UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
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TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of stockholders of TransDigm Group Incorporated, a Delaware corporation, will be held at 1301 East Ninth Street, Suite 3000, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern time, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect 11 directors, each to serve a one-year term and until a successor has been duly elected and qualified; |
2. | To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm for TransDigms fiscal year ending September 30, 2023; |
3. | To conduct an advisory vote (say on pay) on compensation paid to TransDigms named executive officers; |
4. | To conduct an advisory vote on the frequency with which the above say on pay vote will be taken; and |
5. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting. |
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on January 13, 2023 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment of the meeting.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please vote on the Internet, by phone or by completing and returning the enclosed proxy card.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Halle Martin
Secretary
January 27, 2023
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDERS MEETING TO BE HELD ON MARCH 9, 2023.
The Proxy Statement and Proxy Card are available at
http://www.transdigm.com/investor-relations/annual-proxy
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held March 9, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Proposal 2 Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
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Proposal 4 Advisory Vote on Frequency of Vote on Executive Compensation |
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders and Management |
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General Information Regarding the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
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This summary highlights the proposals to be acted upon, as well as selected executive compensation and corporate governance information described in more detail in this Proxy Statement.
2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Meeting site: 1301 East Ninth Street, Suite 3000 Cleveland, Ohio 44114 |
Date and time: Thursday, March 9, 2023 9:00 a.m., Eastern time |
The record date for the annual meeting is January 13, 2023. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on this date are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Proxy materials are first being sent or made available to stockholders on January 27, 2023.
Proposal |
Recommendation of the Board | |||||
1. | Electionof directors |
FOR each of the nominees | ||||
2. | Ratificationof appointment of independent registered public accounting firm |
FOR | ||||
3. |
Advisoryvote to approve executive compensation |
FOR | ||||
4. | Advisoryvote on the frequency of vote on executive compensation |
No recommendation |
You may vote online prior to the meeting by visiting www.proxyvote.com or calling 1-800-690-6903 and, in each case, entering the control number found in your notice of internet availability of proxy materials or, if you requested printed copies of the proxy materials, by phone or by mail. You may also vote in person at the annual meeting. For more detailed information, see the section entitled Voting Procedures on page 51.
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2022 Business Highlights
FY 2022 | FY 2021 | |||||||||
Revenue | $5,429 million | +13% | $4.798 million | |||||||
Net Income from Continuing Operations | $866 million | +27% | $681 million | |||||||
GAAP Earnings Per Share | $13.40 per share | $10.41 per share | ||||||||
EBITDA As Defined (1) | $2,646 million | +21% | $2,189 million | |||||||
Adjusted Net Income (1) | $998 million | +41% | $708 million | |||||||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share (1)(2) | $17.14 per share | $12.13 per share | ||||||||
○ | FY 1993 2022 Revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 18% |
○ | FY 1993 2022 EBITDA As Defined CAGR 21% |
○ | FY 1993 2022 EBITDA as Defined Margin expansion from 20% to almost 50% |
Although fiscal 2022 was another year of challenging commercial aerospace market conditions, we continued to recover from the impact of the pandemic. Trends throughout fiscal 2022 were encouraging including the further progression towards pre-pandemic levels of global air traffic, among other factors.
During 2022, TransDigms management team stayed committed to our proven operating strategy and focused on managing factors within our control, including careful management of our cost structure. This disciplined focus, allowed us to continue building value for TransDigms investors and all other stakeholders. Throughout fiscal 2022, we had strong operating cash flow generation. We closed fiscal 2022 with approximately $3.0 billion of cash.
Managements expert execution allowed us to have the financial flexibility to focus on effective capital allocation throughout fiscal 2022:
| We purchased DART Aerospace (DART) for $360 million in May 2022. DART expands the Companys platform of unique proprietary content with significant aftermarket exposure for the aerospace and defense industry. Since its acquisition, the DART integration has progressed well; |
| During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2022, we returned $912 million of capital to shareholders via open market repurchases of our common stock with a weighted average price of $612.13 per share; and |
| In August 2022, we paid a special cash dividend of $18.50 on each outstanding share of our common stock. |
Our acquisition of DART, the $18.50 per share special dividend and the share buybacks aggregated to approximately $2.4 billion of capital allocation during fiscal 2022. Our capital allocation strategy allows us to continue delivering the private equity-like returns our investors have come to expect from investment in our stock.
(1) | EBITDA As Defined, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share are all non-GAAP financial measures. See the appendix to the 2022 10-K accompanying this proxy statement for a historical reconciliation of EBITDA As Defined to Net Income and Adjusted Net Income. |
(2) | Adjusted Earnings Per Share is calculated by taking TransDigms Adjusted Net Income and dividing it by the Total Outstanding Shares for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share. Total Outstanding Shares for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share are disclosed in the 2022 10-K accompanying this Proxy Statement. |
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Executive Compensation Program
Our executive compensation program is designed with policies and practices and clear guiding principles that align the compensation of our named executive officers with our stockholders interests. While the overall design of the program has been fairly consistent, we have made a number of changes (highlighted below) in the last year aimed to respond to investor feedback.
Annual Base Salary | Fixed element of annual compensation ✓ Modest increases to annual base salary in 2022 | |
Annual Cash Incentive | Short-term cash incentive with variable payout opportunities. ✓ Eliminated overlapping performance metrics between the annual cash incentive and long-term equity incentive | |
Long-Term Equity Awards | Long-term equity incentives in the form of performance-based stock options with multi-year vesting schedules ✓ The Compensation Committee has adopted a policy that it will not use discretion in vesting performance-based options ✓ The Compensation Committee has adopted a policy that it will not make discretionary amendments to any then current-year performance targets (other than in connection with a capital adjustment event). ✓ Performance vesting returned to the original annual operating performance (AOP) criteria ✓ Cap on carryforward and carrybacks | |
Dividend Equivalents | Dividend equivalents paid on vested options ✓ Directors (including the Chief Executive Officer) receive dividends only by means of adjustment of exercise price of options |
For a detailed discussion of our executive compensation program, see the section entitled Executive Compensation beginning on page 22.
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Corporate Governance
Responsible Stewardship
TransDigms Board and governance structure is designed to foster principled actions, informed and effective decision-making, and appropriate monitoring of compliance and performance, assuring that the long-term interests of stockholders are being served. Directors are expected to take a proactive approach to their positions to ensure that TransDigm is committed to business success through the maintenance of high standards of responsibility and ethics.
Please see our 2022 Stakeholder Report located at www.transdigm.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/ for more information about our environmental, social and governance practices.
Selected Areas of Board and Committee Oversight in 2022
Audit Committee |
Compensation Committee |
Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee |
Full Board of Directors | |||||
Corporate Strategy |
● | |||||||
Enterprise Risk Management |
● | ● | ||||||
Cybersecurity |
● | ● | ||||||
Legal and Regulatory Compliance |
● | ● | ||||||
Environment |
● | ● | ||||||
Diversity |
● | ● | ||||||
Succession Planning |
● | ● | ● | |||||
COVID Impact |
● | ● | ● | |||||
Governance Issues |
● | ● |
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This section describes the role and structure of TransDigms Board of Directors and our corporate governance framework.
Role of the Board of Directors
TransDigms Board oversees the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and other senior management in the competent and ethical operation of TransDigm and ensures that the long-term interests of stockholders are being served. To satisfy the Boards duties, directors are expected to take a proactive approach to their positions to ensure that TransDigm is committed to business success and high standards of responsibility and ethics.
TransDigms key governance documents, including our Corporate Governance Guidelines, are available at www.transdigm.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance. The Board met eight times during 2022. In fiscal 2022, non-executive and independent directors met in executive session after each regularly scheduled Board meeting. Each member of the Board who served during 2022 attended or participated in 75% or more of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and each committee of the Board on which such member served during 2022.
The Board does not hold a meeting on the date of our annual stockholder meeting and we have not established a policy regarding director attendance at the stockholder meeting. One director attended the 2022 annual stockholder meeting. No non-employee stockholders attended the meeting.
Composition of the Board and its Committees
The Board believes that its current leadership structure, in which the roles of Chair and CEO are separated, best serves the Boards ability to carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalf of TransDigms stockholders, including its oversight of management. The Board also believes that the current structure allows our CEO to focus on managing TransDigm, while leveraging our Chairs experience with respect to capital allocation, acquisitions and the strategic vision and culture of TransDigm and to drive accountability at the Board level. The Board has determined that all Board members, other than Messrs. Stein and Howley, are independent under applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
TransDigms Board has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and Executive Committee. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee are independent under applicable NYSE and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules for committee memberships, and that each member of the Audit Committee also meets the additional independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act).
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Each committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, which is available at www.transdigm.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/. The current composition of the Board and its committees is as follows:
Audit Committee | Compensation Committee |
Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee |
Executive Committee |
Independent | # of Other Public Company Boards | |||||||
David Barr |
● | ● | 0 | |||||||||
Jane Cronin |
● | ● | 0 | |||||||||
Mervin Dunn |
● | ● | ● | 0 | ||||||||
Michael Graff |
● | 0 | ||||||||||
Sean Hennessy |
● | ● | ● | 1 | ||||||||
W. Nicholas Howley, Chair |
1 | |||||||||||
Gary E. McCullough |
● | ● | 1 | |||||||||
Michele Santana |
● | ● | ● | 0 | ||||||||
Robert Small |
● | ● | ● | 0 | ||||||||
John Staer |
● | ● | ● | 0 | ||||||||
Kevin Stein, President and CEO |
0 |
Chair
The Audit Committee oversees issues regarding accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of TransDigms financial statements; assists the Board in monitoring the integrity of TransDigms financial statements, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, independent auditors qualifications and independence and the performance of TransDigms internal audit function and independent auditors; is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of TransDigms independent auditors; and provides a forum for consideration of matters relating to audit issues, enterprise risk management and cybersecurity. Each Audit Committee member is independent under NYSE listing standards and as such term is defined in Rule 10A-3(b)(1). The Board has also determined that Mr. Hennessy, Ms. Santana and Ms. Cronin each qualify as an audit committee financial expert. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2022.
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The Compensation Committee discharges the Boards responsibilities relating to compensation of TransDigm executives; oversees TransDigms compensation and employee benefit plans and practices; and has sole discretion concerning administration of TransDigms stock option plans, including selection of individuals to receive awards, types of awards, the terms and conditions of the awards and the time at which awards will be granted, other than awards to directors, which are approved by the full Board. For a description of the Compensation Committees processes and procedures, including the roles of its independent compensation consultant and the CEO in support of the Compensation Committees decision-making process, see the section entitled Compensation Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 22. Each Committee member is independent under NYSE listing standards, and a non-employee director as defined in Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In determining independence, the Board affirmatively determined that none of the Compensation Committee members has a relationship with TransDigm that is material to his ability to be independent from management in connection with his duties on the Committee. The Compensation Committee met seven times during 2022.
Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees duties and responsibilities include overseeing and assisting the Board in identifying and recommending nominees for election as directors; recommending to the Board qualifications for committee membership, structure and operation; recommending to the Board directors to serve on each committee; developing and recommending to the Board corporate governance policies and procedures; providing oversight with respect to corporate governance; leading the Board in its annual performance review; overseeing TransDigms succession planning; and overseeing TransDigms environmental, social and governance initiatives. Each Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee member is independent under NYSE listing standards. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee met four times during 2022.
In accordance with its charter and TransDigms Corporate Governance Guidelines, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee has evaluated and recommended to the full Board each of the nominees named in this Proxy Statement for election to the Board.
The Executive Committee possesses the power of the Board of Directors during intervals between Board meetings. The Executive Committee held no formal meetings during fiscal 2022.
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Corporate Governance Policies and Practices
TransDigms governance framework is designed to foster principled actions, informed and effective decision-making, and appropriate monitoring of compliance and performance.
Annual director elections | All directors are elected annually for a one-year term | |
Retirement policy | Directors are required to retire from the Board when they reach age 75 subject to waiver by the Board upon the recommendation of the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee | |
Proxy access | Up to 20 stockholders owning at least 3% of shares continuously for three years may nominate the greater of two directors or 20% of the board seats | |
Separation of Chair and CEO roles | We have a separate Chair and CEO | |
Prohibitions on hedging, pledging and short |
We prohibit short sales, transactions in derivatives, hedging and pledging of TransDigm securities by all directors and employees | |
Stock ownership guidelines | We have robust equity ownership guidelines for our directors, officers and management employees | |
Succession planning | Our Board regularly reviews executive succession planning | |
Annual board and committee self-evaluations | Our Board and committees conduct annual performance self-evaluations |
Board Oversight of Risk Management
The Board believes that evaluating the executive teams management of the risks confronting TransDigm is one of its most important areas of oversight. In carrying out this responsibility, the Board is assisted by each of its committees that considers risks within its areas of responsibility and apprises the full Board of any significant risks and managements response to those risks. The Board has retained primary oversight of certain areas of risk and managements response, including corporate strategy. While the Board and its committees exercise oversight of risk management, management is responsible for implementing and supervising day-to-day risk management processes and reporting to the Board and its committees.
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Audit Committees Role in Oversight of Risk Management
The Audit Committee is charged with the primary responsibility for overseeing enterprise risk management. In accordance with this responsibility, the Audit Committee reviews and discusses with management its program to identify, assess, monitor, manage, and mitigate TransDigms significant business risks, including financial, operational, data security, business continuity, tax, legal and regulatory compliance, and reputational risks.
Compensation Committees Role in Oversight of Risk Management
The Compensation Committee has primary responsibility to oversee risks related to our compensation programs. In establishing and reviewing our compensation programs, the Compensation Committee evaluated whether the design and operation of our compensation programs or policies encourage our executive officers or our employees to take unnecessary or excessive risks. The Compensation Committee concluded that TransDigms compensation programs and policies provide an effective and appropriate mix of incentives to help ensure performance is focused on long-term stockholder value creation, and do not encourage short-term risk taking at the expense of long-term results or create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on TransDigm.
Annual Board and Committee Self-Evaluations
The Board conducts an annual self-evaluation that is intended to determine whether the Board and its committees are functioning effectively. In addition, each of the Audit, Compensation and Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees conducts its own annual self-evaluation and reports the results to the Board. Discussion topics include, among others, Board and committee composition and leadership, meeting effectiveness, appropriateness of agenda topics and information, access to management and outside auditors, and succession planning.
We are committed to integrity and ethical behavior and have adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and a Whistleblower Policy. Each of these documents is posted on TransDigms website, www.transdigm.com, under Investor RelationsCorporate Governance and is available to any stockholder in writing upon request to TransDigm.
