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

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

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

 

 Filed by the Registrant Filed by a Party other than the Registrant

 

Check the appropriate box:
Preliminary Proxy Statement
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
Definitive Proxy Statement
Definitive Additional Materials
Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS HOLDINGS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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DEAR FELLOW
STOCKHOLDERS

 

The 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the

“Annual Meeting”) of Spirit AeroSystems

Holdings, Inc. (“Spirit” or the “Company”) will

Thomas C. Gentile III

PRESIDENT AND

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Robert D. Johnson

CHAIRMANbe held virtually via live audio webcast on:

 

NOTICE

OF 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

OF STOCKHOLDERS

PURPOSE

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

11:00 a.m. Central Time

REVIEW YOUR PROXY STATEMENT AND VOTE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

Items of business include:

1.  Election of 10 nominees as directors;

2.  Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers;

3. Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2021;

4. The stockholder proposal requesting an amendment to the Company’s proxy access bylaw; and

5.  The transaction of any other business that properly comes before the meeting.

VIRTUAL MEETING ADMISSION

In order to protect the health and safety of attendees in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting will be conducted virtually via live audio webcast. Stockholders can be admitted to and attend the virtual Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021 by entering the 16-digit voting control number found on the Notice (as defined below) or proxy card. Stockholders may vote and submit questions during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions available on the website above.

RECORD DATE

The record date for the Annual Meeting is March 20, 20202, 2021 (the “Record Date”). Only stockholders of record of our Class A Common Stock (the “Common Stock”) as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at and virtually attend the Annual Meeting. For detailed information on how to vote, see “General Information.”

DOCUMENTS

Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Company has elected to primarily furnish its proxy materials over the internet rather than mailing paper copies. On behalfMarch 17, 2021, we commenced distributing to our stockholders a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) or, if requested, a paper copy of the proxy materials and our Annual Report, along with a proxy card or voting information form. The Notice contains instructions on how to access and review the proxy materials on the internet and instructions on how to vote, as well as instructions on how to obtain a paper copy of the proxy materials.

Your vote is important. Regardless of whether you plan to virtually attend the Annual Meeting, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. Thank you for your ongoing support of Spirit.

By order of the Board of Directors, we are delightedDirectors.

Sincerely,

INTERNET

  Visit www.proxyvote.com prior to invite you to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Spirit”). We hope you can join us on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grand Hyatt DFW, 2337 S. International Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75261. Details of the business to be conducted at

  During the Annual Meeting, are included invisit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021

MOBILE DEVICE

  Use your tablet or smartphone to scan the attached NoticeQR code

PHONE

  Call 1-800-690-6903

MAIL

  Sign, date, and accompanying Proxy Statement.return your proxy card or voting instruction form

2019 was an unprecedented year for the Company duePlease refer to the worldwide groundingenclosed proxy materials or the information forwarded by your bank, broker, or other holder of the B737 MAX, our largest program. Spirit faced many challenges resulting from the grounding, including needingrecord to reduce costs designed for a production rate of 57 aircraft per month, designing storage plans for grounded aircraft,confirm which voting methods are available to you.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON APRIL 28, 2021:

The Proxy Statement and having to face difficult decisions about rightsizing our workforce.Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com

Last year was also one of growth for Spirit as we continued to execute our diversification strategy. We announced our acquisition of select Bombardier aerostructures and aftermarket assets, which represents a new frontier for Spirit and will expand our Airbus work content and give us a very significant work package on the A220 - a fully integrated wing. We also expanded our defense profile by acquiring Fiber Materials Inc. (the acquisition closed in January 2020)

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS HOLDINGS, INC.

3801 S. Oliver St., which provides us additional exposure to defense customers and brings us key work content in the rapidly expanding hypersonics space.Wichita, KS 67210-2112

We continued to improve our governance profile and expand our capabilities when we welcomed Stephen A. Cambone onto the Board in October. Steve is a seasoned defense leader and well-versed in cyber matters. His contributions to the Board are tremendous, and we are grateful for his experience as we navigate defense growth and our increasingly interconnected marketplace.

We are excited about the Company’s future as we expand our capabilities and expertise. Due to the continued grounding of the B737 MAX and the resulting lower production rates, challenges will continue. However, we have the right leadership and Board in place to conquer these challenges and help us emerge as a stronger, more diversified company.

We thank you for your continued support of Spirit and look forward to the Annual Meeting.

 


 

Notice of
2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
MINDY MCPHEETERS

Vice President, Interim General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

March 17, 2021

3801 S. Oliver St.
Wichita, KS 67210-2112

March 20, 2020

The 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (“Spirit” or the “Company”) will be held:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020

11:00 a.m. Central Time

Grand Hyatt DFW

2337 S. International Pkwy.

Dallas, TX 75261

Items of business include:

1.

Election of 10 nominees as directors;

2.

Advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers;

3.

Ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2020;

4.

The stockholder proposal requesting that the Board of Directors adopt a bylaw requiring that any Board-approved bylaw amendment be subject to a non-binding stockholder vote; and

5.

The transaction of any other business that properly comes before the meeting.

The record date for the Annual Meeting is February 24, 2020 (the “Record Date”). Only stockholders of record of our Class A Common Stock (the “Common Stock”) as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting, or by internet, phone, or mail (by returning your proxy card or voting instruction form). For more detailed information on voting, see the section titled “General Information.” Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we hope you will vote as soon as possible.

Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Company has elected to send you a full set of proxy materials (and notify you of the availability of the Company’s proxy materials on the internet). On March 20, 2020, we commenced mailing proxy materials and our Annual Report to our stockholders.

***

While we intend to hold the meeting in person at this time, we are closely monitoring the coronavirus, or COVID-19, situation. If it becomes necessary for us to hold the meeting by means of remote communication, we will announce that decision promptly, and details on how to participate will be available at https://www.spiritaero.com/2020-annual-meeting.

***

By order of the Board of Directors.

Sincerely,

StacyCozad

SeniorVicePresident,GeneralCounsel,ChiefComplianceOfficer,andCorporateSecretary

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON APRIL 22, 2020:

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at http://www.proxyvote.com


Table of Contents

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 2021 Proxy Statement     4


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PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

This summary highlights certain information contained elsewhere in the accompanyingthis Proxy Statement. This summary does not contain all the information you should consider before voting your shares. For more complete information regarding the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting and our 20192020 performance, please review the entire Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.2020.

We use the terms “Spirit,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” in this Proxy Statement to refer to Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Matters to Be Voted On at the Annual Meeting

Casting Your Vote

Stockholders of record of our Common Stock as of February 24, 2020,the Record Date, March 2, 2021, may vote their shares using any of the following methods:

BY INTERNET

Visit www.proxyvote.com prior to the Annual Meeting; or

During the Annual Meeting, visit
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021

MOBILE DEVICE

Use your tablet or smartphone
to scan the QR code above

 

BY MAIL

Complete
and return the enclosed
proxy card or voting
instruction form

BY PHONE

Call 1-800-690-6903

INPERSON

Vote in person at the
Annual Meeting; see
“General Information — How
Do I Attend the Annual
Meeting”

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 20202021 Proxy Statement     65


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About Spirit

Quick Spirit Facts

 

 

HEADQUARTERS

Wichita, Kansas

WORLDWIDE EMPLOYEES

Approximately 15,00014,500

LOCATIONS

Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Texas, U.S.; Prestwick and Belfast, U.K.; St. Nazaire, France; MalaysiaSubang, Malaysia; Casablanca, Morocco

MAJOR CUSTOMERS

Airbus, Boeing, Bell Helicopter,Bombardier, Lockheed Martin (Sikorsky), Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce

Business Overview

 

Spirit is a leading tier-one global aerostructures provider. We manufacture large aerostructures, includingmanufacturer for commercial airplanes, military platforms, and business/regional jets. Spirit’s core products include fuselages, fully integrated wing structures and wing components, engine nacelles, pylons, fan cowls, thrust reversers, and systems integration for the world’s premier aircraft. Spirit’s capabilitiesCapabilities include metal manufacturing and assembly, precision assembly, and composites manufacturing.

Commercial. Our engineering capabilities and proprietary design tools, combined with our capacity for high-volume production, have positioned Spiritus as a leading commercial aerostructures supplier to both Airbus, Boeing, and Boeing.Bombardier. For Boeing, we manufacture the B737 fuselage, the front section of the B787, fuselage,B777 and otherwise manufacture partsB767 fuselages, and other wing and engine components for every Boeing commercial aircraft currently in production. Further, for Airbus, we supply fuselage andand/or wing aerostructures content on the A220, A320, A330, and A350 XWBXWB. We recently expanded our capabilities into many business aircraft ranging from the super mid-size to very large aircraft categories, which include the Bombardier Challenger and wing aerostructures content on the A320 and A330. We are adding new Airbus content and contracts with other customers with the previously announced Asco and Bombardier acquisitions.Global families of aircraft. Spirit also suppliesproduces aerostructures for various business/regional and business jet programs including pylons on the A220 and Mitsubishi Regional Jet, as well as nacelles for Rolls-Royce engines used on Gulfstream aircraft.and others.

Defense. In addition to producing aerostructures for commercial aircraft, Spiritthe Company designs, engineers, and manufactures structural components for military programs. We have been awarded a significant amount of work for Boeing’sprograms including the Boeing P-8, C-40, and KC-46 tanker,Tanker, all of which are commercial aircraft modified for military use. We are also involved indevelop and manufacture the developmentfuselage and production of variousother parts for the Sikorsky CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter and Bell V-280 tiltrotor aircraft. In addition, Spirit isare a proud to be a member of the Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider industry team. Also, Spirit has invested heavily in research and development labs that enable us to deliver innovation and valueis partnered with Bell on defense programs.

the V-280 Valor rotorcraft as part of the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program. In 2020, Spirit recently acquired Fiber Materials Inc. (“FMI”), an industry-leading technology company specializing in multi-directional reinforced carbon-carbon composites that enable high-temperature applications such as thermal protection systems, hypersonic missiles, and re-entry vehicle nose tips, as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. FMI's unique capabilitiesSpirit’s defense product portfolio is also expanding into Europe with Spirit Belfast leading Project Mosquito for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence.

Aftermarket. Spirit provides a range of maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions for the commercial and business/regional jet aftermarket. Our global aftermarket presence allows customers to have positioned it asregional access to our maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities that provide industry-leading repairs and solutions for a leadervariety of aircraft, including both metallic and composite structures. Additionally, Spirit continues to produce and sell spare parts to our Original Equipment Manufacturer customers.

Other. Spirit is involved with a number of innovative transportation technologies. This includes the Aerion AS2 supersonic business jet program, for which Spirit is contributing to the preliminary design of the forward fuselage section of the AS2. Spirit has also signed a memorandum of agreement with Aerion to produce the forward fuselage section. Also, in carbon-carbon high-temperature materialscollaboration with Virgin Hyperloop, Spirit is leveraging its design, fabrication, supply chain, and certification expertise to support the development of Virgin’s hyperloop technology. In 2020, Spirit entered into a temporary partnership with Vyaire Medical to produce critical care ventilators for hypersonic missiles, whichthe Strategic National Stockpile under a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense has identified as a national priority.

Spirit expects to complete its previously announced acquisitions of AscoHealth and Bombardier aerostructures in 2020, which will increase its exposure to Airbus, business and regional jets, and defense work.Human Services.

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 20202021 Proxy Statement     76


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Spirit Values and Fundamental Behaviors

 

Values

 

At Spirit, we believe that culture and values play an important role in the success of corporate strategy. Values are demonstrated in the way we think, act, and ultimately achieve results. The following values guide our ways of working:

Transparency

I am open, honest, and respectful with my communication. I speak up to share my ideas and build trust by making my intentions clear.

Collaboration

I align my actions with others, so we work together to achieve the best outcome in everything we do.

Inspiration

I encourage the best from others, and I lead by example to ensure innovation is a component of our success.

Built on a foundation of trust, speaking out enables us to demonstrate these values. We encourage all of our employees to speak out and listen up to ensure we consider other perspectives in our discussions in order to succeed.

Fundamental Behaviors

 

Safety

Our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to conducting our operations in a manner that prioritizes the safety and continued health of our employees and other workers. We are committed to continual assessment, training, and investment to execute our safety goals and reduce injuries and incidents.

 

Quality

We are committed to continually improving our product quality and meeting or exceeding our customers’ quality expectations.

 

 

 

 

On-Time Delivery

We are committed to successful on-time delivery. The success of our customers depends on our ability to meet their delivery expectations consistently. 

 

 

 

 

Customer Focused

Being a trusted partner to our customers is essential to our ability to win profitable new business. We focus on our customers by meeting our operating commitments and working alongside our customerscollaboratively to develop innovative solutions to their challenges. We are committed to continually investing in new technologies to improve quality, lowerreduce costs, and increase production capabilities, in a mutually beneficial way.

 

 

 

 

 

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 20202021 Proxy Statement     87


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About Spirit’s Director Nominees and Governance Practices

Director Nominees

 

Name

Age

Director

Since

 

Principal Occupation

Independent

Committee

Memberships

Age

Director

Since

 

Principal Occupation

Independent

Committee

Memberships

No. of Other

Public

Company

Boards

Stephen A. Cambone

67

2019

 

Associate Vice Chancellor for Cyber Initiatives, Texas A&M University System

Yes

Audit
Risk

68

2019

 

Associate Vice Chancellor for Cyber Initiatives, Texas A&M University System

Yes

0

Charles L. Chadwell

79

2008

 

Retired VP/GM of Commercial Engine Operations, GE Aircraft Engines

Yes

Governance (Chair)
Compensation

80

2008

 

Retired VP/GM of Commercial Engine Operations, GE Aircraft Engines

Yes

0

Irene M. Esteves

61

2015

 

Retired CFO, Time Warner Cable Inc.

Yes

Audit (Chair)
Risk

62

2015

 

Retired EVP and CFO, Time Warner Cable Inc.

Yes

3

Paul E. Fulchino

73

2006

 

Retired Chairman, President and CEO, Aviall, Inc.

Yes

Compensation (Chair)
Governance

74

2006

 

Retired Chairman, President and CEO, Aviall, Inc.

Yes

0

Thomas C. Gentile III

55

2016

 

President and CEO, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.

No

 

56

2016

 

President and CEO, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.

No

 

0

Richard A. Gephardt

79

2006

 

President and CEO, Gephardt Group

No

 

80

2006

 

President and CEO, Gephardt Group

No

 

1

Robert D. Johnson, Chairman

72

2006

 

Retired CEO, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd.

Yes

Compensation
Governance

Robert D. Johnson, Board Chairman

73

2006

 

Retired CEO, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd.

Yes

2

Ronald T. Kadish

71

2006

 

Retired EVP, Booz Allen Hamilton

Yes

Risk (Chair)
Governance

72

2006

 

Retired EVP, Booz Allen Hamilton

Yes

0

John L. Plueger

65

2014

 

President and CEO, Air Lease Corporation

Yes

Audit
Risk

66

2014

 

President and CEO, Air Lease Corporation

Yes

1

Laura H. Wright

60

2018

 

Retired SVP and CFO, Southwest Airlines

Yes

Audit
Risk

61

2018

 

Retired SVP and CFO, Southwest Airlines

Yes

2

Audit CommitteeRisk CommitteeCompensation CommitteeCorporate Governance and Nominating Committee
(the “Governance Committee”)
*
(Chair)

Director Nominee Experience

 

 

 

Cambone

Chadwell

Esteves

Fulchino

Gentile

Gephardt

Johnson

Kadish

Plueger

Wright

Public Company CEO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Company CFO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aviation Operations Management

 

 

 

Public Company Board

 

Executive Compensation

 

 

 

 

Risk Management

 

 

 

 

M&A

 

 

 

 

 

Senior Government

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cyber

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

International

 

 

 

 

 

 

Defense

 

 

 

 

 

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 20202021 Proxy Statement     98


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Board Composition

 

 

 

 

Gender/EthnicDiversity:

Two of our director nominees are women. In addition, one of the women is a member of an underrepresented ethnic group.

Corporate Governance HighlightsPolicies and Practices

 

Board Practices

 

Stockholder Protections

  8 out of 10 director nominees are independent

   Right to call special meetings
  All committees are composed solely of independent directors

   No poison pill or similar plan
  Separate chairmanChairman and CEO

   Active stockholder engagement program
  Regular executive sessions of non-managementnon-employee directors

   Annual say-on-pay vote
  Annual Board and committee evaluations

   Annual election of all directors
  Robust stock ownership requirements for directors and executive officers

   Majority voting standard in uncontested director elections
  Regularly analyze Board and committee composition and succession

   Right to act by written consent
  Risk oversight process with separate committee roles

  Overboarding policy

  Three of our four Audit Committee members qualify as audit committee financial experts

  Board regularly reviews executive succession plans

 

  Stockholders have the right to call special meetings

  Director education program

  Active stockholder engagement program

  Annual say-on-pay vote

  Annual director elections

  Majority voting standard in uncontested director elections

  Stockholders have the right to act by written consent

  Market-standard proxy access right

   Overboarding policy

  Insiders are not permitted to short sell, hedge, or pledge Company securities

  Single class of shares with equal voting rights

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 20202021 Proxy Statement     109


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About Spirit’s Executive Compensation Program

Overview of Spirit’s Executive Compensation Program

 

Highlights of our executive compensation program are below. For a full understanding of the compensation we pay to our named executive officers, please review our “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and the related compensation tables in this Proxy Statement.

Our compensation objectives are to (i) to:

attract, retain, and motivate highly qualified executive officers, (ii) pay-for-performanceofficers;

pay for performance using short-term and long-term incentives, (iii) incentives;

align the interests of the Company’s executive officers with those of the Company’s stockholders by using compensation performance measures that are meaningful to our stockholders,stockholders; and (iv)

ensure compensation does not encourage inappropriate risk-taking by diversifying performance measures, using payment caps, and maintaining clawback policies, among other things.

The 20192020 compensation structure (excluding perquisite, and “other” compensation, and excluding Mr. Kapoor)changes in pension value) for our CEOChief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the other named executive officers (“NEOs”) excluding Mr. Garcia is below. As the charts below demonstrate, 88%89% of our CEO’s direct compensation was variable based on performance, goals, while 79%76% of the other NEOs’ direct compensation was variable based on performance.

 

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2019 Pay-for-Performance MetricsExecutive Officer Compensation Elements

 

 

 

Incentive ProgramDescription

Financial MetricsChanges in 2020

WeightingChanges in 2021

SALARY

Fixed element of annual compensation

Reduced pay by 20% for all executive officers in April 2020.

Restored pay to full amounts in January 2021.

ANNUAL CASH

INCENTIVE

Company Portion of
Annual Cash Incentive
(75-80%)

Adjusted Free Cash Flow*

50%

Adjusted EBIT*

30%

Revenue

20%

Individual Portion of Annual Cash Incentive

(20-25%)

None;cash incentive that pays out based on achievement of the following:

Company performance goals (75-80% of award); and

individual performance goals (20-25% of award)

100%Modified Company performance metrics to Cash from Operating Activities (40%), Indirect Cost (30%), New Revenue Growth (15%), and Quality (15%).

Modified Company performance metrics to Adjusted Net Debt (40%), Operating Cost (30%), New Revenue Growth (15%), and Quality (15%).

LONG-TERM
INCENTIVES

Time-Based Restricted StockLong-term equity incentive structured as follows:

Time-based restricted stock vesting annually over
three-year period (60% of award); and

Performance-based restricted stock vesting based on actual performance at the end of a three-year performance period (40% of award)

Stock Price

60%

Performance-Based Restricted Stock

No changes to existing award structure (performance-based restricted stock was tied equally to Free Cash Flow (“FCF”) as a Percentage of Revenue*

20%

Revenue (“FCF Percentage”)* and Total Stockholder Return (“TSR”) vesting as the end of three-year performance period); Minor peer group changes for TSR.

20%Minor peer group changes for TSR; Reduction in maximum TSR performance goal from 90th percentile to 75th percentile (in line with market);

100% of performance-based award will be tied to TSR (removed metric tied to FCF Percentage*).

*

Please see Appendix A for an explanation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 2020 Proxy Statement    11


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Compensation Practices

 

Best Practices

What the Company Doesn’t Do

  Align pay and performance - substantial portion of pay is delivered through variable, at-risk compensation

   No ongoing new defined-benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan accruals

  Compensation packages are benchmarked against peer companies and other similarly situated companies

  Payout of annual cash incentive and performance-based restricted stock awards is capped at 200%

   No short selling, pledging, or hedging stock

  Performance goals are relevant, challenging, and tied to key measures of profitability and performance

   No enhanced health and welfare benefit plans for executives

  Long-term incentives paid entirely in stock

   No accumulation of dividends on unvested performance-based restricted stock awards
Common Stock

  Clawback policies

   No dividend payments on time-based restricted stock awards until they vest

  Robust stock ownership requirements

   No tax gross-ups related to a change-in-control

  Double-trigger change-in-control provisions

   No guaranteed payouts on performance-based compensation (except for upon death, disability, or qualifying retirement)

  Stockholders cast an annual advisory say-on-pay vote

  No ongoing accruals under defined-benefit Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

  No share recycling (other than in the context of forfeited shares)

  No short selling, pledging, or hedging stock

  No enhanced health and welfare benefit plans for executives

  No guaranteed payouts on performance-based equity compensation (except for upon death, disability, or qualifying retirement)

  No dividend payments on time- or performance-based restricted stock awards until they vest

  No tax gross-ups related to a change in control

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 2021 Proxy Statement     11


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Sustainability

Guided by our core values of transparency, collaboration, and inspiration, Spirit brings innovation to the products we build, with a focus on the well-being of the environment, our employees, and our communities.

In 2021, Spirit will launch its first annual Sustainability Report (the “Report”), highlighting the Company’s work to meet its sustainability goals and objectives. The Report will describe Spirit’s efforts to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and will include disclosures using the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) frameworks.

Climate Action Plan

Spirit is committed to conducting and managing its business in a manner that protects the environment and supports the transition to a low carbon economy. We are transitioning to renewable energy at many of our sites across the globe. Additionally, Spirit has set a goal to reduce our absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 30% below 2019 levels by 2030. Our strategies and programs consider the nexus between climate, water, waste, and biodiversity.

100%WindEnergyinKansas

By 2022, Spirit’s entire 12millionsquarefootfacility in Wichita will befullypoweredbyanearbywindfarm. The project is also designed to support local economic development.

WaterRecyclingatScale

Spirit has one of the largestindustrialwaterreusesystems in the United States – recycling more than twomilliongallonsofprocesswaterdaily at our Wichita location.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Spirit, we believe our success and the success of our employees depends on a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that supports growth and development, along with the diverse skills needed to innovate. We have set a goal to increase representation of women in leadership (senior manager and above globally) to 30% and minorities in leadership (senior manager and above in the U.S.) to 20% by 2025. In 2021, Spirit will launch “The Power of Choice” leadership development program for women, and other underrepresented talent within our organization.

Community Contributions

We believe in the power of innovative solutions, partnerships, and programs that bring communities together. In 2020, Spirit and its employees continued to support local communities, and contributed over 15,000 volunteer hours and donated $3.7 million through corporate grants, in-kind contributions, and employee donations.

COVID-19Support

In 2020, Spirit employees around the world mobilized to support COVID-19 relief efforts. We partnered with Vyaire Medical to build 20,000 critical care ventilators that were delivered to 20 countries. In addition, Spirit employees in the U.S. created face shields and special examination booths to distribute to local hospitals, care facilities, and law enforcement, and a team of employees in Malaysia developed hands-free sanitizer stands for local schools.

 

For more information, visit www.spiritaero.com/company/sustainability/overview/.

SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 20202021 Proxy Statement     12


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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Overview

The Board of Directors is elected each year at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders. Spirit currently has 10 directors. Each director elected at the Annual Meeting will serve until the 20212022 annual meeting of stockholders and until the election and qualification of his or her respective successor, subject to the director’s earlier death or disability.

Based on the recommendations of the Company’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the “Governance Committee”), the Board has nominated each of the persons listed below for election as directors. Except for Dr. Cambone, who joined the Board on October 22, 2019, alla director. All nominees have served as directors of the Company since the 20192020 annual meeting of stockholders.

Each of the nominees has agreed to serve if elected and, as of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Company has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unavailable to serve. If any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxy holders’ intention is to vote the proxies for such other person as may be designated by the present Board to fill such vacancy.

The following information with respect to the 10 nominees is based on information furnished to the Company by each nominee and highlights the specific experience, qualifications, attributes, and skills of the individual nominees that have led the Board to conclude that each should continue to serve on the Board.

Director Nominees

Stephen A. Cambone

Age 6768

Director Since 2019

Independent Director

Recent Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Associate Vice Chancellor for Cyber Initiatives,
Texas A&M University System (2017-present)

Trustee, Rumsfeld Foundation (2012-present)

Founder, Adirondack Advisors, LLC (2012-2018)

Senior positions at QinetiQ, Inc. (2007-2012), including Executive Vice President, Strategic Development, and President, Missions Solution Group

Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence,
U.S. Department of Defense (2003-2006) (served in other roles with the U.S. Department of Defense from 2001-2003)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2019-present)

Committee Assignments:

Audit

Risk

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Dr. Cambone brings to the Board extensive expertise in governmental affairs, defense, and intelligence, expertise, along with executive leadership experience in the defense technology industry. Dr. Cambone yieldshas world-class knowledge of cybersecurity matters and invaluable insight into strategic development given his years of experience in the private sector and government.

 

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Charles L. Chadwell

Age 7980

Director Since 2008

Independent Director

Pre-Retirement Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Vice President and General Manager of
Commercial Engine Operations, General Electric
Aircraft Engines (“GE Aviation”)(1994-2002)

Vice President, Operations, GE Aviation (1990-1994)

Vice President, Human Resources, GE Aviation (1988-1990)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2008-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in the Past EightTen Years:

B/E Aerospace (2007-2012)

 

Committee Assignments:

 

Governance (Chair)

Compensation

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Chadwell brings to the Board critical supply chain and manufacturing operations expertise, and executive leadership experience, within the commercial and defense aviation industry. Mr. Chadwell provides the Board with compensation, governance, and human resources expertise, and valuable insight and perspective into aviation industry trends, developments, and challenges. Mr. Chadwell also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

 

Irene M. Esteves

Age 6162

Director Since 2015

Independent Director

Pre-Retirement Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Time Warner Cable Inc. (2011-2013)

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
XL Group plc (2010-2011)

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Regions Financial Corporation (2008-2010)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2015-present)

Aramark Holdings Corp. (2015-present)

RR Donnelley & Sons Co. (2017-present)

Aramark Holdings Corp. (2015-present)

KKR Real Estate Finance Trust Inc. (2018-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past SixTen Years:

Level 3 Communications (2014-2017)

TWTime Warner Telecom Inc. (2014)

Committee Assignments:

Audit (Chair)

Risk

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Ms. Esteves has experience in global finance, corporate strategy, human resources, treasury, accounting, tax, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations across multiple industries. Ms. Esteves also brings to the Board experience as a public company director. In addition, Ms. Esteves qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules.

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Paul E. Fulchino

Age 7374

Director Since 2006

Independent Director

Recent Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Operating Partner, AE Industrial Partners (“AEI”) (2015-present)

Senior Advisor, The Boeing Company (“Boeing”) (2010-2014)

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Aviall, Inc. (2000-2010) (Aviall became a wholly ownedwholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing in September 2006)

President and Chief Operating Officer, B/E Aerospace, Inc. (1996-1999)

President and Vice Chairman, Mercer
Management Consulting (1990-1996)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2006-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past FiveTen Years:

Wesco Aircraft Holdings, Inc. (2008-2020; Wesco filed a securities termination registration notice in January 2020)

 

Committee Assignments:

 

Compensation (Chair)

Governance

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Fulchino provides the Board with executive leadership experience, and extensive knowledge and expertise regarding the commercial aviation industry, the Company’s customers and supply base, compensation and human resource matters, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Fulchino also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

 

Thomas C. Gentile III

Age 5556

Director Since 2016

Recent Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

President and Chief Executive Officer,
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2016-present)

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (April
(April 2016-August 2016)

President and Chief Operating Officer,
General Electric Capital Corporation (2014-2016)

President and Chief Executive Officer,
General Electric Healthcare Systems (2011-2014)

President and Chief Executive Officer,
General Electric Aviation Services (2008-2011)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2016-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past FiveTen Years:

Synchrony Financial Bank (2015)

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Gentile has demonstrated success in managing large, complex global technology businesses across multiple industries. He brings to the Board a deep understanding of aviation program management, product development, strategy, and business development. Mr. Gentile also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

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Richard A. Gephardt

Age 7980

Director Since 2006

Recent Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

President and Chief Executive Officer, Gephardt Consulting Group (“GCG”) (2007-present)

President and Chief Executive Officer, Gephardt Governmental Affairs (“GGA” and, together(together with GCG, the “Gephardt Group”) (2005-present)

Member, U.S. House of Representatives
(1977-2005). During this time, he served as the House Minority Leader (1995-2003) and House Majority Leader (1989-1995)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2006-present)

Centene Corp. (2006-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past FiveTen Years:

Century Link, Inc. (2007-2016)

Ford Motor Company (2009-2015)

U.S. Steel Corporation (2005-2015)

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Gephardt brings governmental affairs and public relations experience to the Board, along with labor management and union expertise. He provides the Board with a valuable perspective on public policy, political affairs, and the regulatory environment. Mr. Gephardt also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

 

Robert D. Johnson, Chairman

Age 7273

Director Since 2006

Independent Director

Pre-Retirement Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Aerospace
Enterprise Ltd. (2006-2008)

Chairman, Honeywell Aerospace
(2005-2006)

President and Chief Executive Officer, Honeywell Aerospace (known as Allied Signal Aerospace until 2000) (1999-2005)

President and Chief Executive Officer, Electronic and Avionics Systems, Honeywell Aerospace (known as Allied Signal Aerospace at the time) (1997-1999)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2006-present)

Roper Technologies, Inc. (2005-present)

Spirit Airlines, Inc. (2010-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past EightTen Years:

Ariba, Inc. (2003-2012)

Committee Assignments:

Compensation

Governance

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Johnson, Chairman of the Board, has aviation industry executive leadership experience and executive compensation and human resourceresources experience, and provides the Board with valuable insight and perspective resulting from his expertise in marketing, sales, supply chain, and production operations. Mr. Johnson also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

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Ronald T. Kadish

Age 7172

Director Since 2006

Independent Director

RecentPre-Retirement Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Consultant, Raytheon (2018-2019)

Senior Executive Advisor, Booz Allen Hamilton
(“BAH”) (2015-2019)

Executive Vice President, BAH (2005-2015)

Director, U.S. Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Department of Defense (2002-2004)

Director, Ballistic Missile Defense
Organization, U.S. Department of Defense (1999-2001)

Commander, Electronic Systems Center,
Hanscom Air Force Base (1996-1999)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2006-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past FiveTen Years:

Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc. (formerly known as Orbital ATK, Inc.) (2015-2019)

Orbital Sciences Corp. (2005-2015)

Committee Assignments:

Risk (Chair)

Governance

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Kadish provides the Board with unique expertise in military, program management, security, international, and governmental matters, including having served three decades in the U.S. Air Force, rising to the rank of Lieutenant General. He delivers critical insight to the Board with respect to enterprise risk management, cybersecurity, global security, and our defense customers’ needs and expectations. Mr. Kadish also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

 

John L. Plueger

Age 6566

Director Since 2014

Independent Director

Recent Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Chief Executive Officer and President,
Air Lease Corporation (“ALC”) (2016-present)

President and Chief Operating Officer, ALC (2010-2016)

President and Chief Executive Officer, International Lease Finance Corporation (“ILFC”) (2010)

President and Chief Operating Officer, ILFC (2002-2010)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2014-present)

ALC (2010-present)

Committee Assignments:

Audit

Risk

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Mr. Plueger provides the Board with valuable insight into the aviation industry and aviation operations management stemming from his executive leadership roles at ILFC and ALC. In addition, Mr. Plueger has significant experience in finance and accounting matters as a certified public accountant, having received his training as an auditor from PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Plueger qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules. Mr. Plueger also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

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Laura H. Wright

Age 6061

Director Since 2018

Independent Director

RecentPre-Retirement Professional Experience:

Current Public Company Directorships:

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Southwest Airlines Co. (“SWA”) (2004-2012)

Vice President, Finance, and Treasurer, SWA (2001-2004)

Treasurer, SWA (1998-2001)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. (2018-present)

TE Connectivity Ltd. (2014-present)

CMS Energy Corp. (and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Consumers Energy Company) (2013-present)

Former Public Company Directorships Held in Past FiveTen Years:

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (2009-2019)

Committee Assignments:

Audit

Risk

 

Qualifications, Experience, Key Attributes, and Skills: Ms. Wright has experience in corporate finance and accounting, commercial aviation operations, risk management, and mergers and acquisitions as a result of her position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SWA, and various other financial positions held during her 25-year career at SWA. Ms. Wright worked for Arthur Young & Co. from 1982-1988 prior to joining SWA. Ms. Wright is a certified public accountant and qualifies as an audit committee financial expert under SEC rules, and also brings to the Board experience as a public company director.

Voting Standard

The Company’s bylaws provide for simple majority voting in an uncontested election of directors. In order for a director nominee to be elected, the votes that stockholders cast “FOR” the director nominee must exceed the votes that stockholders cast “AGAINST” the director nominee. In the event that an incumbent nominee does not receive the requisite majority of votes cast in this election, the Company will follow the procedure described under “General Information — What Happenshappens if an Incumbent Director Nomineeincumbent director nominee is Not Electednot elected at the Annual Meeting?” Any shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote, or otherwise) will have no impact on the election of directors. Your broker may not vote your shares on this proposal unless you give voting instructions.

  The Board recommends that you vote FOR each of the director nominees.

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BOARD AND GOVERNANCE MATTERS

The Board’s Role

The Company is governed by its Board of Directors. Other than with respect to matters reserved to stockholders, the Board is the ultimate decision-making body of the Company. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Company’s strategy and performance, and protecting stockholder interests and value. Further, the Board is responsible for selecting and overseeing the Company’s executive officers, who set and execute the Company’s business strategy and handle the Company’s day-to-day operations.

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board has created and delegated certain responsibilities to four standing committees:

the Audit Committee, Committee;

the Compensation Committee, Committee;

the Governance Committee,Committee; and

the Risk Committee.

Additional information about these committees and their responsibilities is described under “Committees.”

Corporate Governance Guidelines

 

The Board is committed to maintaining corporate governance practices that maximize stockholder value. To further its commitment, the Board has adopted the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Governance Guidelines”) to ensure thatprovide transparency into the roles and responsibilities of the Board hasand management and the necessary authorityBoard’s governance philosophy and practices, in place to effectively review and evaluate the Company’s strategy and operations, to make decisions that are independentpromote functioning of the Company’s management,Board and its committees, describe a common set of expectations on how the Board should perform its functions, and promote effective governance. The Board is responsible for overseeing, counseling, and directing management; ensuring that our long-term interests and the long-term interests of our stockholders are being served; reviewing the major risks facing the Company and helping develop strategies to oversee management, and to monitoraddress those risks; assessing adherence to the Company’s standards and policies.policies; and performing the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Board under the Governance Guidelines and our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and applicable law. The Governance Guidelines speak to a number of different matters including Board responsibilities, management succession, director conflicts of interest, director compensation, outside board memberships, the Board’s view on director age and term limits, and director attendance at meetings, among other things. The Governance Guidelines are available at http://investor.spiritaero.com/govdocscorporate-governance/govdocs/default.aspx.

Board Size

 

Pursuant to our bylaws, the Board of Directors is required to consist of three or more directors and the size of the Board may be increased or decreased at any time by the Board of Directors. Currently, the Board of Directors consists of 10 directors. Pursuant toAs stated in its charter, the Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing the size of the Board and recommending to the Board any changes it deems appropriate with respect to Board size.

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Board Leadership

The Company has separated the roles of Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)CEO and Chairman of the Board in recognition of the differences between the two roles and the value of independent leadership oversight.roles. The Board believes that role separation of the roles is appropriate for the Company as it maximizes the ability of the CEO to focus on managing Company operations, strategy, and operations without distraction,performance, while benefiting from the Chairman’s independent perspective and insight. Because Mr. Johnson, the Chairman of the Board, is an independent director, the Board has not deemed it necessary to appoint a lead independent director.

