corporate Governance Documents

   9 

Director Independence

   9 

Board’s Role in Risk Management Oversight

   9 

Board’s Role in Succession Planning

   10 

Board Leadership Structure

   10 

Communication with the Board

   10 

Board Meetings and CommitteesShareholder Outreach

   11 

Audit CommitteeBoard Meetings and Committees

   11 

Management Development and CompensationAudit Committee

   11 

Nominating and GovernanceFinance Committee

   12 

Management Development and Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

   12 

Certain RelationshipsNominating and Related Party TransactionsGovernance Committee

   12 

Shareholder-Recommended Director CandidatesOther Committees

   13 

MANAGEMENTCompensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

13

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

13

Shareholder-Recommended Director Candidates

   14 

Directors and Executive OfficersSUSTAINABILITY

14

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

   15 

Director Compensation TableMANAGEMENT

16

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS

   17 

Certain Beneficial OwnersDirectors and Executive Officers

   17 

Management and DirectorsCOMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

   18 

Directors – Aggregate OwnershipDirector Compensation Table

   19 

Stock Ownership GuidelinesSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS

   20 

Certain Beneficial Owners

20

Management and Directors

21

Directors – Aggregate Ownership

22

Stock Ownership Guidelines

23

ITEM  2 – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

   2124 
 


LOGO

PROXY STATEMENT

This proxy statement was prepared under the direction of our Board of Directors (“Board”) to solicit your proxy for use at the 20162020 Armstrong World Industries, Inc. annual meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”). When we refer to “we,” “our,” “us,” “Armstrong” and the “Company” in this proxy statement, we are referring to Armstrong World Industries, Inc. This proxy statement and the related materials are first being distributed to shareholders on or about May 6, 2016.2020.

On April 1, 2016, as previously announced, we completedAt the separation2019 Annual Meeting of our Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments into a separate and independent public company, Armstrong Flooring, Inc.Shareholders (the “2019 Annual Meeting”), through the distribution of all of the then outstanding shares of Armstrong Flooring, Inc. common stock towhich was held on July 11, 2019, our shareholders (the “separation”). Since the Company’s business included the Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments until the effective date of the separation, pursuant to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules, this proxy statement contains disclosures related to the performance of the Company (including the Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments) and the compensation of executive officers and directors during fiscal 2015, including executive officers and directors who no longer serve in such capacities for the Company.

As of March 30, 2016, in connection with the separation,elected Stan A. Askren, Victor D. Grizzle, became the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding MatthewTao Huang, Barbara L. Loughran, Larry S. McWilliams, James C. Melville, John J. Espe, and Brian L. MacNeal became the Company’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, succeeding David S. Schulz. Effective as of the separation, Matthew J. Espe, Michael F. Johnston, Jeffrey Liaw and Richard E. Wenz each resigned as a director of the Company. As a result, the Board decreased the size of the Board from twelve to ten members and Mr. GrizzleRoberts, Wayne R. Shurts, Roy W. Templin and Cherryl T. Thomas were elected as directors ofto the Company.Board.

 

ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

On the recommendation of the Nominating, Governance and Corporate GovernanceSocial Responsibility Committee (“Governance Committee”), our Board has nominated the nine directorspersons listed below for election at the Annual Meeting.Meeting, all of whom are currently directors of the Company. Mr. JamesJohn J. Gaffney,Roberts, who is currently a member of the Board, will not stand forre-election at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Roberts is ineligible for re-election to the Board due to the age qualifications contained in our Corporate Governance Principles that were adopted in 2018. During his fourteen years on the Board, Mr. Roberts has been an outstanding chair of our Audit Committee and has made valuable contributions to shaping our strategic priorities and creating value for shareholders as a Board member and as a member of the Governance Committee. Effective as of Mr. Gaffney’s resignationRoberts’ retirement from the Board at the Annual Meeting, the size of the Board will be decreased from ten to nine members. TheAll nominees, include eight independent directors, as determined by the Board in accordance with the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) listing standards and our Corporate Governance Principles. The ninth nominee isexception of our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Victor D. Grizzle.Grizzle, have been determined by the Board to be independent under the guidelines of the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and our Corporate Governance Principles. Each nominee’s term would, if elected, run from the date of his or her election until our next annual shareholders’ meeting and until the election at such annual meeting and qualification of his or her successor, or until his or her successor, if any, is electedearlier disqualification, resignation, removal, death or appointed.incapacity. We have no reason to believe that any

of the nominees will be unwilling or unable to serve if elected.

The Governance Committee performs an assessment of the qualifications and experience needed to properly oversee the interests of the Company. In doing so, the Governance Committee believes that aligning director qualifications, experience and skill sets with our business, strategy, risks and strategyopportunities in addition to the functional responsibilities of the Board is essentialnecessary to formingmaintaining a boardBoard of directorsDirectors that adds value forremains capable of effectively performing its oversight and decision making responsibilities on behalf of the Company and its shareholders. While our

As part of its annual Board does not have a formal diversity policy with respect to director nominations, itevaluation process, the Governance Committee solicits the view of the entire Board and of senior management regarding Board composition and factors the responses received into its Board succession planning and refreshment process.

Our Board believes that a board of directors composed of individuals with diverse attributes and backgrounds enhances the quality of our Board’s deliberations and decisions. Our Board has an expansive view of diversity, going beyond the traditional concepts of race, gender and national origin. Our Board believes that theorigin, and emphasizing a diversity of viewpoints, educational backgrounds and differences in professional experiences and expertise represented on the Board evidences diversity in many respects.experiences. Our Board believesrecognizes that this diversity, coupled with thestrong personal and professional ethics, integrity and values, results in a board of directors that is well-qualified to guide the Company with good business judgment.

 

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          1


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

 

professional ethics, integrity and values of all of the directors, results in a board of directors that can guide the Company with good business judgment.

The Governance Committee expects each of the Company’s directors to have proven leadership, sound judgment, integrity and a commitment to the success of the Company. In evaluating director candidates and considering incumbent directors for nomination to the Board, the Governance

Committee considers a variety of factors. These include each nominee’s independence, financial

literacy, personal and professional accomplishments, and experience in light of the needs of the Company. For incumbent directors, the factors also include past performance on our Board and contributions to their respective committees. Our Board is also particularly interested in maintaining a mix of skills and qualifications that include the following:

 

 

Public

Company CEO or COO within past 5 years

 

Senior

Executive Leadership

 

Manufacturing

& Distribution Operations

 

Financial

Literacy

 

Significant

International Experience

Finance

and Capital Markets Transactions

 

Technology

 

M&A

 

Risk

Management

 

Corporate

Governance/Law

 

Each director nominee’s biography in the pages that follow includes notable skills and qualifications that contributed to his or her selection as a nominee. Director skills and qualifications are also featured in the chart immediately following the biographies.

DIRECTOR NOMINEES

 

OUR BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTEFOR THE ELECTION OF THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES:

 

Name  Age*   Director Since  Committee(s)†  Independent^   Age*   Director Since  Current Committee
Assignments†
  Independent^ 

Stan A. Askren

   55    2008  MDCC                  ü      59   2008  MDCC‡, AC, FC                   ✓ 

Victor D. Grizzle

   54    2016       58   2016  —    

 

Tao Huang

   53    2010  AC                  ü      57   2010  AC, FC                   ✓ 

Barbara L. Loughran

   56   2019  AC, FC                   ✓ 

Larry S. McWilliams

   60    2010  MDCC                  ü      64   2010  —                     ✓ 

James C. Melville

   64    2012  MDCC, NGC*                  ü      68   2012  FC,
MDCC, NGSRC‡
                   ✓ 

James J. O’Connor (Chair)

   79    2007  NGC                  ü   

John J. Roberts

   71    2006  AC, NGC                  ü   

Gregory P. Spivy

   47    2014  MDCC                  ü   

Wayne R. Shurts

   60   2019  MDCC, AC                   ✓ 

Roy W. Templin

   59   2016  AC, FC‡,
NGSRC, MDCC
                   ✓ 

Cherryl T. Thomas

   69    2016  AC                  ü      73   2016  MDCC, NGSRC                   ✓ 

*

As of March 31, 2020

Committees: AC (Audit); FC (Finance); MDCC (Management Development & Compensation); NGCNGSRC (Nominating, Governance & Governance)Social Responsibility)

^

As defined in NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Principles

 

Denotes Chair of the Committee

*Denotes nomination to serveCommittee; John J. Roberts serves as Chair of the Committee upon successful election following the Annual MeetingAC

 

 
2          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

LOGO

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    3


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

 

All nominees currently serve as directors. Information concerning the nominees is provided below:

 

LOGO          

STAN A. ASKREN

Director since: 2008

Age: 55

Independent59

 

Independent

Mr. Askren has beenis currently CEO and Founder of Quiet Trail Advisors, a private, senior level strategy and lean business advisory practice. He also serves as an advisor and lean business consultant for Lean Focus, LLC. Mr. Askren served as the chairman and CEO of HNI Corporation (“HNI”), the second largest office furniture manufacturer in the world from 2004 until December 31, 2018 and the nation’s leading manufacturer and marketeras CEO of hearth products, sinceHNI from 2004 and president since 2003.until July 2018, when he retired from HNI. Previously, he was the president of HNI from 2003 to April 2018, and executive vice president of HNI from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Askren hashad worked at HNI for 2427 years, including as vice president of marketing, vice president of human resources, and as an executive vice president and president of HNI’sits hearth products operatingbusiness segment. Mr. Askren has also worked in several industries and previously held multiple executive management and general management positions with Emerson Electric and Thomson S.A. and HNI Corporation.S.A.. Mr. Askren also serves on the boardsboard of directors of Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc., a commercial duty automatic transmission and hybrid propulsion systems manufacturer (since 2015),2016). Mr. Askren formerly served on the board of directors of the Iowa Heritage Foundation, the Business and Institutional Furniture ManufacturersManufacturer’s Association (past chair), the Iowa Business Council (past chair), and the Iowa Heritage Foundation.Arctic Cat Corporation. Mr. Askren brings to our Board extensive operating, senior executive leadership, manufacturing, sales and distribution and, lean business expertise, as well as valuable insights from his experience as a public company chief executive officer.

LOGO         

LOGO         
 

VICTOR D. GRIZZLE

Director since: 2016

Age: 5458

 

 

 

Mr. Grizzle was appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer on March 30, 2016. Previously, Mr. Grizzle served as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Armstrong Building Products, a business unit of Armstrong, since January 2011. Prior to joining Armstrong, Mr. Grizzle served as Group President of Global Engineered Support Structures Coatings & Tubing and President of International Division for Omaha at Valmont Industries, Inc., an infrastructure and agricultural equipment manufacturer, since January 2006. Prior to Valmont, he served as President of the Commercial Power Division of EaglePicher Corporation, a manufacturing and resource extractive company. Before that, Mr. Grizzle spent 16 years at General Electric Corporation, where he served as an American business leader for General Electric’s Silicones Division. Mr. Grizzle also serves on the board of directors of Franklin Electric, a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for water and automotive fuels. As President and Chief Executive Officer of AWI, Mr. Grizzle provides our Board with significant insight regarding our operations, strategic planning and operational design. In addition, Mr. Grizzle brings to our Board broad leadership and business expertise, as well as comprehensive experience in global operations and manufacturing matters.

 

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement4          3AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

 

LOGO         

 

TAO HUANG

Director since: 2010

Age: 5357

 

Independent

Mr. Huang is the CEO of Supernova Companies, a financial technology company based in Chicago. He was previously the chief operating officer of Morningstar, Inc., a leading independent provider of investment research, until his retirement in December 2010. Mr. Huang spent almost 20 years with Morningstar, taking on increasing levels of responsibility from his start as an entry level technical programmer. He was named director of technology in 1992 and chief technology officer in 1996; he started Morningstar’s International Operation in 1998, held the position of president of International Division until 2000; he was promoted as the Company’s chief operating officer in October 2000 and served in this position until his retirement. Mr. Huang led Morningstar initiatives enabling significant growth, both organically and through acquisition, and oversaw continuous improvements in the operations of the firm’s core businesses. Mr. Huang is a founder and managing partner of Range Light, LLC, an investment firm (since 2012). Mr. Huang also serves on the board of directors of Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc., a publicly-traded real estate investment trust (since 2015) and Principal Mutual Funds, an asset management firm (since 2013). Mr. Huang brings to our Board expertise developed from his experience in a data-intense and technology-driven organization managing growth and integration of acquisitions, as well as experience in international operations.

LOGO         

BARBARA L. LOUGHRAN

Director since: 2019

Age: 56

Independent

Ms. Loughran served as a partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) from 1998 until her retirement in June 2018. Ms. Loughran has held various positions at PwC, including serving in its National Office from 2016 to 2018 and from 2000 to 2003, as Industrial Products Business Unit Leader of PwC’s New York Metro market from 2013 to 2015, and as Retail & Consumer Business Development Leader of PwC’s New York Metro market from 2010 to 2012. As a client service partner, Ms. Loughran led the global relationship and audit of numerous large, publicly-traded companies across a broad range of industries, and led the National Office effort on leveraging new and innovative technologies. Ms. Loughran also serves on the board of directors of Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., a publicly-traded engineering company, where she serves on its Audit Committee and Human Resource & Compensation Committee. Ms. Loughran brings to our Board an extensive public accounting background, financial and capital markets expertise, and experience in mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and financial oversight and reporting.

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    5


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

LOGO          

LARRY S.
MCWILLIAMS

Director since: 2010

Age: 6064

 

Independent

 

Mr. McWilliams has been theCo-Chief Executive Officer of Compass Marketing, Inc. since 2012 and was previously the president and chief executive officer of Keystone Foods, a producer of proteins, from May 2011 to May 2012. From May 2005 to October 2010, he served as a senior vice president at Campbell Soup Company and subsequently became the president of Campbell International, responsible for all of Campbell Soup’s business in Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific. Mr. McWilliams joined Campbell Soup in March 2001 as senior vice president – sales and chief customer officer, overseeing the company’s relationships with its global retail partners. In April 2003, he assumed the position of president – North America Soup. Mr. McWilliams was named senior vice president and president – Campbell USA in March 2004. Prior to Campbell Soup, Mr. McWilliams held positions at Coca-Cola from 1995 to 2001 and the Pillsbury Company from 1993 to 1995. Mr. McWilliams has also servesserved on the boardsboard of directors of Armstrong Flooring, Inc. (“AFI”) (sincesince April 1, 2016),2016, and formerly served as its interim chief executive officer. Mr. McWilliams formerly served on the Boards of Directors of Godiva Chocolatiers International, a privately held company, and Bob Evans Farms, a full-service restaurant company, (since 2014) and Godiva Chocolatiers International, a privately held company (since 2012). Mr. McWilliams formerly served on the Board of Governors of St. Joseph’s University Food Marketing Council and the Grocery Manufacturers’ Association’s Industry Affairs Council. Mr. McWilliams offers our Board senior executive leadership capabilities and experience, as well as extensive knowledge of sales, marketing, customer service relationships, international markets and distribution channels.

4    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

LOGO          

JAMES C. MELVILLE

Director since: 2012

Age: 6468

 

Independent

 

Mr. Melville is a member of the Minneapolis-based law firm of Kaplan, Strangis and Kaplan, P.A., where he has practiced in the corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, securities and financial areas since 1994. Prior to joining Kaplan, Strangis and Kaplan, P.A., Mr. Melville practiced with Dorsey and Whitney in their Minneapolis and London, England offices. Mr. Melville previously served as a member of our Board from September 2009 until July 2010 and now also serves on the board of directors of AFI (since April 1, 2016). Mr. Melville is active in numerous local and civic organizations and their boards. Mr. Melville served as an observeris also a National Association of ourCorporate Directors Board on behalf of the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust (the “Trust”) from August 2010 until February 2012.Leadership Fellow. Mr. Melville brings to our Board extensive knowledge of thecorporate law, mergers and acquisitions, executive compensation, and corporate governance matters, as well as international experience and financial acumen. He has also gained intimate knowledge of the Company through his prior service on our Board and his prior role as a board observer for the Trust.

LOGO         

JAMES J. O’CONNOR

Director since: 2007

Age: 79

Independent

Mr. O’Connor is a retired chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of Unicom Corporation. Mr. O’Connor joined Commonwealth Edison Company in 1963, became president in 1977, a director in 1978 and chairman and chief executive officer in 1980. In 1994, Mr. O’Connor was also named chairman and chief executive officer of Unicom Corporation, which then became the parent company of Commonwealth Edison Company, from which he retired in 1998. Mr. O’Connor also serves on the board of directors of AFI (since April 1, 2016), and previously served on the boards of directors of the following companies: Trizec Properties, Inc. (2003 to 2006); Corning, Inc. (1984 to 2011); Smurfit – Stone Container Corporation (2000 to 2011); and United Continental Holdings, Inc. (1984 to 2012). Mr. O’Connor has a broad business background, having served in several chief and senior executive positions with large companies and on the boards of companies as diverse as a utility company, an industrial manufacturing company and an airline. Mr. O’Connor also brings to our Board extensive knowledge and expertise in senior executive leadership, management, and corporate governance and board practices of other major corporations.

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    5


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

LOGO         

JOHN J. ROBERTS

Director since: 2006

Age: 71

Independent

Mr. Roberts served as global managing partner for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 1998 until his retirement in June 2002. Mr. Roberts held numerous positions at Coopers & Lybrand LLP from 1967 until its merger with Pricewaterhouse LLP in 1998. From 1994 to 1998, Mr. Roberts served as one of three members of the Office of the chairman of Coopers & Lybrand’s United States operations. Prior to that time, Mr. Roberts held other positions at Coopers & Lybrand, including deputy vice chairman, vice chairman and managing partner. While serving in various executive capacities at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mr. Roberts performed and supervised audit, tax and business consultative services, and developed extensive expertise in public company audits and financial reporting matters. Mr. Roberts serves on the boards of directors and audit committees of the following companies: Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., a provider of capital as well as strategic, operational and management resources to growth-stage businesses (since 2003; also serves on the compensation committee, and nominations and corporate governance committee), the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, a business trust with primary investment focus on retail shopping malls (since 2003; also serves on the compensation committee), and Vonage Holdings Corporation, a provider of communications services (since 2004; as lead director since 2015). Mr. Roberts previously served on the board of directors of Sicor, Inc. (2002 to 2004) and served as a director of our former holding company, Armstrong Holdings, Inc. (2003 to 2006). Mr. Roberts brings to our Board an extensive public accounting background, financial expertise, experience as an accounting executive and as a board member of businesses in diverse industries, and risk management, strategic planning and corporate governance capabilities.

LOGO         

GREGORY P. SPIVY

Director since: 2014

Age: 47

Independent

Mr. Spivy is a Partner of ValueAct Capital. Prior to joining ValueAct Capital in September 2004, Mr. Spivy worked with Gryphon Investors, a private equity fund with $500 million in investments. Previously, Mr. Spivy was a Managing Director at Fremont Partners, a private equity firm. Prior to joining Fremont Partners, Mr. Spivy was a Director with The Bridgeford Group, and began his career in the mergers and acquisitions department of Lehman Brothers. Mr. Spivy is the chairman of Seitel, Inc., a leading provider of seismic data to the oil and gas industry (since 2006) and is a director of Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc., a commercial duty automatic transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems manufacturer (since May 2015). Mr. Spivy is the former chairman of MSD Performance, Inc., and a former director of KAR Auction Services, Inc., MDS, Inc., MSC Software Corp. and PRA International. Mr. Spivy brings to our Board his experience as a director of other public and private corporations, his advisory experience with ValueAct Capital’s portfolio companies, as well as his extensive financial services industry experience generally.Board.

 

 

 
6          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

LOGO         

WAYNE R. SHURTS

Director since: 2019

Age: 60

Independent

Mr. Shurts served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Sysco Corporation, a publicly-traded global leader in food service distribution, from 2012 until February 2019. Prior to this, Mr. Shurts served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer at SUPERVALU, a publicly traded U.S. grocery retailer and wholesaler, from 2010 to 2012, and Chief Information Officer at Cadbury PLC, a British multinational confectionary company, from 2008 to 2010. Prior to this, Mr. Shurts has held various roles at Nabisco, including in finance, sales, supply chain, marketing, and technology. Mr. Shurts served on the board of directors ofCon-Way Inc. in 2015 until its acquisition by XPO Logistics, where he served as a technology expert and a member of its Audit Committee and Nominating and Governance Committee. Mr. Shurts brings to our Board extensive technology experience as a former Chief Information Officer, and in applying technology to improve and successfully transform business processes.

LOGO         

ROY W. TEMPLIN

Director since: 2016

Age: 59

Independent

Mr. Templin served as Chairman of the Board of Directors ofCon-Way Incorporated, a multinational freight transportation and logistics company, from January 2014 until its acquisition by XPO Logistics Inc. in 2015. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Whirlpool Corporation, a multinational manufacturer and marketer of home appliances, from 2004 to 2012, and as Vice President and Controller of Whirlpool Corporation from 2003 to 2004. Prior, he served as Vice President, Finance and Chief Accounting Officer of Kimball International, Inc. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds. Mr. Templin brings to our Board extensive experience as a senior executive, public company board member and executive of manufacturing and distribution industries, as well as experience in risk management, strategic planning, finance, and mergers and acquisitions.

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    7


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

 

LOGO          

CHERRYL T. THOMAS

Director since: 2016

Age: 6973

 

Independent

Ms. Thomas is the Chief Strategy Officer and Vice President of Ardmore Roderick, a Chicago-based civil engineering firm and, prior to The Roderick Group’s merger with Ardmore Associates, LLC, previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ardmore Associates, LLC, an engineering consulting firm, where she has beenwas responsible for all financial, operational and management activities since 2003. Prior to founding Ardmore Associates, Ms. Thomas served as chairman of the board of the United States Railroad Retirement Board from 1998 until 2003, and as commissioner of the department of buildings of the city of Chicago from 1989 until 1994. Ms. Thomas also serves on the board of directors of Wintrust Bank, a banking corporation, where she is a member of their credit and audit committees. Ms. Thomas serves on the boards of numerous local and civic organizations and foundations, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago (since 2007), the Chicago Zoological Society (since 2000), the Polk Bros Foundation (since 2009), the Brach Foundation (since 2015) and the Big Shoulders Foundation (since 2013). Ms. Thomas brings to our Board significant senior executive leadership experience, as well as relevant experience in manufacturing, distribution and risk management.

 

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    7


ITEM 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

Skills and Qualifications of Board of Directors

 

LOGOLOGO

 

 
8          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLES AND OTHER CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DOCUMENTS

Our Corporate Governance Principles include guidelines regarding the responsibilities, duties, service and qualifications of our Board, the determination of a director’s independence and any conflict of interests, Board access to management and independent advisors, director compensation and stock ownership requirements, Board committees and other matters relating to corporate governance. Our Corporate Governance Principles are available on our website under “About Us” and then “Governance” or at https://www.armstrongceilings.com/corporate/governance.html. Also available at the same location on our website are the charters of the Audit Committee, the Finance Committee, the Management Development and Compensation Committee (“Compensation Committee”), and the Governance Committee of the Board, the Armstrong Code of Business Conduct and the Armstrong Code of Ethics for Financial Professionals. Our website is not part of this proxy statement and references to our website address in this proxy statement are intended to be inactive textual references only.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

It is the policy of the Company that our Board consist of a majority of directors who are not employees and are independent under all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including the independence requirements of the NYSE. For purposes of evaluating the independence of directors, in accordance with our Corporate Governance Principles, our Board will consider all relevant facts and circumstances in making an independence determination, and not merely from the standpoint of the director, but also from that of persons or organizations with which the director has an affiliation. Consistent with our Corporate Governance Principles, to be considered “independent,” the Governance Committee has established qualifications to assist in the determination, which either meet or exceed the independence requirements of the NYSE.

Our Board has determined that all of our directors,director-nominees, with the exception of Mr. Grizzle, our President and CEO, are independent under NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Principles. In addition, our Board has further determined that each of the members of the Audit

Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee are independent within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards, any applicable minimum standards required by the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and enhanced standards required for membership on such committees by our Bylaws, namely that directors serving on such committees meet the independence criteria under both NYSE rules andRule  10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.

BOARD’S ROLE IN RISK MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT

Our Board oversees the Company’s risk profile and management’smanagement processes for assessing and managing risk, both as a full Board and through its committees, which meet regularly and report to the full Board. Management is charged with managing risk through robust internal policies and controls.

The Company has maintainedactively maintains an enterprise risk management program since 2005.program. Risk management is an integral part of the Company’s culture. Management’s role is to identify, mitigate, guide and review the efforts of our business units, consider whether the residual risks are acceptable, and approve plans to deal with serious risks. Our Board’s role in risk management is to review the performance and functioning of the Company’s overall risk management functionefforts and management’s establishment of appropriate systems for managing risk. Specifically, our Board reviews management’s:our:

 

processes to identify matters that create inappropriate risk to achieving our business plans;

 

processes to assess the likelihood and impact of such risks in order to prioritize them;

 

identification of major risks and how we define “major;”

them;

 

identification of primary risk mitigation owners;

 

mitigation of major risks, and our view of the resulting residual risk; and

 

monitoring of major risks.

Under the direction of a cross-functional steering committee composed primarily of senior leaders, managementManagement provides its feedback on business unitsegment risks during periodic business reviews and annual strategic planning discussions. Senior management periodically meets with designated risk mitigation owners and assesses control

 

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          9


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

 

annual strategic planning discussions. The enterprise risk management steering committee periodically meets with designated risk mitigation owners and assesses control measures. In addition, the steering committeesenior management regularly reevaluates the appropriateness of risk assessments and priorities. This process includes identifying risks that could prevent achievement of business goals orand strategic plans. TheOur internal audit group uses the resulting information as a basis for developing its annual audit plan.

Annually, ourOur Board periodically reviews summary reports that assess the strategic, operational, infrastructure and external risks facing the Company. Each Board committee, consistent with its charter, assists our Board in overseeing the review of certain risks that are particularly within its purview, including as described in “BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES” below.

BOARD’S ROLE IN SUCCESSION PLANNING

Our Board is actively engaged and involved in talent management. Our Board reviews the Company’s “Organization Vitality” initiatives in support of its business strategy at least annually. This includes a detailed discussion of the Company’s global leadership bench and succession plans with a focus on key positions at the senior officer level, including CEO. During 2015,2019, our Board and the Compensation Committee met on several occasions in furtherance of these initiatives. In addition, the committeeseach committee of the Board regularly discussdiscusses the talent pipeline for specific critical roles. High potential leaders are given exposure and visibility to Board members through formal presentations and informal events. More broadly, our Board is regularly updated on key talent indicators for the overall workforce, including diversity, recruiting and development programs.

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Our Bylaws and Corporate Governance Principles provide our Board with the flexibility to determine what leadership structure works best for us, including whether the same individual should serve as both our Chairman and our CEO. In FebruarySince 2010, our Board has determined to split the positions of Chairman and CEO. At that time, Mr. O’Connor, who had been independent Lead Director from February 2008 through February 2010, was named Chairman and continues to serve in that capacity. The split of these positions allows Mr. Grizzle, our

President and CEO, to focus on managing the business, while Mr. O’Connor,McWilliams, as Chairman, oversees our Board’s functions. Our Board will continue to evaluate its leadership and governance structure within the context of the specific needs of the business, current Board composition, and the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.

Responsibilities of the Chairman include recruiting new Board members, overseeing the evaluation and compensation of the CEO, ensuring an appropriate succession plan, overseeing independent evaluation of risk, coordinating Board meeting schedules and agenda, chairing and leading the discussions at the meetings, and overseeing the annual performance evaluations of the Board, its committees and its individual members. The Chairman ensures information provided by management to the Board is sufficient for the Board to fulfill its duties and communicates with other directors on key issues and concerns outside of regularly scheduled meetings. The Chairman is also responsible for ensuring the effective functioning of theBoard committees through appropriate delegation to, and membership of, the committees. Finally, the Chairman provides effective leadership for our independent directors to facilitatefacilitates the independent oversight required by our Bylaws and Corporate Governance Principles, including by ensuring that:

 

a majority of our directors are independent;

 

all of the members of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee are independent directors; and

 

the Board meets at regularly scheduled executive sessions, outside of the presence of management by the Board.management. Mr. O’Connor,McWilliams, our Chairman, presides at these sessions.

In addition, each of the Board’s threefour standing committees regularly meet at similar executive sessions, at which the respective committee chairs preside.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD

Any person who wishes to communicate with the Board, nonemployee directors as a group, or individual directors, including the Chairman, may direct a written communication to the attention of the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s corporate offices at 2500 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603. The Corporate Secretary will forward these communications to the intended recipient director(s), as appropriate. You may also send general messages to directors by email to directors@armstrongceilings.com. If you wish to send an email message to the Governance Committee, including a recommendation regarding a prospective director, please send the message to CorpGovernance@armstrongceilings.com. The

 

 

 
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

 

intended recipient director(s). You may also send general messages to directors by email todirectors@armstrongceilings.com. If you wish to send an email message to the Governance Committee, including a recommendation regarding a prospective director, please send the message toCorpGovernance@armstrongceilings.com. The Corporate Secretary will forward these messages, as appropriate.

SHAREHOLDER OUTREACH

The Company’s relationships with its shareholders and other stakeholders are a critical part of our corporate governance profile, and the Board recognizes the value of taking their views into account. Among other things, this engagement helps the Board and management to understand the larger context and impact of the Company’s operations, learn about expectations for our performance, assess emerging issues that may affect our business or other aspects of our operations, and shape policy.

In 2016, we initiated a formal shareholder outreach program to obtain investor perspectives on key topics of interest, including corporate governance, executive compensation, sustainability and other matters. On an annual basis, we intend to continue to solicit feedback from institutional investors, including asset managers, pension funds and social responsibility investors.

BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

The Board met seven times during 2015,2019, two of which were special meetings.

There are threefour standing committees of the Board: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Finance Committee and the Governance Committee, each described below.

Each standing committee has a charter and consists solely of ‘independent’ or ‘outside’ directors who meet applicable independence standards required by the NYSE, the SEC, and the Internal Revenue Service, and under our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Each committee reports to the Board regularly and evaluates the effectiveness of its performance annually. The membership of each committee is determined by the Board on the recommendation of the Governance Committee. The Company’s Corporate Governance Principles provide that (i) directors who are currently fully employed should not serve on more than two other corporate boards, and (ii) other directors should not serve on more than four other corporate boards. The Board, after considering the circumstances of Mr. Roberts’ service on three other public company audit committees, determined that such service does not impact his ability to effectively serve on the Audit Committee.

All director nominees who served on the Board during 20152019 participated in over 75% of the meetings of the Board and meetings of the Committees on which they served. Board members are expected to attend annual meetings in person or virtually, via the Internet. All Board members serving at the time attended the annual meeting in 2015.2019.

AuditAudit Committee    The Audit Committee met six times during 2015,2019, one of which was a special meeting. The members of the Audit Committee are John J. Roberts (Chair), Stan A. Askren, Tao Huang, Barbara L. Loughran, Wayne R. Shurts and Roy W. Templin. During 2019, Cherryl T.

Thomas. During 2015, Jeffrey Liaw, Larry S. McWilliams and Richard E. Wenz Thomas also served as membersa member of the Audit Committee until her appointment to the resignation of Messrs. LiawGovernance Committee, and Wenz from the BoardWayne R. Shurts and the departure of Mr. McWilliams fromBarbara L. Loughran were appointed to the Audit Committee upon their election as directors, each in connection withfollowing the separation of AFI.2019 Annual Meeting. Under its charter, the Audit Committee:

 

oversees (i) auditing and accounting matters, including the selection, supervision and compensation of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and other independent auditors, (ii) the scope of the annual audits,non-audit services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, and (iii) the Company’s accounting practices and internal accounting controls;

 

has sole authority to engage, retain and dismiss the independent registered public accounting firm;

 

reviews and discusses with management and our independent registered public accounting firm the annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements included in our SEC filings;

 

assists the Board in monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance;

 

considers risks associated with overall financial reporting, legal compliance and disclosure processes; and

 

supervises and reviews the effectiveness of the Company’s internal audit and compliance functions, and compliance by the Company with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    11


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

Each member of the Audit Committee meets the NYSE and SEC financial literacy requirements. The Board has determined that each of Mr. Roberts, Ms. Loughran and Mr. Templin qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” as defined pursuant to the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee regularly meets independently with the Company’s internal and independent auditors, with the leaders of the Company’s compliance function, and with management.

Management Development and CompensationFinance CommitteeThe CompensationFinance Committee met twelvesix times during 2015, seven2019, four of which were special meetings. The members of the Finance Committee are Roy W. Templin (Chair), Stan A. Askren, Tao Huang, Barbara L. Loughran and James C. Melville. During 2019, Gregory P. Spivy also served as a member of the Finance Committee until his retirement from the Board in connection with the 2019 Annual Meeting. During 2019, Stan A. Askren and Barbara L. Loughran were appointed to the Finance Committee following the 2019 Annual Meeting. Under its charter, the Finance Committee:

assists the Board in its oversight of the financial management of the Company, including material and strategic financial matters;

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    11
reviews the Company’s capital structure, including with respect to its debt and equity securities, financing arrangements and credit facilities;


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

 

reviews and considers the Company’s capital expenditures, dividend policy and other forms of distributions on the Company’s stock, and capital deployment strategies; and

reviews financial terms of certain proposed mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, strategic investments and joint ventures.

Management Development and Compensation Committee    The Compensation Committee met eight times during 2019, three of which were special meetings. The members of the Compensation Committee are Stan A. Askren (Chair), James J. Gaffney, Larry S. McWilliams, James C. Melville, Wayne R. Shurts, Roy W. Templin and Cherryl T. Thomas. During 2019, Gregory P. Spivy. Mr. Gaffney will not be standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting. During 2015, Michael F. JohnstonSpivy also served as a member of the Compensation Committee until his resignationretirement from the Board in connection with the separation of AFI.2019 Annual Meeting. During 2019, Roy W. Templin and Wayne R. Shurts were appointed to the Compensation Committee

following the 2019 Annual Meeting. Under its charter, the Compensation Committee:

 

oversees the design of our executive compensation and benefit programs and employment practices;

 

administers and makes recommendations regarding our incentive and equity compensation plans;

 

reviews and approves corporate goals and individual objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO and evaluates the CEO’s performance relative to those goals and objectives, and recommends CEO compensation to the independent directors based on the evaluation;

 

oversees the evaluation of the other executive officers and establishes their compensation levels in collaboration with the CEO;

 

reviews incentive compensation to confirm that such compensation does not encourage unnecessary risk-taking; and

 

monitors senior management succession planning.

Nominating, Governance and GovernanceSocial Responsibility Committee    The Governance Committee met sixseven times during 2015, one2019, two of which was awere special meeting.meetings. The members of the Governance Committee are James J. GaffneyC. Melville (Chair), James C. Melville, James J. O’Connor and John J. Roberts. Mr. Gaffney will not be standing for re-election atRoberts, Roy W. Templin and Cherryl T. Thomas. During 2019, Cheryl T. Thomas was appointed to the Governance Committee following the 2019 Annual Meeting. Mr. Melville has been nominatedIn 2019, the Board, upon recommendation of the Governance Committee, approved an amendment to serve as chair upon his successful election following the Annual Meeting.Governance Committee charter, among other things, changing its name from the “Nominating and Governance Committee” to the “Nominating, Governance and Social Responsibility Committee.” Under its charter, the Governance Committee:

 

monitors the independence of nonemployee directors;

 

reviews and evaluates director candidates and makes recommendations to the Board concerning nominees for election as Board members;

establishes criteria for the selection of candidates to serve on the Board;

12    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

 

recommends directors for appointment to Board committees;

 

makes recommendations to the Board regarding corporate governance matters;

 

reviews and makes recommendations to the Board regarding the compensation of nonemployee directors;

 

oversees the Company’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility programs;

oversees the Company’s director education and orientation programs; and

 

coordinates an annual self-evaluation of the performance of the Board and each committee through assistance from an independent, third-party advisor.

Other CommitteesIn addition to the threefour standing committees described above, members of the Board regularlymay meet on an ad hoc basis to discuss, review and, as appropriate, approve matters through other committees that have been previously established by the Board. SuchThese ad hoc committees addressreport to the Board and may review subjects such matters as refinancing,environmental matters, succession planning and crisis response. In connection with the separation of AFI, our Board established an Implementation Committee to oversee the preparation for and implementation of the transaction.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

None of the members of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, or had any relationship with the Company that requires disclosure under applicable SEC regulations.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Any related party transaction that may arise is required to be reviewed and approved by the Governance Committee, who must have no connection with the transaction. Related party transactions would include transactions by the Company or any subsidiary with any director, director nominee, executive officer, shareholders owning more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, per share par value $0.01 (“Common Stock”), or immediate family

12    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

member of any of the foregoing, and transactions with businesses affiliated with any director or director nominee that meet the specifications in Item 404 ofRegulation S-K under the Exchange

Act. The Chair of the Governance Committee has authority to approve transactions involving sums less than the disclosure threshold set in Item 404. The material details of any such matters are required to be disclosed to the Governance Committee at its next regular meeting.

POLICY ON MAJORITY VOTING IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

In connection withFebruary 2017, our Board adopted a Policy on Majority Voting as one of our Corporate Governance Principles. The Policy provides that in an uncontested election of directors, any nominee who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his appointmentor her election than votes “for” his or her election will, within 10 business days following the certification of the shareholder vote, tender his or her written resignation to the Board. Such tendered resignation will be considered by the Governance Committee taking into account any factors or other information it considers appropriate and relevant and, within 60 days following the date of the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred, will make a recommendation to the Board pursuant toconcerning the Nomination Agreement, Mr. Spivy, a Partneracceptance or rejection of ValueAct Capital, is entitled to receive an annual retainer (payable in cash) of $90,000 for his servicesuch resignation. The Board will take formal action on the Board, and an annual equity award in the form of restricted stock units (“Director RSUs”) under the 2008 Directors’ Stock Unit Plan, as amended, having an aggregate fair market value of $105,000 (based on the closing price our Common Stock as reported by the NYSE onGovernance Committee’s recommendation no later than 90 days following the date of grant).the shareholders’ meeting at which the election occurred. The annual retainerBoard will consider the information, factors and Director RSUs award for Mr. Spivy’s servicealternatives considered by the Governance Committee and such additional factors, information and alternatives as the Board deems relevant.

Following the Board’s decision on the Governance Committee’s recommendation, the Company, within four business days after such decision is made, will publicly disclose, in a current report on Form8-K filed with the SEC, the Board’s decision, and, if applicable, the Board’s reasons for rejecting the tendered resignation. A director whose resignation is accepted by the Board commencingmay not bere-appointed to fill the vacancy created by his or her resignation.

No director who is required to tender his or her resignation shall participate in December 2014 throughthe Governance Committee’s deliberations or recommendation, or in the Board’s deliberations or determination, with respect to accepting or rejecting his election in 2015 were prorated fromor her resignation as a director. If a majority of the date of his appointment to the Board. The Director RSUs for Mr. Spivy vested on December 17, 2015. Mr. Spivy has directed that his cash retainers be directly paid to ValueAct Capital Management, L.P., and under

an agreement with ValueAct Capital, Mr. Spivy is deemed to hold it for the benefit of ValueAct Capital Master Fund L.P., and indirectly for other members of the ValueAct Group.Governance Committee are required to tender their resignations, then the independent directors who are not required to

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    13


CORPORATE GOVERNANCE(CONTINUED)

tender their resignations will appoint an ad hoc Board committee from amongst themselves, consisting of such number of directors as they may determine to be appropriate, solely for the purpose of considering and making a recommendation to the Board with respect to the tendered resignations. If such ad hoc committee would have been created but fewer than three directors would be eligible to serve on it, then the entire Board (other than the director whose resignation is being considered) will make the determination to accept or reject the tendered resignation without any recommendation from the Committee and without the creation of an ad hoc committee.

MANDATORY RETIREMENT AGE

In October 2018, our Board, upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, adopted a mandatory retirement age policy for directors within our Corporate Governance Principles such that a director may not stand for election, or be nominated to serve, as a member of our Board after reaching the age of 75. At the time that a director reaches the age of 75, the director

may complete his or her then current term but may not stand for re-election thereafter.

SHAREHOLDER-RECOMMENDED DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

The Governance Committee will consider director candidates nominated by shareholders. The procedures for recommending candidates are posted at https://www.armstrongceilings.com/corporate/nominating-governance-committee.html.en-us/about-us/board-committees.html. Shareholders who wish to suggest individuals for service on the Board are requested to review Article II, Section 4 of our Bylaws and supply the information required in (a) through (k) of that Section in a written request to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s corporate offices at 2500 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603.

When evaluating the candidacy of nominees proposed by shareholders, the Governance Committee may request additional information as it may consider reasonable to determine the proposed nominee’s qualifications to serve as a member of the Board.