We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that reflects TransDigms commitment to honesty, integrity and the ethical behavior of our employees, officers, directors and agents. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics governs the actions, interactions and working relationships of our employees, officers, directors and agents with customers, fellow employees, competitors, government and self-regulatory agencies, investors, the public, the media, and anyone else with whom we have contact. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics sets forth the expectation that employees, officers, directors and agents will conduct business legally and addresses conflict of interest situations, international trade compliance, protection and use of TransDigm assets, corporate opportunities, fair dealing, confidentiality, human rights and reporting of illegal or unethical behavior. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics expressly prohibits paying, offering, accepting or soliciting bribes in any form, directly or indirectly. Only the Board or the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee may waive a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics with respect to an executive officer or director. Any such waiver will be promptly disclosed on our website and as otherwise required by rule or regulation. There were no such waivers in 2022.
We also have a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers that includes additional obligations for our senior financial officers (which includes our president and chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief accounting officer, vice president of finance, treasurer, director of internal audit, general counsel, operating unit presidents and operating unit vice presidents of finance). Only the Audit Committee or the Board may waive a provision of the code with respect to a Senior Financial
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Officer. Any such waiver, or any amendment to the code, will be promptly disclosed on our website and as otherwise required by rule or regulation. There were no such waivers or amendments in 2022.
We encourage employees to disclose alleged wrongdoing that may adversely impact TransDigm, its customers or stockholders, fellow employees or the public, without fear of retaliation. Our Code of Ethics and Whistleblower Policy set forth procedures for reporting alleged financial and non-financial wrongdoing on a confidential and anonymous basis, a process for investigating reported acts of alleged wrongdoing and a policy of non-retaliation. Reports may be made directly to a supervisor, human resources, operating unit management, executive management, the Chief Financial Officer or Chief Compliance Officer, Audit Committee or Convercent, a third-party service retained on behalf of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee chair receives notices of complaints and oversees investigation of complaints of financial wrongdoing.
We continually assess our ethics program, including training opportunities, and modify as appropriate. Our managers and supervisors play an important role in reinforcing our policies and commitment to ethics by setting the example of ethical conduct and providing employees with continuous training, education and resources that support the policies. Employees are encouraged to communicate concerns and contact the identified ethics resource contacts.
Transactions with Related Persons
The Board of Directors reviews and must approve all related party transactions. Proposed transactions between TransDigm and related persons are submitted to the full Board for consideration. The relationship of the parties and the terms of the proposed transaction are reviewed and discussed by the Board and the Board may approve or disapprove TransDigm entering into the transaction. All non-de-minimis related party transactions, whether or not those transactions must be disclosed under applicable regulations, are approved by the Board pursuant to the policy.
Several of TransDigms Board members and executive officers serve as directors or executive officers of other organizations, including organizations with which TransDigm has commercial and charitable relationships. The Board has concluded that no director had a direct or indirect material interest in any such relationships during 2022 and through the date of this Proxy Statement.
TransDigm publicly discloses substantial information about our business across a number of important topics, including in our Stakeholder Report which details our commitments, programs, and progress on the environment, diversity, labor and human rights, and ethics. Our Stakeholder Report can be found at www.transdigm.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance.
We proactively engage with stockholders and other stakeholders throughout the year to learn their perspectives on significant issues, including company performance and strategy, corporate governance, executive compensation, and environmental, social, and governance topics. This engagement helps us better understand stockholder priorities and perspectives, gives us an opportunity to elaborate upon our initiatives and practices, and fosters constructive dialogue. We take feedback and insights from our engagement with stockholders and other stakeholders into consideration as we review and evolve our practices and disclosures, and further share them with our Board as appropriate.
Any matter intended for the Board, or for any individual member of the Board, should be directed to Investor Relations, TransDigm Group Incorporated, 1301 East Ninth Street, Suite 3000, Cleveland,
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Ohio 44114 or at ir@transdigm.com, with a request to forward the communication to the intended recipient. In general, any stockholder communication delivered to TransDigm for forwarding to Board members will be forwarded in accordance with the stockholders instructions. However, TransDigm reserves the right not to forward to Board members any abusive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate materials or any solicitations of merchandise, publications or services of any kind. Information regarding the submission of complaints relating to our accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters is available under our Whistleblower Policy at www.transdigm.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance.
This section describes the experience and qualifications of our Board members and how they are compensated.
TransDigms Board consists of a diverse group of highly qualified leaders in their respective fields. Every director holds or has held executive positions in organizations that have provided him or her with experience in management and leadership development. Most have senior leadership experience at major domestic and multinational companies. In these positions, they have gained significant and diverse management experience, including strategic and financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, capital allocation, public company financial reporting, compliance, risk management, and leadership development. They also have experience serving as executive officers, or on boards of directors and board committees, and have an understanding of corporate governance practices and trends. In addition, many of our directors have experience serving nonprofit and philanthropic institutions, and bring unique perspectives to the Board. Two of our Board members identify as female. One Board member identifies as black/African American.
Each Board member was chosen to be a director nominee because the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and Board believe that he or she demonstrated leadership experience, specific industry or manufacturing experience and experience with capital market transactions. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and the Board believe that these skills and qualifications, combined with each directors diverse background and ability to work in a positive and collegial fashion, benefit TransDigm and its stockholders by creating a strong and effective Board.
The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee recommends potential director candidates to the Board. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by first determining whether current Board members are willing to continue in service. If any Board member does not wish to continue to serve or if the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee or Board decides not to nominate a member for re-election, then the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee initially identifies the desired skills and experience in light of the criteria outlined above. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee then establishes potential director candidates from recommendations from the Board, senior management, stockholders and third parties. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee may retain a search consultant to supplement potential Board candidates if it deems it advisable. In making its recommendations, consistent with the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees charter, the Committee considers independence, character, ability to exercise sound judgment and demonstrated leadership, as well as diversity, age, strategic and financial skills and experience, in the context of the needs of the Board as a whole. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees charter requires the selection of prospective Board members with personal and professional integrity who have demonstrated appropriate ability and
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judgment and whom the Committee believes will be effective, in conjunction with the other Board members, in collectively serving the long-term interests of TransDigm and its stockholders. There are no other stated criteria for director nominees. However, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees charter and our Corporate Governance Guidelines set forth the Boards commitment to seek out qualified women and minorities to include in the pool from which Board nominees are chosen.
The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will consider stockholder suggestions concerning qualified candidates for election as directors. To recommend a prospective nominee for the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committees consideration, a stockholder must submit the candidates name and qualifications to TransDigms Secretary at the following address: TransDigm Group Incorporated, 1301 East Ninth Street, Suite 3000, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. The Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee has not established specific minimum qualifications a candidate must have in order to be recommended to the Board. However, in determining qualifications for new directors, the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee will consider potential members independence, as well as diversity, age, skill and experience in the context of the Boards needs as described above. Stockholders who wish to nominate directors directly for election at an annual meeting should do so in accordance with the procedures in our bylaws. In addition, the bylaws provide proxy access to eligible stockholders. The proxy access bylaw provides that a stockholder, or group of up to 20 stockholders, owning at least 3% of our outstanding common stock continuously for at least three years may submit director nominees for the greater of two directors or 20% of the Board seats provided that the stockholder and nominees satisfy the requirements specified in our bylaws. See STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING for more information about the procedures for direct nominations and proxy access.
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The following chart and biographies describe the skills, qualities, attributes, and experience of the nominees that led the Nominating & Corporate Governance Committee and the Board to determine that it is appropriate to nominate these directors for election to the Board.
DAVID BARR NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
David Barr, 59, has been a director since 2017. He also served as a director from 2003 2011. Mr. Barr is Managing Director of Bessemer Investors, a family-owned private capital fund. Formerly Mr. Barr served as Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC, a private equity fund from 2001 2017.
Through his private equity leadership experience, including as former Managing Director of Warburg Pincus LLC, as well as Co-Head of its Industrial and Business Services Team and member of its Executive Management Group, Mr. Barr brings a private equity philosophy to the Board consistent with TransDigms management approach. Mr. Barr also has extensive public company experience.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Good Shepard Services Presidents Council Wesleyan University
FORMER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Builders FirstSource, Inc., a Nasdaq listed supplier of building products and services, through December 31, 2020 |
JANE CRONIN AUDIT COMMITTEE
Jane Cronin, 55, has been a director since June 30, 2021. Ms. Cronin is Senior Vice President Enterprise Finance of Sherwin Williams Company, a manufacturer, developer, distributor and seller of paint, coatings and related products. Ms. Cronin has served in her current role since 2016. Prior to that, Ms. Cronin held roles of increasing responsibility at Sherwin Williams, including Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller, Vice President Internal Audit and Loss Prevention and Vice President Controller, Diversified Brands division.
Ms. Cronin was deemed to be valuable to the Board because of her status and experience as a current accounting officer of a large public company in the manufacturing industry and her experience with acquisition integration. Her service on the Board also provides increased diversity that the Board deems important.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Providence House |
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MERVIN DUNN COMPENSATION COMMITTEE NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Dunn, 69, has been a director since 2009. Mr. Dunn has been an Operating Advisor of Clearlake Capital Group, a private investment firm, since 2013 and President and Chief Executive Officer of Merv Dunn Management & Consulting, LLC, a private management consulting company, since 2013. Formerly Mr. Dunn was Chief Executive Officer (2016 2017) and Co-Chairman of the Board (2013 2016) of Futuris Group of Companies Ltd, a privately held automotive supplier. Mr. Dunn is the retired Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc., a Nasdaq-listed supplier of systems for the commercial vehicle market, a role he held from 1999 2013.
Mr. Dunn brings to the Board his extensive acquisition experience and experience with domestic and international management of an engineered product business, as well as his experience being the chief executive officer of a public company, all of which are valuable to the Board.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None |
MICHAEL GRAFF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, CHAIR
Mr. Graff, 71, has been a director since 2003. Mr. Graff is a Senior Advisor at Warburg Pincus LLC, a private equity firm. Prior to 2020, he was a Managing Director of Warburg Pincus since 2003. Formerly he was President and Chief Operating Officer of Bombardier Aerospace, an aerospace manufacturer.
Mr. Graff brings to the Board a knowledge of acquisitions and capital market transactions and significant prior public company board experience, both acquired through his positions with Warburg Pincus. Additionally, with his aerospace industry experience, as well as previous management consulting background at McKinsey, Mr. Graffs industry and management perspective is valuable to the Board.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHPIS
None SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
National Psoriasis Foundation |
14
SEAN HENNESSY AUDIT COMMITTEE, CHAIR COMPENSATION COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mr. Hennessy, 65, has served as a director since 2006. He is the retired Senior Vice President, Corporate Planning, Development & Administration of The Sherwin Williams Company, a manufacturer and distributor of coatings and related products, serving in that role from January 2017 March 2018 in connection with the companys integration of its Valspar acquisition. Prior to that Mr. Hennessy served as Chief Financial Officer of The Sherwin Williams Company from 2001 2016. He is a certified public accountant (inactive).
As a former chief financial officer of a public company engaged in manufacturing, Mr. Hennessys finance background and public company experience is valuable and critical for his service on the Board and as Chair of the Audit Committee.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
Perimeter Solutions, SA, an NYSE-listed manufacturer of highly engineered forest fire retardant and suppressant chemicals and equipment and oil additives and operator of forest fighting stations, from November 2021
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Sisters of Charity Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland University Hospitals Leadership Committee |
W. NICHOLAS HOWLEY BOARD CHAIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, CHAIR
Mr. Howley, 70, was a co-founder of TransDigm in 1993 and has been Chair of the Board since 2003. He was employed as Executive Chair from 2018 August 2021 and served as President and/or Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm from 2003 2018 and of TransDigm Inc. from 1998 2018.
As a TransDigm co-founder, Mr. Howley brings to the Board an extensive understanding of TransDigms business. Mr. Howley has played an integral role in TransDigms establishment and implementation of its core strategy on an ongoing basis and in its rapid and strategic growth.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORHIPS
Perimeter Solutions, SA, an NYSE-listed manufacturer of highly engineered forest fire retardant and suppressant chemicals and equipment and oil additives and operator of forest fire fighting stations, from November 2021
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Cleveland Clinic Cristo Rey Network Drexel Fund Howley Foundation, Chair Rock and Roll Hall of Fame St. Martin de Porres High School
FORMER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS
EverArc Holdings Limited, a cash shell company listed on the London Stock Exchange, through November 2021 when it merged with Perimeter Solutions |
15
GARY E. MCCULLOUGH AUDIT COMMITTEE NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE, CHAIR
Mr. McCullough, 64, has served on the Board since 2017. Mr. McCullough has been an advisor to Abundant Venture Partners, a venture capital company, and to various other early stage companies, since 2012. Formerly Mr. McCullough served as Chief Executive Officer of Advertising Resources, Inc., a private company that provided design and packaging co-manufacturing and logistics for consumer package goods companies from 2014 2017. Prior to that Mr. McCullough served as President & Chief Executive Officer of Career Education Corporation, a publicly traded education services company, as well as serving in management positions with increasing responsibility at Ross Products, Abbott Laboratories, Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and The Procter & Gamble Company.
Mr. McCullough brings to the Board public company leadership and public board experience. Mr. McCullough was previously President and Chief Executive Officer and served on the board of directors of Career Education Corporation, a publicly traded education services company, served on the board of directors of The Sherwin Williams Company from 20022011, where he served on the audit committee during his entire tenure and served as the audit committee chair during 2011, and served as a co-chair of the Advisory Council for Legacy Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) traded on the New York Stock Exchange, until it consummated a business combination in November 2020. His service on the Board also provides increased diversity that the Board deems important.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
Commercial Metals Company, an NYSE-listed manufacturer, recycler, fabricator and provider of steel and metal products and related materials and services, since October 2021
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Rush Oak Park Hospital, Chair Rush University Medical Center Wright State University Foundation |
MICHELE SANTANA AUDIT COMMITTEE NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Ms. Santana, 52, has served on the Board since 2018. Ms. Santana has been Chief Financial Officer of Bedrock Manufacturing Company, an investment firm that focuses on retail brands including Shinola (a manufacturer of watches and lifestyle goods) and Filson (a manufacturer of high-end outdoor clothing and accessories), since November 2021. Prior to that, Ms. Santana was Chief Financial Officer of Majestic Steel, a privately held steel company (November 2019 October 2021) and Chief Financial Officer of Signet Jewelers, an NYSE-listed retail jeweler (2014 2019). Prior to that Ms. Santana was Senior Vice President and Controller of Signet and previously had 14 years of public accounting experience. Ms. Santana is a certified public accountant.
Ms. Santana brings to the Board financial and business expertise with her prior experience as a chief financial officer of a large public company combined with her significant prior experience as a certified public accountant at KPMG, as well as experience overseeing information technology. In addition, her experience includes acquisitions and private equity. Her service on the Board also provides increased diversity that the Board deems important.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Akron Zoo, Chair |
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ROBERT SMALL COMPENSATION COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mr. Small, 56, has served on the Board since 2010. Mr. Small has been a Managing Director of Berkshire Partners LLC, an alternative investment firm in Boston that he joined in 1992, since 2000. He holds senior investment roles in both Berkshire Private Equity and Stockbridge, the public equity business of Berkshire Partners that he co-founded in 2007.
