DEF 14A
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.    )

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

Check the appropriate box:

 

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

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x   No fee required.
¨   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

   

 

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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

   

 

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¨   Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
¨   Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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LOGO

 

2013 PROXY STATEMENT

Notice of Annual Meeting


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WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

225 West Station Square Drive, Suite 700

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-1122

NOTICE

OF 2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

DATE AND TIME

 

Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., E.D.T.

PLACE

 

Sheraton Station Square

300 West Station Square Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15219

RECORD DATE

 

April 4, 2013

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

 

1.

  Elect three Class II Directors for a three-year term expiring in 2016.
 

2.

  Approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s executive compensation.
 

3.

  Approve the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
 

4.

  Re-approve the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
 

5.

  Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013.
 

6.

  Consider a stockholder proposal described in the accompanying proxy statement, if properly presented at the meeting.
 

7.

  Transact any other business properly brought before the Annual Meeting.

Dear Fellow Stockholders:

I am pleased to invite you to attend our 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. It will be held on May 30, 2013, at the Sheraton Station Square, 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Details regarding the items of business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting are described in the accompanying Proxy Statement.

We are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials to you on or about April 16, 2013. Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 4, 2013 will be entitled to vote at our Annual Meeting or any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. You have a choice of voting in person, over the Internet, by telephone, or by requesting a paper copy of the proxy materials and a proxy card and then executing and returning the proxy card. In order to assure a quorum, please vote over the Internet or by telephone, or request a paper copy of a proxy card and then complete, sign, date and return the proxy card, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting.

Thank you for your ongoing support of WESCO.

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

LOGO

John J. Engel

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer


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WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

225 West Station Square Drive, Suite 700

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219-1122

(412) 454-2200

PROXY STATEMENT

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  

 

INTERNET ACCESS TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT

    ii   
 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

    ii   
 

PROXY SOLICITATION AND VOTING INFORMATION

    1   

 

ITEM 1 — PROPOSAL TO VOTE FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

    2   
 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    2   
 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

    6   
 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

    6   
 

BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

    10   
 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

    11   
 

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

    13   

 

ITEM 2 — APPROVE, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

    14   
 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

    16   
 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

    27   
 

TABLE — SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

    28   
 

TABLE — ALL OTHER COMPENSATION

    29   
 

TABLE — GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR 2012

    30   
 

TABLE — OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR-END

    31   
 

TABLE — EQUITY AWARDS VESTING SCHEDULE

    32   
 

TABLE — OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

    33   
 

TABLE — NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

    34   
 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

    35   
 

TABLE — DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2012

    36   
 

TABLE — DIRECTOR OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR-END

    37   
 

TABLE — POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: ENGEL

    38   
 

TABLE — POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: VAN OSS

    40   
 

TABLE — POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: PARKS

    42   
 

TABLE — POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: LAZZARIS

    43   
 

TABLE — POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: WINDROW

    44   

  ITEM 3 — APPROVE THE RENEWAL AND RESTATEMENT OF THE WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN     45   

  ITEM 4 — RE-APPROVE THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PERFORMANCE GOALS UNDER THE WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN     52   

  ITEM 5 — RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM     54   
  INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM     55   

  ITEM 6 — STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING DECLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS     57   
  WESCO INTERNATIONAL INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN     A-1   

 

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INTERNET ACCESS TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE

REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2013

The 2013 Proxy Statement and 2012 Annual Report of

WESCO International, Inc.

are available to review at: www.proxydocs.com/wcc.

We are pleased this year to take advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rule that permits companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders over the Internet. On or about April 16, 2013, we will begin mailing proxy materials. A Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) contains instructions on how to vote online or by telephone, or in the alternative, request a paper copy of the proxy materials and a proxy card. By furnishing a Notice and access to our proxy materials by the Internet, we are lowering the costs and reducing the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. We encourage you to sign up for direct email notice of the availability of future proxy materials by submitting your email address when you vote your proxy via the Internet.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

1.   Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

If you held shares of WESCO International, Inc. (“WESCO” or the “Company”) Common Stock at the close of business on April 4, 2013, you may vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share is entitled to one vote on each matter presented for consideration and action at the Annual Meeting.

In order to vote, you must either designate a proxy to vote on your behalf or attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person. The Board of Directors requests your proxy so that your shares will count toward a quorum and be voted at the meeting.

2.   What matters are scheduled to be presented?

Proposal 1 — Elect three Director nominees with terms expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Proposal 2 — Approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s executive compensation.

Proposal 3 — Approve the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Proposal 4 — Re-approve the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Proposal 5 — Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013.

Proposal 6 — Consider a stockholder proposal described in this proxy statement, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting.

Action may be taken at the Annual Meeting with respect to any other business that properly comes before the meeting, and the proxy holders have the right to and will vote in accordance with their judgment on any additional business.

3.   How do I cast my vote?

There are four different ways you may cast your vote. You may vote by:

 

Ÿ  

the Internet, at the address provided on the Notice;

 

Ÿ  

telephone, using the toll-free number listed on the Notice;

 

Ÿ  

following the instructions on the Notice to request a paper copy of the proxy card and proxy materials and then marking, signing, dating and returning each proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided; or

 

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Ÿ  

attending the Annual Meeting and voting your shares in person.

The deadline for voting by Internet or telephone is 11:59 p.m., E.D.T., on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.

4.   What if I don’t indicate my voting choices?

If you return your signed proxy card but do not mark the boxes showing how you wish to vote on any particular matter, your shares will be voted “FOR” the election of each of the Director nominees named in this Proxy Statement, “FOR” the approval, on an advisory basis, of the Company’s executive compensation, “FOR” the approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, “FOR” the re-approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999. Long-Term Incentive Plan, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013, and “AGAINST” the stockholder proposal described in this Proxy Statement, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting, as the case may be.

5.   How do I revoke or change my vote?

If you have returned a proxy via mail, telephone or Internet, you may revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by:

 

Ÿ  

notifying the Corporate Secretary at the Company’s headquarters office;

 

Ÿ  

sending another proxy dated later than your prior proxy either by Internet, telephone or mail; or

 

Ÿ  

attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person by ballot or by proxy.

6.   What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice?

If your shares are registered differently and are in more than one account (for example, some shares may be registered directly in your name and some may be held in the Company’s 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan), you may receive more than one Notice from the Company or a broker, bank or other nominee account with respect to your shares held in “street name”. Please carefully follow the instructions on each Notice you receive and vote all of the proxy requests to ensure that all your shares are voted.

7.   May I attend and vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?

Shares held beneficially through a broker, bank or other nominee may not be voted in person at the Annual Meeting UNLESS you obtain a “Legal Proxy”. A “Legal Proxy” must be obtained from your broker, bank or other nominee that holds your shares. Without a “Legal Proxy”, you will not be able to attend and vote those shares in person at the Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Station Square, located at 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Shares registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare, may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting.

Directions to the Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Station Square, 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are available at www.wesco.com.

8.   Who will count the votes?

Representatives of Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will tabulate the votes, and there will be a duly appointed inspector of election who will certify his or her examination of the list of stockholders, the number of shares held and outstanding as of the record date, and the necessary quorum for transaction of the business for this meeting. These persons will count the votes at the Annual Meeting.

9.   May I elect to receive a paper copy of proxy materials in the future?

Stockholders can elect to receive future WESCO Proxy Statements and Annual Reports via paper copies in the mail.

If you are a “stockholder of record” you can choose to receive future Annual Reports and Proxy Statements via paper copy at no charge by writing to WESCO International, Inc., 225 West Station Square Drive, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219-1122, Attention: Corporate Secretary. If you hold your WESCO stock in “street name” (such as through a broker, bank, or other nominee account), follow the information provided by your nominee for instructions on how to elect to receive paper copies of future Proxy Statements and Annual Reports.

If you enroll to receive paper copies of WESCO’s future Annual Reports and Proxy Statements, your enrollment will remain in effect for all future stockholders’ meetings unless you cancel the enrollment.

 

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PROXY SOLICITATION AND VOTING INFORMATION

 

Holders of our Common Stock at the close of business on the record date of April 4, 2013 may vote at our Annual Meeting. On the record date, 44,072,913 shares of our Common Stock were outstanding. A list of stockholders entitled to vote will be available at the Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Station Square, located at 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and during ordinary business hours for 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting at the Company’s principal executive offices. Any stockholder of record may examine the list for any legally valid purpose.

The Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and at any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. In addition to soliciting proxies by mail, telephone, and the Internet, our Board of Directors, without receiving additional compensation, may solicit in person. We have engaged Morrow & Co., LLC, 470 West Ave., Stamford, CT 06902 to assist us in the solicitation of proxies, and we expect to pay Morrow & Co., LLC approximately $8,500 for these services, plus reimbursement of their expenses. Brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries will forward proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of our Common Stock, held of record by them, and we will reimburse these brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in doing so. The cost of this proxy solicitation will consist primarily of printing, legal fees, and postage and handling. We will pay the cost of this solicitation of proxies.

To conduct the business of the Annual Meeting, we must have a quorum. The presence, in person or by proxy, of stockholders holding at least a majority of the shares of our Common Stock outstanding will constitute a quorum. Abstentions, broker non-votes and votes withheld from Director nominees count as shares present for purposes of determining a quorum. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee holder does not vote on a particular item because the nominee holder does not have discretionary authority to vote on that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. In the absence of voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares, nominee holders will not have discretionary authority to vote the shares at the Annual Meeting in the election of Directors or the approval, on an advisory basis, of the Company’s executive compensation, the approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the re-approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan or the consideration of the stockholder proposal described in this Proxy Statement, if properly presented at the Annual Meeting, but will have discretionary authority to vote on the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013. Broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of any of the matters scheduled to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than the approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the re-approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan. With respect to those two proposals, broker non-votes will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” each of the proposals if the total vote case on the proposal does not represent over 50% in the interest of all shares of our common stock entitled to vote on the proposal, but broker non-votes otherwise will not affect the outcome of the voting on these proposals. Broker non-votes are not counted as shares voting with respect to any matter on which the broker has not voted expressly. Proxies that are transmitted by nominee holders for beneficial owners will count toward a quorum and will be voted as instructed by the nominee holder.

The election of Directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast. The approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the re-approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013, the approval, by non-binding vote, of our executive compensation, and the stockholder proposal described in this Proxy Statement if properly presented at the Annual Meeting will require affirmative votes by a majority of the shares present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote and voting on the proposal at the Annual Meeting. With respect to the approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the total votes cast on each proposal must represent over 50% in the interest of all of our common stock entitled to vote on the proposal for the proposal to be approved. Abstentions will not affect the outcome of any of the matters scheduled to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting other than the approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan and the re-approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan. With respect to those two proposals, abstentions will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” each of those proposals if the total vote cast on the proposal does not represent over 50% in interest of all shares of our common stock entitled to vote on the proposal, but abstentions otherwise will not affect the outcome of the voting on these proposals. Only votes “FOR” or “WITHHELD” affect the outcome of the election of Directors.


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ITEM 1 — PROPOSAL TO VOTE FOR ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The following Directors have been nominated for election to our Board:

 

Ÿ  

Class II (with a term expiring at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Stockholders): Sandra Beach Lin, Robert J. Tarr, Jr., Stephen A. Van Oss

 

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”

EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

From the beginning of 2012, our Board consisted of ten members divided into three classes – Class I (four members), Class II (three members) and Class III (three members).

The three classes of Directors serve staggered, three-year terms which end in successive years. The current term of the Class II Directors expires this year, and their successors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting for a three-year term expiring in 2016, subject to earlier retirement, resignation or removal. The terms of the Class III and Class I Directors do not expire until the Annual Meetings of Stockholders to be held in 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Should all nominees be elected as indicated in the proposal above, the following is the complete list of individuals who will comprise our Board of Directors and Board Committees immediately following the Annual Meeting, unless otherwise noted.

 

Name    Age      Director
Since
     Audit      Compensation      Executive      Nominating and
Governance
 
     

Sandra Beach Lin

     55         2002            Member         Member         Chair   

John J. Engel

     51         2008               Member      

George L. Miles, Jr.

     71         2000            Member         

John K. Morgan

     58         2008         Member         Member         

Steven A. Raymund

     57         2006         Member            Member      

James L. Singleton

     57         1998            Chair         Member      

Robert J. Tarr, Jr.

     69         1998         Chair            Member         Member   

Lynn M. Utter

     50         2006         Member               Member   

Stephen A. Van Oss

     58         2008               

William J. Vareschi(1)

     70         2002                           Chair         Member   
(1) 

Lead Director

 

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Class II Directors — Present Term Expires in 2013

 

LOGO

   Sandra Beach Lin served as Chief Executive Officer of Calisolar, Inc., a solar silicon company, a position she held during 2010 and 2011, until her retirement at the end of 2011. She served as Executive Vice President, then as Corporate Executive Vice President of Celanese Corporation, a global hybrid chemical company from 2007 until 2010. During 2005 to 2007, she served as Group Vice President of a $1.4 billion global business unit of Avery Dennison Corporation. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Beach Lin served as President of Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc. Previously, she also served as President of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems and Vice President and General Manager, Specialty Wax and Additives, both divisions of Honeywell International, Inc. Ms. Beach Lin serves as a Director of American Electric Power and as a member of the Committee of 200 and the Board of Directors of Junior Achievement USA. Among Ms. Beach Lin’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which she is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Ms. Beach Lin has served as a Chief Executive Officer and has extensive experience managing global businesses in various industries.

LOGO

   Robert J. Tarr, Jr. is a professional director and private investor and has been so for more than five years. From 2000 to 2001, he served as the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of HomeRuns.com, Inc. Prior to joining HomeRuns.com, he served for more than 20 years in senior executive roles at Harcourt General, Inc., a large, broad-based publishing company, including six years as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and at The Neiman Marcus Group, Inc., a high-end specialty retail store and mail order business, as President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer from 1990 to 1997. In addition, Mr. Tarr previously served as a director of Barneys New York, Inc. Among Mr. Tarr’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Tarr has broad experience serving as the Chief Executive Officer and as a board member for businesses in various industries.

LOGO

   Stephen A. Van Oss has served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since September 2009. In addition, he was appointed interim Chief Financial Officer from February 2012 until June 2012. Previously, Mr. Van Oss served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer from 2004 to September 2009. From 2000 to 2004, he served as our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. From 1997 to 2000, Mr. Van Oss served as our Director, Information Technology and, in 1997, as our Director, Acquisition Management. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Van Oss served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Paper Back Recycling of America, Inc. Mr. Van Oss serves as a director of Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. He also serves as a trustee of Robert Morris University and chairs its finance committee and is a member of its governance committee. In addition, Mr. Van Oss previously served as director of William Scotsman International, Inc. Among Mr. Van Oss’ experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Van Oss is our current Chief Operating Officer, has served the Company as a senior executive in various facets of its operations and has deep distribution industry expertise.

 

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Class III Directors — Present Term Expires in 2014

 

LOGO

   George L. Miles, Jr. is the Chairman Emeritus of Chester Engineers, Inc., an engineering services firm, and has held this position since April 2012. From January 2011 to March 2012, he served as the Executive Chairman of Chester Engineers, Inc. Prior to that, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of WQED Multimedia, a multimedia company, from 1994 to September 2010. Mr. Miles also serves as a director of American International Group, Inc., EQT Corporation, Harley-Davidson, Inc., HFF, Inc., and the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, he previously served as director of Westwood One, Inc. Among Mr. Miles’ experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Miles is a retired Chief Executive Officer who has extensive expertise as a board member for companies in various industries.

LOGO

   John K. Morgan has served as the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Zep Inc., a specialty chemicals company, since October 2007. From July 2007 to October 2007, he served as Executive Vice President of Acuity Brands and President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Specialty Products, just prior to its spin off from Acuity Brands, Inc. From 2005 to July 2007, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands Lighting. He also served Acuity Brands as President and Chief Development Officer from 2004 to 2005, as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2002 to 2004, and as Executive Vice President from 2001 to 2002. Among Mr. Morgan’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Morgan is a Chief Executive Officer with broad expertise, including extensive experience in and knowledge of the industry in which the Company operates.