 

 

14    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


SUSTAINABILITY

As a leading building products manufacturer, we are committed to operating as a strong corporate citizen across all areas of our business. This commitment is reflected in our ongoing initiatives to design and develop sustainable ceiling and wall products and solutions for every space, and in our expanded sustainability initiative, which we launched in 2019. Our initiative reflects our mission to make a difference in the lives of people where they live, work, learn, heal & play. It is being designed to support our strategic priorities, align with all stakeholder interests, and be visible and measurable.

Corporate social responsibility has long been an important priority for the Board and the Company. Epitomized by our founder’s motto, “Let the buyer have faith,” we have a proven history of over 150 years of commitment to being an ethical and responsible company acting with integrity and respect for each other, our customers and our communities.

BOARD GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT

In October 2019, the Board approved an amendment to the charter for the Governance Committee, renaming it as the “Nominating, Governance and Social Responsibility Committee” and tasking it with responsibility for overseeing our corporate responsibility and sustainability programs and practices.

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

In 2019, we appointed a dedicated sustainability leader, Ms. Helen Sahi, as our Director of Sustainability, to lead our program and further develop our objective and action plans towards specific measureable goals. Ms. Sahi is an experienced sustainability leader, and has led similar initiatives for other publicly-traded manufacturers, integrating sustainability into the everyday fabric of company business and shaping sustainability vision and strategy.

Our expanded initiative is organized around three functional program “pillars”: People, Planet and Product. Each functional pillar is led by a cross-functional steering committee responsible for assessing, selecting and prioritizing goals, establishing targets and developing roadmaps to achieve them, and monitoring progress against science-based metrics.

OUR PLANET PILLAR

Under this pillar of our program, we are broadly focused on offsetting traditional electricity usage sources with renewable sources, reducing or recapturing water in our operational processes, and exploring reuse of dust resulting from our processes. For example:

Recycling Program    We were the first company to develop a ceiling recycling program and, since 1999, we have diverted more than 200 million square feet of reclaimed ceiling tiles from landfills. The recycling program takes discarded ceiling panels from renovation and demolition projects and upcycles them to new ceiling products, providing a responsible,end-of-life solution for our ceiling products.

In 2019, our recycling program received the 2019 Leadership Award from the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc., a multi-statenon-profit organization committed to environmental and economic sustainability.

Operations Footprint    Our efforts to reduce our own environmental footprint include:

upcycling industry waste streams into our products so that we use more waste than we generate; several of our facilities arezero-waste;

energy reduction improvements that seek to contribute to greenhouse gas reduction;

water recycling and infrastructure improvements; and

being a founding member in the U.S Green Building Council.

In 2019, the Armstrong Avenue, our corporate campus showroom facility, received the FitWel Certification. The Fitwel Standard, operated by the Center for Active Design, a health and wellbeing assessment and certification routine that measures and scores buildings against sixty-three evidence-backed design and operational strategies, with the goal of improving and promoting building users’ health and wellbeing.

OUR PRODUCT PILLAR

Under this pillar of our program, we are broadly focused on ensuring our products are free of chemicals of concern, looking at ways to reduce our

 

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SUSTAINABILITY(CONTINUED)

products’ water and greenhouse gas footprint, and continuing to invest in solutions that meet customer demand for building products that align with their sustainability goals. For example:

SUSTAIN    We are committed to environmental sustainability and products that promote and enable better buildings and spaces. In 2017, we launched SUSTAIN, the industry’s first collection of high performance ceiling systems that are free of chemicals of concern; have product transparency disclosures like Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations and DeclareSM labels, contribute to LEED® v4 and WELL Building StandardTM, meeting the most stringent sustainability compliance standards.

We are actively involved in developing solutions and providing information that our customers may use to fully assess our products including environmental product declarations and product certifications, such as Cradle to Cradle, Declare and Global GreenTagCert.

Our Sustain portfolio offers over one thousand products that meet the industry’s most stringent sustainability standards, and we consistently challenge ourselves to expand this portfolio.

In 2019, we received the 2019 Manufacturer Vision Award from the International Living Future Institute, recognizing our vision and commitment to a sustainable future. As an early adopter of the Living Product Challenge, we were the first acoustical ceiling manufacturer to achieve Living Product Challenge Imperative Certification for our Tectum® line of wood-fiber ceiling and wall panels.

OUR PEOPLE PILLAR

Under this pillar of our program, we are broadly focused on increasing our engagement in the communities where we operate, evaluating our

benefits and compensation structure for all levels of the organization, promoting and maintaining a diverse, talented and growing workforce, encouraging and protecting human rights, and creating a safe working environment for our employees. For example:

Safety    Safety is a core value at Armstrong and our goal is to constantly maintain an injury free workplace. As a result of our safety programs, which are integrated into our business at all levels, from senior management to our workers in manufacturing plants, our OSHA recordable rate has exceeded the manufacturing sector’s standards for over a decade.

In response to the most recent COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken actions on a daily basis to safely and effectively navigate this unprecedented economic and public health disruption for the benefit to all our stakeholders, while operating within CDC guidelines and maintaining a safe working environment for employees and business partners.

THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES FOUNDATION

We created the Armstrong World Industries Foundation as our philanthropic arm in 1985. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded in excess of $50 million to 501(c)(3) organizations in communities where employees live and work with the goal of reaching under-served young people and elevating the power and impact that design and buildings can have on people’s lives.    

MORE INFORMATION

More information about our corporate and social responsibility programs is available in the “Sustainability” section of our website at http://www.armstrongceilings.com.

16    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


MANAGEMENT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth information regarding individuals who serve as our executive officers as of April 1, 2016.2020.

 

Name  Age   Present Position and Business Experience During the Last Five Years*

Victor D. Grizzle

   
5558
 
  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

President & CEO; Director since(since April 20162016)

Executive Vice President & CEO, Armstrong Building Products (2011 to March 2016)

Valmont Industries

Group President, Global Structures, Coatings and Tubing (2005)

Brian L. MacNeal

   
4953
 

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Chief Financial Officer since April 2016

Vice President, Global Finance and CFO, Armstrong Building Products (2014 to April 2016)

Heartland Energy Solutions

Interim Chief Financial Officer (2013 to 2014)

Campbell Soup Company

Vice President of Finance (2011 to 2013)

David S. Cookson

58
  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Senior Vice President Americas since 2008and Chief Financial Officer (since April 2016)

Vice President, Global Finance and CFO, Armstrong Building Products

(2014 to April 2016)

Charles M. Chiappone

   
5357
 
  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Senior Vice President, Ceilings and Wall Solutions since March(since April 2018)

Senior Vice President, Ceilings Solutions (March 2016 to April 2018)

Vice President of Global Marketing & Commercial Excellence,

Armstrong Building Products (January

(January 2012 to March 2016)

Alloy Polymers, Inc.

President & CEO (2008 to 2012)

Mark A. Hershey

   
4650
 
  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Senior Vice President, Business Development (since January 2020)

Senior Vice President, General Counsel since(since July 20112011)

Chief Compliance Officer since(since February 20122012)

Secretary (July 2011 to June 2014; since April 2016)

Ricoh Americas Corporation

Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary (2008)

Stephen F. McNamara

   
4953
 
  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Vice President, Controller since(since July 20082008)

Ellen R. Romano

   
5559
 
  

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

Senior Vice President, Human Resources since(since May 2013

Vice President, Human Resources, Armstrong Building Products (2009)2013)

*

Information in parentheses regarding previously held positions indicates either the duration the Executive Officer held the position or the year in which service in the position began.

All executive officers are elected by the Board to serve in their respective capacities until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

removal by the Board.

 

14AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement17


COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

 

In establishing director compensation for our nonemployee directors, including the overall value of compensation and the mix of cash and equity, the Board analyzes competitive market data and any underlying director compensation trends generally, and compares our program to those of similarly sized companies in comparable industries. The Board is compensated through a combination of annual retainers and equity grants in the form of stock units. The Board believes that this level of compensation supports the Company’s ability to attract directors with suitable backgrounds and experiences. A director who is an officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries is not compensated for service on the Board or on any committee of the Board.

In April 2014,On an annual basis, the Governance Committee reviewedreviews the compensation program for nonemployee directors, including the 2008 Directors’ Stock Unit Plan, as amended (the “2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan”) and the 2016 Directors’ Stock Unit Plan, as amended (the “2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan”). The review includedincludes an analysis of

competitive market data and any underlying director compensation trends with assistance from an independent compensation consultant.consultant, as required. Following that review the Governance Committee determined that no changes to the compensation program for nonemployee directors were necessary. In connection with the separation of AFI, the Governance Committee conducted a similar review in December 2015. Following that review,2019 and based upon a recommendation by the Governance Committee, the Board approved a decreasean increase of $10,000$5,000 per year for the annual retainercommittee chair fee (cash) for the ChairGovernance Committee and a decrease of $20,000 for the annual retainer fee (equity) for the Chair,Finance Committee, each effective as of April 1, 2016.

The 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan does not have sufficient shares for grants to be made to directors after 2015. We are requesting shareholder approval of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan as described below under Item 3.fiscal 2020.

 

 

The following table describes the elements of the compensation program for nonemployee directors in 2015:2019:

Director Compensation Program

 

Element

  Amount  Terms

Annual Retainer (Cash)(Cash)

  

$90,000

$190,000140,000 (Chair)**

  paid in quarterly installments, in arrears

Annual Retainer (Equity)(Equity)

  

$105,000

$205,000145,000 (Chair)**

  

annual (orpro-rated) grant of Director RSUs

•  20082016 Directors Stock Unit Plan

•  vest at one year anniversary or earlier change in control if serving on such date

•  pre-2011 grants deliverable six months following end of service (except removal for cause)

•  2011 and later grants deliverable on date of end of service (except removal for cause)

•  one share per one unit upon delivery

•  no voting power until delivered

•  dividend equivalent rights

Committee Chair Fees*

  

$20,000 (AC; MDCC)

$10,000 (NGC)(FC; NGSRC)**

  paid in quarterly installments, in arrears

Special Assignment Fees

  

$2,500 per diem

($1,250 for less

than four hours)

  

may be paid in connection with:

•  one-on-one meetings with the CEO

•  plant visits

•  othernon-scheduled significant activities approved by the Chair

*

Committees: AC (Audit); FC (Finance); MDCC (Management Development & Development); NGCNGSRC (Nominating, Governance & Governance)Social Responsibility)

 

**

In December 2015,October 2019, the Board, on the recommendation of the Governance Committee, approved a decreasean increase of $10,000 annual retainer fee (cash)$5,000 per year for the Chaircommittee chair fee for each of the Governance Committee and a decrease of $20,000 for the annual retainer fee (equity) for the Chair,Finance Committee, effective as of April 1, 2016.fiscal 2020

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement18          15AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

 

Annual grants for the equity portion of the retainer are effective as of the first business day following the date of the Annual Meeting, and the amount of

each grant is determined by the NYSE closing price of our shares of Common Stock on that date.

 

 

Director Compensation Table – 20152019

 

Name

(a)

  

Fees

Earned or

Paid

in Cash ($)

(b)

   

Stock

Awards ($)(1)

(c)(8)

   

Option

Awards

($)(2)

(d)

   

Non-Equity

Incentive

Plan

Compensation

($)

(e)

   

Change in

Pension Value

and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)(3)(f)

   

All

Other

Compensation

($)(4)

(g)

   

Total ($)

(h)

 

S. Askren

   110,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       215,000  

J. Gaffney

   100,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       205,000  

T. Huang

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       195,000  

M. Johnston(5)

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       195,000  

J. Liaw(5)

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       195,000  

L. McWilliams

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       10,000     205,000  

J. Melville

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       42,500     237,500  

J. O’Connor

   190,000     205,000     —       —       —       500     395,500  

J. Roberts

   110,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       215,000  

G. Spivy(6)

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       195,000  

C. Thomas(7)

   —       —       —       —       —       —       —    

R. Wenz(5)

   90,000     105,000     —       —       —       —       195,000  

Name

(a)

  

Fees

Earned or

Paid

in Cash ($)

(b)(1)

   

Stock

Awards ($)(2)

(c)

   

Option

Awards

($)(3)

(d)

   

Non-Equity

Incentive

Plan

Compensation

($)

(e)

   

Change in

Pension Value

and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)(4)(f)

   

All

Other

Compensation

($)

(g)(5)

   

Total ($)

(h)

 

S. Askren

   110,000    105,000    —      —      —      21,711    236,711 

T. Huang

   90,000    105,000    —      —      —      20,323    215,323 

B. Loughran

   45,000    105,000    —      —      —      —      150,000 

L. McWilliams

   140,000    145,000    —      —      —      20,857    305,857 

J. Melville

   100,000    105,000    —      —      —      19,807    224,807 

J. Roberts

   110,000    105,000    —      —      —      24,243    239,243 

W. Shurts

   45,000    105,000    —      —      —      —      150,000 

G. Spivy(6)(7)

   45,000    —      —      —      —      2,022    47,022 

R. Templin

   100,000    105,000    —      —      —      818    205,818 

C. Thomas

   90,000    105,000    —      —      —      5,456    200,456 
(1)

Includes amounts earned in fourth quarter of 2019 and paid in first quarter of 2020.

(2)

Represents amounts that are in units of our shares of Common Stock. The amounts reported represent the aggregate grant date fair value for Director RSUs granted during the fiscal year, as calculated under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Under ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value is calculated using the closing market price of our shares of Common Stock on the date of the grant. For the number of Director RSUs credited to each director’s account as of March 31, 2016,2020, see SECURITIESSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS, pages 18, 1920 and 20.21.

(2)(3)The directors

Directors do not receive stock options as part of their compensation for service on our Board.

(3)(4)There is currently no plan or arrangement for

Under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, directors may elect to defer the equity compensation that they receive as part of their compensation for serviceservices on our Board.

(4)The amounts for Messrs. McWilliams, Melville and O’Connor also reflect the amounts they received for special assignment fees in connection with certain non-scheduled significant activities and projects.

(5)Resigned effective as of March 30, 2016 in connection with

Represents cash dividend equivalent on vested undistributed shares and, for Messrs. Melville and Roberts, certain special assignment fees paid during the separation of AFI.year.

(6)

Elected not to stand for reelection as of the 2019 Annual Meeting. Information provided is as of the 2019 Annual Meeting.

(7)

Under an agreement with ValueAct Capital, Mr. Spivy is deemed to receive the cash portion of his retainer for Board service and hold the Director RSUs for the benefit of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. and indirectly for (i) VA Partners I, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., (ii) ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. as the manager of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., (iii) ValueAct Capital Management, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Capital Management, L.P., (iv) ValueAct Holdings, L.P. as the sole owner of the limited partnership interests of ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. and the membership interests of ValueAct Capital Management, LLC and as the majority owner of the membership interests of VA Partners I, LLC and (v) ValueAct Holdings GP, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Holdings, L.P.

(7)Appointed as a director on April 1, 2016.
(8)These share numbers do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflect the separation of AFI. Upon the separation date, outstanding equity awards held by continuing Company directors were adjusted to increase the number of shares, proportionately to take into account the separation.

 

16AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement19


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS

Certain Beneficial Owners

The following table sets forth information regarding persons or groups known to us to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock as of March 31, 20162020 or the date of any applicable reports filed by such persons or groups prior to that date. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with applicable rules of the SEC.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  

Amount and Nature

of Beneficial
Ownership

Percent of  Class
Outstanding(1)

ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P.

One Letterman Drive, Building D, 4th Floor

San Francisco, CA 94129Ownership

 

Percent of Class

Outstanding(1)

9,200,000(2)16.6

Armstrong World Industries,T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.

Asbestos Personal Injury Settlement Trust100 E. Pratt Street

c/o Edward E. Steiner

Keating Muething & Klekamp PLL

One East Fourth Street, Suite 1400

Cincinnati, OH 45202Baltimore, MD 21202

  7,399,644(2)5,251,234(3) 9.515.5%

Goldman Sachs Asset Management

200 West Street

New York, NY 10282

3,081,818(4)5.6

The Vanguard Group

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

  5,166,129(3)2,917,94410.8%

Lazard Asset Management LLC

30 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10112

4,411,355(4)9.3%

Capital International Investors

11100 Santa Monica Boulevard, 16/F

Los Angeles, CA 90025

4,046,937(5)   5.38.5%

 

(1)

Based on 55,477,55747,660,016 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2016,2020, as reported to the NYSE (60,534,939(62,313,233 shares reported, less 5,057,38214,653,217 shares held in treasury).

(2)On a Schedule 13D Amendment No. 1 filed with the SEC on December 16, 2014, ValueAct Master Fund, L.P. reported shared voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares of Common Stock. Shares reported as beneficially owned by ValueAct Master Fund are also reported as beneficially owned by (i) ValueAct Management L.P. as the manager of each such investment partnership, (ii) ValueAct Management LLC, as General Partner of ValueAct Management L.P., (iii) ValueAct Holdings, as the sole owner of the limited partnership interests of ValueAct Management L.P. and the membership interests of ValueAct Management LLC and as the majority owner of the membership interests of VA Partners I and (iv) ValueAct Holdings GP, as General Partner of ValueAct Holdings. Shares reported as beneficially owned by ValueAct Master Fund are also reported as beneficially owned by VA Partners I, as General Partner of ValueAct Master Fund. VA Partners I, ValueAct Management L.P., ValueAct Management LLC, ValueAct Holdings and ValueAct Holdings GP also, directly or indirectly, may own interests in one or more than one of the partnerships from time to time. By reason of such relationship ValueAct Master Fund is reported as having shared power to vote or to direct the vote, and shared power to dispose or direct the disposition of, these shares of Common Stock of the Company, with VA Partners I (only with respect to ValueAct Master Fund), ValueAct Management L.P., ValueAct Management LLC, ValueAct Holdings and ValueAct Holdings GP.
(3)

On a Schedule 13G Amendment No. 2 filed with the SEC on January 21, 2016, the Trust reported that, as of December 31, 2015, it had sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 5,251,234 shares of Common Stock of the Company.

(4)On a Schedule 13G3 filed on with the SEC on February 8, 2016, Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P. and GS Investment Strategies, LLC, collectively as Goldman Sachs Asset Management,14, 2020, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. reported, as of December 31, 2015, shared2019, that it had sole voting power with respect to 3,028,0131,477,981 shares of Common Stock of the Company and sole dispositive power with respect to 3,081,8187,399,644 shares of Common Stock of the Company.Company, and T. Rowe Price New Horizons Fund, Inc. reported, as of December 31, 2018, that it had sole voting power with respect to 5,909,863 shares of Common Stock outstanding of the Company

(5)(3)

On a Schedule 13G Amendment No. 5 filed on with the SEC on February 10, 2016,12, 2020, the VanguardGroup—23-1945930 reported, as of December 31, 2015,2019, that it had sole voting power with respect to 32,95627,480 shares of Common Stock of the Company, shared voting power with respect to 2,1006,023 shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,885,3885,166,129 shares of Common Stock of the Company and shares dispositive power with respect to 32,55627,505 shares of Common Stock, as follows:further noting that Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 30,45621,482 shares or .05%0.04% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding of the Company as a result of its serving as investment manager of collective trust accounts, Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 4,60012,021 shares or 0.0%0.02% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding of the Company as a result of its serving as investment manager of Australian investment offerings.

(4)

On a Schedule 13G Amendment filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020, Lazard Asset Management LLC reported that, as of December 31, 2019, it had sole voting power with respect to 2,947,290 shares of Common Stock of the Company and sole dispositive power with respect to 4,411,355 shares of Common Stock of the Company.

(5)

On a Schedule 13G filed on with the SEC on February 14, 2020, Capital International Investors reported, as of December 31, 2019, that it had sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to 4,046,937 shares of Common Stock of the Company, respectively.

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement20          17AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

 

Management and Directors

The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2016,2020, the amount of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by all directors, the Company’s named executive officers (“NEOs”) currently serving and as identified in the “COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS” section on page 4128 and all directors and executive officers as a group in accordance with applicable SEC rules.

 

Name  

Number of
Common
Shares

Beneficially
Owned

   

Number of
Shares Subject
to Options(1)
Exercisable or
Which Become
Exercisable

Within 60 Days

  Total
Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)
   Restricted
Stock
Units(3) /
Unvested
Options
   Total Common
Shares Beneficially
Owned Plus
Restricted Stock
Units and
Unvested Options(4)
 

Stan A. Askren

   0     *  0     25,233     25,233  

Charles M. Chiappone

   2,111     8,776    10,887     4,383     15,270  

David S. Cookson

   17,938     21,685    39,623     5,395     45,018  

Matthew J. Espe(5)

   87,534     704,943    792,477     63,045     855,522  

James J. Gaffney(6)

   0     *  0     19,233     19,233  

Victor D. Grizzle

   25,307     107,397    132,704     17,161     149,865  

Mark A. Hershey

   9,644     56,120    65,764     11,980     77,744  

Tao Huang

   0     *  0     18,551     18,551  

Brian L. MacNeal

   594     1,091    1,685     3,898     5,583  

Donald R. Maier

   21,125     64,928    86,053     18,476     104,529  

Larry S. McWilliams

   0     *  0     18,551     18,551  

James C. Melville

   4,229     *  4,229     8,871     13,100  

James J. O’Connor

   7,000     *  7,000     41,007     48,007  

John J. Roberts

   0     *  0     19,233     19,233  

David S. Schulz

   3,996     20,715    24,711     12,445     37,156  

Gregory P. Spivy(7)

   0     *  0     3,012     3,012  

Cherryl T. Thomas(8)

   0     *  0     0     0  

Directors and Executive Officers as a group (16 persons)(9)

   79,062     298,010    327,072     210,864     537,936  
Name  

Number of

Common

Shares

Beneficially

Owned

   

Number of

Shares Subject

to Options(1)

Exercisable or

Which Become

Exercisable

Within 60 Days

  

Total

Number of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned(2)

   

Restricted

Stock

Units(3)/

Unvested

Options

   

Total Common

Shares Beneficially

Owned Plus

Restricted Stock

Units and

Unvested Options

 

Stan A. Askren

   6,468    *  6,468    29,882    36,350 

Charles M. Chiappone

   28,605    11,992   40,597    18,283    58,880 

Victor D. Grizzle

   192,921    130,309   323,230    146,857    470,087 

Mark A. Hershey

   34,692    33,723   68,415    35,650    104,065 

Tao Huang

   —      *  —      28,719    28,719 

Barbara L. Loughran

   —      *  —      1,064    1,064 

Brian L. MacNeal

   36,032    3,740   39,772    22,680    62,452 

Larry S. McWilliams

   —      *  —      29,718    29,718 

James C. Melville

   4,229    *  4,229    17,663    21,892 

James J. Roberts

   468    *  468    23,029    23,497 

Ellen R. Romano

   19,896    *  19,896    22,223    42,119 

Wayne R. Shurts

   —      *  —      1,064    1,064 

Gregory P. Spivy(4)(5)

   9,907    *  9,907    —      9,907 

Roy W. Templin

   8,672    *  8,672    1,064    9,736 

Cherryl T. Thomas

   —      *  —      8,214    8,214 

Directors and Executive Officers as a group (16 persons)(6)

   352,363    210,154   562,517    398,432    960,949 

 

(1)

Directors do not receive stock option grants under the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan, the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan or as part of the compensation program for directors.

(2)

No individual director or executive officer other than Mr. Espe beneficially owns 1% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2016.2020. The directors and executive officers as a group beneficially own approximately 0.6%0.7% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2016.2020.

(3)

Represents, in the case of NEOs, unvested time-based restricted stock units (“NEO RSUs”) granted to them under the 2006, 2011 and 20112016 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as applicable, and, in the case of nonemployee directors, vested and unvested stock units (Director RSUs) granted to them as part of their annual retainer for Board service that are not acquirable by the director within 60 days of March 31, 20162020 under the terms of the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan and the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. See Directors Aggregate Ownership table below for further information. Neither the unvested NEO RSUs nor the Director RSUs have voting power.

(4)These share numbers do

Elected not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflectstand forre-election at the separation2019 Annual Meeting. Information provided is as of AFI. Upon the separation date, outstanding equity awards held by continuing Company employees and outstanding deferred equity awards held by Company directors were adjusted to increase the number of shares, proportionately to take into account the separation.2019 Annual Meeting.

(5)The share numbers for Mr. Espe do not reflect

Under the terms of his severance agreement with the Company, which resulted in the forfeiture of 20,706 restricted stock units effective as of the termination of his employment on April 1, 2016.

(6)Mr. Gaffney has elected not to stand for election in the 2016 Annual Election.
(7)

Under an agreementNomination Agreement with ValueAct Capital, Mr. Spivy is deemed to hold the Director RSUs for the benefit of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. and indirectly for (i) VA Partners I, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P.,

18    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

(ii) ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. as the manager of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., (iii) ValueAct Capital Management, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Capital Management, L.P., (iv) ValueAct Holdings, L.P. as the sole owner of the limited partnership interests of ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. and the membership interests of ValueAct Capital Management, LLC and as the majority owner of the membership interests of VA Partners I, LLC and (v) ValueAct Holdings GP, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Holdings, L.P.

(8)(6)Ms. Thomas received a pro-rated grant of Director RSUs as the equity portion of her retainer for Board service on April 11, 2016 following her appointment to the Board on April 1, 2016, which will vest on April 11, 2017, the one-year anniversary of the grant date for such Director RSUs.
(9)

Includes amounts for Ellen R. Romano, SVP, Human Resources, and Stephen F. McNamara, VP, Controller, and excluding amounts for Messrs. Espe, Maier and Schulz.Controller.

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    21


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

Directors – Aggregate Ownership

The table below sets forth, as of March 31, 2016,2020, additional detail as to each nonemployee director’s ownership and rights to ownership in the Company’s equity.

 

Name  Common
Shares
   Vested
Restricted
Stock  Units(1)
   Unvested
Restricted
Stock
Units(2)
   Phantom
Stock
Units(3)
   Total
Equity
   

Total

Value(4)(8)

   

Common

Shares

   

Vested

Restricted

Stock Units(1)

   

Unvested

Restricted

Stock

Units(2)

   

Phantom

Stock

Units(3)

   

Total

Equity(4)

   

Total

Value(5)

 

Stan A. Askren

   —       23,309     1,924     —       25,233    $1,220,520     6,468    28,818    1,064    —      36,350   $2,886,917 

James J. Gaffney

   —       17,309     1,924     10,038     19,233    $1,415,838(5) 

Tao Huang

   —       16,627     1,924     —       18,551    $897,312     —      27,655    1,064    —      28,719   $2,280,863 

Barbara L. Loughran

   —      —      1,064    —      1,064   $84,503 

Larry S. McWilliams

   —       16,627     1,924     —       18,551    $897,312     —      28,249    1,469    —      29,718   $2,360,204 

James C. Melville

   4,229     6,947     1,924     —       13,100    $633,647     4,229    16,599    1,064    —      21,892   $1,738,663 

James J. O’Connor

   7,000     37,250     3,757     —       48,007    $2,322,099  

John J. Roberts

   —       17,309     1,924     10,038     19,233    $1,415,838(5)    468    21,965    1,064    11,773    23,497   $2,801,143(6) 

Gregory P. Spivy(6)

   —       1,088     1,924     —       3,012    $145,690  

Cherryl T. Thomas(7)

   —       —       —       —       —      $—   

Wayne R. Shurts

   —      —      1,064    —      1,064   $84,503 

Gregory P. Spivy(7)(8)

   9,907    —      —      —      9,907   $786,814 

Roy W. Templin

   8,672    —      1,064    —      9,736   $773,233 

Cherryl T. Thomas

   —      7,150    1,064    —      8,214   $652,356 

Total

   11,229     136,466     17,225     20,076     164,920    $8,948,257     29,744    130,436    9,981    11,773    170,161   $14,449,198 

(1)

Under the terms of the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan, the Director RSUs granted to each director as part of his retainer for Board service are not acquirable by the director until (i) for those Director RSUs granted prior to June 2011, the earlier of thesix-month anniversary of the director’s separation from the Board for any reason other than a removal for cause or the date of a Change in Control Event (as defined in the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan); or (ii) for those Director RSUs granted during and after June 2011, on the date of the director’s separation from the Board for any reason other than a removal for cause or the date of a Change in Control Event (as defined in the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan). Under the terms of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, the Director RSUs granted to each director as part of his retainer for Board Service shall vest (contingent upon the Director’s continued service as of such date) on the earlier of (i) theone-year anniversary of the grant; (ii) the death or total and permanent disability of the Director; or (iii) the date of any Change in Control Event (as defined in the Plan).

(2)

Under the terms of the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan, Director RSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. Under the terms of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, the vested units will be acquirable by the Director, at the election of the Director: (i) at the vesting of the units at theone-year anniversary of the grant or (ii) at the time of the Director’s termination of service. All of the director RSUs listed in this column will vest on July 10, 2016.12, 2020. Amount excludes $399.00 in accrued dividends(non-interest bearing) for all directors except for the Chairman. Amount excludes $550.88 in accrued dividends(non-interest bearing) for the Chairman.

(3)

Phantom Stock Units awarded under the Company’s 2006 Phantom Stock Unit Plan (“Phantom Stock Unit Plan”) become payable (“Phantom Units Payment Date”) in cash on the earlier of thesix-month anniversary of the director’s separation from the Board for any reason other than a removal for cause or the date of a Change in Control Event (as defined in the Phantom Stock Unit Plan). The cash payment amount will be equal to the number of units multiplied by the closing price of the shares of Common Stock on the stock exchange on which such shares are traded on the Phantom Units Payment Date.

(4)

Excludes Phantom Stock Units

(5)

Represents an amount equal to the sum of the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned, plus the number of vested and unvested Director RSUs, plus the number of Phantom Stock Units held, as applicable, multiplied by $48.37,$79.42, which was the closing price of the shares of Common Stock of the Company on the NYSE on March 31, 2016, which was prior to the April 1, 2016 effective date of the separation of AFI.

(5)Amount excludes $276,151.32 in accrued dividends (non-interest bearing).2020.

(6)

Amount excludes $286,747.08 in accrued dividends(non-interest bearing).

(7)

Elected not to stand forre-election at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Information provided is as of the 2019 Annual Meeting.

(8)

Under an agreement with ValueAct Capital, Mr. Spivy is deemed to hold the Director RSUs for the benefit of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P. and indirectly for (i) VA Partners I, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., (ii) ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. as the manager of ValueAct Capital Master Fund, L.P., (iii) ValueAct Capital Management, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Capital Management, L.P., (iv) ValueAct Holdings, L.P. as the sole owner of the limited partnership interests of ValueAct Capital Management, L.P. and the membership interests of ValueAct Capital Management, LLC and as the majority owner of the membership interests of VA Partners I, LLC and (v) ValueAct Holdings GP, LLC as General Partner of ValueAct Holdings, L.P.

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement22          19AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS, MANAGEMENT AND DIRECTORS(CONTINUED)

(7)Ms. Thomas received a pro-rated grant of Director RSUs as the equity portion of her retainer for Board service in April 11, 2016 following her appointment to the Board on April 1, 2016, which will vest on April 11, 2017, the one-year anniversary of the grant date for such Director RSUs.
(8)These share numbers do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflect the separation of AFI. Upon the separation date, outstanding deferred equity awards held by Company directors were adjusted to increase the number of shares, and decrease the applicable per share exercise price of stock options, proportionately to take into account the separation.

 

Stock Ownership Guidelines

In accordance with our Corporate Governance Principles, each non-employeenonemployee director must acquire and then hold until six months following the end of his or her service, phantom units and/or shares of Common Stock equal in value to three times the director’s annual retainer at the time he or she

joined the Board. Directors endeavor to reach that level of ownership within five years of joining the Board.

With the exception of Except for Ms. Loughran and Mr. Spivy, Mr. Grizzle and Ms. Thomas,Shurts, all of the current directors have achieved this ownership requirement. Mr. Grizzle isAs an officer of the Company, and, therefore,Mr. Grizzle is not subject to the stock ownership guidelines for nonemployee directors. Mr. Spivy and Ms. Thomas first became eligible to participate in the nonemployee director compensation program in December 2014 and April 2016, respectively.

 

 

20AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement23


ITEM 2 – RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Audit Committee selected KPMG LLP to audit our consolidated financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting for 2016.2020. In accordance with past practice, this selection will be presented to the shareholders for ratification at the Annual Meeting; however, consistent with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit Committee has ultimate authority in respect of the selection of our independent

registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may reconsider its selection if the appointment is not ratified by the shareholders.

A representative of KPMG LLP will be in attendance at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and will be afforded the opportunity to make a statement at the meeting, if he or she desires to do so.

 

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP.

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement24          21AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Audit Committee engaged KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2015.2020. In making this selection, the Audit Committee considered KPMG LLP’s qualifications, discussed with KPMG LLP its independence, and reviewed the audit andnon-audit services provided by KPMG LLP to the Company.

Management of the Company has primary responsibility for preparing the Company’s financial statements and establishing effective internal control over financial reporting. KPMG LLP is responsible for auditing those financial statements and expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Accordingly, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for fiscal 20152019 with the Company’s management. The Audit Committee also reviewed and discussed with management the critical accounting policies applied by the Company in the preparation of those financial statements. The Audit Committee also discussed with KPMG LLP the matters required to be discussed by applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, and had the opportunity to ask KPMG LLP questions relating to such matters. The discussions included the quality, and not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles utilized, the reasonableness of significant accounting judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

The Audit Committee regularly considers the independence, qualifications and performance of KPMG LLP. Such consideration includes reviewing the written disclosures and the letter received from KPMG LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent registered public accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and discussing with KPMG LLP their independence.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The Audit Committee has also engaged KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.2019. The Audit Committee and the Board believe that the continued retention of KPMG LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and have recommended that shareholders ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2016.2020.

Submitted by the Audit Committee

John J. Roberts (Chair)

Stan A. Askren

Tao Huang

Cherryl T. ThomasBarbara L. Loughran

Wayne R. Shurts

Roy W. Templin

 

22AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement25


FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements for 20152019 and 2014 and2018, as well as fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP. All fees in 20152019 and 20142018 werepre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

(amounts in thousands)      2015           2014           2019           2018     

Audit Fees(1)

  $3,948    $4,274    $3,190   $3,648 

Audit Related Fees(2)

   4,503     246     103    90 

Audit and Audit Related Fees Subtotal

   8,451     4,520     3,293    3,738 

Tax Fees(3)

   1,888     1,630     662    2,844 

All Other Fees

   —       —       —      —   

Total Fees

  $10,339    $6,150    $3,955   $6,582 

 

(1)

Audit Fees are for services rendered in connection with the integrated audit of the Company’sArmstrong’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year, for which a portion of the billings occurred the following year. Audit fees were also incurred for reviews of consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s quarterly reports on Form10-Q and services normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings,filings. Audit Fees in 2018 also include fees associated with the impact of U.S. tax reform, first year of FASB ASC 606, and services for comfort letters.adoption of FASB ASC 842.

 

(2)Audit Related

Audit-Related Fees consisted principally of fees for audits of financial statements of certain employee benefit plans, agreed-upon procedures, accounting research assistance on technical topics and other matters with respect tonon-U.S. statutory financial statements. Audit Related Fees in 2015 include fees associated with services provided in connection with the separation of AFI.

 

(3)

Tax Fees were primarily for preparation of tax returns in non-U.S. jurisdictions,compliance, tax planning, advice on divestiture, technical assistance, with tax audits and appealsadvice on both domestic and other tax consultation and compliance services.international matters.

The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision by KPMG LLP of thenon-audit services described above was allowed under Rule2-01(c)(4) of RegulationS-X and was compatible with maintaining auditor independence, and has concluded that KPMG LLP was and is independent of the Company in all respects.

Audit CommitteePre-Approval Policy

The Audit Committee adheres to a policy that requires the Audit Committee’s prior approval of any audit, audit-related andnon-audit services provided by the firm that serves as our independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to this policy, management cannot engage the firm for any services without the Audit Committee’spre-approval. The Audit Committee delegates to the Audit Committee Chair the authority to pre-approve non-auditpre-approvenon-audit services not exceeding 5% of the total audit fees for the year for purposes of handling immediate needs, with a report to the full Audit Committee of such approvals at its next meeting. The policy complies with Section 10A(i) of the Exchange Act.

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    23


ITEM 3 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 DIRECTORS’ STOCK UNIT PLAN

Our Board is asking shareholders to approve the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Directors’ Stock Unit Plan (the “2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan”). The Governance Committee and our Board previously approved the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, subject to shareholder approval.

The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is a new equity compensation plan for the members of the Board who are not our employees. The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan replaces the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan, which does not have sufficient shares available for continued annual equity grants to our non-employee directors. No further grants will be made under the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan if the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is approved by the shareholders.

Shareholder approval of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is being sought in order to meet New York Stock Exchange listing requirements and to confirm shareholder approval of the compensation to be provided under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. If approved by the shareholders, the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan will become effective on July 8, 2016.

The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan will enable us to continue our director compensation program, which is intended to attract, motivate and retain experienced, highly-qualified non-employee directors who will contribute to our financial success. The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is intended to align the interests of the non-employee directors with those of the shareholders through the grant of stock unit awards.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE APPROVAL OF THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 DIRECTORS STOCK UNIT PLAN.

24    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


ITEM 3 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 DIRECTORS’ STOCK UNIT PLAN(CONTINUED)

DETERMINATION OF SHARES TO BE AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCEAuditor Tenure

If this Item 3 is approved by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting, the maximumThrough more than 90 years of experience with Armstrong, KPMG LLP has gained institutional knowledge of and deep expertise regarding Armstrong’s global operations and businesses, accounting policies and practices, and internal control over financial reporting. We believe KPMG LLP’s aggregate numberfees are competitive with peer companies because of shares that may be issued under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan shall be 250,000 shares ofKPMG LLP’s familiarity with our Common Stock, subject to adjustments as provided in the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan.business.

When deciding on the number of shares to be available for awards under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, the Board of Directors considered a number of factors, including the number of shares needed for future stock unit awards, the potential dilution effect of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, and input from shareholder advisory firms.

As of April 15, 2016, our capital structure consisted of 55,480,362 shares of Common Stock outstanding. The proposed share authorization is a request for 250,000 shares to be available for awards under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. The 250,000 shares represent approximately 0.41% of fully diluted shares of our Common Stock, including all shares that will be authorized under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan and the 2016 LTIP (as defined in “ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN” below). The Board believes that this number of shares of Common Stock under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan represents a reasonable amount of potential equity dilution, which will allow us to continue awarding equity awards to our non-employee directors, and that equity awards are an important component of the director compensation program.

Based on our current equity award practices, the Board estimates that the authorized shares under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan may be sufficient to provide stock unit awards for approximately five to eight years, in amounts determined appropriate by the Board or the Committee described below. This is only an estimate, and circumstances could cause the share reserve to be used more quickly or more slowly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE 2016 DIRECTORS STOCK UNIT PLAN

The following is a brief description of the material features of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. This description is qualified in its entirety by reference to

the full text of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex B.

SHARE AUTHORIZATION AND ANNUAL COMPENSATION LIMIT

The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan authorizes up to 250,000 shares of our Common Stock for issuance, subject to adjustment as described below. If and to the extent stock units granted under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan are forfeited, terminated, or otherwise are not paid in full, the shares reserved for such grants shall again be available for purposes of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan.

The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan provides that the maximum grant date value of shares of Common Stock subject to grants of stock units made to any non-employee director during any one calendar year, taken together with any cash fees earned by such non-employee director for services rendered during the calendar year, shall not exceed $600,000 in total value. The value of such grants shall be calculated based on the grant date fair value of such grants for financial reporting purposes.

ADMINISTRATION

The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is administered and interpreted by the Board or, if so delegated, to the Governance Committee. The Board has delegated administrative responsibility to the Governance Committee. References to the Committee mean the Governance Committee or the Board, as applicable. Unless the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is administered by the Board, each member of the Committee shall be a “non-employee director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act. The Committee has the discretionary authority to make such determinations and interpretations and to take such actions in connection with the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan and any awards granted under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan as it deems necessary or advisable.

STOCK UNITS

The Committee may award stock units with respect to shares of our Common Stock to non-employee directors. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, each year, each non-employee director

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    25


ITEM 3 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 DIRECTORS’ STOCK UNIT PLAN(CONTINUED)

shall be granted a number of stock units based on a formula approved by the Committee. If a non-employee director is elected to the Board other than at the annual meeting of shareholders, the Committee may pro-rate the amount of the annual grant of stock units awarded to such director to correspond to the period of time to be served by the non-employee director between such non-employee director’s election and the next annual meeting of shareholders. Stock units may also be granted to non-employee directors at such times, in such amounts, and upon such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Each stock unit provides the right to receive a payment in shares of Common Stock upon the vesting of the stock unit, unless the non-employee director elects to defer payment of the stock units. The Committee determines the number of stock units that will be awarded, as well as the other terms and conditions applicable to the stock units.