Mr. Small brings to the Board a deep knowledge of acquisitions and capital market transactions, based on more than 30 years of experience in private and public businesses. Mr. Small also has significant board experience, having been a director of several of Berkshires portfolio companies, including Hexcel Corporation (NYSE:HXL), a composite materials producer primarily for aerospace applications.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Boston Childrens Hospital Trust Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston Kingsley Montessori School |
JOHN STAER AUDIT COMMITTEE NOMINATING & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Staer, 71, has served on the Board since 2012. Mr. Staer retired as Chief Executive Officer of Satair A/S, a subsidiary of Airbus, and a distributor of aerospace products, including parts manufactured by TransDigm subsidiaries, a role he held from 1993 2013.
Mr. Staer is valuable to the Board because of his industry experience, international experience (including extensively in Europe and the Pacific Rim), mergers and acquisitions experience, experience as a chief executive officer and chief financial officer, his finance background, and his experience as a public company board member.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None
FORMER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS
EverArc Holdings Limited, a cash shell company listed on the London Stock Exchange, through November 2021
Dalhoff Larsen & Horneman A/S, a Danish public company that is supplier of timber and wood products, through April 2017. |
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KEVIN STEIN
Mr. Stein, 56, has been on the Board since 2018. Mr. Stein has been Chief Executive Officer of TransDigm since April 2018 and President since January 2017. He also served as Chief Operating Officer from January 2017 March 2018. Prior to that he was Chief Operating Officer of TransDigms Power and Controls segment from October 2014 December 2016. Prior to that, Mr. Stein was President of the Structurals Division and Executive Vice President of Precision Cast Parts from 2009 2014.
Mr. Stein was appointed to the Board in connection with his promotion to Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Stein has extensive manufacturing and aerospace experience.
OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS
None
SELECTED DIRECTORSHIPS AND MEMBERSHIPS
Cleveland Institute of Music Gilmour Academy Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Playhouse Square Foundation
FORMER PUBLIC COMPANY DIRECTORSHIPS IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS
Perimeter Solutions, SA, an NYSE-listed manufacturer of highly engineered forest fire retardant and suppressant chemicals and equipment and oil additives and operator of forest fighting stations, from November 2021 April 2022 |
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Mr. Stein, the only director who is also a TransDigm employee, does not receive any director fees. Mr. Howley also does not receive any director fees, as he received an option grant in fiscal 2021 in connection with the early termination of his employment agreement and transition to non-executive Chair.
Compensation for independent directors for 2022 was as follows:
| An annual retainer fee of $75,000, with such fee being paid, at the option of each director, either in cash or shares of TransDigms common stock, paid semi-annually in arrears. No additional Board or committee fees were paid. |
| An additional retainer of $15,000 to the chair of the Audit Committee, paid semi-annually in arrears. |
| An additional retainer of $5,000 to the chairs of the Compensation and Nominating & Governance Committees, paid semi-annually in arrears. |
| An annual grant of stock options valued at approximately $200,000 on a Black Scholes fair value basis. |
For special dividends commencing in 2022, the Board (including Messrs. Stein and Howley) will receive a reduction in the exercise price of the option as contemplated by our stockholder-approved equity plans in connection with a capital adjustment event. For special dividends declared prior to 2022, directors will still receive dividend equivalent payments related to such dividends as the options outstanding at the time of those options vest. Those payments will cease in fiscal 2024.
Non-employee directors other than Mr. Howley must maintain equity in TransDigm (i.e., stock or vested in-the-money options) equal to at least $250,000. Mr. Howley must maintain equity in TransDigm of $6,000,000, at least half of which must be maintained in stock. All of the non-employee directors are in compliance with the ownership requirements.
The following table sets forth (in dollars) the compensation paid to TransDigms non-employee directors during fiscal 2022.
Name | Fees Earned or Paid In Cash (2) |
Stock Awards(2) | Option Awards | All Other Compensation(3) |
Total | |||||||||||||
David Barr |
$543 | $74,457 | $202,167 | $78,250 | $355,417 | |||||||||||||
Jane Cronin |
543 | 74,457 | 202,167 | - | 277,167 | |||||||||||||
Merv Dunn |
543 | 74,457 | 202,167 | 78,250 | 355,417 | |||||||||||||
Michael Graff |
5,543 | 74,457 | 202,167 | 78,250 | 360,417 | |||||||||||||
Sean Hennessy |
90,000 | - | 202,167 | 78,250 | 370,417 | |||||||||||||
W. Nicholas Howley |
- | - | - | - | - | |||||||||||||
Raymond Laubenthal(1) |
30 | 37,470 | - | - | 37,500 | |||||||||||||
Gary E. McCullough |
5,543 | 74,457 | 202,167 | 78,250 | 360,417 | |||||||||||||
Michele Santana |
543 | 74,457 | 202,167 | 55,438 | 332,605 | |||||||||||||
Robert Small |
543 | 74,457 | 202,167 | 78,250 | 355,417 | |||||||||||||
John Staer |
75,000 | - | 202,167 | 78,250 | 355,417 |
(1) | Mr. Laubenthal did not stand for re-election in 2022 and his service ended on July 12, 2022. |
(2) | Messrs. Barr, Dunn, Graff, McCullough and Small and Ms. Santana and Ms. Cronin elected to receive all of their semi-annual board retainer fees as stock. No fractional shares were issued, resulting in a portion of fees paid in cash. Mr. Laubenthal elected to receive his March board retainer fee as stock; he was not serving as a director in September. The shares were issued based on a value established on March 15, 2022 and September 15, 2022, on which dates the last closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange were $646.03 and $587.10, respectively. |
(3) | Represents amounts paid under TransDigms dividend equivalent plans for dividends declared prior to 2022. While Mr. Howley did not receive any dividend equivalent payments related to his service as a director, he did receive $420,843 in dividend equivalent payments related to dividends declared prior to 2022 in connection with his prior service as an employee. |
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This section describes the experience and qualifications of named executive officers, other than Mr. Stein.
Michael Lisman, 40, was appointed Chief Financial Officer in July 2018 and Executive Vice President in January 2022. Prior to that, Mr. Lisman served as Vice President Mergers and Acquisitions from January 2018 to June 2018, Business Unit Manager for the Air & Fuel Valves business unit at Aero Fluid Products, a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransDigm Inc., from January 2017 to January 2018 and Director of Mergers and Acquisitions of TransDigm from November 2015 to January 2017. Prior to that, Mr. Lisman worked for Warburg Pincus. |
Jorge L. Valladares III, 48, was appointed Chief Operating Officer in April 2019. Prior to that, Mr. Valladares served as Chief Operating Officer Power & Control from June 2018 to March 2019, Executive Vice President from October 2013 to May 2018, as President of AvtechTyee, Inc. (formerly Avtech Corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransDigm Inc., from 2009 to 2013, and as President of AdelWiggins Group, a division of TransDigm Inc., from 2008 to 2009. |
Sarah Wynne, 49, was appointed Chief Accounting Officer in November 2018. Prior to that, Ms. Wynne served as Group Controller from April 2015 to October 2018, as Controller of the Aero Fluid Products division of AeroControlex Group, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TransDigm Inc., from 2009 to 2015, and previously in other accounting roles with TransDigm. |
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Halle Martin, 54, was appointed General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer in March 2012 and Secretary in May 2015. Prior to that, Ms. Martin was a partner at Baker Hostetler LLP. Ms. Martin intends to retire on February 3, 2023. |
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This section describes the executive compensation of our named executive officers and includes the required compensation tables.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with TransDigm management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth below. Based on the review and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Michael Graff, Chair Mervin Dunn Sean Hennessy Robert Small
|
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Introduction
The 2022 compensation of our named executive officers appropriately reflects and rewards their significant contributions to TransDigms strong performance in another year that presented unique and unprecedented challenges for our executive team to manage. This Compensation Discussion and Analysis explains the guiding principles and practices upon which our executive compensation program is based and the compensation paid to our named executive officers:
| Kevin Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer |
| Michael Lisman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
| Jorge L. Valladares III, Chief Operating Officer |
| Sarah Wynne, Chief Accounting Officer |
| Halle Martin, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Secretary |
2022 Business Highlights
Throughout fiscal 2022, TransDigm continued to see a rebound in our commercial aerospace end markets. While there is still a sizeable amount of progress that needs to take place before the commercial aerospace industry returns to normalcy and stability, we were encouraged by the progression of the commercial aerospace market recovery in fiscal 2022. Airline passenger demand was robust during the year. Commercial air travel in domestic markets continued to lead the air traffic recovery with certain domestic markets nearing or achieving pre-pandemic air traffic levels. The pace of the international recovery has been slower than the domestic recovery, but international revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs), a metric used to measure air traffic demand, made positive strides in 2022. Most countries have now fully reopened to international travelers and there is pent-up demand for long-haul travel. In fiscal 2022, our commercial end market revenues continued to trend upward as the year progressed.
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Even with the encouraging signs of the commercial aerospace recovery, fiscal 2022 was a challenging year due to the residual negative effects of the pandemic continuing to impact the commercial aerospace industry and adversely impact our financial results. In fiscal 2022, we also had to navigate a difficult inflationary environment and disruption within the global supply chain and labor markets. However, trends throughout fiscal 2022 were encouraging including the further progression towards pre-pandemic levels of global air traffic, among other factors. The recovery of the commercial aerospace industry and our Companys commercial aerospace end markets is expected to continue progressing during 2023 barring any significant disruption to the commercial aerospace industry.
FY 2022 | FY 2021 | |||||||
Revenue |
$5,429 million |
|
+13% |
|
$4,798 million | |||
Net Income from Continuing Operations |
$866 million |
|
27% |
|
$681 million | |||
GAAP Earnings Per Share |
$13.40 per share |
$10.41 per share | ||||||
EBTDA As Defined (1) |
$2,646 million |
|
+21% |
|
$2,189 million | |||
Adjusted Net Income (1) |
$998 million |
|
+41% |
|
$708 million | |||
Adjusted Earnings Per Share (1)(2) |
$17.14 per share |
$12.13 per share | ||||||
|
(1) | EBITDA As Defined, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Earnings Per Share are all non-GAAP financial measures. With respect to all references in this proxy statement to EBITDA As Defined, see the appendix to the 2022 Form 10-K accompanying this Proxy Statement for a historical reconciliation of EBITDA As Defined to Net Income and Adjusted Net Income. |
(2) | Adjusted Earnings Per Share is calculated by taking TransDigms Adjusted Net Income and dividing it by the Total Outstanding Shares for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share. Total Outstanding Shares for Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share are disclosed in the 2022 Form 10-K accompanying this Proxy Statement. |
During 2022, TransDigms management team stayed committed to our proven operating strategy and focused on managing factors within our control, including careful management of our cost structure. This disciplined focus, allowed us to continue building value for TransDigms investors and all other stakeholders. Throughout fiscal 2022, we had strong operating cash flow generation. We closed fiscal 2022 with approximately $3.0 billion of cash.
Managements expert execution allowed us to have the financial flexibility to focus on effective capital allocation throughout fiscal 2022:
| We purchased DART Aerospace (DART) for $360 million in May 2022. DART expands the Companys platform of unique proprietary content with significant aftermarket exposure for the aerospace and defense industry. Since its acquisition, the DART integration has progressed well; |
| During the second and third quarters of fiscal 2022, we returned $912 million of capital to shareholders via open market repurchases of our common stock with a weighted average price of $612.13 per share; and |
| In August 2022, we paid a special cash dividend of $18.50 on each outstanding share of our common stock. |
Our acquisition of DART, the $18.50 per share special dividend and the share buybacks aggregated to approximately $2.4 billion of capital allocation during fiscal 2022. Our capital allocation strategy allows us to continue delivering the private equity-like returns our investors have come to expect from investment in our stock.
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| FY 1993 2022 Revenue compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 18% |
| FY 1993 2022 EBITDA As Defined CAGR 21% |
| FY 1993 2022 EBITDA as Defined Margin expansion from 20% to almost 50% |
To date, the pandemic has caused the worst disruption ever experienced in the commercial aerospace industry. At the trough in April 2020, RPKs were down 94% from pre-pandemic numbers as world-wide traffic halted. For comparison, previous disruptions driven by the Gulf War, 9/11 and Great Recession only produced RPK declines of less than 5%. Air traffic has greatly improved from pandemic lows with worldwide RPKs steadily recovering and many aircraft parked by airlines returning to service though traffic remains depressed relative to pre-pandemic levels. RPKs are currently estimated to be down approximately 29% for calendar year 2022 versus pre-pandemic (final 2022 RPK data will be published subsequent to the print date of this proxy). Current industry consensus expects that worldwide RPKs will recover further in 2023.
Guiding Principles
Performance Expectations. We establish clear, quantitative, robust financial goals focused on TransDigms overall success and impact.
Stockholder Alignment. We establish ownership policies that encourage long-term equity retention and, due to our unique capital allocation philosophy, have dividend equivalent rights to make whole employees who hold vested performance options.
Focus on Long-Term Equity Incentives. We have limited fixed cash compensation (i.e., salary and annual incentive) and emphasize long-term performance and retention by significantly weighting our named executive officers toward long-term equity awards.
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Executive Compensation Policies and Practices
We are committed to sound executive compensation policies and practices, as highlighted in the following table.
Equity compensation limited to
|
Our stock option plans do not authorize the issuance of any full value awards, such as stock, restricted stock or other stock-based units. Our option program relies on performance-vested options with robust performance criteria; we do not issue time-vested options. | |
Prohibition on hedging, pledging and short
|
We prohibit hedging, pledging, transactions in derivatives and short sales in TransDigm securities by all employees and directors, including our named executive officers. | |
Equity ownership guidelines |
We have robust equity ownership guidelines for all of our option holders, including our named executive officers. | |
No repricing |
We do not allow repricing of stock options without stockholder approval. | |
No tax gross-ups |
We do not provide for gross-ups of taxes, including in the event of a change in control or under Section 409A. | |
No evergreen employment contracts |
Executive employment agreements do not contain automatic renewal provisions. | |
No perquisites |
We do not provide perquisites. | |
Annual compensation risk assessment |
The Compensation Committee conducts an annual risk assessment of our compensation program. | |
Independent compensation consultant |
The Compensation Committee directly retains an independent compensation consultant. |
Compensation Committee Judgment and Discretion
The Compensation Committee, consisting entirely of independent directors, reviews and approves the compensation of TransDigms named executive officers and acts as the administrator for TransDigms equity compensation plans.
The Compensation Committees executive compensation determinations are subjective and the result of the Compensation Committees business judgment, which is informed by the experience of its members and input provided by its independent compensation consultant, other directors, our Chief Executive Officer (other than with respect to his own compensation), other members of management, and investors.