While the CEO is responsible for implementing strategy and managing the day-to-day operations and performance of the Company, theThe Chairman of the Board performs the following duties:

SetsApproves the agenda for Board meetings;

Presides over meetings of the fulland manages Board and executive sessions of independent directors;meetings;

Presides over and manages stockholder meetings;

Serves as a liaison between the CEO and the independentnon-employee directors;

Provides feedback to the CEO on behalf of the independent directors regarding business issues and Board management; and

Engages with the CEO weekly to discuss Company performance and matters of significance.

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Board Composition

Selecting qualified individuals to serve as directors is key to the Board’s performance. The Governance Committee is responsible for evaluating qualified potential candidates to serve on the Board, and recommending to the Board for its selection nominees to stand for election as directors at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders. This responsibility is further described in the Governance Committee’s charter, which is available at: http://investor.spiritaero.com/govdocscorporate-governance/govdocs/default.aspx.

In evaluating candidates, the Governance Committee and Board consider the qualifications and expertise of director candidates individually and in the broader context of the Board’s overall composition, taking into account any particular needs that the Company may have based on its strategic initiatives, risks, and opportunities. The Company has engaged a third-party international executive search firm to assist the Governance Committee in identifying and evaluating potential director candidates.

In evaluating individual candidates, the Governance Committee considers the personal ethics and values, experience, judgment, and diversity of the candidates, among other things. It is the Board’s policy ofthat the Board that the Boardshould reflect diversity of viewpoint, professional experience, education, skill, expertise, industry knowledge, and such other factors as the Governance Committee and Board believe would enhance Board effectiveness. As stated in our Governance Guidelines, “Spirit is committed to considering candidates for the effectivenessboard regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, and national origin. Any search firm retained to assist the Board.corporate governance and nominating committee in seeking candidates for the board will affirmatively be instructed to seek to present diverse candidates.” Nominees must have high standards of integrity and ethics and convey a commitment to act in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.

In addition, the Governance Committee considers the candidates’ employment and other commitments, and evaluates whether the candidates have sufficient time available to efficiently and effectively carry out the duties of directors.director duties. For additional information, see section “Overboarding Policy.”

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Director Selection Process

 

 

Stockholder Candidates

 

It is the Governance Committee’s policy to consider candidates nominated by stockholders in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the procedures described in the Company’s bylaws and Proxy Statement. If a stockholder desires to recommend a director candidate for nomination, by the Governance Committee, the stockholder should follow the procedures described under “Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 20212022 Annual Meeting.” Director candidates recommended by stockholders will be considered and evaluated in the same manner as candidates discovered through other sources.

Proxy Access

The Company’s bylaws provide the stockholders with a market-standard proxy access right. Specifically, our bylaws permit a stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning 3% or more of the Company’s Common Stock continuously for at least three years, to nominate and include in the Company’s proxy materials directors constituting up to the greater of two individuals or 20% of the Company’s Board of Directors, provided that the stockholder(s) and the nominee(s) satisfy the applicable requirements in the bylaws.

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Director Tenure and Refreshment

While theThe Company has added five new directors to its Board in the past six years,seven years. The remaining five of the nominees have served on the Board for more than 10 years. Through its annual evaluation process, the Board has determined that each of thesethe five nominees who have served for more than 10 years provides diversity of experience and perspective, and plays an integral and necessary role in the boardroom.

The Board has periodically evaluated age and term limits, along with retirement policies, and has determined that such limits and policies may arbitrarily restrict valuable Board members from service. Instead, the Board has determined tothat it will continue evaluating its members on their merits based on the contributions they make in the boardroom and their ability to enhance overall Board effectiveness. The Board is committed to routine Board and director refreshment as needed to enhance Board effectiveness, and primarily uses Board and committee evaluations and composition discussions as its refreshment mechanisms.

Board and Committee Evaluations

 

Each year, the Governance Committee oversees an evaluation of the Board and each committee. The 20192020 annual evaluation covered the following topics, among other things:

Composition of the Board and committees and whether the composition is appropriate in light of the Company’s strategic priorities;

Effectiveness of Board and committee leadership;

Strengths of the Board and committees and opportunities for improvement;

Quality of information provided to the Board;

Effectiveness of structures and practices;

Quality of the directors’ relationships with each other; and

Quality of the Board’s relationship with management.

A summary of the evaluation process is below:

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Director Education

Our director education program is multifaceted and includes occasional site visits and tours in-depth(these did not occur in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions), education seminars on topics of interest conducted by senior management andor external advisors, provision of background material on the Company’s operations and strategy, and the regular provision of resources from various educational institutions to directors. (including the National Association of Corporate Directors).

Each new Board member receives onboarding programmingtraining that involves meetings with senior management, business overviews, and presentations on the Code of Business Conduct, insider trading, and various other policies and procedures. We encourage our directors to attend reputable director education programs sponsored by external advisors and educational institutions.

Director Independence

The Company’s Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), and the Company uses the NYSE’s listing standards to determine director independence.

Under the NYSE’s listing standards and the Governance Guidelines, the Board must consist of a majority of independent directors, and the Audit, Governance, and Compensation Committees must consist solely of independent directors. For a director to qualify as independent, the Board must determine that the director has no material relationship with the Company (either directly, or as a partner, stockholder, or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company). The Board performs an independence assessment of each director annually, with the assistance of the Governance Committee, and as circumstances may otherwise require.

In assessing the existence of a material relationship with the Company, the Board considers all relevant transactions, relationships, and arrangements required by the NYSE’s independence standards, as applicable to non-employee directors generally and as applicable to each committee. The Board examined each director’s involvement through directorships, employment, consulting relationships, or otherwise, with entities the Company does business with. In particular, the Board evaluated the following:

 

Topic

Transaction Evaluated

Outcome

Paul E. Fulchino

When considering the independence of Mr. Fulchino, the Governance Committee and Board considered his role as an operating partner of AEI, a private equity firm that has ownership interests in several of the Company’s suppliers. In his role at AEI, Mr. Fulchino assists with the acquisition, development, and value creation of portfolio companies. Mr. Fulchino receives a retainer from AEI and does not own any equity in AEI. However, Mr. Fulchino receives a modest carrying interest upon the sale of certain portfolio companies. Mr. Fulchino has no agreements with AEI, is not covered under AEI’s benefit plans or programs, receives a Form 1099 from AEI, and is free to be employed by other companies.

The Governance Committee and Board affirmatively determined, based on available facts and circumstances, that Mr. Fulchino was not an employee of AEI (for purposes of the independence determination). Further, with respect to the Company’s transactions with all but one of the AEI-owned suppliers, each transaction arose as a result of the respective entity submitting the most competitive bid out of all bidding suppliers, and, thus, the transactions were not reportable under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. Finally, with respect to the final supplier, the Board determined that Mr. Fulchino’s relationship with AEI did not give rise to a material interest. For these and other reasons, the Governance Committee and Board determined that Mr. Fulchino’s relationship with AEI does not give rise to a material relationship that impacts his independence or creates(nor does it create a related person transaction.transaction).

Richard A. Gephardt

When considering Mr. Gephardt’s independence, the Governance Committee and Board considered his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gephardt Group, a consulting firm that provides services to the Company in connection with labor matters. Mr. Gephardt holds a 40% equity interest in the Gephardt Group, and Mr. Gephardt’s son, Chief Operating Officer of the Gephardt Group, holds a 10% equity interest. The Company’s transactions with the Gephardt Group in 20192020 amounted to $297,513.$60,000.

The Governance Committee and Board affirmatively determined that, in light of Mr. Gephardt’s significant ownership and involvement in the Gephardt Group and the Gephardt Group’s dealings with the Company, Mr. Gephardt has a material relationship with the Company and is, therefore, not independent.

 

Based on this analysis, the Board has determined that all the director nominees are independent under the NYSE’s criteria with the exclusion ofexcluding Messrs. Gentile and Gephardt. All the committees of the Board are comprisedmade up solely of independent directors. Messrs. Gentile and Gephardt are not members of any committee.

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Committees

The Board has four committees: the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Governance Committee, and Risk Committee. The Board has adopted written charters for each committee, which are available at http://investor.spiritaero.com/govdocscorporate-governance/govdocs/default.aspx. Information on each committee of the Board is set forth in the table below.

Committee

Members

Primary Responsibilities

No. of

Meetings

in 20192020

Audit Committee*

Irene M. Esteves (Chair)

Stephen A. Cambone**Cambone

John L. Plueger

Laura H. Wright

(1)

Oversee the quality and integrity of the Company’s financial reporting.

(2)

Oversee the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

(3)

Engage, compensate, and oversee performance and independence of the independent auditor.

(4)

Oversee performance of the Company’s internal audit function.

(5)

Review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the Company’s earnings releases and quarterly and annual reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K, and the audit generally.

(6)

Consider the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting and participate in the resolution of internal control issues, where identified.

(7)

Oversee and participate in the review and resolution of significant deficiencies or material weaknesses, where identified.

(8)

Communicate with the independent auditor on audit control matters and critical audit matters to be described in the independent auditor’s report.

(9)

Oversee financial-related risk exposures and related policies and processes attempting to mitigate such risks.

(8)(10)

Oversee the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and the Company’s ethics and compliance program.

815

Compensation Committee

Paul E. Fulchino (Chair)

Robert D. Johnson

Charles L. Chadwell

(1)

Review and approve the compensation of the Company’s executive officers.

(2)

Oversee the administration of the Company’s compensation plans, policies, and programs.

(3)

Prepare the Compensation Committee Report in this Proxy Statement.

(4)

Oversee compensation-related risk exposures and related policies and processes attempting to mitigate such risks.

(5)

Review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to non-employee director compensation.

512

Governance Committee

Charles L. Chadwell (Chair)

Robert D. Johnson

Paul E. Fulchino

Ronald T. Kadish

(1)

Assist the Board in identifying qualified individuals to become Board members.

(2)

Determine the composition of the Board and its committees.

(3)

Lead the Board in its annual review of the Board’s and the committees’ performance.

(4)

Develop and implement the Governance Guidelines and recommend to the Board any changes thereto.

(5)

Review and approve, deny, or ratify transactions under the Company’s Related Person Transaction Policy.

(6)

Oversee risks related to the Company’s governance structure.

(7)

Review the Company’s practices and reporting with respect to corporate responsibility, environmental, and social matters.

4

Risk Committee

Ronald T. Kadish (Chair)

Stephen A. Cambone**Cambone

John L. Plueger

Irene M. Esteves

Laura H. Wright

(1)

Provide oversight of management’s guidelines, policies, and processes for assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the Company’s critical enterprise risks, including the major strategic, operating, financial, and compliance risks inherent in the Company’s business and core strategies.

(2)

Oversee the effectiveness of the Company’s cybersecurity programs and its practices for identifying, assessing, and mitigating cybersecurity risks.

(3)

Oversee management’s review and assessment of key risks that have the potential to significantly affect the Company’s ability to execute its strategy, and determine which risks should be included on the Board’s agenda for discussion.

45

*

The Board has determined that Mses. Esteves and Wright and Mr. Plueger are “audit committee financial experts,” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.

**

Dr. Cambone was appointed to these committees on October 22, 2019.

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The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

Management’s Role in Risk Management

 

The Company’s management is responsible for the identification, assessment, mitigation, and management of risks relating to the Company’s strategy and operations. Apart from reporting to the Board, management engages in a robust enterprise risk management process that involves: (i) creating risk-assessment surveys and conducting interviews; (ii) reviewing, repositioning, and prioritizing identified risks by a risk council composed of executive leadership (the “Risk Council”);leadership; (iii) assigning risks to risk owners based on responsibilities with respect to the Company’s strategic objectives; (iv) developing and reporting mitigation plans by the risk owners and risk management team to the Risk Council;risk council; and (v) receiving oversight by the Company’s internal audit function. On a quarterly basis, the status of the top risks identified in management’s enterprise risk management process, along with their associated mitigation plans, is presented to the Risk Committee. Recent risksRisks that the Company have focused on includein 2020 included matters relating to the B737 MAX situationgrounding, COVID-19 pandemic, financial liquidity, and the coronavirus, or COVID-19.cybersecurity, among other items.

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Cybersecurity

 

The Risk Committee of the Board is charged with reviewing the Company’s cybersecurity matters, and the Companymatters. Management reports to the Risk Committee quarterly regarding cyber practices and procedures. The Company requires cybersecurity education and training at all levels of the organization. Spirit works to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its information and digital resources through comprehensive and proactive compliance, privacy, and risk programs developed from industry accepted best practices. The framework for our programs is based on the Department of Defense Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and National Institute of Security and Technology (NIST) Frameworks, Generally Accepted Privacy Program (GAPP) guiding principles, and ISO 27001/2 standards. These standards reflect well-defined processes and best in class technology.

Communications with the Board

Stockholders and other interested persons may communicate with the Board, the Chairman of the Board, and individual members of the Board and its committees through the following:

BY EMAIL

to CorporateSecretary@spiritaero.com

BY MAIL

to Corporate Secretary

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.

3801 S. Oliver St.

Wichita, KS 67210-2112

INPERSONVIRTUALLY

at the Annual Meeting via www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021

 

 

The Corporate Secretary will forward communications received to the appropriate party. Receipt of communicationsCommunications clearly not appropriate for consideration by members of the Board such asor committees, including unsolicited advertisements, inquiries concerning the Company’s products and services, and harassing communications, are not forwarded to members of the Board.Board or committees.

Commitment to Stockholder Engagement and Responsiveness

We value the feedback and insight we gain from our engagement with stockholders. The Company’s management and subject-matter experts frequently meet with investors. In 2020, members of the Company’s management held more than 565 meetings with investors to discussand analysts. Members from the following Company functions participated in certain of these meetings, depending on the subject matter covered: Investor Relations, Communications, Government Relations, Executive Compensation, and Environmental, Health, and Safety. Key areas of discussion at the meetings included Company performance, governance practices, executive compensation, strategy, operations, sustainability programs, risk management, and other matters of importance to our stockholders. In 2019, members of the Company’s management held more than 850 in-person and telephonic meetings with investors and analysts, and traveled throughout the continental U.S. and internationally to attend the meetings.

The Company is committed to maintaining a robust stockholder outreach program in addition to regular participation at investor and community events and meeting with analysts. The Company welcomes feedback from all stockholders. Stockholders can contact the Company’s Investor Relations team by calling 316-523-7040 or emailing investorrelations@spiritaero.com.

20192020 Board and Committee Meetings and Attendance

During 2019,2020, there were four in-person meetings and eight telephonic27 meetings of the Board. Only one series of Board and committee meetings was held in person due to COVID-19 restrictions and precautions. All of the Company’s directors attended 75% or more of the aggregate of all meetings of the Board and of the committees on which they served in 2019 (with Dr. Cambone’s attendance being measured from his date of election, October 22, 2019).2020. The Company’s Governance Guidelines provide that director attendance is expected at annual meetings of stockholders. With respect to the 2019 annual meeting, allAll of the then-current directors attended the 2020 virtual annual meeting except for Messrs. Fulchino and Gephardt, who were unable to attend due to personal reasons.of stockholders.

In addition to scheduled Board meetings, the Board receives monthly reports from Mr. Gentilemanagement detailing financial results, operating highlights and challenges, and updates on strategic initiatives.

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Executive Sessions

As part of each quarterly in-person Board meeting in 2019,2020, the Company’s non-employee directors met without management present in an executive session, with Mr. Johnson as Chairman presiding over each session. During executive sessions, the non-employee directors reviewed management’s performance, compensation, talent development and succession planning, strategic considerations, corporate governance matters, and other matters of importance. The Company’s independent directors (the non-employee directors excluding Mr. Gephardt) met in executive session at least one time in 2020 as required by the Governance Guidelines and NYSE rules.

Overboarding Policy

Per our Governance Guidelines, directors are expected to ensure that other commitments, including outside board memberships, do not interfere with their duties and responsibilities as members of the Board.Board members. A director may not serve on the boards of more than four other public companies or, if the director is an active CEO or equivalent of another public company, on the boards of more than two other public companies. In addition, directors must notify the Governance Committee before accepting an invitation to serve on the board of any other public company or other for-profit entity. The director must not accept such service until being advised by the Governance Committee chair that suchthe committee has determined that service on such other board would not create regulatory issues or potential conflicts of interest and would not conflict with the Company’s policies. All directors are in compliance with the Company’s overboarding policy as of the date of this Proxy Statement.

Ms. Esteves currently serves on the audit committee for four public companies (including Spirit). On June 8, 2018 (prior to Ms. Esteves joining the fourth audit committee), and in light of her prior roles as a chief financial officer and professional training, the Company’s Board determined that such simultaneous service would not impair her ability to effectively serve on the Company’s Audit Committee, which is also noted under her biography at http://investor.spiritaero.com/corporate-governance/OD/default.aspx.

Code of Business Conduct

The Company is committed to the highest ethical standards and to complying with all laws and regulations applicable to the Company’s business. To support and articulate its commitment and responsibility in this regard, the Company has adopted the Code of Business Conduct (the “Code”). The Code addresses a number of topics, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, conflicts of interest, safeguarding assets, insider trading, and general adherence to laws and regulations. All directors and employees, including executive officers, must comply with the Code. The Code is available on the Company’s website at http://investor.spiritaero.com/govdocscorporate-governance/OD/default.aspx.

Sustainability Reporting and Oversight

Policy Prohibiting Short Selling, Hedging,In 2021, Spirit will launch the Report outlining our strategy, programs, goals, and Pledgingobjectives. The Report will highlight Spirit’s values and commitments to protecting the environment and human health, supporting a low carbon economy, creating an inclusive culture that supports growth, and uniting communities through innovation, partnerships, and programs. We will publicly disclose information relating to the following topics in the Report: Spirit’s environmental performance, health and safety, diversity and inclusion, community impact, ethics and compliance, and risk management. For additional information, see: https://www.spiritaero.com/company/sustainability/overview/.

The Company has adopted a policy prohibitingAs noted in its charter, the Company’s insiders from engaging in short selling, hedging,Governance Committee oversees Spirit’s practices and pledging the Company’s securities. As it relatesreporting with respect to hedging, insiderscorporate responsibility, environmental, and social factors that are of significance to the Company are prohibited from purchasing or selling, or making any offer to purchase or offer to sell, derivative securities related to the Company’s securities, such as exchange traded options to purchase or sell the Company’s securities or financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Company’s securities (including but not limited to prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds). Company insiders include all employees and directors of the Company as well as their spouses, domestic partners, minor children, economic dependents, other persons living in their households, or any corporations, partnerships, trusts, or other entities that they beneficially own, and any person over whom, or trust or other entity over which, they have control.its stakeholders.

Succession Planning

The Board is responsible for overseeing management succession planning. At least twice annually, the Board reviews candidates for succession with respect to the CEO role and other senior management roles. Succession plans have been developed for both ordinary course succession and contingency planning due tofor an unforeseen event.

The Board receives updates on the development of the succession candidates regularly. Directors engage with potential succession candidates during formal presentations at Board and committee meetings and at informal events with candidates present.events.

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Response to Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

As previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company identified a material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019. The material weakness related to identifying claims and assertions and key judgments of its estimate-at-completion (“EAC”) process.

Our management team worked with the Audit Committee, along with external advisors, to evaluate the circumstances of the material weakness and identify necessary actions required to remediate the material weakness. As previously disclosed, these actions included:

Management changes;

Enhancement of training around the appropriate treatment of claims and assertions and other subjective elements and key judgments of our EAC process to reinforce existing written Company policies. This training focused on control owners within the EAC process, including program, accounting, and executive leadership; and

Reassessment of processes and design of controls to ensure that all customer claims and assertions are identified and evaluated in accordance with established Company policies and procedures. This remediation step included validation and reconciliation of claims data with our key customers and retention of this data in a centralized claims repository to facilitate the completeness of our accounting for claims and assertions.

Management has concluded that the material weakness was fully remediated in accordance with the remediation plan. The Audit Committee and the Board are committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment.

Stockholder Rights Plan

The Company adopted a limited duration stockholder rights agreement (the “rights plan”) on April 22, 2020, and declared a dividend of one right for each outstanding share of Common Stock as of May 1, 2020, the record date. The rights plan expires, without any further action being required to be taken by Board, on April 22, 2021. As of the filing date of this Proxy Statement, the Company does not intend to renew the rights plan when it expires.

Governance Documents Available on Our Website

We maintain governance documents on our website at http://investor.spiritaero.com/corporate-governance/govdocs/default.aspx. These documents include, without limitation, our:

Bylaws;

Governance Guidelines;

Committee Charters;

Code of Conduct;

Finance Code of Professional Conduct;

Supplier Code of Conduct;

Related Person Transaction Policy;

Discrimination and Harassment Policy; and

Anti-Hedging and Pledging Policy.

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Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

Overview

 

Non-employee directors receive annual cash and equity compensation as described below. Equity compensation is granted under the Director Stock Program adopted under the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the “OIP”).

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves non-employee director compensation amounts and practices annually. As part of their review, the Compensation Committee evaluates non-employee director compensation data from the companies in Spirit’s proxy peer group, including data regarding the size of equity awards. In addition, the Compensation Committee confers with its independent compensation consultant on the magnitude and type of non-employee director compensation, and reviews market data and benchmarking surveys provided by the consultant. Based upon that information, the Compensation Committee makes a recommendation to the Board. The Board approves the form and amount of compensation after considering the Compensation Committee’s recommendation.

In developing its recommendations, the Compensation Committee is guided by the following goals with respect to non-employee director compensation:

Compensation should be market-competitive in relation to comparably-situatedsimilarly-situated companies, including the Company’s proxy peer group;

Compensation should align directors’ interests with the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders; and

The compensation structure should be simple, transparent, and easy for stockholders to understand.

Compensation Elements

 

The following table describes the elements of the 20192020 non-employee director compensation program:

Element

Amount

Annual Board Cash Retainer

$105,000

Annual Board Equity Retainer

$125,000

Additional Retainer for Chairman of the Board

$100,000

Additional Retainer for Chairman of the Audit Committee

$25,000

Additional Retainer for Chairman of the Compensation Committee

$18,000

Additional Retainer for Chairmen of Other Committees

$12,000

Element

2019-2020 Term

Amounts

2020-2021 Term

Amounts

Annual Board Cash Retainer

$105,000

$89,250

Annual Board Equity Retainer

$125,000

$106,250

Additional Retainer for Chairman of the Board

$100,000

$85,000

Additional Retainer for Chairman of the Audit Committee

$25,000

$21,250

Additional Retainer for Chairman of the Compensation Committee

$18,000

$15,300

Additional Retainer for Chairmen of Other Committees

$12,000

$10,200

 

In 2020, due to liquidity pressures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding, the Board elected to reduce each element of 2020-2021 term compensation by 15%.

Cash Retainers

Each Board member receives an annual cash retainer, which is paid quarterly. Further, theretainer. The Chairman of the Board and each committee chairman receives an additional cash retainer. Directors may elect to havereceive their retainers received in shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units (“RSUs”) in lieu of cash, but if any director ceases to serve as a director for any reason during the term, any such elective equity award will be forfeited and the director will receive a pro-rated portion of the annual retainer in cash. Except with respect to elective equity awards in lieu of cash, cash compensation is paid quarterly in arrears.

Equity Retainer

Each Board member receives an annual equity retainer, which may be paid annually in the form of restricted stock or RSUs. Both types of awards vest if the non-employee director remains continuously in service for the entire term to which the grant relates. If the non-employee director incurs a termination for any reason before the end of the term (before the annual meeting of stockholders following the grant), the awards are forfeited without any payment.forfeited. The Board may, in its discretion, waive this one-year servicevesting condition (in whole or in part) if it deems it to be appropriate and in the best interestsinterest of the Company to do so. Upon vesting, shares ofrelating to restricted stock awards are delivered to the directors;director free of restriction; however, vested Shares underlying RSUs are not paiddelivered to the director until the date that the director leaves the Board. Restricted stock confers voting and dividend rights; dividends accrue during the restricted period and are paid out upon vesting. RSUs do not confer voting rights, but do confer dividend equivalent rights;dividend-equivalents; dividend equivalents accrue during the restricted period and thereafter, and are paiddelivered out upon settlement. If the awards are forfeited, dividends or dividend equivalents,dividend-equivalents, as applicable, are also forfeited.

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Other Compensation

Directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with their Board service. The Company does not provide perquisite allowances to non-employee directors.

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Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Requirements

 

Non-employee directors are required to own stock equal to five times the annual Board cash retainer, which currently amounts to $525,000.$446,250 with respect to 2020-2021 term compensation. Non-employee directors have four years of Board service before they are required to meet the minimum stockholder requirements. Restricted stock and RSUs held by directors are counted in determining whether the minimum stockholding requirements are satisfied. Information regarding the current stock ownership of the Company’s non-employee directors can be found below under “Stock Ownership — Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers.”

As of March 9, 2020,2, 2021, all non-employee directors, other than Ms. Wright and Dr. Cambone, and Mr. Gephardt were in compliance with the stock ownership requirements. Ms. Wright, who joined ourthe Board on February 20, 2018, has until February 20, 2022, to meet the requirements. Dr. Cambone, who joined the Board on October 22, 2019, has until October 22, 2023, to meet the requirements. Both Ms. Wright and Dr. Cambone are on track to achieve compliance in the required time frame.

Between March 3, 2020, and May 11, 2020, Mr. Gephardt’s non-complianceGephardt was due tonot in compliance with the Company’s recent stock price movement (whenownership requirements because the Company’s Common Stock price dropped below $52.68 per share on March 3,share. On May 11, 2020, heMr. Gephardt became non-compliantcompliant with the requirements). The Company expects that Mr. Gephardt will become compliant with thestock ownership requirements after receiving the 2020 annual non-employee director2020-2021 term equity grant (subject to his election to the Board at the Annual Meeting).retainer.

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20192020 Director Compensation Table

The following table sets forth non-employee director compensation for the fiscal year ended December 31, 20192020 (note that Mr. Gentile’s compensation is set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” and not included below).

Name

Fees Earned or Paid

in Cash

($)

(1) 

 

Stock

Awards

($)

(2) 

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

(3) 

 

Total

($)

Stephen A. Cambone

 

 

115,321

(4) 

 

 

115,321

Charles L. Chadwell

117,000

 

125,035

 

 

 

242,035

Irene M. Esteves

 

 

255,047

(5)

 

 

255,047

Paul E. Fulchino

 

 

248,062

(6) 

 

 

248,062

Richard A. Gephardt

105,000

 

125,035

 

297,513

 

527,548

Robert D. Johnson

205,000

 

125,035

 

16,197 

 

346,232

Ronald T. Kadish

117,000

 

125,035

 

 

 

242,035

John L. Plueger

 

 

230,075

(7) 

 

 

230,075

Laura H. Wright

84,000

 

146,078

(8) 

 

 

230,078

(1)

Includes annual cash retainer and committee chair retainers (unless deferred).

(2)

Includes stock retainer and any annual cash or committee chair retainers that were deferred by election. Except for Dr. Cambone (see footnote (4) below): Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards computed in accordance with authoritative guidance on stock-based compensation accounting issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”). On May 6, 2019, each non-employee director received an annual grant of 1,432 shares of restricted stock or RSUs with an aggregate value of $125,000 based on $87.315 per share, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on the grant date. As a result of rounding up fractional share amounts, the grants were valued at $125,035. In addition, certain directors elected to defer a portion or all of their annual cash retainer and committee chair retainer, as applicable. Please see footnotes (5), (6), (7), and (8) for more information. As of December 31, 2019, the balance of each non-employee director’s unvested restricted stock RSUs was as follows: Mr. Chadwell: 1,432 shares of restricted stock; Ms. Esteves: 2,921 RSUs (includes 1,489 RSUs for deferred annual cash and committee chair retainers); Mr. Fulchino: 2,841 shares of restricted stock (includes 1,409 shares of restricted stock for deferred annual cash and committee chair retainers); Mr. Gephardt: 1,432 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Johnson: 1,432 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Kadish: 1,432 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Plueger: 2,635 shares of restricted stock (includes 1,203 shares of restricted stock for deferred annual cash retainer); and Ms. Wright: 1,673 shares of restricted stock (includes 241 shares of restricted stock for deferred annual cash retainer).

(3)

The amount of perquisites and other personal benefits has been excluded for all non-employee directors other than Messrs. Gephardt and Johnson, as the total value of each director’s perquisites and other personal benefits was less than $10,000. For Mr. Gephardt, this amount reflects consulting fees paid to the Gephardt Group for labor consulting services rendered in 2019, as further described under “Director Independence.” For Mr. Johnson, this amount reflects $3,412 in personal aircraft usage (as calculated in Footnote 9 of the “Summary Compensation Table”), and $12,785 in spousal travel expenses.

(4)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with authoritative guidance on stock-based compensation accounting issued by the FASB of the prorata stock award issued to Dr. Cambone on November 5, 2019. On this date, Dr. Cambone received a prorata grant of the annual equity retainer of 737 RSUs with an aggregate value of $62,672 based on $85.045, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on November 5, 2019. As a result of rounding up the fractional share amount, the grant was valued at $62,678. In addition, Dr. Cambone elected to defer all of his prorata annual cash retainer of $52,645. As of December 31, 2019, the balance of Dr. Cambone’s unvested RSUs is 1,356 RSUs (including 619 RSUs for deferred annual cash retainer).

(5)

Includes $105,000 in deferred annual cash retainer, and $25,000 in deferred committee chair retainer per Ms. Esteves’ election to receive all compensation in RSUs.

(6)

Includes $105,000 in deferred annual cash retainer, and $18,000 in deferred committee chair retainer per Mr. Fulchino’s election to receive all compensation in restricted stock.

(7)

Includes $105,000 in deferred annual cash retainer per Mr. Plueger’s election to receive all compensation in restricted stock.

(8)

Includes $21,000 in deferred annual cash retainer per Ms. Wright’s election to receive a portion in restricted stock.

Name

Fees Earned or Paid

in Cash

($)

(1) 

 

Stock

Awards

($)

(2) 

 

All Other

Compensation

($)

(3) 

 

Total

($)

Stephen A. Cambone

93,411

(4)

106,267

 

 

 

199,679

Charles L. Chadwell

104,087

 

106,267

 

 

 

210,354

Irene M. Esteves

115,652

(5) 

106,267

 

 

 

221,920

Paul E. Fulchino

109,425

(6) 

106,267

 

 

 

215,692

Richard A. Gephardt

93,411

 

106,267

 

60,000

 

259,679

Robert D. Johnson

182,375

 

106,267

 

 

 

288,642

Ronald T. Kadish

104,087

 

106,267

 

 

 

210,354

John L. Plueger

93,411

 (7)

106,267

 

 

 

199,679

Laura H. Wright

93,411

 (8)

106,267

 

 

 

199,679

(1)

Includes annual cash retainer and committee chair retainers earned for 2020, including any such retainers that were paid in the form of restricted stock or RSUs in 2019 or 2020 by the director’s election in lieu of cash compensation for 2020. Dr. Cambone, Ms. Esteves, Mr. Fulchino, Mr. Plueger, and Ms. Wright elected to defer all or a portion of their annual cash retainers for 2020 as set forth in footnotes (4) - (8).

(2)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards computed in accordance with authoritative guidance on stock-based compensation accounting issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”). On May 11, 2020, each non-employee director received an annual grant of 5,458 shares of restricted stock or RSUs with an aggregate value of $106,250 based on $19.47 per share, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on the grant date. As a result of rounding of fractional share amounts, the grants were valued at $106,267. As of December 31, 2020, each non-employee director’s aggregate number of unvested restricted stock or RSUs was as follows: Dr. Cambone: 5,458 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Chadwell: 5,458 shares of restricted stock; Ms. Esteves: 11,133 RSUs (includes 5,675 RSUs received in lieu of 2020-2021 term annual cash and committee chair retainers); Mr. Fulchino: 10,827 shares of restricted stock (includes 5,369 shares of restricted stock received in lieu of 2020-2021 term annual cash and committee chair retainers); Mr. Gephardt: 5,458 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Johnson: 5,458 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Kadish: 5,458 shares of restricted stock; Mr. Plueger: 10,042 shares of restricted stock (includes 4,584 shares of restricted stock received in lieu of 2020-2021 term annual cash retainer); and Ms. Wright: 5,458 shares of restricted stock. Note that any RSUs or shares of restricted stock received in lieu of annual cash and committee chair retainers described in this footnote were granted in 2020 and relate to retainers earned over the director’s 2020-2021 annual term, which covers portions of two calendar years, and that upon any termination of services of the director during the outstanding term, the equity award will be canceled, and a cash payment will be made therein that is equal to the cash amounts earned by the director through the date of such termination of service.

(3)

The amount of perquisites and other personal benefits has been excluded for all non-employee directors other than Mr. Gephardt, as the total value of each other director’s perquisites and other personal benefits was less than $10,000. For Mr. Gephardt, this amount reflects consulting fees paid to the Gephardt Group for labor consulting services rendered in 2020, as further described under “Director Independence.”

(4)

Includes $32,308 in annual cash retainer that was paid in the form of 380 RSUs for Mr. Cambone pursuant to his election. The RSUs were granted to Mr. Cambone on November 4, 2019, but are included in this disclosure because the RSUs were granted in lieu of cash payments earned for service in 2020.

(5)

Includes $115,652 in annual cash retainer and committee chair retainers that were paid in the form of 4,345 RSUs for Ms. Esteves pursuant to her election. The RSUs were granted to Ms. Esteves in part on May 11, 2020, and in part on May 6, 2019, and are included in this disclosure because the RSUs were granted in lieu of cash payments earned for service in 2020.

(6)

Includes $109,425 in annual cash retainer and committee chair retainers that were paid in the form of 4,111 shares of restricted stock for Mr. Fulchino pursuant to his election. The restricted stock was granted to Mr. Fulchino in part on May 11, 2020, and in part on May 6, 2019, and is included in this disclosure because the restricted stock was granted in lieu of cash payments earned for service in 2020.

(7)

Includes $93,411 in annual cash retainer that was paid in the form of 3,510 shares of restricted stock for Mr. Plueger pursuant to his election. The restricted stock was granted to Mr. Plueger in part on May 11, 2020, and in part on May 6, 2019, and is included in this disclosure because the restricted stock was granted in lieu of cash payments earned for service in 2020.

(8)

Includes $6,462 in annual cash retainer that was paid in the form of 75 shares of restricted stock for Ms. Wright pursuant to her election. The restricted stock was granted to Ms. Wright on May 6, 2019, and is included in this disclosure because the restricted stock was granted in lieu of cash payments earned for service in 2020.

 

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Related Person Transactions

Related Person Transaction Policy and Process

 

The Board has adopted a written Related Person Transaction Policy (the “RPT Policy”) that can be found on the Company’s website at http://www.investor.spiritaero.com/govdocsinvestor.spiritaero.com/corporate-governance/govdocs/default.aspx. The purpose of the RPT Policy is to ensure the proper evaluation, approval, or ratification, and reporting of related person transactions. Such transactions are only appropriate if they are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company.

Under the RPT Policy, a related person transaction is any transaction in which the Company was, is, or will be a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which a Related Person (as defined below) has, had, or will have a direct or indirect material interest. A Related Person is a director, director nominee, officer, or 5% stockholder, or any of their immediate family members. The existence of a direct or indirect material interest depends upon individual facts and circumstances and is determined by our General Counsel or the Governance Committee.

The Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing these transactions and determining whether they are fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company. After review of the relevant facts and circumstances, if the Governance Committee concludes thea related person transaction is fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company, it may approve or ratify the transaction.

If the Governance Committee declines to approve or ratify any related person transaction, the Company’s General Counsel, in coordination with the affected business unit or corporate function, will review the transaction, determine whether it should be terminated or amended in a manner that is acceptable to the Governance Committee, and advise the Governance Committee of their recommendation. The Governance Committee will then consider the recommendation at its next meeting. If the General Counsel does not ultimately recommend the transaction to the Governance Committee or if the Governance Committee does not approve the transaction, the proposed transaction will not be pursued; or, if the transaction has already been entered into, the Governance Committee will determine an appropriate course of action with respect to the transaction.

See “Director Independence” for more information.

Certain Related Person Transactions

 

Below are the transactions that occurred betweensince January 1, 2019, and March 9, 2020, and fall within the definition of related“related person transactiontransaction” in the RPT Policy or under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. With respect to each transaction, theThe Governance Committee reviewed the transaction in accordance with the RPT Policy and approved it on the basis that it was fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company. Transactions for Messrs. Fulchino and Gephardt were also reviewed under Item 404 and determined not to be related person transactions under the RPT Policy or under Item 404 of Regulation S-K - see “Independence” for more information on such transactions.

Related Person

Facts

RichardA.Gephardt

As described under “Board and Governance Matters — Director Independence,” above, the Company entered into an agreement with the Gephardt Group for labor consulting services in 2018 and paid $297,513 pursuant to this agreement during 2019.