Unless the Committee determines otherwise, the provisions described below apply to all grants made under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan.

Stock units shall vest, contingent upon the participant’s continued service as a director of our Board through the vesting date, on the first to occur of: (i) the date of the next annual shareholders meeting; (ii) the date on which the participant has a separation from service on account of death or total and permanent disability; or (iii) the date of a change in control.

A change in control is deemed to have occurred under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan if any of the following events have occurred:

(I)Any individual, entity, or group, other than our company, beneficially owns 35% or more of our voting stock;

(II)Individuals who, as of July 8, 2016, constituted our Board (referred to as the incumbent board) cease to constitute at least a majority of our Board. Any individual who becomes a director after such date by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended shall be deemed members of the incumbent board. However, no individual who was initially elected as a member of our Board
in connection with an actual or threatened election contest or settlement of an actual or threatened election contest will be considered to be a member of the incumbent board;

(III)Consummation of a merger or consolidation of our company or any direct or indirect subsidiary with any other corporation, other than (i) a merger or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the surviving company, the entity surviving such merger or consolidation or, if our company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of our company (or similar transaction) in which no individual or entity beneficially owns 35% or more of the combined voting stock of our company’s then outstanding securities resulting from the transaction;

(IV)Shareholder approval of a liquidation or dissolution of our company; or

(V)Consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of our company’s assets.

The Committee may provide a different definition of change of control in an award agreement if it determines a different definition is necessary or appropriate, including to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

A director may elect to defer payment of vested stock units that will be granted in a designated year, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The deferral election may provide for payment upon the first to occur of (i) the date of the director’s separation from service for any reason other than cause or (ii) a change in control that meets the requirements of a “a change in the ownership or effective control, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets,” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The elected deferred date is referred to as a “deferred payment date.”

A vested stock unit will be paid in shares of Common Stock, with one share of Common Stock delivered for each vested stock unit within 60 days after the date of vesting or within 60 days after a deferred payment date, as applicable.

 

 
26          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


ITEM 3 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 DIRECTORS’ STOCK UNIT PLAN(CONTINUED)ADVISORY APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

If an awardThe Company is seeking your advisory vote on our executive compensation program. The Company asks that you support the compensation of stock unitsour named executive officers as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section and the accompanying tables contained in this proxy statement. Because your vote is outstanding as of the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to receive a cash dividend on outstanding shares of Common Stock, each director shall be credited with dividend equivalents with respect to the director’s outstanding stock units. Dividend equivalents will vest at the same time as the underlying stock units. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, dividend equivalents on unvested stock units will be paid in cash at the time of vesting, and dividend equivalents on vested stock units that have been deferred will be paid in cash on the dividend payment dates. If the underlying stock units are forfeited, all related dividend equivalents shall also be forfeited. No interest shall accrue on dividend equivalents.

If a director has a separation from service for cause, as determined by the Committee, all stock units that have not been paid, whether or not vested, shall be forfeited. Upon the effective date of a separation from service for any reason other than cause, all unvested stock units shall be forfeited.

If a participant ceases serving as a non-employee director and, immediately thereafter, is employed by us, then such participantadvisory, it will not be deemedbinding on the Board or the Company. However, the Board will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.

The Company has in the past sought approval from shareholders regarding the incentive plans that we use to have ceased service for purposes ofmotivate, retain, and reward our executives. Those incentive plans, including the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan at that time. The participant’s continued employment with us will be deemed to be continued service for purposes of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan; provided, however, that such service shall cease as of the date of a separation from service under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and such former director will not be eligible for additional grants of stock units under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan.

ADJUSTMENTS

Awards under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan and any agreements evidencing such awards, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the maximum2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan, make up a majority of the pay that the Company provides to our executives. Over the years, the Company has made a number of shares of Common Stock with respectchanges to which stock units may be made to any one person during any calendar year are subject to mandatory adjustment or substitution,its disclosures concerning executive compensation, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion,well as to its executive compensation programs, in response to shareholder input, including a number of enhancements mentioned in this proxy statement.

Our executive compensation program has played a material role in our ability to drive strong financial results and attract and retain a highly experienced, successful team to manage our company.

We believe that our executive compensation program is structured appropriately to support our company and our business objectives.

Our Compensation Committee has developed and maintained a compensation program that is intended to: align executive interests with shareholders’ interest; link pay and performance by placing a significant portion of compensation “at risk” based on performance againstpre-established goals; and provided a competitive level of compensation globally to enable access to high-quality executives in a competitive way.

As reflected in the number, price or kindtotal shareholder return components of our new program, if the value we deliver to our shareholders increases, so does the compensation we deliver to our executives.

We maintain strong corporate governance over our executive pay programs. We closely monitor the compensation programs and pay levels of executives from companies of similar size and complexity, so that we may ensure that our compensation programs are within the norm of a sharerange of Common Stock or other consideration subjectmarket practices

Our Compensation Committee, our Chief Executive Officer, and our head of Human Resources engage in a talent review process annually to such stock unit or as otherwise determined by the Committee to be equitable (i) in the event of changes in the outstanding Common

Stock or inaddress succession and executive development for our capital structure by reason of stock or extraordinary cash dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, spinoffs, recapitalization, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, exchanges, or other relevant changes in capitalization occurring after the date of grant of any such benefit, or (ii) in the event of any change in applicable laws or any change in circumstances which results in or would result in any substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights awarded to, or available for, participants, or which otherwise warrants equitable adjustment because it interferes with the intended operation of the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan.

STOCK OWNERSHIP POLICY

Unless the Committee determines otherwise, non-employee directors who are subject to our stock ownership policy must hold a portion of the net after-tax shares received upon payment of stock units under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan until the applicable stock ownership guidelines are met, in accordance with our stock ownership policy.

CLAWBACK POLICY

All awards made under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan are subject to the applicable provisions of clawback or recoupment policies, share trading policiesCEO and other policies that may be implemented and approved by the Board, as such policy may be in effect from time to time.

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE PLAN

The Board may amend or terminate the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan at any time, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required under the applicable laws or stock exchange requirements. The 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan will terminate on July 7, 2026, unless the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan is terminated earlier by the Board or is extended by the Board with the approval of the shareholders.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2016 DIRECTORS STOCK UNIT PLAN

The U.S. federal income tax consequences arising with respect to stock units are described briefly below. From the recipients’ standpoint, as a general rule, ordinary income will be recognized at the time of payment of cash or delivery of shares. Futurekey executives.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE COMPANY’S COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AS DISCLOSED IN THE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS SECTION AND THE ACCOMPANYING COMPENSATION TABLES CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          27


ITEM 3 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 DIRECTORS’ STOCK UNIT PLAN(CONTINUED)COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

In this compensation discussion and analysis (“CD&A”) section, we review the objectives and elements of our executive compensation philosophy, as well as the Company’s performance and compensation decisions in 2019 relating to our named executive officers (“NEOs”) who are:

 

appreciation on shares held beyond the ordinary income recognition event will be taxable at capital gains rates when the shares are sold. The Company, as a general rule, will be entitled to a tax deduction that corresponds in time

Victor D. Grizzle President and amount to the ordinary income recognized by the recipient,CEO

Brian L. MacNeal Senior Vice President and the Company will not be entitled to any tax deduction in respect of capital gain income recognized by the recipient.CFO

An award may be taxable at 20 percentage points above ordinary income tax rates at the time it becomes vested, even if that is prior to the delivery of the cash or stock in settlement of the award, if the award constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code are not satisfied.Charles M. Chiappone Senior Vice President, Ceiling & Wall Solutions

The foregoing provides only a general description of the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to stock units granted to U.S. taxpayers under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. This discussion is intended for the information of shareholders considering how to vote at the Annual Meeting and not as tax guidance to participants in the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, as the tax consequences may vary with the identity of the recipients and the method of payment or settlement. This summary does not address the effects of other federal taxes (including possible “golden parachute” excise taxes) or taxes imposed under state, local, or foreign tax laws.Mark A. Hershey Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer(1)

Ellen R. Romano Senior Vice President, Human Resources

NEW PLAN BENEFITS UNDER THE 2016 DIRECTORS STOCK UNIT PLAN

At the present time, nine non-employee directors are eligible to receive stock units under the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. The table below shows, as to each of the Company’s non-employee directors nominated for election at the Annual Meeting, the stock units that are expected to be granted in July 2016 to non-employee directors if the shareholders approve the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan. The last reported sale price of a share of our Common Stock on April 15, 2016 was $42.14 per share.

 

(1)

Effective January 1, 2020, Mr. Hershey’s title changed to Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Business Development

This CD&A contains information regarding decisions made regarding our compensation policies and decisions and the compensation paid for performance during 2019 and prior periods. The annual incentive payouts described in this CD&A were based on the Company’s financial performance in 2019, while the payouts for performance units under our Long-Term Incentive Program described in this CD&A were based on the Company’s achievement during 2017-2019 of adjusted free cash flow and absolute total shareholder return objectives established at the start of that period. The Compensation Committee is aware that, as of the date of this proxy statement, concerns about the effects of the coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic appear to be having an effect on the economy, financial markets generally and on the trading prices of the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, the value of the stock awards disclosed in the CD&A as determined as of the dates indicated have been directly impacted by changes in Company stock price. As described further in this CD&A, our executive compensation program is currently designed to strongly tie realizable compensation with stock price performance in order to align compensation with the financial interests of our shareholders. Our Compensation Committee remains committed to maintaining effective programs and incentives that are appropriate to the operating environment and economic circumstances, and will consider the business and financial impacts of the pandemic in evaluating future compensation decisions.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Business Overview

We are a leading producer of ceiling and wall systems for use in the construction and renovation of commercial and residential buildings. We design, manufacture and sell ceiling and wall systems (primarily mineral fiber, fiberglass wool, metal, wood, wood fiber, glass-reinforced-gypsum and felt) in the Americas.

Our fiscal year 2019 key performance highlights included:

NameAdjusted EBITDA*:    Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and TitleAmortization (“EBITDA”) of $403 million on a continuing operations basis, a 14% improvement over 2018. The core value drivers of our business enabled the improvement, namely increases in sales volume and average unit value (“AUV”) plus manufacturing productivity.
Consolidated Net Sales:    Net sales increased 6% over 2018. The increase was driven by higher AUV in the Mineral Fiber segment, in which both mix andlike-for-like pricing were positive, and volume growth in the Architectural Specialties segment.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow (“FCF”)*:    $244 million of FCF, defined as cash flow from operations minus cash flow used for investing activities, a 3% improvement over 2018.

Adjusted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)*:    Adjusted EPS of $4.78, an improvement of 31% over 2018.

Total Shareholder Return:    31.9% for the 2017-2019 performance period.

 

Expected 2016Business Development:    In March 2019, we acquired Architectural Components Group, Inc.,

Stock Units

Mr. Askren

2,492

Mr. Huang

2,492

Mr. McWilliams

2,492

Mr. Roberts

2,492

Mr. Melville

2,492

Mr. Spivy

2,492

Mr. O’Connor

4,390

Ms. Thomas

2,492
 

 

 
28          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

based in Marshfield, Missouri, a manufacturer of custom wood ceilings and walls. In November 2019, we acquired MRK Industries, Inc., based in Libertyville, Illinois, a manufacturer of specialty metal interior and exterior.

The Board is asking shareholders

Share Repurchases:    In 2019, we repurchased 1.5 million shares of our Common Stock or 3% of our outstanding shares for a total cost of $131.2 million.

Dividends:    We paid dividends, on a quarterly basis, totaling $0.725 per share in 2019. In October, we increased our dividend to $0.20 per share from $0.175 per share, a 14% increase.

International Business Divesture:    On September 30, 2019, we completed the previously announced sale of our businesses and operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (including Russia) and the Pacific Rim.

Please also see our Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020.

*

The Company uses thesenon-GAAP adjusted measures in managing the business and believes the adjustments provide meaningful comparisons of operating performance between periods. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EPS exclude the impact of restructuring and related costs, impairments, U.S. pension plan credit/expense, environmental insurance recoveries and expenses, and certain othernon-recurring extraordinary gains and losses outside of the normal course of our business operations. The Company excludes U.S. pension plan impact in thenon-GAAP results as it represents the actuarial net periodic benefit cost recorded, while the Company was not required and did not make cash contributions to the U.S. Retirement Income Plan based on guidelines established by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Adjusted FCF is defined as cash from operations and dividends received from WAVE, our joint venture with Worthington Industries, Inc., less expenditures for property and equipment, and is adjusted to remove the impact of cash used or proceeds received for acquisitions and divestitures and environmental insurance recoveries and expenses, and the cash impact of certain othernon-recurring extraordinary items outside of the normal course of our business operations. Please refer to Annex A for a reconciliation of thesenon-GAAP financial measures to our results as reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”).

2020 Priorities

Fiscal year 2020 key priorities include:

Revenue:    Driving revenue growth in both mineral fiber and architectural specialties

segments by leveraging our existing capabilities, through the acquisition of new capabilities, and focusing on broader ceilings and wall market opportunities

EBITDA:    Achieving EBITDA growth through sales gains, Architectural Specialties (“AS”) volume contribution, manufacturing productivity, and increased contributions from WAVE.

Capabilities:    Enhancing our manufacturing and commercial capabilities and expanding our commercial sales capacity to align with broader market opportunities, through ongoing digitalization and other efficiency initiatives.

Operational Efficiency:    Continuing to pursue productivity, efficiency and working capital improvements in our manufacturing operations.

Capital Allocation:    Allocating capital to high return opportunities while optimizing FCF, continue to invest in our strategy through innovation and productivity initiatives, value creating business opportunities and returning excess capital to our share owners.

Business Development:    Expanding into adjacencies in our Architectural Specialties segment, focusing on acquisition and partnership opportunities to enhance our offerings and capabilities in key product categories and related design applications.

Investments in Digitalization:    Realizing the benefits from our investments and evaluating strategic initiatives involving the development or utilization of new or innovative products, solutions and tools, as well as the expansion of our capabilities through digitalization. These initiatives are designed to grow revenue, improve profitability and increase shareholder value.

2019 Compensation Plan Design

During 2019, our Compensation Committee reviewed our compensation plans and generally continued the executive compensation programs established in prior years. As in prior years, our plans are designed to approve the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Long-Termdirectly link compensation to meaningful improvement in Company performance.

Annual Incentive Plan (the “2016 LTIP”(“AIP”). The Compensation Committee: Our 2019 AIP continued to place specific emphasis on revenue and EBITDA as the Board previously approved the 2016 LTIP, subjectmetrics for Company results. These measures align to shareholder approval.

The 2016 LTIP is a new equity compensation plan for our employees. The 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan replaces the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 LTIP”), which does not have sufficient shares available for continued equity awards to our employees. No further awards will be made under the 2011 LTIP if the 2016 LTIP is approved by the shareholders.

Shareholder approval of the 2016 LTIP is being sought in order to (i) meet New York Stock Exchange listing requirements, (ii) permit (but not require) certain awards under the 2016 LTIP to qualify for an exemption from the $1 million

deduction limit under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (iii) allow incentive stock options to meet the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.

The 2016 LTIP will enable us to continue our compensation program, which is intended to attract, motivate and retain experienced, highly-qualified officers and other employees who will contribute to our financial success, and to align the interests of the officers and other employees with thosekey elements of our shareholders through the grant of stock-basedoperating plan and cash-based awards. The 2016 LTIP is intended to serve as the plan for all of our stock-based incentive compensation programs for officers and other employees.financial goals, including enhanced revenue, manufacturing productivity

The approval of the 2016 LTIP will not affect our ability to make stock-based or cash-based awards outside of the 2016 LTIP to the extent consistent with applicable law and NYSE rules.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTEFOR THE APPROVAL OF THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          29


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

and competitive SG&A expense, and are strong indicators of our overall operating performance.

DETERMINATION OF SHARES TO BE AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE

If this Item 4 is approved by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting, the maximum aggregate number

Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”): Our 2019 LTIP grants continued to be comprised of shares of our Common Stock that may be issued under the 2016 LTIP will be equal to the sum of (i) 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus (ii) 750,917 shares of Common Stock, which is the number of shares of Common Stock that remained available for awards under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016, plus (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016 that terminate, expire, or are cancelled, forfeited, exchanged, or surrendered without having been exercised, vested, or paid under the 2011 LTIP after the effective date of the 2016 LTIP (not exceeding 2,180,275 shares of Common Stock).

The number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2016 LTIP will be reduced on a one-for-one basis for each share of stock issued under the 2016 LTIP pursuant to a stock option or stock appreciation right (SAR) and will be reduced by a fixed ratio of one and six tenths (1.6) shares for each share of stock issued under the 2016 LTIP pursuant to a stock award or stock unit. For example, if shares are issued pursuant to an award of 1,000performance-based restricted stock units the share reserve under the 2016 LTIP will be reduced by 1,600 shares.

When deciding on the number of shares to be available for awards under the 2016 LTIP, the Board considered a number of factors, including the

number of shares available under the 2011 LTIP, our past share usage (burn rate)(“PSU”), the number of shares needed for future awards, a dilution analysis, competitive data from relevant peer companies, the current and future accounting expenses associated with our equity award practices, and input from our shareholders and shareholder advisory firms.

Dilution Analysis

As of April 15, 2016, our capital structure consisted of 55,480,362 shares of Common Stock outstanding. 750,917 shares of Common Stock remained available for grant of awards under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016. The proposed share authorization is a request for 2,000,000 new shares of Common Stock to be available for awards under the 2016 LTIP. The table below shows our potential dilution (“overhang”) levelsperformance metrics based on absolute total shareholder return (“Absolute TSR”) and cumulative FCF.    Our Compensation Committee selected Absolute TSR as a metric in our fully diluted sharesLTIP because it believes Absolute TSR most directly captures shareholder value creation, while providing senior management with the flexibility and levers needed to drive meaningful performance improvement. Our Compensation Committee selected FCF as a performance metric in the LTIP because it believes FCF growth is an indicator of Common Stockvalue-creating activities over the performance period. The grants, intended to compensate for long term value creation, have a three-year performance period, challenging targets with substantial payout upside for breakout performance and our request for 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock to be available for awards under the 2016 LTIP. The 2,000,000 new shares of Common Stock represent approximately 3.30% of fully diluted shares of Company Common Stock, including all sharesa payout scale that will be authorized under the 2016 LTIP,includes meaningful performance hurdles. These plan features, and others as described in more detail in this CD&A are all designed to strongly align the table below. The Board believes that this numberinterests of sharesmanagement and shareholders, and to provide strong incentives for performance and growth consistent with our strategic plan. We did not grant time-based restricted stock units to our executive officers in 2019.

Shareholder Engagement

In 2019, we continued to engage with our shareholders to seek their perspectives on corporate governance, our executive compensation program, sustainability and other matters. We conducted formal outreach over the course of Common Stock under the 2016 LTIP represents a reasonable amount of potential equity dilution, which will allow us to continue awarding equity awards, and that equity awards are an important componentyear with shareholders representing approximately 41% of our equityoutstanding shares at the time of outreach. These discussions were conducted by Mark Hershey, our Senior Vice President, General

Counsel & Business Development, and Ellen Romano, our Senior Vice President, Human Resources, and complemented our regular quarterly informal outreach initiatives led by our dedicated Investor Relations team. Detailed summaries of these discussions were shared with the Compensation Committee and our Nominating, Governance and Social Responsibility Committee. Our outreach discussions in 2019 focused primarily on PSU metrics for measuring long-term shareholder value creation, Board succession planning and sustainability initiatives. We believe that our 2019 nonbinding advisory vote on our executive compensation program.program result of 95% approval reflects strong shareholder support of our compensation program design.

Our Executive Compensation Philosophy, Objectives, Elements and Characteristics

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

Our long-term success and growth depend on highly capable leaders with appropriate experience and skills to deliver our strategy in a volatile and challenging market environment. Our executive compensation program is designed to attract, motivate and retain those high-quality leaders. In developing and maintaining this program, the Compensation Committee focuses on the following key objectives:

Aligning executive interests with shareholder interests.

Creating a strong link between pay and performance by placing a significant portion of compensation ‘‘at risk’’ based on performance againstpre-established goals.

Structuring sufficiently competitive compensation packages to enable access to high-quality executives in a highly competitive talent environment.
 

 

 
30          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

Potential Overhang with 2,000,000 SharesCompensation Elements

Stock Options Outstanding as of April 15, 2016

  1,399,631  

Weighted Average Exercise Price of Stock Options Outstanding as of April 15, 2016

 $40.66  

Weighted Average Remaining Term of Stock Options Outstanding as of April 15, 2016

  5.9  

Outstanding Full Value Awards under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016

  780,644  

Outstanding Full Value Awards under the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan as of April 15, 2016

  199,071  

Total Equity Awards Outstanding as of April 15, 2016

  2,379,346  
 

Shares Available for Grant under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016

  750,917  

Shares Available for Grant under the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan as of April 15, 2016

  11,875  

Shares Requested

  2,000,000  
 

Total Potential Overhang under the Plan (including all prior employee and non-employee director equity compensation plans)

  5,142,138  

Shares of Common Stock Outstanding as of April 15, 2016

  55,480,362  

Fully Diluted Shares of Common Stock

  60,622,500  

Potential Dilution of 2,000,000 shares as a Percentage of Fully Diluted Shares of Common Stock

  3.30

The Outstanding Full Value Awards in the foregoing table are measured at target for the outstandingIn 2019, we executed our compensation philosophy by providing compensation opportunities through a combination of: (a) fixed compensation, including (i) base salaries, (ii) benefits and (iii) select perquisites; and (b) performance-based compensation, including (i) cash incentive awards which can be paid at, above or below target. All dividend equivalent rights under outstanding awards are paid in cash.

The Shares Available for Grant in the foregoing table will not be issuedour Annual Incentive Plan, and (ii) grants of PSUs under the 2011 LTIP or the 2008 Directors Stock Unitour 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan respectively, if the 2016 LTIP or the 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan, respectively, is approved by the shareholders. The number shown for the 2011 LTIP has not been not adjusted for the 1.6 to one share counting provision for full value shares under the 2011 LTIP. The Shares Requested in the foregoing table is the number of new shares and does not include shares subject to outstanding grants under the 2011 LTIP or shares that were available under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016.

The Fully Diluted Shares of Common Stock in the foregoing table consists of the Shares of Common Stock Outstanding as of April 15, 2016 plus the Total Potential Overhang described in the foregoing table. Based on our current(our omnibus equity award practices, the Board estimates that the authorized shares under the 2016 LTIP may be sufficient to provide us with an opportunity to grant equity awards for

approximately three to five years, in amounts determined appropriate by the Compensation Committee, which will administer the 2016 LTIP (as discussed below)plan). This is only an estimate, and circumstances could cause the share reserve to be used more quickly or more slowly. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, the future price of shares of the Common Stock, the mix of cash, options and full value awards provided as long-term incentive compensation, grant amounts provided by our competitors, payout of performance-based awards in excess of target in the event of superior performance, hiring activity, and promotions during the next few years.

Burn Rate

The table below sets forth the following information regarding the awards granted under the 2011 LTIP and the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan: (i) the burn rate for each of the last three calendar years and (ii) the average burn rate over the last three calendar years. The burn rate for a year has been calculated as follows:

 

(i)
Type

Compensation

Elements

Form and ObjectiveFurther InformationKey 2019 NEO Actions

LOGO

Base Salary

•  Delivered in cash

•  Provides reasonable, market competitive fixed pay delivered to each NEO, and reflects his or her role, responsibility, individual performance and contribution to the sumCompany

•  Generally set at market median

•  2019 Base Salary changes for our NEOs are presented on page 36

•  NEOs received merit increases averaging 4.7%, effective April 1, 2019

Benefits

•  Standard range of (x) all stock options grantedhealth, welfare, and retirement benefits generally similar to those provided to other salaried employees, except that executives:

•  are eligible to receive enhanced Company-paid long-term disability benefits; and

•  are eligible fornon-qualified retirement benefits

Select Perquisites

•  Select perquisites or personal benefits

•  Personal financial counseling at a cost generally less than $4,500 per NEO

•  Executive physicals at a cost generally less than $5,000 per NEO

•  Executive long-term disability at a cost generally less than $5,000 per NEO

LOGO

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP)

•  Delivered in the applicable year, (y) all time-based stock unitscash

•  Provides an annual incentive opportunity for achieving financial results based on performance goals tied to our annual operating plan

•  Drives selected target metric performance

•  Payouts are tied to Company and individual performance, including leadership behaviors

•  Target opportunity generally set at market median

•  AIP was based on revenue and EBITDA (as described on page 36)

•  NEOs received AIP payments for 2019 performance at 105% of target

Long-Term Incentive Program (LTIP)

•  Delivered in 100% PSUs for 2019

•  Drives and promotes long-term value-creation for our shareholders, and fosters retention, by rewarding execution and achievement of goals linked to our longer term strategic initiatives and stock performance

•  Target opportunity generally set at market median

•  In 2019, our Compensation Committee awarded3-year PSUs tied to Absolute TSR and FCF

•  LTIP performance goals were based on FCF and Absolute TSR (as described on page 38)

•  NEOs received annual PSU awards granted in the applicable year, multiplied by 2.5 (whichwith values ranging from 100% to 413% of base salary.

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          31


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANCOMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

Compensation Characteristics

At the direction of our Compensation Committee, we subscribe to a“pay-for-performance” philosophy. Our compensation program maintains the following attributes:

 

 representsCompensation at Risk – A significant amount of each NEO’s target total direct compensation (“TDC”), composed of base salary and short- and long-term incentive compensation, depends on the Company and the NEO achieving specific, performance-based results. Our NEOs’ short- and long-term incentive compensation is, therefore, “at risk” as the value is tied to the achievement of financial and/or other measures that the Company considers to be important drivers of shareholder value.

Multiple and Appropriate Performance Metrics – We use multiple performance measures to avoid having compensation opportunities overly weighted toward the performance result of a premiumsingle metric. In 2019, we used FCF and Absolute TSR in our 2019 – 2021 LTIP as performance metrics to maintain a focus on full value sharelonger-term results that help drive shareholder value. We used revenue and EBITDA as our metrics in our AIP. These measures align to key elements of our operating plan and financial goals, including enhanced revenue, manufacturing productivity and competitive sales and general and administrative expense. Each of these measures is a strong indicator of our overall operating performance.

Emphasis on Long-Term Incentive and Annual Incentive Compensation – Short- and long-term incentive compensation comprises a significant percentage of TDC. Incentive compensation helps drive performance and aligns the interests of employees (including the NEOs) with those of shareholders. By tying a significant portion of TDC to long-term incentives over a three-year period, we promote longer-term perspectives regarding Company performance.

Recoupment – We may recoup certain stock-based and cash awards based ondistributed under our annual stock price volatility),2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan and (z) the number of all performance-based stock units and stock awards grantedAnnual Incentive Plan, including to our NEOs, in the applicable year (at
 target level performance), multiplied by 2.5, divided by

event of an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws; or certain misconduct causing significant financial or reputational harm to the Company.

 

(ii)the weighted average number ofProhibition on Derivative Transactions – Our insider trading policy prohibits derivative transactions in our shares of Common Stock, outstandingincluding trading in puts, calls, covered calls, or other derivative products involving our securities; prohibits engaging in any hedging transaction with respect to our securities; and prohibits holding company securities in a margin account or pledging our securities as collateral for the applicable year.a loan.

 

Dividend equivalents are not included in the burn rate calculation, because dividend equivalents under the outstanding awards are paid only in cash and are not paid in shares of Common Stock.

Burn Rate

    2015  2014  2013  Three-Year
Average
 

Time-Based and Performance-Based (at target level performance) Stock Units and Stock Awards Granted

   331,525    244,831    224,480   

Total Full Value Awards x 2.5

   828,812    612,078    561,200   

Stock Options Granted

   —      318,915    382,420   

Total Full Value Awards x 2.5 and Stock Options Granted

   828,812    930,993    943,620   

Weighted Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding as of December 31

   55,359,064    58,885,040    57,778,424   

Burn Rate

   1.50  1.58  1.63  1.57

The burn rate means that we used an annual average of 1.57% of the weighted average shares outstanding for awards granted over the past three

years under the 2011 LTIP and the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan.

The following table shows the total number of stock units and stock awards granted in a year, as well as the number of performance-based stock units and stock awards that were (i) eligible to be earned in a year and (ii) earned in the year. The performance-based units and awards are based on the number of shares earned and eligible to be earned for the three-year performance period ending in the applicable year.

    2015  2014   2013 

Time-Based Stock Units and Stock Awards Granted in the Applicable Year

   331,525(1)   114,973     84,613  

Performance-Based Stock Units and Stock Awards Granted in the Applicable Year

   —      129,858     139,867  

Total Grants of Stock Units and Stock Awards

   331,525    244,831     224,480  

Performance-Based Stock Units and Stock Awards that were eligible to be Earned in the Applicable Year (at maximum performance)

   244,295    245,700     244,125  

Performance-Based Stock Units and Stock Awards Earned in the Applicable Year

   79,570    92,664     92,768  
(1)In 2015, we granted 100%Stock Ownership Guidelines – Our NEOs are subject to stock ownership guidelines, which help to promote longer-term perspectives and align interests with those of our long-term incentive grants as time-based stock grants as a strong retention incentive to keep management in placeshareholders. The required ownership multiple is six times annual base pay for our CEO and fully focused on the Company during the separation of AFI.three times annual base pay for all other NEOs.

 

Linear and Capped Incentive Compensation Payouts – The Compensation Committee establishes financial performance goals that are used to plot a payout formula for annual and long-term incentive compensation to avoid an over-emphasis on short-term decision making. The maximum payout for the annual incentive compensation is 200% of target. Long-term incentive compensation is capped at 275% of target for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone and 225% of target for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano.

The Board believes that our executive compensation program, and particularly the granting of equity awards, allows us to align the interests of officers and other employees who are selected to receive awards with those of our

Change in Control (“CIC”) Double Trigger – Our CIC agreements include double trigger vesting provisions for equity grants upon a change in control.

shareholders. The 2016 LTIP is designed to enable us to formulate and implement a compensation program that will attract, motivate and retain officers and other employees who we expect will contribute to our financial success. The Board believes that

No TaxGross-Ups – We do not have plans or agreements that provide taxgross-ups to our NEOs under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

Holding Requirements – Post-vesting holding requirements apply for amounts payable above target in our 2017, 2018 and 2019 performance-based equity grants for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone.
 

 

 
32          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

 

awards granted pursuant to the 2016 LTIP are a vital component of our compensation program and, accordingly, that it is important that an appropriate number of shares of stock be authorized for issuance under the 2016 LTIP.

DESCRIPTION OF THE 2016 LTIP

The following is a brief description of the material features of the 2016 LTIP. This description is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2016 LTIP, a copy of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex C.

AWARDS

The 2016 LTIP provides that awards may be granted in any of the following forms:

incentive stock options

nonqualified stock options

stock appreciation rights

stock units

restricted stock awards

cash awards

SHARE AUTHORIZATION

The 2016 LTIP authorizes for issuance up to the sum of (i) 2,000,000 shares of shares of Common Stock, plus (ii) 750,917 shares of Common Stock, which is the number of shares of Common Stock that remained available for awards under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016, plus (iii) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding awards under the 2011 LTIP as of April 15, 2016 that terminate, expire, or are cancelled, forfeited, exchanged, or surrendered without having been exercised, vested, or paid under the 2011 LTIP after the effective date of the 2016 LTIP (not exceeding 2,180,275 shares of Common Stock). All shares of Common Stock numbers are subject to adjustment as described below.

The number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2016 LTIP shall be reduced on a one-for-one basis for each Common Share issued with respect to a stock option or SAR and shall be reduced by a fixed ratio of one and six tenths (1.6) shares of Common Stock for each Common Share issued with respect to a restricted stock award or stock unit.

If and to the extent stock options and SARs terminate, expire or are cancelled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised (including stock options granted under the 2011 LTIP that terminate, expire or are cancelled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised on or after the effective date of the 2016 LTIP), and if and to the extent that any restricted stock awards or stock units are forfeited or terminated, or otherwise not paid in full (including restricted stock awards or stock units granted under the 2011 LTIP that are forfeited or terminated, or otherwise not paid in full on or after the effective date of the 2016 LTIP), the shares subject to such awards will become available again for purposes of the 2016 LTIP. If any shares of Common Stock are withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise price of a stock option or withheld for purposes of satisfying our tax withholding obligations with respect to stock options or SARs, such shares will not be available for re-issuance under the 2016 LTIP. Shares of Common Stock withheld for purposes of satisfying our tax withholding obligations with respect to awards other than stock options or SARs (including with respect to awards granted under the 2011 LTIP that are paid on or after the effective date of the 2016 LTIP) shall be available for re-issuance under the 2016 LTIP. If SARs are awarded, the full number of shares subject to the SARs shall be considered awarded under the 2016 LTIP, without regard to the number of shares issued upon exercise of the SARs. To the extent any awards are paid in cash, and not in shares of Common Stock, any shares previously subject to such awards will not count against the share limits under the 2016 LTIP. The share ratios described above will be used for calculating the number of shares available for re-issuance under the 2016 LTIP. For the avoidance of doubt, if shares of Common Stock are repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of the exercise price of stock options, such shares may not again be made available for issuance under the 2016 LTIP.

In the event of our acquisition of any company, outstanding equity awards with respect to stock of the acquired company may be assumed or replaced with awards under the 2016 LTIP. Outstanding awards that are assumed or replaced by awards under the 2016 LTIP in connection with an acquisition (referred to as substitute awards) will not reduce the 2016 LTIP’s share reserve described above, consistent with applicable stock exchange

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    33


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

 

requirements. The terms of any such substitute award will be determined by the Compensation Committee and may include exercise prices or base prices that are different from those otherwise described in the 2016 LTIP. If we assume a shareholder approved equity plan from an acquired company, any shares of Common Stock available under the assumed plan (after appropriate adjustments, as required to reflect the transaction) may be issued pursuant to awards under the 2016 LTIP and will not reduce the 2016 LTIP’s share reserve as described above.

GRANT LIMITS

The 2016 LTIP provides that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which awards may be made to any individual employee under the 2016 LTIP during any calendar year is 750,000 shares, subject to adjustment as described below. For dividends and dividend equivalent rights that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the maximum amount of dividends and dividend equivalent rights that may accrue in any calendar year with respect to performance-based awards granted to any individual employee under the 2016 LTIP is $6,000,000. The maximum cash award payout that may be earned by a participant for each twelve months in a performance period is $5,000,000.

ADMINISTRATION

The 2016 LTIP will be administered and interpreted by a committee appointed by our Board from among its members (the “LTIP Committee”). Our Board has delegated administrative responsibility of the LTIP to the Compensation Committee. References to the LTIP Committee in this summary of the 2016 LTIP means the Compensation Committee. The LTIP Committee shall be comprised, unless otherwise determined by our Board, of not less than two members who shall be (i) “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act, (ii) “outside directors” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and (iii) “independent directors,” as determined in accordance with the independence standards established by the stock exchange on which our Common Stock is at the time primarily traded.

The LTIP Committee has the discretionary authority to make such determinations and interpretations and to take such action in connection with the 2016 LTIP and any awards granted under the 2016 LTIP as it deems necessary or advisable. The LTIP Committee may delegate to one or more of its members, to one or more officers or members of management or to one or more agents, such administrative duties as it may deem advisable; provided that such delegation does not adversely affect the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, does not prevent an award from qualifying as “performance-based compensation,” if so intended, under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and complies with applicable law and with applicable stock exchange requirements.

Eligibility for Participation

Participants may consist of our officers and key employees and those of our subsidiaries and affiliates, whom the LTIP Committee determines to be significantly responsible for our success and future growth and profitability and whom the LTIP Committee may designate from time to time to receive awards under the 2016 LTIP. Consultants and advisors who perform services for us or any of our subsidiaries and affiliates shall be eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP if the consultants or advisors render bona fide services to us or our subsidiaries and affiliates, the services are not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and the consultants or advisors do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for our securities. Members of the Board who are not employees of the Company or employees of our subsidiaries or affiliates are not eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP.

TYPES OF AWARDS

Stock Options

The LTIP Committee may award stock options that are intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code (ISOs) or nonqualified stock options that are not intended to so qualify (NQSOs) or any combination of ISOs and NQSOs. Anyone eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP may receive an award of NQSOs. Only employees of the Company and our subsidiaries may receive an award of ISOs. All of the authorized shares under the 2016 LTIP may be granted as ISOs, subject to adjustment as described below.

34    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

The LTIP Committee fixes the exercise price per share for stock options on the date of grant. The per share exercise price of any stock option awarded under the 2016 LTIP shall not be less than the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. If the recipient of an ISO is a participant who holds more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of the Company or a subsidiary, the exercise price per share of an ISO awarded to such person must be at least 110% of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant. To the extent that the aggregate fair market value of shares of Common Stock, determined on the date of grant, with respect to which ISOs become exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, such ISOs will be treated as NQSOs for tax purposes.

The LTIP Committee determines the term of each stock option. The term may not exceed ten years from the date of grant and, if the recipient of an ISO is a participant who holds more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of outstanding stock of our Company or a subsidiary, the term for such ISO may not exceed five years from the date of grant. Unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise, if a vested NQSO would terminate at a time when trading in our Common Stock is prohibited by law or our insider trading policy, the vested NQSO may be exercised until the 30th day after the expiration of such prohibition. The LTIP Committee determines the vesting period and other terms of stock options. A participant may pay the exercise price and any withholding taxes upon exercise of a stock option: (i) in cash; (ii) with the approval of the LTIP Committee, by withholding shares of Common Stock having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price; (iii) with the approval of the LTIP Committee, by delivering shares of Common Stock already owned by the participant and having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price or through attestation to ownership of such shares; (iv) by payment through a broker in accordance with procedures permitted by Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board; or (v) by such other method as the LTIP Committee may approve, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

SARs

The LTIP Committee may award SARs to anyone eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP. SARs may

be awarded in connection with, or independently of, any stock option awarded under the 2016 LTIP. Upon exercise of a SAR, the participant will receive an amount equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date of exercise over (ii) the fair market value of such shares of Common Stock on the date the SAR is awarded, or other higher specified base amount, as determined by the LTIP Committee. The base amount shall not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock subject to the SARs on the date of grant. Such payment to the participant will be in cash, in shares of Common Stock, or in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as determined by the LTIP Committee. The LTIP Committee will determine the vesting period and other terms of SARs, including whether SARs will be awarded in connection with, or independently of, any stock options. The LTIP Committee determines the term of each SAR. The term of a SAR may not exceed ten years from the date of grant. Unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise, if a vested SAR would terminate at a time when trading in our Common Stock is prohibited by law or our insider trading policy, the vested SAR may be exercised until the 30th day after the expiration of such prohibition.

Restricted Stock Awards

The LTIP Committee may grant restricted stock awards to anyone eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP. Restricted stock awards may be subject to such terms and conditions as the LTIP Committee deems appropriate. The LTIP Committee determines the number of shares of Common Stock subject to restricted stock awards as well as the other terms and conditions, including vesting, as the LTIP Committee determines appropriate.

With respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to a restricted stock award, participants have all of the rights of a holder of shares of Common Stock, including the right to vote the shares. Dividends with respect to restricted stock may either be currently paid to the participant or withheld by the Company for the participant’s account, and interest may be credited on cash dividends withheld, subject to such terms as determined by the LTIP Committee; provided that dividends with respect to performance-based restricted stock awards shall vest only to the extent that the underlying restricted stock award vests, as determined by the LTIP Committee.

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ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

Stock Units

The LTIP Committee may award stock units to anyone eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP. Each stock unit provides the right to receive a payment in shares of Common Stock or in cash at such time as the award agreement shall specify.

The LTIP Committee determines the number of stock units that will be awarded, as well as the other terms and conditions applicable to the stock units, including vesting and whether the stock units shall have dividend equivalent rights. Any dividend equivalent right will vest and become payable at the same time as the underlying stock unit, unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise; provided that any dividend equivalent right with respect to a performance-based stock unit will vest and be paid only if and to the extent the underlying stock unit vests and is paid as determined by the LTIP Committee.

Stock units may be paid at the time specified by the LTIP Committee. If a stock unit becomes distributable, it will be paid in cash, in shares of Common Stock, or in a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as determined by the LTIP Committee.

Cash Awards

The LTIP Committee may, in its discretion, grant awards to be settled solely in cash. Cash awards may be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the LTIP Committee deems appropriate.

Performance-Based Awards

Awards granted under the 2016 LTIP may be granted in a manner such that the awards qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (see “Federal Income Tax Consequences” below). As determined by the LTIP Committee, either the awarding or vesting of such performance-based awards may be based on the achievement of performance objectives that are based on one or more of the business criteria described below, with respect to our performance and the performance of our subsidiaries as a whole or the performance of one or more of our business units.