The Compensation Committee regularly evaluates TransDigms executive compensation program to determine if changes are appropriate. In so doing, the Compensation Committee may consult with its independent compensation consultant and management; however, the Compensation Committee makes final decisions regarding the compensation paid to our named executive officers based on its
25
own judgment. The Compensation Committee may consider factors such as individual performance, company performance, market conditions, financial goals, retention and stockholder interests in determining compensation.
The Role of the Compensation Consultant. The Compensation Committee periodically selects and retains the services of an independent compensation consultant. The independent compensation consultant is independent in accordance with SEC and NYSE rules. During 2022, the Compensation Committee did not utilize the services of a compensation consultant.
The Role of the Chief Executive Officer. At the Compensation Committees request, for 2022, Mr. Stein provided input regarding the performance and compensation of the other named executive officers. The Compensation Committee considered Mr. Steins evaluation and direct knowledge of each named executive officers performance and contributions when making compensation decisions. Mr. Stein is not present during Compensation Committee voting and deliberations regarding his own compensation.
The Role of Investors. Stockholders are provided the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers. Last year, investors supported the compensation of our named executive officers, with 52% of votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at the 2022 annual meeting voted in favor of our executive compensation program. This vote was an increase from 43% in the prior year and represents recognition of the changes to our executive compensation program, but also the reality that those changes did not have an impact on 2021 compensation in the summary compensation table and were not expected to be realized until 2022. We have ongoing discussions with many of our investors regarding various corporate governance topics, including environment, social and governance topics and executive compensation. The Compensation Committee considers these discussions while reviewing our executive compensation program.
The Role of Peer Companies. The Compensation Committee identifies companies to serve as market reference points for compensation comparison purposes at least every other year. In May 2021, the Compensation Committee engaged Veritas Executive Compensation Consultants to do a survey of total standard compensation components for the certain executives, including the named executive officers, other than the Chief Accounting Officer. The survey was used in connection with setting compensation for 2022. The Compensation Committee specifically asked that Veritas exclude dividend equivalent payments (DEPs) for two reasonsfirst, because DEPs are merely a mechanism for maintaining value already given and second, because including episodic DEPs in a compensation exercise is not going to be as insightful as the anomalies of DEPs will distort any peer analysis.
Veritas used a peer group based on revenue, market capitalization and enterprise value. We use a size based peer group because we manage our business based on EBITDA growth and enterprise value. The Compensation Committee previously rejected a peer group based solely on revenue as being not comparable with TransDigm because TransDigms market capitalization and enterprise value far exceeded those of the potential revenue-based peers. TransDigm used as its peer group the following companies:
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. Ametek, Inc. Amphenol Corporation AO Smith Corp. Ball Corporation BorgWarner Inc. Colfax Corporation Cummins Inc. Dover Corporation |
Emerson Electric Fastenal Company Flowserve Corporation Fortive Corp. General Dynamics Corporation HEICO Corporation Illinois Tool Works L3Harris Technologies, Inc. Masco Corporation |
Northrup Grumman Corporation PACCAR Inc. Parker-Hannifin Corporation Raytheon Technologies Corp. Rockwell Automation, Inc. Roper Technologies, Inc. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Textron Inc. The Boeing Company |
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The survey determined that the named executive officers as a whole were positioned at the low end of the peer group in terms of cash compensation, but in the high end of the peer group in terms of total standard compensation and opportunities, but that the Chief Operating Officer received cash compensation above the median compared to peers.
The Compensation Committee considers the peer group data to inform its decision-making process so it can set total compensation levels that it believes are commensurate with the relative size, scope, and success of TransDigm. The Compensation Committee generally targets to pay salary and annual incentive to most executives below the median of our peers.
2022 Named Executive Officer Compensation
Our executive compensation program is designed to motivate and reward performance in a straightforward and effective way, while recognizing TransDigms private equity philosophy, management style and targeted returns. The compensation of our named executive officers has three primary components: annual base salary, annual cash incentive and long-term equity awards in the form of performance-based options. In addition, our options have attendant to them dividend equivalent rights.
2022 Annual Base Salary. Base salary is a customary, fixed element of cash compensation intended to attract and retain executives. When setting the annual base salaries of our named executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers market data provided by its independent compensation consultant, internal pay equity, and TransDigms financial results. The Compensation Committee determined that, effective January 1, 2022, the base salaries of Messrs. Stein, Lisman and Valladares and Mses. Wynne and Martin should be $1,290,000, $675,000, $705,000, $472,500 and $580,000 per year, respectively.
2022 Annual Incentives. Our annual cash incentive program is a variable, at-risk component of our named executive officers compensation that is aligned with TransDigms annual financial results. For 2022, our annual incentives were based on EBITDA and EBITDA margin (as defined on the next page). The Compensation Committee retains the authority to increase or decrease the award by up to 20%, based on assessment of individual performance, including without limitation, degree of difficulty of the achievement of metrics and the individuals job effectiveness; the effectiveness of TransDigms value drivers; a pattern of clear, open, honest and regular communication with the Board and investors, as applicable; effective succession planning and organizational development; support, maintenance and regular evaluation of the effectiveness of TransDigms long term value focused strategy; or other factors.
Annual cash incentive payouts are determined based on an equal weighting for the EBITDA and EBITDA margin performance measures, as approved by the Compensation Committee, and are linearly interpolated for achievement between threshold, target, and maximum goals. If the threshold performance level is reached, the total payout opportunity is 70% of the target payout, and if the maximum performance level is reached, the payout opportunity is 130% of the target payout. Unless the threshold goal is achieved for a performance measure, there is no payout for that performance measure.
When setting the goals focused on EBITDA and EBITDA margin for 2022, the Compensation Committee considered many factors, including the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on worldwide travel and the aerospace industry and the extent of managements ability to predict and influence performance. The Compensation Committee considered the likelihood of a range of scenarios for EBITDA and EBITDA margin and factors that were projected to have an impact on 2022 EBITDA and EBITDA margin. Based on these considerations, in the first quarter of 2022, the Compensation Committee set annual threshold, target and maximum cash incentive plan goals at levels they considered appropriately rigorous for the year, and that represented strong financial
27
performance under challenging business conditions. If the threshold goal was met, management would receive 70% of the target incentive; if the target goal was met, management would receive 100% of the target incentive; and if the maximum goal was met, management would receive 130% of the target incentive. Amounts in between the threshold and target or target and maximum goals would be determined by linear interpolation.
For 2022, our EBITDA1 was $2.658 billion and our EBITDA margin1 was 48.4%. These results exceeded our targets and resulted in a payout of 117%.
For fiscal 2022, Messrs. Stein, Lisman and Valladares and Mses. Wynne and Martins target incentives were set at 125%, 80%, 80%, 80%, 65% and 65% respectively, of their base salaries. The target incentives, the calculated incentives based on the plan as described above, and the actual amounts awarded are set forth in the table below (in dollars).
Name | Target Annual Incentive |
Calculated Annual Incentive |
Actual Annual Incentive Awarded |
|||||||||
Kevin Stein |
$ | 1,612,500 | $ | 1,886,625 | $ | 2,263,000 | ||||||
Michael Lisman |
540,000 | 631,800 | 650,000 | |||||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III |
564,000 | 659,880 | 675,000 | |||||||||
Sarah Wynne |
307,125 | 359,336 | 365,000 | |||||||||
Halle Martin |
377,000 | 441,090 | 445,000 |
1 | References in this Proxy Statement to EBITDA means EBITDA plus, as applicable for each relevant period, certain adjustments on a pro forma basis, which is defined in the same manner as the Consolidated EBITDA to measure the ratio of our secured indebtedness required under a financial covenant of our senior secured credit facility (or, as used in our financial statements, EBITDA As Defined). EBITDA margin refers to the percentage calculated by dividing EBITDA by net sales, on a pro forma basis, for the applicable period. Reference reconciliation to pro forma EBITDA and pro forma margin included below and in Non-GAAP Financial Measures under Item 2 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our 2022 on Form 10-K, filed on November 10, 2022, for reconciliation to the relevant US GAAP measures, including the usefulness and inherent limitations over non-GAAP financial measures. |
Fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 |
||||||||||||
Net sales GAAP basis |
$ 5,429 | |||||||||||
Pro forma adjustments (a) |
61 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Pro forma net sales |
$ 5,490 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
EBITDA and margin |
$ 2,646 | 48.7% | ||||||||||
Pro forma adjustments (a) |
12 | |||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||
Pro forma EBITDA and margin |
$ 2,658 | 48.4% | ||||||||||
|
|
(a) | Represents managements estimates of the impact of the acquisition of DART Aerospace had such transaction occurred at the beginning of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. |
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2022 Equity Based Incentives
In fiscal 2022, Mr. Stein received a grant of 49,350 options that vest based on performance conditions in fiscal 2026. Ms. Wynne and Ms. Martin received grants of 13,650 and 19,900 options, respectively, that vest based on performance conditions equally over five years.
Performance-Based Stock Option Program
Overview
The equity component of our managements compensation emphasizes long-term stockholder value creation through performance-based options. This is a substantial, at-risk component of our managements compensation that is tied to performance. We believe that performance-based stock option grants motivate and incentivize management to focus on long-term performance and align the interests of our management with the interests of stockholders by reinforcing the long-term goal of increasing stockholder value and yielding returns comparable to or higher than well-performing private equity funds and promoting the stability and retention of our high-performing executive team over the long-term. Our stock option program covers management at the corporate level and our operating units, for a total of approximately 270 people.
Our CEO receives annual grants of options and, commencing in fiscal 2023, our CFO will also receive annual grants of options. Otherwise, generally, executives do not receive annual grants of options. Rather, executives and other plan participants receive options that vest over five years in connection with hirings, promotions and the assumption of increased responsibilities. Thereafter, unless there has been an intervening five-year award because of a promotion, executives and other plan participants receive biennial extension awards that vest in the fourth and fifth year following the award. These grants are generally made in the third year of vesting under the initial award so that the employee has four or five years of future option vesting in order to promote maximizing long-term value and retention.
Performance-based Option Vesting at Rigorous Targets
Option vesting is subject to rigorous performance hurdles. After a hiatus from using our historical performance metric, annual operating performance (AOP) due to COVID, we have returned to that metric for all options granted in 2020 2022 and intend to continue to use it going forward. The minimum threshold for any option vesting requires a 10% cumulative growth in AOP. For maximum vesting, the growth rate required is 17.5% for each performance period. TransDigm uses this compound annual growth rate range because it will incent management to create value for stockholders at a rate that outperforms the typical private equity model. The AOP metric focuses management on EBITDA growth, management of capital structure, cash generation, and acquisition performance. Through these performance-based options with five-year performance periods, we believe we have optimized management incentive to drive stockholder value creation over the long term and appropriately linked compensation with financial performance.
Specifically, AOP targets are set at the time of grant and represent an intrinsic share price. They are set by taking the prior years AOP and increasing such amount by 10% and 17.5%, respectively, to establish the minimum and maximum targets. In other words, as demonstrated in the chart below, the intrinsic share price must grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10% for any vesting to even occur at all; for 100% vesting, the intrinsic share price must grow at a compound annual growth rate of 17.5%. Targets are thus robust, requiring 17.5% compound annual growth from the most recently completed year for maximum vesting in an effort to achieve growth at or above the long-term returns of top performing private equity funds. This is consistent with our objective of providing stockholders with returns at or above those of well-performing private equity funds.
Targets are calculated based on a ratio of (a) the excess of (i) EBITDA multiplied by an acquisition-weighted market multiple over (ii) net debt to (b) the Companys number of diluted shares based on the
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treasury stock method of accounting. The targets are adjusted for special dividends and share repurchases. To simplify, option targets and vesting are basically calculated as follows:
AOP, as reflected above, takes into consideration the following:
| growth in EBITDA; |
| management of capital structure; |
| cash generation; |
| acquisition performance, including the acquisition price paid; and |
| the impact of option dilution on common shares outstanding. |
We use AOP growth (i.e., growth in intrinsic equity value) as the performance-based metric for many reasons:
| It focuses management on the fundamentals of stockholder value creation i.e., EBITDA, cash generation, capital structure management and return of capital, as appropriate. |
| This is the basic private equity formula for value that management has focused on achieving since its inception in 1993. |
| Over the long term, we believe that market value of our stock will generally follow intrinsic value. |
Further, the Compensation Committee has adopted a policy that it will not make discretionary amendments to any then current-year performance targets, except as contemplated for capital events pursuant to the Companys stock option plans. Targets are adjusted for special dividends paid to stockholders and share repurchases as these are capital events. We believe the adjustments are appropriate and necessary to account for the early return of value to stockholders because if a portion of the investment is returned early via special dividend or return of capital, the subsequent years targets must be adjusted to reflect the revised capital structure and maintain the same IRR-based performance requirements. Adjustment of the targets does not make the targets any easier to achieve but rather maintains the IRR targets. The Compensation Committee has also adopted a policy that it will not use discretion in vesting performance-based options.
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Other Option Terms
Because we view our performance on a long-term basis and the targets are set to achieve long-term compound annual and cumulative growth, if the annual performance per share exceeds the maximum target in an applicable year, such excess may be treated as having been achieved in the following two fiscal years and/or the prior two fiscal years (without duplication) if less than the full amount of options would otherwise have vested for such years. Options granted in 2020 2023 have AOP carryforwards and carrybacks capped at $100. This allows management to focus on long-term value without having to make short-term decisions to maximize vesting in a particular year. We believe this feature acts similarly to long-term incentive plans that take into account performance over a multi-year period. We also believe this plan feature mitigates compensation risk, because if performance were measured in only one-year snap-shot increments, management could be incentivized to sacrifice longer term goals to achieve vesting in the short term.
In addition to vesting based on operational targets, in the event of a change in control, options become fully vested. We do not provide for any gross up to any payments that would be deemed to be excess parachute payments under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.
Treatment of Options for Executives Upon Termination
Option agreements for certain officers, including all of the named executive officers, provide that if the officers employment terminates by reason of death, disability, without cause, for good reason or retirement (after age 65 with 10 years of service or after age 60 and 15 years of service), vesting of the options will continue after termination generally as follows:
Termination Date | Percent of Remaining Options Vesting(1) | |||
During the first fiscal year after date of grant |
0% | |||
During the second fiscal year after date of grant |
20% | |||
During the third fiscal year after date of grant |
40% | |||
During the fourth fiscal year after date of grant |
60% | |||
During the fifth fiscal year after date of grant |
80% | |||
After the fifth fiscal year end after date of grant |
100% |
(1) | Options will continue to vest in accordance with their terms if, and only if, the performance criteria are met. Remaining unvested options would vest ratably over the remaining performance vesting schedule. |
2022 Grants
Options are granted generally at regularly scheduled board meetings during November through April. Because all options vest based on performance criteria and vesting occurs at the end of each fiscal year, grants for any new hire or promoted employee who would otherwise receive a grant after April in any year are deferred until November.