LOGO

   James L. Singleton is Vice Chairman of Cürex Group Holdings, LLC, an organization that provides technologies and financial products to the global foreign exchange marketplace, and has held that position since June 2010. He is also the founder and Managing Director of Pillar Capital LP, an investment management firm, and he has served in such capacity since September 2007. From 1994 to 2005, he served as the President of The Cypress Group LLC, a private equity firm of which he was a co-founder. Prior to founding Cypress, he served as a Managing Director in the Merchant Banking Group at Lehman Brothers. In addition, Mr. Singleton previously served as a director of ClubCorp, Inc., Danka Business Systems PLC and William Scotsman International, Inc. Among Mr. Singleton’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Singleton has extensive experience in the capital markets, a long-standing affiliation with and knowledge of the Company, its business and history, and expertise in compensation, mergers and acquisitions.

 

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Class I Directors — Present Term Expires in 2015

 

LOGO

   John J. Engel was elected as Chairman at the 2011 Annual Meeting and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2009. Previously Mr. Engel served as our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2004 to September 2009. From 2003 to 2004, Mr. Engel served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gateway, Inc. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Engel served as an Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President of Perkin Elmer, Inc. From 1994 to 1999, Mr. Engel served as a Vice President and General Manager of Allied Signal, Inc. and held various engineering, manufacturing and general management positions at General Electric Company from 1985 to 1994. Mr. Engel also serves as a director of United States Steel Corporation and is a member of the Business Roundtable, and a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Manufacturers. Among Mr. Engel’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Engel is the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, previously served as its Chief Operating Officer and has held senior executive and management positions in various global industries.

LOGO

   Steven A. Raymund began his employment with Tech Data Corporation, a distributor of information technology products, in 1981. From 1986 until his retirement in 2006, he served as its Chief Executive Officer. Since 1991, he has served as Tech Data’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Raymund also serves as a director of Jabil, Inc. and as a member of the Board of Advisors for the Moffitt Cancer Center and the Board of Visitors for Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Among Mr. Raymund’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Raymund has considerable experience as a Chief Executive Officer in a global distribution business and broad experience as a board member in various industries.

LOGO

   Lynn M. Utter has served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Knoll Office, a designer and manufacturer of office furniture products, since February 2012. She served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Knoll North America from March 2008 to February 2012. From 1997 to February 2008, she served as Chief Strategy Officer and in a number of other senior operating and strategic planning positions for Coors Brewing Company. From 1986 to 1996, Ms. Utter worked at Frito Lay and Strategic Planning Associates, LLC. Ms. Utter serves on a number of boards at The University of Texas and The Stanford University Business School. Among Ms. Utter’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which she is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Ms. Utter is a senior executive with experience in multiple industries, including operating experience, and has extensive experience in strategic planning.

LOGO

   William J. Vareschi served as Chief Executive Officer of Central Parking Corporation, a parking services provider, from 2000 until his retirement in 2003. Before joining Central Parking Corporation, he served in several positions for more than 35 years with General Electric Company. He served in numerous financial management positions, including Chief Financial Officer for GE Plastics Europe, GE Lighting, and GE Aircraft Engines. From 1996 until his retirement in 2000, Mr. Vareschi served as President and Chief Executive Officer of GE Engine Services. Mr. Vareschi also serves on the Board of Directors of WMS Industries, Inc. Among Mr. Vareschi’s experience, qualifications, attributes and skills for which he is considered a valuable member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Vareschi has served as Chief Executive Officer and a board member in various industries and has significant leadership experience in global businesses.

 

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Our executive officers and their respective ages and positions as of April 16, 2013, are set forth below.

 

Name    Age      Position

John J. Engel

     51       Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Stephen A. Van Oss

     58       Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Daniel A. Brailer

     56       Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs

Allan A. Duganier

     57       Director, Internal Audit

Timothy A. Hibbard

     56       Vice President and Corporate Controller

Diane E. Lazzaris

     46       Vice President, Legal Affairs

Kenneth S. Parks

     49       Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Kimberly G. Windrow

     55       Vice President, Human Resources
               

Daniel A. Brailer is our Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs. From February 2011 to February 2012 he served as our Vice President, Treasurer, Investor Relations and Corporate Affairs. From 2006 to February 2011, he served as our Vice President, Treasurer and Investor Relations. From 1999 to 2006, he served as our Treasurer and Director of Investor Relations. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Brailer served in various positions at Mellon Financial Corporation, most recently as Senior Vice President.

Allan A. Duganier has served as our Director of Internal Audit since 2006. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Duganier served as our Corporate Operations Controller and, from 2000 to 2001, as a Group Controller.

Timothy A. Hibbard was appointed as our Vice President and Corporate Controller in February 2012. From 2006 to February 2012, he served as our Corporate Controller. From 2002 to 2006, he served as Corporate Controller at Kennametal Inc. From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Hibbard served as Director of Finance of Kennametal’s Advanced Materials Solutions Group, and, from 1998 to 2000, he served as Controller of Greenfield Industries, Inc., a subsidiary of Kennametal Inc.

Diane E. Lazzaris has served as our Vice President, Legal Affairs since February 2010. From February 2008 to February 2010, Ms. Lazzaris served as Senior Vice President — Legal, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc. From 1994 to February 2008, she held various corporate counsel positions at Alcoa Inc., most recently as Group Counsel to a group of global businesses.

Kenneth S. Parks has served as our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since June 2012. From April 2008 to February 2012, he served as Vice President of Finance of United Technologies Corporation for their global Fire and Security business. From 2005 to April 2008, he served as Director of Investor Relations of United Technologies Corporation. He began his career in public accounting with Coopers & Lybrand.

Kimberly G. Windrow has served as our Vice President, Human Resources since August 2010. From 2004 until July 2010, Ms. Windrow served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for The McGraw Hill Companies in the education segment. From 2000 until 2004, she served as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for The MONY Group, and from 1988 until 1999, she served in various Human Resource positions at Willis, Inc.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines

We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines in conformity with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) listed company standards to assist members of our Board in fully understanding and effectively implementing their responsibilities while assuring our on-going commitment to high standards of corporate conduct and compliance.

We have adopted a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct which applies to our Board of Directors and all of our employees and covers all areas of professional conduct, including customer relations, conflicts of interest, insider trading, financial disclosure, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

We also have adopted a Senior Financial Executive Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, referred to as the Senior Financial Executive Code, which applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller. We disclose future amendments to, or waivers from, the Senior Financial Executive Code on the corporate governance section of our website within four business days of any amendment or waiver.

 

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You may access our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Committee Charters, Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, Senior Financial Executive Code, Independence Policy, and related documents on our website at www.wesco.com/governance.

Director Independence

Our Board has adopted independence standards that meet or exceed the independence standards of the NYSE. Also, as part of our independence standards, our Board has adopted categorical standards to assist it in evaluating the independence of each of its Directors. The categorical standards are intended to assist our Board in determining whether or not certain direct or indirect relationships between its Directors and our Company or its subsidiaries are “material relationships” for purposes of the NYSE independence standards. The categorical standards establish thresholds at which any relationships are deemed to be material.

In February 2013, the independence of each Director was reviewed, applying our independence standards. The review considered relationships and transactions between each Director and his or her immediate family and affiliates and our management and our independent registered public accounting firm.

Based on this review, our Board affirmatively determined that the following Directors have no relationships with our Company other than as disclosed in this Proxy Statement and are independent as defined in our categorical standards and consistent with the independence standards of the NYSE: Ms. Beach Lin, Mr. Miles, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Raymund, Mr. Singleton, Mr. Tarr, Ms. Utter and Mr. Vareschi. Messrs. Engel and Van Oss are considered inside Directors because of their employment as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively.

Director Qualifications

Our Nominating and Governance Committee reviews with the Board at least annually the qualifications of new and existing Board members, considering the level of independence of individual members, together with such other factors, including overall skills and experience. Each Director’s particular and specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills which support their position as a Director on our Board are identified for each Director on pages 3 to 5.

Director Diversity

The Nominating and Governance Committee considers various factors in determining whether to recommend a candidate for nomination as a Director, including an individual’s aptitude for independent analysis, level of integrity, personal and professional ethics, soundness of business judgment, and ability and willingness to commit sufficient time to Board activities. The Nominating and Governance Committee consults with the Board to determine the most appropriate combination of characteristics, skills and experiences for the Board as a whole with the objective of having a Board whose members have diverse backgrounds and experiences. The Committee considers candidates diverse in geographic origin, gender, ethnic background and professional experience and evaluates each individual in the context of the individual’s potential contribution to the Board as a whole to best promote the success of the Company’s business, represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment, and allow the Board to benefit from the group’s diversity of backgrounds and experiences. The Committee also reviews the characteristics of various Board members and prospective Board members to ensure that the Board, as a whole, possesses the experience, expertise and competencies that are relevant or desirable, such as CEO experience, financial or marketing expertise, supply chain or industry experience, mergers and acquisitions experience, international experience, technology expertise, and operational or strategy experience, among others. The Committee may also target prospective candidates for Board membership based on their attributes compared to current Board members to achieve a good overall Board composition. The Committee applies the same criteria to all candidates that it considers, including any candidates submitted by stockholders.

Compensation Committee Interlocks

None of our executive officers serves as an executive officer of, or as a member of, the compensation committee of any public company that has an executive officer, director or other designee serving as a member of our Board. Also, no member of our Compensation Committee has been an executive officer of the Company.

 

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Executive Sessions and Lead Director

During 2012, the non-management members of our Board met in executive session at the conclusion of each regularly scheduled Board of Director’s meeting. Mr. Vareschi presided over these executive sessions as Lead Director. The Lead Director has broad authority to call and conduct meetings of the independent Directors. He also has the duties and responsibilities described in the next section below.

Board Leadership Structure

Since May 2011, Mr. Engel has served as Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that Mr. Engel’s combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders at this time, and that Mr. Engel is the Director best situated to serve as Chairman because of his detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Company, his familiarity with the Company’s business and industry, and his ability to identify strategic priorities essential to the future success of the Company. The Board believes that the structure is best for the Company at this time because it provides for clear leadership responsibility and accountability, while providing for effective corporate governance and oversight by an independent Board of strong and seasoned Directors with an independent Lead Director.

The Board’s Lead Director, Mr. William Vareschi, serves as the Board’s independent Lead Director and presides over executive sessions of the Board. The Board meets in executive session at each regularly scheduled Board meeting. The Audit, Compensation, and Nominating & Governance Committees are all chaired by and comprised solely of independent outside Directors, and thus oversight of key matters is entrusted to the independent Directors. Each of these Committees also meets in executive session without members of management present. Mr. Vareschi’s responsibilities as Lead Director include the following:

 

Ÿ  

Presides at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including meetings of independent Directors held in Executive Session;

 

Ÿ  

Has the authority to call meetings of the independent Directors;

 

Ÿ  

Oversees the Board evaluation program;

 

Ÿ  

Evaluates, along with the members of the Compensation Committee and the full Board, the CEO’s performance, and meets with the CEO to discuss the Board’s evaluation;

 

Ÿ  

Serves as a liaison between the Chairman/CEO and the independent Directors;

 

Ÿ  

Consults with the Chairman/CEO on and approves agendas and schedules for Board meetings to ensure there is sufficient time for discussion of agenda items;

 

Ÿ  

Advises the Chairman/CEO on the Board’s informational requirements and approves information sent to the Board, as appropriate;

 

Ÿ  

Consults with the Chair of Nominating & Governance Committee and the Chairman regarding recommended appointment of Committee members, including Committee chairs; and

 

Ÿ  

Facilitates communication between the Board and senior management.

The Lead Director assures that appropriate independence is brought to bear on important Board and governance matters. In addition, there is strong leadership vested in and exercised by the independent Committee chairs, and each Director may request inclusion of specific items on the agendas for Board and Committee meetings.

Considering all of the above, the Board believes that a combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is an appropriate Board leadership structure and is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders at this time.

Communications with Directors

Our Board has established a process by which stockholders and other interested parties may communicate with the Board, our Board Committees, and/or individual Directors by confidential e-mail. Such communications should be sent in writing to the e-mail addresses noted in the corporate governance section of our website at www.wesco.com/governance under the caption “Contact Our Board.”

Our Director of Internal Audit will review all of these communications on a timely basis and will forward appropriate communications, (i.e., other than solicitations, invitations, advertisements, or irrelevant material) to the relevant Board members on a timely basis.

 

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Stockholders who wish to communicate with our Board in writing via regular mail should send correspondence to: WESCO International, Inc., 225 West Station Square Drive, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219-1122, Attention: Director of Internal Audit.

Our Board members routinely attend our Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This provides you with additional access to our Board. All of our Board members were present at our 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Director Nominating Procedures

Our Nominating and Governance Committee recommends potential candidates for nomination as Director based on a number of criteria, including the needs of our Board. Any stockholder who would like the Nominating and Governance Committee to consider a candidate for Board membership should send a letter of recommendation containing:

 

Ÿ  

The name and address of the proposed candidate;

 

Ÿ  

The proposed candidate’s resume or a listing of his or her qualifications to be a Director on our Board;

 

Ÿ  

A description of what would make the proposed candidate a good addition to our Board;

 

Ÿ  

A description of any relationship that could affect the proposed candidate’s ability to qualify as an independent Director, including identifying all other public company board and committee memberships;

 

Ÿ  

A confirmation of the proposed candidate’s willingness to serve as a Director if selected by our Nominating and Governance Committee;

 

Ÿ  

Any information about the proposed candidate that, under the federal proxy rules, would be required to be included in our Proxy Statement if the proposed candidate were a nominee or otherwise is required to be provided pursuant to our Amended and Restated By-laws; and

 

Ÿ  

The name of the stockholder submitting the proposed candidate, together with information as to the number of shares owned and the length of time of ownership.

You should send the information described above to: WESCO International, Inc., 225 West Station Square Drive, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219-1122, Attention: Corporate Secretary. To allow for timely consideration, recommendations must be received not less than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of our most recent Annual Meeting. In addition, the Company may request additional information regarding any proposed candidates.

Board’s Role in Oversight of Risk Management

Management is responsible for risk management, and the Board’s role is to oversee management’s efforts in this area. As part of their regular meetings and deliberations, the Board and its Committees review and discuss matters of significance regarding operational, financial and other risks that are relevant to the Company’s business. Strategic risks and operating risks are monitored by the Board through discussions regarding the Company’s strategic and operating plans and regular reviews of the Company’s operating performance. The Audit Committee of the Board discusses and reviews guidelines and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management and discusses with management the Company’s major financial risk exposures and the steps management takes to monitor and control such exposures. In addition, management assesses the Company’s enterprise risk and reviews with the entire Board significant risks and associated mitigating factors on an annual basis. The Compensation Committee of the Board reviews the potential for risk related to the Company’s compensation arrangements, including compensation arrangements and policies for executives, and determines whether any such arrangements are likely to encourage excessive or inappropriate risk taking.

Stockholder Proposals for 2014 Annual Meeting

If you wish to have a stockholder proposal included in the Company’s proxy soliciting materials for the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, you must do so by our deadline which is 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the mailing of this Proxy Statement, or December 12, 2013. For any other business to be properly brought before the 2014 Annual Meeting by a stockholder, notice in writing must be delivered to the Company in accordance with the Company’s amended and restated By-laws not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the 2013 Annual Meeting, or between January 30, 2014 and March 1, 2014. We may be required to include certain limited information concerning any such proposal in our Proxy Statement so that proxies solicited for the 2014 Annual Meeting may confer discretionary authority to vote on that matter. Any stockholder proposals should be addressed to our Corporate Secretary, 225 West Station Square Drive, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219-1122.

 

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BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

Our Board has four standing committees: an Executive Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee, an Audit Committee, and a Compensation Committee. Each Committee operates under a separate charter, which is available on the corporate governance section of our website at www.wesco.com/governance.

The full Board held four meetings in 2012. Each Director attended 75% or more of the aggregate number of meetings of the full Board held in 2012 and the total number of meetings held by all Committees of the Board on which he or she served.

Executive Committee

During 2012, the Executive Committee consisted of Ms. Beach Lin and Messrs. Engel, Raymund, Singleton, Tarr and Vareschi, with Mr. Vareschi serving as Chairman of the Committee. With the exception of Mr. Engel, all Committee members have been determined by our Board to be independent Directors according to the independence standards of the NYSE. The Committee may exercise all the powers and authority of the Directors in the management of the business and affairs of our Company and has been delegated authority to exercise the powers of our Board between Board meetings. Our Executive Committee met one time during 2012.