The LTIP Committee will establish in writing: (i) the objective performance goals that must be met in

order for the awards to vest or be payable; (ii) the period during which performance will be measured; (iii) the maximum amounts that may be paid if the performance goals are met; and (iv) any other conditions that the LTIP Committee deems appropriate and consistent with the 2016 LTIP and the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Forfeiture of all or part of any such award will occur if the performance goals are not met, as determined by the LTIP Committee. The LTIP Committee will establish in writing the performance goals that must be met no later than 90 days after the commencement of the applicable period of service to which the performance goals relate (but in no event after 25% of such period has elapsed), or such other period as may be consistent with the regulations issued under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The LTIP Committee may not increase the amount of compensation that is payable upon achievement of the designated performance goals, but the LTIP Committee may reduce the amount of compensation that is payable upon achievement of the designated performance goals.

The LTIP Committee will use objectively determinable performance goals based on one or more of the following business criteria, individually or in combination: (i) net earnings; (ii) earnings per share; (iii) sales; (iv) operating income; (v) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT); (vi) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (vii) cash flow; (viii) working capital targets; (ix) return on equity; (x) return on capital; (xi) market price per share; (xii) total return to shareholders; (xiii) price-earnings multiples; (xiv) revenue; (xv) number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable; (xvi) productivity; (xvii) margin; (xviii) net capital employed; (xix) growth in assets; (xx) unit volume; (xxi) market share; (xxii) economic value; (xxiii) relative performance to a comparison group designated by the LTIP Committee based on any of the foregoing criteria; or (xxiv) strategic business criteria consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue goals, market penetration goals, customer growth, geographic business expansion goals, cost targets or goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures.

VESTING AND FORFEITURE OF AWARDS

All awards granted under the 2016 LTIP will vest over a period that it not less than one year from the date of grant. Subject to adjustments as described

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ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

below, up to 5% of the share reserve as of the effective date of the 2016 LTIP may be granted without regard to the one-year minimum vesting period.

The LTIP Committee has discretion to accelerate vesting of awards in connection with a participant’s death, disability, retirement, involuntary termination without cause, in the event of a change in control or a corporate transaction or an event requiring mandatory adjustment or substitution (as described below), or in such other circumstances as the LTIP Committee deems appropriate.

Unless otherwise provided by the LTIP Committee, a participant will forfeit all awards which have not been settled under the 2016 LTIP, and the Committee may require repayment of paid or exercised awards, if:

(i)the participant’s employment is terminated for willful, deliberate, or gross misconduct, as determined by the LTIP Committee; or

(ii)the participant breaches any written confidentiality, non-solicitation or non-competition covenant with us or a subsidiary or affiliate, including non-competition and non-solicitation covenants described in the 2016 LTIP.

ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS

Awards under the 2016 LTIP and any agreements evidencing such awards, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2016 LTIP, and the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which awards may be granted to any one employee during any calendar year are subject to mandatory adjustment or substitution, as determined by the LTIP Committee in its sole discretion, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such award or as otherwise determined by the LTIP Committee to be equitable (i) in the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in our capital structure by reason of stock or extraordinary cash dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, spinoffs, recapitalization, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, exchanges, or other relevant changes in capitalization occurring after the date of grant of any such award, or (ii) in the event of any change in applicable laws or any change in circumstances which results in or would result in

any substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights awarded to, or available for, participants, or which otherwise warrants equitable adjustment because it interferes with the intended operation of the 2016 LTIP.

CHANGE IN CONTROL

The 2016 LTIP provides “double trigger” vesting in the event of a change in control. Unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise, if there is a change in control, and if participants’ awards remain outstanding after the change in control (or are assumed by, or converted to similar awards with equivalent value as of the date of the change in control of, the surviving corporation (or parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation)), and we or our successor terminates a participant’s employment without cause upon or within two years after the change in control, the participant’s outstanding stock options and SARs shall vest and become exercisable, any restrictions on restricted stock awards shall lapse, and stock units or cash awards shall become payable. In that event, awards that are based on performance goals will vest and be payable at their target value unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise.

Unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise, if there is a change in control (or are not assumed by, or converted to similar awards with equivalent value as of the date of the change in control of, the surviving corporation (or parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation)), and if participants’ awards do not remain outstanding after the change in control, then all outstanding stock options and SARs shall immediately vest and become exercisable, any restrictions on restricted stock awards shall lapse, and stock units and cash awards shall become payable as of the date of the change in control. In that event, awards that are based on performance goals will vest and be payable at their target value unless the LTIP Committee determines otherwise.

The LTIP Committee may establish such other terms and conditions relating to the effect of a change in control on awards as the LTIP Committee deems appropriate. In addition to other actions, in the event of a change in control of the Company, the LTIP Committee may take any one or more of the following actions with respect to any or all outstanding awards, without the consent of any participant: (A) determine that outstanding stock

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    37


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

options and SARs shall be fully exercisable, restrictions on outstanding restricted stock awards shall lapse, and stock units and cash awards shall become payable, as of the date of the change in control or at such other time as the LTIP Committee determines, (B) require that participants surrender their outstanding stock options and SARs for cancellation in exchange for one or more payments by the Company, in cash, Common Stock or other property, as determined by the LTIP Committee, in an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which the then fair market value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the participant’s unexercised stock options and SARs exceeds the exercise price or base amount, as applicable, and on such terms as the LTIP Committee determines, (C) after giving participants an opportunity to exercise their outstanding stock options and SARs, terminate any or all unexercised stock options and SARs at such time as the LTIP Committee deems appropriate, (D) with respect to participants holding stock units or cash awards, determine that such participants shall receive one or more payments in settlement of such stock units or cash awards, in such amount and form and on such terms as may be determined by the LTIP Committee, or (E) determine that awards that remain outstanding after the change in control shall be converted to similar awards of the surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation). If the per-share fair market value of our Common Stock does not exceed the per-share exercise price or base amount of a stock option or SAR, the Company will not be required to make any payment to the participant upon surrender of the stock option or SAR. Any acceleration, surrender, termination, settlement or conversion shall take place as of the date of the change in control or such other date as the LTIP Committee may specify.

Under the 2016 LTIP, “change of control” means the occurrence of any one of the following:

(i)Any individual, entity or group, other than our company becomes the beneficial owner of more than 35% of our voting stock;

(ii)Individuals who, as of July 8, 2016, constituted our Board (referred to as the incumbent board) cease to constitute at least a majority of our Board. Any individual who becomes a director after such date and whose election or nomination was approved by a vote or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then
still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended. However, no individual who was initially elected as a member of our Board in connection with an actual or threatened election contest or settlement of an actual or threatened election contest will be considered to be a member of the incumbent board;

(iii)Consummation of a merger or consolidation of our company (or any direct or indirect subsidiary) with another corporation, other than a merger or consolidation where (i) at least a majority of the Board of the corporation resulting from the transaction were members of the incumbent board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or action of the Board providing for such transaction or (ii) there is a recapitalization of our company (or similar transaction) in which no individual or entity beneficially owns 35% or more of the combined voting stock of our then outstanding securities resulting from the transaction;

(iv)Consummation of a sale of all or substantially all of our assets; or

(v)Shareholder approval of a liquidation or dissolution of our company.

The LTIP Committee may provide a different definition of change of control in an award agreement if it determines a different definition is necessary or appropriate, including to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.

STOCK OWNERSHIP POLICY

Participants who are subject to our stock ownership policy must hold a portion of the net after-tax shares received upon vesting, exercise or payment of the awards under the 2016 LTIP until the applicable stock ownership guidelines are met, in accordance with our stock ownership policy.

NO REPRICING OF OPTIONS OR SARS

Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spinoff, combination, or

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ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

exchange of shares), we may not, without obtaining shareholder approval, (i) amend the terms of outstanding stock options or SARs to reduce the exercise price of outstanding stock options or the base amount of outstanding SARs, (ii) cancel outstanding stock options or SARs in exchange for other awards or stock options or SARs with an exercise price or base amount, as applicable, that is less than the exercise price or base amount, as applicable, of the original stock options or SARs or (iii) cancel outstanding stock options or SARs with an exercise price or base amount, as applicable, above the current stock price in exchange for cash, our Common Stock or other securities.

CLAWBACK POLICY

All awards made under the 2016 LTIP are subject to the applicable provisions of clawback or recoupment policies, share trading policies and other applicable policies that may be implemented and approved by the Board, as such may be in effect from time to time.

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE LTIP

The Board may amend or terminate the 2016 LTIP at any time, subject to shareholder approval if such approval is required under the Internal Revenue Code, applicable laws or stock exchange requirements. The 2016 LTIP will terminate on July 7, 2026, unless the 2016 LTIP is terminated earlier by the Board or is extended by the Board with the approval of the shareholders.

U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX IMPLICATIONS OF THE 2016 LTIP

The U.S. federal income tax consequences arising with respect to awards granted under the 2016 LTIP will depend on the type of award. From the recipients’ standpoint, as a general rule, ordinary income will be recognized at the time of payment of cash, or delivery of actual shares. Future appreciation on shares held beyond the ordinary income recognition event will be taxable at capital gains rates when the shares are sold. As a general rule, we will be entitled to a tax deduction that corresponds in time and amount to the ordinary income recognized by the recipient, and we will not be entitled to any tax deduction in respect of capital gain income recognized by the recipient.

Exceptions to these general rules may arise under the following circumstances: (i) if shares, when

delivered, are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture by reason of failure to satisfy any employment or performance-related condition, ordinary income taxation and our tax deduction will be delayed until the risk of forfeiture lapses (unless the recipient makes a special election to ignore the risk of forfeiture); (ii) if an employee is granted a stock option that qualifies as “incentive stock option,” no ordinary income will be recognized, and we will not be entitled to any tax deduction, if shares acquired upon exercise of such option are held more than the longer of one year from the date of exercise and two years from the date of grant; (iii) we will not be entitled to a tax deduction for compensation attributable to awards granted to one of its covered employees, if and to the extent such compensation does not qualify as “performance-based” compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and such compensation, along with any other non-performance-based compensation paid in the same calendar year, exceeds $1 million; and (iv) an award may be taxable at 20 percentage points above ordinary income tax rates at the time it becomes vested, even if that is prior to the delivery of the cash or Stock in settlement of the award, if the award constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code are not satisfied.

The foregoing provides only a general description of the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to certain awards granted to U.S. taxpayers under the 2016 LTIP. This discussion is intended for the information of shareholders considering how to vote at the Annual Meeting and not as tax guidance to participants in the 2016 LTIP, as the tax consequences may vary with the types of awards made, the identity of the recipients and the method of payment or settlement. This summary does not address the effects of other federal taxes (including possible “golden parachute” excise taxes) or taxes imposed under state, local, or foreign tax laws.

NEW PLAN BENEFITS UNDER THE 2016 LTIP

Future benefits under the 2016 LTIP generally will be granted at the discretion of the LTIP Committee and are therefore not currently determinable. It is anticipated that approximately 135 individuals, including our Chief Executive Officer, are eligible to receive awards under the 2016 LTIP. The last reported sale price of a share of our Common Stock on April 15, 2016 was $42.14 per share.

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    39


ITEM 4 – APPROVE THE ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. 2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN(CONTINUED)

The table below shows, as to each of our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table of this Proxy Statement and the various indicated individuals and groups, the awards granted between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015, under the 2011 LTIP, which are the awards that would have been granted under the 2016 LTIP had the 2016 LTIP been in place in 2015.

Name  Title Dollar Value  ($)(1)  Number of  Units(2) 

Matthew J. Espe

  Chief Executive Officer and President  3,150,000    56,614  

David S. Schulz

  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer  690,000    12,402  

Victor D. Grizzle

  Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Armstrong Building Products  874,100    15,710  

Donald R. Maier

  Executive Vice President and CEO, Armstrong Floor Products  855,000    15,376  

Mark A. Hershey

  Senior Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Compliance Officer  605,600    10,855  

All current executive officers as a group (7 persons)

    6,767,500    121,633  

Non-employee directors as a group (9 persons)(3)

    0    0  

All employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as a group (226 persons)

     10,016,623    180,133  
(1)Represents the dollar value of the RSUs received based on closing stock price on the date of grant.

(2)Represents the number of shares subject to RSUs granted to employees, including our executive officers, in 2015. See the 2015 Grant of Plan Based Awards Table above for details of RSUs granted to the named executive officers. In 2015, 233 employees, including our executive officers, received RSUs. These numbers do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflect the separation of AFI. Upon the date of the separation, outstanding RSUs held by continuing Company employees were adjusted proportionately to increase the number of shares subject to the RSUs to take into account the separation.

(3)Non-employee directors did not receive any awards under the 2011 LTIP in 2015 and they are not eligible to participate in the 2016 LTIP.

40    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

This compensation discussion and analysis (“CD&A”) includes a detailed description of our executive compensation programs and philosophy, which are generally applicable to all of our management employees and focuses primarily on the material components of our executive compensation program as they apply to our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). In 2015, our NEOs were(1):

Matthew J. Espe President and CEO

David S. Schulz Senior Vice President and CFO

Victor D. Grizzle Executive Vice President and CEO, Armstrong Building Products (“ABP”)

Donald R. Maier Executive Vice President and CEO, Armstrong Floor Products (“AFP”)

Mark A. Hershey Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer

(1)We determined the above NEOs for 2015 in accordance with SEC rules, which require that we include: all individuals who served as our principal executive officer (Mr. Espe) and principal financial officer (Mr. Schulz), regardless of compensation level during the year; and our three most highly compensated executive officers other than the principal executive officer and principal financial officer who were serving as executive officers at the end of the last completed fiscal year (Messrs. Grizzle, Maier and Hershey).

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Our Business

We are a leading global producer of ceiling systems and, prior to April 1, 2016, flooring products for use primarily in the construction and renovation of residential, commercial and institutional buildings. We design, manufacture and sell ceiling systems (primarily mineral fiber, fiberglass wool and metal) and, prior to April 1, 2016, flooring products (primarily resilient and wood) around the world.

On February 23, 2015, we announced that our Board had unanimously approved the separation of our Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring segments from our Building Products (Ceilings) segment. The separation was effective April 1, 2016, and resulted in two independent, publicly-traded companies, the Company and AFI, with AFI owning and operating the Resilient Flooring and Wood Flooring business and the Company continuing to own and operate the Building Products (Ceilings) business.

Upon the effective date of the separation, Mr. Grizzle became the President and CEO of the Company, and Messrs. Espe, Maier and Schulz terminated employment with the Company. Messrs. Maier and Schulz became executives of AFI upon the date of the separation.

Executive Compensation Programs

Our executive compensation programs are designed to attract and retain high calibertalent, reward performance, and closely align the interests of our executives with the interests of our shareholders. We execute this philosophy through the payment of base salaries, cash incentive awards under our Management Achievement Plan (“MAP”), grants of time-based restricted stock units (“RSU”) and, in past years, grants of performance-based (“PSU”) and stock options under the 2011 LTIP.

To focus our NEOs on delivering both short- and long-term results, a significant amount of their target total direct compensation (“TDC”, composed of base salary, short-term and long-term incentive compensation) is dependent upon achieving specified results and is, therefore, “at risk.” We also employ specific policies and practices to supplement our compensation philosophy, including:

Stock ownership guidelines to ensure NEOs have financial exposure to changes in our stock price, thereby aligning NEO and long-term shareholder interests.

Ability to recoup certain stock-based awards in the event of termination of employment for willful,

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    41


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

deliberate or gross misconduct or in the event a participant engages in injurious conduct after termination of employment. To the extent the SEC adopts future rules for clawback policies that require changes to our policies, we will revise our policies as appropriate.

Insider trading policy prohibiting derivative transactions in our shares of Common Stock, including: trading in puts, calls, covered calls, or other derivative products involving our securities; prohibiting engaging in any hedging or monetization transaction with respect to our securities; and, prohibiting holding company securities in a margin account or pledging our securities as collateral for a loan.

Double trigger vesting of equity grants upon a change in control.

No plans or agreements that provide tax gross-ups to our NEOs under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

Post-vesting holding requirements for amounts payable above target in our 2016 performance-based equity grants.

2015 Business Highlights of Pre-Separation AWI

In 2015, we placed significant emphasis on driving operational results within our businesses while executing on the separation. Key performance highlights included:

Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”)* of $391 million at the consolidated level were consistent with our external guidance and internal expectations due in part to budgeted increases in strategic SG&A investments, primarily on our flooring business, incremental manufacturing expense associated with the addition of our Russian ceilings plant and the investment in our Lancaster luxury vinyl tile manufacturing capability.

Flat Consolidated net sales compared to 2014 as continued price and mix gains in our ceilings business, volume recovery in our North American resilient flooring business and improved mix in our wood flooring business were offset by volume declines in our wood flooring and European and Middle Eastern ceilings businesses and pricing pressure in our U.S. flooring business.

$102 million of free cash flow was up from 2014 by 60.7%, primarily due to lower capital expenditures.

Record EBITDA* in our ABP (ceilings) business despite challenging market conditions.

Significantly improved profitability in our flooring business as we benefited from raw material cost declines.

Execution on planned investments in our Lancaster, PA Luxury Vinyl Tile plant; Somerset, KY wood flooring plant and Pontarlier, France ceilings plant.

Significant investments to revitalize the AFP go-to-market strategy that included new displays and marketing collateral within the distribution and retail channel.

Given challenging market conditions, we took cost reduction actions that included a 20% reduction in SG&A headcount in ABP (Ceilings) China and similar SG&A reductions in ABP (Ceilings) EMEA.

For 2016 our key priorities for the post-separation ceilings business include:

Driving revenue growth by leveraging our existing global capabilities and focusing on an expanded ceilings solutions market.

Enhancing our manufacturing capabilities and expanding our Americas sales resources to align with broader market opportunities.

Continuing to pursue productivity, efficiency and working capital improvements.

Allocating capital to high return opportunities while optimizing free cash flow.

*Continuing operations basis. Please refer to Annex A for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to U.S. GAAP.

42    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

2015 Executive Compensation Highlights for the Historical Pre-Separation Business

The 2015 annual incentive compensation opportunities established under the MAP (the “2015 MAP”) by the Compensation Committee were based on the targets established in the Company’s 2015 annual operating and financial plan approved by the Board, which included significant incremental SG&A expense in the flooring business. Additionally, in establishing EBITDA targets and corresponding payout opportunities under the MAP, the Compensation Committee considered, among other things, a review of historical financial performance and plan payout, the Board’s view of the achievability of the 2015 plan, a sensitivity analysis of MAP payouts to Company financial performance, an analysis of MAP payouts as a percentage of incremental EBITDA, and other factors that the Compensation Committee considered relevant. Based upon its evaluation, the Compensation Committee established MAP payout opportunities that it considered appropriate to the associated levels of EBITDA performance with a 100% payout opportunity available upon achievement of the Company’s Board-approved 2015 operating and financial plan.

The final MAP payout factor reflects that the Company achieved EBITDA in excess of its 2015 operating and financial plan due in part to record EBITDA in our ABP (ceilings) business and above target probability in our AFP (flooring) business.

Our 2015 EBITDA performance resulted in a 146% MAP payout factor at the consolidated level.

Our 2013 – 2015 performance-based equity grants were based on achieving a cumulative Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) goal during the 2013-15 performance period. Our three-year cumulative ROIC performance for 2013 – 2015 resulted in a

57% payout factor, reflecting actual performance relative to the performance goal established in 2013.

LOGO

The Compensation Committee completed the following key activities with respect to our Pre-Separation ceilings and flooring business in 2015:

Determined EBITDA to be the performance metric against which to measure and reward for annual MAP performance in 2015.

Approved a 2015 EBITDA target of $352 million and established a corresponding payout factor for the MAP.

Approved 2015 MAP payments in line with above target performance during 2015.

146% (Consolidated)

200% (AFP)

100% (ABP)

Also during 2015, the Compensation Committee and the Board completed a number of activities in connection with the separation of our ceilings and flooring businesses on April 1, 2016 intended to encourage identified executives to focus on both a successful execution of the transaction and achieving the Company’s goals and objectives

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

during the transition period between the announcement and execution of the separation transaction. Upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Company:

Entered into retention agreements with Messrs. Espe, Schulz, and Hershey.

EachThe following table illustrates how our executive was eligible to receive a cash retention award in an amount equal to one and one-half times the executive’s base salary (two times in the case of Messrs. Espe and Schulz) if his employment with the Company continued through the closing of a separation, sale or similar transaction with respect to the flooring business of the Company prior to June 30, 2016 (unless such date was extended by the Board). Retention payments were made upon the successful execution of the separation in April 2016.

Entered into new severance agreements with Messrs. Schulz, Hershey and Grizzle to more closelycompensation elements align with competitive practices and to create internal equity among participants.

Each executive will be entitled to receive certain cash severance benefits if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the severance agreement). The severance is equal to (i) one and one-half (1.5) times the executive’s then-current annual base salary plus his target annual incentive under the Company’s MAP program, payable in lump sum, and (ii) a pro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance for the year of termination, payable at the time that bonuses are paid to employees of the Company generally.

Amended Mr. Espe’s employment agreement dated June 24, 2010 as amended on December 31, 2012, to provide Mr. Espe with comparable severance benefits as stated above, by adding the MAP component to his existing severance formula of two times base salary.

Updated existing change in control (CIC) agreements for all NEOs to align with current market practices. No changes were made to the amount of severance benefits provided, except as described below with respect to the MAP. The changes included the following:

For the MAP bonus for the year of termination, provide executive with pro-rata

target bonus rather than a pro-rata bonus based on actual performance, since the performance goals generally do not continue to be relevant after a CIC.

In the event of a dispute under the CIC agreement, executive’s legal fees and expenses incurred in good faith will be reimbursed by the Company. The prior agreements provided for payment by the Company of legal fees incurred by the officer in connection with a dispute, but only to the extent that the officer’s claim is successful.

Modified the CIC definition to reflect current market terms and Company ownership (see “CIC Agreements – Key Terms” on page 70 for the new definition).

Modified the Good Reason definition to:

Expressly provide that a diminution of duties includes a diminution of duties as a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded corporation following the CIC, and

Include relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the executive’s principal place of employment immediately prior to the CIC.

Approved long-term incentive awards to eligible participants in the form of time-based restricted stock units. The Compensation Committee determined that the Company was not able to establish meaningful long-term performance metrics for the 2015-2017 performance cycle until the financial planning in connection with the separation was completed. The Compensation Committee also determined that it was appropriate to provide equity grants with a strong retention incentive, because of the need to keep management in place and fully focused on the Company during the separation, and the Compensation Committee recognized the limited retention value of employees’ outstanding long- term incentive awards. Therefore, the Compensation Committee determined that time-based restricted stock units were an appropriate form of long-term incentive award for the 2015 transition year.

Directed management to apply the “concentration” approach to outstanding equity awards in the separation, whereby employees’

our compensation objectives.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

outstanding stock options, RSUs and PSUs will be aligned with the stock of their employer company in the separation. Upon the date of the separation, outstanding equity awards held by continuing Company employees and directors were adjusted to increase the number of shares, and decrease the applicable per share exercise price of stock options, proportionately to take into account the separation.

Finally, during 2015 and into 2016, the Compensation Committee focused on establishing separate compensation plan designs for each of the ceilings and flooring businesses appropriate to those businesses post-separation. During this period, the Compensation Committee:

Developed a strategic framework for long-term value creation and linkage between pay and performance, both over the short-term and the long-term.

Designed the 2016 short-term incentive program and determined free cash flow (“FCF”) to be an appropriate performance metric against which to measure performance in the post-separation environment.

Approved a full year 2016 FCF target of $91 million and established a corresponding payout factor for the short-term plan.

Developed a new long-term equity incentive (“2016 LTI”) framework with the explicit objective of generating superior total shareholder returns (TSR).

Established that our new senior leadership team would receive their 2016 LTI in 100% PSU. Before 2015, the Company historically granted PSUs that vested based on the achievement of ROIC over a three-year period.

On April 11, 2016, the Compensation Committee granted PSUs to the most senior executive tier, which will vest based on achievement of absolute total shareholder return (“Absolute TSR” - 75% of the award) and free cash flow (“FCF” - 25% of the award), which the Compensation Committee believes creates the desired focus on generating total shareholder return and closely aligns managements’

Executive Compensation Element  

interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. The 2016 LTI awards are designed to focus on long-term shareholder value creation through the execution on the Company’s post-separation strategic plan. The Compensation Committee believes that these grants, following consummation of the separation of AFI, reinforce Attract

Talented

Employees

Align

Management

and provide increased incentives

Shareholder

Interests

Pay for the execution of the Company’s three-year strategic plan

Performance

Motivate and the creation of additional value-enhancing initiatives. Further details are outlined in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 13, 2016.

Retain

Management

Imposed post-vesting holding requirements for our NEOs on amounts payable above target in our 2016 performance-based equity grants.

Made recommendations to the Board regarding the new senior leadership team of the Company and approved related compensation changes.

Renewed its engagement with Towers Watson as the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant.

The table below summarizes TDC paid or awarded to our NEOs during 2015. This table is not intended to be a substitute for the Summary Compensation Table (‘‘SCT’’) or Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table (‘‘GPBAT’’). Base salary reflects the total salary paid for 2015. 2015 MAP awards and LTIP awards are reflected in the SCT and GPBAT. LTIP awards represent an incentive for future performance, not current cash compensation, and are “at risk” of forfeiture.

2015 NEO TDC

Name 2015
Salary $
  2015
Final
MAP $
  2015
LTIP $(1)
  TDC $ 

Mr. Espe

  1,009,401    1,621,100    3,150,000    5,780,501  

Mr. Schulz

  473,800    518,820    690,000    1,682,620  

Mr. Grizzle

  496,558    424,560    874,000    1,795,118  

Mr. Maier

  485,725    670,310    855,000    2,011,035  

Mr. Hershey

  443,925    388,800    605,600    1,438,325  

(1)

Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for long-term incentive equity awards granted in 2015, as calculated under the Financial Accounting Standards

Base Salary

Annual Incentive (AIP)

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

  Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718. Under ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value is calculated using the closing market price of our Common Stock on the date of the grant.

Long-Term Incentive (LTIP)

Consideration of 2014 Advisory Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation

At our 2011 annual meeting, our shareholders expressed a preference that advisory votes on executive compensation occur every three years. In accordance with this vote, the Board implemented an advisory vote on executive compensation every three years until the next required vote on the frequency of shareholder votes on the compensation of executives. That vote is scheduled to occur at the 2017 annual meeting. Our most recent advisory shareholder vote on executive compensation took place at the 2014 annual meeting.

The Board and the Compensation Committee appreciate and value the views of our shareholders. In considering the results of the 2014 favorable (97%) advisory vote on executive compensation, the Compensation Committee noted our current executive compensation program has been effective in implementing our stated compensation philosophy and objectives.

The Compensation Committee recognizes executive pay practices and notions of sound governance principles continue to evolve. While no specific changes were implemented as a result of the vote, the Compensation Committee intends to continue to pay close attention to ongoing trends and invites our shareholders to communicate any concerns or opinions on executive pay directly to the Compensation Committee or the Board. Please refer to “COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD” on page 10 for further information. As indicated above, the Compensation Committee has redesigned the 2016 short-term and long-term incentive compensation plans to support our post-separation business plan.

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES OF OUR EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

Our long-term success and growth depend on highly capable global leaders with the experience and skills to deliver our strategy in a volatile and changing market environment. Thus, our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain those high-quality leaders. Generally, the same principles that apply to our NEOs also apply to the compensation of our salaried employees. In developing and maintaining our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee focuses on the following key objectives:

Align executive interests with shareholders’ interests.

Create a strong link between pay and performance by placing a significant portion of compensation ‘‘at risk’’ based on performance against pre-established goals.

Structure sufficiently competitive compensation packages globally, to enable access to high-quality executives in a highly competitive talent environment.

As a special focus for 2015, provide incentives to keep management in place and fully focused on the Company during the separation process.

HOW WE MAKE COMPENSATION DECISIONS

The

Our Compensation Committee is responsible for executive compensation program design and the decision-making process relative to NEOs specifically, and broadly, as these programs apply to other senior leaders and participating employees. The Compensation Committee solicits input from

the independent members of the Board, the CEO, other members of management and its independent compensation consultant to assist it with its responsibilities. The following summarizes the roles of each of the key participants in the executive compensation decision-making process.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

Roles of Key Participants

 

Compensation Committee

  

•  Sets the philosophy and principles that guide the executive compensation programprogram;

 

•  Oversees the design of our executive compensation programsprogram in the context of our culture, competitive practices, the legal and regulatory landscape, and governance trendstrends;

 

•  Reviews and approves short- and long-term incentive compensation design, including performance goals and the reward consequences for delivering above or below target performanceperformance;

 

•  Reviews and approves corporate goals and individual objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO, evaluates the CEO’s performance relative to those goals and objectives, and recommends CEO compensation to be ratified by the independent directors based on the evaluationevaluation; and

 

•  Oversees the evaluation of the other executive officers and approves their compensation in collaboration with the CEOCEO.

 

Independent Members of the Board  

•  Participate in the performance assessment process for the CEOCEO; and

 

•  Review and ratifydecisions regarding CEO compensation, decisions, including base salary, MAP,AIP and LTIP awards for the CEO.

 

Committee Consultant – Willis Towers Watson  

•  Provides analysis, advice and recommendations with regard to executive compensationcompensation;

 

•  Attends Compensation Committee meetings, as requested, and communicates between meetings with the Compensation Committee Chair and other Committee members; and

 

•  Advises the Compensation Committee on market trends, regulatory issues and developments and how they may impact our executive compensation programsprograms.

 

CEO

  

•  Provides input to the Compensation Committee on senior executive performance and compensation recommendationsrecommendations.

 

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

Independent Compensation Consultant

In July 2015,2019, the Compensation Committee renewed its engagement of Willis Towers Watson as its independent consultant on executive compensation matters.

Willis Towers Watson also serves as our Pension Plan Actuary in Canada (an arrangement that has been in place for several years, prior to Willis Towers Watson becoming the Compensation Committee’s consultant) and typical. Typical actuary annual fees are $220,000.$41,000. We also purchase select compensation and HR survey data from the firm. Willis Towers Watson does not perform any other services for the Company. At the request of the Compensation Committee, in addition to providing general executive compensation advice, Willis Towers Watson performed the following services during 2015:2019:

 

Advisedadvised on the design considerations with respect to the 2015 MAP2019 short- and the 2015 LTIP,long-term incentive programs to ensure appropriate linkage between short- and long-term performance and pay.

pay;

 

Advisedadvised the Compensation Committee on the design considerations with respect to the 2016 short-term and long-term incentive program, to ensure appropriate linkage between short- and long-term performances and pay incomposition of a post-separation business environment.

revised peer group;

 

Advised on various questions related to the separation.

Advisedadvised the Compensation Committee on setting the CEO’s compensation.compensation; and

provided an update on current compensation trends, market practices and relevant executive compensation legislation.

The Compensation Committee determined the work of Willis Towers Watson did not raise any conflicts of interest in 2015.2019. In making this assessment, the Compensation Committee considered the independence factors enumerated in Rule10C-1(b) under the Exchange Act and corresponding rules of NYSE, including the fact that Willis Towers Watson providesprovided limited other services to us, the level of fees

received from us as a percentage of Willis Towers Watson’s total revenue, policies and procedures employed by Willis Towers Watson to prevent conflicts of interest, and whether the individual Willis Towers Watson advisors to the Compensation Committee own any shares of Common Stock or have any business or personal relationships with members of the Compensation Committee or our executive officers.

After considering all of the factors required by the NYSE rules and all other factors relevant to Willis

Towers Watson’s independence, from management, the Compensation Committee has determined Willis Towers Watson is independent.

Use of Competitive Data

In setting NEO compensation, the Compensation Committee considers various types of information, includingindependent survey data, peer compensation data, tally sheets, wealth accumulation analyses and related benchmark information.

Annual Compensation Benchmarking

Annually, the Compensation Committee reviews all components of NEO compensation versus competitive market data.compared to Competitive Market data (defined below).

In general, we target NEO pay to be at or near the 50th percentile of the competitive market,our defined Competitive Market, but we may deviate from this target due tobased on an individual’s performance or internal equity with peers situated at similar levels, andor to attract the required level of global business knowledge and leadership needed to achieve our strategic objectives.

The principal sources of market data include (combined “Competitivethe following (“Competitive Market”):

 

Survey data (all NEOs), including surveys by AonHewittAon and Willis Towers Watson (“Market”)

 

Peer Group data (CEO and CFO) (“Peer Group”)

Consideration of 2019 Advisory Shareholder Vote on Executive Compensation

At our 2017 annual meeting, our shareholders expressed a preference that advisory votes on executive compensation occur every year. Accordingly, the Board implemented an annual advisory vote on executive compensation until the next required vote on the frequency of shareholder votes on the compensation of executives. That vote is scheduled to occur at the 2023 annual meeting. Our most recent advisory shareholder vote on executive compensation took place at the 2019 annual meeting.

Our Board and Compensation Committee appreciate and value the views of our shareholders with respect to our executive compensation program. The results of the 2019 favorable (95%) advisory vote on executive compensation, confirmed to the Compensation Committee that

 

 

 
4834          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

shareholders agree our executive compensation programs have been effective in implementing our stated compensation philosophy and objectives in a manner consistent with shareholder preference.

The Compensation Committee recognizes executive pay practices and notions of sound governance principles continue to evolve. While no specific changes were implemented as a result of

the vote, the Compensation Committee intends to continue to pay close attention to ongoing trends and invites our shareholders to communicate any concerns or opinions on executive pay directly to the Compensation Committee or the Board. Please refer to “COMMUNICATION WITH THE BOARD” on page 10 for further information about communication with the Compensation Committee of the Board.

 

Peer Group

The Compensation Committee uses compensation data compiled from a group of peer companies based on a number ofpre-established criteria, including business model comparability, company size measured by revenues (one halfrevenue (approximatelyone-half to two times the Company’s revenue) and market capitalization, global presence and competition for executive talent and investor capital.

During 2014, theIn 2019, our Compensation Committee conducted an in-depth reviewreviewed our compensation Peer Group. The Committee removed NCI Building Systems, Inc. and H. B. Fuller Company because their revenue exceeded our range of the Peer Group,one-half to two times, and the selection criteria. No changes were made to the peer group in 2015.replaced them with GCP Applied Technologies Inc., PGT Innovations, Inc. and Trex Company, Inc.

Our current compensation Peer Group consists of the following 18 manufacturing companies in the building and construction industries and is reflected below:companies:

 

   Acuity Brands,Allegion PLCHerman Miller Inc. Louisiana-PacificPH Glatfelter Inc.
   Apogee Enterprises, Inc.Interface, Inc.Quanex Building Products Corp
   Eagle Materials Inc.Knoll, Inc.Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc.
   Ferro Corporation Steelcase, Incorporated
   AO Smith Corp.Martin Marietta MaterialsThe Valspar Corporation
   Fortune Brands Home & Security,Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. MascoTrex Company, Inc.
   GCP Applied Technologies, Inc.Masonite International Corporation Universal Forest Products, Inc.        
   Herman Miller, IncorporatedMohawkGibraltar Industries, Inc. USG Corporation
   Leggett & Platt,OMNOVA Solutions Inc. Nortek,
   Griffon CorporationPGT Innovations, Inc. Vulcan Materials Company
   Lennox International Inc.Owens CorningW. R. Grace & Company

 

We anticipate that our Compensation Committee will evaluate the composition of our peer group in 2016, taking into consideration the impact of the separation of AFI.

Tally Sheets and Wealth Accumulation Analyses

The Compensation Committee uses tally sheets and wealth accumulation analyses when evaluating compensation-related decisions for each NEO.

 

Tally sheets provide historic information on each executive’s equity andnon-equity compensation, and other compensation such as potential payments upon termination of employment.

 

Wealth accumulation analysis assesses the total Armstrong-specificCompany-specific wealth that could be earned by each NEO given certain stock price assumptions.

Compensation Mix

To facilitate the link between NEO pay and companyCompany performance, in a typical year a significant amount of TDC is performance-based and “at risk.” In 2015, the Compensation Committee granted RSUs, as the Compensation Committee determined

that it was appropriate to provide equity grants with a strong retention incentive, because of the need to keep management in place and fully focused on the Company during the separation, and because of the difficulty of setting meaningful long-term performance metrics in the transition period around the separation.

In a return to our more typical practices, in 2016, NEOs received 100% PSUs, as more fully described below.

Typically, 81%2019, 84% of our CEO’s target TDC and 68%63% of the average target TDC of our other NEOs is performance-basedwas variable and “at risk.” The following chart shows the 20152019 compensation mix, consisting of base salary, performance-based MAP,AIP, and time-based RSUsPSUs as the LTILTIP grants.

 

LOGOLOGO

 

 

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

ELEMENTS, CHARACTERISTICS & OBJECTIVES OF OUR EXECUTIVE2019 COMPENSATION DESIGN AND OUTCOMES

Elements, Objectives and Key 2015 NEO ActionsBase Salary

In 2019, the Compensation Committee reviewed the base salaries of our NEOs. After consideration of the competitiveness of each NEO’s base salary compared to the Competitive Market, the Compensation Committee increased base salaries for each of our NEOs. Pay increases were effective April 1, 2019.

The table below represents the base salary rate as of December 31. This information differs from the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”), which reflects the total base salary received for the year.

 

Name 

2018

Salary $

  

2019

Salary $

  

Change in

Base

Salary

 

Victor D. Grizzle(1)

  750,000   800,000   6.7% 

Brian L. MacNeal

  425,000   446,250   5.0% 

Charles M. Chiappone

  420,000   441,000   5.0% 

Mark A. Hershey

  419,000   435,950   4.0% 

Ellen R. Romano

  320,000   328,430   2.6% 
Type(1)

Compensation

Elements

ObjectivesKey 2015 NEO Actions

Performance-Based

Long-Term Incentive (LTIP)

•  Promotes long- term value-creation for our shareholders, and fosters retention, by rewarding execution and achievement of goals linkedThe April 1st adjustment to our longer term strategic initiatives and cost of capital

•  Target opportunity generally set at Peer Group and/or Market median

•  In 2015, the Compensation Committee provided equity grants with a strong retention incentive, because of the need to keep management in place and fully focused on the Company during the separation. The Compensation Committee recognized the limited retention value of employees’ outstanding long-term incentive awards and the difficulty of establishing meaningful long-term performance metrics until the financial planning in connection with the separation was completed.

•  In a return to our more typical practice, in 2016, our senior leadership team received 100% PSUs.

•  NEOs received RSU awards with values ranging from 140% to 312% ofMr. Grizzle’s base salary

•  2013-2015 PSU award paid out at 57% of target was designed to align his base salary with competitive pay levels and to recognize his development and growth.

Annual Incentive (MAP)

•  Provides an annual incentive opportunity for achieving financial results based on performance goals tied to our annual operating plan

•  Drives EBITDA performance

•  Awards tied to Company, business unit and individual performance, including leadership behaviors

•  Target opportunity generally set at Peer Group and/or Market median

• NEOs received MAP payments ranging from 114% to 184% of target

Fixed

Base Salary

•  Provides reasonable and market competitive fixed pay reflective of an executive’s role, responsibility and individual performance

•  Generally set at Peer Group and/or market median

• NEOs received merit increases effective April 1, 2015

Benefits

•  Standard range of health, welfare, and retirement benefits generally similar to those provided to other salaried employees, except that executives:

•  are eligible to receive enhanced Company-paid long-term disability benefits;

•  are eligible for non-qualified retirement savings benefits

Limited Perquisites

•  Very limited perquisites or personal benefits

•  Personal financial counseling at a cost generally less than $4,500 per NEO

•  Executive physicals at a cost typically less than $5,000 per NEO

•  Executive Long-Term Disability at a cost generally less than $5,000 per NEO

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)Annual Incentive Plan Awards

Alignment of Compensation Elements and Objectives

The following table illustrates how our executive compensation elements align with our compensation objectives. As mentioned above,AIP awards provide an annual incentive opportunity for achieving financial results based on performance goals tied to the objectiveCompany’s annual operating plan.

Each NEO’s target AIP opportunity (expressed as a percent of the RSUs granted in 2015 was primarily for purposes of retention. In normal years, our LTIPbase salary) is based on various financialrole responsibility and alignment with similar internal positions and the external Competitive Market. Actual payout varies based upon actual business performance metrics incorporating a strong pay forrelative to performance linkagetarget, as well as individual performance.

For 2019, AIP awards were determined based on the following formula, measures and weightings all subject to the approval of our Compensation Committee.