John A. Pilla

John A. Pilla, former Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, has two sons employed by the Company, Anthony Pilla, Cyber Protection Specialist (employed withby the Company since June 3, 2016), and Nicolas Pilla, Systems Engineer (employed withby the Company since May 31, 2013). Combined, Mr. Pilla’s sons received $187,593$164,275 in compensation from the Company in 2019; such2020. Such compensation was established in accordance with the Company’s compensation practices applicable to employees with equivalent responsibilities, experience, and qualifications. Mr. Pilla’s sons are also eligible to participate in employee benefit programs in the same manner as other eligible employees.

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STOCK OWNERSHIP

Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth, as of March 9, 2020,2, 2021, the shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each director and named executive officer, individually, and by all the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group. Individually eachand together, the directors and executive officers beneficially ownsown less than 1.0% of our Common Stock. Together, they beneficially own 1.04% of our Common Stock (including unvested time-based and performance-based restricted stock). The table also includes information about RSUs credited to the accounts of certain non-employee directors, which are not beneficially owned. For purposes of the table, shares are considered to be beneficially owned if the person, directly or indirectly, has sole or shared voting or investment power with respect to the shares. In addition, a person is deemed to beneficially own shares if that person has the right to acquire such shares within 60 days after March 5, 2020.2, 2021.

Name

Common

Stock

Beneficially

Owned

 

Shares Vesting

Within 60

Days of

Record Date

Time-Based and

Performance-

Based Restricted

Stock(1)

 

Total Common

Stock

Beneficially

Owned

RSUs(2)

 

Total Common

Stock Beneficially

Owned Plus

RSUs

DIRECTORS

Stephen A. Cambone

 

 

 

 

5,458

 

5,458

 

1,356

 

 

6,814

Charles L. Chadwell

15,253

 

 

5,458

 

20,711

4,884

 

25,595

Irene M. Esteves

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,519

 

29,519

Paul E. Fulchino

15,075

 

 

10,827

 

25,902

 

 

25,902

Richard A. Gephardt

4,176

 

 

5,458

 

9,634

5,790

 

15,424

Robert D. Johnson

13,167

 

 

5,458

 

18,625

 

 

18,625

Ronald T. Kadish

20,105

 

 

5,458

 

25,563

 

 

25,563

John L. Plueger

11,919

 

 

10,042

 

21,961

13,026

 

34,987

Laura H. Wright

4,860

 

 

5,458

 

10,318

 

 

10,318

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Thomas C. Gentile III

 

142,189

 

 

28,089

 

175,642

 

 

345,920

 

100,164

 

 

446,084

Mark J. Suchinski

23,066

 

3,438

20,193

 

46,697

14,710

 

61,407

Jose I. Garcia(3)

12,281

 

 

3,131

 

15,412

 

 

15,412

Samantha J. Marnick

56,250

 

4,646

29,050

 

89,946

20,944

 

110,890

Duane F. Hawkins(4)

73,621

 

 

17,889

 

91,510

 

 

91,510

William E. Brown

27,382

 

3,139

20,242

 

50,763

11,194

 

61,957

John A. Pilla(5)

77,897

 

3,546

24,216

 

105,659

 

 

105,659

Mary M. (“Mindy”) McPheeters

1,605

 

2,878

9,583

 

14,066

2,778

 

16,844

Terry J. George

8,527

 

1,957

11,289

 

21,773

11,647

 

33,420

Kevin Matthies

24,708

 

2,324

13,973

 

41,005

9,807

 

50,812

Scott M. McLarty

12,095

 

1,916

13,290

 

27,301

9,575

 

36,876

All directors and executive officers as a group (20 persons)

544,176

 

51,933

392,115

 

988,224

235,394

 

1,223,618

(1)

For directors: includes unvested time-based restricted stock awards but excludes RSUs. RSUs do not confer voting rights until they are delivered upon the director’s departure, as described in footnote (2) below. For executive officers: includes unvested time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards that are forfeitable until the vesting date or performance certification date, as applicable. Performance-based restricted stock awards are included in the table at target amounts. This column does not include any time-based or performance-based restricted stock units as they do not confer voting rights. However, Mr. Hawkins time-based restricted stock units are included as described in footnote (4) below, does not.

(2)

For directors: RSUs vest after one year of service as a director. However, RSUs are not payable until the director’s termination of service. At such time, the RSUs will be delivered, at the Board’s option, in cash or shares of Common Stock based on the market value of Common Stock upon termination of service. All RSUs reflected are currently vested except for 11,133 RSUs held by Ms. Esteves. For executives: reflects time-based restricted stock units granted on February 26, 2021, that vest in three annual increments beginning on February 26, 2022. Does not include performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2021 as the pricing for the awards was not available at the time this Proxy Statement was finalized.

(3)

Mr. Garcia was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 9, 2019, and resigned from the position on January 29, 2020. For Mr. Garcia, values shown assume no transactions have taken place after Mr. Garcia’s receipt of severance benefits following his resignation.

(4)

Mr. Hawkins reached retirement eligibility for time-based restricted stock awards and restricted stock units in 2020 and, accordingly, all outstanding time-based restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards are included under the “Common Stock Beneficially Owned” column.

(5)

Excludes 16,023 phantom stock units that Mr. Pilla is entitled to receive upon his retirement from the Company under the frozen Supplement Executive Retirement Plan.

 

Name

Common

Stock

Beneficially

Owned

 

Shares Vesting

within 60

Days of

Record Date(1) 

Time-Based and

Performance-

Based Restricted

Stock(2)

 

Total Common

Stock

Beneficially

Owned

RSUs(3)

 

Total Common

Stock Beneficially

Owned And

RSUs

DIRECTORS

Stephen A. Cambone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,356

 

 

1,356

Charles L. Chadwell

13,821

 

1,432

 

 

15,253

4,884

 

20,137

Irene M. Esteves

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,386

 

18,386

Paul E. Fulchino

12,234

 

2,841

 

 

15,075

 

 

15,075

Richard A. Gephardt

2,744

 

1,432

 

 

4,176

5,790

 

9,966

Robert D. Johnson

11,735

 

1,432

 

 

13,167

 

 

13,167

Ronald T. Kadish

18,673

 

1,432

 

 

20,105

 

 

20,105

John L. Plueger

9,284

 

2,635

 

 

11,919

13,026

 

24,945

Laura H. Wright

3,187

 

1,673

 

 

4,860

 

 

4,860

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Thomas C. Gentile III

 

125,760

 

 

 

 

181,737

 

 

307,497

 

 

 

 

307,497

Mark J. Suchinski(4)

21,181

 

 

15,942

 

37,123

 

 

37,123

Jose I. Garcia(4)

12,281

 

 

3,131

 

15,412

 

 

15,412

Sanjay Kapoor(4)

127,987

 

1,000

 

 

128,987

 

 

128,987

Samantha J. Marnick

53,525

 

 

30,100

 

83,625

 

 

83,625

Duane F. Hawkins

44,214

 

 

32,248

 

76,462

 

 

76,462

John A. Pilla(5)

90,055

 

 

27,505

 

117,560

 

 

117,560

All directors and executive officers as a group (22 persons)

688,207

 

13,877

382,836

 

1,084,920

43,442

 

1,128,362

(1)

With respect to directors, includes unvested restricted stock awards vesting on May 6, 2020, but excludes RSUs vesting on such date. Restricted stock is included as it confers voting rights and, therefore, is deemed to be beneficially owned under Rule 13d-3(a)(1) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). RSUs do not confer voting rights until they are delivered upon the director’s departure, as described in footnote (3), below. For Mr. Kapoor, includes the final tranche of 1,000 shares of a retirement restricted stock award vesting on March 31, 2020.

(2)

With respect to executive officers, except for the 2020 performance-based restricted stock awards, which are not included as they were not yet priced on March 9, 2020, includes unvested time-based and performance-based restricted stock awards that are forfeitable until the vesting date or performance certification date, as applicable. Performance-based restricted stock awards are included in the table at target amounts.

(3)

RSUs vest after one year of service as a director. However, RSUs are not payable until the director’s termination of service. At such time, the RSUs will be paid, at the Board’s option, in cash or shares of Common Stock based on the market value of Common Stock upon termination of service. All RSUs reflected are currently vested except for 2,921 RSUs held by Ms. Esteves and 1,356 RSUs held by Dr. Cambone.

(4)

Mr. Kapoor resigned from the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 9, 2019, but remained with the Company as Senior Financial Advisor until March 31, 2019, when he retired. Mr. Garcia was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 9, 2019, and resigned from the position on January 29, 2020. Mark J. Suchinski was appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 29, 2020. For Messrs. Garcia and Kapoor, values shown assume no transactions have taken place since January 29, 2020 and January 9, 2019, respectively, except for those that are memorialized in their separation agreements.

(5)

Excludes 16,023 phantom stock units Mr. Pilla is entitled to receive upon his retirement from the Company under the frozen Supplement Executive Retirement Plan.

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Beneficial Ownership of Major Stockholders

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial owners of more than 5% of our outstanding securitiesthe Common Stock as of March 9, 2020.2, 2021. The information set forth below is based on ownership statements filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 15(d) or 13(g) of the Exchange Act.

Name

Amount of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned

Percentage of

Common Stock

Sole

Voting

Shares

Shared

Voting

Shares

Sole

Investment

Shares

Shared

Investment

Shares

5% STOCKHOLDERS

The Vanguard Group(1)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

 

12,158,283

 

11.7%

 

80,732

 

24,525

 

12,062,285

 

95,998

Blackrock, Inc.(2)

55 E. 52nd St.

New York, NY 10005

7,398,684

7.1%

6,609,228

 

7,398,684

 

Darsana Capital Partners LP(3)

Darsana Capital Partners GP LLC

Darsana Master Fund LP

Darsana Capital GP LLC

Anand Desai

40 West 57th St., 15th Floor

New York, New York 10019

6,237,000

5.95%

 

6,237,000

 

6,237,000

Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, LLC(4)

2200 Ross Avenue, 31st Floor

Dallas, TX 75201

5,542,281

5.4%

4,003,276 

1,539,005

5,542,281 

 

(1)

Information is based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020.

(2)

Information is based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 6, 2020.

(3)

Information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on March 9, 2020.

(4)

Information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2020.

Name

Amount of

Shares

Beneficially

Owned

Percentage of

Common Stock

Sole

Voting

Shares

Shared

Voting

Shares

Sole

Investment

Shares

Shared

Investment

Shares

The Vanguard Group(1)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

 

8,985,555

 

8.51%

 

 

 

68,726

 

8,836,800

 

148,755

Blackrock, Inc.(2)

55 E. 52nd St.

New York, NY 10005

5,489,962

5.2%

5,107,504

 

5,489,962

 

Scopia Capital Management LP(3)

Scopia Management, Inc.

Matthew Sirovich

Jeremy Mindich

152 West 57th St., 33rd Floor

New York, NY 10019

5,822,699

5.5%

94,000

5,728,699

94,000

5,728,699

(1)

Information is based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2021.

(2)

Information is based on an amended Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 1, 2021.

(3)

Information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 16, 2021.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of any registered class of a company’s equity securities to file beneficial ownership reports with the SEC. Such reports are filed on Form 3, Form 4, and Form 5 under the Exchange Act, as appropriate. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of these reports filed under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and thecertain reporting persons’ written representations, the Company believes that all filings required to be made by reporting persons holding the Company’s Common Stock were timely filed in accordance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act in 2019.2020 except for Mr. Hawkins’ Form 4 due on March 15, 2020, which was Mr. Hawkins’ 62nd birthday and the date the Company was required to dispose of shares for tax purposes with respect to Mr. Hawkins’ unvested time-based restricted stock awards. The filing was missed due to an administrative error. A Form 5 was filed with the SEC on January 29, 2021, to report the transactions.

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ADVISORY VOTE ON COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Overview

StockholdersIn accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act, stockholders are being asked to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, or NEOs, as set forth under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis.” This vote, which is referred to as the “say-on-pay” vote, is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of the Company’s NEOs and the objectives, policies, and practices described in this Proxy Statement. We conduct a say-on-pay vote annually. The Board believes that executive compensation, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, aligns with the Company’s peer group pay practices and furthers the Company’s compensation objectives.

Accordingly, the Board asks the Company’s stockholders to vote “FOR”FOR the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed by the Company pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Summary Compensation Table, and other related tables and disclosures.”

The Board and Compensation Committee will review the voting results of Proposal 2 and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.

Voting Standard

The affirmative vote of a majority of stockholders present, in person or by proxy, will constitute the stockholders’ non-binding approval with respect to Proposal 2. With respect to Proposal 2, a stockholder may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.” Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting and, therefore, they will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” Proposal 2.

Under the NYSE rules, of the NYSE, brokers are prohibited from giving proxies to vote on executive compensation matters unless the beneficial owner of such shares has given voting instructions on the matter. This means that, if your broker is the record holder of your shares, you must give voting instructions to your broker with respect to Proposal 2 if you want your broker to vote your shares on the matter.

   The Board recommends you vote FOR the resolution approving the compensation of our named executive officers.

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 
  

Our 20192020 Named Executive Officers

The following Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the 20192020 compensation of our NEOs. Our 20192020 NEOs were:

 

 

Thomas C. Gentile III

President &and CEO

Mark J. Suchinski

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Jose I. Garcia*

Former Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (from January 9, 2019 through(through January 29, 2020)

Sanjay Kapoor**

Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (through January 9, 2019)

Samantha J. Marnick

Executive Vice President and Chief AdministrationOperating Officer and Strategy

Duane F. Hawkins

Senior Vice President; President, Defense and Fabrication Division

William E. Brown

Senior Vice President, Boeing Programs

John A. PillaPilla*

Former Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (through August 1, 2020)

*

Mr. Garcia resigned on January 29, 2020. Effective on such date, Mark J. Suchinski was appointed to the role of Senior Vice President2020, and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Suchinski is not discussed herein as he was not a NEO during 2019.

**

Due to Mr. Kapoor’s resignationPilla stepped down from thehis role on January 9, 2019, specific discussion of Mr. Kapoor’s 2019 performance is not included below.August 1, 2020.

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Compensation Overview

Our executive compensation program is designed to enable us to attract, retain, and incentivize executive officers who can deliver short-term performance results and longer-term stockholder value. The following highlights the key items the Compensation Committee considers in the development, review, and approval of the NEOs’ compensation.

Our Compensation Objectives

 

The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to:

Setting Target Pay

 

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the target pay levels for our NEOs with respect to salary, our annual cash incentive, and our long-term incentives. In setting these levels, the Compensation Committee works with management and external advisors, including our independent compensation consultant, Willis Towers Watson, and reviews the following:

the Company’s compensation objectives;

peer group compensation levels and broad survey data provided by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant. In addition, the Compensation Committee reviews consultant, along with other market data;

the individual responsibilities, goals, and challenges with respect to the position in question, along with question; and

the experience, prior performance, and potential of the individual in question.

The Company generally sets total annual direct compensation of the NEOs (consisting of base salary, the annual cash incentive, and long-term incentives) of the NEOs at a target level that is at or around the market median, subject to individual circumstances and exceptions. Additional information about the Company’s peer group and compensation-setting process can be found under “The Compensation Decision-Making Process,”Process” and “Benchmarking” sections.

AligningHow We Align Pay with Performance

The Company aligns pay with performance by using a balance of short- and long-term incentives as well as cash and non-cash compensation. For either short- or long-term incentives, executive officers have the opportunity to earn in excess of market median levels when performance exceeds expectations. Conversely, if performance falls below expectations, the incentives pay below target levels, if at all.

In 2019, we linked pay with performance through the following variable pay:

   Substantial portion of pay is delivered through variable, at-risk compensation. For either short- or long-term incentives, executive officers have the opportunity to earn in excess of market median levels when performance exceeds expectations. Conversely, if performance falls below expectations, the incentives pay below target levels, if at all.

   Use balance of short- and long-term incentives and cash- and non-cash compensation.

   Use performance metrics that are relevant to our strategic plan and matter to our stockholders, customers, and other stakeholders. See “Our Pay Metrics” for more information.

   Performance goals are relevant, challenging, and tied to key measures of profitability and performance. See “Our Pay Metrics” for more information.

AnnualCashIncentive(the“ACI”): Company performance goals include revenue, earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted for certain items (“Adjusted EBIT”)*, and annual free cash flow, adjusted for certain items (“Adjusted FCF”)*, each over a one-year period.

Time-BasedRestrictedStock: a long-term incentive consisting of an award of restricted Common Stock vesting ratably over three years. While vesting is not tied to performance, the increase or decrease in value that the executive receives between the award’s grant date and vesting date is tied to stock performance.

Performance-BasedRestrictedStock: a long-term incentive consisting of an award of restricted Common Stock that will be earned at the end of a three-year performance period based on the Company’s total stockholder return relative to its peer group (“TSR”) and free cash flow as a percentage of revenue (“FCF Percentage”)* over such period.

Additional information on our incentives can be found under “2019 Compensation Program Elements.” Please see AppendixA for an explanation and reconciliation of non-GAAP measures.

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Our Pay Metrics

The table below explains the metrics we used to measure performance with respect to the Company’sfor determining 2020 compensation. In the first quarter of each year, the Compensation Committee sets these goals based on the Company's strategy and operating plans. The specific goals are set forth under “2019 Compensation Program Elements.” Goals are established with the expectation that, if performance is aligned with our operating plans, target payout should be achieved. To obtain maximum goals, performance would have to exceed our plans significantly. We expect that achievement of both maximum performance and below threshold performance will be infrequent.

Program

Metric

Percentage of

Component /

Opportunity

How Performance is Calculated

Reason for Using Metric

ACIAnnual (CashIncentive-Company Performance Component)Component(75-80%oftotalACI)

RevenueCash from Operating Activities

20%40%

Top-line revenueCash from operating activities in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), measured over a one-year periodperiod. Threshold, target, and maximum scores for 2020 were set at ($227 million), ($177 million), and ($127 million), respectively.

Aligns withThis metric measures both profitability and changes in working capital. Due to the Company’s strategy to growimpacts from the top line through winning new business with existingB737 MAX grounding and new customersCOVID-19 pandemic in 2020, managing cash and liquidity were a key focus.

Adjusted EBIT*Indirect Cost

30%

Adjusted EBIT* consistsThis metric measures reduction of earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted for non-core earnings impact, measuredindirect costs (which are generally less variable than direct costs) in response to lower production rates over a one-year periodperiod. Threshold, target, and maximum scores for 2020 were set at $1.353 billion, $1.303 billion, and $1.245 billion, respectively.

Adjusted EBIT* is a common short-term measure of earnings, demonstrating growthThe B737 MAX grounding and COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented liquidity challenges for the Company. Lowering indirect costs removed from the production line was critical to conserve cash and preserve liquidity in revenue and ability to control costs2020.

Adjusted FCF*New Revenue Growth

50%15%

Adjusted FCF*Performance is calculated by subtracting capital expendituresbased on new revenue growth from GAAP cash from operating activities, measured over a one-year periodinorganic and adjustedorganic sources. Threshold, target, and maximum scores for certain items2020 were set at $927 million, $982 million, and $1,037 million, respectively.

Adjusted FCF*The Company’s strategy is to diversify its program portfolio and expand into new areas, including with respect to commercial programs, defense programs, aftermarket, and other areas. This metric measures the Company’s ability to diversify.

Quality

15%

Spirit’s quality index was developed using established measures our main customers use to evaluate Spirit’s quality performance across programs. Examples of quality measures used to align management incentives to stockholders’ interestsare defect count, and scrap, repair, and rework of fabricated parts and/or assemblies.

Quality is the main way our customers measure our compliance with product specifications. The success and growth of our business depends on meeting our customers’ quality standards.

ACIAnnual (CashIncentive-Individual Performance Component)Component(20-25%oftotalACI)

Individual Performance Goals

100%

Achievement of individual performance goals relevant to each NEO’s assignmentassignment.

To further incentivize personal performance and contributions to the Company’s financial and operating resultsresults.

Long-Term Incentive Program
(Total Award Opportunity)

Stock Price (Time-Based Restricted Stock)

60%

This portion of the long-term incentive is calculatedCalculated using a dollar amount, which results in a number of shares based on the price of the Common Stock on the third trading day following the earnings call after the grant is approved. Accordingly, theStock. The value received upon vesting is directly related to the change in the stock price between the grant date and the vesting datedates.

This metric ties performance of executives’ restricted stock awards directly to stock price performance, thus aligning the interests of executives and stockholdersstockholders.

TSR (Performance-Based(Performance-
Based Restricted Stock)

20%

Performance is measured based on the ranking of the Company’s TSR, expressed as a percentile, relative to the TSR of the Company’s peer group over a three-year performance period as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goalsgoals.

This metric ties executive interests to stockholder interests and aligns with proxy advisory policies and market trendstrends.

FCF Percentage* (Performance-Based(Performance-
Based Restricted Stock)

20%

Performance is measured based on the Company’s free cash flow* as aFCF percentage of revenuerevenue* over a three-year performance period as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goalsgoals.

This metric is used to align long-term incentives with a key valuation driver of our business, which is free cash flow.FCF.* A percentage of sales is used to drive sustained free cash flow*FCF* performance consistent with our established long-term goal of 7-9% of sales; hence, the measurement is over a three-year periodperiod.

*

Please see Appendix A for an explanation and reconciliation of these non-GAAP measures.

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The Company’s Performance2020 Compensation Impacts Due to B737 MAX Grounding and COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company’s one-Company took several actions in 2020 to reduce costs, increase liquidity, and three-year total stockholder return comparedstrengthen our financial position in light of the significant negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the B737 MAX grounding. Compensation-related actions included reducing pay for all executives (including NEOs) by 20% from April 2020 through January 2021. The reduced salary levels resulted in reduced payouts under the 2020 ACI (defined below).

Further, due to its peer group, the Russell 3000 index,financial impact of the B737 MAX grounding and S&P 500 index, is set forth below.

COVID-19 pandemic, the performance-based restricted stock awards granted in 2018 that were due to vest on December 31, 2020, subject to the Compensation Committee’s certification of performance, were forfeited in their entirety as performance levels fell below threshold.

Note Regarding Chart Above: TSR is calculated using adjusted close prices. Three-year TSR is cumulative. Includes data from all membersValues of vested and unvested equity awards were negatively impacted as well. As of December 2, 2019, the closing stock price of the Company’s 2017–19 proxy peer group, excluding companies that were acquired during such period (Orbital ATK, B/E Aerospace, Rockwell Collins). Peer performance reflectsCommon Stock was $85.78. On May 1, 2020, the median performanceclosing price of the peer group overCompany’s Common Stock was $20.47. On December 31, 2020, the applicable period. For additional information onclosing price of the companies within our peer group, see “2019 Proxy Peer Group.” Source: S&P’s Capital IQ.Company’s Common Stock was $39.09.

CEO Target Pay Compared to Peers

The target pay of our CEO as compared to the target pay of other CEOs in our peer group is set forth below:

Note Regarding Chart Above: Represents 2018 target CEO pay for companies within our peer group and 2019 target CEO pay for the Company.

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2019 Compensation Program Elements

There are three major components to the Company’s compensation program for NEOs:NEOs, which are described below. Levels for NEOs are set as described under “Compensation Overview - Setting Target Pay.”

Base Salary

 

Base salary is a fixed cash amount designed to attract, retain, and motivate executive officers, and recognize responsibilities, experience, and performance. In determining base salary, the Compensation Committee considers market data for comparable roles, experience, skill set, prior positions held, performance, and responsibility level. The Company reviews each NEO’s base salary annually in January (and as circumstances or changes in responsibilities may require) and makes appropriate adjustments to account for performance, additional responsibilities, and market movement. We set baseBase salary amounts as set forth under “Compensation Overview - Setting Target Pay.”is paid in cash bi-weekly. Due to liquidity pressures relating to the B737 Max grounding and COVID-19 pandemic, each NEO’s salary was reduced by 20% in April 2020. The salary reductions continued until January 4, 2021.

Annual Cash Incentive

 

The ACIAnnual Cash Incentive (“ACI”) is an annual cash award granted under the OIP. Each individual receives a total target ACI that is equal to a percentage of his or her total base salary. For 2019,2020, this target amount was equal to 145% of base salary for Mr. Gentile, 100% of base salary for all NEOs other than the CEO (the “Other NEOs”). For our CEO, until February 1, 2019, the target amount was equal to 140%Mr. Suchinski, Ms. Marnick, Mr. Hawkins, and Mr. Pilla, and 85% of his base salary and, thereafter, 145% of his base salary. We establish ACI target amounts as set forth under “Compensation Overview - Setting Target Pay.”for Mr. Brown.

Payout of the ACI depends on the attainment of individual and Company performance goals. Depending on the level of performance achieved, payout can be between 0 -and 200% of target. The objectives of the ACI are to support our pay-for-performance philosophy, align the awards with stockholder interests, and motivate executives to achieve the Company’s near-term focus on safety, quality, delivery, and customer focus that drives the Company’s long-term performance.

The performance weightingweightings for the NEOs’ ACIs are as follows:

CEO: 80% Company performance; 20% individual performanceperformance; and

For all NEOs other than the CEO (“Other NEOs:NEOs”): 75% Company performance; 25% individual performanceperformance.

With respect to the measurement of the performance components, the Compensation Committee used a scoring scale of 0.0 to 2.0, with 0.0 for unacceptable performance and 2.0 for exceptional performance.

Company Performance

The Company Performance component Payout of the ACI is in cash and typically occurs in February of each NEO’syear (after the Compensation Committee certifies performance in January).

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2020 Company Performance

For the 2019 ACI, is scoredthe Company performance component was based on the performanceFCF (50%), earnings before taxes and interest (as adjusted) (“EBIT”) (30%), and revenue (20%), as further disclosed in last year’s proxy statement. In light of impacts of the B737 MAX grounding and COVID-19 pandemic, the Company was unable to create a meaningful outlook for FCF, EBIT, and revenue for 2020 and, accordingly, revised the Company performance component metrics in order to incentivize our employees to perform toward meaningful and calculable goals.

After an intensive review of metrics used by peer companies and companies in our industry, and consultation with respectour independent compensation consultant, the Compensation Committee modified the Company performance component metrics for 2020 to three quantitativebe based on GAAP Cash from Operating Activities (40%), Indirect Cost (30%), Quality (15%), and New Revenue Growth (15%). The reasons for each of these metrics each over a one-year period:

Revenue, representing 20% of total Company performance;

Adjusted EBIT,* representing 30% of total Company performance; and

Adjusted FCF,* representing 50% of total Company performance.

The manner in which Adjusted EBIT* and Adjusted FCF* are calculated is described in AppendixA.under “Our Pay Metrics.”

In 2019,2020, the Company fell below threshold performance goals for both Cash from Operating Activities and New Revenue Growth. For Quality, the Company scored a 1.85 out of 2.00, and for Indirect Cost, the Company exceeded its maximum performance goal with respect to Adjusted FCF,* but did not reach its threshold goal with respect to revenue and Adjusted EBIT.*at $1.172 billion. As a result, the Compensation Committee determined a 1.000.8775 total score had been achieved with respect to Company performance.performance, out of a potential score of 2.00. The following table summarizes the Company’s actual performance relative to the Company’s threshold, target, and maximum performance goals for 2019:2020.

2019 ACI Company Metrics Performance

Measure

Weighting

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Actual Result

Assessment

Revenue

20%

$8.10 billion

$8.20 billion

$8.35 billion

$7.9billion

BelowThreshold

AdjustedEBIT*

30%

$1.057 billion

$1.075 billion

$1.115 billion

$804.7million

BelowThreshold

AdjustedFCF*

50%

$625 million

$650 million

$700 million

$723million

ExceededMaximum

*

The manner in which Adjusted EBIT and Adjusted FCF are calculated is described in AppendixA.

2020 ACI Company Metrics Performance

 

Measure

Weighting

Threshold

Target

Maximum

Actual Result

Assessment

Weighted Score

Cash from Operating Activities

40%

($227 million)

($177 million)

($127 million)

($658 million)

Below Threshold

0.0000

Indirect Cost

30%

$1.353 billion

$1.303 billion

$1.245 billion

$1.172 billion

Exceeded Maximum

0.6000

New Revenue Growth

15%

$927 million

$982 million

$1.037 billion

$927 million

Below Threshold

0.0000

Quality

15%

0.5

1

2

1.85

Between Target and Maximum

0.2775

 

 

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Individual Performance

The Individual Performanceindividual performance component of the ACI is intended to further align executive compensation with performance in the Company’s focus areas in any given year by establishing relevant individual performance metrics that relate to each NEO’s assignments. This component was scored based on the achievement of such individual performance goals. Individual scores were calibrated to the Company’s score.

To determine the score for the CEO,Mr. Gentile, the Compensation Committee reviewed his annual performance and personal contributions to the Company’s financial and operating results. With respect to the Other NEOs, the Compensation Committee first considered theMr. Gentile’s report and recommendation of the CEO with respect to each person’s performance and score and, subsequently,score. Subsequently, the Compensation Committee conducted a subjective review of each NEO’s contributions to the Company during the fiscal year. With respect to 20192020 performance, the NEOs received the following individual performance scores:scores out of a potential total score of 2.00: Gentile: 1.00, Garcia: 1.00,0.8755, Suchinski: 0.9250, Marnick: 1.08,0.9600, Hawkins: 1.01,0.8775, and Pilla: 1.03.Brown: 0.7900. Mr. Pilla’s ACI payment was based solely on the Company performance component per the Pilla Agreement (as defined below).

For additional payout information, please see “2019 ACI Payouts.” Descriptions of the NEOs’ 20192020 individual performance contributions are set forth in “2019“2020 NEO Performance and Compensation Decisions.”

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20192020 ACI Payouts

The formula for determining the 20192020 ACIs and the resulting payouts are reflected in the table below:below.

NEO

Base

Salary ($)

(1) 

×

Target

(Percentage

of Base

Salary)(2)

(%)

=

Target

Award

($)

×

Company

Performance

(80%

weighting for

CEO; 75%

weighting for

Other NEOs)

(3) 

+

Individual

Performance

(20%

weighting for

CEO; 25%

weighting for

Other NEOs)

(4) 

=

2019 Total

Payout

($)

Base

Salary ($)

(1) 

×

Target

(Percentage

of Base

Salary)(2)

(%)

=

Target

Award

($)

×

Company

Performance

(80%

weighting for

CEO; 75%

weighting for

Other NEOs)

(3) 

+

Individual

Performance

(20%

weighting for

CEO; 25%

weighting for

Other NEOs)

(4) 

=

2020 Total

Payout

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

1,295,753

 

 

145

 

1,873,535

 

0.8000

 

 

0.2000

 

 

1,873,535

1,108,552

 

 

145

 

1,607,400

 

0.702

 

 

0.176

 

 

1,410,494

Jose I. Garcia

615,000

 

 

100

 

615,000

 

0.7500

 

 

0.2500

 

 

615,000

Mark J. Suchinski

414,481

 

 

99

 

408,934

 

0.658

 

 

0.231

 

 

363,696

Samantha J. Marnick

550,000

 

 

100

 

550,000

 

0.7500

 

 

0.2700

 

 

561,000

493,025

 

 

100

 

493,025

 

0.658

 

 

0.225

 

 

442,799

Duane F. Hawkins

535,000

 

 

100

 

535,000

 

0.7500

 

 

0.2525

 

 

536,338

456,212

 

 

100

 

456,212

 

0.658

 

 

0.219

 

 

400,326

John A. Pilla

475,000

 

 

100

 

475,000

 

0.7500

 

 

0.2575

 

 

478,563

(1)

With respect to Mr. Gentile, represents a weighted-average base salary that takes into account his salary change in 2019. Pursuant to Mr. Garcia’s employment agreement, he was entitled to his full ACI award for 2019 applicable to a salary of $615,000 (without proration); therefore, that is the salary included above.

(2)

With respect to Mr. Gentile, represents a weighted-average target that takes into account his target change in 2019 (actual number was 1.445903849).

(3)

Reflects a Company score of 1.0 multiplied by the weighting percentage.

(4)

Reflects individual performance scores multiplied by the weighting percentage.

William E. Brown

401,683

 

 

85

 

341,431

 

0.657

 

 

0.214

 

 

292,137

John A. Pilla(5)

405,048

 

 

100

 

405,048

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

355,429

(1)

Represents weighted-average base salary that takes into account salary changes in 2020, including the 20% salary reduction in place from April 2020 through January 2021.

(2)

With respect to Mr. Suchinski, represents a weighted-average target that takes into account his target change in 2020 (actual number was 98.662).

(3)

Reflects a Company score of 0.8775 multiplied by the weighting percentage (scores are rounded) for all except Mr. Pilla.

(4)

Reflects individual performance scores multiplied by the weighting percentage (scores are rounded) for all except Mr. Pilla.

(5)

Mr. Pilla’s ACI was 100% based on the Company performance component per the Pilla Agreement (as defined below).

(1)

Represents weighted-average base salary that takes into account salary changes in 2020, including the 20% salary reduction in place from April 2020 through January 2021.

(2)

With respect to Mr. Suchinski, represents a weighted-average target that takes into account his target change in 2020 (actual number was 98.662).

(3)

Reflects a Company score of 0.8775 multiplied by the weighting percentage (scores are rounded) for all except Mr. Pilla.

(4)

Reflects individual performance scores multiplied by the weighting percentage (scores are rounded) for all except Mr. Pilla.

(5)

Mr. Pilla’s ACI was 100% based on the Company performance component per the Pilla Agreement (as defined below).

 

Based on Company and individual performance results, the Compensation Committee believes the 20192020 NEO ACIs were appropriate and achieved the objectives of the executive compensation program. While the ACIs were earned based on performance in 2019,2020, they were paid out in February 2020.2021. The ACI payouts are reported as 20192020 compensation in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

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Long-Term Incentives

 

Long-term incentives are an important component of compensation, as they provide long-term, equity-based variable incentive compensation in keeping with the Company’s pay-for-performance philosophy for the entire executive group. Long-term incentives aid in retention,help retain, motivate, and reward executives with respect to long-term performance, align executives’ interests with stockholders’ interests, and promote stock ownership. Long-term incentives are delivered under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) under the OIP. Under the OIP,In January of each year, the Compensation Committee selects eligible personsindividuals to receive such awards and determinesapproves the nature and amount of each award. Awards are granted and priced on the third trading day following the Company’s next earnings release. For 2019,2020, each NEO received an annual target LTIP award equal to the percentage of his or her total base salary aton the timegrant date of the award as provided in the table below:

NEO

Base Salary

($)

x

Target (Percentage of Base

Salary)

(%)

=

Target

Award

($)

Base Salary on Grant Date ($)

x

Target (Percentage of Base

Salary)

(%)

=

Target

Award

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

1,300,000

 

550

 

7,150,000

1,300,000

 

550

 

7,150,000

Jose I. Garcia

615,000

 

200

 

1,230,000

Mark J. Suchinski

500,000

 

175

 

875,000

Samantha J. Marnick

550,000

 

215

 

1,182,500

550,000

 

215

 

1,182,500

Duane F. Hawkins

535,000

 

230

 

1,230,500

535,000

 

230

 

1,230,500

William E. Brown

470,000

 

170

 

799,000

John A. Pilla

475,000

 

190

 

902,500

475,000

 

190

 

902,500

 

The total annual target LTIP award consists of three components:SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS - 2021 Proxy Statement     41


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Time-Based Restricted Stock representing

In 2020, 60% of the total target award amount;

Performance-Based Restricted Stock tied to relative TSR over a three-year performance period, representing 20% of the total target award amount; and

Performance-Based Restricted Stock tied to FCF Percentage over a three-year performance period, representing 20% of the total target award amount.

Time-Based Restricted Stock

In 2019, 60% of the targetLTIP award amount was delivered in the form of a time-based restricted stock (“Time-Based Restricted StockStock”) award vesting in three equal installments on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the recipient being employed by the Company on the vesting date.date (subject to alternative vesting arrangements upon death, disability, retirement eligibility, or a qualifying termination in connection with a change-in-control as described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control”). The Compensation Committee grants Time-Based Restricted Stock awards to assist in retaining NEOs and increase their stock ownership, which further aligns our NEOs’ interests with those of stockholders. Awards are approved by the Compensation Committee in January and granted after the Company's subsequent earnings release. The number of shares granted is determined based on the average of the opening and closing Common Stock prices on the third trading day after the Company’s earnings release following the date the award is approved by the Compensation Committee.