Options to purchase 547,480 shares of common stock were granted under the program in fiscal 2022. The number of shares subject to the 2014 Stock Option Plan is 5,000,000, of which 346,451 shares remained available for granting under the plan as of September 30, 2022. The number of shares subject to the 2019 Stock Option Plan is 4,000,000, of which all shares remained available for granting under the plan as of September 30, 2022.
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Dividends and Dividend Equivalents
Dividends
Dividend decisions, like at other companies, are a capital structure decision made by the Board. We do not have a policy of paying regular dividends. Instead, the Board regularly evaluates our capital allocation optionality and will declare a special dividend based on an assessment of availability of cash or borrowing capacity, outlook for acquisitions and other operating needs, favorable capital market conditions, and the availability of surplus under applicable law as well as certain operating performance covenants under our credit facilities.
Our preference for capital allocation is to invest in existing businesses or make accretive acquisitions. But, when internal business needs are met and acquisitions are not available, we elect to allocate capital to return to stockholders through dividends or stock repurchases. Because of the constantly dynamic state of acquisition opportunities, as well as other external forces such as the health of credit markets, geo-political activity, competitive industry opportunities and pressures, these special dividends are unpredictable, episodic, and, unlike other companies, have historically been very large. Most recently, we paid a dividend of $18.50 per share in fiscal 2022, $32.50 per share in fiscal 2020 and $30.00 per share in fiscal 2019. However, we paid no dividends in fiscal 2018 or 2021.
Dividend decisions are made exclusive of compensatory impact. And compensation decisions are made without regard to the possibility of dividend equivalent payments. However, due to the unique structure of our executive compensation program, which targets significantly less cash compensation relative to peers in the short term but provides extraordinary upside in the long term, the Compensation Committee believes our use of DEPs are critical to the understanding of what motivates our executive team and assures alignment between management and investors on capital allocation decisions.
Dividend Equivalent Payments (DEPs)
Our stockholder approved stock option plans allow for payments to option holders or adjustments to the options in the event of a capital event such as an extraordinary dividend. More explicitly, we have dividend equivalent plans that provide option holders the right to receive dividend equivalent payments (DEPs) if the Board declares a dividend on our common stock. We pay these dividend equivalents in order to closely align management and stockholder interests in all aspects of our operations and capital structure. Maintaining an even playing field between constituencies is important to and consistent with our private equity compensation philosophy. As such, the Compensation Committee strongly believes that absent the DEPs, the option holders would be at a clear disadvantage to stockholders, which would incentivize the exercise and sale (e.g., to satisfy tax obligations) of vested options and could undermine the alignment of their interests with those of stockholders. We believe that failure to align management and stockholders could create incentives for management to deploy cash flow and utilize borrowing capacity in a manner other than the return of capital in the form of special dividends, which might not be in the best interests of stockholders. Further, management may be incentivized to seek short-term market gains rather than focusing on long-term equity value and stockholder returns. Dividend equivalents align management with the stockholders to permit the best allocation of capital resources and incentivize long-term share value growth without a hyper focus on short term stock price fluctuations.
Employees, other than Mr. Stein who is also a director, receive DEPs on options (i) that have vested based on rigorous performance criteria, and (ii) that the option holder has chosen not to exercise even though vested. Option holders who hold vested stock options at the time a dividend is paid will receive a cash DEP equal to the amount that he or she would otherwise have been entitled to receive had his or her vested stock option been exercised immediately prior to payment of the dividend. Option holders who hold unvested stock options will receive a cash DEP equal to the amount he or she would
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otherwise have been entitled to receive had his or her unvested stock option been vested and exercised immediately prior to payment of the dividend, but only if and when such stock option vests pursuant to its terms. We believe that we have structured DEPs under the Companys dividend equivalent plans such that they are not subject to any excise tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. Certain investors and proxy advisory firms have raised the issue as to whether the Company should pay dividend equivalents only upon an exercise of the options; however, we believe that tying payment of the dividend equivalents to the exercise of an option would result in excise taxes under Section 409A.
Other Compensation Policies and Considerations
Tax Deductibility of Compensation Expense. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally places a $1 million limit on the amount of compensation a publicly held company can deduct in any tax year on compensation paid to covered employees. The Compensation Committee does not consider tax deductibility in determining executive compensation and will award compensation that it determines to be consistent with the goals of our executive compensation program even if such compensation is not tax deductible by TransDigm.
Prohibition on Hedging, Pledging and Short Sales. No director, officer or employee is permitted to pledge TransDigm stock or engage in short sales or other transactions that hedge or offset, or are designed to hedge or offset, any decrease in the market value of the TransDigms stock. We allow for certain portfolio diversification transactions, such as investments in exchange funds. All of the directors and executive officers are in compliance with this policy.
Equity Ownership Guidelines. We require management to maintain a significant personal investment in the Company. All of the Companys existing option holders are required to maintain ownership of a minimum value of stock or vested options. Elected officers must retain half of their retention limit in stock. Mr. Stein is required to retain $6 million in aggregate value and the other named executive officers are required to hold $1.5 - $2.5 million in aggregate value of stock or vested options. Each executive officer currently holds shares in excess of these guidelines. Shares may be owned directly by the individual, owned jointly with or separately by the individuals spouse, or held in trust for the benefit of the individual, the individuals spouse, or the individuals children.
Results of Say-On-Pay (SOP) Vote
Overview of Say-On-Pay Vote History & Advisory Firm Recommendation Effect
Our Board and management recognize that solicitation and stockholder feedback is important to creating stockholder value. As a result, we regularly engage with our stockholders.
Outreach for the 2021 annual meeting had the following results:
| We reached out to 47 of our top 50 stockholders representing 77% of our shares outstanding to discuss compensation matters for our 2021 annual meeting. Twelve of those stockholders elected to have a discussion while many of the others declined because they were satisfied with the design of our plan and/or we have had prior discussions and they had no questions. |
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| While stockholders were encouraged by the responsive compensation plan changes that were implemented since the 2020 annual meeting, two additional concerns, which arose primarily due the COVID-19 pandemic, were mentioned several times: |
Issues Raised | Response | |
Vesting of 2020 Options and Change in Approach to Performance CriteriaDue to the unprecedented disruption to the aviation industry by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee decided to vest options that were granted in 2020 and scheduled to vest in 2020 notwithstanding that the AOP targets were not met. In addition, the Committee modified the performance criteria for options granted in 2020 and in 2021 for vesting in 2021; while they were still based on performance, they were based on EBITDA margin and EBITDA. |
✓ The Committee listened to stockholder concerns and reverted to using traditional AOP performance targets for stock options vesting in fiscal 2022 and beyond. For options granted in 2022, the carryforward and carryback was limited to $100 to ensure rigorous performance targets.
Short-term incentive plan metrics will also be performance based going forward. Overlapping metrics will not be used.
The Committee further has adopted a policy prohibiting its use of discretion in vesting performance based options and a policy prohibiting it from making discretionary changes (i.e., not related to a capital adjustment event) in performance-based targets for in a then current fiscal year. | |
Magnitude of Executive Compensation Despite Performance. | ✓ Our Board, including Messrs. Howley and Mr. Stein, has agreed that with respect to any dividends paid after June 1, 2022, they will not receive any cash dividend equivalent payments. Rather, the strike price of outstanding options will be reduced. This will reduce the perception of outsized compensation in the future. |
The Say-On-Pay vote result for the 2021 annual meeting was 43% in favor of SOP. The vote reflected stockholder dissent with the vesting of 2020 options and change in approach to performance criteria. The Committee addressed both of these concerns in 2022, subsequent to the 2021 annual meeting, by adopting the changes to our compensation program described herein and also previously disclosed in our 2022 Proxy Statement dated June 1, 2022.
Outreach for the 2022 annual meeting had the following results:
| We reached out to our top 50 shareholders representing 77% of our shares outstanding to discuss compensation matters for our 2022 annual meeting. Fifteen of those stockholders elected to have a discussion while many of the others declined because they were satisfied with the design of our plan and/or we have had prior discussions and they had no questions. We continue to find that most actively managed funds generally like the design of our compensation plan. |
| Compensation plan changes made since the 2021 annual meeting were well received by our stockholders. While stockholders were encouraged by the responsive compensation plan changes, it was noted by several firms that since the changes were not reflected in the 2021 compensation (but would be reflected in the 2022 compensation), their Say-On-Pay vote for the |
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2022 annual meeting would not be reflective of the changes. The changes that are reflected in the 2022 compensation include the return to AOP performance criteria for option vesting in 2022 and the changes implemented to reduce magnitude. |
The Say-On-Pay vote result for the 2022 annual meeting was 52% in favor of SOP. The vote reflected improvement from 2021 reflecting approval of the changes made to our compensation program, but also reflected acknowledgement that those design changes would not be reflected in the magnitude of compensation until 2022. This proxy reflects a full year of the results of the changes and reflects decreased compensation as reflected in the Summary Compensation Table, notwithstanding the payment of a special dividend of $18.50.
In addition to the changes listed above, to further address the magnitude issue, the Company has switched Mr. Lisman, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to annual grants rather than bi-annual grants commencing in fiscal 2023.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Messrs. Graff, Dunn, Hennessy and Small comprise the Compensation Committee. There are no Compensation Committee interlocks.
The following information is set forth with respect to our President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and three of TransDigms other most highly compensated executive officers serving as an executive officer at September 30, 2022 (the named executive officers).
Name and Principal Position |
Fiscal Year |
Salary | Bonus(1) | Option Awards(2) |
Non-equity Incentive Compensation(1) |
All Other Compensation(3) |
Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin Stein, President and Chief Executive Officer |
2022 | $ | 1,273,750 | $ | 376,375 | $ | 12,486,796 | $ | 1,886,625 | $2,686,450 | $ | 18,709,996 | ||||||||||||||||
2021 | 1,200,000 | 173,812 | 12,798,804 | 1,626,188 | 5,685,700 | 21,484,504 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 991,563 | -- | 7,460,000 | -- | 13,608,900 | 22,060,463 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael Lisman, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
2022 | 656,250 | 18,200 | -- | 631,800 | 4,085,155 | 5,391,405 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 583,750 | 101,952 | 10,860,161 | 509,760 | 1,650,775 | 13,706,398 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 496,458 | 2,580 | -- | 327,420 | 2,653,957 | 3,480,415 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III, Chief Operating Officer |
2022 | 698,750 | 15,120 | -- | 659,880 | 7,568,100 | 8,941,850 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 672,500 | 86,659 | 10,973,092 | 577,728 | 3,147,950 | 15,457,929 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 614,917 | 2,200 | 5,296,498 | 397,800 | 7,430,025 | 13,741,440 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sarah Wynne, Chief Accounting Officer |
2022 | 466,875 | 5,664 | 3,453,795 | 359,336 | 692,510 | 4,978,180 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 437,500 | 14,365 | 3,387,919 | 310,535 | 269,400 | 4,419,719 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 365,000 | 1,700 | 1,491,971 | 168,300 | 265,683 | 2,292,654 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Halle Martin, General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Secretary |
2022 | 573,750 | 3,910 | 5,035,202 | 441,090 | 1,370,475 | 7,424,427 | |||||||||||||||||||||
2021 | 548,750 | 1,883 | -- | 383,117 | 544,875 | 1,478,625 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 520,000 | 1,457 | 4,580,351 | 263,543 | 498,550 | 5,863,901 |
(1) | TransDigm has a performance-based annual incentive plan, with Compensation Committee discretion to adjust awards by up to 20%. The calculated amount is disclosed in the Nonequity Incentive Compensation column and any additional discretionary amount is disclosed in the Bonus column. |
(2) | The amount reported represents the grant date fair value of stock options awarded during the applicable fiscal year under TransDigms stock option plans. See Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in TransDigms Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2022 for information on the grant date fair value of awards and a description of the assumptions used in that computation. The actual value of the stock options will depend on whether the options vest, the trading price of the stock at the time of exercise and at the time the underlying stock is ultimately sold. |
(3) | Represents amounts paid pursuant to TransDigms 401(k) plan equal to $17,700, $17,150, $17,700, $17,700, and $17,700 for Mr. Stein, Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne, and Ms. Martin, respectively, and dividend equivalents from dividends paid on vested options equal to $2,668,750, $4,068,005, $7,550,400, $674,810, and $1,352,775 for Mr. Stein, Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne, and Ms. Martin, respectively. Note that amounts for Mr. Stein relate solely to dividends declared prior to 2022. |
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Grants of Plan Based Awards in Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth information concerning options granted and short term cash incentive award targets set in fiscal 2022 to the named executive officers (in dollars, except for estimated future payouts under equity plans).
Name | Award Type | Grant Date |
Estimated Under Non- Equity |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity |
Exercise Price of Option Awards (per share) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Option Awards |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Threshold(2) | Target(3) | Maximum | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Kevin Stein |
Annual Incentive | 11/12/21 | $ | 1,612,500 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-based Option(4) |
11/12/21 |
|
|
|
12,338 | 49,350 | 49,350 | $643.00 | $ | 12,486,796 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Michael Lisman |
Annual Incentive | 11/12/21 | 540,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III |
Annual Incentive | 11/12/21 | 564,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sarah Wynne |
Annual Incentive | 11/12/21 | 307,125 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-based Option(5) |
11/12/21 |
|
|
|
3,413 | 13,650 | 13,650 | 643.00 | 3,453,795 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Halle Martin |
Annual Incentive | 11/12/21 | 385,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance-based Option(5) |
11/12/21 |
|
|
|
4,975 | 19,900 | 19,900 | 643.00 | 5,035,202 |
(1) | Represents target amount of annual cash incentive. |
(2) | Calculated to represent the amount that would vest if the minimum performance criteria were met in the applicable years. If the minimum performance criteria is between the amount required to vest the minimum annual amount and the amount required to vest the maximum annual amount, the percent of options that vest will be determined by linear interpolation. Any options that do not vest in because of a shortfall of AOP (as defined in note 4) may vest in the following two years if there is an excess of AOP in such years. In addition, any excess in AOP in a year may be carried forward in the following two years to make up deficiencies in AOP in such year. In no event may more than $100 of AOP be carried forward or carried back and any amounts used in calculating current year, prior year or future year AOP be used more than once. |
(3) | Target amounts are not established under the grant but are disclosed at the maximum amount. Actual amounts could be lower if annual or cumulative performance requirements are not met. |
(4) | Options vest in 2026 as follows: 25% if annual operating performance (AOP) is $233.85 in 2026 and 100% if AOP is $328.46 in 2026. AOP is EBITDA times 11.58 (as adjusted by the weighted EBITDA acquisition multiple of future acquisitions) minus net debt divided by diluted shares. |
(5) | Options vest equally in 2022-2026 as follows: 5% if the AOP is at least $159.72 and 20% if the AOP is at least $172.32 per diluted share in 2022 (the AOP was $249.84 in 2022 so 20% of the options vested), 5% if the AOP is at least $175.69 and 20% if the AOP is at least $202.48 per diluted share in 2023, 5% if the AOP is at least $193.26 and 20% if the AOP is at least $237.91 per diluted share in 2024, 5% if the AOP is at least $212.59 and 20% if the AOP is at least $279.54 per diluted share in 2025 and 5% if the AOP is at least $233.85 and 20% if the AOP is at least $328.46 per diluted share in 2026. |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The following table sets forth information concerning unexercised options as of September 30, 2022 with respect to the named executive officers.