2019 AIP Design

 

Executive Compensation ElementAttract
Talented
Employees
Align
Management
and
Shareholder
Interests
Pay for
Performance
Motivate and
Retain
Management

Base

Salary $

 üx  

Target AIP        

Opportunity %        

= ü

Annual Incentive (MAP)Target        

AIP $        

 üx ü ü ü

Long-Term Incentive (LTIP)Company        

Performance %        

 üx ü ü ü

Individual        

Performance %        

=

Annual AIP        

Payout $        

 

2015 COMPENSATION DESIGN AND OUTCOMES2019 Target AIP Opportunity

Base Salary2019 target AIP opportunities (expressed as a percentage of actual base earnings) for NEOs are set forth in the table below. The target AIP opportunity percentages are the same as for 2018.

Name  

Target AIP %

Opportunity

   

Target AIP

$

 

Victor D. Grizzle

   100%    787,500 

Brian L. MacNeal

   60%    264,562 

Charles M. Chiappone

   60%    261,450 

Mark A. Hershey

   60%    259,054 

Ellen R. Romano

   55%    179,535 

2019 AIP Performance Metrics

The Compensation Committee’s decision on 2015 base salaries was largely driven by the competitiveness of each NEOs base salary comparedCommittee again selected revenue and EBITDA as our 2019 AIP performance metrics in order to the Competitive Market; increases were effective April 1, 2015. The table below represents the base salary rate as of December 31. This information differs from the SCT, which reflects the total base salary received for the year.

Name  2014
Salary $
   2015
Salary $
   Change in
Base
Salary
 

Mr. Espe(1)

   1,009,400     1,009,400     —    

Mr. Schulz

   460,000     478,400     4.0%  

Mr. Grizzle

   485,630     500,200     3.0%  

Mr. Maier

   475,000     489,300     3.0%  

Mr. Hershey

   432,600     447,700     3.5%  
(1)Mr. Espe did not receive an increase for 2015.

Management Achievement Plan

MAP awards provide an annual incentive opportunity for achieving financial results based on performance goals tied to annual operating plan.

Each NEOs target MAP opportunity (expressed as a percent of base salary) is based on role responsibility,create strong alignment with similar positions internally,shareholders and external Competitive Market. Actual payout will vary with actual business performance relativereflect key measures of value creation. Revenue is weighted 25% and EBITDA is weighted 75%.

These measures align to performance targets.

MAP awards were determined based on the following formula, measureskey elements of our operating plan and weightings. The Compensation Committee approves these factors at the beginningfinancial goals, including enhanced revenue, manufacturing productivity and competitive sales, general and administrative expense, and they are strong indicators of each fiscal year. Additional details follow below the table.our overall operating performance.

 

 

2015 MAP Design

LOGO

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

2015 Target MAP Opportunity

2015 Target MAP opportunities (expressed as a percentageFor purposes of base salary) for NEOs were as set forth in the table below. There were no changes2019 AIP, the Compensation Committee defined: (i) revenue to be gross salesminus returns, discounts and allowances andminus intercompany sales, and (ii) EBITDA to be operating incomeplus depreciation and amortizationplusnon-cash pension impact, subject

to certain exceptions. The definitions of these targets when expressed as a percentage of base salarymetrics did not change from 2014.

Name  

Target MAP %

Opportunity

   

Target MAP

$

 

Mr. Espe

   110%     1,110,340  

Mr. Schulz

   75%     355,350  

Mr. Grizzle

   75%     372,418  

Mr. Maier

   75%     364,294  

Mr. Hershey

   60%     266,355  

2015 MAP Performance Metrics and Weightingthe prior year.

The Compensation Committee selected EBITDA (for both the consolidated as well as at the business unit level) as the 2015 MAP performance metric. The Compensation Committee determined that EBITDA aligned to key elements2019 revenue target of our 2015 operating plan$1,057 million and financial plans and is an appropriate measure of operating performance (pre-financing and pre-tax).

In establishing the 2015 EBITDA target of $352$400 million and corresponding payout factor,were both directly tied to the Compensation Committee conducted a detailed analysis that took into account a number of factors, including analyst expectations, a review of actual historic performance, consideration of achievability and sensitivity analysis, an analysis of the percent of incremental EBITDA to be provided as a target for participants, the complexity and timing of the separation of AFI, as well an analysis of the external context, such as expected peer group performance and broader market performance.

Based on this in-depth analysis, the Compensation Committee determined that this target represented a significant degree of difficulty. In addition, planned and necessary increased SG&A spending in AFP and non-cash pension related charges contributed to a challenging goal.

The final MAP payout factor was a result of record EBITDA in our ABP business and above target profitability in the flooring business.annual operating plan.

 

 

For 2015, theOur Compensation Committee established the following performance ranges and associated payout ranges.ranges for the 2019 AIP. The Company’s consolidated and business unit performance arewas converted to a corresponding payout factor on a straight line basis between Threshold and Target and between Target and Maximum. MAPAIP payout factors are capped at 200%.

 

   EBITDA $ (in millions)  EBITDA Performance as % of Target  Payout 
    Threshold   Target   Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum 

Consolidated

   281.6     352.0     422.4    80  100  120  50  100  200

AFP

   80.2     100.3     120.4    80  200  120  50  100  200

ABP

   273.7     342.1     410.5    80  300  120  50  100  200

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

 

  Target $ (in millions)   Performance as % of Target  Payout 
  

 

  Threshold   Target   Maximum   Threshold  Target  Maximum  Threshold  Target  Maximum 

Revenue

   997.0    1,057.0    1,099.0    94  100  104  50  100  200

EBITDA

   354.0    400.0    420.0    88  100  115  50  100  200

 

The MAP opportunity for NEOs with primary responsibilities at the Corporate level is weighted 100% to consolidated results. NEOs with business unit responsibilities are weighted 30% to consolidated results and 70% to the individual business unit.

WeightingConsolidatedBusiness Unit

Mr. Espe

100%

Mr. Schulz

100%

Mr. Grizzle

30%70% (ABP)

Mr. Maier

30%70% (AFP)

Mr. Hershey

100%

2019 Individual Performance

The Board and the Compensation Committee considered individual performance when finalizing MAPAIP awards for the CEO and other NEOs and decided not to make any upward or downward individual performance adjustments in determining the final 2015 MAP awards. For MAP awards intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, any individual performance adjustment cannot exceed the maximum level determined by EBITDA performance.adjustments.

2015 Final2019 Performance and Payout Factors

Our 2015For AIP purposes our 2019 revenue performance was 97% of plan resulting in a 73% payout, and our EBITDA performance resulted inrepresented 101% of plan with a 146% MAPcorresponding 115% payout. These results yielded a combined payout factor atof 105% for the consolidated level.

Final performanceNEOs. For AIP purposes only a portion of the revenue and payout is determined by adding incentive expenseEBITDA from acquisitions completed in 2019 counted towards the AIP up to targets as well as$11M of revenue and $4M of EBITDA from acquired companies. Actual 2019 revenue for the Company was $1,038M; however, based on the AIP calculation methodology for acquisitions revenue was adjusted to actual performance to reflect performance excluding accruals$1,025M for incentive compensation.purposes of the AIP. There was no adjustment for EBITDA.

Further details are shown in the table below:

 

Adjusted

EBITDA

  2015
Target
$M
   2015
Actual
$M*
   Performance
%
   Payout
%
 

Consolidated

   352.0     378.0     107%     146%  

AFP

   100.3     114.8     114%     200%  

ABP

   342.1     344.7     101%     100%  
*Please refer to Annex A for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to U.S. GAAP. We achieved full year adjusted EBITDA of $378 million after giving effect to the specific items that the Compensation Committee pre-determined in February 2015 were eligible for exclusion from the achievement calculation.
Measure 

2019

Target

$M

  

2019

Actual

$M*

  

Performance

%

  

Payout

%

 

Revenue

  1,057.0   1,025.0   97%   73% 

EBITDA

  400.0   403.0   101%   115% 

20152019 Final MAPAIP Awards

The Compensation Committee determined the final 2015 MAP2019 AIP payouts by multiplying the NEOseach NEO’s target MAP amountAIP opportunity by the final weighted payout factors as outlined below.

For NEOs who were weighted 100% to consolidated results, the Compensation Committee approved a final payout factor of 146%.

Name  Target
MAP $
   Payout
Factor
  2015 Final
MAP
Award $
 

Mr. Espe

   1,110,340     146  1,621,100  

Mr. Schulz

   355,350     146  518,820  

Mr. Hershey

   266,355     146  388,880  

For Messrs. Grizzle and Maier, who were weighted 30% to consolidated results and 70% to Business Unit results, the Compensation Committee approved a final payout factor of 114% and 184%, respectively.

Name Target
MAP $
  Weighted
Cons.
Payout
Factor
(wtd. 30%)
  Weighted
Business
Unit
Payout
Factor
(wtd. 70%)
  2015
Final
MAP
Payout
Factor%
  2014
Final
MAP
Award $
 

Mr. Grizzle

  372,418    146%    100%    114%    424,560  

Mr. Maier

  364,294    146%    200%    184%    670,310  
Name  

Target

AIP $

   

Payout

Factor

  

2019 Final

AIP

Award $

 

Victor D. Grizzle

   787,500    105  826,880 

Brian L. MacNeal

   264,562    105  277,800 

Charles M. Chiappone

   261,450    105  274,530 

Mark A. Hershey

   259,054    105  272,010 

Ellen R. Romano

   179,535    105  188,520 

Long TermLong-Term Incentive PlanProgram Awards 2019 -2021 Performance Period

The goal of the long-term incentive planour LTIP is to provide equity-based long-term incentive awards that link management interests to shareholder returns and focus management on our long-term performance.

In determining long-term incentivethe LTIP award opportunity for the CEO and other NEOs, theour Board and the Compensation Committee generally consider a number of factors, including the Competitive Market, internal equity and cost (dilution and accounting cost) and also take into consideration, as well as tally sheet and wealth accumulation analyses.

Long-term incentive plan awards for a given year are typically made two business days following the release of our prior fiscal year’s fourth quarter and full year financial results. This allows sufficient time

 

 

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

LTIP awards for a given year are typically made two business days following the release of our financial results for our prior fiscal year. This allows sufficient time for the market to absorb the announcement of earnings and current year performance guidance.

Historically the Compensation Committee awarded a combination of stock options and PSUs. In 2015, our long-term incentive awardsThe 2019 LTIP grants for NEOs and other eligible employees2019 – 2021 performance consisted of 100% time-vested RSUs to maximize their value as a retention incentive in connection with the separation, in consideration of the criticality of retaining key employees during the separation process.awards differentiated between two leadership tiers. The Compensation Committee recognized the limited retention value of employees’ outstanding long-term incentive awards. The Compensation Committee also determined that it would be difficult for the Company to establish meaningful long-term performance metrics until the financial planning in connection with the separation was completed.

In anticipation of the separation, the Compensation Committee did not make long-term incentive awards in 2016 on the regular schedule in February 2016. Instead, the 2016 long-term incentive awards were made following the separation in April 2016.

On April 11, 2016, the Compensation Committee granted PSUs to the most senior leadership team, which willexecutive tier, namely Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone to vest based on achievement of Absolute TSR (75% of the award) and FCF (25% of the award), which the. The Compensation Committee believes createsgranted PSUs to Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano to vest based on achievement of Absolute TSR (25% of the desired focusaward) and FCF (75% of the award), consistent with Tier II awards.

Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone have post-vesting holding requirements for amounts payable above target in our 2019 – 2021 performance-based equity grants. If earned, the above target shares must be held for one year following the vesting date.

2019 LTIP Performance Metrics and Weighting

The number of shares eligible to vest under the 2019 LTIP awards is based on generating total shareholder returnthe achievement of applicable performance targets relative to Absolute TSR and closely aligns managements’ interestsFCF targets during the performance period (January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021). The grants, intended to compensate for long term value creation, have a three-year performance period to allow a reasonable timeframe for value creation, challenging targets with thosesubstantial payout upside for breakout performance and a payout scale that defines meaningful performance hurdles. The PSUs for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone (Tier I) can vest 50% of target at threshold performance to 275% of target at maximum performance and the PSUs for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano (Tier II) can vest at 50% of target at threshold performance to 225% of target at maximum performance. There is no payout below threshold performance.

Absolute TSR tracks the appreciation in share price of the Company’s shareholders.Common Stock, including dividends, and is annualized for the performance period. The 2016 LTI awards are designed to focus on long-term shareholder value creation throughending share price for the executionAbsolute TSR calculation will be based on the Company’s post-separation strategic plan. The Committee believes that these grants, following consummationvolume-weighted, average closing price of the separation of AFI, reinforce and provide increased incentivesCompany

stock for the executionhighest consecutive 30 trading days in the60-trading-day-period beginning with and immediately following January 2, 2022. The starting price was based on the volume-weighted average of the Company’s three-year strategic planhighest consecutive 30 trading days in the subsequent60-trading-day-period closing price of the Company stock for the highest 30 trading days immediately following January 2, 2019 – resulting in $73.75 per share.

 

 

  

 

   

 

  Incentive Payout 

Performance

to TSR

Target

 

 Annualized

 TSR

 Target

  

Ending

Share

Price

  

Tier I

(75%
weighting)

  

Tier II

(25%
weighting)

 

60%

  6.0%  $85.99   50%   50% 

75%

  7.5%  $91.62   75%   75% 

83%

  8.3%  $93.68   83%   83% 

100%

  10.0%  $98.16   100%   100% 

167%

  16.7%  $117.21   200%   200% 

300%

  30.0%  $162.03   300%   300% 

Cumulative FCF is defined as cash flow from operations less cash used in investing activities, adjusted for the impact of cash used or proceeds received for acquisitions and divestitures and environmental insurance recoveries and expenses, and the creationcash impact of additional value-enhancing initiatives. Further details are outlined incertain othernon-recurring extraordinary items outside of the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 13, 2016.normal course of our business.

 

 

  

 

  Incentive Payout 

Performance

to FCF Target

 FCF $(M)  

Tier I

(25% weighting)

  

Tier II

(75% weighting)

 

80%

 $659   50%   50% 

100%

 $824   100%   100% 

113%

 $931   150%   150% 

118%

 $972   175%   175% 

125%

 $1,030   200%   200% 

20152019 Target LTIP

The Compensation Committee annually determines the LTIP target opportunity (expressed as a percent of base salary) based on role responsibility, alignment with similar positions internally and the external Competitive Market, as well as a review of tally sheets and wealth accumulation analyses.

After a review of the Competitive Market data provided by Willis Towers Watson, the Compensation Committee increased Mr. Grizzle’s target LTIP opportunity in 2019 to $3,300,000. This

38    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

adjustment to Mr. Grizzle’s LTIP value positioned him at market median TDC. Mr. MacNeal’s LTIP opportunity increased to 120% from 110% of base salary and Mr. Chiappone’s LTIP opportunity increased to 110% from 100% of base salary to align to market median TDC. No other LTIP targets were adjusted in 2019.

The respective target percentages for annual LTIP grants to our NEOs in 20152019 and the resulting Grant Date Fair Value were asgrant date fair value are set forth in the table below. LTIP targets did not change for our NEOs , with the exception of Mr. Schulz, whose 2015 LTIP target was increased from 130% to 150% to more closely align to market median.

 

Name  2015 LTIP Target
as % of Base
Salary
   2015 LTIP
Grant Date Fair
Value $(1)
 

Mr. Espe

   312%     3,150,000  

Mr. Schulz

   150%     690,000  

Mr. Grizzle

   180%     874,100  

Mr. Maier

   180%     855,000  

Mr. Hershey

   140%     605,600  
Name 

2019 LTIP Target

as % of Base

Salary

  

2019 LTIP Annual

Target Value ($)(1)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

  413%   3,300,000 

Brian L. MacNeal

  120%   510,000 

Charles M. Chiappone

  110%   462,000 

Mark A. Hershey

  125%   524,000 

Ellen R. Romano

  100%   320,400 
(1)

Amounts represent the grant date fair value for the long-term incentive equity award granted in February 2015,2019, as calculated under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or ASC Topic 718. Under ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value is calculated using the closing market price of our shares of Common Stock ($55.64)74.32) on the date of the grant (February 24, 2015)26, 2019).

Payout of 2017-2019 Performance Restricted Stock Units

The performance for PSUs awarded in 2017 for the 2017 – 2019 performance period was determined on April 1, 2020. The awards were based on Absolute TSR and FCF over the performance period. The Compensation Committee granted PSUs to the most senior executive tier, namely Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone to vest based on achievement of Absolute TSR (75% of the award) and FCF (25% of the award). The Compensation Committee granted PSUs to Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano to vest based on achievement of Absolute TSR (25% of the award) and FCF (75% of the award).

Based upon performance during the measurement period, the Absolute TSR achievement for the 2017-2019 period was 31.9%, with a calculated price of $103.65. This exceeded our 12% annualized TSR target resulting in a 300% payout. The starting share price for the TSR PSUs was $45.12. The cumulative FCF was $570M for the performance period, exceeding our target of

$505M. The Committee approved a payout factor of 152%. Based on the metrics and the certified Absolute TSR and FCF results, the PSUs for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone vested at 263% of target and the PSUs for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano vested at 189% of target. For Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone, PSUs distributed in excess of target must be held for one year following the vesting date.

Name 2017 PSU
Shares
Granted
(#)
  2017 PSU
Payout
Factor
  

2017 PSU
Final Payout

(#)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

  50,000   263  131,500 

Brian L. MacNeal

  8,153   263  21,443 

Charles M. Chiappone

  5,790   263  15,227 

Mark A. Hershey

  11,007   189  20,804 

Ellen R. Romano

  6,631   189  12,533 

2019 Total Direct Compensation

The table below summarizes TDC paid or awarded to our current NEOs during 2019. This table is not intended to be a substitute for the SCT or Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table (‘‘GPBAT’’). Base salary reflects the total salary paid for 2019. AIP awards and LTIP awards for 2019 are reflected in the SCT and GPBAT. LTIP awards represent an incentive for future performance, not current cash compensation, and are “at risk” of forfeiture.

Name 

2019

Salary $

  

2019

Final

AIP $

  

2019

LTIP $(1)

  TDC $ 

Victor D. Grizzle

  787,500   826,880   3,300,000   4,914,380 

Brian L. MacNeal

  440,938   277,800   510,000   1,228,738 

Charles M. Chiappone

  435,750   274,530   462,000   1,172,280 

Mark A. Hershey

  431,758   272,010   524,000   1,227,768 

Ellen R. Romano

  326,428   188,520   320,400   835,348 
(1)

Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value for LTIP equity awards granted in 2019, as calculated under the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification ASC Topic 718. Under ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value is calculated using the closing market price of our Common Stock on the date of the grant.

2020 Compensation Program Design

For 2020, the Compensation Committee reviewed the design of our executive compensation program and decided to maintain the 2019 metrics for our AIP. For our LTIP, the Compensation Committee

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    39


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

added a new additional metric in respect of Mineral Fiber Volume growth. The new metric will be weighted 10% with Absolute TSR (weighted 60%) and FCF (weighted 30%) remaining the other metrics.    

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAMS

Qualified and Non-qualifiedNon-Qualified Defined Benefit Pension Plans

Our NEOs do not participateMs. Romano was the only NEO who participated in the Company’s qualified defined benefit pension plan, the Retirement Income Plan (“RIP”), which was closed to newly hired salaried employees after January 1, 2005. Pension benefits were frozen for all salaried employees on December 31, 2017.

Anon-qualified defined benefit pension plan, the Retirement Benefit Equity Plan (“RBEP”), pays benefits that cannot be paid under the RIP due to statutory limits. This plan was also closed to newly hired salaried employees after January 1, 2005 and pension benefits were frozen on December 31, 2017.

Qualified Defined Contribution Savings Plan andNon-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan

The Company maintains a 401(k) plan. For salaried employees, who do not participate in the RIP, we provide a 401(k) match of 100% on the first 4% of employee contributions and a 50% match on the next 4% of employee contributions up tofor a maximum company match of $18,000 for 2015.6%. All NEOs are eligible to participate in this program.

We offerThe Company offers an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan, the Armstrong Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, (“NQDCP”). This plan is to restore Company contributions that would be lost due to Internal Revenue Code limits on compensation that can be taken into account under our the Company’stax-qualified 401(k) plan and to allow participants to voluntarily elect to defer base salary and AIP until a future date.

Participants in the Armstrong Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDCCP”) receive a Company match identical to the 401(k) Company match on compensation in excess of the Internal Revenue Code limits, up to a maximum contribution of 6% of eligible earnings. All NEOs are eligible to participate in this program.

Separation Arrangements

Each NEO has a separation agreement with the Company. These agreements are designed to:

assure continuity of executive management during the evaluation and execution of any transaction that may result in loss of or material changes to employment;

reduce risk to the Company and provide shareholder alignment by keeping executives neutral to job loss when pursuing actions that may result in termination of employment;

ensure executive management is able to objectively evaluate any transaction and act in the best interests of shareholders during the design and execution of such a transaction; and

define transition support and terms in the event ofnot-for-cause termination.

Payments upon Termination of Employment

Our separation arrangements provide for executive entitlement to certain cash severance benefits if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by the executive for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the separation agreement). Under the separation agreements that apply in absence of a change in control the severance is equal to (i) 1.5 times (two times in the case of Mr. Grizzle) the executive’s then-current annual base salary plus target annual incentive under the AIP program, payable in a lump sum, and (ii) apro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance for the year of termination, payable at the time that bonuses are paid to employees of the Company generally.

Under each executive’s separation agreement, the executive is entitled to receive severance payments upon involuntary termination without Cause or termination for Good Reason within two years following a change in control (“CIC”), or within six months preceding a CIC if the termination is in connection with a potential CIC. In a CIC the severance is equal to (i) two times (2.5 times in the case of Mr. Grizzle) the executive’s then-current annual base salary plus target annual incentive under the AIP program, payable in a lump sum, and (ii) apro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance for the year of termination, payable at the time that bonuses are paid to employees of the Company generally.

 

 

 
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

voluntarily elect to defer some portion of base salary and MAP until a future date. Participants receive a Company match identical to the 401(k) company match up to a maximum contribution of 6% of eligible earnings. All NEOs are eligible to participate in this program.

Bonus Replacement Retirement Plan

The Bonus Replacement Retirement Plan (“BRRP”) was established to allow executives to defer a portion of income (up to $20,000) into a qualified, tax-deferred plan. The Company will make a non-elective contribution to the executive’s account, and a corresponding reduction to the amount of the MAP payment. The executive may choose from the same investment options provided under the 401(k) plan.

In anticipationNone of the separation the Company discontinued the BRRP and merged the assets of the plan into each participant’s 401(k) plan account.

Severance in Absence of Change in Control

As briefly described earlier in the CD&A under the “2015 Executive Compensation Highlights” on page 43, during a review of the Company’s severance practices in February 2015, the Compensation Committee revised severance benefitsagreements provide for Messrs. Espe, Schulz, Grizzle and Hershey, to more closely align with competitive practices and to create internal equity among participants. Mr. Espe’s employment agreement was amended to provide severance payment equal to 200% of base salary plus target annual incentive under the Company’s MAP. In addition, the amendment states that a termination of employment under the employment agreement will not result in accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards. Mr. Espe will be subject to a two-year non-competition and non-solicitation agreement following his termination of employment. Please refer to the 2011 Proxy Statement for a summary of Mr. Espe’s employment agreement. The amendment was disclosed in the Company’s current report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 8, 2015.

Under the Company’s severance plan, which applied to Mr. Maier in the absence of a Change in Control event and in the absence of an employment agreement, severance benefits for executive participants provide a minimum of 26 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks of base salary based on years of service.

In connection with the separation of AFI, the Company announced an enhanced severance program in March 2015, which will continue for one year after the separation, April 1, 2017. The severance benefits for executive participants under the enhanced program provide a minimum of 39 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks of base salary based on years of service.

taxChange in Control Agreementsgross-ups

We provide individual change in control (“CIC”) agreements to the NEOs to establish a competitive level of financial security in the event of a CIC. In 2015, the Compensation Committee determined the level of CIC benefits for the NEOs based on research conducted by Skadden and an assessment of contemporary market practices.

The Compensation Committee made revisions to the existing agreements to update the agreements. The changes to the agreements were described earlier in this proxy statement under the “2015 Executive Compensation Highlights” section on page 43.

None of the CIC agreements provides for tax gross-ups under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information regarding our NEO CIC agreements,separation arrangements, please refer to “CIC Agreements – Key Terms”the “Potential Payments upon Termination of Change in Control” section on page 70.52.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Compensation Committee institutedmaintains stock ownership guidelines for our NEOs in August 2010 in an effort to ensure that our NEOs have significant long-term value creation tied to stock price appreciation. Ownership requirements and progress toward their achievement are reviewed annually as part of the compensation planning process. A significant percentage of each NEO’s compensation is directly linked to our stock price appreciation. In 2016, the Compensation Committee updated theThe guidelines to require retention of 50%100% of net shares acquired upon any future vesting or exercise of equity awards until the ownership guidelines are met.

The stock ownership guidelines for our NEOs are calculated as a fixed number of shares using a required ownership multiple, the executive’s annualized base salary as of a certain date, and the stock price as of a fixed date. The required

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

ownership multiple for our CEO is six times annual base pay for our CEO and is three times annual base pay for our other NEOs.

For purposes of the stock ownership guidelines, we include direct ownership of shares and stock units held inunder employee plans. Stock options are included to the extent they are “in-the-money”.“in-the-money.” PSUs are not included in determining whether an executive has achieved the ownership levels.

The stock ownership guidelines requiredrequire achievement of the ownership multiple within five years from the date of adoption of the guidelines for Mr. Espe since he joined the Company prior to the adoption of the guidelines, and within five years from date of hire or promotion into the role for Messrs. Schulz, Grizzle, Maier and Hershey.the NEOs.

The Compensation Committee last reviewed the NEOs’ progress toward meeting the stock ownership requirements in February 2015.December 2019. As of the date of the review, Messrs. Espe and Grizzleall NEOs’ had met their ownership requirements.

Restrictive Covenants

Each NEO has a restrictive covenants agreement as part of their separation agreement. The agreements require the following:

For 12 months following a termination the NEO shall not, directly for the NEO or any third party, become engaged in any business or activity which is directly in competition with any services or products sold by, or any business or activity engaged in by, the Company or any of its affiliates

For 24 months following a termination, the NEO shall not solicit any person who was a customer of the Company or any of its affiliates during the period of the NEO’s employment hereunder, or solicit potential customers who are or were identified through leads developed during the course of employment with the Company, or otherwise divert or attempt to divert any existing business of the Company or any of its affiliates; and

For 24 months following a termination, the NEO shall not, directly for the NEO or any third party, solicit, induce, recruit or cause another person in the employment of the Company or any of its affiliates to terminate such employee’s employment for the purposes of joining, associating, or becoming employed with any business or activity which is in competition with any services or products sold, or any business or activity engaged in, by the Company or any of its affiliates.

Recoupment Policy

OurIn 2019, our Compensation Committee amended our 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan to expand the scope and coverage of its recoupment provision. Under the amended plan, the Compensation Committee has the ability to exercise discretion and take action to recoup certainsettled or unsettled stock-based and cash awards from a plan participant in the event his or her employment is terminated for willful, deliberate or gross misconduct, as, for example, if we were required to prepare following events:

an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements that is required due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirementrequirements under the securities laws asand GAAP;

the participant is involved in (i) the commission of a resultfelony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) fraud, dishonesty, misrepresentation, theft or misappropriation of suchfunds; (iii) a violation of our

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    41


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

Code of Conduct or employment policies; (iv) gross negligence or willful, deliberate or gross misconduct, that results in significant financial or reputational harm to the Company;

during the participant’s misconduct which led to his or her termination of employment or if atheone-year period thereafter, the participant engages in business that is competitive with the Company or substantially injurious conduct after terminationto the Company’s business interests;

during the participant’s employment or thetwo-year period thereafter, the participant solicits the Company’s customers or employees; or

the participant breaches any written noncompetition, confidentiality ornon-solicitation covenant with the Company.

All of employment. Toour NEOs are subject to the extent that inabove recoupment terms of the future the SEC adopts rules for clawback policies that require changes to our policies, we will revise our policies as appropriate.plan.

Prohibition on Hedging and Derivative Trading

All members of our Board and senior management, including our NEOs and certain other employees, are required to clear any transaction involving Company securities with our General Counsel’s office prior to entering into such transaction.

By policy, we prohibit derivative transactions in our Company securities, including:

 

Trading in puts, calls, covered calls, or other derivative products involving Company securities.

 

Engaging in any hedging or monetization transaction with respect to Company securities.

 

Holding Company securities in a margin account or pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan.

Beginning in 2011, we permittedWe permit senior management to utilizeuse stock trading plans that comply with Rule10b5-1 of the Exchange Act. All such plans are subject to our

pre-approval, and the ability to enter into such plans remains subject to policy prohibitions on trading while in possession of materialnon-public information.

Assessment and Management of Risk

We monitor the risks associated with our compensation program on an ongoing basis. In addition, we are committed to performing formal assessments on a periodic basis. At the conclusion of the most recent analysis (conducted in 2014)2019) of our compensation programs and associated risks, it was the assessment of the Compensation Committee that our compensation programs are structured and operated with an appropriate balance of risk and reward and, by their design, do not encourage executives to take unnecessary, excessive, or inappropriate risks and do not create risks reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Tax Deductibility of Compensation

TheSection 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code imposes a $1 million limit on the amount a public company may deduct for compensation paid to the Company’s CEO or anycertain of the Company’s highest paid officers.

For 2019, the executive officers to whom the Section 162(m) deduction limit applies included the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the next three other most highly compensated executive officers, (other than the CFO)and any persons who are employed as of the end of thewere such “covered employees” in 2017 or a later year.

This limitation doesThe Compensation Committee considers both tax and accounting treatment in establishing our compensation program. The Compensation Committee retains discretion to authorize compensation arrangements that are not apply to compensation that meets the Internal Revenue Code requirements for “qualifying performance-based” compensation (i.e., compensation paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established objective goals based on performance criteria approved by shareowners).fully tax deductible as it deems appropriate.

 

 

 
5642          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS(CONTINUED)

 

Our Compensation Committee retains discretion to determine whether to structure our annual and long-term incentive compensation plans for the NEOs to maximize the tax deductibility of the payments as “qualifying performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent practicable. The Compensation Committee considers both tax and accounting treatment in establishing our

compensation program. The Compensation Committee retains discretion to authorize compensation arrangements that are not fully tax deductible, as, for example, may be appropriate to attract and retain global business leaders who can drive financial and strategic growth objectives that maximize long-term shareholder value or, as was the case in 2015, to provide significant retention incentives.

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    57


COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Management Development and Compensation Committee (MDCC) of Armstrong World Industries, Inc.’sour Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of RegulationS-K with the Company’sour management. Based on this review and discussion, the Management Development and Compensation CommitteeMDCC recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

Submitted by the Management Development and Compensation Committee

Stan A. Askren, Chair

James J. Gaffney

Larry S. McWilliams

James C. Melville

Gregory P. SpivyWayne R. Shurts

Roy W. Templin

Cherryl T. Thomas

This report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor incorporated by reference into any future SEC filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference therein.

 

LOGO

58AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement43


20152019 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The table below sets forth the total compensation for our NEOs during fiscal 2015, 20142019, 2018 and 2013.2017.

 

Name and
Principal Position
 Year  

Salary

($)

  

Bonus

($)

  Stock
Awards(1)
($)
  

Option

Awards(1)

($)

  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(2)
($)
  

Change in
Pension Value

& Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)

  All  Other
Compensation(3)
($)
  

Total

($)

 

Mr. Espe

  2015    1,009,401    —      3,150,000    —      1,621,100    —      252,088(4)   6,032,589  

President and Chief

  2014    1,002,050    —      1,260,000    1,890,000    837,720    —      212,401    5,202,171  

Executive Officer

  2013    980,000    —      1,260,000    1,890,000    764,400    —      694,231    5,588,631  

Mr. Schulz

  2015    473,800    —      690,000    —      518,820    —      52,153(4)   1,734,773  

Senior Vice

  2014    435,367    —      208,000    312,000    248,160    —      40,678    1,244,205  

President and Chief

Financial Officer

  2013    262,912    —      51,880    77,820    128,900    —      20,290    541,802  

Mr. Grizzle

  2015    496,558    —      874,000    —      424,560    —      88,951(4)   1,884,069  

Executive Vice

  2014    479,848    —      333,000    499,500    305,910    —      102,028    1,720,286  

President and CEO,

Armstrong Building Products

  2013    459,375    —      324,000    486,000    361,800    —      34,207    1,665,382  

Mr. Maier

  2015    485,725    —      855,000    —      670,310    —      144,470(4)   2,155,505  

Executive Vice

  2014    428,466    68,710    335,200    502,800    188,790    —      140,427    1,664,393  
President and CEO Armstrong Flooring Products  2013    409,000    —      240,000    360,000    159,600    —      87,464    1,256,064  

Mr. Hershey

  2015    443,925    —      605,600    —      388,800    —      69,627(4)   1,508,032  
Senior Vice President,  2014    429,450    —      235,200    352,800    195,830    —      60,142    1,273,422  

General Counsel and

Chief Compliance Officer

  2013    413,750    —      221,200    331,800    193,700    —      39,356    1,199,806  
Name and
Principal Position
 Year 

Salary

($)

 

Bonus(3)

($)

 

Stock

Awards(1)

($)

 

Option

Awards(1)

($)

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan
Compensation(2)

($)

 

Change in

Pension Value

& Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings(4)

($)

 

All Other

Compensation(5)

($)

 

Total

($)

Victor D. Grizzle   2019   787,500   —     3,300,000   —     826,880   —     195,375   5,109,755

President and

Chief Executive

Officer

   

2018

2017


   

743,750

718,750


   

—  

—  


   

3,100,000

2,300,000


   

—  

—  


   

803,250

567,820


   

—  

—  


   

83,319

92,921


   

4,730,319

3,679,491


Brian L. MacNeal

   2019   440,938   —     510,000   —     277,800   —     56,917   1,285,655
Senior Vice   2018   421,688   —     452,900   —     273,260   —     31,523   1,179,371

President and

Chief Financial

Officer

   2017   402,563   —     375,000   —     190,820   —     32,642   1,001,025

Charles M.

Chiappone

   

2019

2018


   

435,750

407,745


   

—  

—  


   

462,000

370,900


   

—  

—  


   

274,530

292,340


   

—  

—  


   

39,406

18,500


   

1,211,686

1,089,485


Senior Vice President, Ceiling Solutions   2017   366,985   —     266,300   —     144,960   —     23,122   801,367
Mark A. Hershey   2019   431,758   —     524,000   —     272,010   —     54,226   1,281,994
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer   

2018

2017


   

415,635

418,200


   

280,000

—  


   

506,300

506,300


   

—  

—  


   

269,340

252,940


   

—  

—  


   

44,207

48,413


   

1,515,482

1,225,853


Ellen R. Romano   2019   326,428   —     320,400   —     188,520   958,061   35,987   1,829,396

Senior Vice President,

Human Resources

   

2018

2017


   

318,473

310,723


   

—  

—  


   

312,600

305,000


   

—  

—  


   

189,180

143,560


   

—  

559,893


   

34,159

10,830


   

854,412

1,330,006


 

(1)

The amounts reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of stock units granted in the fiscal year, computed in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards CodificationASC Topic 718. Under ASC Topic 718, the grant date fair value is calculated using the closing price of the Company’s shares of Common Stock ($55.64)74.32) on the date of grant (February 24, 2015)26, 2019).

The 2019 LTIP awards consist of PSUs only. The target and maximum payouts for the PSUs are as follows: target of $3,300,000 and maximum of $9,075,000 for Mr. Grizzle, target of $510,000 and maximum of $1,402,500 for Mr. MacNeal, target of $462,000 and maximum of $1,270,500 for Mr. Chiappone (maximums are 275% of target); target of $524,000 and maximum of $1,179,000 for Mr. Hershey, target of $320,400 and maximum of $720,900 for Ms. Romano (maximums are 225% of target).

 

(2)

The 20152019 amounts disclosed are the awards under the 2015 MAP.

2019 AIP.

 

(3)

Mr. Hershey received aone-time special cash bonus of $280,000 on October 25, 2018. The bonus was paid in recognition of his leadership and performance in connection with certain significant projects. The special bonus was separate from our AIP.

(4)

For 2018, the change in pension value decreased from 2017 due to the higher discount rate for Ms. Romano. The decline in value was ($205,437).

(5)

The amounts shown in the “All Other Compensation” column include: (i) cash dividends paid; (ii) Company matching contributioncontributions to the Savings and Investment 401(k) Plan and to the NQDCP; (iii)(ii) premiums for long-term disability insurance; (iii) termination payments (severance); (iv) relocation expenses; (v) cash dividends and (v)(vi) personal benefits (“perquisites”) consisting of medical examinations and financial planning expense reimbursements to the extent the total perquisite value is $10,000 or greater per individual. For each person the total value of all such perquisites did not reach $10,000. In 2015, the Company’s LTI program for NEOs consisted of 100% time-based RSUs in anticipation of the separation of AFI. The RSUs will vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the effective date grant. Any cash dividend equivalents declared will be accrued in a non-interest bearing account and paid when the restrictions on the underlying shares lapse.

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    59


2015 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE(CONTINUED)

(4)The following table provides the detail for the amounts reported in the All Other Compensation for 2015 for each NEO:

Name  

Perquisites
and Other
Benefits(a)

($)

  

Cash
Dividends(a)

($)

   

Company
Match
Savings Plan
Contributions

($)

   

Executive
Long-
Term
Disability

($)

   Relocation(b)
($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
 

Mr. Espe

     134,415     115,327     2,346       252,088  

Mr. Schulz

     5,677     46,475         52,153  

Mr. Grizzle

     36,303     52,648         88,951  

Mr. Maier

       44,970       99,500     144,470  

Mr. Hershey

      23,530     41,147     4,950          69,627  

(a)Cash dividend equivalents were paid upon vesting of RSUs and PSUs in 2015.

(b)Mr. Maier was provided commuting expense assistance following his promotion to the global EVP & CEO AFP role on September 26, 2014 details of which are outlined in SEC form 8-K filing on August 22, 2014. The commuting expense is to cover housing, car lease and flight travel.

 

 
6044          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


2019 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE(CONTINUED)

(6)

The following table provides the detail for the amounts reported in the All Other Compensation for 2019 for each NEO:


Name  

Perquisites

and Other

Benefits

($)

  Cash
Dividends
($)
  

Company

Match

Savings Plan

Contributions

($)

  

Executive

Long-

Term

Disability

($)

  

All Other

Compensation

($)

Victor D. Grizzle

    —      97,180    98,195    —      195,375

Brian L. MacNeal

    —      20,825    36,093    —      56,917

Charles M. Chiappone

    —      14,788    24,618    —      39,406

Mark A. Hershey

    —      9,656    42,739    1,830    54,226

Ellen R. Romano

    —      5,915    28,243    1,830    35,987

CEO Pay Ratio

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDSOur philosophy is to pay our employees competitively with employees in similar positions in the applicable labor market. We follow this approach globally, whether it be an executive level position or hourly job. As such, we typically benchmark by position to the applicable labor market every year, and adjust compensation to match the applicable market. By doing so, we believe we maintain a high-quality, stable workforce. The compensation we paid to the median employee identified below was benchmarked in accordance with this process to verify competitive compensation.

We identified a significant change in our employee population due to the sale of our international business in 2019; therefore, we updated our employee population and identified a new median employee. Accordingly, the pay ratio calculation has been made using the compensation for the median employee identified at the end of 2019.

As a result of rules the SEC adopted under the Dodd-Frank Act, we are providing the following disclosure about the ratio of the annual total compensation of our CEO to the annual total compensation of our median employee. For the year ended December 31, 2019:

the annual total compensation of our median employee was reasonably estimated to be $72,220,
the annual total compensation of our CEO was $5,030,560; and

The table below shows

based on this information, the ratio of the annual total compensation of the CEO to that of the median employee is estimated to be 71:1

We determined that, as of December 31, 2019, we had 2,500 employees, as disclosed in our Annual Report on MAP awards and RSUs grantedForm10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2020. We identified our median employee using a multistep process that is permitted under the SEC rules. We examined the annual taxable earnings paid to each NEOof our employees during 2019, which we gathered from payroll data. We did not exclude any of ournon-U.S. employees when determining the median employee.

We annualized the total taxable compensation paid to those employees who commenced work with us during 2019 and therefore did not work for us the entire calendar year. Using this annual taxable compensation data, we identified the employee whose total taxable compensation was closest to the median. We then calculated the total annual compensation of the median employee, in 2015. There is no assurance that the grant date fair value of RSU awards will be realized bysame way as we calculate total annual compensation for our CEO in the executive.Summary Compensation Table.