Dividends on Time-Based Restricted Stock awards accrue from the grant date and are not paid out on vesting.until the vesting date. If the underlying award is forfeited, the accrued dividends are forfeited as well.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Tied to Total Stockholder Return

In 2019,2020, 20% of the target LTIP award amount was delivered in the form of a performance-based restricted stock (“Performance-Based Restricted StockStock”) award tied to TSR. Payout of the award is based on the ranking of the Company’s TSR, expressed as a percentile, relative to the TSR of a group of the Company’s peers over a three-year trackingperformance period, as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goals. Participants are initially granted a number of unvested shares equal to the number of vested shares to which the participant would be entitled upon achievement of the target performance goal.

The table below sets forth these performance goals and vesting percentages:

 

Threshold*

Target

Maximum

 

Threshold(1)

Target

Maximum

Performance Goal

(Percentile Ranking in Peer Group)

25th

50th

90th

Percentile Ranking in Peer Group

25th

50th

90th

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

*

If performance is below threshold, payout is zero.

(1)

If performance is below threshold, payout is zero.

(1)

If performance is below threshold, payout is zero.

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For grants made in 2019,2020, the performance period runs from January 1, 20192020, to December 31, 2021,2022, and the vesting of the awards is dependent upon the Compensation Committee’s certification of the performance goal being achieved.achieved (which typically occurs in January following the end of the performance period). An individual must be continuously performing services (or deemed to be continuously performing services) throughout the entire performance period, or none of the award will be earned.earned (subject to alternative vesting arrangements upon death, disability, retirement eligibility, or a qualifying termination in connection with a change-in-control as described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control”).

For grants made in 2019,2020, the TSR for the Company and each member of its peer group for the trackingperformance period will be determined by calculating the percentage increase in the dividend-adjusted average closing share price for the 20 trading days ending December 31, 2018,2019, and the 20 trading days ending December 31, 2021.2022. If the Company’s TSR percentile ranking falls between the threshold and the target performance goals or the target and the maximum performance goals, the percentage of the award that a participant will receive is interpolated on a straight-line basis. If the Company’s TSR percentile ranking is below the threshold performance goal, the participant will not be entitled to any vested shares, and if the Company’s TSR percentile ranking is equal to or higher than the maximum performance goal, the participant will be entitled to a number of vested shares equal to 200% of the target award. If the Company’s TSR is negative, payout is capped at 100% regardless of percentile ranking. The Compensation Committee may apply negative discretion to the award payout. Dividends on Performance-Based Restricted Stock awards tied to TSR are not paid or accrued until the award vests.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Tied to FCF PercentagePercentage*

In 2019,2020, 20% of the target LTIP award amount was delivered in the form of a Performance-Based Restricted Stock award tied to FCF Percentage.* Payout of the award is based on the Company’s free cash flowFCF as a percentage of revenuerevenue* over a three-year trackingperformance period as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goals. FCF Percentage* is a measure of long-term cash generation driven by increasing revenue, reducing costs, improving productivity, and efficiently using capital. Participants are initially granted a number of unvested shares equal to the number of vested shares to which the participant would be entitled on achievement of the target performance goal.

The table below sets forth these performance goals and vesting percentages:

 

Threshold*

Target

Maximum

 

Threshold(1)

Target

Maximum

Performance Goal

FCF Percentage*

7.0%

7.75%

9.0%

FCF Percentage*

7.0%

7.75%

9.0%

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

*

If performance is below threshold, payout is zero.

(1)

If performance is below threshold, payout is zero.

(1)

If performance is below threshold, payout is zero.

 

For grants made in 2019,2020, the performance period runs from January 1, 20192020, to December 31, 2021,2022, and the vesting of the awards is dependent on the Compensation Committee’s certification of the performance goal being achieved.achieved (which typically occurs in January following the end of the performance period). An individual must be continuously performing services (or deemed to be continuously performing services) through the entire performance period, or none of the award will be earned.earned (subject to alternative vesting arrangements upon death, disability, retirement eligibility, or a qualifying termination in connection with a change-in-control as described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control”).

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FCF Percentage* will be calculated on a cumulative basis over a three-year period (total free cash flowFCF* over three years divided by total revenue over three years). If the calculated percentage falls between the threshold and the target performance goals or the target and the maximum performance goals, the percentage of the award that a participant will receive is interpolated on a straight-line basis. If the Company’s percentage is below the threshold performance goal, the participant will not be entitled to any vested shares, and if the Company’s percentage is equal to or greater than the maximum performance goal, the participant will be entitled to a number of vested shares equal to 200% of the target award. The Compensation Committee may apply negative discretion to the award payout. Dividends on Performance-Based Restricted Stock awards tied to FCF Percentage* are not paid or accrued until the award vests.

*For an explanation and reconciliation of FCF and Percentage, please see AAppendixppendix A.

Changes for 2021 Executive Compensation

A summary of the significant changes approved by the Compensation Committee for the 2021 executive compensation program appears below.

Compensation Element

Change

Reason

Salary

Restored 20% salary reductions to full pay effective January 4, 2021.

To appropriately compensate executive officers for their roles and performance after working to stabilize liquidity in 2020.

Annual Cash Incentive

Modifying Company performance goals to be based on Adjusted Net Debt (40%), Operating Cost (30%), New Revenue Growth (15%), and Quality (15%).

Reducing net debt is a key objective and indicator to improve financial stability, return to investment grade, and reduce borrowing costs; controlling operating costs is key to demonstrating discipline and progress to achieving continuous margin improvement; new revenue growth and quality continue to be a focus for the reasons described under “Pay Metrics” above.

Long-Term Incentives

Reduce maximum TSR performance goal from 90th percentile to 75th percentile.

To better align award with market practices.

Performance-based component of award will be 100% based on TSR.

More objective and visible measure of performance against peer group, which will incentivize executives to perform.

Minor peer group changes to TSR group.

To reflect acquisitions and additional appropriate peer companies.

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VestingVested Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards Granted in 2017

2016Awards:Two types of Performance-Based Restricted Stock awards vested and were delivered in 2020. The only performance-based restricted stockfirst type of award that vested in 2019 was tied to TSR. PayoutTSR, and payout of the award was based on the ranking of the Company’s TSR, expressed as a percentile, relative to the TSR of a group of the Company’s peers over a three-year trackingperformance period from January 1, 20162017, to December 31, 2018,2019, as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goals. On January 23, 2019, the Compensation Committee certified performance of the award at a percentile rank of 50th within the peer group. As a result, the award paid out at 100% (the payout was entirely in stock), as demonstrated in the table below:

 

 

Threshold*

Target

Maximum

2016 PB-TSR

Actual Performance

Performance Goal

(Percentile Ranking in Peer Group)

25th

50th

90th

50th

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

100%

2017Awards: Two types of performance-based restricted stock awards vested in 2020. The first award type was tied to TSR and payout was determined consistently with the 2016 award described above. The award had a performance tracking period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. On January 21, 2020, the Compensation Committee certified performance of the award at a percentile rank of 58th within the peer group. As a result, the award paid out at 120% (the payout was entirely(entirely in stock)Common Stock), as demonstrated in the table below:

 

Threshold*

Target

Maximum

2017 PB-TSR

Actual Performance

 

Threshold

Target

Maximum

2017 PB-TSR

Actual Performance

Performance Goal

(Percentile Ranking in Peer Group)

25th

50th

90th

58th

(Percentile Ranking in Peer Group)

25th

50th

90th

58th

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

120%

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

120%

 

The second type of performance-based restricted stockPerformance-Based Restricted Stock award that vested in 2020 was tied to FCF Percentage.* Payout of the award was based on the Company’s free cash flow*FCF* as a percentage of revenue over a three-year trackingperformance period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goals. On January 21, 2020, the Compensation Committee certified performance of the award at 7.82%, which reflected an adjustment to Free Cash Flow*FCF* for the return of a cash payment of $236 million received from Boeing associated with the B787 interim pricing agreement. While the Company generally intends to base FCF Percentage* on Free Cash Flow*FCF* as opposed to Adjusted FCF,* an adjustment was appropriate in this circumstance as the Company excluded the receipt of the cash payments from Boeing in 2015 ($192 million) and 2016 ($43 million) from its applicable free cash flow*FCF* performance determination. As a result, the award paid out at 200% (the payout was entirely(entirely in stock), as demonstrated in the table below:

 

Threshold*

Target

Maximum

2017 PB-FCF

Actual Performance

 

Threshold

Target

Maximum

2017 PB-FCF

Actual Performance

Performance Goal

FCF Percentage*

6.0%

6.7%

7.4%

7.82%

FCF Percentage*

6.0%

6.7%

7.4%

7.82%

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

200%

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

200%

*

For an explanation and reconciliation of FCF Percentage and other non-GAAP measures, please see Appendix A.

*

For an explanation and reconciliation of FCF Percentage and other non-GAAP measures, please see Appendix A.

*

For an explanation and reconciliation of FCF Percentage and other non-GAAP measures, please see Appendix A.

Forfeited Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards Granted in 2018

Two types of Performance-Based Restricted Stock awards were to vest and be delivered in 2021. The first type of award was tied to TSR and calculated consistent with the award granted in 2017 over a three-year performance period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020, as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goals. On January 26, 2021, the Compensation Committee certified performance of the award below the threshold goal at the 7th percentile of the peer group. As a result, the award did not pay out and was forfeited, as demonstrated in the table below:

 

 

Threshold

Target

Maximum

2018 PB-TSR

Actual Performance

Performance Goal

(Percentile Ranking in Peer Group)

25th

50th

90th

7th

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

0%

The second type of Performance-Based Restricted Stock award that vested in 2020 was tied to FCF Percentage* over a three-year performance period from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020, as compared to threshold, target, and maximum performance goals. On January 26, 2021, the Compensation Committee certified performance of the award below the threshold goal at 1.8%. As a result, the award did not pay out and was forfeited, as demonstrated in the table below:

 

 

Threshold

Target

Maximum

2018 PB-FCF

Actual Performance

Performance Goal

FCF Percentage*

6.0%

6.7%

7.4%

1.8%

Vesting Percentage

(% of Target Award)

25%

100%

200%

0%

*

For an explanation and reconciliation of FCF Percentage and other non-GAAP measures, please see Appendix A.

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20192020 NEO Performance and Compensation Decisions

Discussion below excludes Mr. Garcia as he resigned on January 29, 2020.

Mr. Gentile, President and Chief Executive Officer

 

20192020 Performance: Mr. Gentile’s 20192020 individual performance met expectations.expectations for compensation purposes. He continued the Company’s diversification and growth strategy with the FMI acquisition and pending acquisition of select assets of Bombardier aerostructures and aftermarket business, and by securing new work content from current and new customers. Mr. Gentile also successfully led the Company through important customer negotiations, the B737 MAX grounding, supply chain risks, and safety improvements.

20192020 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: In January 2019, the Compensation Committee approved an increase from $1,250,000 to $1,300,000, effective February 1, 2019. The increase was based on an evaluation of Mr. Gentile’s performancesalary remained at $1,300,000. His 2020 salary was affected by a 20% reduction due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and target compensation as compared to the Company’s peer group.B737 MAX grounding.

Annual Cash Incentive: In January 2019, the Compensation Committee approved an increase ofNo changes were made to Mr. Gentile’s target from 140% toof 145% of his base salary.salary during 2020. In January 2020,2021, based on a review of Mr. Gentile’s and the Company’s performance during 2019,2020, the Compensation Committee approved an ACI payout of $1,873,535.$1,410,494.

Long-Term Incentives: The Compensation Committee approved an increase ofNo changes were made to Mr. Gentile’s target amount from 500% toof 550% of salary effective February 1, 2019. The increase was based on an evaluation of Mr. Gentile’s performance and target compensation as compared to the Company’s peer group.during 2020. In February 2019,2020, Mr. Gentile was granted awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $7,150,017.$7,150,082. Aggregate grant date fair values were determined as set forth in footnote (6) to the “Summary Compensation Table.”

Mr. Garcia, FormerSuchinski, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

20192020 Performance: Mr. Garcia resigned fromSuchinski’s 2020 individual performance exceeded expectations. He led over $3 billion in liquidity actions and over $1 billion in annualized cost reductions compared to 2019, to end the year with a cash balance of $1.873 billion, providing Spirit increased flexibility and liquidity to manage through challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: Mr. Suchinski was promoted to the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 29, 2020.

2019 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: His base salary was set at $500,000. His 2020 salary was affected by a 20% reduction due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding. On January 26, 2021, Mr. Garcia’sSuchinski’s base salary remained at $615,000.

Cash Sign-On: Mr. Garcia receivedwas increased to $525,000 based on his performance and a cash sign-on awardreview of 250,000 in 2019 (a second sign-on award of $500,000 was paid in 2020).peer and broad-based compensation for similar positions.

Annual Cash Incentive: NoAfter his promotion on January 29, 2020, no changes were made to Mr. Garcia’sSuchinski’s target during 2019. Mr. Garcia’s target wasof 100% of salary. Perbase salary during 2020. In January 2021, based on a review of Mr. Garcia’s Resignation AgreementSuchinski’s and Release, Mr. Garcia receivedthe Company’s performance during 2020, the Compensation Committee approved an ACI payout of $615,000.$363,696.

Long-Term Incentives: No changes were made toOn January 29, 2020, Mr. Garcia’s target during 2019. Mr. Garcia’sSuchinski’s target was 200%set at 175% of salary.his base salary for 2020. In February 2019,2020, Mr. GarciaSuchinski was granted an equity sign-on award with a grant date fair value of $1,000,081, and annual awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1,230,147. In November 2019, Mr. Garcia was granted a one-time service award with an aggregate grant date fair value of $500,065.$875,064. Aggregate grant date fair values were determined as set forth in footnote (6) to the “Summary Compensation Table.” On January 26, 2021, Mr. Suchinski’s target was raised to 200% of his base salary based on his performance and a review of peer and broad-based compensation for similar positions.

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Ms. Marnick, Executive Vice President and Chief AdministrationOperating Officer & Strategy

 

20192020 Performance: Ms. Marnick’s 20192020 individual performance exceeded expectations. She advancedcontinued to advance the Company’s growth strategy through pursuitclosing on the acquisitions of strategic acquisitions,FMI and Bombardier’s sites in Texas, Morocco, and Northern Ireland. Ms. Marnick led the successful unification of the previously separate supply chain and fabrication organizations to a unified make/buy organization, enabling improved risk mitigation and value capture throughout the unprecedented challenges of 2020. She reduced spend on indirect costs across the enterprise, delivered substantial new business wins, further improved fringe costs, led the advancement of Company values,and achieved significant labor relations results with the early negotiation of the SPEEA-WTPU contract, and established the foundation for successful contract negotiations with theWichita IAM in early 2020.contract.

20192020 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: Ms. Marnick’s salary remainedbegan 2020 at $550,000. On July 28, 2020, Ms. Marnick was promoted from Executive Vice President and Chief Administration Officer and Strategy, to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In connection with the promotion, her base salary was increased to $620,000 effective July 28, 2020. Ms. Marnick’s 2020 salary was affected by a 20% reduction due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding. On January 26, 2021, Ms. Marnick’s base salary was increased to $650,000 based on her performance and a review of peer and broad-based compensation for similar positions.

Annual Cash Incentive: No changes were made to Ms. Marnick’s target during 2019. Ms. Marnick’s target wasof 100% of salary.base salary during 2020. In January 2020,2021, based on a review of Ms. Marnick’s and the Company’s performance during 2019,2020, the Compensation Committee approved an ACI payout of $561,000.$442,799.

Long-Term Incentives: No changes were made to Ms. Marnick’sMarnick began 2020 with a target during 2019. Ms. Marnick’s target wasof 215% of base salary. In February 2019,2020, Ms. Marnick was granted awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1,182,704.$1,182,567. Aggregate grant date fair values were determined as set forth in footnote (6) to the “Summary Compensation Table.” With Ms. Marnick’s promotion to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Ms. Marnick’s target was raised to 230% of her base salary, effective July 28, 2020, which was after the grant date of the 2020 long-term incentives and, accordingly, did not impact the grant amount.

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Mr. Hawkins, Senior Vice President; President, Defense and Fabrication Division of Spirit AeroSystems, Inc.

 

20192020 Performance: Mr. Hawkins’ 20192020 individual performance exceededmet expectations. He successfully completed the development and integration of a comprehensive defense and fabrication business while executing superior performance of existing programs. He made significant progress on growing both businesses by expanding work on existing programs, new business wins, and established a healthy new business backlog. He successfully shaped and built strong relationships and increased Spirit’s brand awareness with key strategic customers and stakeholders, including defense primes and Congressional delegation leadership. He led the first defense acquisition and integration of FMI, combining strong material systems and industrialization capability to strategically position Spirit for high priority defense programs.

20192020 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: Mr. Hawkins’ salary remained at $535,000. His 2020 salary was affected by a 20% reduction due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding.

Annual Cash Incentive: No changes were made to Mr. Hawkins’ target during 2019. Mr. Hawkins’ target wasof 100% of salary.base salary during 2020. In January 2020,2021, based on a review of Mr. Hawkins’ and the Company’s performance during 2019,2020, the Compensation Committee approved an ACI payout of $536,338.$400,326.

Long-Term Incentives: No changes were made to Mr. Hawkins’ target during 2019. Mr. Hawkins’ target wasof 230% of salary.base salary in 2020. In February 2019,2020, Mr. Hawkins was granted awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $1,230,696.$1,230,597. Aggregate grant date fair values were determined as set forth in footnote (6) to the “Summary Compensation Table.”

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Mr. Pilla,Brown, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology OfficerBoeing Programs

 

20192020 Performance: Mr. Pilla’s 2019Brown’s 2020 individual performance exceededmet expectations. He establishedThe combined impact of the B737 MAX grounding and COVID-19 had an outsized impact on Spirit’s Boeing program performance in 2020. Mr. Brown led Spirit through multiple production rate changes throughout the year on all Boeing programs. Additionally, to facilitate the Company’s overall cash position, Mr. Brown successfully negotiated a cash advance and payment deferments with Boeing. As the Company prepares to emerge stronger in 2021, Mr. Brown also led the initial phases of transforming the B737 production system by advancing critical projects in improved factory flow, automation, digitization, workforce training, and supplier health.

2020 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: Mr. Brown’s salary remained at $470,000. His 2020 salary was affected by a 20% reduction due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding.

Annual Cash Incentive: No changes were made to Mr. Brown’s target of 85% of base salary during 2020. In January 2021, based on a review of Mr. Brown’s and the Company’s performance during 2020, the Compensation Committee approved an ACI payout of $292,137.

Long-Term Incentives: No changes were made to Mr. Brown’s target of 170% of base salary during 2020. In February 2020, Mr. Brown was granted awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $799,042. Aggregate grant date fair values were determined as set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table.”

Mr. Pilla, Former Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

2020 Performance and Retirement Agreement: Mr. Pilla’s 2020 individual performance met expectations. While in the Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer role, Mr. Pilla executed multiple plans and initiatives for our information technology and research and technology (“R&T”) strategiesfunctions, and supported program and mergers and acquisition activity that developed a future composite skin / stringer approach (ASTRA) that won global awards. His R&T team won new commercial and defense packages.broadened Spirit’s footprint globally. Mr. Pilla also led Spirit engineering teams in factory automation effortsprovided leadership and production initiatives relatedstaffing to build up Spirit’s defense presence. On July 28, 2020, Mr. Pilla announced his retirement as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective August 1, 2020. On July 29, 2020, the Company and Mr. Pilla entered into a Retirement Agreement and General Release (the “Pilla Agreement”). Under the terms of the Pilla Agreement, effective August 1, 2020, Mr. Pilla stepped down from his position and became a Senior Advisor to the B767 S41 Integration andCompany; such position will continue until July 1, 2021, when he will formally retire from the A320 Spoiler.Company (the “Retirement Date”). For a period of 13 months following the Retirement Date, Mr. Pilla continuedwill provide consulting and transition services to develop distinctive capability strategies, achieving thought leadership as measured by patents, trade secrets, papers,the Company. The Pilla Agreement is described further in “Summary Compensation Table - Employment and key university and industry partnerships.Separation Agreements.”

20192020 Compensation Decisions:

Salary: Mr. Pilla’s salary remained at $475,000.$475,000 (and will remain at such level until the Retirement Date). His 2020 salary was affected by a 20% reduction due to impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding.

Annual Cash Incentive: No changes were made to Mr. Pilla’s target during 2019. Mr. Pilla’s target wasof 100% of salary.base salary applicable to 2020. In January 2019,2021, based on a reviewthe terms of the Pilla Agreement, Mr. Pilla’s and the Company’s performance during 2019, the Compensation Committee approvedPilla received an ACI payout of $478,563.$355,429, which was based solely on the Company performance component score of 0.8775.

Long-Term Incentives: No changes were made to Mr. Pilla’s target of 190% during 2019. Mr. Pilla’s target was 190% of salary.2020. In February 2019,2020, Mr. Pilla was granted awards with an aggregate grant date fair value of $902,629.$902,581. Aggregate grant date fair values were determined as set forth in footnote (6) to the “Summary Compensation Table.”

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The Compensation Decision-Making Process

As set forth in its Charter,charter, the Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the administration of the Company’s compensation plans, policies, and programs. Further, the Compensation Committee is responsible for setting compensation for, and reviewing performance of, the Company’s executive officers. Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate its responsibilities to such subcommittees as it deems appropriate, so long as the subcommittee is solely comprisedcomposed of one or more members of the Compensation Committee. In setting executive officer compensation, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration the following:

The CEO’s self-assessment and performance reviewreviews of the Other NEOs;

The Compensation Committee’s and Board’s views of the NEOs’ performance;

The counsel and recommendations of the CEO and CAOCOO (who is responsible for the Company’s human resources team);

Recommendations of other members of the Compensation Committee;

Results from benchmarking against the Company’s peer group and survey data; and

The analysis and consulting advice of its independent compensation consultant with respect to the amount or form of such compensation.

Generally, the Compensation Committee strives for internal pay equity among the Company’s NEOs and accordingly, the types of compensation and benefits offered to the Company’s NEOs are consistent among the group. However, pay equity must be balanced among a myriad of other factors. See “Consideration of Advisory Stockholder Vote and Stakeholder Feedback on Executive Compensation” for additional information. The Compensation Committee continues to examine existing and new compensation programs and practices to ensure that the Company’s compensation programs remain appropriate and consistent with the Company’s overall objectives and market practice.

The chart below reflects the annual compensation-setting process, by regularly scheduled meeting of the Compensation Committee (certainthough certain items may shift during the year).year. In addition to the following, the CEO’s performance, along with all Company performance metrics used in the ACI or long-term incentives, are monitored and discussed quarterly.

 

 

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Benchmarking

Each year, the Compensation Committee, with the assistance of management and the independent compensation consultant, reviews external market data in order to determine the competitiveness of our compensation packages, highlight trends and regulatory implications, and develop incentive plan design alternatives. The market data reviewed is from the Company’s peer group and nationally recognized published survey data.

20192020 Proxy Peer Group

 

The Company uses its peer group as a reference point for compensation design and award decisions. The Company’s peer group consists of companies similar to Spirit in size and operations (emphasizing aerospace and defense and auto-component manufacturers) and/or companies that compete with Spirit for executive talent. For 2019,2020 compensation decisions, the Company’s peer group was as follows (the companiesis shown below (companies are ranked by revenue and all ticker symbols are for the NYSE):2019 revenue).

Company Name

2018 Revenue

($ in billions)

Market Cap as of 12/31/2018

($ in billions)

Trane Technologies (f/k/a Ingersoll-Rand plc) (TT)

15.7

22.4

Parker-Hannifin Corporation (PH)

14.3

19.7

Arconic (ARNC)

14.0

8.1

Company Name (Ticker Symbol)

2019 Revenue

($ in billions)

Market Cap as of 12/31/2019

($ in billions)

L3 Harris Technologies (LHX)*

18.5

43.7

Tenneco (TEN)

17.5

1.1

Parker-Hannifin (PH)

14.3

26.4

Howmet Aerospace (HWM)**

14.2

13.3

Textron (TXT)

14.0

11.2

13.6

10.2

Tenneco (TEN)

11.8

2.2

Trane Technologies (TT)***

13.1

31.7

Borg Warner (BWA)

10.5

7.2

10.2

9.0

L3 Technologies (LLL)

10.2

13.7

Huntington Ingalls (HII)

8.2

8.2

8.9

10.3

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings (SPR)

7.2

7.6

7.9

7.5

Harris Corp (HRS)

6.4

16.2

Terex (TEX)

4.5

2.0

4.4

2.1

Triumph Group (TGI)

3.2

0.6

3.4

1.3

Teledyne Technologies (TDY)

2.9

7.5

3.2

12.6

Moog (MOG-A)

2.7

2.7

Moog (MOG.A)

2.9

3.0

Curtiss-Wright (CW)

2.4

4.5

2.5

6.0

Hexcel (HXL)

2.2

4.9

2.4

6.2

Esterline Technologies Corporation (ESL)

2.0

3.6

*

Formerly Harris Corp. Changed name following merger with L3.

**

Formerly Arconic. Changed name after spinoff of rolled aluminum products division.

***

Formerly Ingersoll Rand. Changed name after spin-off of new Ingersoll Rand in March 2020.

*

Formerly Harris Corp. Changed name following merger with L3.

**

Formerly Arconic. Changed name after spinoff of rolled aluminum products division.

***

Formerly Ingersoll Rand. Changed name after spin-off of new Ingersoll Rand in March 2020.

Proxy Peer Group Changes for 2021

No affirmative changes were madeThe Company revised its peer group for 2021 compensation decisions in January 2021 due to the Company’s proxyimpact of the B737 MAX grounding and COVID-19 implications on the size of the business. Specifically, the Company removed L3 Harris Technologies (LHX) and Tenneco (TEN) from its peer group after the grant of long-term incentives in 2019, but the Compensation Committee noted that Harris Corp (HRS) was acquired by L3 Technologies (LLL) in July 2019, and Esterline Technologiesadded Oshkosh (OSK), Dana (DAN), and Parsons Corporation (ESL) was acquired by TransDigm Group Inc. (the surviving company is not in the Company’s peer group) in March 2019.(PSN).

Survey Data

 

In addition to benchmarking using the peer group, the Company also uses a broad survey sample from the independent compensation consultant’s executive compensation survey. The survey analysis considers companies in relevant industries (aerospace and defense, machinery, auto-component, and electrical equipment) as well as companies in other industries, when necessary, to complement data limitations. Survey data was size-adjusted to approximate the Company’s revenue, either through regression or by limiting the survey sample, to comparably-sizedcomparably sized companies. This information was used by the Compensation Committee in establishing the compensation packages and target goals for the NEOs.

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Independent Compensation Consultant

The Compensation Committee’s Chartercharter allows the committee to engage an independent compensation consultant to advise on executive compensation matters. For 2019,2020, the Company engaged Willis Towers Watson directly for the purpose of providing analysis and advice with respect to executive officer compensation matters to the Compensation Committee. The consultant'sconsultant’s engagement and fees related to work conducted for the Compensation Committee were reviewed and pre-approved by the Compensation Committee.

In addition toWillis Towers Watson provided consulting services for the Compensation Committee which were $189,219 in 2019,the amount of $298,697 in 2020. In addition, Willis Towers Watson provided other services to the Company during 20192020 totaling $544,496.$689,986. Of such amount, $406,974 related to$48,750 was for due diligence support for acquisitions, and $137,522 related to a diversity and inclusion assessment conducted with respect to$641,236 was for various scopes of integration work for the Company’s employee population.acquisition of select assets from Bombardier.

The Compensation Committee has determined, after considering and discussing criteria from the SEC and NYSE and Willis Towers Watson’s annual independence letter, that Willis Towers Watson does not have any conflicts of interest that would prevent objectivity.

Clawback Policies

The Company’s ACI and LTIP awards are subject to the clawback provisionprovisions of the OIP, any applicable law and the Company’s 2017 Clawback Policy (the “2017 Policy”), and applicable law. With respect to executive grants, our grant agreements under the OIP expressly provide that equity awards are subject to the OIP clawback provision, any applicable law, and any Company policies on compensation recovery.

OIPClawback. The OIP clawback provision provides that the Compensation Committee may take certain actions, including canceling an award or causing the participant to forfeit any gains realized in connection with the award, if the participant, without the consent of the Company, engages in a detrimental activity. Detrimental activities include breaches of restrictive covenants, such as confidentiality, non-solicitation, and non-compete covenants, and any activity contributing to a financial restatement or accounting irregularities that are appropriate to include in the 2017 Policy.

2017Policy. The 2017 Policy applies to the ACI and performance-based restricted stockPerformance-Based Restricted Stock awards (the “Covered Compensation”) held by current and former Section 16 officers of the Company (the “Covered Executives”). Specifically, in the event of a material restatement to the Company’s financial results due to material noncompliance by the Company with financial reporting requirements under applicable securities law (the “Triggering Event”), the result of which being that Covered Compensation would have been lower had it been calculated taking into account the effect of the Triggering Event, the Compensation Committee has the authority (subject to certain procedures and exceptions) to seek to recover excess compensation received by the Covered Executives.

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Consideration of Advisory Stockholder Vote and Stakeholder Feedback on Executive Compensation

The Company believes it is appropriate to seek and reflect the views of its stockholders and other stakeholders on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s executive compensation program. Accordingly, consistent with the Company’s most recent say-on-pay frequency vote in April 2017, the Company holds an annual say-on-pay vote. At the Company’s 20192020 annual meeting of stockholders, approximately 91%74% of stockholders present in person or by proxy voted in favor of the Company’s executive compensation programs. The Compensation Committee takes the annual say-on-pay proposal voting results into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation. For a discussion of stockholder engagement, see “Board and Governance Matters - Commitment to Stockholder Engagement and Responsiveness.”

During 2020, the Company received the following feedback regarding its compensation program:

Stakeholders believed there was a disconnect between pay and performance due to the issuance of one-off awards to select NEOs; and

Stakeholders believed there was internal pay inequity because the CEO’s compensation was much higher than compensation received by the Other NEOs.

In response to the first item noted above, the Company’s Compensation Committee met and discussed its practice of occasionally issuing one-off special equity awards to NEOs due to certain circumstances. Historically, such special equity awards have only been issued when circumstances require action due to a retention risk, pay inequity, or special performance considerations. The Company is not always able to disclose the individual circumstances that lead to the granting of special one-off awards due to privacy concerns. However, going forward, the Company will work to improve its disclosure around the circumstances for these one-off awards and will consider the impact of granting such awards on pay-for-performance alignment. No special one-off awards were granted to any continuing NEOs in 2020.

The Compensation Committee also discussed the second item of feedback. The Committee believes that part of the reason for the inequity is that the Company has not had a chief operating officer since 2016. In 2020, Ms. Marnick was promoted to that role. While the Compensation Committee does consider equity of pay in setting target compensation (and will continue to do so), a number of factors are critical in the compensation-setting process, such as what other companies are paying individuals in similar roles; the experience, performance, and potential of the individual NEO; and other matters discussed under “Compensation Overview — Setting Target Pay,” above. The Compensation Committee seeks to balance these factors appropriately, with the advice of external advisors such as Willis Towers Watson, in setting pay levels.

Policy Prohibiting Short Selling, Hedging, and Pledging

The Company has adopted a policy prohibiting the Company’s insiders from engaging in short selling, hedging, and pledging the Company’s securities. As it relates to hedging, insiders of the Company are prohibited from purchasing or selling, or making any offer to purchase or offer to sell, derivative securities related to the Company’s securities, such as exchange-traded options to purchase or sell the Company’s securities or financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the market value of the Company’s securities (including but not limited to prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, collars, and exchange funds). Company insiders include all employees and directors of the Company as well as their spouses, domestic partners, minor children, economic dependents, other persons living in their households, or any corporations, partnerships, trusts, or other entities that they beneficially own, and any person over whom, or trust or other entity over which, they have control. Additionally, Company insiders are prohibited from holding the Company’s securities in a margin account or otherwise pledging the Company’s securities as collateral for a loan.

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Compensation Risk Assessment

Annually (and asmore frequently as deemed necessary), the Compensation Committee assesses risks presented by our compensation program, policies, and award structures. This assessment is used to determine whether any of our compensation components incentivize executives to take risks that are not in the Company’s or stockholders’ best interests. In 2019,2020, our Compensation Committee reviewed the following risk factors relative to our current compensation programs:

Senior talent acquisition and the ability to recruit and retain talent at market-based compensation levels;

Senior talent loss due to misalignment of strategic decisions and incentives, including balancing long-term incentives with the investment requirement for long-term objectives;

Alignment of compensation to short- and long-term Company performance;

��

Potential for material restatement of earnings to impact incentive plan calculations;

Clawback policy requirements aligned with market in regard to talent recruitment and retention;

Potential for unforeseen one-time events beyond management’s control that affect incentive plan calculations;

Potential for management decisions based on short-term objectives unbalanced with long-term Company performance; and

Potential for unrealized talent investment due to underperforming individuals.

After reviewing our current compensation program and award structures, the Compensation Committee determined that our program does not incentivize executives to take excessive risks in light of the following features:

We diversify the compensation delivered to executives - thewith individual components and performance goals eachthat incentivize different behaviors (short-term focus, long-term focus, etc.) in an attempt to balance our executives’ interests;

We have maximum payouts, or caps, on our performance-based compensation - the highest amount that can be paid with respect to our ACIs or performance-based long-term incentives is 200%;

The Compensation Committee reserves the right to exercise negative discretion over performance-based awards;

We maintain clawback policies that allow recovery of certain compensation when the participant has engaged in misconduct;

Our NEOs and other executives must comply with stringent stock ownership requirements; and

We have engaged an independent compensation consultant to advise us on compensation practices.

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Other Compensation Elements and Information

Benefits and Perquisites

 

In addition to the four basic compensation elements,described above, we provide our NEOs with the additionalcertain other benefits and perquisites described below.perquisites. Benefits and perquisites received by NEOs are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.” These benefits are based on an assessment of benefits offered by our peers and competitors and are important for retaining the Company’s executive officers.

Benefit/Perquisite

Explanation

Retirement and Savings Plan (the “RSP”)

The RSP is a tax-qualified defined contribution plan for certain eligible salaried employees. The Company makes both matching and non-matching contributions under the RSP.

Matching: The Company matches 75% of the employee’s contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the employee’s base pay (provided the employee contributes 8%). The matching contributions are immediately 100% vested.

Non-Matching: The Company makes a non-matching contribution following the end of each calendar year based on an employee’s age and vesting service, provided that the employee is employed by the Company on December 31 of the applicable year and has earned a year of vesting service. If age plus vesting service totals less than 60, employees receive a contribution equal to 1.5% of base salary; if age plus vesting service totals at least 60 but less than 80, employees receive a contribution equal to 3% of base salary; and if age plus vesting service totals 80 or more, employees receive a contribution equal to 4.5% of base salary. These contributions are 25% vested at two years, 50% vested at three years, 75% vested at four years, and 100% vested at five years of vesting service.

Transition Contribution: An additional contribution is available to employees who were previously Boeing employees and meet certain other requirements. Other than Mr. Pilla, none of the NEOs isare eligible for this additional contribution. Mr. Pilla receives an annual transition contribution amount of 3.5% of his base salary. All such contributions are vested immediately as Mr. Pilla has met the five-year service requirement. The transition contribution will cease after 2020, with final payment for the first six months of 2020 made in 2021.

Deferred Compensation Plan (the “DCP”)

This nonqualified plan allows eligible Spirit employees, including each of our NEOs, to defer receipt of a portion of their base salary or ACI. In addition, the DCP allows for matching and discretionary contributions by the Company into a separate account in the DCP. Deferred amounts and matching or discretionary Company contributions are credited with a rate of return equal to 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate for October of the prior fiscal year. For 2019,2020, the interest crediting rate is 3.59%2.23%.

Perquisite Allowance Plan

Under the Company’s Perquisite Allowance Plan (the “Perquisite Plan”), the CEO receives an annual allowance of $25,000, while the Other NEOs receive an annual allowance of $13,000. Participants may select the perquisite items to be funded from their allowances subject to certain limitations set forth in the Perquisite Allowance Plan. Any portion of a participant’s annual allowance not used by the end of the applicable calendar year is forfeited except upon a qualifying termination in connection with a change-in-control.change in control. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.”

Executive Security

Some of our NEOs receive personal or home security provisions. These provisions are based on business-related security concerns and have been assessed by an independent security consulting firm and deemed necessary and appropriate for the protection of the Company’s NEOs.