Nominating and Governance Committee

The members of our Nominating and Governance Committee are required to be, and were determined by our Board to be, independent under the independence standards of the NYSE. From January 2012 through May 2012, the Committee consisted of Messes. Beach Lin and Utter and Messrs. Miles and Tarr, with Ms. Beach Lin serving as Chair of the Committee. Following the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders the Committee consisted of Messes. Beach Lin and Utter and Messrs. Tarr and Vareschi, with Ms. Beach Lin serving as Chair of the Committee. The Committee is responsible for identifying and nominating candidates for election or appointment to our Board and determining compensation for Directors. It is also the responsibility of our Nominating and Governance Committee to review and make recommendations to our Board with respect to our corporate governance policies and practices and to develop and recommend to our Board a set of corporate governance principles. Our Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings in 2012.

Audit Committee

The members of our Audit Committee are required to be, and were determined by our Board to be, independent Directors according to the independence standards of the SEC and the NYSE. From January 2012 through May 2012, the Committee consisted of Messrs. Tarr, Raymund, Morgan and Vareschi, with Mr. Tarr serving as Chairman of the Committee. Following the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders the Committee consisted of Messrs. Tarr, Raymund, and Morgan and Ms. Utter, with Mr. Tarr serving as Chairman of the Committee. Our Board has determined that Mr. Tarr is an Audit Committee Financial Expert, as defined under applicable SEC regulations. Our Audit Committee is responsible, among other things, for: (a) appointing the independent registered public accounting firm to perform an integrated audit of our financial statements and to perform services related to the audit; (b) reviewing the scope and results of the audit with the independent registered public accounting firm; (c) reviewing with management our quarterly and year-end operating results; (d) considering the adequacy of our internal accounting and control procedures; (e) reviewing the Annual Report on Form 10-K; and (f) reviewing any non-audit services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm and the potential effect on the registered public accounting firm’s independence. Our Audit Committee held six meetings in 2012.

Compensation Committee

The members of our Compensation Committee are required to be, and were at all times, independent Directors according to the independence standards of the NYSE. From January 2012 through May 2012, the Committee consisted of Messes. Beach Lin and Utter and Messrs. Morgan and Singleton, with Mr. Singleton serving as Chairman. Following the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders the Committee consisted of Ms. Beach Lin and Messrs. Miles, Morgan and Singleton, with Mr. Singleton serving as Chairman. Our Compensation Committee is responsible for the review, recommendation and approval of compensation arrangements for executive officers and for the administration of certain benefit and compensation plans and arrangements of the Company. Our Compensation Committee held five meetings in 2012.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP

 

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company’s Common Stock as of April 4, 2013, by each person or group known by the Company to beneficially own more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock, each Director, each of the named executive officers, and all Directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the holders of all shares shown in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to such shares. In determining the number and percentage of shares beneficially owned by each person, shares that may be acquired by such person pursuant to options or convertible stock exercisable or convertible within 60 days of April 4, 2013, are deemed outstanding for purposes of determining the total number of outstanding shares for such person and are not deemed outstanding for such purpose for all other stockholders. Unless indicated otherwise below, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o WESCO International, Inc., 225 West Station Square, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.

 

Name    Shares
Beneficially
Owned(1)
    Percent
Owned
Beneficially(2)
 

FMR LLC

82 Devonshire Street

Boston, MA 02109

     6,307,235 (3)      14.3

Wellington Management Company, LLP

280 Congress Street

Boston, MA 02210

     3,253,208 (4)      7.4

The Vanguard Group

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

     2,513,028 (5)      5.7

Pennant Capital Management, L.L.C.

One DeForest Avenue, Suite 200

Summit, NJ 07901

     2,224,324 (6)      5.0

John J. Engel

     646,703 (7)      1.4

Stephen A. Van Oss

     595,027 (7)      1.3

Sandra Beach Lin

     35,042 (7)      *   

George L. Miles, Jr.

     40,751 (7)      *   

John K. Morgan

     32,374 (7)      *   

Steven A. Raymund

     27,668 (7)      *   

James L. Singleton

     47,423 (7)      *   

Robert J. Tarr, Jr.

     76,135 (7)      *   

Lynn M. Utter

     33,325 (7)      *   

William J. Vareschi

     44,335 (7)      *   

Diane E. Lazzaris

     26,688 (7)      *   

Kenneth S. Parks

            *   

Kimberly G. Windrow

     23,275 (7)      *   

Richard P. Heyse(8)

            *   

All 16 executive officers and Directors as a group

     1,723,548 (7)      3.8
   

 

 *

Indicates ownership of less than 1% of the Common Stock.

 

(1)

The beneficial ownership of Directors set forth in the foregoing table includes shares of Common Stock payable to any such Director following the Director’s termination of Board service with respect to portions of annual fees deferred under the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, even though such shares are not deemed currently to be beneficially owned by the Directors pursuant to Rule 13d-3, as follows: Ms. Beach Lin, 12,486; Mr. Miles, 18,881; Mr. Morgan, 8,804; Mr. Raymund, 5,797; Mr. Singleton, 7,523;

 

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  Mr. Tarr, 24,241; Ms. Utter, 10,190; and Mr. Vareschi, 20,650. The foregoing table does not reflect settlement of any options or stock appreciation rights (SARs) granted to any such Director under that plan to the extent that those options or SARs may not be exercised or settled within 60 days of April 4, 2013.

 

(2)

Based on the number of shares outstanding on the record date.

 

(3)

This information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by FMR LLC, Fidelity Management & Research Company and Edward C. Johnson 3rd with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2013. Fidelity Management & Research Company (“Fidelity”), 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 5,113,450 shares as a result of acting as investment advisor to various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Edward C. Johnson 3rd and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity, each have the power to dispose of the 5,113,450 shares. Through their ownership of voting common shares of FMR LLC and a related shareholders’ voting agreement, members of the family of Edward C. Johnson 3rd, Chairman of FMR LLC, may be deemed, under the Investment Company Act of 1940, to form a controlling group with respect to FMR LLC. FMR LLC’s beneficial ownership includes 3,400 shares beneficially owned through Strategic Advisers, Inc., 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, MA 02109, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Pyramis Global Advisors, LLC (“PGALLC”), 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and an investment advisor registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, is the beneficial owner of 13,700 shares as a result of its serving as investment advisor to institutional accounts, non-U.S. mutual funds or investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Edward C. Johnson 3rd and FMR LLC, through its control of PGALLC, each have the power to dispose of the 13,700 shares and sole power to vote or direct the voting of 48,990 of those shares. Pyramis Global Advisors Trust Company (“PGATC”), 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of FMR LLC and a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is the beneficial owner of 1,158,385 shares as a result of its serving as investment manager of institutional accounts owning such shares. Edward C. Johnson 3rd and FMR LLC, through its control of PGATC, each have the sole power to vote or direct the voting of 1,158,385 shares and direct the disposition of 1,100,385 shares. FIL Limited (“FIL”), Pembroke Hall, 42 Crow Lane, Hamilton, Bermuda, which is a qualified institution under Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii), is the beneficial owner of 18,300 shares. Partnerships controlled predominantly by members of the family of Edward C. Johnson 3rd or trusts for their benefit own shares of FIL voting stock. FMR LLC reports on a voluntary basis as if all of these shares are beneficially owned by FMR LLC and FIL on a joint basis. FIL beneficially owns 18,300 shares.

 

(4) 

This information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by Wellington Management Company, LLP (“Wellington Management”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2013. Wellington Management beneficially owns 3,253,208 shares, has shared power to vote 2,660,860 shares and shared power to dispose 3,235,208 shares.

 

(5) 

This information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G filed by The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2013. Vanguard is the beneficial owner of 2,513,028 shares and has sole power to vote 31,375 shares, sole dispositive power over 2,483,953 shares and shared dispositive power over 29,075 shares.

 

(6) 

This information is based solely upon a Schedule 13G/A filed by Pennant Capital Management, L.L.C. (“Pennant”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 14, 2013. Alan Fournier and Pennant share power to vote and dispositive power over 2,224,324 shares.

 

(7)

Includes the following shares of Common Stock not currently owned, but subject to options or SARs which were outstanding on April 4, 2013 and may be exercised or settled within 60 days thereafter: Mr. Engel, 586,919; Mr. Van Oss, 504,299; Ms. Beach Lin, 19,161; Mr. Miles, 21,195; Mr. Morgan, 15,195; Mr. Raymund, 21,195; Mr. Singleton, 21,195; Mr. Tarr, 15,095; Ms. Utter, 21,195; Mr. Vareschi, 21,195; Ms. Lazzaris, 22,688; Ms. Windrow, 16,625; and all Directors and executive officers as a group, 1,365,424.

 

(8) 

Mr. Heyse was the Company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until February 3, 2012.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Under the federal securities laws of the United States, the Company’s Directors, its executive officers, and any persons beneficially holding more than ten percent of the Company’s Common Stock are required to report their ownership of the Company’s Common Stock and any changes in that ownership to the SEC and NYSE. Specific due dates for these reports have been established. The Company is required to report in this Proxy Statement any failure to file by these dates. For the year ended December 31, 2012, all such filings were made within the required time periods.

 

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TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS

 

Our Company has a written policy and has implemented processes and controls in order to obtain information from our Directors and executive officers with respect to related person transactions and for then determining whether our Company or a related person has a direct or indirect material interest in the transaction, based on the facts and circumstances. Our Board reviews all relationships and transactions between our Directors, executive officers and our Company or its customers and suppliers in order to determine whether the parties have a direct or indirect material interest. Its evaluation includes: the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction; material terms of the transaction; amount and type of transaction; importance of the transaction to our Company; whether the transaction would impair the judgment of a Director or executive officer to act in the best interest of our Company; and any other relevant facts and circumstances. Transactions that are determined to be directly or indirectly material to our Company or a related person are disclosed in this Proxy Statement. For the year ended December 31, 2012, there were no related party transactions to report.

 

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ITEM 2 — APPROVE, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, THE COMPANYS EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

This year, the Company is seeking that the stockholders approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (commonly referred to as “say-on-pay”) as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section, the tabular disclosure regarding named executive officer compensation and the narrative description accompanying such disclosure. This vote is advisory only, meaning it is non-binding on the Company; however the Board and Compensation Committee will review and carefully consider the results when evaluating future compensation decisions. At our 2011 meeting of stockholders, our stockholders approved an annual frequency of our “say-on-pay” vote on executive compensation, and the Board and Compensation Committee have determined that the Company will hold such a vote on our executive compensation on an annual basis.

 

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”

APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

We encourage stockholders to review the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section beginning on page 16. As described in detail under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” our compensation program is designed to attract and retain the highest caliber executives possible and to motivate and reward them for achieving results that create stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s compensation program and practices reflect a pay-for-performance philosophy designed to align our compensation program and practices with our stockholders’ long-term interests.

Compensation Structure:  Elements of our program include the following:

 

Ÿ  

Our program is straightforward and comprises three main elements: (1) base salaries; (2) annual cash incentive bonuses; and (3) long-term incentive awards. The annual cash incentive and long-term incentive components of our compensation program reflect the pay-for-performance philosophy that underscores the Company’s overall compensation strategy, as a significant portion of total named executive officer compensation is at-risk;

 

Ÿ  

In our 2012 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation, the Company’s executive compensation program received the approval of 98% of the shares voted. Consistent with that level of approval, our compensation program in 2012 generally was similar to our program in 2011; the only structural change included the enhanced pay for performance design of our long-term incentive awards by adding performance shares to the mix of equity awards for named executive officers;

 

Ÿ  

The Company’s total shareholder return for 2012 was 27.2%;

 

Ÿ  

Annual cash incentive bonuses are paid upon the achievement of a set of measurable Company financial performance metrics and individual performance objectives;

 

Ÿ  

Our long-term incentive awards consist of performance shares, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock units, the value of which depends on the value of the Company’s stock, thus encouraging achievement of long-term value creation and benefiting all stockholders;

 

Ÿ  

We believe we have an appropriate mix of short and long-term compensation based on balanced performance metrics which align our incentive and compensation programs with the interests of stockholders;

 

Ÿ  

Our Company uses perquisites on a very limited basis, and we do not provide tax gross-ups on executive-only perquisites;

 

Ÿ  

The Company has committed that it will not enter into any new or materially amended agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control and, indeed, has not entered into any such agreements (the Company has two pre-existing employment contracts entered into prior to 2010 that include excise tax gross-ups under certain circumstances regarding a change in control, based on a double-trigger);

 

Ÿ  

We have stock ownership guidelines for officers and Directors, and until the stock ownership guidelines are met, an officer or Director must hold a minimum of 50% of the pre-tax value realized at the exercise or vesting of equity awards;

 

Ÿ  

Our officers and Directors are prohibited from engaging in hedging transactions involving our stock and from pledging shares as security for loans;

 

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Ÿ  

Equity award agreements with our employees (including our named executive officers) include confidentiality and other covenants protecting our business interests and provide for forfeiture of the awards or benefits received under them if the covenants are violated;

 

Ÿ  

In April 2013, the Company adopted a “clawback” policy to provide for recovery of incentive compensation, if any, in excess of what would have been paid to our executive officers or former executive officers in the event that the Company is required to restate financial results and also to provide for clawback of incentive compensation in the event of misconduct by an executive officer or former executive officer;

 

Ÿ  

The Compensation Committee annually reviews the potential for risk regarding our compensation program design, including incentive compensation; and

 

Ÿ  

We believe that there is an effective level of corporate governance over our compensation programs, as all of our Compensation Committee members are independent, and the Committee retains an independent compensation consultant to conduct annual reviews of executive compensation and advise on best practices.

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

RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of SEC Regulation S-K, including as described under the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section, as well as the accompanying compensation tables and the related narrative disclosure, in the Company’s 2013 proxy statement.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis section discusses the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies and arrangements for the 2012 year that are applicable to our Named Executive Officers (NEOs): John J. Engel, Stephen A. Van Oss, Kenneth S. Parks, Diane E. Lazzaris, Kimberly G. Windrow and former Chief Financial Officer, Richard Heyse. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the “Summary Compensation Table” on page 28, its accompanying footnotes and the additional tables and narrative disclosure that follow the “Summary Compensation Table”.

The Compensation Discussion and Analysis includes the following key sections:

 

Ÿ  

Executive Summary

 

Ÿ  

Compensation Setting Process

 

Ÿ  

Use of Compensation Consultants

 

Ÿ  

Compensation Comparator Group

 

Ÿ  

Elements of Compensation

 

Ÿ  

Other Compensation and Employment Arrangements

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

Our management and our Board of Directors have consistently believed that a simple and transparent philosophy and approach to compensation design is fundamental to creating stockholder value. Our straightforward program comprises three main elements: (1) base salaries; (2) annual cash incentive bonuses; and (3) long-term incentive awards. We believe that this approach has enabled us to attract and retain extraordinary management talent and to deliver strong results to our stockholders.

In our 2012 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation, the Company’s executive compensation program received the approval of approximately 98% of the shares voted. The Company’s total shareholder return in 2012 was 27.2%. Our compensation program in 2012 was generally consistent with our program in 2011; except that the Company further enhanced the pay-for-performance design of our long-term incentive awards by adding performance shares to the mix of equity awards for NEOs beginning in February 2012. Each February, the Committee reviews executive compensation and performs its annual total compensation review regarding salary, bonus and equity awards, based on the compensation structure and philosophy described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.

Pay for Performance — The annual cash incentive and long-term incentive components of our compensation program reflect our pay-for-performance philosophy, since annual cash incentive bonuses are paid upon the achievement of a set of measurable Company financial performance metrics and individual performance objectives. The equity award values depend on the value of the Company’s stock, and in the case of performance shares depend on the achievement of specific performance metrics and goals, thus encouraging achievement of long-term value creation that benefits all stockholders.

Ownership Guidelines, Hedging and Clawbacks — We have stock ownership guidelines for officers and Directors, and our officers and Directors are prohibited from engaging in hedging transactions involving our stock and from pledging stock as security for loans. In April 2013, the Company adopted a “clawback” policy to provide for recovery of incentive compensation, if any, in excess of what would have been paid to our executive officers or former executive officers in the event that the Company is required to restate financial results and also to provide for clawback of incentive compensation in the event of misconduct by an executive officer or former executive officer.