       

Estimated Future

Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards

 

  

Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan
Awards

 

 All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#)(3)
  All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Under-Lying
Options
(#)
 Exercise or
Base Price
of Option
Awards
($/Sh)
 Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and Option
Awards(3)
($)
 
Name     

Grant

Date

 Threshold
($)
  Target
($)
  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
    

Mr. Espe

  (1)  N/A  555,170    1,110,340    2,220,680         
  (2)  2/25/2015        56,614      3,150,000  

Mr. Schulz

  (1)  N/A  177,675    355,350    710,700         
  (2)  2/25/2015        12,402      690,000  

Mr. Grizzle

  (1)  N/A  186,209    372,418    744,836         
  (2)  2/25/2015        15,710      874,100  

Mr. Maier

  (1)  N/A  182,147    364,294    728,588         
  (2)  2/25/2015        15,367      855,000  

Mr. Hershey

  (1)  N/A  133,178    266,355    532,710         
   (2)  2/25/2015                    10,855        605,600  
(1)The amounts shown represent the 2015 MAP target opportunity for each NEO. Actual payouts are included in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the SCT.
(2)In 2015, the Company’s LTI program for NEOs consisted of 100% time-based RSUs in anticipation of the announced separation of AFI. The RSUs will vest in three equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the effective date grant. Any cash dividend equivalents declared will be accrued in a non-interest bearing account and paid when the restrictions on the underlying shares lapse.
(3)These share numbers do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflect the separation of AFI. Upon the date of the separation, outstanding equity awards held by continuing Company employees were adjusted to increase the number of shares, and decrease the applicable per share exercise price of stock options, proportionately to take into account the separation.

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          6145


GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The table below shows information on AIP awards and PSUs granted to each NEO in 2019. There is no assurance that the grant date fair value of PSU/RSU awards will be realized by the executive.

       

 

Estimated Future

Payouts Under

Non-Equity Incentive Plan

Awards

  

 

Estimated Future

Payouts Under

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards

  

All Other

Stock

Awards:

Number of

Shares of

Stock or

Units

(#)

  

All Other

Option

Awards:

Number of

Securities

Under-Lying

Options

(#)

  

Exercise or

Base Price

of Option

Awards

($/Sh)

  

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Stock

and Option

Awards

($)

 
Name    Grant
Date
 

Threshold

($)

  

Target

($)

  

Maximum

($)

  

Threshold

(#)

  

Target

(#)

  

Maximum

(#)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

  (1 )  N/A  393,750   787,500   1,575,000                             
  (2 )  2/26/2019     11,101   44,403   122,108      3,300,000  

Brian L. MacNeal

  (1 )  N/A  132,281   264,563   529,125        
  (2 )  2/26/2019     1,716   6,863   18,873      510,000  

Charles M. Chiappone

  (1 )  N/A  130,725   261,450   522,900        
  (2 )  2/26/2019     1,554   6,217   17,097      462,000  

Mark A. Hershey

  (1 )  N/A  129,527   259,055   518,109        
  (2 )  2/26/2019     3,526   7,051   15,865      524,000  

Ellen R. Romano

  (1 )  N/A  89,768   179,535   359,070        
   (2 )  2/26/2019              2,156   4,312   9,702               320,400  
(1)

The amounts shown represent the 2019 AIP threshold, target and maximum opportunity for each NEO. Actual payouts are included in theNon-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the SCT.

(2)

In 2019, the Company’s LTIP program for NEOs included PSUs that have a three-year performance period based on Absolute TSR and FCF; participants earn up to 275% of target for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone and up to 225% of target for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano if the Company achieves the established performance goals. Any cash dividends declared on shares underlying PSUs will be accrued in anon-interest bearing account and paid when the restrictions on the underlying shares lapse.

46    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


OUTSTANDING EQUITY  AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The table below shows the number of shares covered by exercisable and unexercisable stock options, and unvested RSUs and PSUs held by each NEO on December 31, 2015.2019. Market or payout values in the table below are based on the closing price of our shares of Common Stock on that date, $45.73. These share numbers below do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity$93.97. Equity awards held by NEOs at the time of the 2016 separation of Armstrong Flooring Inc. were adjusted to reflect thesuch separation, of AFI. Upon the date of the separation, outstandingconsistent with equity awards held by continuingother Company employees, wereand the table below includes outstanding adjusted to increase the numberawards as of shares, and decrease the applicable per share exercise price of stock options, proportionately to take into account the separation.December 31, 2019.

 

     Option Awards(4)  Stock Awards(4) 
  Grant
Date
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
  Market Value
of Shares or
Units of Stock
That Have Not
Vested
($)
  

Equity Incentive

Plans Awards:

Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested(3)
(#)

  Equity Incentive
Plans Awards
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares or
Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
($)
 
          
Name  Exercisable  Unexercisable(1)       

Mr. Espe

  8/10/10    343,835        24.73    08/10/20                  
  3/2/11    121,399     35.57    03/02/21      
  2/28/12    101.647     43.21    02/28/22      
  2/20/13    58,306    29,154    51.76    02/20/23      
  2/25/14    25,301    50,603    53.87    02/25/24      
  2/20/13          24,344    1,113,251  
  2/25/14          23,390    1,069,625  
  2/25/15        56,614(1)   2,588,958    

Mr. Schulz

  6/1/11    4,472     40.71    06/01/21      
  2/28/12    4,287     43.21    02/28/22      
  2/20/13    2,401    1,201    51.76    02/20/23      
  2/25/14    4,177    8,354    53.87    02/25/24      
  2/20/13          1,003    45,867  
  2/25/14          3,862    176,609  
  2/25/15        12,402(1)   567,143    

Mr. Grizzle

  1/17/11    16,773     36.58    01/17/21      
  3/2/11    27,315     35.57    03/02/21      
  2/28/12    27,445     43.21    02/28/22      
  2/20/13    14,993    7,497(1)   51.76    02/20/23      
  2/25/14    6,687    13,374(1)   53.87    02/25/24      
  2/20/13       6,260    286,270  
  2/25/14       6,182    282,703  
  2/25/15     15,710(1)   718,418    

Mr. Maier

  3/2/11    8,094     35.57    03/02/21      
  11/1/11    6,026     33.15    11/01/21      
  2/28/12    22,588     43.21    02/28/22      
  2/20/13    11,106    5,553(1)   51.76    02/20/23      
  2/25/14    4,964    9,928(1)   53.87    02/25/24      
  9/26/14    1,633    3,267(1)   56.52    09/26/24      
  9/26/14          4,637    212,050  
  2/20/13          4,589    209,8550  
  2/25/14        1,557(2)   71,202    
  2/25/15        15,367(1)   702,733    

Mr. Hershey

  7/1/11    13,530     40.30    07/01/21      
  2/28/12    17,789     43.21    02/28/22      
  2/20/13    10,236    5,119(1)   51.76    02/20/23      
  2/25/14    4,723    9,446(1)   53.87    02/25/24      
  2/20/13          4,274    195,450  
  2/25/14          4,367    199,703  
   2/25/15                    10,885(1)   497,771          
      Option Awards  Stock Awards 
   

Grant

Date

  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
  

Option

Exercise

Price

($)

  

Option

Expiration

Date

  

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

(#)

  

Market Value

of Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have Not

Vested

($)

  

Equity Incentive

Plans Awards:

Number of

Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other Rights

That Have Not

Vested (#)

  

Equity Incentive

Plans Awards

Market or

Payout Value

of Unearned

Shares or

Other Rights

That Have Not

Vested ($)

 
Name Exercisable  Unexercisable 

Victor D. Grizzle

   1/17/2011   19,158       32.03   01/17/21                 
   3/2/2011   31,200    31.15   03/02/21     
   2/28/2012   31,348    37.83   02/28/22     
   2/20/2013   25,689    45.32   02/20/23     
   2/25/2014   22,914    47.17   02/25/24     
   2/28/2017         50,000(2)   4,698,500 
   2/27/2018         52,454(3)   4,929,102 
   2/26/2019         44,403(4)   4,172,550 

Brian L. MacNeal

   6/24/2014   3,740    49.96   06/24/24     
   2/28/2017         8,153(2)   766,137 
   2/27/2018         7,664(3)   720,186 
   2/26/2019         6,863(4)   644,916 

Charles M. Chiappone

   2/28/2012   2,307    37.83   02/28/22     
   2/20/2013   3,781    45.32   02/20/23     
   2/25/2014   5,904    47.17   02/25/24     
   2/28/2017         5,790(2)   544,086 
   2/27/2018         6,276(3)   589,756 
   2/26/2019         6,217(4)   584,211 

Mark A. Hershey

   2/20/2013   17,539    45.32   02/20/23     
   2/25/2014   16,184    47.17   02/25/24     
   4/11/2016       4,513(1)   424,087   
   2/28/2017         11,007(2)   1,034,328 
   2/27/2018         8,567(3)   805,041 
   2/26/2019         7,051(4)   662,582 

Ellen R. Romano

   4/11/2016       2,995(1)   281,440   
   2/28/2017         6,631(2)   623,115 
   2/27/2018         5,290(3)   497,101 
    2/26/2019                           4,312(4)   405,199 
 (1)

Grant will vest in three equal installments one, two, three and threefour years from the date of grant.

 

 (2)Grant will

The number of shares of Common Stock represents the amount that vests if target is achieved for the 2017 PSU grant (based on Absolute TSR and FCF goals). The awards would vest three years from the dateon December 31, 2019. Participants can earn up to 275% of grant.target for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone and 225% of target for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano.

 

 (3)

The number of shares of Common Stock reflected in this column represents the amount that vests if target shares ifis achieved for the ROIC goal is achieved.2018 PSU grant (based on Absolute TSR and FCF goals). The awards would vest on December 31, 20152020. Participants can earn up to 275% of target for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and December 31, 2016 respectively.Chiappone and 225% of target for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano.

 

 

 (4)These share numbers do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflect the separation of AFI. Upon the date of the separation, outstanding equity awards held by continuing Company employees were adjusted to increase the

The number of shares of Common Stock represents the amount that vests if target is achieved for the 2019 PSU grant (based on Absolute TSR and decrease the applicable per share exercise priceFCF goals). The awards would vest on December 31, 2021. Participants can earn up to 275% of stock options, proportionately to take into account the separation.target for Messrs. Grizzle, MacNeal and Chiappone and 225% of target for Mr. Hershey and Ms. Romano.

 

 

62AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement47


OPTION EXERCISED AND STOCK VESTED

The following table shows the exercise of stock options by each NEO during 20152019, as well as stock awards held by each NEO that became free of restrictions during 2015.2019.

 

   Option Awards(1)   Stock Awards(2) 
  

 

 

 
Name  

Number

of Shares

Acquired

on Exercise

(#)

   

Value

Realized

on Exercise

($)

   

Number

of Shares

Acquired

on Vesting

(#)

   

Value

Realized

on Vesting

($)

 

Mr. Espe

   —       —       15,721    $847,205  

Mr. Schulz

   —       —       664     35,783  

Mr. Grizzle

   —       —       4,246     228,817  

Mr. Maier

   —       —       —       —    

Mr. Hershey

   —       —       2,752     148,305  
   Option Awards  Restricted Stock
Awards
Name  

Number

of Shares

Acquired

on Exercise

(#)

  

Value

Realized

on Exercise

($)

  

Number

of Shares

Acquired

on Vesting

(#)

  

Value

Realized

on Vesting

($)(1)

Victor D. Grizzle

    —      —      277,658    22,537,500

Brian L. MacNeal

    —      —      59,500    4,829,615

Charles M. Chiappone

    —      —      42,252    3,429,595

Mark A. Hershey

    —      —      27,590    2,252,204

Ellen R. Romano

    —      —      16,899    1,380,138

 

(1)

Represents the number of stock options exercised in 2015. The value realized upon exercise is computed by determining the difference between the market price at exercise and the exercise price of the options

(2)Represents the number ofRSUs/ PSUs that vested in 2015.2019. The value realized upon vesting is computed by multiplying the number of units by the value of the underlying shares on the vesting date.

The following table lists the details of the stock awards that vested in 2015 for the NEOs. The performance period was 2012 – 2014 and the payout was 66% of target. The cash dividend equivalents associated with these vesting events are represented in the “All Other Compensation” column in the SCT.

Name  Type   Grant
Date
   Payout
Date
   

Number of

Shares Granted

   

Number of

Shares Acquired

on Vesting

   

Value Realized on

Vesting ($)

 

Mr. Espe

   PSU     2/28/12     2/19/15     23,819     15,721    $847,205  

Mr. Schulz

   PSU     2/28/12     2/19/15     1,066     664     35,783  

Mr. Grizzle

   PSU     2/28/12     2/19/15     6,432     4,246     228,817  

Mr. Hershey

   PSU     2/28/12     2/19/15     4,169     2,752     148,305  

The performance period for PSUs granted in 20132017 ended on December 31, 2015. The final payout was not determinable as of December 31, 2015.2019. The final payout determination was made in February 2016April 2020 by the Compensation Committee after a review of the Company’s performance and certification of achievement of the performance goals. The final 20132017 PSU shares paid out and the value realized in February 2016April 2020 are set forth below. Target units and year-end values for the PSUs awarded in 2013 are included in the Outstanding Equity Awards table.

 

Name  

2013 PSU Final
Payout(a)

(#)

   

PSU Value on
Vesting(b)(c)

($)

 

Mr. Espe

   13,877    $542,591  

Mr. Schulz

   572     22,365  

Mr. Grizzle

   3,569     139,548  

Mr. Maier

   2,644     103,380  

Mr. Hershey

   2,437     95,287  
Name  2017 PSU
Absolute TSR
Shares Granted
(#)
   

2017 PSU
Absolute TSR

Payout Factor

  

2017 PSU
Absolute TSR
Final Payout

(#)

   

PSU Absolute
TSR Value on
Vesting(a)

($)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

   37,500    300  112,500    8,249,625 

Brian L. MacNeal

   6,115    300  18,345    1,345,239 

Charles M. Chiappone

   4,342    300  13,026    955,197 

Mark A. Hershey

   2,752    300  8,256    605,412 

Ellen R. Romano

   1,658    300  4,974    364,743 
Name  2017 PSU FCF
Shares Granted
(#)
   2017 PSU FCF
Payout Factor
  

2017 PSU FCF
Final Payout

(#)

   

PSU FCF Value on
Vesting(a)

($)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

   12,500    152  19,000    1,393,270 

Brian L. MacNeal

   2,038    152  3,098    227,176 

Charles M. Chiappone

   1,448    152  2,201    161,399 

Mark A. Hershey

   8,255    152  12,548    920,145 

Ellen R. Romano

   4,973    152  7,559    554,301 

 

(a)Represents 57% of target award achieved.

(b)Valued

Value at $39.10,$73.33, the closing price of our shares of Common Stock on February 5, 2016,April 1, 2020, the date of Compensation Committee final payout determination.

 

(c)These share numbers do not reflect adjustments made to outstanding equity awards to reflect the separation of AFI. Upon the date of the separation, outstanding equity awards held by continuing Company employees were adjusted to increase the number of shares, and decrease the applicable per share exercise price of stock options, proportionately to take into account the separation.
48    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


PENSION BENEFITS

The table below shows the present value of accumulated benefits payable to each of the NEOs, including the number of years of service credited to each such NEO, under the RIP and the RBEP as of December 31, 2019. The amounts were determined using the same interest rate and mortality rate assumptions used in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. Information regarding the RIP and RBEP can be found in Note 18 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Name  Plan Name  

Number of Years
Credited Service

(#)

   

Present Value of
Accumulated Benefit

($)

   

Payments During
Last Fiscal Year

($)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

  Not eligible  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Brian L. MacNeal

  Not eligible  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Charles M. Chiappone

  Not eligible  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Mark A. Hershey

  Not eligible  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

  Retirement Income Plan for Employees of Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   36.5    1,878,960    —   

Ellen R. Romano

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  Retirement Benefit Equity Plan of Armstrong World Industries, Inc.   36.5    1,708,916    —   

The RBEP was established to pay any benefit which cannot be paid under the RIP due to Internal Revenue Code compensation or benefits limitations. All pension benefits are paid by the Company. The pension plans were closed to new salaried participants effective January 1, 2005 and pension benefits were frozen for all salaried employees on December 31, 2017. Benefits payable under the RIP and RBEP are based on a formula that yields an annual amount payable over the participant’s lifetime beginning at the age where the participant qualifies for an unreduced life annuity benefit.

In addition, Ms. Romano qualified for an additional annuity payment under the ESOP Pension Account (the “EPA”) to the extent such benefit can be paid under the qualified pension plan. The EPA was established in 2000 to restore a portion of the value lost by a broad group of employees who had purchased shares of Company stock and received Company contributions of additional shares which were intended to help fund the cost of their retiree health care coverage. The starting EPA balance was determined by multiplying the number of ESOP shares held by the participant by $47.75 which was the guaranteed value of the original ESOP convertible preferred shares. The EPA is credited

with interest annually using theNovember 30-year Treasury bond rate. Interest is credited up to the date the participant commences regular pension benefits under the RIP.

Participants in the RIP may retire as early as age 55 provided the participant is vested under the plan. Participants become vested after completing five years of continuous employment having worked at least 1,000 hours in each year. Normal retirement date is the first of the month nearest the participant’s 65th birthday. Except as noted below, there is a reduction for early retirement for salaried participants who retire between the ages of 55 and 65. An employee who retires from active employment can receive an unreduced pension benefit commencing on the date of retirement if the employee’s age (minimum age 55) and total service totals 90 points (the “Rule of 90”). The unreduced Rule of 90 benefit is limited to the employee’s pension amount accrued to February 28, 2006. Employees receive credit for post-March 1, 2006 age and service for Rule of 90 eligibility.

The normal form of benefit payment is a monthly annuity. Except for payments having a lump sum present value of $100,000 or less under the qualified plan, no involuntary lump sum payments

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          6349


PENSION BENEFITS(CONTINUED)

Our NEOs do

are permitted. Various forms of annuity payments (including life, joint and survivor, period certain and level income options) are available under the pension plans. The annuity payments for these options are determined by actuarially adjusting the life annuity pension amount for the selected form of payment. The formula for the regular life annuity pension benefit for salaried employees under the RIP is based on the following factors:

the participant’s Average Final Compensation (the “AFC”) which is the average of the three highest years of eligible compensation (base salary plus annual incentive) during the last ten years of employment;

the participant’s number of years of Total Service (credited years of employment with the Company) used to calculate the pension amount; and

the participant’s Adjusted Covered Compensation (the “ACC”), which is a percentage of the average Social Security tax base for the35-year period ending with the year the participant will qualify for an unreduced Social Security pension benefit.

The unreduced annual life annuity pension is the sum of the following four calculations, each of which may not participatebe less than zero:

1.

AFC x 0.009 x Total Service to a maximum of 35 years; plus

2.

(AFC – ACC) x 0.005 x Total Service to 35 years; plus

3.

(AFC – 2 x ACC) x 0.0015 x Total Service to 35 years; plus

4.

AFC x 0.012 x Total Service over 35 years.

To the extent the participant is eligible for an EPA pension benefit that can be paid from the RIP, all of the allowable portion of the calculated EPA annuity will be added to the regular pension amount. EPA annuity amounts that cannot be paid from the qualified plan are forfeited.

Special provisions apply if the qualified pension plan is terminated within five years following an Extraordinary Event, as this term is defined in the Company’s qualified defined pensionRIP. Upon the occurrence of such an event, plan which was closedliabilities would first be satisfied, and then remaining plan assets would be applied to newly hired employees after January 1, 2005.increase retirement income to employees. The amount of the increase is based on the assumption that the employee would have continued employment with Armstrong until retirement. Ms. Romano would be entitled to this benefit under these circumstances.

The assumptions used to calculate the actuarial present values shown in the table above are as follows:

Discount rated used to value benefit obligations equals 3.08%;

PRI2012 Projected from 2012 with MP2019;

EPA interest rate of 3.36%;

1994 GAR(RR2001-62) Mortality Table for EPA annuity conversion; and

Retirement at age 65 or Rule of 90 eligibility, as specified.

 

 
6450          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The table below shows the executive contributions, earnings and account balances for each NEO who participates in the NQDCP.

 

Name  

Executive
Contributions

in 2015(1)

($)

   

Registrant

Contributions
in 2015(2)

($)

   

Aggregate

Earnings in
2015

($)

  

Aggregate

Withdrawals /
Distributions

($)

  

Aggregate
Balance at
12/31/15(3)

($)

 

Mr. Espe

   128,410     97,327     (5,400 0   661,282  

Mr. Schulz

   61,954     47,666     (1,386 0   181,961  

Mr. Grizzle

   44,837     34,648     (1,693 0   135,405  

Mr. Maier

   34,598     26,971     (3,465 0   299,437  

Mr. Hershey

   31,742     24,885     (3,925 0   218,187  
Name  

Executive

Contributions

in 2019

($)(1)

   

Registrant

Contributions

in 2019

($)(2)

   

Aggregate

Earnings in

2019

($)

   

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

   

Aggregate

Balance at

12/31/19

($)

 

Victor D. Grizzle

   105,593    79,195    139,065    —      944,859 

Brian L. MacNeal

   36,648    27,486    56,148    —      283,677 

Charles M. Chiappone

   6,242    5,618    10,334    —      67,921 

Mark A. Hershey

   35,635    26,726    115,674    —      659,167 

Ellen R. Romano

   20,247    15,185    10,296    —      75,824 

 

(1)

The amount in this column is also reported as either Salary orNon-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation in the SCT,SCT.

(2)

The amount in this column is also reported in the All Other Compensation column of the SCT.

(3)

The table below reflects amounts reported in the aggregate balance at last fiscal year end that were previously reported as compensation to the NEO in the SCT for previous years.

 

Name  

Amount

Previously

Reported

($)

 

Mr. Espe

363,123

Mr. Schulz

53,481

Mr.Victor D. Grizzle

   56,387580,878 

Mr. MaierBrian L. MacNeal

   195,524143,647 

Mr.Charles M. Chiappone

11,952

Mark A. Hershey

   101,972370,609

Ellen R. Romano

32,310 

 

Our defined benefit pension plans were closed to newAll salaried participants effective January 1, 2005 and to existing salaried participants who did not meet the age and service requirements as of March 1, 2006. None ofemployees, including the NEOs, participates in the Company’s pension plans. Instead, each NEO isare eligible to participate in a 401(k) savings plan with an enhanced Company match.plan. We match 100% on the first 4% of employee contributions and 50% on the next 4% of employee contributions in the enhanced plan. contributions.

The NQDCP was established to provide benefits similar to the 401(k) plan as it applies to eligible employees whose eligible earnings (base salary plus annual incentive) exceed 12.5 times the Internal Revenue Code 402(g) elective deferral limit in effect for the plan year. For 2015, the eligible earnings limit was $225,000. A participant may elect to defer up to 25% of eligible base salary earnings and up to 25% of eligible annual incentive earnings. The Company matching contribution will be the same as that provided under the 401(k) savings plan with the enhanced Company match. Participants may transfer account balances between any of the applicable plansplans’ available investment options.

ParticipantsUnder the NQDCP, participants become 100% vested in the Company match account after completing three years of continuous employment having worked at least 1,000 hours in each year.

ExceptUnder the NQDCP, except in the case of an unforeseeable emergency or having reached age 70, noin-service distributions are permitted. Participants can elect to receive plan benefits as a single lump sum or in 120 monthly installments commencing after the date of the participant’s termination of employment. All elections must comply with the Internal Revenue Code requirements. If the total account value is less than $10,000, the entire account balance will be paid as a single sum at the time of termination. In the event of a participant’s death, any remaining payments shall be paid to the participant’s designated beneficiary or estate.

TheUnder the NQDCP, the Company reserves the right to cause the participant to forfeit or require repayment of the Company match benefits where the participant is discharged for willful, deliberate or gross misconduct or where the participant has engaged in conduct that is injurious to the Company.

 

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          6551


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

The tables below summarize the estimated value of the potential payments and benefits under the Company’s plans and arrangements to which each NEO would be entitled upon termination of employment under the circumstances indicated. Except for the continuation of health and welfare benefits and outplacement support, amounts would be paid as a lump sum at termination. The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective December 31, 2015. Severance benefits for the NEOs were reviewed and modified in February 2015 as described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above.2019.

The “Change in Control” column assumes that there is no limitation on payments under the “best net” provision in each CIC agreement.agreement relating to tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Amounts in the “Change in Control” column are “double trigger” payments and are therefore applicable only in the event both a change in control (“CIC”) event and either an involuntary (without cause) termination or a termination for Good Reason under the CIC agreement occur. The PSUs wereare valued at target.target for purposes of the tables below.

Victor D. Grizzle

Mr. Espe                    
Benefit  Resignation $   

Involuntary

for Cause $

   

Involuntary

without

Cause $

   

Termination

for Good

Reason $

   

Change in

Control $

 

Cash Severance

   —       —       4,239,480     4,239,480     5,299,350  

Cash Retention

       2,018,800     2,018,800     2,018,800  

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

   —       —       25,950     25,950     108,018  

Outplacement Support

   —       —       25,000     25,000     30,000  

Pro-rated MA

   —       —       1,110,340     1,110,340     1,110,340  

Accelerated LTIP

          

PSU

   —       —       —       —       2,440,162  

RSU

   —       —       —       —       —    

Stock Options

   —       —       —       —       268,015  
  

 

 

 

Total

   —       —      $7,419,570    $7,419,570    $12,225,091  
 

 

  Reason for Termination 
Program Element  Resignation  

Involuntary

for Cause

  

Involuntary

without

Cause

   

Termination

for Good

Reason

   

Change in

Control

 

Cash Severance

  —    —    $3,200,000   $3,200,000   $4,000,000 

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

  —    —     —      —      44,433 

Outplacement Support

  —    —     30,000    30,000    30,000 

Pro-rated Bonus

  —    —     800,000    800,000    800,000 

Accelerated Long-Term Incentives

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Shares

  —    —     —      —      13,800,152 

Restricted Stock

  —    —     —      —      —   

Stock Options

  —    —     —      —      —   
  

 

 

Total

  —    —    $4,030,000   $4,030,000   $18,674,585 

Brian L. MacNeal

Mr. Schulz                    
Benefit  Resignation $   

Involuntary

for Cause $

   

Involuntary

without

Cause $

   

Termination

for Good

Reason $

   

Change in

Control $

 

Cash Severance

   —       —       1,255,800     1,255,800     1,674,4000  

Cash Retention

       956,800     956,800     956,800  

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

   —       —       —       —       89,100  

Outplacement Support

   —       —       25,000     25,000     30,000  

Pro-rated MAP

   —       —       358,800     358,800     358,800  

Accelerated LTIP

          

PSU

   —       —       —       —       176,802  

RSU

   —       —       —       —       567,764 

Stock Options

   —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

 

Total

   —       —      $2,596,400    $2,596,400    $3,833,666  

 

 

  Reason for Termination 
Program Element  Resignation  

Involuntary

for Cause

  

Involuntary

without

Cause

   

Termination

for Good

Reason

   

Change in

Control

 

Cash Severance

  —    —    $1,071,000   $1,071,000   $1,428,000 

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

  —    —     —      —      59,697 

Outplacement Support

  —    —     30,000    30,000    30,000 

Pro-rated Bonus

  —    —     267,750    267,750    267,750 

Accelerated Long-Term Incentives

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Shares

  —    —     —      —      2,131,240 

Restricted Stock

  —    —     —      —      —   

Stock Options

  —    —     —      —      —   
  

 

 

Total

  —    —    $1,368,750   $1,368,750   $  3,916,687 

 

 
6652          AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement 


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL(CONTINUED)

 

Charles M. Chiappone

Mr. Grizzle                    
Benefit  Resignation $   

Involuntary

for Cause $

   

Involuntary

without

Cause $

   

Termination

for Good

Reason $

   

Change in

Control $

 

Cash Severance

   —       —       1,313,025     1,313,025     1,750,700  

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

   —       —       6,810     6,810     92,119  

Outplacement Support

   —       —       25,000     25,000     30,000  

Pro-rated MAP

   —       —       372,418     372,418     372,418  

Accelerated LTIP

          

PSU

   —       —       —       —       282,703  

RSU

   —       —       —       —       718,418 

Stock Options

   —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

 

Total

   —       —      $1,717,253    $1,717,253    $3,246,358  
 

 

  Reason for Termination 
Program Element  Resignation  

Involuntary

for Cause

  

Involuntary

without

Cause

   

Termination

for Good

Reason

   

Change in

Control

 

Cash Severance

  —    —    $1,058,400   $1,058,400   $1,411,200 

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

  —    —     —      —      64,224 

Outplacement Support

  —    —     30,000    30,000    30,000 

Pro-rated Bonus

  —    —     264,600    264,600    264,600 

Accelerated Long-Term Incentives

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Shares

  —    —     —      —      1,718,054 

Restricted Stock

  —    —     —      —      —   

Stock Options

  —    —     —      —      —   
  

 

 

Total

  —    —    $1,353,000   $1,353,000   $3,488,078 

Mark A. Hershey

Mr. Maier                    
Benefit  Resignation $   

Involuntary

for Cause $

   

Involuntary

without

Cause $

   

Termination

for Good

Reason $

   

Change in

Control $

 

Cash Severance

   —       —       366,975     366,975     1,712,550  

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

   —       —       —       —       89,800  

Outplacement Support

   —       —       25,000     25,000     30,000  

Pro-rated MAP

   —       —       366,975     366,975     366,975  

Accelerated LTIP

          

PSU

   —       —       —       —       210,084  

RSU

   —       —       —       —       774,781  

Stock Options

   —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

 

Total

   —       —      $758,950    $758,950    $3,184,190  
 

 

  Reason for Termination 
Program Element  Resignation  

Involuntary

for Cause

  

Involuntary

without

Cause

   

Termination

for Good

Reason

   

Change in

Control

 

Cash Severance

  —    —    $1,046,280   $1,046,280   $1,395,040 

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

  —    —     —      —      56,601 

Outplacement Support

  —    —     30,000    30,000    30,000 

Pro-rated Bonus

  —    —     261,570    261,570    261,570 

Accelerated Long-Term Incentives

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Shares

  —    —     —      —      2,501,951 

Restricted Stock

  —    —     —      —      424,087 

Stock Options

  —    —     —      —      —   
  

 

 

Total

  —    —    $1,337,850   $1,337,850   $4,669,249 

Ellen R. Romano

Mr. Hershey                    
Benefit  Resignation $   

Involuntary

for Cause $

   

Involuntary

without

Cause $

   

Termination

for Good

Reason $

   

Change in

Control $

 

Cash Severance

   —       —       1,074,480     1,074,480     1,432,640  

Cash Retention

       671,550     671,550     671,550  

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

   —       —       5,923     5,923     87,671  

Outplacement Support

   —       —       25,000     25,000     30,000  

Pro-rated MAP

   —       —       266,355     266,355     266,355  

Accelerated LTIP

          

PSU

   —       —       —       —       199,703  

RSU

   —       —       —       —       497,771 

Stock Options

   —       —       —       —       —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   —       —      $2,043,308    $2,043,308    $2,043,308  
 

 

  Reason for Termination 
Program Element  Resignation  

Involuntary

for Cause

  

Involuntary

without

Cause

   

Termination

for Good

Reason

   

Change in

Control

 

Cash Severance

  —    —    $763,600   $763,600   $1,018,133 

Health & Welfare Benefit Continuation

  —    —     —      —      30,567 

Outplacement Support

  —    —     30,000    30,000    30,000 

Pro-rated Bonus

�� —    —     180,637    180,637    180,637 

Accelerated Long-Term Incentives

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Performance Shares

  —    —     —      —      1,525,415 

Restricted Stock

  —    —     —      —      281,440 

Stock Options

  —    —     —      —      —   
  

 

 

Total

  —    —    $   974,236   $   974,236   $3,066,192 

 

 

 AWI 20162020 Proxy Statement          6753


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL(CONTINUED)

 

Resignation or Involuntary Termination for Cause

No incremental benefits are provided to any of the NEOs in the event of a voluntary resignation or an involuntary termination for Cause. Cause is defined in the NEOs CIC Agreements and, if applicable, severance agreements as (i) the willful and continued failure by the executive to substantially perform the executive’s duties after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the executive by the Board, or (ii) the willful engaging by the executive in conduct which is demonstrably and materially injurious to the Company, or (iii) the executive’s conviction of any felony.

Involuntary Termination without Cause in the absence of CIC

Under the Company’s severance plan, which applies to Mr. Maier in the absence of a CIC event and in the absence of an employment agreement, severance benefits for executive participants provide a minimum of 26 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks of base salary based on years of service.

In connection with the separation of AFI, the Company announced an enhanced severance program in March 2015, which will continue for one year after the separation until April 1, 2017. The severance benefits for executive participants under the enhanced program provide a minimum of 39 weeks and a maximum of 52 weeks of base salary based on years of service.

A Severance Pay Committee, composed of members of management, reserves the right to depart from the severance pay schedule where factors justify an upward or downward adjustment in the level of benefits. In no event may the severance payment exceed two times the participant’s annual compensation.

In the event of a qualifying involuntary termination, all salaried employees are eligible for continuation of health care and life insurance benefits at active employee premium contributions for a period of six months unless the employee is eligible for and elects retiree health care coverage. In addition, senior executives, including the NEOs, are eligible for twelve months of executive outplacement support provided by an outside service provider.

As discussed above in the CD&A, during a review of the Company’s severance practices in February

2015, the Company’s Compensation Committee revised severance benefits for Messrs. Espe, Schulz, Grizzle and Hershey, to more closely align with competitive practices and to create internal equity among participants (disclosed in the SEC Form 8-K filing on March 8, 2015). Mr. Espe’s employment agreement was amended to provide severance payment equal to 200% of base salary plus target annual incentive under the Company’s MAP. In addition, the amendment states that a termination of employment under the employment agreement will not result in accelerated vesting of outstanding equity awards. Mr. Espe will be subject to a two-year non-competition and non-solicitation agreement following his termination of employment. Please refer to the 2011 Proxy Statement for a summary of Mr. Espe’s employment agreement. The amendment was disclosed in our SECForm 8-K filing on March 8, 2015.

Effective as of March 30, 2016, in connection with the separation of AFI, Mr. Espe’s employment terminated, as reported in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on April 4, 2016.

Pursuant to the severanceindividual separation agreements, and upon the execution of a release of claims, Messrs. Schulz, Grizzle, MacNeal, Chiappone, and Hershey and Ms. Romano are entitled to severance upon a termination by the Company without cause or Good Reason (as defined below) in an amount equal to one andone-half times (two times for Mr. Grizzle) their then current annual base salary plus target annual incentive under the Company’s MAPAIP program, payable in a lump sum, and apro-rated annual incentive bonus based on actual performance for the year of termination, payable at the time that bonuses are paid to employees of the Company

For purposes of the severanceseparation agreements, Good Reason is generally defined to mean: (i) a material diminution in authority, duties, or responsibilities or the assignment of duties or responsibilities that are materially inconsistent with those in currently in effect; (ii) a 10% reduction of base salary, except foracross-the-board salary reductions similarly affecting all senior executive officers of the Company; (iii) the relocation of principal place of

employment to a location more than 50 miles from his or her current principal place of employment; (iv) a material breach by the Company of its obligations under the severance agreement; or (v) failure of the Company to obtain assumption and agreement by a successor of the Company to be bound by the severance agreement.

68    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON  TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL (CONTINUED)

In March, 2015, the Company’s Compensation Committee also entered into retention agreements with Messrs. Espe, Schulz and Hershey pursuant to which they are eligible to receive a cash retention award in an amount equal to two times base salary for Messrs. Espe and Schulz and 1.5 times base salary for Mr. Hershey if employment with the Company continues through the closing of the separation of AFI, sale or similar transaction with respect to the flooring business of the Company prior to June 30, 2016 (unless such date is extended by the Board). In the event their employment is terminated by the Company without cause or for good reason, or due to death or disability (as such terms are defined in his severance agreement), prior to the closing of the separation of AFI, the retention award will be paid within fifteen (15) business days of the date of termination. Retention payments were made in accordance with their terms upon the successful execution of the separation in April 2016.

The offer letters for Messrs. Grizzle and Hershey state that they will receive a minimum of 52 weeks of base salary in severance and health care and life insurance benefits will continue at the active employee contribution levels for 12 months.

Information in the tables above assumes that any termination was effective December 31, 20152019 and is based on the program parameters in effect as of December 31, 20152019 as outlined above.

Qualifying Involuntary Termination Following a Change in Control

Under each executive’s CICseparation agreement, the executive is entitled to receive severance payments

upon involuntary termination without cause or termination for Good Reason within two years following a CIC, or within six months preceding a CIC if the termination is in connection with a potential CIC. Termination for Good Reason is defined in each executive’s individual CIC agreement and includes any one of the following events following a CIC:

 

(i)

the assignment to the executive of any duties inconsistent with the executive’s status as an executive officer of the Company or a substantial adverse alteration in the nature or status of the executive’s responsibilities, including diminution as a result of the Company no longer being a publicly traded corporation following the CIC;

 

(ii)

a reduction by the Company in the executive’s annual base salary;

 

(iii)

relocation of the executive’s principal place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from the principal place of employment immediately before the CIC;

 

(iv)

failure by the Company to pay to the executive any portion of the executive’s current compensation; or

 

(v)

failure by the Company to continue in effect any compensation or benefit plan in which the executive participates immediately prior to a CIC which is material to the executive’s total compensation unless an equitable arrangement has been made.

 

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement54          69AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL(CONTINUED)

 

CIC AgreementsArrangements – Key Terms

We will not provide taxgross-ups under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code to any of our officers. Set forth below are certain key terms of the CIC agreements:

 

Term of Agreement

  Fixedone-year term that automatically renews for an additional year unless notice is given at least 90 days prior to the anniversary of intent not to renew; term automatically continues for two years if the CIC occurs during term

Severance Benefits

  2.5 times base salary plus target MAPAIP for Mr. Espe,Grizzle, two times base salary plus target MAPAIP for Messrs. Schulz, Grizzle, Maier,MacNeal, Chiappone, and Hershey and Ms. Romano

Pro rata MAPAIP

  Prorated target MAPAIP bonus for year of termination

Accelerated Equity Vesting

  Double-trigger accelerated vesting (requires a CIC and qualifying termination of employment) for stock options, RSUs, PSUs and other equity grants to vest if assumed by the acquirer; the Compensation Committee may cash out equity grants if not assumed by the acquireracquirer.

280G Taxation

  Any amounts paid under the CIC Agreement will be reduced to the maximum amount that can be paid without being excess parachute payments under Internal Revenue Code Section 280G and that are subject to the excise tax imposed under Internal Revenue Code Section 280G,4999, but only if theafter-tax benefit of the reduced amount is higher than theafter-tax benefit of the unreduced amount

 

Mr. Maier’s CIC agreement includes in the CIC definition an event in which the Company ceases to own substantially all of the assets of both its flooring and ceiling business units. In connection with the separation, AFI has assumed Mr. Maier’s and Mr. Schulz’s CIC agreements.

“Change in Control” (CIC) generally means the occurrence of one of the following events:

 

(I)

any person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates) representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any person who becomes such a beneficial owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (i) of paragraph (III) below; or

 

(II)

the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the date hereof, constitute the Company’s board of directors and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent

solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Company’s board of directors or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at leasttwo-thirds (2/3) of the

directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended; or;

 

(III)

there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than (i) a merger or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Company’s board of directors immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the entity surviving such merger or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such person

70    AWI 2016 Proxy Statement


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON  TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL (CONTINUED)

any securities acquired directly from the Company or its affiliates) representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

AWI 2020 Proxy Statement    55


POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL(CONTINUED)

(IV)

the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the

Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or

substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the board of directors of the Company immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or any parent thereof.
 

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement56          71AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015.2019.

 

    

(a) Number of securities to

be issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,

warrants, and rights

  

(b) Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants, and rights

  

(c) Number of securities

remaining available for

future Issuance under

equity compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in

column (a))

Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders
  2,237,989(1)  $40.66(2)  1,528,723(3)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders  0  Not Applicable  0
Totals  

2,237,989

  $40.66  

1,528,723

(a) Number of securities to

be issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,

warrants, and rights

(b) Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding options,

warrants, and rights

(c) Number of securities

remaining available for

future Issuance under

equity compensation plans

(excluding securities

reflected in

column (a))

Equity compensation plans

approved by security holders

824,642(1)$40.84(2)2,528,536(3)

Equity compensation plans not

approved by security holders

—  Not Applicable—  
Totals824,642$40.84(2)2,528,536(3)
(1)

Includes RSUs, PSUs and stock options to purchase our shares of Common Stock granted under the Company’s 20112016 LTIP and the 2008 and 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan.Plans.

(2)

Represents the weighted-average exercise price of the outstanding stock options only; the outstanding RSUs and PSUs are not included in this calculation.