Personal Corporate Aircraft Use

For security reasons, the Company’s CEO and CAOCOO are authorized to use the corporate aircraft for a limited amount of personal travel. Mr. Gentile and Ms. Marnick areis authorized to use the aircraft for 70 personal hours annually and Ms. Marnick is authorized to use the aircraft for 25 personal hours annually respectively (deadhead(in each case, without regard to deadhead or ferry flights do not count towards their usage)flights). The Other NEOs do not use the corporate aircraft for personal travel unless approved by the CEO. No tax gross-ups are provided for this benefit.

Relocation Benefits

WeWhile we provide relocation assistance to employees including our NEOs. In 2019, the CompanyNEOs, no such benefits were provided Mr. Garcia relocation assistance for certain qualified relocation expenses. Where appropriate, the Company provides a gross-up to cover tax liabilities associated with relocation assistance.NEOs in 2020.

Post-Retirement Medical Coverage

The Company has two programs for post-retirement medical coverage. Under the first program, benefits are available to employees who were previously Boeing employees and who retire from the Company between the ages of 62 and 65 (and who meet certain other requirements). Under the second program, benefits are available to (i) employees who retire from the Company at age 55 or later with 10 years of service, and (ii) employees who retire from the Company at age 60 or later with five years of service. Under either program, benefits cease at age 65. Other than Mr.Messrs. Pilla and Hawkins, none of our NEOs isare currently eligible for coverage under either program.

Other

Other perquisites provided include an annual physical exam for our CEO, ground transportation services for our CEO for security purposes and efficiency, IT home services, and home security services.

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Discontinued and Frozen Benefit Plans and Arrangements

 

The Company pays certain benefits through discontinued and frozen benefit plans and arrangements, which include the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) and the Pension Value Plan (the “PVP”). A significant portion of Spirit’s operations related to Boeing aerostructures was owned and controlled by Boeing until 2005. In connection with the acquisition of these assets from Boeing, the Company adopted the SERP in order to attract certain employees from Boeing. The SERP provides supplemental, nonqualified retirement benefits to executives who (1)(i) had their benefits transferred from a Boeing nonqualified plan to the SERP, and (2)(ii) did not elect to convert their SERP benefit into phantom stock units as of June 17, 2005. Benefits under this plan were frozen as of the date of the Boeing acquisition. There are no SERP annuity benefits presently payable to any of the NEOs. Mr. Pilla elected to convert his SERP benefit as of June 17, 2005, into 16,023 phantom stock units.

Also in connection with the Boeing acquisition, the Company adopted the PVP for certain eligible employees of Boeing, and allowed for the transfer of pension values from Boeing pension plans. The PVP is a frozen plan andplan: no additional employees may become participants in the PVP, and no current participants are accruing any additional benefits (other than interest credits). The PVP is fully paid for by the Company, and the Company’s employees are vested after reaching five years of service. Other than Mr. Pilla, none of the NEOs received benefits under the PVP or SERP in 20192020 or is eligible to participate in such plans. Mr. Pilla’s participation in the PVP is detailed under “Pension Benefits.” Mr. Pilla’s phantom stock units under the SERP are described under “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.”

Post-Termination Payments and Change-in-Control Compensation

 

The Company believes competitive severance protection is an appropriate incentive in attracting and retaining executive talent. The Company has provided for post-termination severance compensation through certain individual employment agreements and has also agreed to individual severance arrangements at the time of termination of employment, taking into account the specific facts and circumstances of termination. Certain of our employment agreements provide benefits upon a change-in-control.change in control.

Further, certain of the Company’s benefit plans provide for compensation upon termination or in connection with a change-in-control.change in control. The ACI, long-term incentives, and Perquisite Allowance Plan are subject to double trigger change-in-control provisions.

You can find additional information regarding the Company’s practices in providing compensation in connection with termination of employment under the heading “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.Change in Control.

Accounting and Tax Treatment of Compensation

 

When evaluating the Company’s compensation programs, the Company takes into account the various accounting, tax, and disclosure rules associated with such matters, including Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”“IRC”) and Section 409A of the Code.IRC. Section 162(m) generally imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that a public company may deduct for compensation paid to “covered employees” each year. While the tax impact of any compensation arrangement is one factor to be considered, such impact is evaluated in light of the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and objectives. The Compensation Committee generally seeksbelieves that maintaining the discretion to award compensation that would allow it to preserve tax deductions; however,evaluate the performance of executive officers is an important part of the Company’s responsibilities and benefits public stockholders, and therefore, the Compensation Committee reservesmay award compensation to the right to setnamed executive officers that is not fully deductible if it is determined that such compensation atis consistent with the levelsCompany’s compensation philosophy and in the manner (tax-deductible or not) that it determines to be in the best interests of the Company and itsbenefits stockholders.

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Stock Ownership Requirements

 

The Company maintains stock ownership requirements for its NEOs and other senior executives to further promote alignment of management and stockholder interests. The ownership requirements (measured by the value of Common Stock required to be held) are based on a multiple of base salary tied to position, and establish the following target levels for Company stock ownership:

Officer Level

Target Level

(Multiple of Annual Base Salary)

Chief Executive Officer

5x

Executive Vice Presidents/Senior Vice Presidents

3x

Vice Presidents

1x

 

The stock ownership requirements mandate that the CEO and other senior officers accumulate their required positions within the later of: (i) five years after the adoption of the guidelines, or (ii) five years after being hired or promoted into the officer position. The Company believes that five years provides a reasonable goal for executives to accumulate shares through earned incentive awards.

During the five-year accumulation period, all NEOs are expected to continuously accumulate qualifying equity until they meet the applicable stock ownership guideline.

The Company reviews ownership positions on an annual basis. Based on the review conducted in 2019,2020, the Company determined that the NEOs own appropriate amounts of Company stock in light of the minimum stock ownership requirements and the portions of their respective accumulation periods that have passed. The Company may restrict any officer from liquidating any of his or her then-current holdings in Company stock, except for those shares that are sold to meet Company tax-withholding requirements. The Company may modify or waive the requirements of the guidelines at its discretion if it determines that compliance would result in severe hardship for an officer. Note that the Company’s insider trading policy prohibits Company employees from engaging in short sales of the Company’s securities, and hedging and pledging the Company’s securities. For additional information on this policy, see “Board and Governance Matters - Policy“Policy Prohibiting Short Selling, Hedging, and Pledging.”

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation of the NEOs for the last three fiscal years.

Name and

Principal Position

Year

Salary

($)

(4) 

Bonus

($)

(5) 

Stock

Awards

($)

(6) 

Non-Equity

Incentive

Plan

Compensation

($)

(7) 

Change in

Pension Value

and Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

(8)  

All Other

Compensation

($)

(9) 

Total

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

President and CEO

2019

1,295,753

 

 

 

7,150,017

 

1,873,535

 

 

 

752,844

 

11,072,149

2018

1,241,233

 

 

 

6,250,140

 

1,546,576

 

 

 

861,744

 

9,899,693

2017

1,144,223

 

 

 

5,175,087

 

2,578,703

 

 

 

1,009,385

 

9,907,398

Jose I. Garcia(1)

Former SVP and CFO

2019

601,521

 

250,000

 

2,730,292

 

615,000

 

 

 

310,950

 

4,507,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sanjay Kapoor(2)

Former EVP and CFO

2019

16,027

 

 

 

1,104,960

 

 

 

 

 

856,152

 

1,977,140

2018

650,000

 

 

 

1,950,174

 

578,500

 

 

 

81,541

 

3,260,215

2017

650,000

 

 

 

1,820,067

 

1,046,500

 

 

 

39,148

 

3,555,715

Samantha J. Marnick

EVP, CAO and Strategy

2019

550,000

 

 

 

1,182,704

 

561,000

 

 

 

151,808

 

2,445,512

2018

522,877

 

 

 

1,040,241

 

491,504

 

 

 

149,309

 

2,203,930

2017

490,006

 

 

 

931,048

 

788,410

 

 

 

141,475

 

2,350,939

Duane F. Hawkins

SVP; President,
Defense and Fabrication Division

2019

535,000

 

 

 

1,230,696

 

536,338

 

 

 

38,440

 

2,340,474

2018

533,685

 

 

 

1,230,603

 

456,301

 

 

 

45,630

 

2,266,218

2017

517,691

 

 

 

1,144,036

 

831,827

 

 

 

33,657

 

2,527,211

John A. Pilla(3)

SVP, Chief Technology Officer

2019

475,000

 

 

 

902,629

 

478,563

 

96,295

 

46,766

 

1,999,253

2018

456,041

 

 

 

1,364,744

 

422,978

 

 

 

61,064

 

2,304,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Mr. Garcia joined the Company on January 9, 2019, and resigned on January 29, 2020.

(2)

Mr. Kapoor resigned as the Company’s EVP and CFO on January 9, 2019, but remained with the Company as Senior Financial Advisor until March 31, 2019, when he retired.

(3)

Mr. Pilla was not an NEO in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017. Accordingly, no information is displayed for 2017.

(4)

For Mr. Gentile, this number reflects a weighted amount based on the portion of the year for which his new base salary applied. For Mr. Kapoor, the amount reflects amounts earned through January 9, 2019. Amounts paid to Mr. Kapoor after that date, including severance payments, are included in “All Other Compensation.”

(5)

Because the Annual Cash Incentive (“ACI”) has mandatory performance measures that must be achieved for any payout, the ACI is shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the table. Mr. Garcia’s amount represents a $250,000 cash sign-on bonus that he received in 2019.

(6)

Amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted to NEOs during the applicable year, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These grant date fair values represent the accounting expense to be recorded for the award and are not reflective of the actual value that may be recognized by a NEO with respect to the award. The assumptions made by the Company in calculating these amounts are incorporated herein by reference to Note 19 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2019. In 2019, each NEO other than Mr. Kapoor received a Time-Based Restricted Stock award (“RS”), a Performance-Based Restricted Stock award tied to TSR (“PB-TSR”), and a Performance-Based Restricted Stock award tied to FCF Percentage (“PB-FCF”). In addition, the other awards were issued as follows: (i) Mr. Garcia received a sign-on time-based restricted stock award (“Initial Sign-On RS”) on February 6, 2019, (ii) Mr. Garcia received a one-time time-based restricted stock award (“One-Time RS”) on November 5, 2019, and (iii) Mr. Kapoor received a retirement time-based restricted stock award on April 1, 2019 (the “Retirement RS”). The grant date fair value of the RSs and Mr. Garcia's Sign-On RS is equal to the number of shares granted multiplied by $92.08, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on February 6, 2019, the grant date. The grant date fair value of Mr. Garcia's One-Time RS is equal to 5,880 shares multiplied by $85.045, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on November 5, 2019, the grant date. The grant date fair value of Mr. Kapoor's Retirement RS is equal to 12,000 shares multiplied by $92.08, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on April 1, 2019. The grant date fair value of the PB-TSRs is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $124.24, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on the probable ranking of the Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of a group of the Company’s peers. If the maximum level of performance is achieved with respect to the PB-TSRs, the value of the PB-TSRs would be as follows: Mr. Gentile: $2,860,005; Mr. Garcia: $492,239; Ms. Marnick: $473,106; Mr. Hawkins: $492,239; and Mr. Pilla: $361,042. The grant date fair value of the PB-FCFs is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $90.61, the closing price of Common Stock on the grant date, adjusted for dividends (as dividends do not accrue on PB-FCFs until vesting). If the maximum level of performance is achieved with respect to the PB-FCFs, the value of the PB-FCFs would be as follows: Mr. Gentile: $2,860,014; Mr. Garcia: $492,012; Ms. Marnick: $473,165; Mr. Hawkins: $492,375; and Mr. Pilla: $361,171. For additional information on the awards, see “2019 Compensation Program Elements.”

(7)

Represents ACIs earned by the NEOs with respect to 2019 performance.

Name and

Principal Position

Year

Salary

($)

(2) 

Bonus

($)

(3) 

Stock

Awards

($)

(4) 

Non-Equity

Incentive

Plan

Compensation

($)

(6) 

Change in

Pension Value

and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)

(7) 

All Other

Compensation

($)

(8) 

Total

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

President and CEO

2020

1,108,552

 

 

 

7,150,082

 

1,410,494

 

 

 

785,222

 

10,454,350

2019

1,295,753

 

 

 

7,150,017

 

1,873,535

 

 

 

752,844

 

11,072,149

2018

1,241,233

 

 

 

6,250,140

 

1,546,576

 

 

 

861,744

 

9,899,693

Mark J. Suchinski(1)

SVP and CFO

2020

414,481

 

 

 

875,064

 

363,696

 

 

 

42,311

 

1,695,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jose I. Garcia(1)

Former SVP and CFO

2020

50,410

 

500,000

 

1,695,554

(5)

 

 

 

 

1,655,049

 

3,901,013

2019

601,521

 

250,000

 

2,730,292

 

615,000

 

 

 

310,950

 

4,507,763

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samantha J. Marnick

EVP and COO

2020

493,025

 

 

 

1,182,567

 

442,799

 

 

 

146,949

 

2,265,339

2019

550,000

 

 

 

1,182,704

 

561,000

 

 

 

151,808

 

2,445,512

2018

522,877

 

 

 

1,040,241

 

491,504

 

 

 

149,309

 

2,203,930

Duane F. Hawkins

SVP; President,
Defense Division

2020

456,212

 

 

 

1,230,597

 

400,326

 

 

 

40,904

 

2,128,039

2019

535,000

 

 

 

1,230,696

 

536,338

 

 

 

38,440

 

2,340,474

2018

533,685

 

 

 

1,230,603

 

456,301

 

 

 

45,630

 

2,266,218

William E. Brown(1)

SVP, Boeing Programs

2020

401,683

 

 

 

799,043

 

292,137

 

 

 

44,755

 

1,537,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John A. Pilla(1)

Former SVP and Chief Technology Officer

2020

405,048

 

 

 

902,581

 

355,429

 

79,812

 

43,270

 

1,786,141

2019

475,000

 

 

 

902,629

 

478,563

 

96,295

 

46,766

 

1,999,253

2018

456,041

 

 

 

1,364,744

 

422,978

 

 

 

61,064

 

2,304,827

(1)

Mr. Garcia joined the Company on January 9, 2019, and resigned on January 29, 2020. Mr. Suchinski was appointed as SVP and CFO on January 29, 2020. Messrs. Suchinski and Brown were not NEOs in the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018. Accordingly, information is not displayed for 2019 and 2018. Mr. Pilla stepped down from his executive officer role effective August 1, 2020, but continued employment with the Company as a Senior Advisor.

(2)

Reflects a weighted amount based on the portion of the year for which different base salaries applied. From April 2020 through January 2021, salaries were subject to a 20% reduction in light of impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and B737 MAX grounding. For Mr. Garcia, the amount reflects amounts earned through January 29, 2020. Severance amounts paid to Mr. Garcia after that date are included in “All Other Compensation” (note, however, Mr. Garcia’s 2019 ACI award that was paid in February 2020 is reflected in his 2019 compensation under “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in last year’s proxy statement). For Mr. Pilla, the amount reflects all salary amounts earned for the year, including amounts earned following August 1, 2020, the date he stepped down from his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

(3)

Because the ACI has mandatory performance measures that must be achieved for any payout, the ACI is shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the table. Mr. Garcia’s 2019 amount represents a $250,000 cash sign-on bonus, and his 2020 amount represents a $500,000 cash sign-on bonus paid on January 9, 2020.

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(8)(4)

For all except Mr. Garcia: amounts shown represent the aggregate grant date fair value of awards granted to the NEOs during the applicable year, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These grant date fair values represent the accounting expense to be recorded for the award and are not reflective of the actual value that may be recognized by an NEO with respect to the award. The assumptions made by the Company in calculating these amounts are incorporated herein by reference to Note 19 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, each NEO other than Mr. Garcia received a Time-Based Restricted Stock award (“RS”), a Performance-Based Restricted Stock award tied to TSR (“PB-TSR”), and a Performance-Based Restricted Stock award tied to FCF Percentage (“PB-FCF”). The grant date fair value of the RS awards is equal to the number of shares granted, multiplied by $50.91, which is the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on the grant date. The grant date fair value of the PB-TSRs is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $29.49, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on the probable ranking of the Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of a group of the Company’s peers, using the closing price of the Common Stock on the grant date. If the maximum level of performance is achieved with respect to the PB-TSRs, the value of the PB-TSRs would be as follows: Mr. Gentile: $2,860,058; Mr. Suchinski: $350,046; Ms. Marnick: $473,020; Mr. Hawkins: $492,247; Mr. Brown: $319,613; and Mr. Pilla: $361,017. The grant date fair value of the PB-FCFs is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $50.80, the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on the grant date, adjusted for dividends. If the maximum level of performance is achieved with respect to the PB-FCFs, the value of the PB-FCFs would be as follows: Mr. Gentile: $2,860,040; Mr. Suchinski: $350,012; Ms. Marnick: $473,050; Mr. Hawkins: $492,252; Mr. Brown: $319,634; and Mr. Pilla: $361,086. For additional information on the awards, see “2020 Compensation Program Elements.”

(5)

For Mr. Garcia: On January 31, 2020, Mr. Garcia received accelerated vesting and continued vesting for various awards, as described further under “Employment and Separation Agreements.” Amounts shown represent the incremental fair value of the modification to these awards using the average of the open and closing stock prices for RSs and PB-FCF (with PB-FCF being adjusted for dividends), and the closing stock price for the PB-TSR in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

(6)

Represents ACIs earned by the NEOs with respect to 2020 performance and paid in February 2021. For additional details on Mr. Pilla’s award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(7)

For Mr. Pilla, amount shown reflects the increase in the actuarial present value of Mr. Pilla’s accumulated benefits under the PVP during 2019.2020. This amount was determined using interest rate and mortality rate assumptions consistent with those used in our audited financial statements. The increase is due to the decrease in the applicable discount rate from December 31, 2018,2019, to December 31, 2019.2020. Additional information regarding our PVP is set forth in “Pension Benefits.” With respect to nonqualified deferred compensation earnings, none of the NEOs received any earnings on their deferred compensation based on above-market or preferential rates.

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(9)(8)

The following table shows “All Other Compensation” amounts for our NEOs in 2019:2020.

Name

Life

Insurance

($)

(a) 

 

Financial

and Tax

Services

($)

(b) 

 

Personal

Aircraft

Usage

($)

(c) 

 

Personal

Travel

Expenses

($)

(d) 

 

Personal

Security

($)

(e) 

 

Relocation

Expenses

and

Gross-Ups

($)

(f) 

 

Deferred

Compensation

Plan

Contributions

($)

(g) 

 

Company

Contributions

Under Tax-

Qualified

Contribution

Plan

($)

(h) 

 

Other(i)

($)

 

Total

($)

Life

Insurance

($)

(a) 

 

Financial

and Tax

Services

($)

(b) 

 

Personal

Aircraft

Usage

($)

(c) 

 

Personal

Travel

Expenses

($)

(d) 

 

Home

Security

and IT

Expenses

($)

(e) 

 

Deferred

Compensation

Plan

Contributions

($)

(f) 

 

Company

Contributions

Under Tax-

Qualified

Contribution

Plan

($)

(g) 

 

Other(h)

($)

 

Total

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

819

 

9,782

 

95,195

 

13,456

 

 

 

 

 

600,000

 

18,374

 

15,218

 

752,844

837

 

18,100

 

112,075

 

19,806

 

5,449

 

600,000

 

18,825

 

10,130

 

785,222

Mark J. Suchinski

837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,449

 

 

 

23,025

 

13,000

 

42,311

Jose I. Garcia

819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

190,035

 

100,000

 

7,096

 

13,000

 

310,950

68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,449

 

 

 

8,458

 

1,641,074

 

1,655,049

Sanjay Kapoor

819

 

 

 

27,978

 

12,190

 

1,208

 

 

 

 

 

18,900

 

795,057

 

856,152

Samantha J. Marnick

819

 

 

 

5,289

 

13,000

 

10,200

 

 

 

100,000

 

22,500

 

 

 

151,808

837

 

975

 

 

 

 

 

15,649

 

100,000

 

23,025

 

11,911

 

146,949

Duane F. Hawkins

756

 

13,000

 

3,753

 

 

 

1,208

 

 

 

 

 

19,723

 

 

 

38,440

837

 

13,000

 

 

 

 

 

6,877

 

 

 

20,191

 

 

 

40,904

William E. Brown

806

 

13,000

 

 

 

 

 

5,449

 

 

 

25,500

 

 

 

44,755

John A. Pilla

775

 

 

 

 

 

6,382

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

36,250

 

3,359

 

46,766

796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,449

 

 

 

37,025

 

 

 

43,270

(a)

Amounts shown reflect Company contributions toward group life insurance.

(b)

Amounts shown reflect financial, tax-preparation, and other related services paid for by the Company.

(c)

Amounts shown reflect the incremental cost to the Company of personal usage of its corporate aircraft. The incremental cost is determined by dividing direct operating costs per aircraft by the total number of flight hours per aircraft, resulting in a cost per hour, and multiplying the cost per hour by the hours of personal usage. Direct operating costs include variable costs less revenue derived from charter flights. Variable costs include fuel, maintenance expenses, parts and supplies, landing fees, ground services, catering, and crew expenses associated with such use, including those associated with “deadhead” flights related to such use. Because corporate aircraft is used primarily for business travel, the methodology excludes fixed costs that do not change based on usage. Fixed costs include pilot salaries, the purchase costs of the aircraft, and the cost of maintenance not related to personal travel. Executives, their families, and invited guests occasionally fly on the corporate aircraft as additional passengers on business flights. In those cases, the aggregate incremental cost to the Company is a de minimis amount, and as a result, no amount is reflected in “Summary Compensation Table.” Executives, directors, their families, and invited guests also occasionally fly on the corporate aircraft as additional passengers on personal flights that are attributed to another executive, in which case the entire incremental cost is allocated to the executive who arranged for the personal flight. The Company does not grant bonuses to cover, reimburse, or “gross-up” any income tax owed for personal travel on corporate aircraft. The Compensation Committee has authorized annual aircraft personal usage amounts of the following (such amounts do not include “deadhead” or ferry flights) (the “Approved Amounts”): Mr. Gentile - 70 hours; and Ms. Marnick - 25 hours. Of the Approved Amounts, in 2019, Mr. Gentile used 42.5 hours, and Ms. Marnick used 2.3 hours.

(d)

Amounts shown reflect the NEOs’ personal travel expenses, spousal travel expenses, and personal driving expenses paid for by the Company.

(e)

Amounts shown reflect the incremental cost of personal or home security services for the NEOs.

(f)

Amounts shown reflect relocation expenses reimbursed by the Company and associated tax gross-ups.

(g)

Amounts shown reflect Company contributions to the accounts of its eligible NEOs under the DCP. See “Other Compensation Elements and Information — Benefits and Perquisites.”

(h)

Amounts shown reflect matching and non-matching contributions made by the Company under the RSP. See “Other Compensation Elements and Information — Benefits and Perquisites.”

(i)

For Messrs. Gentile and Pilla, amounts shown reflect costs relating to personal use of country club memberships. For Mr. Garcia, the amount shown reflects car payments. For Mr. Kapoor, amount reflects the sum of (i) $144,247 in compensation earned as a senior advisor from January 10, 2019 through March 31, 2019; (ii) $489,726 in severance payments through December 31, 2019; (iii) $160,274 in a 2019 ACI payout as part of his retirement agreement; and (iv) $810 in legal fees.

(a)

Amounts shown reflect Company contributions toward group life insurance.

(b)

Amounts shown reflect financial, tax-preparation, and other related services paid for by the Company. Amounts shown for Messrs. Gentile, Hawkins, and Brown were reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan.

(c)

Amounts shown reflect the incremental cost to the Company of personal usage of its corporate aircraft. The incremental cost is determined by dividing direct operating costs per aircraft by the total number of flight hours per aircraft, resulting in a cost per hour, and multiplying the cost per hour by the hours of personal usage. Direct operating costs include variable costs such as fuel, maintenance expenses, parts and supplies, landing fees, ground services, catering, and crew expenses associated with such use, including those associated with “deadhead” flights related to such use. Because corporate aircraft is used primarily for business travel, the methodology excludes fixed costs that do not change based on usage. Fixed costs include pilot salaries, the purchase costs of the aircraft, and the cost of maintenance not related to personal travel. Executives, their families, and invited guests occasionally fly on the corporate aircraft as additional passengers on business flights. In those cases, the aggregate incremental cost to the Company is a de minimis amount, and as a result, no amount is reflected in “Summary Compensation Table.” Executives, directors, their families, and invited guests also occasionally fly on the corporate aircraft as additional passengers on personal flights that are attributed to another executive, in which case the entire incremental cost is allocated to the executive who arranged for the personal flight. The Company does not grant bonuses to cover, reimburse, or “gross-up” any income tax owed for personal travel on corporate aircraft. The Compensation Committee has authorized annual aircraft personal usage amounts of the following (such amounts do not include “deadhead” or ferry flights): Mr. Gentile - 70 hours; and Ms. Marnick - 25 hours. In 2020, Mr. Gentile used 37.6 hours of the 70 hours allotted by the Compensation Committee, and Ms. Marnick used 0 hours. With ferry flights, the total hours reported for Mr. Gentile in the table above for 2020 was 44 hours.

(d)

Amounts shown reflect the NEOs’ personal travel expenses, spousal travel expenses, and personal driving expenses paid for by the Company.

(e)

Amounts shown reflect the cost of home security and IT services for the NEOs.

(f)

Amounts shown reflect Company contributions to the accounts of its eligible NEOs under the DCP. See “Other Compensation Elements and Information — Benefits and Perquisites.”

(g)

Amounts shown reflect contributions made by the Company under the RSP. See “Other Compensation Elements and Information — Benefits and Perquisites.”

(h)

For Mr. Gentile, amount reflects the sum of (i) $6,550 in country and golf club membership expenses, which were reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan, and (ii) $3,580 in medical expenses for an annual physical examination. For Mr. Suchinski, amount reflects car payments reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan. For Ms. Marnick, amount reflects the sum of (i) $8,942 in tuition payments, and (ii) $2,969 in car payments, both of which were reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan. For Mr. Garcia, amount reflects the sum of (i) $13,000 in car payments reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan, (ii) $615,000, which is equal to one year of Mr. Garcia’s annual base salary in place on January 29, 2020, (iii) a lump sum of $20,000 for COBRA coverage over a 12-month period, (iv) a sum of $500,000 in lieu of the Subsequent Sign-On, as such term is defined under “Employment and Separation Agreements,” (v) a sum of $409,590 in lieu of receiving any portion of the annual 2020 LTIP awards, (vi) $75,000 in career transition services, and (vii) $8,484 in dividends paid on accelerated RSs.

(a)

Amounts shown reflect Company contributions toward group life insurance.

(b)

Amounts shown reflect financial, tax-preparation, and other related services paid for by the Company. Amounts shown for Messrs. Gentile, Hawkins, and Brown were reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan.

(c)

Amounts shown reflect the incremental cost to the Company of personal usage of its corporate aircraft. The incremental cost is determined by dividing direct operating costs per aircraft by the total number of flight hours per aircraft, resulting in a cost per hour, and multiplying the cost per hour by the hours of personal usage. Direct operating costs include variable costs such as fuel, maintenance expenses, parts and supplies, landing fees, ground services, catering, and crew expenses associated with such use, including those associated with “deadhead” flights related to such use. Because corporate aircraft is used primarily for business travel, the methodology excludes fixed costs that do not change based on usage. Fixed costs include pilot salaries, the purchase costs of the aircraft, and the cost of maintenance not related to personal travel. Executives, their families, and invited guests occasionally fly on the corporate aircraft as additional passengers on business flights. In those cases, the aggregate incremental cost to the Company is a de minimis amount, and as a result, no amount is reflected in “Summary Compensation Table.” Executives, directors, their families, and invited guests also occasionally fly on the corporate aircraft as additional passengers on personal flights that are attributed to another executive, in which case the entire incremental cost is allocated to the executive who arranged for the personal flight. The Company does not grant bonuses to cover, reimburse, or “gross-up” any income tax owed for personal travel on corporate aircraft. The Compensation Committee has authorized annual aircraft personal usage amounts of the following (such amounts do not include “deadhead” or ferry flights): Mr. Gentile - 70 hours; and Ms. Marnick - 25 hours. In 2020, Mr. Gentile used 37.6 hours of the 70 hours allotted by the Compensation Committee, and Ms. Marnick used 0 hours. With ferry flights, the total hours reported for Mr. Gentile in the table above for 2020 was 44 hours.

(d)

Amounts shown reflect the NEOs’ personal travel expenses, spousal travel expenses, and personal driving expenses paid for by the Company.

(e)

Amounts shown reflect the cost of home security and IT services for the NEOs.

(f)

Amounts shown reflect Company contributions to the accounts of its eligible NEOs under the DCP. See “Other Compensation Elements and Information — Benefits and Perquisites.”

(g)

Amounts shown reflect contributions made by the Company under the RSP. See “Other Compensation Elements and Information — Benefits and Perquisites.”

(h)

For Mr. Gentile, amount reflects the sum of (i) $6,550 in country and golf club membership expenses, which were reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan, and (ii) $3,580 in medical expenses for an annual physical examination. For Mr. Suchinski, amount reflects car payments reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan. For Ms. Marnick, amount reflects the sum of (i) $8,942 in tuition payments, and (ii) $2,969 in car payments, both of which were reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan. For Mr. Garcia, amount reflects the sum of (i) $13,000 in car payments reimbursed under the Perquisite Plan, (ii) $615,000, which is equal to one year of Mr. Garcia’s annual base salary in place on January 29, 2020, (iii) a lump sum of $20,000 for COBRA coverage over a 12-month period, (iv) a sum of $500,000 in lieu of the Subsequent Sign-On, as such term is defined under “Employment and Separation Agreements,” (v) a sum of $409,590 in lieu of receiving any portion of the annual 2020 LTIP awards, (vi) $75,000 in career transition services, and (vii) $8,484 in dividends paid on accelerated RSs.

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Employment and Separation Agreements

 

Spirit has employment agreements with all of its NEOs except for Mr. Pilla.currently employed NEOs. A brief description of the material terms of Messrs. Gentile’s and Suchinski’s agreements is below. In addition,While Ms. Marnick, Mr. Brown, and Mr. Hawkins have employment agreements with the Company, their roles and compensation have significantly changed since the employment agreements were entered into, and all termination benefits expressly provided by the agreements have expired. Accordingly, the Company does not believe a description of the terms of such agreements is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the “Summary Compensation Table.” The material terms of the separation agreements of Messrs. Garcia and GentilePilla are included below.

Mr. Gentile’s Employment Agreement

On February 13, 2016, we entered into an employment agreement, effective April 1, 2016, with Mr. Gentile with respect to his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Gentile received a base salary of $1,000,000 per year. In addition, Mr. Gentile was eligible for an ACI equal to 140% of his base salary, and an annual target LTIP award equal to 300% of his base salary. Mr. Gentile was also(and continues to be) entitled to receive an annual DCP Company contribution of $600,000.

Effective August 1, 2016 (in recognition of Mr. Gentile’s appointment as President and CEO), Mr. Gentile’s base salary increased to $1,100,000 and his annual target LTIP award increased to 400% of his annual base salary. Mr. Gentile received salary and LTIP target award increases in the first quarter of 2017 and 2018. Most recently, in February 2019, Mr. Gentile’s salary increased to $1,300,000, his annual target ACI award increased to 145% of his annual base salary, and his annual target LTIP award was increased to 550% of his annual base salary. Mr. Gentile’s compensation has not been increased since February 2019.

Potential payments and termination events under Mr. Gentile’s employment agreement are described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control — Employment Agreements.”

Mr. Suchinski’s Employment Agreement

On January 29, 2020, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Suchinski with respect to his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Suchinski received a base salary of $500,000 per year. In addition, Mr. Suchinski was eligible for an ACI equal to 100% of his base salary, and an annual target LTIP award equal to 175% of his base salary. Effective January 26, 2021, after a compensation and performance review, Mr. Suchinski’s base salary increased to $525,000, and his annual target LTIP award increased to 200% of his annual base salary.

Potential payments and termination events under Mr. Suchinski’s employment agreement are described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control — Employment Agreements.”

Mr. Garcia’s Employment Agreement and Resignation Agreement

On November 23, 2018, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Garcia with respect to his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective January 9, 2019. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Garcia received a base salary of $615,000 per year. In addition, Mr. Garcia was eligible for an ACI award with a target value equal to 100% of his base salary, and an annual target LTIP award equal to 200% of his base salary. Mr. Garcia was also entitled to receive an annual DCP Company contribution of $100,000.

The Company granted Mr. Garcia a cash sign-on award of $750,000, of which $250,000 was paid in 2019, and $500,000 was paid in 2020. Mr. Garcia received a sign-on restricted stock award of $1,500,000. The first portion of this award the Initial(the “Initial Sign-On RS,RS”) was granted on February 6, 2019, with a grant date fair value of $1,000,080, and the second award of $500,000 was to be granted no later than the first anniversary of the effective date (the “Subsequent Sign-On”). Each of the sign-on stock awards werewas to vest over three years.

On January 29, 2020, Mr. Garcia resigned. On January 31, 2020, the Company and Mr. Garcia entered into a Resignation Agreement and General Release (the “Garcia Agreement”). Under the terms of the Garcia Agreement, and in consideration of Mr. Garcia’s future cooperation, release of claims, and compliance with certain obligations, including confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement covenants, Mr. Garcia will receivereceived the following separation payments comprised of the following:payments:

a sum of $615,000, which is equal to one year of Mr. Garcia’s annual base salary applicable on the date of his resignation;

a payment of Mr. Garcia’s expected ACI award for 2019, based on an assumed score of 1.0;

a lump sum of $20,000 for COBRA coverage over a 12-month period;

full vesting with respect to 10,861 shares underlying the Initial Sign-On RS, 5,880 shares of the One-Time RS,time-based restricted stock granted under the LTIP in November 2019, and 66 2/3%, or 5,344 shares of the 2019 RS;

a sum of $500,000 in lieu of the Subsequent Sign-On Award;

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a sum of $409,590 in lieu of receiving any portion of the annual 2020 long-term incentives;

reimbursement of reasonable and documented career transition services through July 31, 2020; and

continued vesting (upon the contractual vesting date) with respect to 66 2/3%, or 3,1311,321 shares (based on target performance), of the 2019 PB-TSR and 1,810 shares (based on target performance) of the 2019 PB-FCF, subject to the Company’s certification of the satisfaction of applicable performance criteria.

Given Mr. Garcia continued to be employed by the Company through December 31, 2019, potential payments and termination events under Mr. Garcia’s employment agreement are described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control — Employment Agreements.”

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Mr. Kapoor’s EmploymentPilla’s Retirement Agreement and Retirement AgreementGeneral Release

On August 23, 2013,July 29, 2020, we entered into an employmenta retirement agreement effective September 23, 2013,and general release with Mr. Kapoor with respect toPilla (the “Pilla Agreement”). Under the terms of the Pilla Agreement, effective August 1, 2020, Mr. Pilla stepped down from his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Initially, Mr. Kapoor was entitled toTechnology Officer and become a base salary of $525,000, and was eligible for an ACI equal to 100% of his base salary, an annual target LTIP award of 200% of his base salary, and, from time to time, a target discretionary bonus in the form of cash or equity of 10% of earned base salary. On July 26, 2016, Mr. Kapoor’s title was changed to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Kapoor received salary increases in 2015 and 2016. Most recently, in May 2016, the Board increased Mr. Kapoor’s base salary to $650,000 and in January 2018, Mr. Kapoor’s LTIP target award was increased to 300% of his base salary.

On November 20, 2018, the Company entered into a Retirement Agreement and General Release (the “Retirement Agreement”) with Mr. Kapoor. PursuantSenior Advisor to the Company. Such position will continue until July 1, 2021, the Retirement Agreement, Mr. Kapoor resigned from the positionDate. For a period of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on January 9, 2019 and, thereafter, served as Senior Financial Advisor until March 31, 2019 (the “Retirement Date”). For one year13 months following the Retirement Date (the “Consulting Term”), Mr. Kapoor was toPilla will provide consulting and transition services to the Company (the “Consulting Term”).and Spirit.