Limited Perquisites — We use perquisites on a very limited basis, and we do not provide tax gross-ups on executive-only perquisites. We have committed to not enter into any new or materially amended agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control, and we have not entered into any such agreements. We have only two pre-existing employment agreements (entered into prior to 2010) that include excise tax gross-ups under certain change in control circumstances.

In this Executive Summary, we describe our philosophy, approach and the way we assess our compensation practices. We believe that this process is a pillar of our high performance corporate culture and important to our ongoing success.

 

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Compensation Philosophy

Structuring a balanced, fair and properly-crafted compensation program for our executive leaders is a critical component that promotes our high performance culture and contributes to our ongoing success. Our compensation philosophy begins with the recognition that our success depends on the talent of our workforce and our relationships with customers and suppliers. Our focus on consistency, service and continuous improvement are critical factors, and to encourage high level performance of our leaders we have constructed a compensation plan that rewards the behavior of our executives in their pursuit of the following three broad goals.

The first of our philosophical tenets is to retain an excellent management team. Fielding a consistent and high performing team is critical to our success as a company. Developing and strengthening our corporate relationships with our customers and suppliers over the long-term puts us in an opportune position to grow our business intelligently and profitably. Equally important is the consistency of internal leadership in support of our corporate mission and sustaining our high performance culture.

The second philosophical goal of our compensation planning is to put the Company in a position to recruit strong leaders as we grow our business and expand our product and service offerings. Our Chief Executive Officer was recruited nine years ago as our Chief Operating Officer. We were able to recruit and retain him because of our culture and a compensation package that aligned his performance with our strategy of creating value for our customers, suppliers and stockholders. During the past several years, we have recruited other leaders at our executive leadership level who joined the Company for the same reasons, such as our Chief Financial Officer in 2012. Our consistency of approach in aligning our compensation plans to our strategy has been an important reason for our recruiting successes.

Finally, the third goal of our compensation planning is to reward our executives fairly and provide proper and balanced incentives for long-term value creation. Essentially, we want to provide a level of annual base compensation that is fair. When our executives perform at a level of high achievement, we reward them with attractive but capped annual cash bonus awards. In years when they perform below agreed upon standards, they may receive little or no bonus. In terms of long-term incentives, we believe that the performance of our stock is the purest measure of our performance. Fundamentally, we are owned by our stockholders who can sell their stock when they believe that we are underperforming and who typically purchase more shares as we perform at higher levels of growth and profitability. We believe that the opportunity to participate in the performance of our equity is the most direct link between performance and pay. We reward our executives with equity incentives to align their interests with those of the stockholders and maintain ownership guidelines to instill that mindset.

Compensation Approach

The three central elements to our executive total compensation approach, base salary, short-term incentives, and long-term incentives, are further refined by design: our base salary and short-term incentives are cash based; and our long-term incentives are equity based. Based on our objectives, we believe it is appropriate that we target our three compensation elements at approximately the 50th percentile of comparable companies in the peer group. Nevertheless, the Company’s target total compensation and long-term incentives for the NEOs have been generally below the 50th percentile of the comparator group.

We use the services of an independent compensation consultant, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”), which provides us with research information and data. We query our consultant on new developments, best practices and trends in compensation, and Meridian serves as a resource to our Compensation Committee (the “Committee”). However, the Committee makes its own decisions, uses its own judgment and comes to its own conclusions relating to elements regarding plan design and absolute determinations of total compensation rewards.

Compensation Assessment

For our compensation philosophy and approach to work properly, the Committee must assess the effectiveness of our compensation programs at least annually, using a variety of external and internal resources. In conjunction with Meridian, the Committee reviews the composition of our peer group annually. We purposely choose a large selection of similarly sized companies because we believe that those companies are representative of the talent pool that we compete with to recruit and retain talent. This approach has proven successful, as the last three NEOs that we hired came from large corporations that were not direct competitors of ours and not in the distribution industry. We also believe that a large pool of comparable companies is better than choosing a smaller group to ensure a proper sample size for comparison purposes. When we engage professional search firms to assist us in identifying senior executive talent, they survey a set of corporations even larger than our peer group.

 

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Our management team conducts a thorough leadership review process every year. Our focus on talent management is critical to our high performance culture and ongoing success. In the course of that intensive, annual review process, the entire Board and our Committee are informed of relevant issues relating to our senior management team. We are thus able to review personal development plans, actual performance, and alignment to corporate standards and expectations. From that feedback, we are able to drive a deeper understanding of whether our total compensation plans continue to promote our corporate objectives. The Committee can use this information to help assess the appropriateness of our compensation approach for any individual whose compensation we review.

Summary

Our philosophy, approach, and the manner in which we assess our total compensation planning have been consistently applied since we became a public company. We intend to maintain our high standards and make sure that the objectives and total compensation of our senior executives are aligned with the objectives of our stockholders.

COMPENSATION SETTING PROCESS

Our Board has delegated to the Committee, composed entirely of independent, non-employee Directors, the responsibility of administering executive compensation and benefit programs, policies and practices. The Committee annually reviews the performance of the management team relative to financial results and non-financial measures, including the areas of strategic and organizational development. The Committee then reviews and approves, and reviews with the Board, the compensation levels for our NEOs on an annual basis.

Our compensation setting process for NEOs consists of the following steps:

 

Ÿ  

Consider the Company’s financial performance;

 

Ÿ  

Review external market data;

 

Ÿ  

Confirm the reasonableness of total compensation awards as well as the reasonableness of each component of compensation when compared to peer companies;

 

Ÿ  

Assess overall Company performance in relation to our objectives, competition and industry circumstances;

 

Ÿ  

Assess individual performance, changes in duties and responsibilities, and strategic and operational accomplishments;

 

Ÿ  

Adjust base salaries, as appropriate, based on job performance, leadership, tenure, experience, and other factors, including market data relative to our peer companies;

 

Ÿ  

Make awards under our long-term incentive plan that reflect recent performance and an assessment of the future impact each NEO can have on the long-term success of the Company;

 

Ÿ  

Review the metrics and goals of the performance share plan; and

 

Ÿ  

Apply consistent practices from year to year for annual cash incentive award payments based on an evaluation of pre-established operating and financial performance factors, non-financial performance criteria, and strategic, operational, and organizational development objectives.

As previously noted, the Committee also engages an independent compensation consultant to assist in reviewing its processes, to provide market comparison information, and to make recommendations.

USE OF COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS

To assist in the compensation setting process, the Committee engages Meridian, an internationally recognized executive compensation consultancy firm, to provide information and advice regarding compensation and benefit levels and incentive plan designs. Meridian is engaged by, and reports directly to, the Committee, which has the sole authority to hire or fire Meridian and to approve fee arrangements for work performed. The Committee has authorized Meridian to interact with management on behalf of the Committee, as needed in connection with advising the Committee. The Committee has assessed the independence of Meridian pursuant to SEC and NYSE rules and concluded that Meridian’s work for the Committee does not raise any conflict of interest.

In particular, the Committee retains Meridian to gather market data, prepare compensation plan reviews, identify general trends and practices in executive compensation programs, perform a study of the compensation of senior management at comparable and similarly-sized (by revenue) companies, and furnish its input regarding the

 

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compensation and incentives of the Chief Executive Officer and other executives. In addition, the Committee has sought the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer regarding the other NEOs relative to compensation adjustments and individual performance objectives he believes would be appropriate to achieve the Company’s strategic and operational goals. Our Committee meets in person or telephonically at least five times each year, and our Committee’s Chairman meets with management and our independent compensation consultant more regularly throughout the course of the year. The working relationship between the Committee and management is constructive and independent. Our Committee reports to the entire Board of Directors at every Board meeting on its activities, the research commissioned from our compensation consultant and on the Committee’s specific compensation deliberations and decisions that directly affect our executive leadership team.

COMPENSATION COMPARATOR GROUP

In 2012, the Committee reviewed analyses of compensation paid by companies in our comparator group through the use of marketplace compensation profiles prepared by Meridian. At the Committee’s request, Meridian conducted a comprehensive review of the comparator group and recommended certain changes to the peer group starting in 2011 to reflect more closely the companies with which the Company competes for executive talent.(1) The comparator group comprises comparably-sized, industrial firms, distribution companies and businesses with dispersed locales for which logistics are important, companies in industries in which asset management, in addition to operating margin, is a relevant measure of company performance, and other large distributors, wholesalers and retailers, which are potential competitors for executive talent of interest to WESCO.

The current comparator group includes the following 45 companies:

COMPENSATION COMPARATOR GROUP

 

Andersen Corporation

Anixter International, Inc.

Applied Industrial Technologies

AutoZone, Inc.

Avis Budget Group

Belk, Inc.

Big Lots, Inc.

Boise, Inc.

BorgWarner

Brinker International, Inc.

Cameron International Corporation

Cooper Industries, Inc.

Darden Restaurants, Inc.

Dover Corporation

Ecolab

Fastenal Company

FMC Technologies

Hubbell Incorporated

Hy-Vee, Inc.

Ingredion Inc.

Kohler Company

Lennox International, Inc.

MSC Industrial Direct Co., Inc.

NCR Corporation

NewPage Corporation

OfficeMax Incorporated

Pitney Bowes, Inc.

Praxair, Inc.

Rockwell Automation

Ross Stores, Inc.

Ryder System, Inc.

Sauer — Danfoss, Inc.

Schneider National, Inc.

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation

Sonoco Products Company

Spartan Stores, Inc.

Temple-Inland Inc.

The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.

The Pantry, Inc.

Thomas & Betts Corp.

United Stationers Inc.

Vulcan Materials Company

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

Waste Management, Inc.

Watsco, Inc.

 

 

(1) 

For 2013, Cooper Industries, Inc., Temple-Inland Inc. and Thomas & Betts Corp. will be removed due to acquisitions. Corn Products International changed its name to Ingredion, Inc.

The Committee reviews compensation practices among these companies to provide the Committee with relevant data in setting appropriate compensation levels for its NEOs. This market analysis, which is conducted by Meridian, makes it possible to evaluate and assess compensation for numerous executive positions that are not included in proxy statements or other public filings. To adjust for a variation in size among our Company and the companies in the comparator group, Meridian uses regression analysis to adjust market values for differences in company size, based on annual revenues, to get comparable data for its analysis.

Role of 2012 Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation in the Compensation Setting Process

The Committee reviewed the results of the 2012 stockholder advisory vote on NEO compensation and incorporated the results as one of the many factors considered in connection with the discharge of its responsibilities. Because a substantial majority (approximately 98%) of our stockholders approved the executive compensation program for 2011 described in our 2012 proxy statement, our compensation program for 2012 remained generally consistent with the program in 2011, except that the Company further enhanced the pay for performance design of its long-term incentive awards by adding performance shares to the mix of equity awards for NEOs beginning in February 2012.

 

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ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION

Base Salaries

Base salaries are intended to provide our NEOs with a level of competitive cash compensation that is critical for retention and appropriate given their positions, responsibilities and accomplishments with the Company. Salaries for NEOs are reviewed annually. The Committee reviews detailed individual salary history for the NEOs and compares their base salaries to salaries for comparable positions at companies within our comparator group. From time to time, the Committee adjusts base salaries for executive officers to reflect performance, changes in job scope, and market practices among the comparator group generally based on the 50th percentile of base salaries for comparable positions.

Effective as of April 1, 2012:

 

Ÿ  

Mr. Engel’s base salary was increased to $865,000 from an annualized rate of $800,000;

 

Ÿ  

Mr. Van Oss’ base salary was increased to $640,000 from an annualized rate of $625,000;

 

Ÿ  

Ms. Lazzaris’ base salary was increased to $340,000 from an annualized rate of $325,000; and

 

Ÿ  

Ms. Windrow’s base salary was increased to $340,000 from an annualized rate of $325,000.

Mr. Parks’ base salary was set upon him joining the Company on June 6, 2012 at $360,000.

In determining adjustments to base salaries, the Committee considers Company performance, prevailing economic conditions, base salaries of recent additions to management, performance assessments, changes in duties and responsibilities, comparable salary practices of companies within our peer group, the recommendation of Mr. Engel (in the case of the other NEOs), and any other factors the Committee deems relevant. Mr. Engel, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, makes base salary recommendations to the Committee for the NEOs, excluding himself.

Short-Term Incentives

Our practice is to award cash incentive bonuses for achievement of our strategic, financial, operational, and organizational development objectives. Target short-term incentives are designed to provide compensation opportunities generally approximating the 50th percentile of the comparator group and are reviewed annually by the Committee.

Annually, the Committee reviews and approves the Company’s performance criteria and financial and operational targets for the upcoming year. For purposes of the 2012 annual incentive program, the performance measures for our NEOs, all of whom are corporate officers with broad-ranging responsibilities across the entire enterprise or for multiple operating and/or corporate support functions, consist of the achievement of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), free cash flow and return on invested capital (ROIC) targets, and individual performance objectives. The performance measures we used to determine annual cash incentive bonuses for Messrs. Engel, Van Oss and Parks and Messes Windrow and Lazzaris, the relative weightings of such measures, and the related payout as a percentage of opportunity are reflected below:

 

       

Performance Measure

   Weighting      Percent Achievement    Payout Percent of
Maximum Opportunity(1)

Earning Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization

      < 85%    0%
     25%       85% to 100%    Up to 50%
        >100% to 115%    Between 50% and 100%
        < 85%    0%

Free Cash Flow

     25%       85% to 100%    Up to 50%
        >100% to 115%    Between 50% and 100%
        < 85%    0%

Return on Invested Capital

     25%       85% to 100%    Up to 50%
        >100% to 115%    Between 50% and 100%

Individual Performance

     25%       <25%    0%
      25% to 100%    Up to 100%

Total (as a percent of Opportunity)

     100%          0% to 100%

 

(1)    Amounts interpolated, as appropriate.

 

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For 2012, the cash incentive bonuses for each NEO were determined as follows:

Mr. Engel received a 2012 cash incentive bonus of $1,305,000, which was based on a base salary of $800,000 for three months of the year and a base salary of $865,000 for nine months of the year with a maximum incentive payout percentage opportunity of 220%. Thus, in dollars, his maximum bonus opportunity was $1,867,250 (i.e., $800,000 x 3/12 x 220% plus $865,000 x 9/12 x 220%). The actual achievement of each of the financial components in the chart above was: (1) the Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) payout percentage was 38.3%, since 2012 EBITDA of $406.6 million, excluding the effects of a litigation matter, represented an actual achievement level of 95.3%; (2) the Free Cash Flow payout percentage was 100%, since 2012 actual Free Cash Flow of $265.1 million represented an achievement level of 129.8%; and (3) the Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) payout percentage was 45.2%, since the actual level of 11.6% represented a 98.1% achievement level. For individual achievement, which represents the Committee’s overall review and qualitative assessment of performance and accomplishments during the year, the Committee awarded 96.1% in recognition of Mr. Engel’s efforts regarding strategy refinement and execution, organization development and talent management, investor, customer, supplier and community relations, operations and overall leadership. Thus, Mr. Engel’s total cash incentive bonus of $1,305,000 for 2012 was calculated by multiplying $848,750 by ((25% weighting x 38.3% for EBITDA) + (25% weighting x 100% for Free Cash Flow) + (25% weighting x 45.2% for ROIC) + (25% weighting x 96.1% for individual performance)).

Mr. Van Oss received a 2012 cash incentive bonus of $800,000, which was based on a base salary of $625,000 for three months of the year and a base salary of $640,000 for nine months of the year with a maximum incentive payout percentage opportunity of 180%. Thus, in dollars, his maximum bonus opportunity was $1,145,250 (i.e., $625,000 x 3/12 x 180% plus $640,000 x 9/12 x 180%). Mr. Van Oss’ total cash incentive bonus of $800,000 was calculated by multiplying $636,250 by ((25% weighting x 38.3% for EBITDA) + (25% weighting x 100% for Free Cash Flow) + (25% weighting x 45.2% for ROIC) + (25% weighting x 96% for individual performance)). For individual performance, which represents the Committee’s overall review and qualitative assessment of performance and accomplishments during the year, the amount was based on the Committee’s recognition of Mr. Van Oss’ efforts regarding sales growth and margin improvement initiatives, marketing, operations, acquisitions including integration, and talent management.