(3)

Reflects shares available pursuant to the issuance of stock options, RSUs, PSUs, or other stock-based awards under the 20112016 LTIP and the 2008 Directorsand 2016 Director Stock Unit Plan.Plans. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved for the grant or settlement of awards under the 20112016 LTIP (Share Limit) is 6,949,000,5,142,138, subject to adjustment as provided therein. This number includes all shares that have been and may be issued under the LTIP since its inception in 2006. With respect to awards granted on or after June 24, 2011, the number of shares of Common Stock reserved for award and issuance under this LTIP is reduced on aone-for-one basis for each Common Share subject to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right and is reduced by a fixed ratio of 1.6 shares of Common Stock for each Common Share subject to a Restricted Stock Award or Stock Unit granted under the LTIP.

 

72AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement57


ADDITIONAL MEETING INFORMATION

 

Why did I receive aone-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

This year we have again utilized the SEC rule allowing companies to furnish proxy materials to their shareholders over the Internet. We believe that this approach enables us to provide the materials to shareholders more quickly, while also reducing the impact of our annual meeting on the environment and the costs associated with printing and mailing.

How can I receive printed shareholder and proxy materials?

Please follow the instructions for “How to Access the Proxy Materials” on theone-page notice described above.

Who is soliciting my proxy?

The Board is soliciting your proxy in order to provide you with an opportunity to vote on all matters scheduled to come before the meeting, whether or not you attend the meeting in person.via the internet.

Who is entitled to vote?

Each holder of record of our shares of Common Stock, at the close of business on the record date, April 15, 201621, 2020 (“Record Date”), is entitled to one vote for each Common Share owned on each matter to be voted on. As of the Record Date, 55,480,36247,830,890 shares of Common Stock were issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

What must I do to attend the meeting via the Internet?

You may attend and participate in the Annual Meeting via the Internet atwww.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/awi2016awi2020where you will be able to vote and submit questions during the meeting. Shareholders who use the control number that was furnished to them (either with the notice sent to them regarding the availability of these proxy materials or with their copy of these proxy materials) to log on to the meeting will be able to vote and submit questions during the meeting.

What mustWhy can’t I do to attend the meeting in person?

If you wish to attend the meeting in person, you must have been a shareholder on the Record Date and you must present an admission ticket and photo identification. To request an admission ticket and get directions, please email or write the Office of the Corporate Secretary atAdmissionTicket@armstrongceilings.com or Attention: B. Tham, Armstrong World Industries, Inc., P. O. Box 3001, Lancaster, PA 17604-3001. We must receive your request at least ten business days priorDue to the meeting. If your shares of Common Stockcoronavirus(COVID-19) global pandemic this year, we are held directly in an account withsensitive to the public health and travel concerns our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer (“AST”), your name will appear inshareholders may have and the protocols that federal, state, and local governments have imposed. Hosting a virtual annual meeting provides easy access for our Record Date shareholder list. If your shares of Common Stock are inshareholders and facilitates participation since shareholders can participate from any location around the name of a broker, bank or other institution, you must provide evidence of your beneficial stock ownership on the Record Date.world.

How can I revoke my proxy?

Proxies are voted at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted, and your last vote is the vote that will be counted. If you are a shareholder of record on the Record Date and you returned a paper proxy card, you can write to the Corporate Secretary at our corporate offices, 2500 Columbia Avenue Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603, stating that you wish to revoke your proxy and that you need another proxy card. If you submitted your proxy by the Internet or by telephone, you can vote again over the Internet or by telephone. If you hold your shares of Common Stock through a broker, bank or other nominee, you can revoke your proxy by contacting the broker, bank or other nominee and following its procedure for revocation. If you are a shareholder of record on the Record Date and you attend meeting in person via the Annual Meeting,Internet, you must request a revocation of your submitted proxy and vote by ballot tomay revoke your proxy.proxy by voting electronically during the meeting. Your appearanceattendance via the Internet alone at the Annual Meeting will not of itself constitute a revocation of your proxy.

How many votes can be cast by all shareholders?

55,480,36247,830,890 votes, consisting of one vote for each outstanding Common Share outstanding on the Record Date.

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement    73


ADDITIONAL MEETING INFORMATION(CONTINUED)

What is the quorum requirement for the Annual Meeting?

A quorum of the holders of the outstanding shares of Common Stock must be present for the Annual Meeting to be held. A “quorum” is the presence at the Annual Meeting, in personvirtually or represented by proxy, of shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the votes which all shareholders are entitled to cast on eacha matter to be acted on at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker “non-votes”

58    AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


ADDITIONAL MEETING INFORMATION(CONTINUED)

“non-votes” are counted as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker “non-vote”“non-vote” occurs when a broker does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power with respect to the proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner.

What if a quorum is not present at the Annual Meeting?

If the Annual Meeting cannot be organized because a quorum is not present, the shareholders present at the Annual Meeting will have the power, except as otherwise provided by statute, to adjourn the Annual Meeting to such time and place as they may determine. Those shareholders who attend or participate atthe second of such adjourned meeting,meetings, even if less than a quorum, shall nevertheless constitute a quorum for the purpose of electing directors.

What vote is required to approve each item?elect directors at the Annual Meeting?

The director nomineesAt the Annual Meeting, in connection with the election of directors, you will be entitled to cast one vote for each share held by you for each nominee. Votes may be cast “for” or “withheld” with respect to each nominee. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. A plurality means that the nominees with the largest number of votes are elected as directorscast “for” their election, up to the maximum number ofnine (9) directors to be chosen at the Annual Meeting. Meeting, will be elected. Votes that are “withheld” will be excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect, other than for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. However, the Board has adopted a Policy on Majority Voting, pursuant to which, in an uncontested election, any nominee for director who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his or her election than votes “for” such election will within 10 business days following certification of the shareholder vote, tender his or her resignation to the Board. See “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE — Policy on Majority Voting in the Election of Directors.”

What vote is required to approve the other items at the Annual Meeting?

The ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 20162020 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present and entitled to vote at the

meeting to be approved. The advisory approval of the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Directors’ Stock Unit Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present and entitled to vote at the meeting to be approved. The approval of the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Planexecutive compensation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes present and entitled to vote at the meeting to be approved. Any other matters

that may be acted upon at the Annual Meeting will be determined by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our shares of Common Stock represented in person, via the Internet, or by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the matter.

How are votes, abstentions and brokernon-votes counted?

Brokernon-votes will be included in determining whether a quorum is present but will have no effect on the outcome of the matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting, including in connection with the election of directors. Abstentions are not considered a vote cast under Pennsylvania law. Under our Bylaws, however, other than in connection with the election of directors, abstentions will have the effect of a negative vote with respect to matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

Who will count the votes and how much does it cost the Company?

We have engaged Broadridge Investor Communications Solutions, Inc. to tabulate the proxy votes and any votes cast in personat the meeting for a fee of approximately $25,000$35,000 plus reasonable expenses.

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or voting instructions?

It means that you have multiple accounts in which you own our shares of Common Stock. Please vote all proxy cards/voting instructions from the Company to ensure that all your shares of Common Stock are voted. However, you may want to contact your broker, bank or the Company’s transfer agent to consolidate as many accounts as possible under a single name and address. Our transfer agent is AST. All communications concerning shares of Common Stock you hold in your name, including address changes, name changes, requests to transfer and similar issues, can be handled by contacting AST at American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, 6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219; or by email to info@amstock.com; or by phone(1-800-937-5449).

 

 

74AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement59


ADDITIONAL MEETING INFORMATION(CONTINUED)

 

What should we do if multiple shareholders reside in our household, and we wish to change the copies of proxy materials that we receive?

Some banks, brokers, broker-dealers and other similar organizations acting as nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that, unless we have received contrary instructions from such bank, broker, broker-dealer or similar organization, only one copy of this proxy statement and the annual report may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. If you would prefer to receive separate copies of a proxy statement or annual report for other shareholders in your household, either now or in the future, please contact your bank, broker, broker-dealer or other similar organization serving as your nominee. Upon written or oral request to the attention of Investor Relations, 2500 Columbia Avenue Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603, or via telephone to the Investor Relations department at717-396-6354, we will promptly provide separate copies of the annual report and/or this proxy

statement. Shareholders sharing an address who are receiving multiple copies of this proxy statement or annual report and who wish to receive a single copy of such materials in the future will need to contact their bank, broker, broker-dealer or other similar organization serving as their nominee to request that only a single copy of each document be mailed to all shareholders at the shared address in the future.

Who may solicit proxies on the Company’s behalf?

Our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies from our shareholders. These persons will not receive any additional compensation for these services. We will request that the Notice of Annual Meeting, this proxy statement, the proxy card, and related materials (if any), be forwarded to beneficial owners by banks, brokers and other persons for their reasonableout-of-pocket expenses in handling these materials. We will bear the costs of preparing, assembling and mailing the proxy materials and expect to reimburse themsuch beneficial owners for all such solicitations.

 

 

OTHER BUSINESS

The Board knows of no matters other than the foregoing to come before the meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote in their discretion with respect to such other matters.

 

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE16(A) REPORTS

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder require certain of our officers, as well as our directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities (collectively, the “reporting persons”) to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and to furnish us with copies of these reports. Based solely on our review

of the copies of these reports within a prescribed period of time and written representations we received from the reporting persons, we believe that all filings required to be made by the reporting persons during or with respect to the period January 1, 20152019 through December 31, 20152019 were made on a timely basis.

 

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement60          75AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

In order to submit shareholder proposals for the 20172021 annual meeting for inclusion in the Company’s 20172021 proxy statement pursuant to SEC Rule14a-8, materials must be received by the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s corporate offices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, no later than January 13, 2017.2, 2021.

The proposals must comply with all of the requirements of SEC Rule14a-8. Proposals should be addressed to: Corporate Secretary, 2500 Columbia Avenue, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603. As the rules of the SEC make clear, simply submitting a proposal does not guarantee its inclusion.

The Bylaws also establish an advance notice procedure with regard to director nominations and shareholder proposals that are not submitted for inclusion in the proxy statement, but that a shareholder instead wishes to present directly at an annual meeting. To be properly brought before the 20172021 annual meeting, a notice of the nomination or the matter the shareholder wishes to present at the meeting must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s corporate offices in

Lancaster (see above), not later than 90 days nor earlier than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of this annual meeting. As a result, any notice given by or on behalf of a shareholder pursuant to these provisions of the Bylaws (and not pursuant to SEC Rule14a-8) must be received no later than April 9, 2017.February 25, 2021. All director nominations and shareholder proposals must comply with the requirements of our Bylaws, a copy of which may be obtained at no cost from the Corporate Secretary.

In either case, if the date of our 20172021 annual meeting is more than 30 calendar days before or after the first anniversary of this annual meeting, your proposal must be received by the Corporate Secretary by close of business on the fifteenth day following the day we publicly announce the date of the 20172021 annual meeting.

Any shareholder proposals not received by such applicable dates will be considered untimely and, if presented at the 20172021 annual meeting, the proxy holders will be able to exercise discretionary authority to vote on any such proposal to the extent authorized by SEC Exchange ActRule 14a-4(c).

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM10-K

 

Our Annual Report to Shareholders, including financial statements, is being furnished simultaneously with this proxy statement to all shareholders of record as of the Record Date. A copy of our Annual Report and Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015,2019, including financial statements, but excluding the financial statement schedules and most exhibits, will be provided without charge to shareholders upon written request to: Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Investor Relations, P.O. Box 3001, Lancaster, PA 17604.

Our Annual Report is also available at www.proxyvote.com, or www.armstrongceilings.com – Investors – SEC Filings –10-K. The Form10-K will include a list of exhibits to the Form10-K. Copies of exhibits will be furnished to shareholders upon written request and upon our receipt of payment of reproduction and mailing expenses.

 

 

76AWI 2020 Proxy Statement          AWI 2016 Proxy Statement61


INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

To the extent that this proxy statement has been or will be specifically incorporated by reference into any other filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as amended, the sections of this proxy statement

entitled “Report of the Audit Committee” (to the extent permitted by the rules of the SEC) and “Compensation Committee Report” shall not be deemed to be so incorporated, unless specifically provided otherwise in such filing.

 

 

SHAREHOLDER LIST

A list of shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be available for examination by shareholders at the Annual Meeting.

Meeting through the website portal for shareholders (see Additional Meeting Information section above).

 

AWI 2016 Proxy Statement62          77AWI 2020 Proxy Statement


ANNEX A to Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 20162020 Proxy Statement

To supplement its consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), the Company provides additional measures of performance adjusted to exclude the impact of foreign exchange, restructuring charges and related costs, impairments, thenon-cash impact of the U.S. pension plan and certain other gains and losses. Adjusted figures are reported in comparable dollars using the budgeted exchange rate for 2015. The Company uses these adjusted performance measures in managing the business, including communications with its Board of Directors and employees, and believes that they provide users of this financial information with meaningful comparisons of operating performance between current results and results in prior periods. The Company believes that thesenon-GAAP financial measures are appropriate to enhance understanding of its past performance, as well as prospects for its future performance. A reconciliation of these adjustments to the most directly comparable GAAP measures is included in this release and on the Company’s website. Thesenon-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most comparable GAAP measures.Non-GAAP financial measures utilized by the Company may not be comparable tonon-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. Dollars are in millions unless otherwise indicated.

 

   2015 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $391  

D&A/Fx*

   (121

Operating Income, Adjusted

  $270  

Non-cash impact of U.S. Pension

   25  

Separation costs

   34  

Cost reduction initiative expenses

   7  

Multilayered Wood flooring duties

   4  

Impairment

   —    

Foreign exchange impact

   13  

Operating Income, Reported

  $187  

BUILDING PRODUCTS

  
   2015 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $345  

D&A/Fx

   (70

Operating Income, Adjusted

  $275  

Cost reduction initiative expenses

   7  

Foreign exchange impact

   3  

Operating Income, Reported

  $265  

RESILIENT FLOORING

  
   2015 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $73  

D&A/Fx

   (26

Operating Income, Adjusted

  $47  

Cost reduction initiative expenses

   —    

Foreign exchange impact

   5  

Operating Income, Reported

  $42  

WOOD FLOORING

  
   2015 

Adjusted EBITDA**

  $39  

D&A/Fx

   (12

Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted**

  $27  

Cost reduction and other charges

   —    

Multilayered Wood flooring duties

   4  

Impairment

   —    

Foreign exchange impact

   4  

Operating Income (Loss), Reported**

  $19  

   2019 

Adjusted EBITDA*

  $403 

Depreciation and Amortization**

   (75

Operating Income, Adjusted

  $328 

U.S. Pension Expense

   (5

Litigation Expense

   (20

WAVE Items

   16 

Net Environmental Expenses

   (1

Operating Income, Reported

  $317 

MINERAL FIBER

  
   2019 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $358 

Depreciation and Amortization

   (63

Operating Income, Adjusted

  $296 

Litigation Expense

  $(20

WAVE Items

  $16 

Net Environmental Expenses

   (1

Operating Income, Reported

  $290 

ARCHITECTURAL SPECIALTIES

  
   2019 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $45 

Depreciation and Amortization

   (9

Operating Income, Reported

  $36 

UNALLOCATED CORPORATE

  
   2019 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $6 

Depreciation and Amortization

  $(3

Operating Income, Adjusted

  $(3

U.S. Pension Expense

   (5

Operating Income (Loss), Reported

  $(8

CASH FLOW

  
   2019 

Net cash from operations

  $183 

Net cash (used for) investing activities

   (89

Add: Acquisition, net

   56 

Add: Litigation

   23 

Add: Environmental payment, net

   5 

Add: Net payments from the sale of international businesses to Knauf International GmbH

   66 

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

  $244 

 

A-1


UNALLOCATED CORPORATE

  
   2015 

Adjusted EBITDA

  $(66) 

D&A/Fx

   (13

Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted**

  $(79) 

Non-cash impact of U.S. Pension

   25  

Separation costs

   34  

Foreign exchange impact

   1  

Operating Income (Loss), Reported**

  $(139) 

CASH FLOW***

  
   2015 

Net cash from operations

  $204  

Less: net cash (used for) investing

   (102

Add back (subtract) adjustments to reconcile free cash flow

  

Net cash effect from deconsolidation of European Flooring business

   —    

Other

   —    

Free Cash Flow

  $102  

*Excludes accelerated depreciation associated with cost reduction initiatives reflected below. Actual D&A as reported is; $31.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, $31.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2014, $118.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, and $129.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014
**Includes a $4 million charge recorded in the second quarter of 2015 resulting from new duty rates assigned by the U.S. Department of Commerce on multilayered wood importers and a $1 million gain recorded in the second quarter of 2014 related to a refund of previously paid duties on imports of engineered wood flooring.
***Cash flow includes cash flows attributable to European Flooring business.

A-2


ANNEX B to Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement

Armstrong World Industries, Inc.

2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan

1. Purpose

The purposes of this 2016 Directors Stock Unit Plan (the “Plan”) are to promote the growth and profitability of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) by increasing the mutuality of interests between directors and the shareholders of the Company.

The Plan is a successor to the 2008 Directors Stock Unit Plan, as amended and restated (the “2008 Plan”). No additional grants will be made under the 2008 Plan after the Effective Date of this Plan. Outstanding grants under the 2008 Plan shall continue in effect according to their terms, consistent with the 2008 Plan.

2. Definitions

The following terms shall have the meanings shown:

2.1 “2008 Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.

2.2 “Affiliate” shall mean, with respect to any Person, any other Person that, at any time that a determination is made hereunder, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such first Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” shall mean, as to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to elect or appoint a majority of directors (or other persons acting in similar capacities) of such Person or otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

2.3 “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficially Own” shall have the meaning set forth in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor provision.

2.4 “Board” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

2.5 “Change in Control” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if the event set forth in any one of the following sections shall have occurred:

(a) Any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (i) of subsection (c) below;

(b) The following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the date hereof, constitute the Board and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors 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 (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(c) There is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than (i) a merger or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the entity surviving such

B-1


merger or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (ii) a merger or consolidation effected to implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

(d) The shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or any parent thereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred (i) by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions or (ii) by virtue of the consummation of a spin-off of any business line or business unit of the Company or a sale of (or similar transaction with respect to) all or substantially all of the assets that comprise a business line or business unit of the Company. The Committee may provide in a grant agreement for another definition of Change in Control, including as necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

2.6 “Committee” shall mean the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board, or any other committee designated by the Board to administer the Plan.

2.7 “Common Stock” shall mean Common Stock of the Company.

2.8 “Company” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.

2.9 “Deferred Payment Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(c).

2.10 “Dividend Equivalent” shall mean the right to receive an amount equal to any cash dividend that is paid on a share of Common Stock underlying a Unit, including regular cash dividends and extraordinary cash dividends.

2.11 “Effective Date” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 5.14.

2.12 “Exchange Act” shall mean Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

2.13 “Non-Employee Director” shall mean a member of the Board who is not an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries.

2.14 “Participant” shall mean a Non-Employee Director to whom Units are granted under the Plan.

2.15 “Person” shall mean any individual, entity or group, including any “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision.

2.16 “Plan” shall have the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 1.

2.17 “Separation from Service” shall mean a “separation from service” with the Company and its subsidiaries under Section 409A of the Code.

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2.18 “Unit” shall mean a right granted by the Committee pursuant to Section 4.1 to receive one share of Common Stock as of a specified date, which right may be made conditional upon continued service or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of specified events as herein provided.

3. General

3.1 Administration. The Plan may be administered by the Board or, if so delegated, to the Committee. Administration shall be delegable to the extent it does not adversely affect the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and provided that such delegation complies with applicable law and applicable stock exchange requirements. To the extent that the Board or Committee administers the Plan, references in the Plan to the “Committee” shall be deemed to refer to the Board or the Committee, as applicable.

(a) Committee Membership. Unless the Plan is administered by the Board, each member of the Committee shall at the time of any action under the Plan be a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b) (or any successor rule) promulgated under the Exchange Act, and to the extent any member of the Committee is not a “Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b) (or any successor rule) promulgated under the Exchange Act, such member shall abstain or recuse himself or herself from such action, provided that, upon such abstention or recusal, the Committee remains composed of two or more “Non-Employee Directors.”

(b) Committee Authority. The Committee shall have the authority in its sole discretion from time to time: (i) to make discretionary grants of Units to eligible directors as provided herein; (ii) to prescribe such terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions, not inconsistent with the Plan, applicable to any grant as deemed appropriate; and (iii) to interpret the Plan, to adopt, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, and to make all other determinations and take all other action necessary or advisable for the implementation and administration of the Plan. A majority of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and the action of a majority of the members of the Committee present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, or acts unanimously adopted in writing without the holding of a meeting, shall be the acts of the Committee. All such actions of the Committee shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the Participant.

(c) Indemnification. No member of the Committee and no employee of the Company shall be liable for any act or failure to act hereunder, except in circumstances involving his or her bad faith or willful misconduct, or for any act or failure to act hereunder by any other member or employee or by any agent to whom duties in connection with the administration of this Plan have been delegated. The Company shall indemnify members of the Committee and any agent of the Committee who is an employee of the Company, a subsidiary or an affiliate against any and all liabilities or expenses to which they may be subjected by reason of any act or failure to act with respect to their duties on behalf of the Plan, except in circumstances involving such person’s bad faith or willful misconduct.

3.2 Eligibility. A grant of Units under the Plan may be made to any Non-Employee Director of the Company.

3.3 Common Stock Available under the Plan.

(a) Aggregate Limitation. The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued in connection with Units granted under the Plan shall not exceed 250,000 shares, subject to adjustments pursuant to Section 5.4.

(b) Individual Participant Limitation. For grants made on or after the Effective Date, the maximum grant date value of shares of Common Stock subject to grants of Units made to any Participant during any one calendar year, taken together with any cash fees earned by such Participant for services rendered during the calendar year, shall not exceed $600,000 in total value. For purposes of this limit, the value of such grants shall be calculated based on the grant date fair value of such grants for financial reporting purposes.

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(c) Source of Shares. Shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or reacquired shares of Common Stock, including shares purchased by the Company on the open market for purposes of the Plan.

(d) Share Counting. If and to the extent any Units granted under this Plan are forfeited, terminated, or otherwise are not paid in full, the shares reserved for such grants shall again be available for purposes of the Plan. The provisions of this Section 3.3(d) shall apply only for purposes of determining the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan, but shall not apply for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which grants may be granted to any individual Participant under the Plan.

4. Units

4.1 Grant of Units. Each Non-Employee Director shall be granted Units under the Plan in accordance with the provisions set forth below, contingent upon his or her continued service as a director of the Company:

(a) Annual Grants. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, each year, each Non-Employee Director shall be granted a number of Units based on a formula approved by the Committee. The Committee shall establish appropriate terms and conditions for the annual grants.

(b) Pro-Rated Grants. In the case of a Non-Employee Director who is elected to the Board other than at the annual meeting of shareholders, the Committee may pro-rate the amount of the annual grant of Units awarded to such director to correspond to the period of time to be served by the Non-Employee Director between such Non-Employee Director’s election and the next annual meeting of shareholders.

(c) Discretionary Grants. Units may also be granted to eligible Non-Employee Directors at such times, in such amounts, and upon such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate.

4.2 Grant Agreements. The grant of Units shall be evidenced by a written agreement executed by the Company and the Participant, stating the number of Units granted and such other terms and conditions of the grant as the Committee may from time to time determine. Units granted under the Plan shall be made conditional upon the Participant’s acknowledgement, in writing or by acceptance of the Units, that all decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final and binding on the Participant, his or her successors and any other person having or claiming an interest under such Units.

4.3 Standard Terms and Conditions of Units. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, each grant of Units shall be made on the following terms and conditions, in addition to such other terms and conditions as the Committee may prescribe:

(a) Vesting. The date on which each Unit shall vest, contingent upon the Participant’s continued service as a director of the Company on such date, shall be the first to occur of:

(i) The date of the next annual shareholders meeting;

(ii) The date on which the Participant has a Separation from Service on account of death or total and permanent disability of the Participant (as determined by the Committee); or

(iii) The date of a Change in Control.

(b) Payment Date. Each vested Unit shall be paid upon vesting of the Units in accordance with Section 4.3(d) below, unless the Participant has made an effective deferral election in accordance with Section 4.3(c) below.

(c) Deferral Elections. A Participant may elect to defer payment of vested Units that will be granted in a designated year, consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The deferral

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election may provide for payment upon the first to occur of (i) the date of the Participant’s Separation from Service for any reason other than cause (as determined by the Committee) or (ii) a Change in Control that meets the requirements of a “a change in the ownership or effective control, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets,” of the Company under Section 409A of the Code. The first to occur of (i) or (ii) is referred to as the “Deferred Payment Date.” Any election to defer payment of Units must be made in writing in a form approved by the Committee and must be made prior to January 1 of the calendar year in which the Units are to be granted to the Participant, or as otherwise permitted under Section 409A of the Code. The Company shall create a bookkeeping account for each Participant who defers Units, and shall credit the Participant’s deferred Units to such bookkeeping account.

(d) Time and Form of Payment. Vested Units shall be paid in the form of shares of Common Stock, with one share of Common Stock delivered for each vested Unit, within 60 days after the date of vesting in accordance with Section 4.3(b) or within 60 days after the Deferred Payment Date in accordance with Section 4.3(c), as applicable.

(e) Forfeiture of Units. Upon the effective date of a Separation from Service for cause, as determined by the Committee, all Units that have not been paid, whether or not vested, shall immediately be forfeited to the Company without consideration or further action being required of the Company or the Participant. Upon the effective date of a Separation from Service for any reason other than cause, as determined by the Committee, all unvested Units (other than those that vest in accordance with Section 4.4(a)(ii)) shall immediately be forfeited to the Company without consideration and without further action being required of the Company or the Participant.

(f) Dividend Equivalents. If an award of Units is outstanding as of the record date for determining the shareholders of the Company entitled to receive a cash dividend on its outstanding shares of Common Stock, each Participant shall be entitled to be credited with Dividend Equivalents with respect to the Participant’s outstanding Units. Dividend Equivalents will accrue as of the date of the dividend payment and, if applicable, will be credited to a bookkeeping account established by the Company for the Participant. Dividend Equivalents on unvested Units will accrue and be paid in cash within 60 days after the date of vesting of the underlying Units. Dividend Equivalents on vested Units that have been deferred will be paid in cash on the payment date for the applicable dividend. If and to the extent that the underlying Units are forfeited, all related accrued Dividend Equivalents shall also be forfeited. No interest shall accrue on Dividend Equivalents.

4.4 Optional Terms and Conditions of Units. To the extent not inconsistent with the Plan, the Committee may prescribe such terms and conditions applicable to any grant of Units as it may in its discretion determine, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.3. The Committee shall have discretion to accelerate vesting of Units in such circumstances as the Committee deems appropriate.

4.5 Transfer Restriction. No Unit shall be assignable or transferable by another than by will, or if the Participant dies intestate, by the laws of descent and distribution of the state of domicile at the time of death.

4.6 Continued Service as an Employee. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, if a Participant ceases serving as a director and, immediately thereafter, he or she is employed by the Company or any subsidiary, then such Participant will not be deemed to have ceased service for purposes of the Plan at that time, and his or her continued employment by the Company or any subsidiary will be deemed to be continued service for purposes of the Plan;provided, however, that such service shall cease as of the date of a Separation from Service, and such former director will not be eligible for additional grants of Units under the Plan while he or she is an employee of the Company or a subsidiary.

5. Miscellaneous

5.1 No Right to Continued Service. Nothing in the Plan or in any agreement entered into pursuant to the Plan shall confer upon any Participant the right to continue in the service as a director of the Company or an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, nor shall it affect any right that the Company or its shareholders may have to elect or remove directors or hire or fire any employees.

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5.2 Non-Uniform Determinations. The Committee’s determinations under the Plan need not be uniform and may be made by it selectively among persons who receive, or are eligible to receive, grants under the Plan, whether or not such persons are similarly situated.

5.3 No Rights as Shareholders. Recipients of grants under the Plan shall have no rights as shareholders of the Company with respect thereto until shares of Common Stock are delivered in payment therefor.

5.4 Adjustments of Stock. Units granted under the Plan and any agreements evidencing such grants, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan as stated in Section 3.3(a) and the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which grants may be made to any one Participant as stated in Section 3.3(b) shall be subject to mandatory adjustment or substitution, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Units or as otherwise determined by the Committee to be equitable:

(i) in the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of stock or extraordinary cash dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, spinoffs, recapitalization, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, exchanges, or other relevant changes in capitalization occurring after the date of grant of any such Units, or

(ii) in the event of any change in applicable laws or any change in circumstances which results in or would result in any substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, Participants, or which otherwise warrants equitable adjustment because it interferes with the intended operation of the Plan.

The adjustments of grants under this Section 5.4 shall include adjustment of shares or other terms and conditions, as appropriate. The Company shall give each Participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

5.5 Amendment or Termination of the Plan.

(a) Amendment. The Board may from time to time amend the Plan as it may deem advisable; provided, however, that approval of the shareholders of the Company will be required if such approval is required in order to comply with applicable law or stock exchange requirements. An amendment of this Plan will, unless the amendment provides otherwise, be immediately and automatically effective for all outstanding grants. The Committee may amend any outstanding grants under this Plan, provided the grants, as amended, contain only such terms and conditions as would be permitted or required for a new grant under this Plan.

(b) Termination. The Plan shall terminate on the day immediately preceding the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date, unless the Plan is terminated earlier by the Board or is extended by the Board with the approval of the shareholders. The termination of the Plan shall not impair the power and authority of the Committee with respect to outstanding grants.

5.6 Unfunded Plan. Participants shall have no right, title, or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which the Company may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under the Plan. Nothing contained in the 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 person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under the Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company 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 the Plan. The Plan is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

B-6


5.7 No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any grant. The Committee shall determine whether cash 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.

5.8 Company Policies. All Units granted under the Plan shall be subject to any applicable clawback or recoupment policies, share trading policies and other policies that may be implemented by the Board from time to time. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, Non-Employee Directors must hold a portion of the net after-tax shares received upon payment of Units under this Plan until the applicable stock ownership guidelines are met, in accordance with the Company’s stock ownership policy applicable to Non-Employee Directors.

5.9 Requirements for Issuance of Shares. No Common Stock shall be issued in connection with any grant hereunder unless and until all legal requirements applicable to the issuance of such Common Stock have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Committee.

The Committee shall have the right to condition any grant to any Participant hereunder on such Participant’s undertaking in writing to comply with such restrictions on his or her subsequent disposition of such shares of Common Stock as the Committee shall deem necessary or advisable, and certificates representing such shares may be legended to reflect any such restrictions. Certificates representing shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan will be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as may be required by applicable laws, regulations and interpretations, including any requirement that a legend be placed thereon. No Participant shall have any right as a shareholder with respect to Common Stock covered by a grant until shares have been issued to the Participant.

5.10 Compliance with Law. The Plan and the obligations of the Company to issue or transfer shares of Common Stock in accordance with grants under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws and to approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Company that the Plan and all transactions under the Plan comply with all applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act. To the extent that any legal requirement of Section 16 of the Exchange Act ceases to be required under Section 16 of the Exchange Act, that Plan provision shall cease to apply. The Committee may revoke any grant under the Plan if it is contrary to law or modify a grant to bring it into compliance with any valid and mandatory government regulation. The Committee may also adopt rules regarding the withholding of taxes on payments to Participants. The Committee may also, in its sole discretion, agree to limit its authority under this Section.

5.11 Grants in Connection with Corporate Transactions and Otherwise. Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed to (a) limit the right of the Committee to make grants under this Plan in connection with the acquisition, by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business or assets of any corporation, firm or association, including grants to persons who become Non-Employee Directors of the Company, or for other proper corporate purposes, or (b) limit the right of the Company to make stock-based awards outside of this Plan. The terms and conditions of the grants hereunder may vary from the terms and conditions required by the Plan and from those of the substituted stock incentives, as determined by the Committee.

5.12 Section 409A. The Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. All grants shall be construed and administered such that the grant either (a) qualifies for an exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or (b) satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If a grant is subject to Section 409A of the Code, (i) distributions shall only be made in a manner and upon an event permitted under Section 409A of the Code, including, if required by Section 409A, the six-month delay applicable to payments to specified employees upon Separation from Service, (ii) payments to be made upon a termination of service shall only be made upon a Separation from Service under Section 409A of the Code, (iii) unless the grant specifies otherwise, each installment payment shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and (iv) in no event shall a Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year in which a distribution is made except in accordance with Section 409A of the Code.

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5.13 Governing Law. This Plan, grants hereunder and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under applicable Pennsylvania principles of conflict of laws).

5.14 Effective Date. The Plan shall be effective as of July 8, 2016, subject to shareholder approval of the Plan (the “Effective Date”).

B-8


ANNEX C to Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Proxy Statement

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

Effective as of July 8, 2016


ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

EFFECTIVE AS OF JULY 8, 2016

Index of Defined Terms Term

Section Where Defined or First  Used

2011 Plan

1

Affiliate

14(c)(ii)

Beneficial Owner or Beneficially Owned

14(c)(iii)

Benefits

4(a)

Board of Directors

2(a)

Cause

13(a)(i)

Cash Awards

10

Change in Control

14(c)(i)

Code

2(a)

Committee

2(a)

Common Stock

2(a)

Company

1

Consultants

3(a)

Dividend Equivalent Right

9(c)

Effective Date

20(j)

Exchange Act

2(a)

Fair Market Value

17

GAAP

11(f)

Incentive Stock Option

6(a)

Injurious Conduct

13(a)

Nonqualified Stock Option

6(a)

Performance-Based Awards

11(a)

Person

14(c)(iv)

Plan

1

Restricted Business

13(a)(ii)

Restricted Stock Award

8

Stock Appreciation Rights

7

Stock Options

6

Stock Unit

9(c)

Substitute Awards

5(e)

C-2


1.PurposeC-5
2.AdministrationC-5
(a)CommitteeC-5
(b)AuthorityC-5
(c)IndemnificationC-5
(d)Delegation and AdvisersC-5
3.ParticipantsC-6
4.Type of Benefits; Vesting RestrictionsC-6
5.Common Stock Available Under the PlanC-7
(a)Aggregate LimitationsC-7
(b)Individual Employee LimitationsC-7
(c)Source of SharesC-7
(d)Share CountingC-7
(e)AcquisitionsC-8
6.Stock OptionsC-8
(a)GenerallyC-8
(b)Exercise PriceC-8
(c)Exercise of OptionsC-8
(d)Exercise PeriodC-9
(e)Limitations on Incentive Stock OptionsC-9
(f)Additional Limitations on Incentive Stock Options for Ten Percent ShareholdersC-9
7.Stock Appreciation RightsC-9
(a)GenerallyC-9
(b)Exercise PeriodC-10
8.Restricted Stock AwardsC-10
(a)GenerallyC-10
(b)Payment of the Purchase PriceC-10
(c)Additional TermsC-10
(d)Rights as a ShareholderC-10
9.Stock UnitsC-10
(a)GenerallyC-10
(b)Settlement of Stock UnitsC-11
(c)DefinitionsC-11
10.Cash AwardsC-11
11.Performance-Based AwardsC-11
(a)GenerallyC-11
(b)Business CriteriaC-11
(c)Establishment of Performance GoalsC-11
(d)Certification of PerformanceC-12
(e)Modification of Performance-Based AwardsC-12
(f)Impact of Unusual or Infrequently Occurring Items or Changes in AccountingC-12
(g)Death, Disability or Other CircumstancesC-12
12.Foreign LawsC-12

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13.Certain Terminations of Employment; ForfeituresC-12
(a)Forfeiture of Unsettled BenefitsC-12
(b)Forfeiture of Settled BenefitsC-13
(c)TimingC-13
(d)Determination from the CommitteeC-13
(e)Condition PrecedentC-13
(f)EnforceabilityC-13
14.Adjustment Provisions; Change in ControlC-14
(a)AdjustmentC-14
(b)Effect of a Change in Control on BenefitsC-14
(c)DefinitionsC-15
15.NontransferabilityC-16
16.Other ProvisionsC-16
17.Fair Market ValueC-17
18.WithholdingC-17
19.Duration, Amendment and TerminationC-17
(a)Amendment and TerminationC-17
(b)No RepricingC-17
(c)Shareholder Approval for Performance-Based AwardsC-17
(d)Termination of PlanC-18
20.Miscellaneous.C-18
(a)Employment RightsC-18
(b)Unfunded PlanC-18
(c)No Fractional SharesC-18
(d)Company Policies; Holding RequirementsC-18
(e)Requirements for Issuance of SharesC-18
(f)Compliance with LawC-19
(g)Benefits in Connection with Corporate Transactions and OtherwiseC-19
(h)Section 409AC-19
(i)Governing LawC-19
(j)Effective DateC-19

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ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

2016 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

1. Purpose. The Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is hereby established as of the Effective Date. The Plan is intended to provide incentives which will attract, retain and motivate highly competent persons as officers, key employees, consultants and advisors of Armstrong World Industries, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (the “Company”), and its subsidiaries and affiliates, by providing them with appropriate incentives and rewards to encourage them to enter into and continue in the employ of the Company, to acquire a proprietary interest in the long-term success of the Company and to reward the performance of individuals in fulfilling their personal responsibilities for long-range achievements.

The Plan is a successor to the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”), which is an amendment and restatement of the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan. No additional grants will be made under the 2011 Plan after the Effective Date. Outstanding grants under the 2011 Plan shall continue in effect according to their terms, consistent with the 2011 Plan.

2. Administration.

(a)Committee. The Plan will be administered by a committee (the “Committee”) appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company ( the “Board of Directors”) from among its members (which may be the Management Development and Compensation Committee or a subcommittee thereof) and shall be comprised, unless otherwise determined by the Company’s Board of Directors, solely of not less than two (2) members who shall be (i) “non-employee directors” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(b)(3) (or any successor rule) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), (ii) “outside directors” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(3) under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and (iii) “independent directors,” as determined in accordance with the independence standards established by the stock exchange on which the common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) is at the time primarily traded.

(b)Authority. The Committee is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Plan, to establish such rules and regulations as it deems necessary for the proper administration of the Plan and the Committee has sole discretionary authority to make such determinations and interpretations and to take such action in connection with the Plan and any Benefits granted hereunder as it deems necessary or advisable. All determinations and interpretations made by the Committee shall be binding and conclusive on all participants and their legal representatives.

(c)Indemnification. No member of the Committee and no employee of the Company shall be liable for any act or failure to act hereunder, except in circumstances involving his or her bad faith or willful misconduct, or for any act or failure to act hereunder by any other member or employee or by any agent to whom duties in connection with the administration of this Plan have been delegated. The Company shall indemnify members of the Committee and any agent of the Committee who is an employee of the Company, a subsidiary or an affiliate against any and all liabilities or expenses to which they may be subjected by reason of any act or failure to act with respect to their duties on behalf of the Plan, except in circumstances involving such person’s bad faith or willful misconduct.

(d)Delegation and Advisers. The Committee may delegate to one or more of its members, to one or more officers or members of management, or to one or more agents such administrative duties as it may deem advisable; provided, that such delegation does not adversely affect the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act or prevent a Benefit from qualifying as a Performance-Based Award, if so intended, and provided that such delegation complies with applicable law and applicable stock exchange requirements. The Committee, or any person to whom it has delegated duties as aforesaid, may employ one or more persons to render advice with respect to any responsibility the Committee or such person may have under the Plan. The Committee may employ such legal or other counsel, consultants and agents as it may deem desirable for the administration of the Plan and may rely upon any opinion or computation received from any such counsel, consultant or agent. Expenses incurred by the Committee in the engagement of such counsel, consultant or agent shall be paid by the Company, or the subsidiary or affiliate whose employees have benefited from the Plan, as determined by the Committee.

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3. Participants.

(a) Participants will consist of such officers and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates as the Committee in its sole discretion determines to be significantly responsible for the success and future growth and profitability of the Company and whom the Committee may designate from time to time to receive Benefits under the Plan. Consultants and advisors who perform services for the Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Consultants”) shall be eligible to participate in the Plan if the Consultants render bona fide services to the Company or its subsidiaries and affiliates, the services are not in connection with the offer and sale of securities in a capital-raising transaction and the Consultants do not directly or indirectly promote or maintain a market for the Company’s securities, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Consultants are eligible to receive all Benefits under the Plan except Incentive Stock Options as described in Section 6, below. Members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates shall not be eligible to participate in the Plan.