Under the terms of the Retirement Agreement and inIn consideration of Mr. Kapoor’s cooperationPilla’s contributions to the Company (more than 39 years of service, including with Boeing prior to the Company’s divestiture), relationships with customers and key stakeholders in the transition andindustry, provision of advisory and consulting services, release of claims, and compliance with certain obligations, including confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement covenants, Mr. Kapoor received separation payments comprised ofPilla will receive the following:

12,000 shares of restricted stock vesting in 12 equal monthly installments overFrom August 1, 2020, through the Consulting Term;

a sum of $650,000, which is equal to one year ofRetirement Date, Mr. Kapoor’sPilla will (i) receive an annual base salary paid in 12 equal monthly installments over the Consulting Term;

of $475,000, and (ii) be eligible to receive an ACI award with a paymenttarget value as follows: (a) for 2020, Mr. Pilla was entitled to an award of 100% of his base salary if target performance metrics are met, or 200% of his base salary if maximum performance metrics are met, and (b) for 2021, Mr. Pilla will be entitled to an award of 75% of his base salary if target performance metrics are met, or 150% of his base salary if maximum performance metrics are met, pro-rated based on actual achievement of 2018 performance under the ACI;

a prorata payment of his target 2019 ACI award under the OIP for the portion of the 2019 plan year priorin which he serves as Senior Advisor. Mr. Pilla will not be entitled to the Retirement Date;any new LTIP grants after August 1, 2020.

For the services to be provided during the Consulting Term, Mr. Pilla will receive $514,600 payable in equal installments over a sum of $250,000 to cover Mr. Kapoor’s relocation expenses; and13-month period.

COBRA coverage through the first anniversary of the Retirement Date.

In addition, until his Retirement Date, Mr. Kapoor continued to receive his base salary then in effect and vest as an active employee in hisPilla’s outstanding equity awards under the LTIP will be subject to continued vesting in accordance with their terms, including, in the case of performance-based grants, the satisfaction of applicable performance criteria. Following the Retirement Date, Mr. Kapoor was entitled to receive his account balance and accrued benefit, as applicable, under the Company’s RSP in accordance with the terms thereof.

Other Employment Agreements

Both Ms. Marnick and Mr. Hawkins have employment agreements with the Company. However, both of their roles have changed significantly since the employment agreements were entered into, and all termination benefits expressly provided by the agreements have expired. Accordingly, the Company does not believe a description of the terms of such agreements is necessary to understand the information disclosed in the “Summary Compensation Table.”

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards in 20192020

The following table presents information regarding grants of plan-based awards to the NEOs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.2020. Note that, for all equity awards below other than for Mr. Garcia, the date the award was approved by the Compensation Committee was January 21, 2020; however, the awards were not priced until the grant date of March 4, 2020. For more information on the terms applicable to thestatus of Mr. Pilla’s awards, reflected below, please see “2019“Summary Compensation Program Elements.Table - Employment and Separation Agreements – Mr. Pilla’s Retirement Agreement and General Release.

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive Plan

Awards

 

All Other Stock

Awards

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive Plan

Awards

 

All Other

Stock

Awards

Grant Date Fair

Value of Stock

Awards

($)

Name

Grant Date

Date

Award

Approved

by Board

Threshold

($)

Target

($)

Maximum

($)

 

Threshold

(#)

Target

(#)

Maximum

(#)

 

Number

of Shares

of Stock

(#)

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Stock

Awards

($)

Grant Date

Threshold

($)

Target

($)

Maximum

($)

 

Threshold

(#)

Target

(#)

Maximum

(#)

 

Number

of Shares

of Stock

(#)

Thomas C. Gentile III

Thomas C. Gentile III

Thomas C. Gentile III

ACI(1)

 

 

468,384

1,873,535

3,747,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

401,850

1,607,400

3,214,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(2)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,590

4,290,007

3/4/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

84,267

4,290,033

PB-TSR(3)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

2,878

11,510

23,020

 

 

1,430,002

3/4/2020

 

 

 

12,123

48,492

96,984

 

 

1,430,029

PB-FCF(4)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

3,946

15,782

31,564

 

 

1,430,007

3/4/2020

 

 

 

7,038

28,150

56,300

 

 

1,430,020

Jose I. Garcia

Jose I. Garcia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jose I. Garcia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(5)

1/31/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,344

348,215

PB-TSR(6)

1/31/2020

 

 

 

331

1,321

2,642

 

 

39,220

PB-FCF(7)

1/31/2020

 

 

 

453

1,810

3,620

 

 

217,275

RS(6)(8)

1/31/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,861

707,703

RS(9)

1/31/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,880

383,141

Mark J. Suchinski

Mark J. Suchinski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACI(1)

 

 

153,750

615,000

1,230,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

102,234

408,934

817,869

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign-On(5)

2/6/2019

11/20/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,861

1,000,081

RS(2)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,015

738,021

3/4/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,313

525,035

RS(6)(8)

11/5/2019

10/22/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,880

500,065

PB-TSR(3)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

496

1,981

3,962

 

 

246,119

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,484

5,935

11,870

 

 

175,023

PB-FCF(4)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

679

2,715

5,430

 

 

246,006

3/4/2020

 

 

 

862

3,445

6,890

 

 

175,006

Sanjay Kapoor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement(7)

4/1/2019

11/20/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,000

1,104,960

Samantha J. Marnick

Samantha J. Marnick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samantha J. Marnick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACI(1)

 

 

137,500

550,000

1,100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

123,256

493,025

986,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(2)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,706

709,568

3/4/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,937

709,533

PB-TSR(3)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

476

1,904

3,808

 

 

236,553

3/4/2020

 

 

 

2,005

8,020 

16,040 

 

 

236,510

PB-FCF(4)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

653

2,611

5,222

 

 

236,583

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,164

4,656

9,312

 

 

236,525

Duane F. Hawkins

Duane F. Hawkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Duane F. Hawkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACI(1)

 

 

133,750

535,000

1,070,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

114,053

456,212

912,423

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(2)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,019

738,390

3/4/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,503

738,348

PB-TSR(3)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

496

1,981

3,962

 

 

246,119

3/4/2020

 

 

 

2,087

8,346

16,692

 

 

246,124

PB-FCF(4)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

680

2,717

5,434

 

 

246,187

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,212

4,845

9,690

 

 

246,126

William E. Brown

William E. Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACI(1)

ACI(1)

85,358

341,431

682,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(2)

3/4/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,417

479,419

PB-TSR(3)

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,355

5,419

10,838

 

 

159,806

PB-FCF(4)

3/4/2020

 

 

 

787

3,146

6,292

 

 

159,817

John A. Pilla

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACI(1)

 

 

118,750

475,000

950,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

101,262

405,048

810,096

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(2)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,881

541,522

3/4/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

10,637

541,530

PB-TSR(3)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

364

1,453

2,906

 

 

180,521

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,531

6,121

12,242

 

 

180,508

PB-FCF(4)

2/6/2019

1/23/2019

 

 

 

 

499

1,993

3,986

 

 

180,586

(1)

Represents ACIs that were paid in February 2020 but granted and earned in 2019. The actual ACI amounts are reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.” For Mr. Gentile, the threshold, target, and maximum figures were calculated on a weighted-average basis, giving effect to the change made to his base salary and ACI target during 2019.

(2)

Represents RSs that vest annually over three years, beginning February 6, 2020, if such NEO remains employed by the Company on each annual vesting date. The grant date fair value of the award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares multiplied by $92.08, the average of the opening and closing prices of Common Stock on the grant date. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(3)

Represents PB-TSRs that vest at the end of the three-year performance period based on the ranking of the Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of each of the companies in the Company’s peer group. The grant date fair value of the award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $124.24, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the probable ranking of the Company’s TSR relative to a group of the Company’s peers. Actual payout may be zero or range from 25% to 200% of the target shares granted. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

PB-FCF(4)

3/4/2020

889

3,554

7,108

180,543

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(4)(1)

Represents PB-FCFsACIs that were paid in February 2021 but granted and earned in 2020. The actual ACI amounts are reported in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.” For all participants, the threshold, target, and maximum figures were calculated on a weighted-average basis, giving effect to the changes made to base salaries during 2020 (including the salary reductions that applied in 2020).

(2)

Represents RSs that vest annually over three years, beginning March 4, 2021, if such NEO remains employed by the Company on each annual vesting date or as otherwise provided under the Pilla Agreement. However, Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”). The grant date fair value of each award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares multiplied by $50.91, the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on the grant date.

(3)

Represents PB-TSRs that vest at the end of the three-year performance period based uponon the achievementranking of a certain percentagethe Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of free cash flow as a percentageeach of revenue on a cumulative basis over the period.companies in the Company’s peer group. The grant date fair value of theeach award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $90.61,$29.49, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation based on the probable ranking of the Company’s TSR relative to a group of the Company’s peers, using the closing price of the Common Stock on the grant date. Actual payout may be zero or range from 25% to 200% of the target shares granted.

(4)

Represents PB-FCFs that vest at the end of the three-year performance period based upon the achievement of FCF Percentage on a cumulative basis over the period. The grant date fair value of each award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares granted at target multiplied by $50.80, the average of the open and closing prices of the Common Stock on the grant date, adjusted for dividends. Actual payout may be zero or range from 25% to 200% of the target shares granted.

(5)

Represents a sign-on award that vests annually over three years beginningRS granted on February 6, 2020. For information2019 (approved by the Compensation Committee on the effect ofJanuary 23, 2019), that would have been forfeited by its terms upon Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(6)

Representsresignation. As a one-time RS that vests annually over three years, beginning November 5, 2020. The grant dateresult of the Garcia Agreement, the incremental fair value of the modified award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares multiplied by $85.045,$65.16, the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on January 31, 2020.

(6)

Represents PB-TSR granted on February 6, 2019 (approved by the grant date. For informationCompensation Committee on January 23, 2019), that would have been forfeited by its terms upon Mr. Garcia’s resignation. As a result of the Garcia Agreement, the incremental fair value of the modified award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares at target multiplied by $29.69, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation model based on the effectprobable ranking of Mr. Garcia’s resignationthe Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of a group of the Company’s peers, using the closing price of Common Stock on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”January 31, 2020.

(7)

Represents PB-FCF granted on February 6, 2019 (approved by the Compensation Committee on January 23, 2019), that would have been forfeited by its terms upon Mr. Garcia’s resignation. As a retirement award that vests in 12 monthly installments between April 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020. The grant dateresult of the Garcia Agreement, the incremental fair value of the modified award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares at target multiplied by $65.24, the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on January 31, 2020, adjusted for dividends, multiplied by 184%, the expected payout of the award as of January 31, 2020.

(8)

Represents Initial Sign-On RS granted on February 6, 2019 (approved by the Compensation Committee on November 20, 2018), that would have been forfeited by its terms upon Mr. Garcia’s resignation. As a result of the Garcia Agreement, the incremental fair value of the modified award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares multiplied by $92.08,$65.16, the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on January 31, 2020.

(9)

Represents special RS granted on November 5, 2020 (approved by the grant date.Compensation Committee on October 22, 2020), that would have been forfeited by its terms upon Mr. Garcia’s resignation. As a result of the Garcia Agreement, the incremental fair value of the modified award, which is reported in the “Stock Awards” column of the “Summary Compensation Table,” is equal to the number of shares multiplied by $65.16, the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on January 31, 2020.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 20192020 Fiscal Year End

The following table presents the outstanding equity awards held by the NEOs as of December 31, 2019.2020. The Company has not granted any options or option-like awards. The market value of the awards is determined by multiplying the number of shares shown in the applicable columns below by $72.88,$39.09, the closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2019.2020. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such awards, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

Name

Stock Awards

Stock Awards

Grant Date

Number of

Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

Market Value of

Shares or Units

of Stock That

Have Not Vested

($)

 

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Number of

Unearned Shares, Units,

or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

(#)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or Payout

Value of Unearned Shares,

Units, or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

($)

Grant Date

Number of

Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

Market Value of

Shares or Units

of Stock That

Have Not Vested

($)

 

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Number of

Unearned Shares, Units,

or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

(#)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or Payout

Value of Unearned Shares,

Units, or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

2/6/2019

46,590

3,395,479

 

 

 

3/4/2020

84,267

3,293,997

 

 

 

PB-TSR(2)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

2,878

209,749

3/4/2020

 

 

 

12,123

473,888

PB-FCF(3)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

31,564

2,300,384

3/4/2020

 

 

 

7,038

275,115

RS(4)

2/7/2018

27,989

2,039,838

 

 

 

2/6/2019

31,060

1,214,135

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

2,777

202,388

2/6/2019

 

 

 

2,878

112,501

PB-FCF(6)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

28,034

2,043,118

2/6/2019

 

 

 

3,946

154,249

RS(7)

2/7/2017

18,457

1,345,146

 

 

 

2/7/2018

13,994

547,025

 

 

 

PB-TSR(8)

2/7/2017

22,358

1,629,451

 

 

 

PB-FCF(9)

2/7/2017

37,672

2,745,535

 

 

 

Jose I. Garcia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

331

12,939

PB-FCF(6)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

453

17,708

Mark J. Suchinski

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

2/6/2019

8,015

584,133

 

 

 

3/4/2020

10,313

403,135

 

 

 

PB-TSR(2)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

496

36,148

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,484

58,010

PB-FCF(3)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

5,430

395,739

3/4/2020

 

 

 

862

33,696

RS(10)

11/5/2019

5,880

428,534

 

 

 

Sign-on(11)

2/6/2019

10,861

791,550

 

 

 

Sanjay Kapoor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retirement(12)

4/1/2019

3,000

218,640

 

 

 

RS(4)

2/6/2019

1,882

73,567

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

140

5,473

PB-FCF(6)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

192

7,505

Special RS(8)

11/26/2018

1,674

65,437

 

 

 

RS(7)

2/7/2018

776

30,334

 

 

 

Samantha J. Marnick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

2/6/2019

7,706

561,613

 

 

 

3/4/2020

13,937

544,797

 

 

 

PB-TSR(2)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

476

34,691

3/4/2020

 

 

 

2,005

78,375

PB-FCF(3)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

5,222

380,579

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,164

45,501

RS(4)

2/7/2018

4,658

339,475

 

 

 

2/6/2019

5,137

200,805

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

463

33,743

2/6/2019

 

 

 

476

18,607

PB-FCF(6)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

4,666

340,058

2/6/2019

 

 

 

653

25,526

RS(7)

2/7/2017

3,320

241,962

 

 

 

2/7/2018

2,329

91,040

 

 

 

PB-TSR(8)

2/7/2017

4,022

293,123

 

 

 

PB-FCF(9)

2/7/2017

6,778

493,981

 

 

 

Duane F. Hawkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

2/6/2019

8,019

584,425

 

 

 

3/4/2020

8,069

315,417

 

 

 

PB-TSR(2)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

496

36,148

3/4/2020

 

 

 

2,087

81,581

PB-FCF(3)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

5,434

396,030

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,212

47,377

RS(4)

2/7/2018

5,510

401,569

 

 

 

2/6/2019

2,974

116,254

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

547

39,865

2/6/2019

 

 

 

496

19,389

PB-FCF(6)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

5,520

402,298

2/6/2019

 

 

 

680

26,581

RS(7)

2/7/2017

4,079

297,278

 

 

 

2/7/2018

1,532

59,886

 

 

 

PB-TSR(8)

2/7/2017

4,943

360,246

 

 

 

PB-FCF(9)

2/7/2017

8,328

606,945

 

 

 

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

William E. Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

2/6/2019

5,881

428,607

 

 

 

3/4/2020

9,417

368,111

 

 

 

PB-TSR(2)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

364

26,528

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,355

52,967

PB-FCF(3)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

3,986

290,500

3/4/2020

 

 

 

787

30,764

RS(13)

10/23/2018

4,090

298,079

 

 

 

RS(4)

2/7/2018

3,872

282,191

 

 

 

2/6/2019

3,471

135,681

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

322

12,587

PB-FCF(6)

2/6/2019

 

 

 

441

17,239

Special RS(8)

10/23/2018

613

23,962

 

 

 

RS(7)

2/7/2018

1,128

44,094

 

 

 

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Name

Stock Awards

Stock Awards

Grant Date

Number of

Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

Market Value of

Shares or Units

of Stock That

Have Not Vested

($)

 

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Number of

Unearned Shares, Units,

or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

(#)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or Payout

Value of Unearned Shares,

Units, or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

($)

Grant Date

Number of

Shares or

Units of Stock

That Have

Not Vested

(#)

Market Value of

Shares or Units

of Stock That

Have Not Vested

($)

 

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Number of

Unearned Shares, Units,

or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

(#)

Equity Incentive Plan

Awards: Market or Payout

Value of Unearned Shares,

Units, or Other Rights That

Have Not Vested

($)

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

3/4/2020

10,637

415,800

 

 

 

PB-TSR(2)

3/4/2020

 

 

 

1,531

59,848

PB-FCF(3)

3/4/2020

 

 

 

889

34,751

RS(4)

2/6/2019

3,920

153,233

 

 

 

PB-TSR(5)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

385

28,059

2/6/2019

 

 

 

364

14,229

PB-FCF(6)

2/7/2018

 

 

 

3,878

282,629

2/6/2019

 

 

 

499

19,506

Special RS(8)

10/23/2018

2,045

79,939

 

 

 

RS(7)

2/7/2017

2,744

199,983

 

 

 

2/7/2018

1,936

75,678

 

 

 

PB-TSR(8)

2/7/2017

3,325

242,326

 

 

 

PB-FCF(9)

2/7/2017

5,602

408,274

 

 

 

(1)

Represents 2019 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 6, 2020, and the second and third tranches will vest on February 6, 2021, and February 6, 2022, respectively, if the NEO continues to be employed by the Company on each vesting date. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(2)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2019 with a performance tracking period running from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on the Company’s 2019 TSR performance. The award vesting date is December 31, 2021, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(3)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2019 with a performance tracking period running from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a maximum performance goal based on the Company’s free cash flow as a percentage of revenue performance in 2019. The award vesting date is December 31, 2021, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(4)

Represents 2018 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 7, 2019, the second tranche vested on February 7, 2020, and the third tranche will vest on February 7, 2021, if the NEO continues to be employed by the Company on such date.

(5)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2018 with a performance tracking period running from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on the Company’s 2019 TSR performance. The award vesting date is December 31, 2020, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee.

(6)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2018 with a performance tracking period running from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2020. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a maximum performance goal based on the Company’s free cash flow as a percentage of revenue performance in 2019. The award vesting date is December 31, 2020, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee.

(7)

Represents 2017 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 7, 2018, the second tranche of the award vested on February 7, 2019, and the third tranche of the award vested on February 7, 2020.

(8)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2017 with a performance tracking period running from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the actual award performance through December 31, 2019 at 120% (percentile of 58th), as certified by the Compensation Committee on January 21, 2020. The award vested on February 7, 2020.

(9)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2017 with a performance tracking period running from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. The number of shares and market value shown reflects actual award performance through December 31, 2019 at 200% (free cash flow as a percentage of revenue over the performance period was 7.82%), as certified by the Compensation Committee on January 21, 2020. The award vested on February 7, 2020.

(10)

Represents a one-time RS that vests annually over three years, beginning November 5, 2020. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(11)

Represents a sign-on award that vests annually over three years beginning on February 6, 2020. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(12)

Represents a retirement restricted stock award granted on April 1, 2019 vesting in equal tranches over a 12-month period.

(13)

Represents a one-time RS that vests annually over three years. The first tranche of the award vested on October 23, 2019, the second tranche vested on October 23, 2020, and the third tranche will vest on October 23, 2021, if Mr. Pilla remains employed by the Company on such date.

(1)

Represents 2020 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on March 4, 2021, and the second and third tranches will vest on March 4, 2022, and March 4, 2023, respectively, if the NEO continues to be employed by the Company on each vesting date or as otherwise provided in the Pilla Agreement. However, Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”). For this reason, Mr. Hawkins’ amounts for the RS are shown as net shares, because shares were disposed of for tax purposes on the date he became retirement eligible in 2020 in accordance with IRC requirements.

(2)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2020 with a performance period running from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on TSR performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2022, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee.

(3)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2020 with a performance period running from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on FCF Percentage performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2022, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee.

(4)

Represents 2019 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 6, 2020, the second tranche vested on February 6, 2021, and the third tranche will vest on February 6, 2022, if the NEO continues to be employed by the Company on each such vesting date or as otherwise provided in the Pilla Agreement. However, Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”). For this reason, Mr. Hawkins’ amounts for the RS are shown as net shares, because shares were disposed of for tax purposes on the date he became retirement eligible in 2020 in accordance with IRC requirements.

(5)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2019 with a performance period running from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on TSR performance during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2021, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(6)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2019 with a performance period running from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on FCF Percentage performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2021, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(7)

Represents 2018 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 7, 2019, the second tranche vested on February 7, 2020, and the third tranche vested on February 7, 2021. As Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020, Mr. Hawkins’ amounts for the RS are shown as net shares, because shares were disposed of for tax purposes on the date he became retirement eligible in 2020 in accordance with IRC requirements.

(8)

Represents a special RS (each, a “Special RS”) that vests annually on the anniversary of the applicable grant date over three years, subject to the NEO remaining employed by the Company through each applicable vesting date or as otherwise provided in the Pilla Agreement.

(1)

Represents 2020 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on March 4, 2021, and the second and third tranches will vest on March 4, 2022, and March 4, 2023, respectively, if the NEO continues to be employed by the Company on each vesting date or as otherwise provided in the Pilla Agreement. However, Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”). For this reason, Mr. Hawkins’ amounts for the RS are shown as net shares, because shares were disposed of for tax purposes on the date he became retirement eligible in 2020 in accordance with IRC requirements.

(2)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2020 with a performance period running from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on TSR performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2022, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee.

(3)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2020 with a performance period running from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on FCF Percentage performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2022, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee.

(4)

Represents 2019 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 6, 2020, the second tranche vested on February 6, 2021, and the third tranche will vest on February 6, 2022, if the NEO continues to be employed by the Company on each such vesting date or as otherwise provided in the Pilla Agreement. However, Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances described under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control”). For this reason, Mr. Hawkins’ amounts for the RS are shown as net shares, because shares were disposed of for tax purposes on the date he became retirement eligible in 2020 in accordance with IRC requirements.

(5)

Represents PB-TSRs granted in 2019 with a performance period running from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on TSR performance during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2021, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(6)

Represents PB-FCFs granted in 2019 with a performance period running from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The number of shares and market value shown reflects the achievement of a threshold performance goal based on FCF Percentage performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020. The award vesting date is December 31, 2021, subject to performance certification by the Compensation Committee. For information on the effect of Mr. Garcia’s resignation on such award, see “Employment and Separation Agreements.”

(7)

Represents 2018 annual RSs. The first tranche of the award vested on February 7, 2019, the second tranche vested on February 7, 2020, and the third tranche vested on February 7, 2021. As Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020, Mr. Hawkins’ amounts for the RS are shown as net shares, because shares were disposed of for tax purposes on the date he became retirement eligible in 2020 in accordance with IRC requirements.

(8)

Represents a special RS (each, a “Special RS”) that vests annually on the anniversary of the applicable grant date over three years, subject to the NEO remaining employed by the Company through each applicable vesting date or as otherwise provided in the Pilla Agreement.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested for Fiscal Year 20192020

The following table presents information regarding NEO stock awards that vested in 2019.2020. Values reflected below are gross amounts that do not include any reductions for tax withholding. Mr. Garcia is not included as he did not have any stock that vested in 2019.The value realized on vesting represents the number of shares multiplied by the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock on the vesting date. The Company has not granted any options or option-like awards.

Name

Grant Date

Vesting Date

Number of Shares

Acquired on Vesting

(#)

Value Realized on Vesting

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

 

 

 

 

RS(1)

2/7/2018

2/7/2019

13,995

1,296,147

RS(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2019

18,458

1,709,488

TOTAL

 

 

32,453

3,005,635

Sanjay Kapoor

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(3)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

6,076

563,412

RS(1)

2/7/2018

2/7/2019

4,367

404,450

RS(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2019

6,492

601,257

RS(4)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

7,607

705,378

Retirement(5)

3/31/2019

Multiple

9,000

729,410

TOTAL

 

 

33,542

3,003,907

Samantha J. Marnick

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(3)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

3,167

293,668

RS(1)

2/7/2018

2/7/2019

2,329

215,700

RS(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2019

3,321

307,574

RS(4)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

3,965

367,665

TOTAL

 

 

12,782

1,184,607

Duane F. Hawkins

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(3)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

4,603

426,825

RS(1)

2/7/2018

2/7/2019

2,756

255,247

RS(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2019

4,081

377,962

RS(4)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

5,764

534,481

TOTAL

 

 

17,204

1,594,515

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(3)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

3,542

328,441

RS(1)

2/7/2018

2/7/2019

1,936

179,303

RS(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2019

2,745

254,228

RS(4)

2/9/2016

2/9/2019

4,434

411,154

RS(6)

10/23/2018

10/23/2019

2,045

158,794

TOTAL

 

 

14,702

1,331,920

(1)

Represents shares vesting under the 2018 annual RS. The value realized on vesting represents the number of shares multiplied by $92.615, the average of the high and low prices of Common Stock on the vesting date.

(2)

Represents shares vesting under the 2017 annual RS. The value realized on vesting represents the number of shares multiplied by $92.615, the average of the high and low prices of Common Stock on the vesting date.

(3)

Represents shares under the 2016 PB-TSR with a performance tracking period from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2018. Performance was certified by the Compensation Committee on January 23, 2019, at a percentile rank of 50th and a resulting payout of 100%. The value realized on vesting represents the number of shares multiplied by $92.7275, the average of the high and low prices of Common Stock on the vesting date.

(4)

Represents shares vesting under the 2016 annual RS. The value realized on vesting represents the number of shares multiplied by $92.7275, the average of the high and low prices of Common Stock on the vesting date.

(5)

Represents shares vesting under the Mr. Kapoor’s Retirement RS, which vests monthly between April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020. In 2019, there were 9 vestings at the following dates and values: (i) April 30, 2019 at $86,580; (ii) May 31, 2019 at $81,025; (iii) June 28, 2019 at $80,475; (iv) July 31, 2019 at $77,090; (v) August 30, 2019 at $80,420; (vi) September 30, 2019 at $82,755; (vii) October 31, 2019 at $80,490; (viii) November 29, 2019 at $87,235; and (ix) December 31, 2019 at $73,340. Each value represents 1,000 shares multiplied by the average of the high and low prices of Common Stock on the vesting date.

(6)

Represents shares vesting under Mr. Pilla’s one-time RS. The value realized on vesting represents the number of shares multiplied by $77.65, the average of the high and low prices of Common Stock on the vesting date.

Name

Grant Date

Vesting Date

Number of Shares

Acquired on Vesting

(#)

Value Realized on Vesting

($)

Thomas C. Gentile III

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(1)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

22,358

1,556,229

PB-FCF(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

37,672

2,662,160

RS(3)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

18,457

1,284,699

RS(4)

2/7/2018

2/7/2020

13,995

974,122

RS(5)

2/6/2019

2/6/2020

15,530

1,064,504

TOTAL

 

 

108,012

7,501,713

Jose I. Garcia

 

 

 

 

RS(7)

2/6/2019

1/31/2020

5,344

345,917

RS(8)

2/6/2019

1/31/2020

10,861

703,033

Special RS(9)

11/5/2019

1/31/2020

5,880

380,612

TOTAL

 

 

22,085

1,429,562

Mark J. Suchinski

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(1)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

1,427

99,326

PB-FCF(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

2,404

167,330

RS(3)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

1,177

81,925

Special RS(6)

2/28/2017

2/7/2020

866

60,278

RS(4)

2/7/2018

2/7/2020

776

54,013

Special RS(6)

11/26/2018

11/26/2020

1,674

59,226

RS(5)

2/6/2019

2/6/2020

941

64,501

TOTAL

 

 

9,265

586,600

Samantha J. Marnick

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(1)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

4,022

279,951

PB-FCF(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

6,778

471,783

RS(3)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

3,320

231,089

RS(4)

2/7/2018

2/7/2020

2,329

162,110

RS(5)

2/6/2019

2/6/2020

2,569

176,092

TOTAL

 

 

19,018

1,321,025

Duane F. Hawkins

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(1)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

4,943

344,058

PB-FCF(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

8,328

579,670

RS(3)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

4,079

283,919

RS(4)

2/7/2018

2/7/2020

2,756

191,831

RS(5)

2/6/2019

2/6/2020

2,673

183,221

RS(10)

2/7/2018

3/15/2020

1,222

42,874

RS(10)

2/6/2019

3/15/2020

2,372

83,222

RS(10)

3/4/2020

3/15/2020

6,434

225,737

TOTAL

 

 

32,807

1,934,531

William E. Brown

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(1)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

2,100

146,171

PB-FCF(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

3,538

246,262

RS(3)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

1,733

120,625

RS(4)

2/7/2018

2/7/2020

1,129

78,584

Special RS(6)

10/23/2018

10/23/2020

614

12,441

RS(5)

2/6/2019

2/6/2020

1,736

118,994

TOTAL

 

 

10,850

723,078

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Name

Grant Date

Vesting Date

Number of Shares

Acquired on Vesting

(#)

Value Realized on Vesting

($)

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

PB-TSR(1)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

3,325

231,437

PB-FCF(2)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

5,602

389,927

RS(3)

2/7/2017

2/7/2020

2,744

190,996

RS(4)

2/7/2018

2/7/2020

1,936

134,755

Special RS(6)

10/23/2018

10/23/2020

2,045

41,437

RS(5)

2/6/2019

2/6/2020

1,961

134,417

TOTAL

 

 

17,613

1,122,969

(1)

Represents shares under the 2017 PB-TSR with a performance period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019.

(2)

Represents shares under the 2017 PB-FCF with a performance period from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019.

(3)

Represents shares vesting under the 2017 annual RS.

(4)

Represents shares vesting under the 2018 annual RS.

(5)

Represents shares vesting under the 2019 annual RS.

(6)

Represents shares vesting under a Special RS granted to the recipients in consideration of their performance or responsibilities, or for retention purposes.

(7)

Represents shares granted under the 2019 annual RS that were accelerated pursuant to the Garcia Agreement on January 31, 2020.

(8)

Represents shares vesting under Mr. Garcia’s Initial Sign-On RS that were accelerated pursuant to the Garcia Agreement on January 31, 2020.

(9)

Represents shares vesting under a Special RS that were accelerated pursuant to the Garcia Agreement on January 31, 2020.

(10)

Represents shares required to be withheld to satisfy tax obligations upon the date Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible.

 

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Pension Benefits

The following table presents information concerning benefits receivedpayable under the Company’s PVP byfor Mr. Pilla, during the fiscal year endedcomputed as of December 31, 2019.2020. No other NEOs receivedare entitled to receive any benefits under the PVP.

Name

Plan Name

Number of Years of

Credited Service

(1) 

Present Value of

Accumulated Benefit

($)

(2) 

Plan Name

Number of Years of

Credited Service

(1) 

Present Value of

Accumulated Benefit

($)

(2) 

John A. Pilla

PVP 

24.0875

 

799,562

 

PVP 

24.0875

 

879,374

 

(1)

Please note credited service was frozen in the PVP as of June 16, 2005. There is no policy that provides for granting extra years of credited service.

(2)

Present value was calculated based on the assumption that Mr. Pilla’s benefit commences at age 60.5. Key assumptions reflected in present value include a 3.19% discount rate, a cash balance interest crediting rate of 5.25%, and the life annuity form of payment. In order to determine changes in the present value reported in the “Summary Compensation Table,” the value was also calculated as of December 31, 2018. For values as of December 31, 2018, the discount rate was 4.21%. The present value was calculated assuming Mr. Pilla retires and commences receipt of benefits at age 60. The mortality assumption for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, is Mercer’s MILES-2010 generational mortality table for the Auto, Industrial Goods, and Transportation group with the MMP-2018 improvement scale. The mortality assumption for fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, is Mercer’s MILES-2010 generational mortality table for the Auto, Industrial Goods, and Transportation group with the MMP-2019 improvement scale.

(1)

Please note credited service was frozen in the PVP as of June 16, 2005. There is no policy that provides for granting extra years of credited service.

(2)

Present value was calculated based on the assumption that Mr. Pilla’s benefit commences at age 61.5. Key assumptions reflected in present value include a 2.31% discount rate, a cash balance interest crediting rate of 5.25%, and the life annuity form of payment. In order to determine changes in the present value reported in the “Summary Compensation Table,” the value was also calculated as of December 31, 2019. For values as of December 31, 2019, the discount rate was 3.19%. The present value was calculated assuming Mr. Pilla retires and commences receipt of benefits at age 61.5. The mortality assumption for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, is Mercer’s MILES-2010 generational mortality table for the Auto, Industrial Goods, and Transportation group with the MMP-2019 improvement scale.

(1)

Please note credited service was frozen in the PVP as of June 16, 2005. There is no policy that provides for granting extra years of credited service.

(2)

Present value was calculated based on the assumption that Mr. Pilla’s benefit commences at age 61.5. Key assumptions reflected in present value include a 2.31% discount rate, a cash balance interest crediting rate of 5.25%, and the life annuity form of payment. In order to determine changes in the present value reported in the “Summary Compensation Table,” the value was also calculated as of December 31, 2019. For values as of December 31, 2019, the discount rate was 3.19%. The present value was calculated assuming Mr. Pilla retires and commences receipt of benefits at age 61.5. The mortality assumption for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, is Mercer’s MILES-2010 generational mortality table for the Auto, Industrial Goods, and Transportation group with the MMP-2019 improvement scale.

 

A significant portion of Spirit’s operations related to Boeing aerostructures was owned and controlled by Boeing until 2005. Boeing’s pension assets and liabilities were spun-off from Boeing’s qualified plans (each, a “Prior Plan”) into Spirit qualified plans for certain eligible Boeing employees who joined the Company. Credited service and benefit amounts under the Prior Plans were frozen as of June 16, 2005. Effective December 31, 2005, all Prior Plans were merged together into the PVP. The PVP is a frozen plan, so no additional employees may become participants in the PVP, and no current participants are accruing any additional benefits (except for the interest credits described below). The PVP is fully paid for by the Company, and the Company’s employees are vested after reaching five years of service.

Mr. Pilla is the only NEO who participates in the PVP. Mr. Pilla is fully vested in his benefits. Benefits under the PVP for Mr. Pilla are based upon heritage benefits transferred into the Prior Plan and a cash balance benefit. Heritage benefits were indexed (increased) for base pay increases from the date the heritage benefit transferred to the Prior Plan until June 16, 2005. Under the cash balance benefit formula, employees received benefit credits based on their age at the end of each plan year through June 16, 2005. The annual benefit credit was a specified percentage of eligible pay, ranging from 3% at ages younger than 30, to 11% upon reaching age 50. Eligible pay included base pay and executive incentive pay, limited to Internal Revenue CodeIRC Section 401(a)(17) limits. The benefit credits ceased upon freezing the Prior Plan; however, employees continue to receive interest credits each year. Interest credits are calculated by applying simple interest to the Prior Plan balance at the beginning of the year and are accrued until the pension benefit begins. Interest credits are based on the 30-year Treasury Rate as of November of the prior year, with a minimum of 5.25% and a maximum of 10%.

The PVP benefits are payable as a life annuity (other annuity options are also available). To determine a participant’s pension benefit, the participant’s accumulated benefits are divided by 11 and further divided by a factor of 12 to produce a monthly benefit.

The normal retirement age under the PVP is age 65. Participants who have at least 10 years of service and are at least age 55, or at least one year of service and are at least age 62, are eligible for early retirement. Mr. Pilla is currently 60.561.5 years of age and is eligible for early retirement. Projected annual benefits payable upon retirement as of December 31, 20192020, are $47,533$48,380 for Mr. Pilla. If he retires at age 65, the annual benefit amount is $51,633. Note that, while Mr. Pilla is no longer serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, he continues to serve in a Senior Advisor role for the Company and has not retired.

We also maintain the SERP, which provides supplemental, nonqualified retirement benefits to executives who (1)(i) had their benefits transferred from a Boeing nonqualified plan to the SERP, and (2)(ii) did not elect to convert their SERP benefit into phantom stock units as of June 17, 2005. Benefits under this plan were also frozen as of the date of the Boeing acquisition. There are no SERP annuity benefits presently payable to any of the NEOs. Mr. Pilla was a participant in the SERP, but elected to convert his SERP benefit as of June 17, 2005, into 16,023 phantom stock units. For additional information, see “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.”

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Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The following table presents information concerning each of the Company’s defined contribution or other plans that provide for the deferral of compensation of the NEOs on a basis that is not tax-qualified. In addition, and as discussed above under “Pension Benefits,” Mr. Pilla was a participant in the SERP, but elected to convert his SERP benefit as of June 17, 2005, into 16,023 phantom stock units. Mr. Pilla’s vested and undelivered phantom stock units and accrued dividend equivalents are reflected below and may be settled in cash or shares on the earlierearliest of his separation from service or a change-in-control.change in control (subject to the fulfillment of any applicable waiting period).