Mr. Parks received a 2012 cash incentive bonus of $175,000, which was based on an annual base salary of $360,000, adjusted on a pro rata basis for the portion of the year he worked with a maximum incentive payout percentage opportunity of 120%. Thus, in dollars, his maximum bonus opportunity was $247,104 (i.e., $360,000 x .572 x 120%). Mr. Parks’ total cash incentive bonus of $175,000 was calculated by multiplying $206,076 by ((25% weighting x 38.3% for EBITDA) + (25% weighting x 100% for Free Cash Flow) + (25% weighting x 45.2% for ROIC) + (25% weighting x 100% for individual performance)). For individual performance, which represents the Committee’s overall review and qualitative assessment of performance and accomplishments during the year, the amount was based on the Committee’s recognition of Mr. Parks’ efforts in working capital improvement, strengthening of capital structure, acquisition financing, enterprise risk management, and technology and systems initiatives.

Ms. Windrow received a 2012 cash incentive bonus of $280,000, which was based on a base salary of $325,000 for three months of the year and a base salary of $340,000 for nine months of the year with a maximum incentive payout percentage opportunity of 120%. Thus, in dollars, her maximum bonus opportunity was $403,500 (i.e., $325,000 x 3/12 x 120% plus $340,000 x 9/12 x 120%). Ms. Windrow’s total cash incentive bonus of $280,000 was calculated by multiplying $336,250 by ((25% weighting x 38.3% for EBITDA) + (25% weighting x 100% for Free Cash Flow) + (25% weighting x 45.2% for ROIC) + (25% weighting x 94% for individual performance)). For individual performance, which represents the Committee’s overall review and qualitative assessment of performance and accomplishments during the year, the amount was based on the Committee’s recognition of Ms. Windrow’s efforts in leading key human resource initiatives, completing the implementation of our Human Resources Information System (HRIS), talent management initiatives, and management compensation plans and programs.

Ms. Lazzaris received a 2012 cash incentive bonus of $280,000, which was based on a base salary of $325,000 for three months of the year and a base salary of $340,000 for nine months of the year with a maximum incentive payout percentage opportunity of 120%. Thus, in dollars, her maximum bonus opportunity was $403,500 (i.e., $325,000 x 3/12 x 120% plus $340,000 x 9/12 x 120%). Ms. Lazzaris’ total cash incentive bonus of $280,000 was calculated by multiplying $336,250 by ((25% weighting x 38.3% for EBITDA) + (25% weighting x 100% for Free Cash Flow) + (25% weighting x 45.2% for ROIC) + (25% weighting x 94% for individual performance)). For individual performance, which represents the Committee’s overall review and qualitative assessment of performance and accomplishments during the year, the amount was based on the Committee’s recognition of Ms. Lazzaris’ efforts regarding legal and contract management, acquisition due diligence and closing, enterprise risk management and effective delivery of legal services.

 

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The Committee and the Board retain the right to increase or decrease performance objectives or to make discretionary adjustments to annual incentive awards to reflect acquisitions, changes in responsibility, external changes, or unanticipated business conditions that have a material impact on the fairness of the previously established performance factors.

Long-term Incentives

The purpose of long-term incentives is to carefully align compensation with stockholder value creation. Executing the business strategy necessarily requires tradeoffs of short and long-term performance. Accordingly, our incentives are designed to encourage and reward both short and long-term performance. The Committee believes that the optimal method to deliver long-term incentives is through stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock units (RSUs), and performance shares. We use RSUs to strengthen the retention qualities of our equity program and to be consistent with prevailing market practices. The mix of these equity awards, however, is geared toward motivating and rewarding management for achieving stockholder value creation. Performance share awards, which were added to the mix of equity awards in February 2012, for the NEOs represent 30% of the total value (at target) of each NEO’s equity award, and SARs and RSUs represent 50% and 20% of the total value, respectively.

Performance share awards are based on two equally-weighted performance measures of relative total shareholder return and the three-year average net income growth rate achieved by the Company during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2014. The award vests in the form of a number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of performance shares actually earned, if any, will depend on the attainment of certain levels (threshold, target, maximum) of the performance measures and may range from one-half the target amount of performance shares (at the threshold performance level) up to two times the target amount of performance shares (at the maximum performance level). In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan), the performance shares will vest at the target level. Our SARs vest ratably over three years, and our RSUs cliff vest after three years. Our SARs settle in stock upon exercise.

Our philosophy is to grant equity-based long-term incentives having an economic value (based on the Company’s standard stock award assumptions for accounting purposes) which generally approximates the 50th percentile of grants by companies in our comparator group. We believe this target allows us to attract, motivate and retain the executive talent necessary to develop and execute our business strategy. Notwithstanding this objective, the Company’s target long-term incentives for the NEOs are generally below the 50th percentile of the comparator group.

In 2012, the Committee authorized a total issuance of 257,932 SARs, 74,724 RSUs and 46,804 performance shares to all award recipients. The authorized awards were approximately equal to 1% of the weighted average outstanding stock of the Company. With respect to the NEOs other than himself, the Chief Executive Officer makes grant recommendations to the Committee based on each individual executive’s expected long-term contributions to the value creation of the Company and consideration of market data. The Committee considers the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations and Meridian’s analysis in making its grant determinations. With respect to the Chief Executive Officer, the Committee determines (without the input of the Chief Executive Officer) the amount of his grant.

 

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In 2012, we granted performance shares, SAR and RSU awards to approximately 160 employees. The performance share, SAR and RSU grants to our NEOs in 2012 were as follows:

 

               

NEO

  Performance Share
Opportunity

(reflects maximum
number of shares
that could be
earned)(1)
    SAR Awards     RSU
Awards
    Grant Date     Grant Price     SARs
Expiration
Date
    RSU Cliff -
Vesting Date
 

Engel

    28,916        55,396        9,637        2/16/2012      $ 64.33 (2)      2/16/2022        2015   

Van Oss

    15,388        29,486        5,130        2/16/2012      $ 64.33 (2)      2/16/2022        2015   

Parks

           7,500               6/08/2012      $ 58.04 (3)      6/08/2022          

Lazzaris

    3,500        6,700        1,165        2/16/2012      $ 64.33 (2)      2/16/2022        2015   

Windrow

    3,500        6,700        1,165        2/16/2012      $ 64.33 (2)      2/16/2022        2015   

Heyse

                                                

(1)     Performance shares are subject to a three-year performance period.

 

(2)     Represents the exercise price for the SARs granted and the RSUs at issuance price, which was the closing price of our Company stock on the February 16, 2012 grant date in accordance with Compensation Committee action on February 16, 2012.

 

(3)    Represents the exercise price for the SARs granted, which was the closing price of our Company stock on the June 8, 2012 grant date in accordance with Compensation Committee action on June 8, 2012.

       

         

          

Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits our Directors and NEOs from engaging in hedging transactions involving Company securities and from pledging Company securities as collateral for loans.

Long-term Incentive Plan Design Change — Performance Shares

In February 2012, the Committee added performance share awards to the mix of equity awards. Each performance share award in 2012 was based on two equally-weighted performance measures of relative total shareholder return and the three-year average net income growth rate achieved by the Company during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2014. The award vests in the form of a number of shares of the Company’s common stock. The number of performance shares actually earned, if any, will depend on the attainment of certain levels (threshold, target, maximum) of the performance measures and may range from one-half the target amount of performance shares (at the threshold performance level) up to two times the target amount of performance shares (at the maximum performance level). The Committee reviews the specific performance metrics and goals for the performance shares on an annual basis. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan), the performance shares will vest at the target level.

Retirement Savings

Our Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for all eligible employees, including the NEOs. In 2012, the Company provided two types of 401(k) plan contributions with respect to eligible employees. The Company matched employee contributions at a rate of $0.50 per $1.00 of contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation. The Company may also make discretionary contributions to the 401(k) plan, and the Company made a discretionary payment in 2012 for the plan year ended in December 2011. Such contribution amounts were based on age and years of service and varied from 1% - 7% of an employee’s annual eligible base salary.

We also maintain an unfunded non-qualified deferred compensation plan for a select group of qualifying management or highly compensated employees, including the NEOs. Participants may defer a portion of their salary and are eligible for a Company match at a rate of $0.50 per $1.00 up to 6% of eligible compensation less any Company match paid under the 401(k) plan. Earnings are credited to employees’ accounts based on their deemed investment selections from offered investment funds. Notwithstanding any provision of the Deferred Compensation Plan or benefit election made by any participant deemed to be a key employee, benefits payable under the Deferred Compensation Plan will not commence until at least six months after the key employee’s separation from employment. See the “Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation” table on page 34 for more information regarding the NEOs’ benefits under the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

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Our Company does not have a defined benefit or supplemental retirement plan or any plans providing for post-retirement health benefits.

Health and Welfare Benefits

We provide health benefits to full-time employees, including the NEOs, who meet the eligibility requirements. Employees pay a portion of the cost of healthcare on an increasing scale correlated to higher annual incomes. Accordingly, the NEOs’ share of the cost of benefit coverage under our plan is higher than other employees. Our health and welfare benefits are evaluated periodically by external benefits consultants to assess plan performance and costs and to ensure that benefit levels approximate the median value provided to employees of peer companies.

Perquisites

During 2012, the Company provided a limited number of perquisites to the NEOs. They primarily consisted of a vehicle allowance, club memberships and spousal travel to certain business functions. The Compensation Committee determined that it is in the Company’s best interest to continue providing these perquisites in order to offer a competitive pay package. The Company does not provide tax gross-ups on executive-only perquisites. See the “All Other Compensation” table on page 29 for more information regarding the perquisites given to our NEOs.

Clawback Provisions

In April 2013, the Company adopted a “clawback” policy to provide for recovery of incentive compensation, if any, in excess of what would have been paid to our executive officers or former executive officers in the event that the Company is required to restate financial results and also to provide for clawback of incentive compensation in the event of misconduct by an executive officer or former executive officer.

OTHER COMPENSATON AND EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Stock Ownership Guidelines and Holding Periods for Executive Officers

Our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for certain executive officers. For the NEOs, the ownership guidelines are as follows:

 

Ÿ  

Chief Executive Officer — five times annual base salary;

 

Ÿ  

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer — three times annual base salary; and

 

Ÿ  

Vice Presidents — two times annual base salary.

These officers are expected to acquire their initial ownership positions within five years of their appointment and to hold those ownership positions during their service as executives of the Company. Until the stock ownership guidelines are met, an officer must hold a minimum of 50% of the pre-tax value realized at the exercise or vesting of equity awards. All of our NEOs have acquired or are acquiring equity in accordance with the guidelines. See “Security Ownership” on page 11 for more information on their ownership positions. See also “Director Compensation” on page 35 for information about Stock Ownership Guidelines for Directors.

Chief Executive Officer Compensation

Mr. Engel’s compensation is higher than the compensation of other NEOs due to the broad scope of his responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer, including executive leadership in the development, articulation and promotion of the Company’s vision, goals and values, the development and execution of the Company’s long-term strategy and annual operating and financial plans, the development and motivation of the senior management team, ensuring the recruitment, training and development of the required human resources to meet the needs of the Company, and overall service as the principal spokesperson for the Company in communicating with stockholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and our Board and Board committees. During the year, Mr. Engel’s base salary was approximately 14% below the 50th percentile for the Company’s peer group, and his target total compensation for 2012, including salary, target annual cash incentive and long-term incentives, was approximately 21% below the 50th percentile of the Company’s comparator group.

 

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Employment, Severance or Change in Control Arrangements

Mr. Engel has a 2009 Employment Agreement that provides for, among other things, an annual base salary of $725,000 with a target bonus of not less than 100% of base salary, as may be adjusted in the Compensation Committee’s discretion. Mr. Engel also receives long-term equity-based incentives under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan as determined by the Committee. In the event that prior to a change in control Mr. Engel’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Engel for good reason, he will be entitled to receive monthly cash payments for 24 months in an amount equal to his monthly base salary as of the termination date, a lump sum cash amount equal to his target annual incentive opportunity for the year in which he was terminated and accelerated vesting of all stock-based awards, exercisable for up to 18 months, except for performance based awards where operational or performance criteria have not been met. If such termination occurs within two years after a change in control, Mr. Engel will instead be entitled to receive, (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and his annual target incentive opportunity as of the termination date, (ii) a gross-up payment to offset certain excise taxes, if any, (iii) prorated incentive compensation for the year in which he was terminated and (iv) accelerated vesting of all stock-based awards, exercisable for up to 18 months, except for performance-based awards where operational or performance criteria have not been met. As disclosed previously, other than the two pre-existing employment agreements with Messrs. Engel and Van Oss, the Company has no other agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control. In addition, the Company committed that it will not enter into any new or materially amended agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control and, indeed, has not entered into any such agreements. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination” on page 38 for additional information. The 2009 employment agreement has a term of three years and thereafter is subject to one-year automatic extensions. Mr. Engel is subject to confidentiality obligations during the term of his employment and for five years thereafter. He is bound by restrictive covenants in the form of non-competition and non-solicitation of employees and customers during the term of his employment and for a period of two years thereafter.

Mr. Van Oss has a 2009 Employment Agreement that provides for, among other things, an annual base salary of $600,000 with a target bonus of not less than 80% of base salary, as may be adjusted in the Compensation Committee’s discretion. Mr. Van Oss also receives long-term equity-based incentives under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan as determined by the Committee. In the event that prior to a change in control Mr. Van Oss’ employment is terminated by the Company without cause or by Mr. Van Oss for good reason, he will be entitled to receive monthly cash payments for 24 months in an amount equal to his monthly base salary as of the termination date, a lump sum cash amount equal to his target annual incentive opportunity for the year in which he was terminated and accelerated vesting of all stock-based awards, exercisable for up to 18 months, except for performance-based awards where operational or performance criteria have not been met. If such termination occurs within two years after a change in control, Mr. Van Oss will instead be entitled to receive, (i) a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and his annual target incentive opportunity as of the termination date, (ii) a gross-up payment to offset certain excise taxes, if any, (iii) prorated incentive compensation for the year in which he was terminated and (iv) accelerated vesting of all stock-based awards, exercisable for up to 18 months, except for performance-based awards where operational or performance criteria have not been met. As disclosed previously, other than the two pre-existing employment agreements with Messrs. Engel and Van Oss, the Company has no other agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control. In addition, the Company committed that it will not enter into any new or materially amended agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control and, indeed, has not entered into any such agreements. See “Potential Payments Upon Termination” on page 40 for additional information. The 2009 employment agreement has a term of three years and thereafter is subject to one-year automatic extensions. Mr. Van Oss is subject to confidentiality obligations during the term of his employment and for five years thereafter. He is bound by restrictive covenants in the form of non-competition and non-solicitation of employees and customers during the term of his employment and for a period of two years thereafter.

Mr. Parks is entitled to receive SARs equal to the number of shares he purchased for long-term investment within the first twelve months of employment (up to the equivalent of two times annual base salary) at a strike price set at the closing price on the date of purchase on the open market in one or more transactions, not to exceed three trading days. Mr. Parks would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one year’s base salary if he is terminated by the Company without cause, or he terminates his employment for good reason, as described on page 42. Mr. Parks is bound by restrictive covenants in the form of non-competition and non-solicitation of employees during the term of his employment and for a period of one year thereafter.

 

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Ms. Windrow would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one year’s base salary if she is terminated by the Company without cause, or she terminates her employment for good reason, as described on page 44. Ms. Windrow is bound by restrictive covenants in the form of non-competition and non-solicitation of employees during the term of her employment and for a period of one year thereafter.

Ms. Lazzaris would be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to one year’s base salary if she is terminated by the Company without cause, if she terminates her employment for good reason, or if her employment is terminated within one year following a change in control of the Company (other than for cause), as described on page 43.

Effective February 3, 2012, Mr. Heyse stepped down as the Company’s Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. We entered into a consulting and separation agreement with Mr. Heyse on February 23, 2012, under which Mr. Heyse agreed to provide consulting services as requested from time to time through July 2, 2012 and received certain severance and other benefits in consideration for his agreement to customary confidentiality, non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement provisions, as well as a release of any claims against the Company or any of its affiliates. Beginning in July 2012, Mr. Heyse received severance payments equal to twelve months of Mr. Heyse’s most recent base salary of $400,000, payable in equal monthly installments; an additional severance payment in lieu of a pro rated 2012 bonus from January 1, 2012 through the July termination date equal to $100,000, payable within 30 days of his July termination date; health care coverage in all applicable WESCO welfare benefits plans for one year following the July termination date, subject to Mr. Heyse paying the active employee share of the cost of such coverage; executive-level outplacement services through a firm chosen by Mr. Heyse, up to a maximum cost of $15,000; and in accordance with Section 2 of the Stock Appreciation Rights Agreements dated October 28, 2009, February 3, 2010 and May 11, 2010 (the “Matching SAR Agreements”) between Mr. Heyse and the Company, the stock appreciation rights granted to Mr. Heyse under such Matching SAR Agreements fully vested on July 2, 2012.