Name | Number
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options that are Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options |
Option Exercise Price (per share)(11) |
Option Date |
||||||||||||||||
Kevin Stein |
38,800 | -- | $ | 173.29 | 11/13/2024 | |||||||||||||||
35,500 | -- | 250.92 | 11/10/2026 | |||||||||||||||||
213,500 | -- | 305.88 | 04/25/2028 | |||||||||||||||||
-- | 50,000 | (1) | 541.28 | 11/15/2029 | ||||||||||||||||
-- | 68,000 | (2) | 542.31 | 11/11/2030 | ||||||||||||||||
-- | 49,350 | (3) | 624.50 | 11/12/2031 | ||||||||||||||||
Michael Lisman |
3,200 | -- | 217.70 | 01/20/2026 | ||||||||||||||||
1,100 | -- | 284.97 | 11/08/2027 | |||||||||||||||||
8,100 | -- | 303.90 | 01/24/2028 | |||||||||||||||||
96,000 | 24,000 | (4) | 347.17 | 11/05/2028 | ||||||||||||||||
23,080 | 34,620 | (5) | 560.81 | 11/11/2030 | ||||||||||||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III |
52,000 | -- | 148.45 | 11/15/2023 | ||||||||||||||||
32,400 | -- | (6) | 226.34 | 11/06/2025 | ||||||||||||||||
65,000 | -- | 284.97 | 11/08/2027 | |||||||||||||||||
48,800 | 12,200 | (4) | 347.17 | 11/05/2028 | ||||||||||||||||
6,800 | 1,700 | (4) | 476.81 | 04/25/2029 | ||||||||||||||||
12,300 | 14,200 | (7) | 559.78 | 11/15/2029 | ||||||||||||||||
-- | 58,300 | (8) | 560.81 | 11/11/2030 | ||||||||||||||||
Sarah Wynne |
5,700 | -- | 221.81 | 04/22/2025 | ||||||||||||||||
2,700 | -- | 269.42 | 11/10/2026 | |||||||||||||||||
4,680 | 1,170 | (4) | 347.17 | 11/05/2028 | ||||||||||||||||
6,000 | 4,000 | (7) | 559.78 | 11/15/2029 | ||||||||||||||||
7,200 | 10,800 | (9) | 560.81 | 11/11/2030 | ||||||||||||||||
2,730 | 10,920 | (10) | 643.00 | 11/12/2031 | ||||||||||||||||
Halle Martin |
6,500 | -- | 148,45 | 11/15/2023 | ||||||||||||||||
5,200 | -- | 226.34 | 11/06/2025 | |||||||||||||||||
10,500 | -- | 284.97 | 11/08/2027 | |||||||||||||||||
18,420 | 12,280 | (7) | 559.78 | 11/15/2029 | ||||||||||||||||
3,980 | 15,920 | (10) | 643.00 | 11/12/2031 |
(1) | Options vest as follows: 25% if AOP is at least $193.26 and 100% if AOP is at least $237.91 in 2024. AOP is EBITDA times an acquisition-weighted EBITDA multiple minus net debt divided by diluted shares. |
(2) | Options vest as follows 25% if AOP is at least $212.59 and 100% if AOP is at least $279.54 in 2025. |
(3) | Options vest as follows: 25% if AOP is at least $233.85 and 100% if AOP is at least $328.46 in 2026. |
(4) | Remaining unvested options vest as follows: 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $149.96 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $229.64 per diluted share in 2023. |
(5) | Remaining unvested options vest as follows: 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $175.69 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $202.47 per diluted share in 2023, 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $193.26 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $237.91 per diluted share in 2024 and 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $212.59 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $279.54 per diluted share in 2025. |
(6) | 12,600 options are held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Valladares children. |
(7) | Remaining unvested options vest as follows: 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $175.69 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $202.47 in 2023 and 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $193.26 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $237.91 in 2024. |
(8) | Options vest as follows: 12.5% if the AOP is at least $193.26 and 50% if the AOP is at least $237.91 in 2024 and 12.5% if the AOP is at least $212.59 and 50% if the AOP is at least $279.54 in 2025. |
(9) | Remaining options vest as follows: 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $175.69 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $202.47 in 2023, 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $193.26 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $237.91 in 2024 and 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $212.59 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $279.54 in 2025. |
(10) | Remaining options vest as follows: 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $175.69 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $202.47 in 2023, 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $193.26 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $237.91 in 2024, 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $212.59 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $279.54 in 2025 and 5% of the total award if the AOP is at least $233.85 and 20% of the total award if the AOP is at least $328.46 in 2026. |
(11) | Exercise prices for Mr. Stein have been reduced by the amount of dividends declared in 2022 ($18.50) in lieu of receiving dividend equivalent payments in cash. |
37
Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth information with respect to the number of shares acquired by the named executive officers upon exercise of options and the value realized through such exercise during fiscal 2022.
Name | Option Awards | |||||||
Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
|||||||
Kevin Stein |
|
75,500 |
|
|
34,109,103 |
| ||
Michael Lisman |
|
-- |
|
|
-- |
| ||
Jorge L. Valladares III |
|
-- |
|
|
-- |
| ||
Sarah Wynne |
|
2,250 |
|
|
1,174,953 |
| ||
Halle Martin |
|
-- |
|
|
-- |
|
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
All of the named executive officers have severance benefits governed by their employment agreements.
Pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement, if Mr. Stein is terminated for cause (as defined in his employment agreement), he will receive only any unpaid but accrued base salary and benefits. As of September 30, 2022, Mr. Stein had no unpaid but accrued salary and benefits. If Mr. Stein is terminated for death or disability or without cause by TransDigm or voluntarily resigns for good reason (each as defined in the agreement and described under Employment Agreements below), he will receive (a) two times his annual salary, (b) two times the greater of (i) all bonuses paid or payable for the fiscal year immediately prior to the date of termination or (ii) bonuses for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs, determined in accordance with TransDigms annual incentive program, if any, and (C) 18 times the monthly cost of the difference between his employee co-premiums for health insurance at the time of termination and the COBRA cost for such coverage, and in each case the payments will be payable in equal monthly installments over the two-year period following his termination.
Pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements, if Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne or Ms. Martin is terminated for cause (as defined in the applicable employment agreement), he or she will receive only any unpaid but accrued base salary and benefits. As of September 30, 2022, none of Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne or Ms. Martin had unpaid but accrued base salary or benefits. If Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne or Ms. Martin is terminated by reason of death or disability or without cause by the Company or voluntarily resigns for good reason (each as defined in his or her agreement and described under Employment Agreements below), he or she will receive (a) 1.25 times his or her annual salary, (b) 1.25 times the greater of (i) all bonuses paid or payable to him or her for the fiscal year immediately prior to the date of termination or (ii) the target bonus for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs, determined in accordance with the Companys bonus program, if any, and (c) 18 times the monthly cost of the difference between his or her employee co-premiums for health insurance at the time of termination and the COBRA cost for such coverage, and in each case the payments will be payable in equal monthly installments over the two-year period following his or her termination.
In addition, certain option grants for Mr. Stein, Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne and Ms. Martin have post-employment vesting provisions. If any of them had died, become disabled, been terminated
38
by TransDigm without cause or resigned his or her employment for good reason on September 30, 2022, he or she would have had options be permitted to vest in accordance with their terms as set forth in the table below.
Name | Number of Unvested Options | Option Expiration Date |
Number of Options Permitted to Continue to Vest upon |
|||||||||
Kevin Stein |
50,000 | 11/15/2029 | 20,000 | |||||||||
68,000 | 11/11/2030 | 13,600 | ||||||||||
49,350 | 11/12/2031 | -- | ||||||||||
Michael Lisman |
24,000 | 11/05/2028 | 14,400 | |||||||||
34,620 | 11/11/2030 | 6,924 | ||||||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III |
12,200 | 11/05/2028 | 7,320 | |||||||||
1,700 | 04/25/2029 | 1,020 | ||||||||||
14,200 | 11/15/2029 | 5,680 | ||||||||||
58,300 | 11/11/2030 | 11,660 | ||||||||||
Sarah Wynne |
1,170 | 11/05/2028 | 702 | |||||||||
4,000 | 11/15/2029 | 1,600 | ||||||||||
10,800 | 11/11/2030 | 2,160 | ||||||||||
10,920 | 11/12/2031 | -- | ||||||||||
Halle Martin |
12,280 | 11/15/2029 | 4,912 | |||||||||
15,920 | 11/12/2031 | -- |
TransDigms equity plans have provisions for accelerated vesting in certain circumstances on a change in control. If a change in control had occurred on September 30, 2022, Mr. Stein, Mr. Lisman, Mr. Valladares, Ms. Wynne, and Ms. Martin would have had 167,350, 58,620, 86,400, 26,890 and 28,200 options, respectively, vest, with a realized value of $0, $4,263,600, $2,248,947, $207,851 and $0, respectively (assuming the change in control price was $524.82, the closing price of our stock on the NYSE on September 30, 2022).
In sum, had a change in control or termination for the various reasons set forth below occurred on September 30, 2022, the named executive officers would have been entitled to receive the following aggregate amounts:
Name | Change in Control ($)(1) |
Termination for Cause ($) |
Termination without Cause ($) |
Termination for Disability ($) |
Voluntary Termination for Good Reason ($) |
Voluntary Reason ($) |
||||||||||||||||||
Kevin Stein |
|
0 |
|
|
-- |
|
|
7,141,558 |
|
|
7,141,588 |
|
|
7,141,558 |
|
|
-- |
|||||||
Michael Lisman |
|
4,263,600 |
|
|
-- |
|
|
1,663,801 |
|
|
1,663,801 |
|
|
1,663,801 |
|
|
-- |
|||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III |
|
2,248,947 |
|
|
-- |
|
|
1,598,396 |
|
|
1,598,396 |
|
|
1,598,396 |
|
|
-- |
|||||||
Sarah Wynne |
|
207,851 |
|
|
-- |
|
|
1,071,588 |
|
|
1,071,588 |
|
|
1,071,588 |
|
|
-- |
|||||||
Halle Martin |
|
0 |
|
|
-- |
|
|
1,317,380 |
|
|
1,317,380 |
|
|
1,317,380 |
|
|
-- |
(1) | Amounts assume that the named executive officer was not terminated in connection with the change in control. If the named executive was terminated without cause in connection with a change in control, his compensation would also include amounts listed in the column for Termination Without Cause. |
On commencement of his employment in October 2014, Mr. Stein entered into an employment agreement with TransDigm to serve as Chief Operating Officer. The agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Stein currently serves as Chief Executive Officer, was most recently amended in April 2018. Unless earlier terminated by TransDigm or Mr. Stein, the current term of Mr. Steins employment expires October 1, 2024. The agreement does not have a provision for automatic renewal.
39
Mr. Lisman entered into an employment agreement with TransDigm in July 2018 in connection with his promotion to Chief Financial Officer. The agreement was amended in November 2021 to modify the severance provisions to include 18 times the monthly cost of the difference between his employee co-premiums for health insurance at the time of termination and the COBRA cost for such coverage, instead of 15 times such amount. Unless earlier terminated by TransDigm or Mr. Lisman, the term of his agreement extends until December 31, 2023, with no automatic right of renewal.
Mr. Valladares entered into an employment agreement with TransDigm in October 2013, which has been amended most recently in November 2021. The most recent amendment: (1) removed the requirement for 90-day notice of termination, (2) modified the severance provisions from one times severance and bonus to 1.25 severance and bonus, (3) eliminated Mr. Valladares opportunity to cure a default in the event of a termination for cause, and (4) added a requirement for Mr. Valladares to sign a release in order to receive severance. Mr. Valladares currently serves as Chief Operating Officer. Unless earlier terminated by TransDigm or Mr. Valladares, the term of his agreement extends until October 1, 2023, with no automatic right of renewal.
Ms. Wynne entered into an employment agreement with TransDigm in November 2018. The agreement was amended in November 2021 to modify the severance provisions to include 18 times the month cost of the difference between her employee co-premiums for health insurance at the time of termination and the COBRA cost for such coverage, instead of 15 times such amount. Unless earlier terminated by TransDigm or Ms. Wynne, the term of her agreement extends until October 1, 2023 with no automatic right of renewal.
Ms. Martin entered into an employment agreement with TransDigm in November 2018. The agreement was amended in November 2021 to modify the severance provisions to include 18 times the month cost of the difference between her employee co-premiums for health insurance at the time of termination and the COBRA cost for such coverage, instead of 15 times such amount. Unless earlier terminated by TransDigm or Ms. Martin, the term of her agreement extends until December 31, 2023 with no automatic right of renewal. Ms. Martin has announced her intention to retire on February 3, 2023.
The employment agreements provide that if a named executive officer is terminated for any reason, he or she will be entitled to payment of any accrued but unpaid base salary through the termination date, any unreimbursed expenses, an amount for accrued but unused sick and vacation days, and benefits owing to him under the benefit plans and programs sponsored by TransDigm. In addition, if his or her employment is terminated:
| without cause (as defined in his or her employment agreement) |
| by the named executive officer for certain enumerated good reasons, which include: a material diminution in his or her title, duties or responsibilities, without his or her prior written consent; a reduction of his or her aggregate cash compensation (including bonus opportunities), benefits or perquisites, without his or her prior written consent; TransDigm requires him or her, without his or her prior written consent, to be based at any location that requires a relocation greater than 30 miles from his or her current office; or any material breach of this Agreement by TransDigm; or, solely in the case of Mr. Stein, TransDigms refusal to amend the agreement to extend the term or any renewal thereof at least one year or enter into a new agreement on substantially similar terms without providing him with comparable severance; or |
| due to his or her death or disability (as defined in his or her employment agreement), |
then TransDigm will pay the severance described elsewhere in this proxy statement.