Name

Plan

Executive

Contributions

in Last FY

($)

Registrant

Contributions

in Last FY

($)

(1) 

Aggregate

Earnings

in Last FY

($)

(2) 

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

Aggregate

Balance at

Last FYE

($)

 

Plan

Executive

Contributions

in Last FY

($)(1)

Registrant

Contributions

in Last FY

($)

(2) 

Aggregate

Earnings

in Last FY

($)

(3) 

Aggregate

Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

Aggregate

Balance at

Last FYE

($)

 

Thomas C. Gentile III

DCP

 

600,000

 

54,980

 

 

1,889,102

(3) 

DCP

 

600,000

 

48,780

 

 

2,537,882

(4) 

Jose I. Garcia

DCP

 

100,000

 

 

 

 

100,000

 

DCP

 

 

 

1,109

 

(101,109)

 

 

Samantha J. Marnick

DCP

 

100,000

 

13,020

 

 

426,142

(4)

DCP

 

100,000

 

10,612

 

 

536,754

(5)

John A. Pilla

DCP

237,489

 

 

10,386

 

 

345,318

(5)

DCP

26,000

 

 

7,995

 

 

379,313

(6)

SERP

 

 

 

22,272

 

 

1,190,829

(6)

SERP

 

 

 

(541,417) 

 

 

650,053

(7)

(1)

These amounts represent Company contributions to the DCP and are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

(2)

Under the DCP, these amounts represent earnings on DCP balances from January 1 to December 31, 2019, and are not included in the “Summary Compensation Table.” For Mr. Pilla’s balance under the SERP, represents an increase in value equal to the change in market value of 16,023 phantom stock units and accrued dividend equivalents under the SERP from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019. The change in market value of the phantom stock units for Mr. Pilla was calculated using the closing prices of Common Stock on December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

(3)

This amount includes $1,234,122 consisting of Company contributions and earnings on balances prior to 2019 (and as reported in last year's proxy statement).

(4)

This amount includes $313,122 consisting of Company contributions and earnings on balances prior to 2019 (and as reported in last year's proxy statement).

(5)

This amount includes $97,442 consisting of earnings on balances prior to 2019 (as reported in last year's proxy statement).

(6)

Represents the sum of (i) $1,167,756, which represents the 16,023 phantom stock units under the SERP multiplied by $72.88, the closing price of Common Stock on December 31, 2019, and (ii) $23,073 in accrued dividend equivalents on the phantom stock units through December 31, 2019.

(1)

These amounts represent participant contributions to the DCP and are included in the “Salary” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

(2)

These amounts represent Company contributions to the DCP and are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

(3)

Under the DCP, these amounts represent earnings on DCP balances from January 1 to December 31, 2020, and are not included in the “Summary Compensation Table.” For Mr. Pilla’s balance under the SERP, represents a decrease in value equal to the change in market value of 16,023 phantom stock units and accrued dividend equivalents under the SERP from December 31, 2019, to December 31, 2020. The change in market value of the phantom stock units for Mr. Pilla was calculated using the closing prices of the Common Stock on December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

(4)

This amount includes $1,800,000 consisting of aggregate Company contributions prior to 2020 (reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” of prior year’s proxy statements).

(5)

This amount includes $400,000 consisting of aggregate Company contributions prior to 2020 (reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” of prior year’s proxy statements).

(6)

This amount includes $339,349 consisting of aggregate individual contributions prior to 2020 (reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” of prior year’s proxy statements, when Mr. Pilla was a NEO).

(7)

Represents the sum of (i) $626,339 which represents the 16,023 phantom stock units under the SERP multiplied by $39.09, the closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2020, and (ii) $23,714 in accrued dividend equivalents on the phantom stock units through December 31, 2020.

(1)

These amounts represent participant contributions to the DCP and are included in the “Salary” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

(2)

These amounts represent Company contributions to the DCP and are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “Summary Compensation Table.”

(3)

Under the DCP, these amounts represent earnings on DCP balances from January 1 to December 31, 2020, and are not included in the “Summary Compensation Table.” For Mr. Pilla’s balance under the SERP, represents a decrease in value equal to the change in market value of 16,023 phantom stock units and accrued dividend equivalents under the SERP from December 31, 2019, to December 31, 2020. The change in market value of the phantom stock units for Mr. Pilla was calculated using the closing prices of the Common Stock on December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

(4)

This amount includes $1,800,000 consisting of aggregate Company contributions prior to 2020 (reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” of prior year’s proxy statements).

(5)

This amount includes $400,000 consisting of aggregate Company contributions prior to 2020 (reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” of prior year’s proxy statements).

(6)

This amount includes $339,349 consisting of aggregate individual contributions prior to 2020 (reported in the “Summary Compensation Table” of prior year’s proxy statements, when Mr. Pilla was a NEO).

(7)

Represents the sum of (i) $626,339 which represents the 16,023 phantom stock units under the SERP multiplied by $39.09, the closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2020, and (ii) $23,714 in accrued dividend equivalents on the phantom stock units through December 31, 2020.

 

More information on the DCP and SERP can be found under “Other Compensation Elements and Information” and “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control.Change in Control.” There were no “above-market” earnings (defined by SEC rule as that portion of interest that exceeds 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate) under the DCP during fiscal year 2019,2020, as the Company used 120% of the applicable federal long-term rate to determine the amounts to be contributed.

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Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-ControlChange in Control

While the Company does not maintain any specific change-in-control agreements or other similar plans or arrangements intended specifically to provide income protection for executive officers upon a change-in-control, thatchange in control, the Company has several programs — Employment Agreements, the ACI, the LTIP, the Perquisite Allowance Program,Plan, and the DCP — that deliver benefits upon certain types of termination or a change-in-control.change in control.

Information about these severance or change-in-control benefits is contained below, followed by a table summarizing the monetary benefits payable upon triggering events.events assumed to occur on December 31, 2020. As Mr. KapoorGarcia left the Company prior to December 31, 2019,2020, his termination benefits are not included below. Thein such table, but the details of his Retirement Agreementseparation agreement (and the compensation and payments made thereunder) are set forth under “---Summary“Summary Compensation Table - Employment and Separation Agreements.Agreements” and “Mr. Garcia’s Resignation During Fiscal Year 2020.

Employment Agreements

 

Only the employment agreements of Messrs. Gentile and GarciaSuchinski provide for any payments to be made, or benefits provided, beyond the date of termination as of December 31, 2019.2020. These benefits are paid only in the circumstances described below. Receipt of these benefits is conditioned upon the execution of a release of claims against the Company and satisfaction of certain covenants, including non-solicitation and non-competition covenants. Pursuant to Mr. Garcia’s employment agreement, the non-solicitationGentile’s and non-competition covenants apply for two years post-termination. Pursuant to Mr. Gentile’sSuchinski’s employment agreement, the non-solicitation and non-competition covenants apply for one year post-termination if terminated without cause, or for good reason, or two years post-termination if terminated for any other reason.

Termination by the Company for Cause or by the Employee without Good Reason

Upon a termination for cause, or without good reason, Messrs. Gentile and GarciaSuchinski are only entitled to their compensation through the date of termination.

For Mr. Gentile, a “for cause” termination is defined as a termination resulting from the following:

(1)

commission of a material breach of the employment agreement, acts involving fraud, material and intentional dishonesty, material and intentional unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, or a material violation of Company policies;

(2)

direct and deliberate acts constituting a material breach of the duty of loyalty;

(3)

refusal or material failure (other than by reason of disability) to perform duties and responsibilities, if such refusal or failure is not remedied within 30 days after receipt of written notice thereof from the Board;

(4)

material underperformance, as reflected in two consecutive written performance reviews not less than six months apart; or

(5)

inability to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of U.S. security clearance.

For Mr. Garcia,Suchinski, a “for cause” termination is defined as a termination resulting from the following:

(1)

commission of a material breach of the employment agreement that, if curable, is not cured within 10 business days after written notice thereof;

(2)

acts involving moral turpitude, including fraud, material and willful dishonesty, willfulmaterial and intentional unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, the commission of a felony or other crime involving moral turpitude, or material violation of Company policies;

(3)

direct and deliberate acts constituting a material breach of the duty of loyalty; or

(4)

Willfulwillful or continuous refusal, or material failure, other than by reason of disability, to perform the material duties reasonably assigned to Mr. GarciaSuchinski if such refusal is not remedied within 10 business days after written notice thereof.

Termination Without Cause or For Good Reason

Mr. Gentle is no longer able to terminate his employment for good reason (this benefit ended on April 1, 2019).

Upon a termination by the Company without cause, Messrs. Gentile and GarciaSuchinski are entitled to one year of their base salary in effect prior to termination and the costs of providing COBRA medical and dental benefits coverage over a period of 12 months.

In addition,months for Mr. Garcia, if the Company terminates his employmentGentile and 6 months for any reason other than for cause, or he terminates his employment for good reason or due to death or disability, before January 9, 2022, the following long-term incentives will vest:

66-2/3% of the annual long-term incentive awards granted to Mr. Garcia in 2019; andSuchinski.

33-1/3% of the annual long-term incentive awards granted to Mr. Garcia in 2020, so long as the grant is made on or before the date of termination.

With respect to Mr. Garcia’s cash sign-on award, he received the second installment of $500,000 on January 9, 2020. If Mr. Garcia was terminated without cause, due to death or disability or for good reason prior to the payment date of the second installment, the unpaid amount was required to be paid within 30 days of termination.

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Mr. Garcia received 10,861 shares of Common Stock

Long-Term Incentives under the Initial Sign-On RS. Mr. Garcia wasOmnibus Incentive Plan

Pursuant to be granted the Subsequent Sign-on Award on January 9, 2020. Upon a termination without cause, dueprovisions of the OIP, the LTIP, and/or the relevant award agreements, our NEOs are entitled to the following payments or benefits upon retirement, death or disability, or for good reason prior to the grant of the Subsequent Sign-On Award, Mr. Garcia was entitled to full vesting of the Initial Sign-On RS and,qualifying termination in lieu of granting the Subsequent Sign-On Award, the Company was required to pay Mr. Garcia $500,000connection with a change in cash within 30 days of such termination.

For Mr. Garcia, “good reason” means a termination 30 days after the Company has received notice of, and failed to cure the following:

(1)

a material diminution in title, duties, role, reporting line, and/or responsibilities, and/or the assignment of duties and/or responsibilities inconsistent with his title or role;

(2)

reduction of base salary and/or ACI or LTIP opportunity;

(3)

relocation to any place other than Wichita, Kansas; and/or

(4)

a material breach by the Company without notice.

Awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan: ACI and Long-Term Incentives

Annual Cash Incentive

In the event of a “qualifying retirement” that occurs 90 days or more after the beginning of the plan year, the participant will be entitled to receive a prorated ACI based on full-year performance metrics actually achieved for such year. Other than Mr. Pilla, none of the NEOs qualify for this benefit as of December 31, 2019.

In the event of a change-in-control of the Company, each participant who incurs a “qualifying termination,” either in anticipation of the change-in-control or during the period beginning 30 days before the date of the change-in-control and ending two years after the closing of the change-in-control, will be entitled to receive a cash award equal to the full-year ACI that the participant would have been entitled to receive for the year during which such termination occurs had the target performance metrics established for that year been met.

Long-Term Incentives (Includes One-Time and Sign-On Awards)control.

Retirement - 2018 and 2019 Long-Term Incentives

Upon a participant’s termination due to “retirement,” the participant will (i) fullycontinue to vest in outstanding time-based restricted stockTime-Based Restricted Stock awards, and (ii) vest in a prorated portion of outstanding performance-based restricted stockPerformance-Based Restricted Stock awards (prorated based on the number of days continuously employed during the performance period) based on actual performance measured at the end of the applicable performance period. NoneAs of our NEOs is currently entitled toDecember 31, 2020, Mr. Hawkins was the only NEO who qualified for these benefits.

Death or Disability-2018and2019Long-TermIncentives

Upon a participant’s termination due to death or disability prior to vesting, the participant will (i) fully vest in his or her outstanding time-based restricted stockTime-Based Restricted Stock awards, and (ii) vest in a prorated portion of his or her outstanding performance-based restricted stockPerformance-Based Restricted Stock awards (prorated based on the number of days continuously employed during the performance period) based on target performance.

Qualifying Termination in Connection with a Change-in-ControlChange -in AllOutstandingLong-TermIncentivesControl

Each participant who incurs a “qualifying termination” will become fully vested upon termination of employment. If an award is subject to performance conditions, the portion that vests will, at the discretion of the Compensation Committee, be determined based upon actual performance through the date of the change-in-controlchange in control (or, if later, the date of the qualifying termination) or, if the Compensation Committee determines that measurement of actual performance cannot be reasonably assessed, the assumed achievement of target performance. In addition, each such participant will also receive a cash award equal to the dollar value of the long-term incentive award that would have been made to the participant in the ordinary course of business within the 12-month period following the date of qualifying termination, based on the participant’s annual base pay in effect on the date of qualifying termination. 

Definitions:

“Qualifying termination” means the participant’s termination, either in anticipation of the change-in-controlchange in control or during the period beginning 30 days before the date of the change-in-controlchange in control and ending two years after the closing of the change-in-control,change in control, (i) by the Company without cause, or (ii) by the participant for good reason. 

“Cause” means that the Company has “cause” to terminate the employee, as defined in any applicable employment or consulting agreement, or any of the following has occurred:

(1)

Grossgross negligence or willful misconduct in the exercise of responsibilities;

(2)

Breachbreach of fiduciary duty;

(3)

Materialmaterial breach of any provision of an employment contract or consulting agreement;

(4)

Thethe commission of a felony crime or crime involving moral turpitude;

(5)

Theft,theft, fraud, misappropriation, or embezzlement (or reasonable suspicion of the same);

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(6)

Willfulwillful violation of any federal, state, or local law (except traffic violations and other similar matters not involving moral turpitude); or

(7)

Refusalrefusal to obey any resolution or direction of the participant’s supervisor or the Board.

“Good reason” means a voluntary termination within 90 days after the participant is assigned to a diminished position (provided certain conditions are met).

“Diminished position” means a position that reflects any of the following changes or actions, unless the participant has consented to the change or action in writing:

(1)

a material diminution in the participant’s base compensation, authority, duties, responsibilities, or associated job title;

(2)

relocation of the participant’s principal office to a location that is greater than 50 miles from the location of the participant’s principal office immediately before such relocation; or

(3)

any action or inaction with respect to the terms and conditions of the participant’s service that constitutes a material breach by the Company of any written agreement between the participant and the Company.

“Retirement” is defined as:

For purposes of the 2018 Long-Term Incentives, termination on or after the date when the grantee has attained age 62; and

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For purposes of the 2019all Long-Term Incentives issued after 2018, termination on or after the date when the grantee has attained age 62, other than a termination by the Company for cause or termination by the Company at the time cause exists.

“Qualifying retirement” is defined, for purposes of the ACI, as a voluntary termination of employment on or after attaining the age of 55 with at least 10 years of service with the Company and its affiliates or the age of 60 with at least five years of such service.

A “change-in-control” is

(1)

a transaction pursuant to which a person, or more than one person acting as a group, acquires more than 50% of the Common Stock; or

(2)

a merger or consolidation involving the Company in which the Company is not the surviving entity, or

(3)

a transaction that is a sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets if all or substantially all the proceeds from such transaction are distributed to the stockholders of the Company.

Perquisite Allowance Plan

 

Upon the occurrence of a change-in-controlchange in control of the Company, a participant who incurs a qualifying termination (as defined under the OIP above) either in anticipation of the change-in-controlchange in control or during the period beginning 30 days before the change-in-controlchange in control and ending two years after the closing of the change-in-control,change in control, is entitled to receive a cash award equal to (1)(i) any remaining unused portion of the participant’s allowance for the calendar year in which the qualifying termination occurs, plus (2)(ii) an amount equal to 100% of the participant’s allowance for the calendar year in which the qualifying termination occurs.

Deferred Compensation Plan

 

Individuals participating in the DCP are entitled to receive payment of amounts credited to their deferred compensation accounts under the DCP upon a separation from service (subject to the expiry of any applicable waiting period). However, in the event of a termination for cause (as defined under the OIP), no amounts credited to the employer-match account or employer discretionary contribution amount shall be payable to the participant. Payment to a participant of any employer-matching or discretionary contributions made under the DCP is subject to compliance by the participant with non-competition, non-solicitation, and confidentiality requirements during the term of the participant’s employment and for so long as the participant receives payments under the DCP. The descriptions of the amounts payable by the Company that are included in the section entitled “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” are incorporated by reference herein. DCP amounts are excluded from the table below.below because, while certain DCP benefits may become payable upon a separation from service, no DCP benefits are enhanced or accelerated as a result of a termination of employment or change in control.

SERP

 

Pursuant to the SERP, Mr. Pilla holds 16,023 phantom stock units. Upon any termination of employment (including for cause) or change-in-control,change in control, Mr. Pilla is entitled to receive payment with respect to each of those phantom stock units in an amount equal to (i) the market value of one share of Class Athe Common stock in the CompanyStock (determined as of the business day immediately preceding the date of payment), plus (ii) the amount of all dividends (other than stock dividends), if any, actually paid on one share of Class Athe Common stock in the CompanyStock during the period from June 16, 2005, through the date payment is made. A “Change-in-Control’“Change in Control’’ under the SERP is a transaction pursuant to which a person acquires (i) more than 50% of the total voting power of the Common Stock, or (ii) all or substantially all the assets of the Company or Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., and all or substantially all the proceeds from such transaction are distributed to the stockholders of the Company. Payment under the SERP will be made in a single lump sum in cash or Common Stock following the change-in-controlchange in control or separation from service. Since Mr. Pilla’s SERP phantom stock units are fully vested, they are excluded from the table below.

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Summary Table-Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-in-Control

 

The following table summarizes the value of compensation and benefits payable to each NEO upon termination that would exceed the compensation or benefits generally available to salaried employees. Benefits and payments are calculated using a termination date of December 31, 2019.2020. For equity valuation purposes, the table below uses $72.88,$39.09, the closing price of the Common Stock on December 31, 2019.2020. For purposes of presenting amounts payable over a period of time (e.g. salary continuation), the amounts are shown as a single total but not as a present value (i.e., the single sum does not reflect any discount). Mr. Garcia is not included below as he was not serving as a NEO on December 31, 2020.

Name

Severance

($)

(1) 

 

ACI

($)

(2) 

 

RS

($)

 

PB-TSR and

PB-FCF

($)

 

Cash Award 

under LTIP

($)

(9) 

 

Perquisite

Plan

($)

(10) 

 

Other

($)

(11) 

 

Total(12)

($)

Severance

($)

(1) 

 

RS

($)

(2) 

 

PB-TSR and

PB-FCF(3)

($)

 

Cash Award 

under LTIP

($)

(4) 

 

Perquisite

Plan

($)

(5) 

 

Other

($)

(6) 

 

Total(7) 

($)

 

Thomas C. Gentile III

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination without Cause

1,313,709

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,313,709

1,300,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,448

 

1,314,448

 

Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination

1,313,709

 

1,873,535

 

6,780,464

(3) 

7,867,303

(6) 

7,150,000

 

50,000

 

 

 

25,035,010

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination

1,300,000

 

5,055,158

 

 

 

7,150,000

 

25,000

 

14,448 

 

13,544,606

 

Death or Disability

 

 

 

 

5,435,318

(4) 

1,883,542

(8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,318,859

 

 

5,055,158

 

2,691,858

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,747,016

 

Jose I. Garcia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination without Cause or for Good Reason

623,276

 

 

 

389,383

(5) 

240,057

(5) 

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

2,252,713

Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination

623,276

 

615,000

 

1,804,217

(3) 

360,122

(7) 

1,230,000

 

26,000

 

1,000,000

 

5,658,611

Mark J. Suchinski

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination without Cause

500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,224

 

507,224

 

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination

500,000

 

572,473

 

 

 

875,000

 

13,000

 

7,224

 

1,967,697

 

Death or Disability

 

 

 

 

1,804,217

(4) 

240,057

(8) 

 

 

 

 

1,000,000

 

3,044,275

 

 

572,473

 

211,182

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

783,655

 

Samantha J. Marnick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination

 

 

550,000

 

1,143,050

(3) 

1,366,309

(6) 

1,182,500

 

26,000

 

 

 

4,267,859

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination

 

 

836,643

 

 

 

1,426,000

 

13,000

 

 

 

2,275,643

 

Death or Disability

 

 

 

 

901,088

(4) 

312,843

(8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,213,931

 

 

836,643

 

446,285

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,282,798

 

Duane F. Hawkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination

 

 

535,000

 

1,283,271

(3) 

1,603,019

(6) 

1,230,500

 

26,000

 

 

 

4,677,790

Termination without Cause

 

 

491,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

491,557

 

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination

 

 

491,557

 

 

 

1,230,500

 

13,000

 

 

 

1,735,057

 

Death or Disability

 

 

491,557

 

487,667

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

979,224

 

Qualifying Retirement/Retirement

 

 

491,557

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

491,557

 

William E. Brown

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination

 

 

571,848

 

 

 

799,000

 

13,0

00

 

 

1,383,848

 

Death or Disability

 

 

 

 

985,994

(4) 

354,453

(8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,340,446

 

 

571,848

 

270,334

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

842,181

 

John A. Pilla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination

 

 

475,000

 

1,208,861

(3) 

1,108,500

(6) 

902,500

 

26,000

 

 

 

3,720,861

Termination without Cause

235,548

 

724,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

651,661

 

1,611,859

 

Change in Control and Qualifying Termination

235,548

 

724,650

 

 

 

902,500

 

 

 

651,661

 

2,514,359

 

Death or Disability

 

 

 

 

1,008,878

(4) 

252,577

(8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,261,455

 

 

724,650

 

351,730

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,076,381

 

Qualifying Retirement

 

 

475,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

475,000

(1)

For Messrs. Gentile and Garcia: Represents annual base salary and COBRA benefits for 12 months pursuant to each recipient’s employment agreement. Under “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination,” assumes a termination by the Company without cause under their respective employment agreements.

(2)

Under the “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination” row, represents a cash amount equal to the value of the full-year ACI at target performance. With respect to Mr. Pilla’s “Qualifying Retirement” row, represents an amount equal to the ACI based on full-year performance metrics actually achieved for the year.

(3)

Represents a cash amount equal to all unvested RSs multiplied by $72.88.

(4)

Represents a cash amount equal to all unvested 2018 and 2019 RSs multiplied by $72.88.

(5)

Under “RS” column, represents 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 RS multiplied by $72.88. Under “PB-TSR and PB-FCF” column, represents the sum of (i) a cash amount equal to 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 PB-TSR, multiplied by 0%, the projected payout for the award, multiplied by $72.88; and (ii) a cash amount equal to 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 PB-FCF, multiplied by 182%, the projected payout for the award, multiplied by $72.88.

(6)

Represents the sum of cash amounts equal to the target amount of unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $72.88 and multiplied by the following: (i) for the 2019 PB-TSR, 0%, the projected payout for the award; (ii) for the 2019 PB-FCF, 182%, the projected payout for the award; (iii) for the 2018 PB-TSR, 34%, the projected payout for the award; (iv) for the 2018 PB-FCF, 110%, the projected payout for the award; (v) for the 2017 PB-TSR, 120%, the projected payout for the award; and (vi) for the 2017 PB-FCF, 200%, the projected payout for the award.

(7)

For Mr. Garcia, amount assumes a qualifying termination constituting a termination without cause under his employment agreement and represents the sum of (i) a cash amount equal to 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 PB-TSR, multiplied by 0%, the projected payout for the award, multiplied by $72.88; and (ii) a cash amount equal to 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 PB-FCF, multiplied by 182%, the projected payout for the award, multiplied by $72.88.

(8)

For all except Mr. Garcia, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the 2019 PB-TSR, 2019 PB-FCF, 2018 PB-TSR and 2018 PB-FCF multiplied by $72.88. For Mr. Garcia, represents the sum of (i) a cash amount equal to 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 PB-TSR, multiplied by 0%, the projected payout for the award, multiplied by $72.88; and (ii) a cash amount equal to 66 2/3% of Mr. Garcia’s annual 2019 PB-FCF, multiplied by 182%, the projected payout for the award, multiplied by $72.88.

(9)

Represents a cash amount equal to the value of the full-year long-term incentive that would have been made to such NEO in the ordinary course of business within the 12-month period following the date of the change-in-control and qualifying termination based on the participant’s annual base pay in effect on such date.

(10)

Assumes that each NEO’s allowance for 2019 was entirely unused upon the occurrence of the qualifying termination. Represents a cash award of (i) the remaining 2019 annual allowance, plus (ii) the allowance the NEO would receive for 2020.

(11)

For Mr. Garcia, represents the sum of (i) a cash payment in settlement of his Subsequent Sign-On Award, and (ii) a cash payment of $500,000 of the second tranche of his cash sign-on award due in 2020.

(12)

For Messrs. Garcia, Gentile and Pilla and Ms. Marnick, excludes the balance of the amounts deferred under the DCP, the value of which is reported at “---Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.” For Mr. Pilla, excludes the fully vested SERP phantom stock units, the present value of which is reported at “---Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” and payments under the PVP, the present value of which is reported at “---Pension Benefits.”

(1)

Under the “Termination without Cause” row, represents 12 months of annual base salary pursuant to their Messrs. Gentile’s and Suchinski’s employment agreements and the payment of Mr. Pilla’s salary as a Senior Advisor through July 1, 2021. Under the “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination” row, assumes a termination by the Company without cause under their respective employment agreements.

(2)

Represents a cash amount equal to all unvested RSs multiplied by $39.09. Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances).

(3)

Under the “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination” row, represents the sum of cash amounts equal to the target amount of unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09 and multiplied by 0%, the projected payout for each award as of December 31, 2020. Under the “Death or Disability” row, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09. Under the “Qualifying Retirement/Retirement” row, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09 and multiplied by 0%, the project payout for each award as of December 31, 2020. Under Mr. Pilla’s “Termination without Cause” row, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09 and multiplied by 0%, the project payout for each award as of December 31, 2020.

(4)

Represents a cash amount equal to the value of the full-year long-term incentive that would have been made to such NEO in the ordinary course of business within the 12-month period following the date of the change-in-control and qualifying termination based on the participant’s annual base pay in effect on such date.

(1)

Under the “Termination without Cause” row, represents 12 months of annual base salary pursuant to their Messrs. Gentile’s and Suchinski’s employment agreements and the payment of Mr. Pilla’s salary as a Senior Advisor through July 1, 2021. Under the “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination” row, assumes a termination by the Company without cause under their respective employment agreements.

(2)

Represents a cash amount equal to all unvested RSs multiplied by $39.09. Mr. Hawkins became retirement eligible in 2020 and, accordingly, will continue to vest in the RS even if he departs the Company (except under certain circumstances).

(3)

Under the “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination” row, represents the sum of cash amounts equal to the target amount of unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09 and multiplied by 0%, the projected payout for each award as of December 31, 2020. Under the “Death or Disability” row, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09. Under the “Qualifying Retirement/Retirement” row, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09 and multiplied by 0%, the project payout for each award as of December 31, 2020. Under Mr. Pilla’s “Termination without Cause” row, represents a prorated cash amount equal to the number of target shares in the unvested PB-TSRs and PB-FCFs multiplied by $39.09 and multiplied by 0%, the project payout for each award as of December 31, 2020.

(4)

Represents a cash amount equal to the value of the full-year long-term incentive that would have been made to such NEO in the ordinary course of business within the 12-month period following the date of the change-in-control and qualifying termination based on the participant’s annual base pay in effect on such date.

 
(5)

Represents a cash award of the allowance the NEO would receive for 2021.

(6)

Represents 12 months of COBRA benefits for Mr. Gentile and 6 months of COBRA benefits for Mr. Suchinski under their respective employment agreements. For Mr. Pilla includes (i) $475,000 in consulting payments under the Pilla Agreement, and (ii) $176,661 as a 2021 ACI payment, using the target amount (performance could exceed the target as the payment is based upon actual performance).

(7)

For Messrs. Gentile and Pilla and Ms. Marnick, excludes the balance of the amounts deferred under the DCP, the value of which is reported at “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.” For Mr. Pilla, excludes the fully-vested SERP phantom stock units, the present value of which is reported at “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation,” and payments under the PVP, the present value of which are reported at “Pension Benefits.” For “Change-in-Control and Qualifying Termination,” assumes a termination by the Company without cause under their respective employment agreements.

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Mr. Garcia’s Resignation During Fiscal Year 2020

As described above, under “Summary Compensation Table – Employment and Separation Agreements – Mr. Garcia’s Employment Agreement and Resignation Agreement,” Mr. Garcia resigned from the Company on January 29, 2020. The descriptions therein of the amounts received by Mr. Garcia in connection with his resignation is incorporated into this description by reference and quantified in the table below.

Name

Severance

($)(1)

ACI for 2019

($)(2)

RS ($)(3)

PB-TSR and

PB-FCF ($)(4)

COBRA

Coverage

($)(5)

Outplacement

($)(6)

Other(7)

Total ($)

Jose I. Garcia

615,000

615,000

1,439,059

 

20,000

75,000

918,074

3,682,133

(1)

Represents a cash amount equal to one year of Mr. Garcia’s annual base salary applicable on the date of his resignation.

(2)

Represents the payment of Mr. Garcia’s ACI award for 2019.

(3)

Represents accelerated vesting as of January 31, 2020, with respect to 10,861 shares underlying the Initial Sign-On RS award, 5,880 shares of a Special RS award, and 5,344 shares, of the 2019 RS award, calculated based on the average of the opening and closing prices of the Common Stock on January 31, 2020.

(4)

Mr. Garcia is entitled to continued vesting (upon the contractual vesting date) with respect to 1,321 shares (based on target performance) of the 2019 PB-TSR and 1,810 shares (based on target performance) of the 2019 PB-FCF, subject to the Company’s certification of the satisfaction of applicable performance criteria. Because the ultimate amount, if any, that may become payable under these awards is based on future performance and, as of December 31, 2020, management does not believe the 2019 PB-TSR and PB-FCF will pay out, the table above does not include any amounts to be realized from the continued vesting of these awards.

(5)

Represents COBRA coverage paid under the Garcia Agreement.

(6)

Represents reimbursement of reasonable and documented career transition services through July 31, 2020.

(7)

Represents sum of (i) cash in lieu of 2020 long-term incentive grants ($409,590), (ii) cash in lieu of Mr. Garcia’s Subsequent Sign-On Award ($500,000), and (iii) $8,484 in dividends paid on accelerated shares described under footnote (3).

 

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2020 CEO Pay Ratio

As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship of annual total compensation of our median employee and the annual total compensation of our President and CEO. For 2020, our last completed fiscal year, our ratio as calculated pursuant to Item 402(u) was as follows:

The 20192020 annual total compensation of the Company’s CEO was $11,072,149. $10,454,350.

The 20192020 annual total compensation of the median employee (excluding the CEO) was $70,486. The$64,775.

Based on this information, for 2020, the ratio betweenof the two amounts is 157:1.

The 2018 pay ratio in 2018 was 126:1. The increase is due primarily to the increase in Mr. Gentile’s annual total compensation from $9,899,693 in 2018 to $11,079,149 in 2019, and the decrease in the median employee’s compensation (dueof our CEO to the change in theannual total compensation of our median employee as described below) from $78,740 in 2019was reasonably estimated to $70,486 in 2019.be 161:1.

Determining the Median Employee

 

The Company believes that the ratio of pay included above is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with applicable SEC rules.

Due to significant changes in the Company’s employee population in 2020 and as a result of workforce reductions due to impacts from the B737 MAX grounding and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the closing of the Bombardier acquisition, the Company determined that it was necessary to identify a new median employee for 2020. To identify the median employee in 2019,for 2020, we reviewed base pay to all of our employees as of December 31, 20192020 (the “Pay Ratio Employee Population”). We used base pay as our compensation measure to avoid variations in pay due to overtime worked or other items that may yield one-time pay increases. As a result of such review, we identified the 50 middlemost employees of the Pay Ratio Employee Population. Subsequently, we reviewed the base pay of each of those 50 employees as of December 31, 2019,2020, as reflected in the Company’s payroll records. Comparing the base pay of each of the 50 employees, we identified the eight middlemost employees. For 2019,2020, we studied each of the eight employees’ base pay and variable pay for the year of performance to determine the median and eliminated seven employees from the group. The remaining employee from that analysis is our median employee for 2019.2020.

The Pay Ratio Employee Population was the same as the population identified in 2018, and included all U.S. and non-U.S. personsindividuals employed by the Company on a full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary basis.basis as of December 31, 2020 (including after giving effect to the Bombardier Acquisition). Further, the Pay Ratio Employee Population excluded independent contractors and leased workers who provide services to the Company but are employed, and whose compensation is determined, by an unaffiliated third party.

In calculating base pay for the Pay Ratio Employee Population and the group of 8eight employees, we did not make any assumptions, adjustments (including cost of living adjustments), or estimates with respect to compensation, and we did not annualize compensation for any full-time employees who were not employed by us for the full 2019 yearall of 2020 through December 31, 2019.2020. As required by SEC rules, after identifying our median employee, we calculated annual total compensation for both our median employee and our CEO using the same methodology that we used to determine our NEOs’ annual total compensation for the “Summary Compensation Table.”

Given the different methodologies that companies use to determine an estimate of their pay ratio, the estimated ratio reported above should not be used as a basis for comparison between companies.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee establishes and oversees the design and functioning of the Company’s executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in this Proxy Statement with the Company’s management. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement for the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and also be incorporated by reference in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year 2019.2020.

Compensation Committee

Paul E. Fulchino, Chairman
Charles L. Chadwell
Robert D. Johnson

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PROPOSAL 3

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Overview

Ernst & Young LLP (“E&Y”) conducted the audit of the Company’s accounts for fiscal year 2019.2020. The Audit Committee has selected E&Y as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2020,2021, and the Board is asking the Company’s stockholders to ratify that selection. The Company expects that representatives of E&Y will be present at the Annual Meeting and they may make a statement if they desire to do so. Further, the Company expects that such representatives will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Voting Standard

The affirmative vote of a majority of stockholders present, in person or by proxy, will constitute the stockholders’ non-binding approval with respect to Proposal 3. With respect to Proposal 3, a stockholder may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.” Abstentions will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting; therefore, they will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” Proposal 3. Proposal 3 is considered a routine matter under NYSE rules. As a result, brokers who do not receive voting instructions generally may vote on Proposal 3 in their discretion. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote proxies received by them “FOR” the proposal.

If a majority of votes cast on this matter are not cast in favor of the selection of E&Y, the Audit Committee will reconsider the selection of such firm as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Even if the Company’s stockholders vote on an advisory (non-binding) basis in favor of the selection, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the selection of a different independent auditor at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

   The Board recommends you vote “FOR” the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.firm for 2021.

Pre-Approval Policy

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy governing the pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Under this policy, the Audit Committee has delegated approval authority to the Chair of the Audit Committee, provided the Chair reports all pre-approval decisions in writing to the Audit Committee, and the decisions are discussed at the Audit Committee’s next scheduled meeting. InFor the fiscal years ended December 31, 2019, and December 31, 2020, all of the Company’s audit and permissible non-audit services provided by E&Y were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

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Audit and Other Fees

The fees incurred by the Company, including its majority-owned subsidiaries, for services provided by E&Y in 20192020 and 20182019 are set forth below. All the fees set forth below and associated services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee concluded that the provision of the non-audit services listed below was compatible with E&Y’s independence.

December 31,

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2018

($)

2019

($)

2019

($)

2020

($)

Audit Fees(1)

3,822.1

4,480.8

4,480.8

4,630.0

Audit-Related Fees(2)

1,639.2

628.4

628.4

140.0

Tax Fees(3)

206.4

172.0

172.0

10.0

All Other Fees(4)

2.0

7.2

7.2

TOTAL

5,669.7

5,288.4

5,288.4

4,787.2

(1)

Represents fees and expenses for professional services provided in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements, statutory audits, and advice on accounting matters directly related to the audit.

(2)

For 2019, represents fees related to merger and acquisition analysis. For 2018, represents $188.0 in fees related to the implementation of FASB’s new revenue recognition standard, $43.5 in fees related to the implementation of FASB’s new leasing standard, $1,333.1 in fees related to merger and acquisition analysis, and $74.6 in fees related to comfort letters.

(3)

Represents fees and expenses for tax consultations and advice related to compliance with tax laws and tax-planning strategies.

(4)

Represents fees related to research tools.

(1)

Represents fees and expenses for professional services provided in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements, statutory audits, and advice on accounting matters directly related to the audit.

(2)

For 2020, represents fees related to comfort letters. For 2019, represents fees related to merger and acquisition analysis.