As described on page 23, the Company’s LTIP provides that SAR and RSU awards would vest upon consummation of a Change in Control transaction, and our performance share award agreements provide that performance share awards would vest at the target level upon consummation of a Change in Control transaction. The payments to the NEOs upon consummation of a Change in Control transaction for accelerated vesting of equity awards are set forth in the first column of each table on pages 38 to 44.

During 2006, our Board adopted the WESCO Distribution, Inc. 2006 Severance Plan which provides severance benefits to all eligible employees, not limited to executives. In accordance with the WESCO Distribution, Inc. 2006 Severance Plan, in the event of an involuntary termination without cause, an eligible employee would receive severance payments of up to 52 weeks of base pay based on the employee’s completed years of service.

Compensation Practices and Risk

The Committee reviewed the potential for risk regarding our compensation program design, including incentive compensation. The Committee has reviewed the Company’s compensation programs for employees generally and has concluded that these programs do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation Committee believes that the design of the Company’s annual cash and long-term equity incentives provides an effective and appropriate mix of incentives to help ensure the Company’s performance is focused on long-term stockholder value creation and does not encourage the taking of short-term risks at the expense of long-term results.

Deductibility of Executive Compensation

The Compensation Committee considers the anticipated tax treatment to the Company and our executive officers when reviewing executive compensation and our compensation programs, and generally intends for compensation paid to its executive officers to be within the limits of, or exempt from, the deductibility limits of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, but the Company reserves the right to pay compensation that is not deductible if it determines such compensation to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and in 2012 a portion of the compensation was not deductible. The deductibility of some types of compensation payments can depend upon the timing of an executive’s vesting or exercise of previously granted rights or termination of employment.

In addition, Section 162(m) generally imposes a $1 million limit on the amount that a public company may deduct for compensation paid to the Company’s CEO and certain other highly compensated executive officers (together, the “covered employees”). This limitation does not apply to compensation that meets the requirements under

 

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Section 162(m) for “qualifying performance-based” compensation (i.e., compensation paid only if the individual’s performance meets pre-established objective goals based on stockholder-approved performance criteria).

Grants of SARs and performance shares in 2012 under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) are expected to qualify as performance-based compensation that is deductible under Section 162(m). Historically, our grants of RSUs to covered employees have only been deductible to the extent that the market value of the granted shares on settlement, when combined with salary and other non-performance-based compensation, did not exceed $1 million (notwithstanding the fact that RSUs do contain a performance component based on the fact that the ultimate value of the grants will depend on the Company stock price). However, beginning in 2012, in order to satisfy the Section 162(m) qualification requirements, the Committee established and approved an annual incentive pool based on achievement of certain performance conditions from which 2013 RSUs and annual incentive plan awards will be paid to covered employees. The Committee can apply negative discretion to this pool to decrease (but not increase) the amount of any award payable from the pool to covered employees. As required under applicable tax laws, the Company generally must obtain stockholder approval every five years of the material terms for the performance goals for qualifying performance-based compensation.

While the tax impact of any compensation arrangement is one factor to be considered, this impact is evaluated in light of the Compensation Committee’s overall compensation philosophy and objectives. The Compensation Committee will consider ways to maximize the deductibility of executive compensation, while retaining the discretion it deems necessary to compensate officers in a manner commensurate with performance and the competitive environment for executive talent. From time to time, the Compensation Committee may award compensation to our executive officers that is not fully deductible if it determines that the award is consistent with its philosophy and is in our stockholders’ best interests.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on that review and those discussions, it recommended to the Board of Directors that the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in our Proxy Statement, and incorporated by reference in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Respectfully Submitted:

THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

James L. Singleton, Chairman

Sandra Beach Lin

George L. Miles, Jr.

John K. Morgan

 

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Table of Contents

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

 

Name and Principal

Position

  Year   Salary  

Option

Awards(1)

 

Stock

Awards(2)

  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation(3)
  All Other
Compensation(4)
  Total
           

John J. Engel,

      2012       $ 848,750       $ 1,549,980       $ 1,714,636       $ 1,305,000       $ 225,220       $ 5,643,586  

Chairman, President

      2011       $ 781,250       $ 2,079,989       $ 519,973       $ 1,269,531       $ 132,447       $ 4,783,190  

and CEO

      2010       $ 725,000       $ 1,840,000       $ 460,000       $ 1,230,000       $ 60,526       $ 4,315,526  

Stephen A. Van Oss,

      2012       $ 636,250       $ 825,018       $ 912,565       $ 800,000       $ 162,809       $ 3,336,642  

SVP and COO

      2011       $ 618,750       $ 1,200,009       $ 300,010       $ 804,375       $ 105,926       $ 3,029,070  
      2010       $ 600,000       $ 1,200,000       $ 300,000       $ 800,000       $ 43,893       $ 2,943,893  

Kenneth S. Parks,

      2012       $ 206,077       $ 188,625               $ 175,000       $ 23,773       $ 593,475  

VP and CFO

                           

Diane E. Lazzaris,

      2012       $ 336,250       $ 187,466       $ 207,446       $ 280,000       $ 40,923       $ 1,052,085  

VP, Legal Affairs

      2011       $ 312,500       $ 259,989       $ 64,974       $ 275,000       $ 24,436       $ 936,899  
      2010       $ 251,201       $ 342,661               $ 225,000       $ 14,600       $ 833,462  

Kimberly G. Windrow,

      2012       $ 336,250       $ 187,466       $ 207,446       $ 280,000       $ 33,849       $ 1,045,011  

VP, HR

      2011       $ 325,000       $ 267,302       $ 50,022       $ 310,000       $ 7,963       $ 960,287  
      2010       $ 135,417       $ 197,162               $ 115,000       $ 133,153       $ 580,732  

Richard P. Heyse,(5)

      2012       $ 209,231                               $ 41,896       $ 251,127  

Former VP and CFO

      2011       $ 391,250       $ 600,005       $ 150,004       $ 295,000       $ 46,088       $ 1,482,347  
      2010       $ 355,000       $ 819,407       $ 204,852       $ 290,000       $ 17,292       $ 1,686,551  
   

 

(1) 

Represents the grant date fair value of SAR awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. These equity awards are subject to time-based vesting criteria. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are set forth on pages 56 to 58 of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. All the equity awards were granted under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and approved by our Board and stockholders.

 

(2) 

Represents aggregate grant date fair value of RSUs and performance share awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, which, with respect to performance shares, is the value based on the target level of achievement (determined to be the probable outcome of the performance conditions at the time of grant). In the event the maximum performance conditions are met, these values would be: for Mr. Engel $2,189,375; Mr. Van Oss $1,165,102, Ms. Lazzaris $265,003 and Ms. Windrow $265,003. RSUs are subject to time-based vesting criteria and performance shares are subject to achievement of certain performance targets over a three-year performance period. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are set forth on pages 56 to 58 of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012 in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. All the equity awards were granted under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and approved by our Board and stockholders.

 

(3) 

Represents annual cash incentive bonus amounts earned for each fiscal year in accordance with SEC rules, but approved and paid in the following year.

 

(4) 

See the “All Other Compensation” table on page 29 for additional information.

 

(5) 

Mr. Heyse was our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 to February 2012.

 

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ALL OTHER COMPENSATION

 

The following table describes each component of the All Other Compensation column for 2012 in the Summary Compensation Table. The most significant component of this table is Company payments or contributions to employee retirement savings programs. These payments are further analyzed in the table contained in footnote (5) and include payments which are also presented and discussed there.

 

NEO    Year    Other
Benefits(1)
   Auto
Allowance(2)
   Tax
Payments(3)
  

Payments Relating
to Employee

Retirement
Savings Programs(5)

   Total

Engel

       2012        $ 48,315        $ 12,000                 $ 164,905        $ 225,220  

Van Oss

       2012        $ 35,798        $ 12,000                 $ 115,011        $ 162,809  

Parks

       2012        $ 12,965        $ 7,000        $ 1,558        $ 2,250        $ 23,773  

Lazzaris

       2012        $ 102        $ 12,000                 $ 28,821        $ 40,923  

Windrow

       2012        $ 1,261                          $ 32,588        $ 33,849  

Heyse(4)

       2012        $ 55        $ 6,000                 $ 35,841        $ 41,896  

 

(1) 

This column reports the total amount of other benefits provided, none of which exceeded $10,000 unless otherwise noted. The amounts for Mr. Engel include club dues of $19,411 and imputed income for spousal travel of $28,802. The amounts for Mr. Van Oss include club dues of $5,874 and imputed income for spousal travel of $29,822. The amounts for Mr. Parks include relocation payments. The Company’s relocation plan is broad-based and not limited to executives only, and the Company does not purchase homes.

 

(2) 

Represents a $1,000 monthly automobile allowance.

 

(3) 

The Company paid a gross-up of relocation expenses for Mr. Parks. The Company does not provide tax gross-ups on executive-only perquisites.

 

(4) 

Mr. Heyse was our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 to February 2012.

 

(5) 

The retirement savings program includes both the Retirement Savings Plan, a qualified 401(k) plan, and the Deferred Compensation Plan, a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain management and highly compensated employees. Company contributions to the retirement savings program include matching contributions and discretionary contributions. The table below breaks down the Company contribution by plan and contribution type. Company matching contributions are capped at 50% of participant deferrals, not to exceed 3% of eligible compensation. Matching contributions are made to the 401(k) plan up to maximum limits established by the IRS, with any excess contributed to the deferred compensation plan. Similarly, discretionary contributions are made to the 401(k) plan up to maximum limits established by the IRS, with the excess contributed to the deferred compensation plan.

 

NEO    Year    Company Matching
Contribution to
401k Plan
   Company Matching
Contribution to
Deferred
Compensation Plan
   Company
Discretionary
Contribution to
401k Plan
   Company Rollover
Contribution to
Deferred
Compensation Plan(1)
   Total

Engel

       2012        $ 7,500        $ 56,842        $ 12,250        $ 88,313        $ 164,905  

Van Oss

       2012        $ 2,344        $ 41,730        $ 12,250        $ 58,687        $ 115,011  

Parks

       2012        $ 2,250                                   $ 2,250  

Lazzaris

       2012        $ 7,500        $ 5,196        $ 7,350        $ 8,775        $ 28,821  

Windrow

       2012        $ 6,505        $ 12,883        $ 7,350        $ 5,850        $ 32,588  

Heyse(2)

       2012        $ 6,640        $ 8,764        $ 7,350        $ 13,087        $ 35,841  

 

(1)

Includes rollover contributions from the 401(k) plan to the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

(2) 

Mr. Heyse was our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 to February 2012.

 

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GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS FOR 2012

 

 

Name  

Grant

Date

    Estimated Possible
Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards (1)
    Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
   

All Other
Option

Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying

Options

(#)

(4)

   

All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying

Stock
Units

(#)

(5)

   

Exercise or
Base Price
of Option
Awards

($/SH)

   

Grant

Date Fair

Value of

Stock and
Option Awards

(6)

 
    Target
($)
    Maximum
($)
    Threshold    

Target

(2)

   

Maximum

(3)

         

Engel

    2/16/12            7,229        14,458        28,916        55,396        9,637      $ 64.33 (7)    $ 3,264,616   
    $ 933,625      $ 1,867,250                 

Van Oss

    2/16/12            3,847        7,694        15,388        29,486        5,130      $ 64.33 (7)    $ 1,737,583   
    $ 572,625      $ 1,145,250                 

Parks

    6/8/12                            7,500             $ 58.04 (8)    $ 188,625   
    $ 123,552      $ 247,104                 

Lazzaris

    2/16/12            875        1,750        3,500        6,700        1,165      $ 64.33 (7)    $ 394,912   
    $ 201,750      $ 403,500                 

Windrow

    2/16/12            875        1,750        3,500        6,700        1,165      $ 64.33 (7)    $ 394,912   
    $ 201,750      $ 403,500                 
   

 

(1) 

Represents possible annual incentive cash awards that could have been earned in 2012 at “threshold”, “target” and “maximum” levels of performance. Amounts actually received by the NEOs under the annual incentive plans for 2012 performance are set forth in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 28. For further information about the annual incentive plans, please see the related discussion beginning on page 20.

 

(2) 

Represents possible performance share awards granted in 2012 that could be earned at “target” level of performance over a three-year performance period. Each performance share award is based on two equally-weighted performance measures of relative total shareholder return and the three-year average net income growth rate achieved by the Company during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2014. For further information about the long-term incentive performance share awards, see discussion beginning on page 22.

 

(3) 

Represents possible performance share awards granted in 2012 that could be earned at “maximum” achievement of the performance goals.

 

(4) 

Represents the number of SARs granted in 2012 to the NEOs. These SARs will time vest and become exercisable ratably in three equal increments annually on the anniversary date.

 

(5) 

Represents the number of RSUs granted in 2012 to the NEOs. The RSUs will cliff vest on the anniversary date in 2015.

 

(6) 

Represents the full grant date fair value of SARs, RSUs and Performance Shares under ASC Topic 718 granted to the NEOs. With respect to awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, grant date fair value is based on an estimate of the probable outcome at the time of grant which reflects achievement at “target” performance. For additional information on the valuation assumptions, refer to Note 13 of the Company’s financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

(7) 

Represents the exercise price for the SARs and the grant date per share value of RSUs granted, which was the closing price of our Company stock on February 16, 2012, in accordance with Compensation Committee action on the grant date indicated.

 

(8) 

Represents the exercise price for the SARs granted, which was the closing price of our Company stock on June 8, 2012, in accordance with Compensation Committee action on the grant date indicated.

 

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR END

 

 

     Option Awards     Stock Awards  
Name  

Grant

Date

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Equity

Awards

Exercisable

   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Equity

Awards

Un-exercisable

    Exercise
Price
    Expiration
Date
   

Number of

Shares of

Stock That
Have Not
Vested

   

Market

Value of
Shares of

Stock That
Have Not
Vested

    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested(2)
   

Equity
Incentive
Plan

Awards:
Market

or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,

Units or

Other

Rights

That Have
Not Vested

 

Engel

    7/14/2004        50,000             $ 16.82        4/14/2014                               
    7/01/2005        75,000             $ 31.65        7/01/2015                               
    7/01/2006        37,500             $ 69.00        7/01/2016                               
    7/01/2007        45,000             $ 60.45        7/01/2017                               
    7/01/2008        75,000             $ 40.04        7/01/2018                               
    7/01/2009        150,673             $ 25.37        7/01/2019                               
    7/01/2010        83,731        41,866      $ 33.05        7/01/2020        13,918      $ 938,491                 
    2/16/2011        25,775        51,548      $ 60.05        2/16/2021        8,659      $ 583,876                 
    2/16/2012               55,396      $ 64.33        2/16/2022        9,637      $ 649,823        28,916      $ 1,949,806   
   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

      542,679        148,810            32,214      $ 2,172,190        28,916      $ 1,949,806   

Van Oss

    9/29/2004        70,000             $ 24.02        9/29/2014                               
    7/01/2005        75,000             $ 31.65        7/01/2015                               
    7/01/2006        37,500             $ 69.00        7/01/2016                               
    7/01/2007        45,000             $ 60.45        7/01/2017                               
    7/01/2008        75,000             $ 40.04        7/01/2018                               
    7/01/2009        107,623             $ 25.37        7/01/2019                               
    7/01/2010        54,607        27,304      $ 33.05        7/01/2020        9,077      $ 612,062                 
    2/16/2011        14,870        29,740      $ 60.05        2/16/2021        4,996      $ 336,880                 
    2/16/2012               29,486      $ 64.33        2/16/2022        5,130      $ 345,916        15,388      $ 1,037,613   
   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

      479,600        86,530            19,203      $ 1,294,858        15,388      $ 1,037,613   

Parks

    6/8/2012               7,500      $ 58.04        6/08/2022                               
   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
             7,500                                   

Lazzaris

    5/14/2010        2,667        1,333      $ 37.90        5/14/2020                               
    7/01/2010        10,011        5,006      $ 33.05        7/01/2020        1,664      $ 112,204                 
    2/16/2011        3,222        6,443      $ 60.05        2/16/2021        1,082      $ 72,959                 
    2/16/2012               6,700      $ 64.33        2/16/2022        1,165      $ 78,556        3,500      $ 236,005   
   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

      15,900        19,482            3,911      $ 263,719        3,500      $ 236,005   

Windrow

    9/27/2010        2,567        1,283      $ 39.26        9/27/2020                               
    9/28/2010        5,000        2,500      $ 40.20        9/28/2020                               
    2/16/2011        2,479        4,956      $ 60.05        2/16/2021        833      $ 56,169                 
    5/13/2011        934        1,866      $ 54.84        5/13/2021                               
    2/16/2012               6,700      $ 64.33        2/16/2022        1,165      $ 78,556        3,500      $ 236,005   
   

 

 

   

 

 

       

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total:

      10,980        17,305            1,998      $ 134,725        3,500      $ 236,005   

Heyse(1)

                                                              

 

(1)

Mr. Heyse was our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 to February 2012.