40
During the term of each executive officers employment and following any termination of his employment, for a period of (a) 24 months in the case of Mr. Stein and (b) 12 months in the case of a termination without cause or for enumerated good reasons or 24 months in the event of voluntary termination without enumerated good reasons or termination for cause in the case of the other named executive officers, the executive officer will be prohibited from engaging in any business that competes with any business of TransDigm or its subsidiaries. In addition, during the term of employment and for the two-year period following the termination of each executive officers employment for any reason, he or she will be prohibited from soliciting or inducing any person who is or was employed by, or providing consulting services to, TransDigm during the 12-month period prior to the date of the termination of his or her employment, to terminate their employment or consulting relationship with TransDigm. Under the terms of his or her employment agreement, each executive officer is also subject to certain confidentiality and non-disclosure obligations, and TransDigm has agreed, so long as the executive officer is not in breach of certain of his or her obligations under his or her employment agreement, to, among other things, indemnify him to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law against all costs, charges and expenses incurred or sustained by him or her in connection with any action, suit or proceeding to which he may be made a party by reason of being or having been a director, officer or employee of TransDigm or serving or having served any other enterprise as a director, officer or employee at TransDigms request.
The SEC requires us to disclose the annual total compensation of each of Mr. Stein (our Chief Executive Officer) and our median employee, as well as the ratio of their respective annual total compensation to each other (in each case, with annual total compensation calculated in accordance with SEC rules applicable to the Summary Compensation Table). In fiscal 2022, Mr. Steins annual total compensation was $18,709,996. Our median employees annual total compensation was $52,856. The ratio of Mr. Steins annual total compensation to our median employees annual total compensation was 354:1.
In determining our median employee, we chose September 30, 2022, the date of our last completed fiscal year. We identified the median employee by calculating total cash compensation (base salary, including overtime, and cash incentive compensation, where applicable) of all persons employed by us as of our fiscal year-end 2022. In determining our median employee, we did not use any of the exemptions permitted under SEC rules. Similarly we did not rely on any material assumptions, adjustments (e.g., cost of living adjustments) or estimates (e.g. statistical sampling) to identify our median employee or determine annual total compensation or any elements of annual total compensation for our median employee or Mr. Stein. Once we identified our median employee, we re-calculated such employees annual total compensation consistent with the summary compensation table for purpose of determining the ratio of Mr. Steins annual total compensation to such employees total compensation.
41
Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors
The Board has nominated Mr. Barr, Ms. Cronin, Mr. Dunn, Mr. Graff, Mr. Hennessy, Mr. Howley, Mr. McCullough, Ms. Santana, Mr. Small, Mr. Staer, and Mr. Stein to be elected to serve on our Board until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
At the annual meeting, proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of individuals than the 11 nominees named in this Proxy Statement. Holders of proxies solicited by this proxy statement will vote the proxies received by them as directed on the proxy card or, if no direction is made, for the election of the Boards 11 nominees.
Each of the directors nominated by the Board has consented to serving as a nominee, being named in this proxy statement, and serving on the Board if elected. Each director elected at the annual meeting will be elected to serve a one-year term. If any nominee is unable to serve or otherwise will not serve as a director at the time of the annual meeting, the proxy holders may vote for any nominee designated by the present Board to fill the vacancy.
For more information on the director nominees, please see the biographies of the director nominees beginning on page 13.
The 11 nominees receiving the greatest number of votes FOR election will be elected as directors. If you do not vote for a particular director nominee, or if you indicate WITHHOLD AUTHORITY for a particular nominee on your proxy form, your vote will not count either for or against the nominee. If your shares are held in street name by a broker or nominee indicating on a proxy that it does not have authority to vote on this or any other proposal, this will result in a broker non-vote, which will not count as a vote for or a vote against any of the nominees.
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the nominees for election set forth above.
Proposal No. 2 Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee has re-appointed Ernst & Young LLP as TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm and as auditors of TransDigms consolidated financial statements for 2023. The Audit Committee reviews the performance of the independent registered public accounting firm annually. In making the determination to re-appoint Ernst & Young for 2023, the Audit Committee considered, among other factors, the independence and performance of Ernst & Young, and the quality and candor of Ernst & Youngs communications with the Audit Committee and management. Ernst & Young has served as TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm since 2004.
At the Annual Meeting, our stockholders are being asked to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young as TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm for 2023. Although ratification of the Audit Committees appointment of Ernst & Young is not required, we believe that stockholder ratification of the appointment is a good corporate governance practice. In the event of a negative vote on this proposal, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection. In such event, the Audit Committee may retain Ernst & Young notwithstanding the fact that the stockholders did not ratify the selection, or select another nationally recognized accounting firm without re-submitting the matter to the stockholders.
42
Even if this appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of TransDigm and its stockholders. A representative of Ernst & Young is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if desired, and will be available to respond to questions.
Fees Paid to Auditors
The following table shows the fees billed by TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm for the years ended September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021 (in dollars).
FY 2022 | FY 2021 | |||||||
Audit Fees(1) |
7,652,000 | 7,519,000 | ||||||
Audit-Related Fees(2) |
60,000 | 238,000 | ||||||
Tax Fees(3) |
1,175,000 | 1,218,000 | ||||||
All Other Fees(4) |
5,000 | 8,000 |
(1) | Audit fees are fees for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, certain statutory audits required for our international subsidiaries and reviews of our quarterly consolidated financial statements. |
(2) | Audit related fees include M&A due diligence, employee benefit plans and other agreed-upon procedures and attestation engagements. |
(3) | Tax fees include professional services rendered for tax compliance and tax advisory services. These services include the review of certain tax returns, tax audit assistance and advising on legal entity restructuring. |
(4) | All other fees include publications and online subscriptions/content. |
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy
The Audit Committee must pre-approve any audit or permissible non-audit services. The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date. All non-audit services were preapproved by the Audit Committee.
Although the Audit Committee may select our independent accountants without stockholder approval, the Audit Committee will consider the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal to be a ratification by the stockholders of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as TransDigms independent accountants. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. Ratification of the Audit Committees selection of the Companys independent accountants is a routine matter so there should be no broker non-votes.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR Proposal 2 |
43
Proposal No. 3 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
Our executive compensation program is designed to motivate and reward exceptional performance. We believe that the compensation of our named executive officers appropriately reflects and rewards their significant contributions to TransDigms strong performance over the long- and short-term. In the past year or so, we have made several changes to our compensation in response to stockholder feedback, including:
| Eliminating overlapping metrics in our long-term and short-term incentive plans |
| Adopting a policy that we will not use discretion in vesting performance-based options in the future |
| Adopting a policy that we will not make discretionary amendments to any then current-year performance targets in the future |
| Re-implementing annual operating performance criteria for option vesting for fiscal year 2022 and beyond (including for options granted in 2020-21) |
| Eliminating alternate market vesting in options starting last year, in fiscal 2021 |
| Eliminating cash dividend equivalents for directors (including our CEO) for future dividends, such that directors will only receive adjustment of the exercise price of the options as contemplated by our stock option plan |
| Terminating the executive chair employment agreement early to eliminate dual CEO compensation starting in fiscal 2022 |
The following proposal provides stockholders the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on our compensation for named executive officers (a say-on-pay vote) by voting for or against the following resolution. As an advisory vote, this proposal is non-binding. Although the vote is non-binding, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will consider the results of the vote when making future compensation decisions for TransDigms named executive officers.
RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve the compensation of TransDigms named executive officers, as disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and the related disclosure contained in the proxy statement set forth under the caption EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION in this proxy statement.
The approval of executive compensation is an advisory vote; however, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will consider the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the proposal as approval of the compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers. Broker non-votes will not have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of the proposal. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR proposal 3
|
44
Proposal No. 4 Advisory Vote on the Frequency of Vote on Executive Compensation
The following proposal provides stockholders the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on how often the Company should include an advisory vote on executive compensation in the Companys proxy statement.
RESOLVED, that the company should include an advisory vote on the compensation of the Companys named executive officers every:
| one year |
| two years; or |
| three years. |
As an advisory vote, this proposal is non-binding. However, the Company has adopted a policy that it will include an advisory vote on executive compensation on intervals consistent with the plurality of votes cast on this proposal. The choice which receives the highest number of votes will be deemed the choice of the stockholders. As a result, the choice that receives the most votes will be deemed the choice of the stockholders and will be implemented by the Company. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board makes no recommendation on this proposal. Proxies will not vote on this proposal without instructions. |
TransDigm knows of no other matters to be submitted to stockholders at the Annual Meeting, other than the proposals identified in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before stockholders at the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named on the proxy to vote the shares represented thereby on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
45
This section includes the Audit Committee Report, information about stock ownership and other general information.
In accordance with its written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of TransDigms accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. The Audit Committee meets at least quarterly to review quarterly or annual financial information prior to its release and inclusion in SEC filings. As part of each meeting, the Audit Committee has the opportunity to meet independently with management and TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm.
In discharging its oversight responsibility as to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained a formal written statement from the independent registered public accounting firm describing all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and TransDigm that might bear on the independent registered public accounting firms independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm any relationships that may impact its objectivity and independence, and satisfied itself as to the independent registered public accounting firms independence.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered accounting firm all matters required to be discussed pursuant to auditing standards adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed TransDigms audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2022 with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Management has the responsibility for the preparation of TransDigms financial statements, and the independent registered public accounting firm has the responsibility for the examination of those statements.
Based on the above-described review and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that TransDigms audited financial statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Audit Committee
Sean P. Hennessy, Chair
Jane Cronin
Gary E. McCullough
Michele Santana
John Staer
46
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders and Management
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of TransDigm common stock as of January 13, 2023 with respect to each person known to be a beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding common stock.
Name and Address of Beneficial Holder |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class (5) |
||||||
Capital International Investors(1) |
6,544,816 | 12.00% | ||||||
333 South Hope Street, 55th Floor |
||||||||
Los Angeles, CA 90071 |
||||||||
The Vanguard Group, Inc.(2) |
5,579,729 | 10.23 | ||||||
100 Vanguard Blvd. |
||||||||
Malvern, PA 19355 |
||||||||
Principal Global Investors, LLC (3) |
3,302,704 | 6.06 | ||||||
801 Grand Avenue |
||||||||
Des Moines, IA 50392 |
||||||||
BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.(4) 55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10055 |
2,740,502 | 5.03 |
(1) | Information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed by Capital International Investors on February 11, 2022 and a Form 13F-HR filed November 14, 2022 reporting holdings as of September 30, 2022. Capital International Investors has sole voting power over 6,542,262 shares. |
(2) | Information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group on March 9, 2022 and a Form 13F-HR filed November 14, 2022 by Vanguard Group Inc. reporting holdings as of September 30, 2022. Vanguard Group, Inc. has shared voting power over 74,133 shares. |
(3) | Information obtained from a Schedule 13G filed by Principal Global Investors on February 15, 2022 and a Form 13F-HR filed November 9, 2022 by Principal Financial Group Inc. reporting holdings as of September, 2022. Principal Global has sole voting power over all shares. |
(4) | Information obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. on February 3, 2022 and a Form 13F-HR filed November 14, 2022 |
(5) | Percentage of ownership is based on 54,535,417 shares of common stock of TransDigm outstanding as of January 13, 2023. |
47
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of TransDigm common stock as of January 13, 2023 with respect to each director and named executive officer and all directors and executive officers as a group. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock listed as beneficially owned by them. None of the shares held by directors or executive officers are pledged. The address for each individual listed below is c/o TransDigm Group Incorporated, 1301 East Ninth Street, Suite 3000, Cleveland, Ohio 44114.
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beneficial Owner |
Shares | Shares Subject to Options Currently Exercisable or Exercisable within 60 Days |
Total Number of Shares | Percentage of Class | ||||||||||||||||||||
David Barr |
|
31,906 |
|
7,403 |
|
39,309 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Jane Cronin |
|
459.62 |
|
160 |
|
619.62 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Mervin Dunn |
|
1,825 |
|
10,573 |
|
12,398 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Michael Graff(2) |
|
23,079 |
|
7,967 |
|
31,046 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Sean Hennessy |
|
33,935 |
|
11,097 |
|
45,032 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
W. Nicholas Howley(3) |
|
29,932.513 |
|
974,732 |
|
1,004,664.513 |
1.81 |
|||||||||||||||||
Gary E. McCullough |
|
915 |
|
6,660 |
|
7,575 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Michele Santana |
|
511 |
|
4,260 |
|
4,771 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Robert Small(4) |
|
2,119,638 |
|
14,788 |
|
2,134,426 |
3.91 |
|||||||||||||||||
John Staer(5) |
|
117 |
|
6,660 |
|
6,777 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Kevin Stein(6) |
|
8,158 |
|
287,800 |
|
295,958 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Michael Lisman |
|
2,309 |
|
131,480 |
|
133,789 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Jorge L. Valladares III(7) |
|
11,000 |
|
238,900 |
|
249,900 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Sarah Wynne(8) |
|
610 |
|
29,010 |
|
29,620 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
Halle Martin(9) |
|
883 |
|
44,600 |
|
45,483 |
* |
|||||||||||||||||
All directors and officers as a group (15 persons)(10) |
|
2,265,278.133 |
|
1,776,090 |
|
4,041,368.133 |
7.18 |
* | Less than 1% |
(1) | Includes shares of which the listed beneficial owner is deemed to have the right to acquire beneficial ownership under Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act, as amended (the Exchange Act), within 60 days of January 13, 2023. The number of shares outstanding used in calculating the percentage of beneficial ownership for each person listed below includes the shares underlying options held by such persons that are exercisable within 60 days of January 13, 2023, but excludes shares underlying options held by any other person. Percentage of ownership is based on 54,535,417 shares of common stock of TransDigm outstanding as of January 13, 2023. |
(2) | Includes 4,000 shares held by Mr. Graff as the trustee of certain trusts created for the benefit of his children, 13,096 shares held by a trustee of a trust created by Mr. Graffs wife for the benefit of their children and 1,200 shares held directly by Mr. Graffs wife. |
(3) | Includes 8,262 shares held by Mr. Howley as trustee of a charitable foundation, 21,547.513 shares that are held by Mr. Howley as trustee of a trust for the benefit of his family and options to purchase 961,868 shares that are held by Mr. Howley as trustee of a trust for the benefit of his family and 123 shares that are held by Bratenahl Capital. By virtue of his indirect ownership interest in Bratenahl Capital, Mr. Howley may be deemed to be the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under Exchange Act) of the shares that are owned by Bratenahl Capital. Mr. Howley disclaims beneficial ownership of all options owned by Bratenahl Capital and reported herein as beneficially owned except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. |
(4) | Includes 2,010,636 shares held by entities related to Berkshire Partners LLC. Mr. Small disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares owned or controlled by the Berkshire entities except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein. Also includes 47,735 shares held by Mr. Small as trustee over which he has voting power but does not have any economic interest. |
(5) | Includes 26 shares held by Mr. Staers wife. |
(6) | Includes 1,347 shares held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Steins family. |
(7) | Includes options to purchase 12,600 shares that are held in trust for the benefit of Mr. Valladares children. |
(8) | Includes 10 shares held by Ms. Wynnes husband. |
(9) | Includes four shares held by Ms. Martin as custodian for her children and one share held by her husband. |
(10) | See footnotes (1) (9). |
48
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors and executive officers, and owners of more than 10% of a registered class of the Companys equity securities, to file with the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common shares and other equity securities of the Company. Executive officers, directors and owners of more than 10% of the common shares are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all forms they file pursuant to Section 16(a). To the Companys knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and representations from executive officers and directors that no other reports were required, the Company is not aware of any late filings other than those already disclosed.