(3)

Represents fees and expenses for tax consultations and advice related to compliance with tax laws and tax-planning strategies.

(4)

Represents fees related to research tools.

(1)

Represents fees and expenses for professional services provided in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements, statutory audits, and advice on accounting matters directly related to the audit.

(2)

For 2020, represents fees related to comfort letters. For 2019, represents fees related to merger and acquisition analysis.

(3)

Represents fees and expenses for tax consultations and advice related to compliance with tax laws and tax-planning strategies.

(4)

Represents fees related to research tools.

Audit Committee Report

ThefollowingreportoftheAuditCommitteedoesnotconstitutesolicitingmaterialandshouldnotbedeemedfiledorincorporatedbyreferenceintoanyfuturefilingsundertheSecuritiesActortheExchangeAct,excepttotheextentwespecificallyincorporatethisreportbyreference.

The Audit Committee currently consists of four non-employee directors. Each of the Audit Committee members satisfies the NYSE’s requirements with respect to independence and financial literacy. Mses.Ms. Esteves, andMs. Wright, and Mr. Plueger qualify as audit committee financial experts as defined by the SEC. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee are set forth in its charter, which is available at http://investor.spiritaero.com/govdocscorporate-governance/govdocs/default.aspx. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee met eight15 times in 2019.2020.

The Company’s management is responsible for preparing and presenting the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and developing and maintaining the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal auditors are responsible for conducting internal audits intended to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of this system. E&Y, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2019,2020, is responsible for auditing the Company’s consolidated financial statements and issuing an opinion as to whether the financial statements fairly present the Company’s financial position in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. E&Y is also responsible for auditing the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has:

Reviewed and discussed with management and E&Y the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, as well as the representations of management regarding the Company’s internal control over financial reporting;

Reviewed and discussed with E&Y all itemsthe matters required to be discussed by the standardsapplicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”); and the SEC; and

Received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from E&Y required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding E&Y’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with E&Y its independence from the Company and its management.

Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, for filing with the SEC, and the Board approved the Audit Committee’s recommendation. The Audit Committee selected E&Y as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2020.2021.

Audit Committee
Irene M. Esteves, Chair
Stephen A. Cambone
John L. Plueger
Laura H. Wright

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PROPOSAL 4

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL: LET STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ON BYLAW AMENDMENTSIMPROVE OUR CATCH-22 PROXY ACCESS

Stockholder Proposal

John Chevedden, 2215 Nelson Avenue, No. 205, Redondo Beach, California, 90278, beneficial owner of 100200 shares of Common Stock, is the proponent of the following stockholder proposal:

Resolved: Shareholders request that the Boardour board of Directorsdirectors take the steps necessary to adoptenable as many shareholders as may be needed to combine their shares to equal 3% of our stock owned continuously for 3-years in order to enable shareholder proxy access.

The current arbitrary ration of 20 shareholders to initiate shareholder proxy access can be called Catch-22 Proxy Access. To assemble 20 shareholders, who have owned 3% of company stock for an unbroken 3-years, one would reasonably need to start with 60 activist shareholders who own 9% of company stock for an unbroken 3-years because initiating proxy access is a bylawcomplicated process that requires any amendmentis easily susceptible to errors. It is also highly susceptible to dropouts.

The 60 activist shareholders could then be whittled down to 40 shareholders because some shareholders would be unable to timely meet all the paper chase requirements. After the 40 shareholders submit their paperwork to management – then management might arbitrarily claim that 10 shareholders do not meet the requirements (figuring that shareholders do not want a battle in court) and management might convince another 10 shareholders to drop out – leaving 20 shareholders. But the current bylaws do not allow 40 shareholders to submit their paperwork to management to end up with 20 qualified shareholders.

And 60 shareholders who own 9% of company stock for an unbroken 3-years might determine that they own 51% of company stock when length of unbroken stock ownership is factored out.

But how does one begin to assemble a group of 60 potential participants if potential participants cannot even be guaranteed participant status after following the tedious rules that are 2700-words of dense legalese – because a single shareholder always takes the risk that one will be the 21st shareholder that could be eliminated after a substantial investment of time by the arbitrary ration of 20 shareholders. Thus, our current proxy access is proxy access that comes with its own poison pill.

More emphasis should be given to improving proxy access because of new limitations on shareholder rights. The shareholder right to call a special meeting has taken a big hit due to the bylaws,avalanche of online shareholder meetings that is approvedcan now be tightly controlled bare bones meetings where all challenging questions and comments are screened out by management.

For instance the board, shall be subjectGoodyear shareholder meeting was spoiled by a trigger-happy management mute button for shareholders that was used to quash constructive criticism. AT&T would not even allow shareholders to speak.

Please see: Goodyear’s virtual meeting creates issues with shareholder https://www.crainscleveland.com/manufacturing/goodyears-virtual-meeting-creates-issues-shareholder

Please see: AT&T investors denied a non-binding shareholder votedial-in as soon as practical unless such amendment is already subject to a binding vote.annual meeting goes online

It is important that bylaw amendments take into consideration the impact that such amendments can have on reducing the accountabilityhttps://whbl.com/2020/04/17/att-investors-denied-a-dial-in-as-annual-meeting-goes-online/1007928/

Adoption of directors and managers and/or on limiting the rights of shareholders, For example, Directors could adopt a narrowly crafted exclusive forum bylaw to suit the unique circumstances of the company.

A proxy advisor recently adopted a policy to vote against directors who unilaterally adopt bylaw provisions or amendments to the articles of incorporation that materially diminish shareholder rights.

If our directors are opposed to this proposal then it would be useful formight incentivize the Chair of our directorsAudit Committee Ms. Irene Esteves to give recent examplesperform better in regard to shareholder voting. Ms. Esteves received the highest 2020 negative director votes – 70-times higher than 3 of companies whose directors took the initiative and adopted bylaws that primarily benefited shareholders. A shareholder vote is the best form of shareholder engagement because every shareholder has an opportunity to be heard.her director peers.

Please vote to improve shareholder engagement: Let Shareholders Vote on Bylaw Amendments —yes: Improve Our Catch-22 Proxy Access – Proposal 4.

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The Board of Directors’ Statement in Opposition

After consideration, the Board of Directors has concluded that the adoption of this proposal is not in the best interests of our stockholders.

First,The Company is committed to robust corporate governance practices and stockholder rights with appropriate safeguards against abuse. In November 2016, after careful consideration, the Board adopted its proxy access bylaw. The bylaw permits a stockholder, or a group of up to 20 stockholders, owning 3% or more of the Company’s bylawsoutstanding Common Stock continuously for at least three years, to nominate and the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) grant stockholders the unfettered right to amendinclude in the Company’s bylaws. This right is separate fromproxy materials directors constituting up to the Board’s right to amendgreater of 2 individuals or 20% of the bylaws. As stated in DGCL Section 109, the factCompany’s Board of Directors, provided that the stockholder(s) and nominee(s) satisfy certain requirements set forth in our bylaws. The Board believes that the Company’s current proxy access bylaw, including the maximum stockholder group size that Proposal 4 seeks to effectively eliminate, provides meaningful and robust proxy access rights to our stockholders with appropriate safeguards against abuse by individuals with special interests that are not shared by a significant percentage of our stockholders. Further, a majority of our peer group and S&P 500 index companies that have adopted proxy access bylaws also set forth a maximum stockholder group size for the purposes of meeting the ownership threshold of 3%. Implementation of the change sought by Proposal 4 would make the Company an outlier among public companies that have adopted proxy access.

Overall, our proxy access bylaw is well within the mainstream of public company practices and it shares similar features with the proxy access bylaws of many other companies. We strongly believe that revising the maximum stockholder group size could have unintended effects that could negatively impact stockholder value, including promoting the use of proxy access to lay the groundwork for effecting a change of control; encouraging the pursuit of special interests at the expense of a holistic, long-term strategic view; or otherwise disrupting the effective functioning of the Board. Moreover, the Board believes that it is sensible to impose a reasonable limit on the number of stockholders that may aggregate their ownership for the purposes of meeting the ownership threshold in order to simplify the proxy access process, both for stockholders and for the Company. With each stockholder who is added to the proxy access process, additional time and resources by the Board and Governance Committee will be required in order to evaluate the stockholder’s eligibility. The Board also hasbelieves that a limit of 20 stockholders provides our investors with significant flexibility without unduly increasing the powerrisk that activists will attempt to amenduse the provision to engage in investor solicitation without complying with federal securities laws. In addition, we note that the current proxy access bylaw does not prevent a group of stockholders from evaluating their eligibility prior to submitting a proxy access request to the Company, thereby increasing the likelihood of their success.

The Board believes that the Company’s bylaws “shall not divestcurrent proxy access bylaw reflects an appropriate balance between stockholder rights and mitigating the stockholders or membersrisk of the power, nor limit their power to adopt, amend or repeal bylaws.” If the Board adopts a bylaw amendment that the stockholders do not believe to be in their best interests, stockholders are able to take action at a special or annual meeting and repeal the amendment. This is the framework seen in the vast majoritymisuse of the largest U.S. public companies dueproxy access right, and that it is fair to its flexibility, which both allows the board to act quickly and the stockholders to amend the bylaws if deemed appropriate or needed to protect rights.

Second, requiring the Board to hold a stockholder vote for every amendment to the bylaws would result in an administrative burden to the Company and its stockholders. Preparing for and conducting excess stockholders meetings is expensive and distracting for the Company. AsOur Board has also shown an example, preparing forongoing commitment to having effective, balanced corporate governance while also continually engaging with stockholders. The Board continues to believe that these objectives are being achieved through the Company’s 2019current governance processes and that changing our proxy access framework, as outlined by the proposal, is unnecessary, unwarranted, and potentially detrimental to stockholder meeting cost the Company more than $100,000. Furthermore, the bylaws contain procedural and administrative matters and amendments are often administrative or clerical in nature (involving updates to Delaware law or fixing provisions that are outdated or off-market); involving the stockholders in such matters wastes their time. Such amendments should be handled quickly and inexpensively through a Board vote, without the unnecessary expense of a stockholder meeting and in order to adopt the amendment within the time frame necessary. Furthermore, in adopting any such amendments, the Board has and is committed to acting in full alignment with its fiduciary duties to the Company and its stockholders.

Third, the Board’s strong governance practices and effective stockholder engagement program reflect its dedication to protecting and, when appropriate, enhancing stockholder rights, ensuring the stockholders have an opportunity to be heard, and maintaining accountability to stockholders and other stakeholders. The Board is committed to continuing its robust approach to governance and consistently reviews new and emerging corporate governance practices to determine if such practices would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. To the extent the stockholders believe the Board is not acting in their interests, they are free to communicate with the Company’s leadership, nominate new director candidates, or vote against all or certain directors at the upcoming annual meeting. Further, under the bylaws, any director who fails to receive the requisite number of votes for election is required to promptly tender his or her resignation to the Board.value.

For the reasons noted above, the Board requests that you vote “AGAINST” the foregoing stockholder proposal, Proposal 4.

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Voting Standard

The affirmative vote of a majority of stockholders present, in person or by proxy, will constitute the stockholders’ non-binding approval with respect to Proposal 4. With respect to Proposal 4, a stockholder may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN.” Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting; therefore, they will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” Proposal 4.

Under the rules of the NYSE, brokers are prohibited from giving proxies to vote on non-routine matters unless the beneficial owner of such shares has given voting instructions on the matter. This means that if your broker is the record holder of your shares, you must give voting instructions to your broker with respect to Proposal 4 if you want your broker to vote your shares on the matter.

   The Board recommends that you vote “AGAINST” the foregoing stockholder proposal.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

Questions and Answers About the Annual Meeting and Voting

Why am I being asked to vote?

 

The Company’s Board of Directors is asking you to vote with respect to proposals being presented at the Company’s Annual Meeting. You may either vote in personThis Proxy Statement includes information that is relevant to the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting viaand is otherwise required by SEC rules. The Annual Meeting will take place virtually on April 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. See “How can I vote my shares before the internet, by phone, or by returning a proxy card or voting instruction form. Annual Meeting?” and “How can I vote my shares during the Annual Meeting?” below for information on how you can vote your shares.

What is included in these materials?

These materials include:

The Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders; and

The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

If you wantwish to vote in person by attendingreceive printed versions of the Annual Meeting,above, please readreference “How do I attend the Annual Meeting?request a printed set of proxy materials?

Who can vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

You are entitled to vote if our records show that you were a stockholder of record as of the record date, February 24, 2020 (the “Record Date”).Record Date, March 2, 2021. On the Record Date, there were 104,744,137105,440,975 shares of Common Stock outstanding. Each outstanding share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote.

Why is the Annual Meeting being held in a virtual format?

The Annual Meeting will be conducted virtually via live audio webcast. We are conducting the Annual Meeting solely online due to the continuing impact of and uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the health and well-being of our stockholders; however, we also believe a virtual format facilitates stockholder attendance and participation by leveraging technology to allow us to communicate more effectively and efficiently with our stockholders. For example,

WeEncourageQuestions. Stockholders may submit questions before the meeting and during the meeting by following the instructions under “How can I submit questions for the Annual Meeting?”

WeBelieveinTransparency. Although the live audio webcast is available only to stockholders at the time of the meeting, following completion of the Annual Meeting, a webcast replay will be posted to our Investor Relations website at http://investor.spiritaero.com/news-presentations/Presentations/default.aspx.

WeProactivelyTakeStepstoFacilitateYourParticipation. During the Annual Meeting, technicians will be available to assist you with technical difficulties. Anyone who has technical difficulties accessing or using www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021 during the Annual Meeting should call the technical support number on the website. The virtual meeting site is supported on browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari) and devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and cell phones) running the most updated version of applicable software and plugins. Each participant should ensure strong Wi-Fi or other internet connection.

The Company is committed to returning to in-person annual stockholder meetings as soon as practicable.

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Why did I receive a Notice and not a full set of materials?

We deliver our proxy materials to stockholders primarily over the internet by using “notice and access” delivery, rather than mailing paper copies to each stockholder. Using this method has reduced our printing and mailing costs and the impact of our Proxy Statement on the environment. If you received a Notice by mail or email, you will not receive a paper copy of the proxy materials or Annual Report unless you request one. Instead, the Notice will tell you how to access these materials over the internet. If you received a Notice and would like to request a full set of printed materials, you may do so by following the instructions provided under “How do I request a printed set of proxy materials?”

If you are a beneficial owner, the Notice has been forwarded to you by your broker or bank, who is considered, with respect to your shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank, or other holder of record as to how to vote your shares.

How do I view the Proxy Statement online?

 

Go to http://www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions to view the materials.

How do I request a printed set of proxy materials?

You can easily request a paper copy of the proxy materials at no cost to you using one of the following methods:

BYINTERNET

BYEMAIL

BYPHONE

Visit www.proxyvote.com

To sendmaterial@proxyvote.com

Toll-free at 1-800-579-1639

You will need to provide the 16-digit voting control number printed in the box marked by the arrow located on the Notice. When sending your request by email, send a blank email with the 16-digit voting control number in the subject line.

How can I vote my shares?shares before the Annual Meeting?

 

BY INTERNET

Visit www.proxyvote.com

MOBILE DEVICE

Use your tablet or smartphone
to scan the QR code above

BY MAIL

Complete
and return the enclosed
proxy card or voting
instruction form

BY PHONE

Call 1-800-690-6903

INPERSON

Vote in person at the
Annual Meeting; see
“How do I
Attend the Annual
Meeting”

You are encouraged to read all the proxy materials before voting your shares as they contain important information for making an informed voting decision.decision.

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How can I vote my shares during the Annual Meeting?

For information on how to attend the virtual Annual Meeting, see “How can I attend the Annual Meeting?”

If you are a stockholder of record as of the Record Date, you may vote your shares electronically during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions on www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021. If you are the beneficial owner of your shares, you may also vote electronically during the Annual Meeting by following the instructions at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you vote by proxy ahead of the Annual Meeting, as described under “How can I vote my shares before the Annual Meeting?” so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to participate in the Annual Meeting.

How can I attend the Annual Meeting?

You are entitled to attend and participate in the virtual Annual Meeting only if you were a stockholder as of the close of business on March 2, 2021, or if you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. If you are not a stockholder, you may still view the meeting after the recording has been posted on our Investor Relations website.

If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting online, please be aware of what you will need to gain admission, as described below. If you do not comply with the procedures described here for attending the Annual Meeting online, you will not be able to participate in the Annual Meeting.

To attend online and participate in the Annual Meeting, stockholders of record and beneficial stockholders must use their 16-digit control number on their Notice of Internet Availability or proxy card to log into www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021. We encourage you to access the meeting beginning at 10:45 a.m. Central Time on April 28, 2021. We will have technicians ready to assist if you have difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during check-in or during the Annual Meeting. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in or course of the Annual Meeting, please call the number indicated on www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021.

For information on how to vote shares during the Annual Meeting, see “How can I vote my shares during the Annual Meeting?”

How can I submit questions for the Annual Meeting?

Stockholders may submit questions before the Annual Meeting at www.proxyvote.com. In addition, stockholders may submit questions during the Annual Meeting at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/SPR2021. We reserve the right to edit profanity or other inappropriate language and to exclude questions regarding topics that are not pertinent to meeting matters or Company business. If we receive substantially similar questions, we may group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition.

How many shares must be present to hold the meeting?

 

A quorum is necessary for us to hold the Annual Meeting. A quorum is the presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the votes that all stockholders are entitled to vote. Your shares will be counted as being present for purposes of determining a quorum if you attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person virtually or properly return proxy instructions. Abstentions (where you abstain from voting) will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum. Further, the Company will also count broker non-votes for the purpose of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Broker non-votes occur when a person holding shares through a bank or brokerage account does not provide instructions as to how his or her shares should be voted and the broker does not exercise discretion to vote those shares on a particular matter.

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What vote is required to approve each item?

 

For Proposal 1 — the Election of Directors — a director nominee will be elected if the votes “FOR” that nominee exceed the votes “AGAINST” that nominee. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the proposal.

Proposals 2 through 4 require the affirmative “FOR” vote of a majority of shares present, in person or by proxy.proxy, and entitled to vote. With respect to Proposals 2 and 4, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against the proposal. With respect to Proposal 3, abstentions will have the effect of a vote against the proposal. No broker non-votes are expected in connection with Proposal 3 since, due to its routine nature, brokers may vote in their discretion.

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What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a beneficial owner? How do I vote my shares as a stockholder of record or beneficial owner?

 

StockholderofRecord: You are a stockholder of record if your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, Computershare, Inc. As a stockholder of record, you can vote your shares as provided under “How can I vote my shares before the Annual Meeting?” and “How can I vote my shares during the Annual Meeting?”

BeneficialOwnerofSharesHeldinStreetName: If you own your shares in an account at a bank, brokerage firm, broker-dealer, or other nominee, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name.” The firm holding your account is the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank, or other holder of record as to how to vote your shares. If you hold your stock as a beneficial owner, you may vote as provided under “How can I vote my shares?” If you want to vote in person atshares before the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from your broker, bank, or other nomineeMeeting?” and bring it to“How can I vote my shares during the meeting, and submit it with your vote.Annual Meeting?” If you do not submit voting instructions to your broker, bank, or other nominee, your broker, bank, or other nominee will not be permitted to vote your shares in their discretion on Proposal 1, 2, or 4, but may still be permitted to vote your shares in their discretion on Proposal 3.

Why did I receive more than one proxy card or voting instruction form?

 

If you received more than one proxy card or voting instruction form, you own shares in more than one account. To ensure that all of your shares are voted, please vote each account separately as set forth under “How can I vote my shares?shares before the Annual Meeting?” or “How can I vote my shares during the Annual Meeting?

If I vote by proxy, what voting options do I have?

 

The Board-designated proxies are Robert D. Johnson and Stacy Cozad.Samantha J. Marnick. With respect to all proposals, you may instruct the proxies to vote “FOR” or “AGAINST” each proposal, or you may instruct the proxies to “ABSTAIN” from voting. The shares will be voted in accordance with the instructions specified on the proxy card or voting instruction form. If no instructions are provided, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors: “FOR” each director nominee, “FOR” the advisory vote to approve NEO compensation, “FOR” ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm, and “AGAINST” the stockholder proposal.

Can I change my vote?

 

Before the Annual Meeting, you have the power to revoke your proxy and change your vote. If you hold your shares in street name, you must follow the instructions of your broker, bank, or other nominee to revoke your proxy. If you are a holder of record and wish to revoke your proxy, you must providecan do so by submitting a later-dated vote online during the Annual Meeting, via the Internet, by telephone, by mail, or by delivering written instructions by internet, in writing to the Company’sour Corporate Secretary before the Annual Meeting commences at Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., 3801 S. Oliver St., Wichita, KS 67210-2112, or by voting in person at the Annual Meeting.67210-2112.

Who counts the votes?

 

Votes will be received and tabulated by Broadridge, the Company’s inspector of election for the Annual Meeting.

What will happen if additional proposals are presented at the Annual Meeting?

Other than the four proposals described in this Proxy Statement, we do not expect any matters to be presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, Robert D. Johnson and Samantha J. Marnick will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting.

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How do I attend the Annual Meeting?

To attend the meeting, you must be a stockholder as of the Record Date. The top half of your proxy card is your admission ticket. At the meeting, we will request government-issued photo identification and confirm your Common Stock ownership against our list of registered stockholders.

If you hold your shares in street name, you will need to request an admission ticket in writing as set forth above and will need to bring proof of Common Stock ownership to be admitted to the meeting. A recent brokerage statement or a letter from your bank or broker are examples of proof of ownership. If you want to vote your shares held in street name in person, you must get a legal proxy in your name from the broker, bank, or other nominee that holds your shares, and submit it with your vote.

Please note that the use of cameras at the Annual Meeting is prohibited, and cameras will not be allowed into the meeting or any other related areas, except by credentialed media. We realize that many cellular phones and other wireless mobile devices have built-in digital cameras, and while these devices may be brought into the venue, the camera function may not be used at any time.

***

While we intend to hold the meeting in person at this time, we are closely monitoring the coronavirus, or COVID-19, situation. If it becomes necessary for us to hold the meeting by means of remote communication, we will announce that decision promptly, and details on how to participate will be available at https://www.spiritaero.com/2020-annual-meeting.

***

What is householding?

 

SEC rules permit us to deliver a single copy of proxy materials to stockholders residing at the same address unless the stockholders have notified us to deliver multiple copies. This allows us to eliminate multiple unnecessary mailings. If this situation applies to you and you want to receive more than one set of proxy materials, pleasethe Company will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the proxy materials to a stockholder at a shared address to which only a single copy of such documents was delivered. Please let us know of any request for a separate copy by following the applicable instructions below:

Registered stockholders who wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials in the future should contact Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. by calling 1-866-540-7095 or writing to Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717, Attention: Householding Department.

Beneficial stockholders who wish to receive a separate set of proxy materials in the future should contact their broker, bank, or other holder of record.

Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?

 

The Company is soliciting the proxies accompanying this Proxy Statement. Proxies may be solicited by officers, directors, and regular supervisory and executive employees of Spirit, none of whom will receive any additional compensation for their services. We have retained D.F. King & Co., Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of $15,000 plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. The Company will pay persons holding shares of Common Stock in their names or in the names of nominees, but not owning such shares beneficially, such as brokerage houses, banks, and other fiduciaries, for the expense of forwarding solicitation materials to their principals. All the costs of solicitation of proxies will be paid by the Company.

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What happens if an incumbent director nominee is not elected at the Annual Meeting?

 

If an incumbent director nominee is not elected and no one is elected in his or her place, then, under the DGCL,Delaware General Corporation Law, the director would continue to serve as a “hold-over director.” Under our bylaws, the director is required to tender hisa resignation to the Board. Upon receipt of the resignation, the Governance Committee will make a recommendation to the Board as to whether to accept or reject the resignation. In considering the tendered resignation, the Board will consider the Governance Committee’s recommendation as well as any other factors it deems relevant, which may include:

The qualifications of the director whose resignation has been tendered;

The director’s past and expected future contributions to the Company;

The overall composition of the Board and its committees;

Whether accepting the tendered resignation would cause the Company to fail to meet any applicable rule or regulation (including the NYSE listing standards and federal securities laws); and

The percentage of outstanding shares represented by the votes cast at the Annual Meeting.

The Board will act on a tendered resignation within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote for the Annual Meeting, and will promptly disclose its decision and rationale as to whether to accept or reject the resignation (or the reasons for rejecting the resignation, if applicable) in a press release, in a filing with the SEC, or by other public announcement, which may include a posting on the Company’s website.

If a director’s resignation is accepted by the Board, or if a nominee for director who is not an incumbent director is not elected, the Board may fill the resulting vacancy or may decrease the size of the Board pursuant to the Company’s bylaws.

Where can I find the voting results after the Annual Meeting?

 

Prior to the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, we will announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC within four business days following the Annual Meeting.

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Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the 20212022 Annual Meeting

Stockholder proposals intended to be included in the Company’s proxy statement for presentation at the Company’s 20212022 annual meeting of stockholders must be properly and timely submitted and received by the Company at its offices no later than November 20, 202018, 2021 (120 days preceding the one-year anniversary of the Mailing Date)mailing date for the immediately preceding annual meeting) and must otherwise comply with SEC rules in order to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 20212022 annual meeting of stockholders.

In addition, pursuant to the Company’s bylaws, a stockholder desiring to propose any matter for consideration at the 20212022 annual meeting of stockholders, other than through inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials, must notify the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the Company’s offices on or before December 24, 202030, 2021 (120 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting).

Pursuant to our bylaws, a stockholder may nominate an individual for election as a director at the 20212022 annual meeting of stockholders by providing notice to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the address set forth below by December 24, 202030, 2021 (120 days preceding the one-year anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting) (the “Nominee Deadline”). Further, pursuant to the Company’s proxy access right, a stockholder may elect to have their nominee included in the Company’s proxy statement if the stockholder provides notice to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at the address set forth below by the Nominee Deadline and expressly elects to have such nominee included in the Company’s proxy materials pursuant to Section 1.13 of the Company’s bylaws. Any notice of a nomination must be made in compliance with the procedures required by the Company’s bylaws.

Stockholder recommendations and nominations for candidates to the Board as described above should be sent to the Company’s Corporate Secretary at 3801 S. Oliver St., Wichita, KS 67210-2112.

Annual Report

The Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K hasbeenmailedtoyouwiththeProxyStatement,andisalso available at http://www.spiritaero.comortheSEC’swebsiteathttp://www.sec.gov. The Company will provide to any stockholder, without charge, a paper copy of the 20192020 Annual Report on Form 10-K upon written request to Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., Corporate Secretary, 3801 S. Oliver St., Wichita, KS 67210-2112.

By order of the Board of Directors.
Sincerely,

StacyMindy CozadMcPheeters
Senior

Vice President, InterimGeneral CounselChiefComplianceOfficer, and Corporate Secretary
Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc.

March 20, 202017, 2021

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENTNOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Proxy Statement includes “forward-looking statements.”statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that may involve many risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,“goal,“goal,“forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “model,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other similar words, or phrases, or the negative thereof, unless the context requires otherwise. These statements are based on circumstances as of the date on which the statements are made and they reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown, including, but not limited to, those described in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.unknown. Our actual results may vary materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. We caution investors not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such forward-looking statements and that should be considered in evaluating our outlook include, but are not limited to, the following:

1

the timing and conditions surrounding the return to serviceimpact of the B737 MAX,COVID-19 pandemic on our business and operations, including on the B737 MAX production rates under the 2020 MOA and other agreements with Boeing, future demand for our and our customers’ products and services, on trade and transport restrictions, on the aircraft,global aerospace supply chain, on our ability to retain the skilled work force necessary for production and any residualdevelopment, and generally on our ability to effectively manage the impacts of the groundingCOVID-19 pandemic on production rates for the aircraft;

2

our reliance on Boeing for a significant portion of our revenues;

3

our ability to continue to grow our business and execute our growth strategy including our ability to enter into profitable supply arrangements with additional customers;

4

the business condition and liquidity of Boeing and Airbus and their ability to satisfy their contractual obligations to the Company;

5

operations; demand for our products and services and the general effect of economic or geopolitical conditions, or other events, such as pandemics, in the industries and markets in which we operate in the U.S. and globally;

6

the timing and conditions surrounding the full worldwide return to service (including receiving the remaining regulatory approvals) of the B737 MAX, future demand for the aircraft, and any residual impacts of the B737 MAX grounding on production rates for the aircraft; our reliance on Boeing and Airbus for a significant portion of our revenues; the business condition and liquidity of our customers and their ability to satisfy their contractual obligations to the Company; the certainty of our backlog, including the ability of customers to cancel or delay orders prior to shipment;

7

our ability to accurately estimate and manage performance, cost, margins, and revenue under our contracts, and the potential for additional forward losses on new and maturing programs;

8

our accounting estimates for revenue and costs for our contracts and potential changes to those estimates; our ability to continue to grow and diversify our business, execute our growth strategy, and secure replacement programs, including our ability to enter into profitable supply arrangements with additional customers; the outcome of product warranty or defective product claims and the impact settlement of such claims may have on our accounting assumptions; our dependence on our suppliers, as well as the cost and availability of raw materials and purchased components; our ability and our suppliers’ ability to meet stringent delivery (including quality and timeliness) standards and accommodate and the cost of accommodating, announced increaseschanges in the build rates of certain aircraft;

9

our ability to maintain continuing, uninterrupted production at our manufacturing facilities and our suppliers’ facilities; competitive conditions in the markets in which we operate, including in-sourcing by commercial aerospace original equipment manufacturers;

10

our ability to successfully negotiate, or re-negotiate, future pricing under our supply agreements with Boeing, Airbus and other customers;

11

the success and timely execution of key milestones, such as the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of closing conditions, in our announced acquisitions of Asco and select Bombardier assets, and our ability to effectively assess, manage, close, and integrate such acquisitionsthe acquisition of select assets of Bombardier along with othersother acquisitions that we pursue, and generate synergies and other cost savings therefrom, while avoiding unexpected costs, charges, expenses, and adverse changes to business relationships and business disruptions;

12

the possibility that our cash flows may not be adequate for our additional capital needs;

13

any reduction in our credit ratings; our ability to access the capital markets to fund our liquidity needs, and the costs and terms of any additional financing; our ability to avoid or recover from cyber-basedcyber or other security attacks and other operations disruptions;

14

legislative or regulatory actions, both domestic and foreign, impacting our operations;

15

operations, including the effect of changes in tax laws and the Company’srates and our ability to accurately calculate and estimate the effect of such changes;

16

any reduction in our credit ratings;

17

our dependence on our suppliers, as well as the cost and availability of raw materials and purchased components;

18

our ability to recruit and retain a critical mass of highly skilled employees;

19

our relationships with the unions representing many of our employees, including our ability to avoid labor disputes and work stoppages with respect to our union employees;

20

spending by the U.S. and other governments on defense;

21

pension plan assumptions and future contributions;

22

the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting; and any difficulties or delays that could affect the Company’s ability to effectively implement the remediation plan, in whole or in part, to address the material weakness identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as described in Item 9A. “Controls and Procedures” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2019;

23

the outcome or impact of ongoing or future litigation, arbitration, claims, and regulatory actions or investigations, including our exposure to potential product liability and warranty claims;

24

adequacy of our insurance coverage; our ability to continue selling certain receivables through our supplier financing programs;

25

our ability to access the capital markets to fund our liquidity needs, and the costs and terms of any additional financing;

26

any regulatory or legal action arising from the review of our accounting processes; and

27

the risks of doing business internationally, including fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, impositions of tariffs or embargoes, trade restrictions, compliance with foreign laws, and domestic and foreign government policies.

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These factors are not exhaustive and it is not possible for us to predict all factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. These factors speak only as of the date hereof, and new factors may emerge or changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact our business. As with any projection or forecast, these statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Except to the extent required by law, we undertake no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. You should review carefully the sections captioned “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete discussion of these and other factors that may affect our business.

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APPENDIX A

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Overview

 

In addition to reporting our financial information in our Annual Report on Form 10-K using U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”),GAAP, certain non-GAAP financial measures (which are indicated generally by * in this Proxy Statement) are used with respect to our Annual Cash Incentive and long-term incentives. Such non-GAAP financial measures include (i) free cash flow (“Free Cash Flow”),FCF, (ii) adjusted free cash flowFCF (“Adjusted FCF”), and (iii) adjusted earnings before interest and taxes (“Adjusted EBIT”), and (iv) free cash flow as a percentage of revenue (“FCF Percentage”),Percentage, which are described further below. The Company does not intend for the information to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the related GAAP financial measures. Other companies may define and calculate the measures differently than we do, limiting the usefulness of the measures for comparison with other companies.

Cash Flow Measures and Reconciliation: Free Cash FlowFCF and Adjusted FCF

 

Free Cash FlowFCF

Free Cash FlowFCF is defined as GAAP cash from operating activities, less capital expenditures for property, plant, and equipment. Management believes Free Cash FlowFCF provides investors with an important perspective on the cash available for stockholders, debt repayment, and acquisitions after making the capital investments required to support ongoing business operations and long-term value creation. Free Cash FlowFCF does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures as it excludes certain mandatory expenditures. Management uses Free Cash FlowFCF as a measure to assess both business performance and overall liquidity.

Free Cash FlowFCF Percentage

FCF Percentage is the Company’s Free Cash FlowFCF or Adjusted FCF, as appropriate, as a percentage of revenue over a three-year performance period (cumulative Free Cash Flow/FCF/Adjusted FCF over the performance period divided by cumulative GAAP revenue over the performance period). This metric is used to align long-term incentives with a key valuation driver of our business, which is Free Cash Flow/FCF/Adjusted FCF. A percentage of sales is used to drive sustained cash flow performance consistent with our established long-term goal of 7-9% of revenue.

Adjusted FCF

Management considers certain items that arise from time to time to be outside the ordinary course of our operations. Management believes that excluding these items provides a better understanding of the underlying trends in the Company’s operating performance and allows more accurate comparisons of the Company’s operating results to historical performance. Accordingly, Adjusted FCF is defined as Free Cash FlowFCF adjusted for these special items. The most comparable GAAP measure is cash provided by operating activities. The tables below provide reconciliations between the GAAP and non-GAAP measures.

Reconciliation

The table below presents a reconciliation of Free Cash FlowFCF and Adjusted FCF to cash from operating activities for each of the periods presented, and also demonstrates a reconciliation of FCF Percentage. For reference, revenues for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $3,405 million, $7,863 million, and $7,222 million, respectively.

 

($ in millions)

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31,

 

As a Percentage of Revenue

 

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31,

 

As a Percentage of Revenue

(FCF Percentage)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

 

2020

 

2019

 

2018

 

Cash from Operating Activities

923

 

770

 

574

 

 

12%

 

11

%

8

%

(745)

 

923

 

770

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures

(232)

 

(271

)

(273

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(119)

 

(232)

 

(271

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Cash Flow

691

 

499

 

301

 

 

9%

 

7

%

4

%

FCF

(864)

 

691

 

499

 

 

**

 

9%

 

7%

 

Cash Received under B787 Interim Pricing Agreement

 

 

 

 

236

 

 

9%

 

7

%

7.7

%

*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs Related to Planned Acquisitions

32

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

32

 

66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted FCF

723

 

565

 

537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

723

 

565

 

 

 *

 

9%

 

7%

 

*

Not reported.

**

Less than zero percent.

*

Not reported.

**

Less than zero percent.

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Adjusted EBIT and Reconciliation

As presented in this Proxy Statement, Adjusted EBIT is defined as earnings before interest and taxes as adjusted to exclude certain non-operating and/or non-recurring items that the Company believes are not reflective of operating performance. The table below presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBIT to net income (loss) for each of the periods presented.

($ in millions)

Fiscal Year Ended

December 31,

2019

 

2018

 

2017

 

Net Income

530.1

 

617.0

 

354.9

 

Interest Expense and Financing Fee Amortization

91.9

 

80.0

 

41.7

 

Income Tax Provision

132.8

 

139.8

 

180.0

 

Equity in Net Income of Non-Wholly Owned Affiliates

0.2

 

(0.6

)

(0.3

)

Interest Income

(12.9)

 

(8.0

)

(6.4

)

EBIT

742.1

 

828.2

 

569.9

 

Impact From Severe Weather Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other(1)

62.6

 

51.7

 

346.0

 

Adjusted EBIT

804.7

 

879.9

 

915.9

 

(1)

For 2019, includes $55.9 million related to impact of planned acquisitions, and $6.7 million of voluntary retirement program expenses. For 2018, represents impact of planned acquisitions. For 2017, represents the 2017 Boeing agreement.

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