 

(2)

The amounts included in the table above reflect maximum payouts for performance shares as the current results for 2012 exceeded target. The final amounts will be interpolated based on actual final results.

 

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EQUITY AWARDS VESTING SCHEDULE

 

 

Grant Date    Vesting Schedule     
5/14/2010    SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on May 14, 2011; May 14, 2012; and May 14, 2013.   
7/01/2010   

SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on July 1, 2011; July 1, 2012; and July 1, 2013.

 

RSUs: Cliff vest on July 1, 2013.

  
9/27/2010    SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on September 27, 2011; September 27, 2012; and September 27, 2013.   
9/28/2010    SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on September 28, 2011; September 28, 2012; and September 28, 2013.   
2/16/2011   

SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on February 16, 2012; February 16, 2013; and February 16, 2014.

 

RSUs: Cliff vest on February 16, 2014.

  
5/13/2011    SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on May 13, 2012; May 13, 2013; and May 13, 2014.   
2/16/2012   

SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on February 16, 2013; February 16, 2014; and February 16, 2015.

 

RSUs: Cliff vest on February 16, 2015.

 

Performance Shares: based on two equally-weighted performance measures of relative total shareholder return and the three-year average net income growth rate achieved by the Company during the three-year performance period ending December 31, 2014. The award vests in the form of a number of shares of the Company’s common stock.

  
6/8/2012    SARs: Time-based vesting in 1/3 increments on June 8, 2013; June 8, 2014; and June 8, 2015.   
Under the generally applicable terms of the Company’s 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and approved by our Board and stockholders and restated effective May 21, 2008, options, SARs and RSUs would vest upon a Change in Control, as defined in the Long-Term Incentive Plan, which means (a) the acquisition by any entity not affiliated with the Company of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company resulting in Company stockholders having less than 70% of the combined voting power; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity unrelated to the Company; or (e) during any two year period, a majority change of duly elected Directors.   

 

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Table of Contents

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

 

 

     Option Awards      Stock Awards  
Name   

Number of Shares

Acquired on Exercise

(#)

    

Value Realized

on Exercise

(1) (2)

    

Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)(3)

    

Value Realized on
Vesting

($)

 

Engel

     150,000       $ 6,887,149         16,555       $ 952,740   

Van Oss

     70,000       $ 4,075,222         11,825       $ 680,529   

Parks

                               

Lazzaris

                               

Windrow

                               

Heyse(4)

     66,010       $ 1,796,251                   

 

(1) 

Computed by multiplying the number of shares of our common stock acquired upon exercise by the difference between the closing price of our common stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option or SARs.

 

(2) 

All amounts in this column are before any applicable taxes.

 

(3) 

Reflects RSUs that vested on July 1, 2012.

 

(4) 

Mr. Heyse was our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 to February 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 

The table below provides information on the non-qualified deferred compensation of the NEOs in 2012.

 

Name    Year     

Executive
Contribution

in Last FY(1)

    

Company
Contributions

in Last FY(2)

    

Aggregate

Earnings

in Last FY(3)

    

Aggregate
Withdrawals/

Distributions

    

Aggregate

Balance

at Last FYE(4)(5)

 

Engel

     2012       $ 128,685       $ 145,155       $ 110,285               $ 1,107,536   

Van Oss

     2012       $ 568,375       $ 100,417       $ 379,746               $ 3,985,725   

Parks

     2012                                           

Lazzaris

     2012       $ 12,225       $ 13,971       $ 477               $ 26,673   

Windrow

     2012       $ 38,775       $ 18,733       $ 1,198               $ 58,706   

Heyse(6)

     2012       $ 35,296       $ 21,851       $ 9,095               $ 114,261   

 

(1) 

Reflects participation by the NEOs in the Deferred Compensation Plan, including deferral of portions of both base salary and incentive compensation. The NEOs cannot withdraw any amounts from their deferred compensation balances until termination, retirement, death or disability with the exception that the Compensation Committee may approve an amount (“hardship withdrawal”) necessary to meet unforeseen needs in the event of an emergency.

 

(2) 

Amounts in this column are Company matching contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan and include rollover contributions from the 401(k) plan to the Deferred Compensation Plan. Please refer to footnote 5 of the “All Other Compensation” table for a discussion of the determination of these contributions, which amounts are reported as compensation in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation table on page 28.

 

(3) 

Reflects investment returns or earnings (losses) calculated by applying the investment return rate at the valuation date to the average balance of the participant’s deferral account and Company contribution account since the last valuation date for each investment vehicle selected by the participant. Investment vehicles available to participants are a subset of those offered in the 401(k) plan and notably do not include Company stock.

 

(4) 

Based upon years of service to the Company, Mr. Engel, and Mr. Van Oss are each fully vested in the aggregate balance of their respective accounts at last year-end.

 

(5) 

Mr. Parks did not participate in the Deferred Compensation Program in 2012. For 2012, the registrant contributions are solely matched deferrals as the Company did not provide a discretionary contribution to the Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

(6) 

Mr. Heyse was our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 2009 to February 2012.

 

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Table of Contents

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Compensation

Independent members of the Board of Directors receive compensation in the form of an annual retainer and an annual equity award. Directors have the ability to defer 25% to 100% of the retainer. Deferred amounts are converted into stock units and credited to an account in the Director’s name using the average of the high and low trading prices of our Common Stock on the first trading day in January of that year. In 2012, each Board member received an annual retainer of $80,000, and the Lead Director received an additional retainer of $15,000. The Chair of the Audit Committee received an additional retainer of $15,000, each other member of the Audit Committee received an additional retainer of $5,000, and the Chairs of the Nominating & Governance Committee and Compensation Committee each received an additional retainer of $10,000.

In addition to the retainer, non-employee Directors are reimbursed for travel and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at Board and Committee meetings. Directors receive no additional compensation for Board or Committee meeting attendance. Members of our Board who are also our employees do not receive compensation for their services as Directors.

For 2012, Non-employee Directors received equity grants in the form of RSUs. RSUs vest on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. If a Director’s Board service ends as a result of a scheduled Board term expiration, then all of the Director’s equity will vest in full. If a Director’s Board service is terminated prior to a normal termination or re-election date, then unvested equity is forfeited. In February 2012, each non-employee Director received a grant of 1,321 RSUs. The RSUs awarded February 16, 2012 have a grant price of $64.33, the closing price of our Common Stock on February 16, 2012.

For 2013, the Board adjusted the annual retainer to $90,000 from $80,000 and the Compensation Committee Chair’s additional retainer to $12,500 from $10,000. In addition to the retainer, the annual equity award was increased to $95,000 from $85,000. These increases were to adjust the overall compensation to be closer to the median level of the compensation comparator group based on peer information provided by Meridian.

Distribution of deferred stock units will be made in a lump sum or in installments, in the form of shares of our Common Stock, in accordance with the distribution schedule selected by the Director at the time the deferral election is made. All distributions will be made or begin as soon as practical after January 1 of the year following the Director’s termination of Board service.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for Directors. Directors are expected to acquire beneficial ownership of at least four times their annual retainer. Directors are expected to hold these initially acquired ownership positions during their service as Directors. All Directors are compliant with the stock ownership guidelines.

 

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Table of Contents

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2012

 

 

Name   

Fees Earned

or Paid in
Cash(1)

   Stock  Awards(2)(3)    All Other
Compensation(4)
   Total

Beach Lin

     $ 90,000          $84,980         $ 1,415        $ 176,395  

Miles

     $ 80,000          $84,980              $ 164,980  

Morgan

     $ 85,000          $84,980              $ 169,980  

Raymund

     $ 85,000          $84,980         $ 1,877        $ 171,857  

Singleton

     $ 90,000          $84,980         $ 907        $ 175,887  

Tarr

     $ 95,000          $84,980              $ 179,980  

Utter

     $ 82,500          $84,980              $ 167,480  

Vareschi

     $ 97,484          $84,980         $ 744        $ 183,208  

 

(1) 

Represents the amount of the Director’s annual retainer, for which Directors Beach Lin, Miles, Morgan, Raymund, Singleton and Tarr each received $45,000, $40,000, $42,500, $42,500, $45,000 and $47,500, respectively, in cash during December 2012. The remainder of each directors fees were deferred into the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Ms. Utter deferred all of her 2012 retainer fees in accordance with the Company’s Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Mr. Vareschi elected to receive 1,815 shares of Common Stock in lieu of cash.

 

(2) 

Amounts represent the aggregate grant date fair value, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of RSUs. On February 16, 2012, each Director was awarded 1,321 RSUs with a grant date fair value of $64.33 per RSU, which was the closing price of our Common Stock on February 16, 2012. These RSU awards are subject to time-based vesting criteria. The assumptions used in calculating these amounts are set forth in Note 13 to our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which is located on pages 56 to 58 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

(3) 

All the RSU awards were granted under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and approved by our Board and stockholders. See the “Director Outstanding Equity Awards at the Year-End” table on page 37 for more information regarding the equity awards held by Directors as of December 31, 2012.

 

(4) 

Represents imputed income for spousal/guest travel for one Board meeting.

 

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Table of Contents

DIRECTOR OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR-END

 

 

Name   

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Equity

Awards

Exercisable

    

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Equity

Awards

Un-exercisable

    

Number of

Shares of

Stock That

Have Not
Vested

 

Beach Lin

     21,195         1,547         3,250   

Miles

     21,195         1,547         3,250   

Morgan

     15,195         1,547         3,250   

Raymund

     21,195         1,547         3,250   

Singleton

     21,195         1,547         3,250   

Tarr

     15,095         1,547         3,250   

Utter

     21,195         1,547         3,250   

Vareschi

     21,195         1,547         3,250   

 

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Table of Contents

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: MR. ENGEL

 

Each of the following potential scenarios represents circumstances under which Mr. Engel’s employment with the Company could potentially terminate. A description of the compensation benefits due Mr. Engel in each scenario is provided. In each case, the date of the termination is assumed to be December 31, 2012. The amounts described in the table below will change based on the assumed termination date. The determination of compensation due to Mr. Engel upon separation from the Company is governed by his Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2009.

“Cause” means (a) a material breach of the employment agreement by Mr. Engel; (b) engaging in a felony or conduct which is in the good faith judgment of the Board, applying reasonable standards of personal and professional conduct, injurious to the Company, its customers, employees, suppliers, or stockholders; (c) failure to timely and adequately perform his duties under the employment agreement; or (d) material breach of any manual or written policy, code or procedure of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning given to such term in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which means (a) the acquisition by any entity not affiliated with the Company of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company resulting in Company stockholders having less than 70% of the combined voting power; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity unrelated to the Company; or (e) during any two year period, a majority change of duly elected Directors.

“Good Reason” means (a) a reduction in Mr. Engel’s base salary, excluding any reduction that occurs in connection with an across-the-board reduction of the salaries of the entire senior management team; (b) a relocation of Mr. Engel’s primary place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; or (c) any material reduction in Mr. Engel’s offices, authority, duties or responsibilities.

 

Executive Benefits

and Payments Upon

Termination

   Termination
After Change in
Control(1)
    

Involuntary

Not for

Cause or For
Good Reason
Termination(2)

     Death(3)      Disability(4)  

Compensation:

           

Base Salary and Incentive

   $ 4,938,000       $ 2,681,500       $ 1,305,000           

Accelerated Options & SARs(5)

   $ 1,991,505       $ 1,991,505       $ 1,991,505       $ 1,991,505   

Accelerated RSUs(6)

   $ 2,172,190       $ 2,172,190       $ 2,172,190       $ 2,172,190   

Accelerated Performance Shares(7)

   $ 974,903       $ 974,903       $ 974,903       $ 974,903   

Benefits and Perquisites:

           

Medical Benefits

   $ 17,374       $ 17,374                   

280G Tax Gross-Up

   $ 3,608,047                           

Total:

   $ 13,702,019       $ 7,837,472       $ 6,443,598       $ 5,138,598   

 

(1) 

Termination after Change in Control

Mr. Engel’s Change in Control benefits are double-triggered (other than equity awards which vest on a Change in Control), meaning that he will receive these payments only if (i) there is a Change in Control and (ii) Mr. Engel’s employment is terminated within two years following a Change in Control without Cause or by Mr. Engel for Good Reason, in which case Mr. Engel will be entitled to receive:

 

  Ÿ  

Two times annual base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Two times the annual target bonus opportunity.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive compensation for the portion of the fiscal year employed, if earned.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 24 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

 

  Ÿ  

Additional gross-up premium sufficient to reimburse the executive for excise taxes, if any, payable as a result of termination payments plus any income taxes on the reimbursement payment itself. Other than the pre-existing employment agreements with Mr. Engel and Mr. Van Oss, the Company has no other agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in

 

38


Table of Contents
 

control. In addition, the Company committed that it will not enter into any new or materially amended agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control and, indeed, has not entered into any such agreements.

 

(2) 

Involuntary Not for Cause or Executive for Good Reason Termination

 

  Ÿ  

Monthly base salary continuation for 24 months.

 

  Ÿ  

An amount equal to the executive’s annual target bonus opportunity.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 24 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

 

(3) 

Death

 

  Ÿ  

Any accrued and earned but unpaid bonus.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

(4) 

Disability

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

(5) 

Accelerated Options & SARs The closing price of WESCO common stock on December 31, 2012 was $67.43. The amount shown is the excess, if any, of the December 31, 2012 closing price over the exercise price multiplied by the number of SARs.

 

(6) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of RSUs.

 

(7) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of Performance Shares at target.

 

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Table of Contents

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: MR. VAN OSS

 

Each of the following potential scenarios represents circumstances under which Mr. Van Oss’ employment with the Company could potentially terminate. A description of the compensation benefits due Mr. Van Oss in each scenario is provided. In each case, the date of the termination is assumed to be December 31, 2012. The amounts described in the table below will change based on the assumed termination date. The determination of compensation due to Mr. Van Oss upon separation from the Company is governed by his Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated September 1, 2009.

“Cause” means (a) a material breach of the employment agreement by Mr. Van Oss; (b) engaging in a felony or conduct which is in the good faith judgment of the Board, applying reasonable standards of personal and professional conduct, injurious to the Company, its customers, employees, suppliers, or stockholders; (c) failure to timely and adequately perform his duties under the employment agreement; or (d) a material breach of any manual or written policy, code or procedure of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning given to such term in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which means (a) the acquisition by any entity not affiliated with the Company of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company resulting in Company stockholders having less than 70% of the combined voting power; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity unrelated to the Company; or (e) during any two year period, a majority change of duly elected Directors.

“Good Reason” means (a) a reduction in Mr. Van Oss’ base salary, excluding any reduction that occurs in connection with an across-the-board reduction of the salaries of the entire senior management team; (b) a relocation of Mr. Van Oss’ primary place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; or (c) any material reduction in Van Oss’ offices, authority, duties or responsibilities.