General Information Regarding the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
Location, Date and Time and Record Date
Location: | 1301 E. Ninth St., Suite 3000, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 | |
Date: | Thursday, March 9 | |
Time: | 9:00 am Eastern Time |
The record date for the annual meeting is January 13, 2023. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on this date are entitled to vote at the annual meeting.
You are invited to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement if you were a TransDigm stockholder on the record date.
TransDigm is soliciting proxies for use at the annual meeting, including any postponements or adjournments. In the interest of saving time and money, TransDigm has opted to provide the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022 in lieu of producing a glossy annual report.
Attending the Annual Meeting
The meeting will be held at the Companys principal executive offices, 1301 E Ninth Street, Suite 3000, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time. For directions to the meeting, call Investor Relations at 216-706-2945.
Only stockholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the meeting. If you hold your shares in street name (that is, through a broker or other nominee), your name does not
appear in the Companys records, so you will need to bring a copy of your brokerage statement reflecting your ownership of shares of common stock as of the record date.
Even if you plan on attending the annual meeting, please vote in advance on the internet, by phone or by completing and returning your proxy card to ensure that your vote will be represented at the annual meeting.
In the unlikely event that we determine that holding an in-person meeting is inadvisable or in conflict with federal, state or local executive orders, the Company may decide to instead hold a virtual annual meeting. If we decide to use this format, we will make a public announcement as soon as practicable prior to the meeting. In such event, to attend and participate in the virtual annual meeting, stockholders will need to access the live audio webcast of the meeting. To do so, stockholders of record will need to visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TDG2022 and use their 16-digit control number provided with
49
this proxy statement to login and beneficial owners will need to follow the instructions provided by the broker, bank or other nominee that holds their shares. Further instructions on how to attend, participate in and vote at the virtual annua meeting will be available at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/TDG2022. Please note you will only be able to participate in the meeting using this website if we decide to use a virtual annual meeting instead of holding an in-person meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.
Proxy Materials
These materials were first sent or made available to stockholders on January 27, 2023, and include:
| The Notice of 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders |
| This Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting |
| TransDigms Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022 |
If you received printed versions by mail, these printed proxy materials also include the proxy card or voting instruction form for the annual meeting.
TransDigm uses the internet as the primary means of furnishing proxy materials to stockholders. We are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to our stockholders with instructions on how to access the proxy materials online or request a printed copy of the materials.
Stockholders may follow the instructions in the Notice of Internet Availability to elect to receive future proxy materials in print by mail or electronically by email. We encourage stockholders to take advantage of the availability of the proxy materials online to help reduce the environmental impact of our annual meetings and reduce our printing and mailing costs.
Our proxy materials are also available at www.transdigm.com/investor-relations.
Eliminating Duplicate Mailings
We have adopted a procedure called householding whereby we may deliver a single copy of the notice of internet availability and, if you requested printed versions by mail, this proxy statement and the annual report to multiple stockholders who share the same address, unless we have received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. This procedure reduces the environmental impact of our meetings, reduces the volume of duplicate information stockholders receive and reduces printing and mailing costs. Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. Upon request, TransDigm will deliver promptly a separate copy of the notice of internet availability and, if you requested printed versions by mail, this proxy statement and the annual report to any stockholder that elects not to participate in householding. To receive, free of charge, a separate copy of the notice of internet availability and, if you requested printed versions by mail, this proxy statement or the annual report, or separate copies of any future notice, proxy statement, or annual report, you may write or call:
TransDigm Investor Relations
1301 E. Ninth Street, Suite 3000
Cleveland, OH 44114
Phone: (216) 706-2945
Email: ir@transdigm.com
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If you are receiving more than one copy of the proxy materials at a single address and would like to participate in householding, please contact the bank, broker, or other organization that holds your shares to request information about eliminating duplicate mailings.
Quorum for the Annual Meeting
Holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting must be present at the annual meeting or represented by proxy for the transaction of business. This is called a quorum. Your shares will be counted for purposes of determining if there is a quorum if you have properly voted by proxy prior to the meeting or you are entitled to vote and present at the annual meeting. Broker non-votes and abstentions are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. If a quorum is not present, we may propose to adjourn the annual meeting and reconvene at a later date.
Proxy Solicitation Costs
TransDigm is paying the costs of the solicitation of proxies. We have retained Alliance Advisors LLC to assist in the distribution of proxy materials and the solicitation of proxies from brokerage firms, fiduciaries, custodians, and other similar organizations representing beneficial owners of shares for the annual meeting. We have agreed to pay Alliance Advisors a fee of approximately $22,500 plus out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to solicitations by mail, the proxy solicitor and directors, officers, and employees of TransDigm and its subsidiaries, without additional compensation, may solicit proxies on TransDigms behalf in person, by phone, or by electronic communication.
Voting
Each share of TransDigm common stock has one vote on each matter. Only stockholders of record as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. As of the record date, there were 54,535,417 shares of TransDigm common stock issued and outstanding. In addition to stockholders of record of TransDigm common stock, beneficial owners of shares held in street name as of the record date can vote using the methods described below.
Stockholders of Record. If your shares are registered directly in your name with TransDigms transfer agent, Computershare Trust Company, N.A., you are the stockholder of record with respect to those shares.
Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name. If your shares are held in an account at a bank, broker, or other organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to instruct the person or organization holding your shares how to vote your shares. Most individual stockholders are beneficial owners of shares held in street name.
There are three ways to vote:
| Online Prior to the Annual Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by proxy by visiting www.proxyvote.com and entering the control number found in your notice of internet availability or proxy card. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, the availability of online voting may depend on the voting procedures of the organization that holds your shares. Your internet vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. |
51
| Phone. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by proxy by calling 1-800-690-6903. You will need the control number found in your notice of internet availability or proxy card. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, the availability of telephone voting may depend on the voting procedures of the organization that holds your shares. Your telephone vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesday, March 8, 2023. |
| Mail. If you request printed copies of the proxy materials by mail, you will receive a proxy card or voting instruction form and you may vote by proxy by filling out the card or form and returning it in the envelope provided. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you should complete the voting instruction card provided to you by your broker or nominee. |
All shares represented by valid proxies received prior to the taking of the vote at the annual meeting will be voted and, where a stockholder specifies by means of the proxy a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon, the shares will be voted in accordance with the stockholders instructions. Even if you plan on attending the annual meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares in advance online, by phone, or by mail to ensure that your vote will be represented at the meeting.
Revoking of Proxy
If you give a proxy, you may revoke it at any time by giving written notice to TransDigm at its principal address, by submitting a later dated proxy or by giving notice at the annual meeting. Your presence at the annual meeting, without any further action, will not revoke your previously granted proxy.
Uninstructed Shares
Stockholders of Record. If you are a stockholder of record and you indicate when voting online or by phone that you wish to vote as recommended by the Board or you sign and return a proxy statement without giving specific voting instructions then the persons named as proxy holders, Michael Lisman and Kevin Stein, will vote your shares in the manner recommended by the Board on all matters presented in this proxy statement and as they may determine in their best judgment with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the annual meeting.
Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in Street Name. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the broker that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, then such broker may generally vote your shares in their discretion on routine matters, but cannot vote on non-routine matters. Proposal No. 2 (the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as TransDigms independent registered public accounting firm for 2023) is a routine matter. A broker or other nominee may generally vote in their discretion on routine matters and therefore no broker non-votes are expected in connection with Proposal No. 2. Proposal No. 1 (the election of directors), Proposal No. 3 (advisory vote to approve executive compensation) and Proposal No. 4 (advisory vote to approve the frequency of the executive compensation vote) are non-routine matters. If the organization that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter, that organization will inform the inspector of election that it does not have the authority to vote on the matter with respect to your shares. This is generally referred to as a broker non-vote. Therefore, broker non-votes may exist in connection with Proposals No. 1, No. 3 and No. 4.
52
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2024 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholder Proposal for Inclusion in Proxy Statement. If a stockholder wants to submit, in accordance with SEC Rule 14a-8, a proposal for inclusion in our Proxy Statement and form of proxy for presentation at the Companys 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the proposal must be provided in the manner set forth in SEC Rule 14a-8 and received by the Company at our principal executive offices at the address below by September 29, 2023.
Stockholder Proposal Not Included in Proxy Statement. If a stockholder wants to propose any matter for consideration of the stockholders at the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders other than a matter brought pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8, our Bylaws require the stockholder to notify our Secretary in writing at the Companys principal executive offices (address listed below) between December 10, 2023 to January 9, 2024. If a stockholder submits such a proposal after January 9, 2024, the presiding officer at the annual meeting may refuse to acknowledge the proposal. However, if the presiding officer allows the consideration of a proposal submitted after January 9, 2024, the proxies designated by the Board may exercise their discretionary voting authority with respect to any such proposal, without discussing the proposal in our proxy materials.
Director Nomination for Inclusion in Proxy Statement. The Companys bylaws provide proxy access to eligible stockholders. The proxy access bylaw provides that a stockholder, or group of up to 20 stockholders, that owns 3% or more of the Companys outstanding common stock continuously for at least three years may submit director nominees for up to the greater of two directors or 20% of the Board seats provided that the stockholder and nominees satisfy the requirements specified in Article III, Section 4 of our bylaws (a proxy access director nomination). A stockholders notice of a proxy access director nomination must be delivered to the Company at its principal executive offices between August 30, 2023 to September 29, 2023.
Director Nominations Not Included in Proxy Statement. If a stockholder does not meet the requirements for a proxy access director nomination, the stockholder may still nominate a director if the stockholder complies with certain procedures set forth in the Companys Bylaws. These procedures provide that nominations for director must be submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Company at its principal executive offices. The Company must receive the notice of a stockholders intention to introduce a nomination at the Companys 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders between November 10, 2023 to December 10, 2023. If a stockholder makes a director nomination that meets the requirements of the Bylaws but is not a proxy access director nomination, that nomination will not be discussed in our proxy materials.
The specific requirements and procedures for stockholder proposals, director nominations and proxy access director nominations are set forth in our bylaws. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or to take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal or nomination that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.
In addition to satisfying the requirements under the Companys bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Companys nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than January 9, 2024.
Notices of intention to present proposals nominate directors, or solicit proxies at the 2024 Annual Meeting, and all supporting materials required by our bylaws, must be submitted to: TransDigm Group Incorporated, c/o Secretary, 1301 East 9th St., Suite 3000, Cleveland, OH 44114.
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|
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TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED
THE TOWER AT ERIEVIEW
1301 EAST 9TH STREET, STE 3000
CLEVELAND, OH 44114 |
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on March 8, 2023. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on March 8, 2023. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. |
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: | ||
D95000-P83533 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS | ||
- | ||
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED |
For All |
Withhold All |
For All Except |
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following: |
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1. | Election of Directors | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
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Nominees: |
01) David Barr |
07) Gary E. McCullough | |||||||||||||||||||||
02) Jane Cronin |
08) Michele Santana | |||||||||||||||||||||
03) Mervin Dunn |
09) Robert Small | |||||||||||||||||||||
04) Michael Graff |
10) John Staer | |||||||||||||||||||||
05) Sean Hennessy |
11) Kevin Stein | |||||||||||||||||||||
06) W. Nicholas Howley |
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The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. |
For | Against | Abstain | |||||||||||
2. |
To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
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3. |
To approve (in an advisory vote) compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
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The Board of Directors makes no recommendation on this proposal. |
1 Year |
2 Years |
3 Years |
Abstain |
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4. |
To determine the frequency of the advisory vote regarding compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
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NOTE: In their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof. |
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. |
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] | Date | Signature (Joint Owners) | Date |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.
D95001-P83533
TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED Annual Meeting of Stockholders March 9, 2023 9:00 AM ET This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Kevin Stein and Michael Lisman, and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution to vote, as indicated herein, all shares of common stock of TransDigm Group Incorporated held of record by the undersigned on January 13, 2023 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 1301 East Ninth Street, 30th Floor, Cleveland, Ohio, 44114, on March 9, 2023, or any adjournment thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if then and there personally present. Receipt of Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the related Proxy Statement dated January 27, 2023 is hereby acknowledged.
If no instructions are given, the proxies will vote to elect the director nominees listed in Election of Directors, will vote FOR Proposal 2 (ratification of the selection of the independent accountants) and FOR Proposal 3 (approval of executive compensation). Proxies will not vote on Proposal 4 without instructions.
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Continued and to be signed on reverse side
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Your Vote Counts! |
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TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED
2023 Annual Meeting Vote by March 8, 2023 11:59 PM ET |
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TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED THE TOWER AT ERIEVIEW 1301 EAST 9TH STREET, STE 3000 CLEVELAND, OH 44114 |
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D95016-P83533 |
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You invested in TRANSDIGM GROUP INCORPORATED and its time to vote!
You have the right to vote on proposals being presented at the Annual Meeting. This is an important notice regarding the availability of proxy material for the stockholder meeting to be held on March 9, 2023.
Get informed before you vote
View the Notice and Proxy Statement and Annual Report online OR you can receive a free paper or email copy of the material(s) by requesting prior to February 23, 2023. If you would like to request a copy of the material(s) for this and/or future stockholder meetings, you may (1) visit www.ProxyVote.com, (2) call 1-800-579-1639 or (3) send an email to sendmaterial@proxyvote.com. If sending an email, please include your control number (indicated below) in the subject line. Unless requested, you will not otherwise receive a paper or email copy.
* Please check the meeting materials for any special requirements for meeting attendance. At the meeting, you will need to request a ballot to vote these shares.
V1.1
Vote at www.ProxyVote.com
THIS IS NOT A VOTABLE BALLOT
This is an overview of the proposals being presented at the
upcoming stockholder meeting. Please follow the instructions on
the reverse side to vote these important matters.
Voting Items | Board Recommends | |||||||||||
1. |
Election of Directors | |||||||||||
Nominees: | ||||||||||||
01) David Barr
02) Jane Cronin
03) Mervin Dunn
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04) Michael Graff
05) Sean Hennessy
06) W. Nicholas Howley
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07) Gary E. McCullough
08) Michele Santana
09) Robert Small
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10) John Staer
11) Kevin Stein
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For
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2. |
To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. | For | ||||||||||
3. |
To approve (in an advisory vote) compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers. | For | ||||||||||
4. |
To determine the frequency of the advisory vote regarding compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers. | None | ||||||||||
NOTE: In their discretion, to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof. |
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Prefer to receive an email instead? While voting on www.ProxyVote.com, be sure to click Sign up for E-delivery. |
D95017-P83533