(b) Designation of a participant in any year shall not require the Committee to designate such person to receive a Benefit in any other year or, once designated, to receive the same type or amount of Benefit as granted to the participant in any other year. The Committee shall consider such factors as it deems pertinent in selecting participants and in determining the type and amount of their respective Benefits. Benefits granted pursuant to a particular Section of the Plan need not be uniform as among the participants. For purposes of the Plan, the term “employee” excludes any person who is classified by the Company as a “contractor” or “consultant,” no matter how characterized by the Internal Revenue Service, other governmental agency or a court. Any change of characterization of an individual by the Internal Revenue Service or any court or government agency shall have no effect upon the classification of an individual as an employee for purposes of this Plan, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

4. Type of Benefits; Vesting Restrictions.

(a) Benefits under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of (i) Stock Options, (ii) Stock Appreciation Rights, (iii) Restricted Stock Awards, (iv) Stock Units and (v) Cash Awards (each as described below, and collectively, the “Benefits”). Restricted Stock Awards, Stock Units and Cash Awards may, as determined by the Committee in its discretion, constitute Performance-Based Awards, as described in Section 11 hereof. Benefits granted under the Plan may be evidenced by an agreement (which need not be identical) that may provide additional terms and conditions associated with such Benefits, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion,provided, however, that in the event of any conflict between the provisions of the Plan and any such agreement, the provisions of the Plan shall prevail.

(b) Benefits granted under the Plan shall vest over a period that is not less than one year from the date of grant. Subject to adjustments made in accordance with Section 14(a) below, up to five percent (5%) of the shares of Common Stock subject to the share reserve set forth in Section 5(a) as of the Effective Date may be granted without regard to the minimum vesting requirement.

(c) Benefits under the Plan shall be made conditional upon the participant’s acknowledgement, in writing or by acceptance of the Benefit grant, that all decisions and determinations of the Committee shall be final and binding on the participant, his or her successors and any other person having or claiming an interest under such Benefit grant.

(d) The Committee shall have discretion to accelerate vesting in connection with a participant’s death, disability, retirement, involuntary termination without Cause, in the event of a Change in Control or a corporate transaction or event described in Section 14(a), or in other circumstances as the Committee deems appropriate.

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5. Common Stock Available Under the Plan.

(a)Aggregate Limitations.

(i) Subject to adjustments made in accordance with Section 14(a) hereof, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Benefits granted under this Plan shall be the sum of (A) 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock, plus (B) 750,917 shares, which is the number of shares of Common Stock that remained available for grants under the 2011 Plan as of April 15, 2016, plus (C) the number of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding grants under the 2011 Plan as of April 15, 2016 that terminate, expire or are canceled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised, vested or paid under the 2011 Plan after the Effective Date (not exceeding 2,180,275 shares).

(ii) The number of shares of Common Stock reserved for award and issuance under this Plan (A) shall be reduced on a one-for-one basis for each share of Common Stock subject to a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right and (B) shall be reduced by a fixed ratio of 1.6 shares of Common Stock for each share of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award or Stock Unit granted under the Plan.

(b)Individual Employee Limitations.

(i) The maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards and Stock Units may be granted to any individual employee under the Plan in any one calendar year shall not exceed 750,000 shares, subject to adjustments made in accordance with Section 14(a) hereof.

(ii) For dividends and Dividend Equivalent Rights that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption of Section 162(m) of the Code, the maximum amount of dividends and Dividend Equivalent Rights that may accrue in any calendar year with respect to Performance-Based Awards granted to any individual employee under the Plan is $6,000,000.

(iii) The maximum Cash Award payout that may be earned by an employee for each 12 months in a performance period is $5,000,000.

(c)Source of Shares. Shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan may be authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or reacquired shares of Common Stock, including shares purchased by the Company on the open market for purposes of the Plan.

(d)Share Counting.

(i) If and to the extent Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan terminate, expire, or are canceled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised (including stock options granted under the 2011 Plan that terminate, expire, or are canceled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised on or after the Effective Date) , and if and to the extent that any Restricted Stock Awards or Stock Units are forfeited or terminated, or otherwise are not paid in full (including restricted stock awards and stock units granted under the 2011 Plan that are forfeited or terminated, or otherwise are not paid in full on or after the Effective Date) , the shares reserved for such grants shall again be available for purposes of the Plan. Shares of Common Stock withheld or surrendered in payment of the exercise price of a Stock Option, and shares withheld or surrendered for payment of taxes with respect to Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, shall not be available for re-issuance under the Plan. Shares withheld or surrendered for payment of taxes with respect to Benefits other than Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights (including with respect to grants made under the 2011 Plan that are paid on or after the Effective Date) shall be available for re-issuance under the Plan. If Stock Appreciation Rights are granted, the full number of shares subject to the Stock Appreciation Rights shall be considered issued under the Plan, without regard to the number of shares issued upon exercise of the Stock Appreciation Rights. To the extent that any Benefits are paid in cash, and not in shares of Common Stock, such Benefits shall not count against the share limits described above in Section 5(a).

C-7


(ii) The share counting rules in this Section 5(d) shall apply with respect to grants, exercises, forfeitures and other actions that occur with respect to Benefits granted under this Plan, and with respect to grants made under the 2011 Plan that terminate, expire or are canceled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered without having been exercised, vested or paid under the 2011 Plan on or after the Effective Date, and the ratios described in Section 5(a) shall be used for calculating the number of shares available for re-issuance under the Plan pursuant to this Section 5(d).

(iii) The provisions of this Section 5(d) shall apply only for purposes of determining the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan, but shall not apply for purposes of determining the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Benefits may be granted to any individual participant under the Plan. For the avoidance of doubt, if shares of Common Stock are repurchased on the open market with the proceeds of the exercise price of Stock Options, such shares may not again be made available for issuance under the Plan.

(e)Acquisitions. In connection with the acquisition of any business by the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates, any outstanding equity grants with respect to stock of the acquired company may be assumed or replaced by Benefits under the Plan upon such terms and conditions as the Committee determines in its sole discretion. Shares of Common Stock subject to any such outstanding grants that are assumed or replaced by Benefits under the Plan in connection with an acquisition (“Substitute Awards”) shall not reduce the Plan’s share reserve as described above in Section 5(a), consistent with applicable stock exchange requirements. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, Substitute Awards shall have such terms as the Committee deems appropriate, including without limitation exercise prices or base prices on different terms than those described herein. In the event that the Company assumes a shareholder-approved equity plan of an acquired company, available shares of Common Stock under such assumed plan (after appropriate adjustments to reflect the transaction) may be issued pursuant to Benefits under this Plan and shall not reduce the Plan’s share reserve as described above in Section 5(a), subject to applicable stock exchange requirements.

6. Stock Options.

(a)Generally. Stock Options will consist of awards from the Company that will enable the holder to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock, at set terms. Stock Options may be “incentive stock options” (“Incentive Stock Options”), within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or Stock Options which do not constitute Incentive Stock Options (“Nonqualified Stock Options”). The Committee will have the authority to grant to any participant one or more Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, or both types of Stock Options (in each case with or without Stock Appreciation Rights). Consultants are not eligible to receive Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. All of the authorized shares as described in Section 5(a) may be granted as Incentive Stock Options. Each Stock Option shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, consistent with the Plan as the Committee may impose from time to time, subject to the following limitations.

(b)Exercise Price. Each Stock Option granted hereunder shall have a per-share exercise price as the Committee may determine on the date of grant. The per share exercise price of a Stock Option shall not be less than the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant.

(c)Exercise of Options. A participant may exercise a Stock Option that has become exercisable, in whole or in part, by delivering a notice of exercise to the Company. The participant shall pay the exercise price of the Stock Option (i) in cash, (ii) if permitted by the Committee, by the withholding of shares of Common Stock subject to the exercisable Stock Option, which have a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price, (iii) if permitted by the Committee, by delivering shares of Common Stock owned by the participant and having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the exercise price or by attestation to ownership of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price, (iv) by payment through a broker in accordance with procedures permitted by Regulation T of the Federal Reserve Board, or (v) by such other method as the Committee may approve. Shares of Common Stock used to exercise a Stock Option shall have been held by the participant for any requisite period of time to avoid adverse accounting consequences to the Company with respect to the Stock Option, as determined by the Committee. Payment for the shares pursuant to the Stock Option, and any required withholding

C-8


taxes, must be received by the time specified by the Committee depending on the type of payment being made, but in all cases prior to the issuance of the Company Stock.

(d)Exercise Period. Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as shall be determined by the Committee;provided, however, that no Stock Option shall be exercisable later than ten (10) years after the date it is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Committee determines otherwise, if a vested Nonqualified Stock Option would terminate at a time when trading in Common Stock is prohibited by law or by the Company’s insider trading policy, the vested Stock Option may be exercised until the thirtieth (30th) day after expiration of such prohibition. All Stock Options shall terminate at such earlier times and upon such conditions or circumstances as the Committee shall in its discretion set forth in such option agreement on the date of grant.

(e)Limitations on Incentive Stock Options. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to participants who are employees of the Company or of a parent corporation or subsidiary corporation (as defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively) on the date of grant. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the time the Stock Option is granted) of the Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by a participant during any calendar year (under all option plans of the Company and of any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation (as defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively)) shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), provided, however, that if such one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) limit is exceeded, the excess Incentive Stock Options shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options. For purposes of the preceding sentence, Incentive Stock Options will be taken into account in the order in which they are granted.

(f)Additional Limitations on Incentive Stock Options for Ten Percent Shareholders. Incentive Stock Options may not be granted to any participant who, at the time of grant, owns stock possessing (after the application of the attribution rules of Section 424(d) of the Code) more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation (as defined in Sections 424(e) and (f) of the Code, respectively), unless the exercise price of the option is fixed at not less than one hundred ten percent (110%) of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and the exercise of such option is prohibited by its terms after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant of such option.

7. Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a)Generally. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Appreciation Rights, including a concurrent grant of Stock Appreciation Rights in tandem with any Stock Option grant. A Stock Appreciation Right means a right to receive a payment in cash, Common Stock or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised over (ii) the Fair Market Value of such shares of Common Stock on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is granted, or other higher specified amount, all as determined by the Committee. If a Stock Appreciation Right is granted in tandem with a Stock Option at the date of grant of the Stock Option, the designated base amount in the award agreement shall reflect the Fair Market Value on the date such Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Right were granted, or a higher specified amount as determined by the Committee. In any event, the base amount of each Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than the per-share Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant of the Stock Appreciation Right. Each Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the Committee shall impose from time to time,provided, however, that if a Stock Appreciation Right is granted in connection with a Stock Option, the Stock Appreciation Right shall become exercisable, be transferable and shall expire according to the same vesting, transferability and expiration rules as the corresponding Stock Option, unless the Committee determines otherwise.

C-9


(b)Exercise Period. Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as shall be determined by the Committee;provided, however, that no Stock Appreciation Rights shall be exercisable later than ten (10) years after the date it is granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Committee determines otherwise, if a vested Stock Appreciation Right would terminate at a time when trading in Common Stock is prohibited by law or by the Company’s insider trading policy, the vested Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised until the thirtieth (30th) day after expiration of such prohibition. All Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate at such earlier times and upon such conditions or circumstances as the Committee shall in its discretion set forth in such right at the date of grant.

8. Restricted Stock Awards.

(a)Generally. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Restricted Stock Awards consisting of Common Stock issued or transferred to participants with or without other payments therefor. Restricted Stock Awards may be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the Committee determines appropriate. Restricted Stock Awards may constitute Performance-Based Awards, as described in Section 11 hereof

(b)Payment of the Purchase Price. If the Restricted Stock Award requires payment therefor, the purchase price of any shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award may be paid in any manner authorized by the Committee. Restricted Stock Awards may also be made in consideration of services rendered to the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates.

(c)Additional Terms. Restricted Stock Awards may be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the Committee determines appropriate, including without limitation (i) Change in Control, (ii) restrictions on the sale or other disposition of such shares, and (iii) the right of the Company to reacquire such shares for no consideration upon termination of the participant’s employment within specified periods, the participant’s competition with the Company, or the participant’s breach of other obligations to the Company. Restricted Stock Awards may constitute Performance-Based Awards, as described in Section 11 hereof. The Committee may require the participant to deliver a duly signed stock power, endorsed in blank, relating to the Common Stock covered by such an Award. The Committee may also require that the stock certificates evidencing such shares be held in custody or bear restrictive legends until the restrictions thereon shall have lapsed.

(d)Rights as a Shareholder. The participant shall have, with respect to the shares of Common Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Award, all of the rights of a holder of shares of Common Stock of the Company, including the right to vote the shares. At the discretion of the Committee, cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to the Restricted Stock may be either currently paid to the participant or withheld by the Company for the participant’s account, and interest may be credited on the amount of cash dividends withheld at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee; provided that cash dividends and stock dividends with respect to performance-based Restricted Stock Awards shall vest only if and to that the underlying Restricted Stock Award vests, as determined by the Committee. The cash dividends or stock dividends so withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock (and earnings thereon, if applicable) shall be distributed to the participant upon the release of restrictions on such shares and, if such share is forfeited, the participant shall have no right to such cash dividends or stock dividends.

9. Stock Units.

(a)Generally. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant Stock Units to participants hereunder. Stock Units may be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting and provisions applicable to a Change in Control as the Committee determines appropriate. Stock Units may constitute Performance-Based Awards, as described in Section 11 hereof. A Stock Unit granted by the Committee shall provide payment in shares of Common Stock or in cash at such time as the award agreement shall specify. Shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to this Section 9 may be issued with or without other payments therefor as may be required by applicable law or such other consideration as may be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall determine whether a participant granted a Stock Unit shall be entitled to a Dividend Equivalent Right and the terms and conditions applicable to Dividend

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Equivalent Rights. Any Dividend Equivalent Right underlying a Stock Unit which is payable based on the achievement of specific vesting conditions shall vest and become payable at the same time as the underlying Stock Unit, unless the Committee determines otherwise; provided that, any Dividend Equivalent Right with respect to a performance-based Stock Unit shall vest and be paid only if and to the extent the underlying Stock Unit vests and is paid as determined by the Committee.

(b)Settlement of Stock Units. Shares of Common Stock representing the Stock Units shall be distributed to the participant unless the Committee provides for the payment of the Stock Units in cash equal to the value of the shares of Common Stock which would otherwise be distributed to the participant or partly in cash and partly in shares of Common Stock.

(c)Definitions. A “Stock Unit” means a notional account representing one (1) share of Common Stock. A “Dividend Equivalent Right” means the right to receive the amount of any dividend paid on the share of Common Stock underlying a Stock Unit, which shall be payable in cash or in the form of additional Stock Units.

10. Cash Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, grant awards to be settled solely in cash (“Cash Awards”). Cash Awards may be subject to such terms and conditions, including vesting, as the Committee determines appropriate. Cash Awards may constitute Performance-Based Awards, as described in Section 11 hereof.

11. Performance-Based Awards.

(a)Generally. Any Benefits granted under the Plan may be granted in a manner such that the Benefits qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption of Section 162(m) of the Code. Restricted Stock Awards (and any dividends payable with respect thereto), Stock Units and Dividend Equivalent Rights that are intended to qualify for the performance-based compensation exemption of Section 162(m) of the Code are referred to as “Performance-Based Awards”. As determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, either the granting or vesting of such Performance-Based Awards shall be based on achievement of performance objectives that are based on one or more of the business criteria described below, with respect to one or more business units or the Company and its subsidiaries as a whole.

(b)Business Criteria. The Committee shall use objectively determinable performance goals based on one or more of the following business criteria, individually or in combination: (i) net earnings; (ii) earnings per share; (iii) sales; (iv) operating income; (v) earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT); (vi) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); (vii) cash flow; (viii) working capital targets; (ix) return on equity; (x) return on capital; (xi) market price per share; (xii) total return to shareholders, (xiii) price-earnings multiples, (xiv) revenue, (xv) number of days sales outstanding in accounts receivable, (xvi) productivity, (xvii) margin, (xviii) net capital employed, (xix) growth in assets, (xx) unit volume, (xxi) market share, (xxii) economic value, (xxiii) relative performance to a comparison group designated by the Committee based on any of the foregoing criteria, or (xxiv) strategic business criteria consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue goals, market penetration goals, customer growth, geographic business expansion goals, cost targets or goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures.

(c)Establishment of Performance Goals. With respect to Performance-Based Awards, the Committee shall establish in writing (i) the performance goals applicable to a given period, and such performance goals shall state, in terms of an objective formula or standard, the method for computing the amount of compensation payable to the participant if such performance goals are obtained and (ii) the individual employees or class of employees to which such performance goals apply; provided, however, that such performance goals shall be established in writing no later than ninety (90) days after the commencement of the applicable period of service to which the performance goals relate (but in no event after twenty-five percent (25%) of such period has elapsed), or such other period as may be consistent with the regulations issued under Section 162(m) of the Code.

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(d)Certification of Performance. No Performance-Based Awards shall be payable to or vest with respect to, as the case may be, any participant for a given period until the Committee certifies in writing that the objective performance goals (and any other material terms) applicable to such period have been satisfied.

(e)Modification of Performance-Based Awards. With respect to any Benefits intended to qualify as Performance-Based Awards, after establishment of a performance goal, the Committee shall not revise such performance goal to cause the goal to cease to meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, except as otherwise determined by the Committee, and the Committee shall not increase the amount of compensation payable thereunder (as determined in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code) upon the attainment of such performance goal. The Committee may reduce or eliminate the number of shares of Common Stock or cash granted or the number of shares of Common Stock vested upon the attainment of such performance goal, based on such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may make such changes to performance goals and Performance-Based Awards as the Committee deems appropriate in the event of a change in corporate capitalization, corporate transaction or other corporate event as permitted by Section 162(m), or as the Committee otherwise determines.

(f)Impact of Unusual or Infrequently Occurring Items or Changes in Accounting. To the extent applicable, subject to the following sentence and unless the Committee determines otherwise, the determination of the achievement of performance goals shall be determined based on the relevant financial measure, computed in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and in a manner consistent with the methods used in the Company’s audited financial statements. To the extent permitted by Section 162(m), in setting the performance goals for Performance-Based Awards within the period prescribed in Section 11(c), the Committee may provide for appropriate adjustment as it deems appropriate, including for one or more of the following items: asset write-downs; litigation or claim judgments or settlements; changes in accounting principles; changes in tax law or other laws affecting reported results; changes in commodity prices; severance, contract termination, and other costs related to exiting, modifying or reducing any business activities; costs of, and gains and losses from, the acquisition, disposition, or abandonment of businesses or assets; gains and losses from the early extinguishment of debt; gains and losses in connection with the termination or withdrawal from a pension plan; stock compensation costs and other non-cash expenses; any unusual or infrequently occurring items as described in applicable Accounting Principles Board opinions or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operation appearing in the Company’s annual report to shareholders for the applicable year; and any other specified non-operating items as determined by the Committee in setting performance goals.

(g)Death, Disability or Other Circumstances. The Committee may provide in the grant agreement that Performance-Based Awards under this Section 11 shall be payable, in whole or in part, in the event of the Participant’s death or disability, a Change in Control or under other circumstances consistent with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code.

12. Foreign Laws. The Committee may grant Benefits to individual participants who are subject to the tax laws of nations other than the United States, which Benefits may have terms and conditions as determined by the Committee as necessary to comply with applicable foreign laws. The Committee may take any action which it deems advisable to obtain approval of such Benefits by the appropriate foreign governmental entity; provided, however, that no such Benefits may be granted pursuant to this Section 12, and no action may be taken, which would result in a violation of the Exchange Act, the Code or any other applicable law.

13. Certain Terminations of Employment; Forfeitures.

(a)Forfeiture of Unsettled Benefits. Unless the Committee or any agreement providing for Benefits under this Plan shall otherwise provide, a participant shall forfeit all Benefits which have not been settled under this Plan if:

(i) the participant’s employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates is terminated for willful, deliberate, or gross misconduct, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, or such other definition of “cause” as may be applicable under the grant agreement;

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(ii) during the participant’s employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, the participant engages in any business or enters into any employment relationship which the Committee in its sole discretion determines to be either directly or indirectly (A) competitive with any aspect of the business of the Company with respect to which the participant had responsibility for, or access to, confidential information within 12 months before the participant’s termination of employment or service with the Company or (B) substantially injurious to the Company’s business interests, in each case in any geographic area in which the Company conducts business with respect to which the participant had responsibility for, or access to, confidential information within 12 months before the participant’s termination of employment or service with the Company (a “Restricted Business”);

(iii) during the participant’s employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, the participant solicits any person who was a customer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates with respect to any Restricted Business, or solicits potential customers of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates who are or were identified through leads developed during the course of the participant’s employment or service with the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates with respect to any Restricted Business, or otherwise diverts or attempts to divert any existing business of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates;

(iv) during the participant’s employment or service with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, the participant directly for the participant or for any third party, solicits, induces, recruits or causes another person in the employment of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates to terminate such employee’s employment with the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates; or

(v) during the participant’s employment or service or thereafter, the participant breaches any written confidentiality, non-solicitation or non-competition covenant with the Company or a subsidiary or affiliate.

The activities described in subsections (i), (ii) and (iii) above are hereafter referred to as “Injurious Conduct”.

(b)Forfeiture of Settled Benefits. If the Committee determines that a participant has engaged in Injurious Conduct as described in Section 13(a), the Committee may in its discretion require the participant to return to the Company any Common Stock or cash received in settlement of any Benefit under this Plan. If the Common Stock acquired in settlement of a Benefit has been disposed of by the participant, then the Company may require the participant to pay to the Company the economic value of the Common Stock as of the date of disposition.

(c)Timing. Unless the grant agreement provides otherwise, the Committee shall exercise the right of forfeiture provided to the Company in this Section 13 within one-hundred and eighty (180) days after the Company’s discovery of the Injurious Conduct activities giving rise to the Company’s right of forfeiture.

(d)Determination from the Committee. A participant may make a request to the Committee in writing for a determination regarding whether any proposed business or activity would constitute Injurious Conduct. Such request shall fully describe the proposed business or activity. The Committee shall respond to the participant in writing and the Committee’s determination shall be limited to the specific business or activity so described.

(e)Condition Precedent. Unless the Committee or any agreement providing for Benefits under this Plan shall otherwise provide, no Benefit shall be deemed awarded to any participant under this Plan unless and until the participant agrees to the applicability of this Section 13.

(f)Enforceability. The purpose of this Section 13 is to protect the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates from Injurious Conduct. To the extent that this Section 13 is not fully enforceable as written, the unenforceable provisions shall be modified so as to provide the Company with the fullest protection permitted by law. The Committee may waive any provisions of this Section 13, as the Committee deems appropriate.

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14. Adjustment Provisions; Change in Control.

(a)Adjustment. Benefits granted under the Plan and any agreements evidencing such Benefits, the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan as stated in Section 5(a) and the maximum number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which Benefits may be granted to any one employee as stated in Section 5(b) shall be subject to mandatory adjustment or substitution, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, as to the number, price or kind of a share of Common Stock or other consideration subject to such Benefits or as otherwise determined by the Committee to be equitable:

(i) in the event of changes in the outstanding Common Stock or in the capital structure of the Company by reason of stock or extraordinary cash dividends, stock splits, reverse stock splits, spinoffs, recapitalization, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations, combinations, exchanges, or other relevant changes in capitalization occurring after the date of grant of any such Benefit, or

(ii) in the event of any change in applicable laws or any change in circumstances which results in or would result in any substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights granted to, or available for, participants, or which otherwise warrants equitable adjustment because it interferes with the intended operation of the Plan.

Any adjustment in Incentive Stock Options under this Section 14 shall be made only to the extent not constituting a “modification” within the meaning of Section 424(h)(3) of the Code, except as otherwise determined by the Committee, and any adjustments under this Section 14 shall be made in a manner which does not adversely affect the exemption provided pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. Any adjustment to Nonqualified Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights shall be made in accordance with the requirements of Sections 409A and 424 of the Code, as applicable. Further, with respect to Benefits intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code, such adjustments or substitutions shall be made to the extent that the Committee determines that such adjustments or substitutions may be made without causing the Company to be denied a tax deduction on account of Section 162(m) of the Code, or as the Committee otherwise determines is appropriate. The adjustments of Benefits under this Section 14(a) shall include adjustment of shares, exercise price, base price, performance goals or other terms and conditions, as appropriate. The Company shall give each participant notice of an adjustment hereunder and, upon notice, such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.

(b)Effect of a Change in Control on Benefits. The following provisions shall apply in the event of a Change in Control:

(i) Unless the Committee determines otherwise, if there is a Change in Control of the Company, and if participants’ Benefits remain outstanding after the Change in Control (or are assumed by, or converted to similar benefits with equivalent value as of the date of the Change in Control of, the surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation)), and the Company or its successor terminates a participant’s employment without Cause upon or within two years after the Change in Control, the participant’s outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall vest and become exercisable, any restrictions on Restricted Stock Awards shall lapse, and Stock Units or Cash Awards shall become payable. In that event, Benefits that are based on performance goals will vest and be payable at their target value unless the Committee determines otherwise. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, “Cause” shall mean conduct described in Section 13(a)(i) above.

(ii) Unless the Committee determines otherwise, if there is a Change in Control of the Company, and if participants’ Benefits do not remain outstanding after the Change in Control (and are not assumed by, or converted to similar benefits with equivalent value as of the date of the Change in Control of, the surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation)), then all outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall immediately vest and become exercisable, any restrictions on Restricted Stock Awards shall lapse, and Stock Units and Cash Awards shall become payable as of the date of the Change in Control. In that event, Benefits that are based on performance goals will vest and be payable at their target value unless the Committee determines otherwise.

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(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may establish such other terms and conditions relating to the effect of a Change in Control on Benefits as the Committee deems appropriate. In addition to other actions, in the event of a Change in Control of the Company, the Committee may take any one or more of the following actions with respect to any or all outstanding Benefits, without the consent of any participant: (A) the Committee may determine that outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be fully exercisable, restrictions on outstanding Restricted Stock Awards shall lapse, and Stock Units and Cash Awards shall become payable, as of the date of the Change in Control or at such other time as the Committee determines, (B) the Committee may require that participants surrender their outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights for cancellation in exchange for one or more payments by the Company, in cash, Common Stock or other property (including the property, if any, payable in the transaction), as determined by the Committee, in an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which the then Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to the participant’s unexercised Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights exceeds the exercise price or base amount, as applicable, and on such terms as the Committee determines, (C) after giving participants an opportunity to exercise their outstanding Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, the Committee may terminate any or all unexercised Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights at such time as the Committee deems appropriate, (D) with respect to participants holding Stock Units or Cash Awards, the Committee may determine that such participants shall receive one or more payments in settlement of such Stock Units or Cash Awards, in such amount and form and on such terms as may be determined by the Committee, or (E) the Committee may determine that Benefits that remain outstanding after the Change in Control shall be converted to similar Benefits of the surviving corporation (or a parent or subsidiary of the surviving corporation). Without limiting the foregoing, if the per share Fair Market Value of the Common Stock does not exceed the per share exercise price or base amount of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right, the Company shall not be required to make any payment to the participant upon surrender of the Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right. Any acceleration, surrender, termination, settlement or conversion shall take place as of the date of the Change in Control or such other date as the Committee may specify.

(c)Definitions. For purposes of this Plan, the following terms have the following meanings:

(i) “Change in Control” of the Company shall be deemed to have occurred if the event set forth in any one of the following sections shall have occurred:

(A) any Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in clause (I) of subsection (C) below;

(B) the following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors and any new director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders was approved or recommended by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors on the date hereof or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so approved or recommended;

(C) there is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation, other than (I) a merger or consolidation immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board of Directors immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the Company, the entity surviving such merger or consolidation or, if the Company or the entity surviving such merger is then a subsidiary, the ultimate parent thereof, or (II) a merger or consolidation effected to

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implement a recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates) representing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

(D) the shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets immediately following which the individuals who comprise the Board of Directors immediately prior thereto constitute at least a majority of the board of directors of the entity to which such assets are sold or disposed or any parent thereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “Change in Control” shall not be deemed to have occurred (i) by virtue of the consummation of any transaction or series of integrated transactions immediately following which the record holders of the common stock of the Company immediately prior to such transaction or series of transactions continue to have substantially the same proportionate ownership in an entity which owns all or substantially all of the assets of the Company immediately following such transaction or series of transactions or (ii) by virtue of the consummation of a spin-off of any business line or business unit of the Company or a sale of (or similar transaction with respect to) all or substantially all of the assets that comprise a business line or business unit of the Company. The Committee may provide in a grant agreement for another definition of Change in Control, including as necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code.

(ii) “Affiliate” shall mean with respect to any Person, any other Person that, at any time that a determination is made hereunder, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such first Person. For the purpose of this definition, “control” shall mean, as to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to elect or appoint a majority of directors (or other persons acting in similar capacities) of such Person or otherwise to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

(iii) “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficially Own” shall have the meaning set forth in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor provision.

(iv) “Person” shall mean any individual, entity or group, including any “person” or “group” within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or Section 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act, or any successor provision.

15. Nontransferability. Benefits granted under the Plan shall not be transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable, during the participant’s lifetime, only by the participant. In the event of the death of a participant, each Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right theretofore granted to him or her shall be exercisable during such period after his or her death as the Committee shall in its discretion set forth in the grant agreement and then only by the executor or administrator of the estate of the deceased participant or the person or persons to whom the deceased participant’s rights under the Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall pass by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, at the discretion of the Committee, and subject to applicable law, a grant agreement for a Benefit other than an Incentive Stock Option may permit the transferability of the Benefit by a participant solely for charitable purposes or to the participant’s spouse, siblings, parents, children and grandchildren or trusts for the benefit of such persons or to partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other entities owned solely by such persons, including trusts for such persons, without consideration, subject to any restriction included in the grant agreement for the Benefit.

16. Other Provisions. The award of any Benefit under the Plan may be subject to such other provisions (whether or not applicable to the Benefit awarded to any other participant) as the Committee determines appropriate, including, without limitation, for the forfeiture of, or restrictions on resale or other disposition of, Common Stock acquired under any form of Benefit, for the acceleration of exercisability or vesting of

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Benefits (subject to Section 4(b)), or to comply with federal and state securities laws, or understandings or conditions as to the participant’s employment or service in addition to those specifically provided for under the Plan.

17. Fair Market Value.For purposes of this Plan and any Benefits awarded hereunder, Fair Market Value on any given date means (i) if the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange on a last sale basis, the closing price reported as having occurred on the such date, or, if there is no sale on such date, then on the last preceding date on which such a sale was reported, or (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange on a last sale basis, the amount determined by the Committee to be the fair market value based upon a good faith attempt to value the Common Stock accurately.

18. Withholding. All payments or distributions of Benefits made pursuant to the Plan shall be net of any amounts required to be withheld pursuant to applicable federal, state and local tax withholding requirements. If the Company proposes or is required to distribute Common Stock pursuant to the Plan, it may require the recipient to remit to it or to the corporation that employs such recipient an amount sufficient to satisfy such tax withholding requirements prior to the delivery of any certificates for such Common Stock. In lieu thereof, the Company or the employing corporation shall have the right to withhold the amount of such taxes from any other sums due or to become due from such corporation to the recipient as the Committee shall prescribe. The Committee may, in its discretion and subject to such rules as it may adopt (including any as may be required to satisfy applicable tax and/or non-tax regulatory requirements), permit or require a participant to pay all or a portion of the federal, state and local withholding taxes arising in connection with any Benefit consisting of shares of Common Stock by having the Company withhold shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of tax to be withheld, or permit a participant to pay such withholding taxes by tendering shares of Common Stock held by the participant. Unless the Committee determines otherwise, share withholding for taxes shall not exceed the participant’s minimum applicable tax withholding amount.

19. Duration, Amendment and Termination.

(a)Amendment and Termination. The Company, by action of its Board of Directors, may amend the Plan from time to time or suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall not amend the Plan without approval of the shareholders of the Company if such approval is required (i) in order to comply with the Code or other applicable laws, or to comply with applicable stock exchange requirements or (ii) in order to comply with Section 19(b) below. No amendment or termination of this Plan shall, without the consent of the participant, materially impair any rights or obligations under any Benefit previously granted to the participant under the Plan, unless such right has been reserved in the Plan or the grant agreement, or except as provided in Section 20(f) below. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Board of Directors may amend the Plan in such manner as it deems appropriate in the event of a change in applicable law or regulations.

(b)No Repricing. Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spinoff, combination, or exchange of shares), the Company may not, without obtaining shareholder approval, (i) amend the terms of outstanding Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to reduce the exercise price of outstanding Stock Options or the base amount of outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights, (ii) cancel outstanding Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights in exchange for other awards or Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights with an exercise price or base amount, as applicable, that is less than the exercise price or base amount, as applicable, of the original Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights or (iii) cancel outstanding Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights with an exercise price or base amount, as applicable, above the current stock price in exchange for cash, Common Stock or other securities.

(c)Shareholder Approval for Performance-Based Awards. The Plan must be reapproved by the Company’s shareholders no later than the first shareholders meeting that occurs in the fifth year following the year in which the shareholders previously approved the provisions of Section 11, if Performance-Based Awards are to be made under Section 11 after the date of such shareholders meeting and if required by Section 162(m) of the Code or the regulations thereunder.

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(d)Termination of Plan. The Plan shall terminate on the day immediately preceding the tenth (10th) anniversary of the Effective Date, unless the Plan is terminated earlier by the Board of Directors or is extended by the Board of Directors with the approval of the shareholders. The termination of the Plan shall not impair the power and authority of the Committee with respect to outstanding Benefits. Incentive Stock Options shall not be granted after the date that is ten (10) years after the date on which the Board of Directors adopts the Plan or the Effective Date, whichever is earlier.

20. Miscellaneous.

(a)Employment Rights. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any participant the right to be retained in the employ or service of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.

(b)Unfunded Plan. Participants shall have no right, title, or interest whatsoever in or to any investments which the Company may make to aid it in meeting its obligations under the Plan. Nothing contained in the 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 person. To the extent that any person acquires a right to receive payments from the Company under the Plan, such right shall be no greater than the right of an unsecured general creditor of the Company. All payments to be made hereunder shall be paid from the general funds of the Company 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 the Plan. The Plan is not intended to be subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

(c)No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Benefit. The Committee shall determine whether cash, or Benefits, 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.

(d)Company Policies; Holding Requirements. All Benefits granted under the Plan shall be subject to any applicable clawback or recoupment policies, share trading policies and other policies that may be implemented by the Company’s Board of Directors from time to time. Participants who are subject to the Company’s stock ownership policy must hold a portion of the net after-tax shares received upon vesting, exercise or payment of Benefits under this Plan until the applicable stock ownership guidelines are met, in accordance with the Company’s stock ownership policy.

(e)Requirements for Issuance of Shares. No Common Stock shall be issued in connection with any Benefit hereunder unless and until all legal requirements applicable to the issuance of such Common Stock have been complied with to the satisfaction of the Committee. The Committee shall have the right to condition any Benefit granted to any participant hereunder on such participant’s undertaking in writing to comply with such restrictions on his or her subsequent disposition of such shares of Common Stock as the Committee shall deem necessary or advisable, and certificates representing such shares may be legended to reflect any such restrictions. Certificates representing shares of Common Stock issued under the Plan will be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as may be required by applicable laws, regulations and interpretations, including any requirement that a legend be placed thereon. No participant shall have any right as a shareholder with respect to Common Stock covered by a Benefit until shares have been issued to the participant.

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(f)Compliance with Law. The Plan, the exercise of Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights and the obligations of the Company to issue or transfer shares of Common Stock in accordance with Benefits granted under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws and to approvals by any governmental or regulatory agency as may be required. With respect to persons subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, it is the intent of the Company that the Plan and all transactions under the Plan comply with all applicable provisions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act. In addition, it is the intent of the Company that Incentive Stock Options comply with the applicable provisions of Section 422 of the Code, and Performance-Based Awards comply with the applicable provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code. To the extent that any legal requirement of Section 16 of the Exchange Act or Section 422 or 162(m) as set forth in the Plan ceases to be required under Section 16 of the Exchange Act or Section 422 or 162(m) of the Code, that Plan provision shall cease to apply. The Committee may revoke any Benefit granted under the Plan if it is contrary to law or modify a Benefit to bring it into compliance with any valid and mandatory government regulation. The Committee may also adopt rules regarding the withholding of taxes on payments to participants. The Committee may also, in its sole discretion, agree to limit its authority under this Section.

(g)Benefits in Connection with Corporate Transactions and Otherwise. Nothing contained in this Plan shall be construed to (i) limit the right of the Committee to grant Benefits under this Plan in connection with the acquisition, by purchase, lease, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of the business or assets of any corporation, firm or association, including Benefits to employees thereof who become employees of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates, or for other proper corporate purposes, or (ii) limit the right of the Company to make stock-based awards outside of this Plan. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may grant Substitute Awards to an employee of another corporation who becomes an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates by reason of a corporate merger, consolidation, acquisition of stock or property, reorganization or liquidation involving the Company in substitution for a grant made by such corporation. The terms and conditions of the Benefits may vary from the terms and conditions required by the Plan and from those of the substituted stock incentives, as determined by the Committee.

(h)Section 409A. The Plan is intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. All Benefits shall be construed and administered such that the Benefit either (i) qualifies for an exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or (ii) satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. If a Benefit is subject to Section 409A of the Code, (A) distributions shall only be made in a manner and upon an event permitted under Section 409A of the Code, (B) payments to be made upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a “separation from service” under Section 409A of the Code, (C) unless the Benefit specifies otherwise, each installment payment shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A of the Code, and (D) in no event shall a participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year in which a distribution is made except in accordance with Section 409A of the Code. Any Benefit granted under the Plan that is subject to Section 409A of the Code and that is to be distributed to a key employee upon separation from service shall be administered so that any distribution with respect to such Benefit shall be postponed for six (6) months following the date of the participant’s separation from service, if required by Section 409A of the Code. If a distribution is delayed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, the distribution shall be paid within thirty (30) days after the end of the six (6)-month period. If the participant dies during such six (6)-month period, any postponed amounts shall be paid within ninety (90) days of the participant’s death. The determination of key employees, including the number and identity of persons considered key employees and the identification date, shall be made by the Committee or its delegate each year in accordance with Section 416(i) of the Code and the “specified employee” requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

(i)Governing Law. This Plan, Benefits granted hereunder and actions taken in connection herewith shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (regardless of the law that might otherwise govern under applicable Pennsylvania principles of conflict of laws).

(j)Effective Date. The Plan shall be effective as of July 8, 2016, subject to shareholder approval of the Plan (the “Effective Date”).

C-19


 

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

MARK A. HERSHEY

2500 COLUMBIA AVENUE

LANCASTER, PA 17603

 

VOTE BY INTERNET

Before the meeting: www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.

During the meeting:

www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/awi2016

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

ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS

If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.

VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.

VOTE BY MAIL

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.AWI 2020 Proxy Statement

For

All

Withhold

All

For All

Except

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

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

      
1.Election of Directors¨¨¨

Nominees    63
01  Stan A. Askren02 Victor D. Grizzle03 Tao Huang04 Larry S. McWilliams05 James C. Melville
06  James J. O’Connor07 John J. Roberts08 Gregory P. Spivy09 Cherryl T. Thomas
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:ForAgainstAbstain
2To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2016.¨¨¨
3To approve of the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Directors’ Stock Unit Plan.¨¨¨
4To approve of the Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2016 Long-Term Incentive Plan.¨¨¨
NOTE:Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof.
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name, by authorized officer.
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]    Date

Signature (Joint Owners)            Date


Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report, Notice & Proxy
Statement is/are available atwww.proxyvote.com.

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC.

Annual Meeting of Shareholders

July 8, 2016 8:00 AM

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

The undersigned hereby appoints Victor D. Grizzle and James J. O’Connor as proxies, each with full power of substitution, to represent and vote as designated on the reverse side, all of the shares of Common Stock of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on April 15, 2016, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on July 8, 2016 at 8:00 a.m., or any adjournment of postponement thereof.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 

LOGO


LOGO

ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. Mark A. Hershey 2500 COLUMBIA AVENUE
LANCASTER, PA 17603
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Before The Meeting: www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
During The Meeting - Go to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AWI2020
You may attend the meeting via the Internet and vote during the meeting. Have the information that is printed in the box marked by the arrow available and follow the instructions.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
For Withhold For All To withhold authority to vote for any All All Except individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: nominee(s) on the line below.
1. Election of Directors
Nominees
01 Stan A. Askren 02 Victor D. Grizzle 03 Tao Huang 04 Barbara L. Loughran
06 James C. Melville 07 Wayne R. Shurts 08 Roy W. Templin 09 Cherryl T. Thomas
The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3.
2 To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2020.
3 To approve, on an advisory basis, our executive compensation program.
NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof. In their discretion, the proxy holders are authorized to vote such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponement or adjournment thereof. 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.
05 Larry S. McWilliams
For Against Abstain
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date


LOGO

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Annual Report, Notice & Proxy Statement are available at www.proxyvote.com
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES, INC. Annual Meeting of Shareholders June 25, 2020 8:00 AM
This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Victor D. Grizzle and Larry S. McWilliams as proxies, each with full power of substitution, to represent and vote as designated on the reverse side, all of the common shares of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on April 21, 2020, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on July 25, 2020 at 8:00 a.m., or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side