 

Executive Benefits

and Payments Upon

Termination

   Termination
After Change
in Control(1)
    

Involuntary

Not for Cause
or For Good
Reason
Termination(2)

     Death(3)      Disability(4)  

Compensation:

           

Base Salary and Incentive

   $ 3,232,000       $ 1,856,000       $ 800,000           

Accelerated Options & SARs(5)

   $ 1,249,599       $ 1,249,599       $ 1,249,599       $ 1,249,599   

Accelerated RSUs(6)

   $ 1,294,858       $ 1,294,858       $ 1,294,858       $ 1,294,858   

Accelerated Performance Shares(7)

   $ 518,806       $ 518,806       $ 518,806       $ 518,806   

Benefits and Perquisites:

           

Medical Benefits

   $ 17,374       $ 17,374                   

280G Tax Gross-Up

                               

Total:

   $ 6,312,637       $ 4,936,637       $ 3,863,263       $ 3,063,263   

 

(1) 

Termination after Change in Control

Mr. Van Oss’ Change in Control benefits are double-triggered (other than equity awards which vest on a Change in Control), meaning that he will receive these payments only if (i) there is a Change in Control and (ii) Mr. Van Oss’ employment is terminated within two years following a Change in Control without Cause or by Mr. Van Oss for Good Reason, in which case Mr. Van Oss will be entitled to receive:

 

  Ÿ  

Two times annual base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Two times the annual target bonus opportunity.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive compensation for the portion of the fiscal year employed, if earned.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 24 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

 

  Ÿ  

Additional gross-up premium sufficient to reimburse the executive for excise taxes, if any, payable as a result of termination payments plus any income taxes on the reimbursement payment itself. Other than the pre-existing employment agreements with Mr. Engel and Mr. Van Oss, the Company has no other agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control. In addition, the Company committed that it will not enter into any new or materially amended

 

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agreements with executive officers providing for excise tax gross-ups with respect to payments contingent upon a change in control and, indeed, has not entered into any such agreements.

(2) 

Involuntary Not for Cause or Executive for Good Reason Termination

 

  Ÿ  

Monthly base salary continuation for 24 months.

  Ÿ  

An amount equal to the executive’s annual target bonus opportunity.

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 24 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

(3) 

Death

 

  Ÿ  

Any accrued and earned but unpaid bonus.

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

(4) 

Disability

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of outstanding stock options, SARs, and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

(5) 

Accelerated Options & SARs

The closing price of WESCO common stock on December 31, 2012 was $67.43. The amount shown is the excess, if any, of the December 31, 2012 closing price over the exercise price multiplied by the number of SARs.

(6) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of RSUs.

(7) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of Performance Shares at target.

 

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: MR. PARKS

 

 

Each of the following potential scenarios represents circumstances under which Mr. Parks’ employment with the Company could potentially terminate. A description of the compensation benefits due Mr. Parks in each scenario is provided. In each case, the date of the termination is assumed to be December 31, 2012. The amounts described in the table below will change based on the assumed termination date. The determination of compensation due to Mr. Parks upon separation from the Company is governed by a term sheet dated May 31, 2012.

“Cause” means (a) engaging in a felony or engaging in conduct which is in the good faith judgment of the Board, applying reasonable standards of personal and professional conduct, injurious to the Company, its customers, employees, suppliers or stockholders; (b) inability to meet the expectations of employee’s job responsibilities or failure to timely and adequately perform employee’s duties; or (c) material breach of any manual or written policy, code or procedure of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning given to such term in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which means (a) the acquisition by any entity not affiliated with the Company of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company resulting in Company stockholders having less than 70% of the combined voting power; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity unrelated to the Company; or (e) during any two year period, a majority change of duly elected Directors.

“Good Reason” means (a) a reduction in Mr. Parks base salary, excluding any reduction that occurs in connection with an across the board reduction of the salaries of the senior management team; (b) a relocation of primary place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; or (c) a change in the authority, duties or responsibilities that materially and adversely affect Mr. Parks’ role in the organization.

 

Executive Benefits

and Payments Upon

Termination

   Termination
After Change
in Control(1)
     Involuntary
Not for Cause
or Good
Reason
Termination(2)
 

Compensation:

     

Base Salary and Incentive

   $ 535,000       $ 535,000   

Accelerated SARs(3)

   $ 70,425           

Restricted Stock Units(4)

               

Benefits and Perquisites:

     

Medical Benefits

               

Total:

   $ 605,425       $ 535,000   

 

(1) 

Termination After Change in Control

 

  Ÿ  

Payment equal to one-year’s base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive payment for portion of year worked.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of SARs and RSUs.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 12 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

(2) 

Involuntary Not for Cause or Executive for Good Reason Termination

 

  Ÿ  

Payment equal to one-year’s base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive payment for portion of year worked.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of SARs granted in accordance with purchase of WESCO stock.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 12 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

(3) 

Accelerated SARs

The closing price of WESCO common stock on December 31, 2012 was $67.43. The amount shown is the excess, if any, of the December 31, 2012 closing price over the exercise price multiplied by the number of SARs.

(4) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of RSUs.

 

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: MS. LAZZARIS

 

Each of the following potential scenarios represents circumstances under which Ms. Lazzaris’ employment with the Company could potentially terminate. A description of the compensation benefits due Ms. Lazzaris in each scenario is provided. In each case, the date of the termination is assumed to be December 31, 2012. The amounts described in the table below will change based on the assumed termination date. The determination of compensation due to Ms. Lazzaris upon separation from the Company is governed by a term sheet dated January 15, 2010.

“Cause” means (a) engaging in a felony or engaging in conduct which is in the good faith judgment of the Board, applying reasonable standards of personal and professional conduct, injurious to the Company, its customers, employees, suppliers or stockholders; (b) inability to meet the expectations of employee’s job responsibilities or failure to timely and adequately perform employee’s duties; or (c) material breach of any manual or written policy, code or procedure of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning given to such term in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which means (a) the acquisition by any entity not affiliated with the Company of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company resulting in Company stockholders having less than 70% of the combined voting power; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity unrelated to the Company; or (e) during any two year period, a majority change of duly elected Directors.

“Good Reason” means (a) a reduction in Ms. Lazzaris’ base salary, excluding any reduction that occurs in connection with an across the board reduction of the salaries of the senior management team; (b) a relocation of primary place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; or (c) a change in the authority, duties or responsibilities that materially and adversely affect Ms. Lazzaris’ role in the organization.

 

Executive Benefits

and Payments Upon

Termination

  

Termination
After Change

in Control(1)

     Involuntary
Not for Cause
or Good
Reason
Termination(2)
 

Compensation:

     

Base Salary and Incentive

   $ 620,000       $ 620,000   

Accelerated SARs(3)

   $ 279,789       $ 39,363   

Restricted Stock Units(4)

   $ 263,719           

Performance Shares(5)

   $ 118,003           

Benefits and Perquisites:

     

Medical Benefits

   $ 8,687       $ 8,687   

Total:

   $ 1,290,198       $ 668,050   

 

(1) 

Termination After Change in Control

 

  Ÿ  

Payment equal to one-year’s base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive payment for portion of year worked.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of SARs and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 12 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

(2) 

Involuntary Not for Cause or Executive for Good Reason Termination or Termination Within One Year Following Change of Control of the Company (Other than for Cause)

 

  Ÿ  

Payment equal to one-year’s base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive payment for portion of year worked.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of SARs granted in accordance with purchase of WESCO stock.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 12 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

 

(3) 

Accelerated SARs

The closing price of WESCO common stock on December 31, 2012 was $67.43. The amount shown is the excess, if any, of the December 31, 2012 closing price over the exercise price multiplied by the number of SARs.

(4) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of RSUs.

(5) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of Performance Shares at target.

 

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION: MS. WINDROW

 

Each of the following potential scenarios represents circumstances under which Ms. Windrow’s employment with the Company could potentially terminate. A description of the compensation benefits due Ms. Windrow in each scenario is provided. In each case, the date of the termination is assumed to be December 31, 2012. The amounts described in the table below will change based on the assumed termination date. The determination of compensation due to Ms. Windrow upon separation from the Company is governed by a term sheet dated June 18, 2010.

“Cause” means (a) engaging in a felony or engaging in conduct which is in the good faith judgment of the Board, applying reasonable standards of personal and professional conduct, injurious to the Company, its customers, employees, suppliers or stockholders; (b) inability to meet the expectations of employee’s job responsibilities or failure to timely and adequately perform employee’s duties; or (c) material breach of any manual or written policy, code or procedure of the Company.

“Change in Control” has the meaning given to such term in the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan, which means (a) the acquisition by any entity not affiliated with the Company of 30% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Company; (b) a merger or consolidation of the Company resulting in Company stockholders having less than 70% of the combined voting power; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; (d) the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company to an entity unrelated to the Company; or (e) during any two year period, a majority change of duly elected Directors.

“Good Reason” means (a) a reduction in Ms. Windrow’s base salary, excluding any reduction that occurs in connection with an across the board reduction of the salaries of the senior management team; (b) a relocation of primary place of employment to a location more than 50 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; or (c) a change in the authority, duties or responsibilities that materially and adversely affect the Ms. Windrow’s role in the organization.

 

Executive Benefits

and Payments Upon

Termination

  

Termination
After Change

in Control(1)

     Involuntary
Not for Cause
or Good
Reason
Termination(2)
 

Compensation:

     

Base Salary and Incentive

   $ 620,000       $ 620,000   

Accelerated SARs(3)

   $ 185,055       $ 59,635   

Restricted Stock Units(4)

   $ 134,725           

Performance Shares(5)

   $ 118,003           

Benefits and Perquisites:

     

Medical Benefits

   $ 2,789       $ 2,789   

Total:

   $ 1,060,572       $ 682,424   

 

(1) 

Termination After Change in Control

 

  Ÿ  

Payment equal to one-year’s base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive payment for portion of year worked.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of SARs and RSUs. Vesting of Performance Shares at target.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 12 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

 

(2) 

Involuntary Not for Cause or Executive for Good Reason Termination

 

  Ÿ  

Payment equal to one-year’s base salary.

 

  Ÿ  

Prorated annual incentive payment for portion of year worked.

 

  Ÿ  

Full vesting of SARs granted in accordance with purchase of WESCO stock.

 

  Ÿ  

Coverage for health, dental, and vision benefits for 12 months provided executive pays employee portion of premiums.

 

(3) 

Accelerated SARs The closing price of WESCO common stock on December 31, 2012 was $67.43. The amount shown is the excess, if any, of the December 31, 2012 closing price over the exercise price multiplied by the number of SARs.

 

(4) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of RSUs.

 

(5) 

Represents the closing stock price on December 31, 2012 multiplied by the number of Performance Shares at target.

 

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ITEM 3 — APPROVE THE RENEWAL AND RESTATEMENT OF THE WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

 

Our Board of Directors (the “Board”) unanimously recommends a vote FOR the approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as further described in this proposal.

 

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”

THE APPROVAL OF THE RENEWAL AND RESTATEMENT OF THE

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.

The WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”) was initially approved by our Board and our stockholders to be effective as of May 11, 1999. The 1999 Plan was amended and restated effective as of May 21, 2003, and again amended and restated effective as of May 21, 2008 (the “LTIP”). The Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) has now recommended and the Board has approved, subject to stockholder approval, a further amendment and restatement of the LTIP (as so amended and restated, the “Restated LTIP”) in order to extend the term of the Restated LTIP to May 30, 2023, increase the number of shares available for issuance under the Restated LTIP, approve the performance goals under the Restated LTIP for purposes of the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and to make certain other changes to the Restated LTIP as described below.

The Restated LTIP

Effective March, 2013, the Committee recommended and the Board approved, subject to stockholder approval, the Restated LTIP that would increase the maximum number of shares of common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) that may be issued under the Restated LTIP by 1,620,000 shares, to 3,952,211 shares (which includes 2,332,211 shares previously authorized and approved by shareholders but not yet awarded as of December 31, 2012 as shown in the table on page 51). The Committee believes that increasing the total number of shares available for awards under the Restated LTIP is necessary to ensure that a sufficient number of shares will be available to fund our compensation programs for the next several years, taking into account the Company’s growth strategy and expansion and acquisition plans. During 2013, approximately 363,000 shares were awarded. If the amendment is approved by our stockholders, we plan to register the offer and sale of the 1,620,000 additional shares of Common Stock on a registration statement on Form S-8. If shares of Common Stock are changed into or exchanged for a different kind or number of shares, for example in the event of a stock split, stock dividend or other recapitalization, then the number and kind of shares which may be issued under the Restated LTIP, the limitations on the number of shares which may be made subject to awards and the terms and provisions of outstanding awards will be appropriately adjusted to reflect such change in the Common Stock.

The term of the Restated LTIP has been extended to May 30, 2023, which is 10 years from the effective date of the amendment and restatement.

The Restated LTIP includes key provisions designed to protect stockholder interests, promote effective corporate governance and reflect use of corporate governance best practices including, but not limited to, the following:

 

Ÿ  

No Discounted Options or Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be granted with exercise prices lower than the fair market value of the underlying shares on the grant date.

 

Ÿ  

No Repricing of Underwater Options. The terms of the Plan do not allow for the repricing of “underwater” stock options, including the cancellation and reissuance of new options in exchange for stock options whose strike price is above the then-current fair value of the Common Stock.

 

Ÿ  

No Share Recycling for Net Exercises or Tax Withholding. Shares surrendered or withheld to pay either the exercise price of an award or to withhold taxes in respect of an award do not become available for issuance as future awards under our plan.

 

Ÿ  

Director Award Sub-Limits. Awards granted to non-employee Directors of the Company under the Restated LTIP are subject to separate and smaller annual award limitations.

 

Ÿ  

Compensation Recoupment Policy. All awards granted under the Restated LTIP are subject to any compensation recoupment policy that may be adopted by the Company.

 

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Ÿ  

No Evergreen Provision. There is no “evergreen” or automatic replenishment provision pursuant to which the shares authorized for issuance under the Plan are automatically replenished.

 

Ÿ  

No Automatic Grants. The Plan does not provide for automatic grants to any participant.

Stockholder approval is also necessary to allow the Company to make awards that are intended to satisfy the requirements for tax deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code, which limits the annual federal tax deduction for compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and the other three most highly compensated executive officers (other than the chief financial officer) to $1 million. Certain performance-based compensation is excluded from this limitation. The Restated LTIP was designed to allow us to make awards that are intended to comply with these performance-based compensation exclusions. However, in order to preserve this ability to make qualified performance-based awards, we are required to obtain stockholder approval of the performance goals in the Restated LTIP every five years. As such, we are seeking stockholder approval of the Restated LTIP, which contains annual limitations and performance criteria for performance-based awards to maintain compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code.

The following is a summary of the Restated LTIP. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Restated LTIP, which is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A.

If the Restated LTIP is approved by our stockholders, all outstanding awards under the LTIP will be deemed to be outstanding awards under the Restated LTIP and no new awards may be made under the LTIP. If the proposal is not adopted, the LTIP will continue in effect according to its existing terms (subject to whether Proposal 4 is adopted by our stockholders).

Shares Reserved Under the Restated LTIP

In 1999, 2003 and 2008, we received stockholder approval for issuance under the LTIP for a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the sum of (1) 6,936,000 shares, (2) shares of Common Stock carried forward from the pool of shares available for issuance under predecessor stock option plans under which no further grants are being made and (3) shares used by participants to pay the exercise price and/or withholding taxes in connection with awards granted under such predecessor plans. From this amount initially reserved for issuance, 2,332,221 shares were uncommitted and available for issuance as of December 31, 2012 as shown on page 51. This Proposal 3 seeks to add an additional 1,620,000 shares to be available for issuance under the Restated LTIP.

In a single calendar year, a participant cannot receive awards under the Restated LTIP (a) of more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock (whether through grants of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance awards, or other awards of Common Stock or rights with respect thereto); or (b) of more than $5,000,000 with respect to short-term cash incentive awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a participant who is a non-employee Director may not be granted awards under subsection (a) above in respect of more than 100,000 shares of Common Stock in a single calendar year. No more than 800,000 of the total shares of Common Stock reserved under the Restated LTIP may be awarded as incentive stock options.

The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued under the Restated LTIP will be reduced by 1 share of Common Stock for every 1 share that is subject to an option or stock appreciation right granted under the Restated LTIP on or after the effective date of the Restated LTIP, and 1.83 shares of Common Stock for every 1 share that was subject to an award other than an option or stock appreciation right granted on or after the effective date of the Restated LTIP. The same share-counting rules will apply to the award limitations described in the preceding paragraph.

Shares subject to expired or forfeited awards continue to be available for grant under the Restated LTIP. Any shares of Common Stock that again become available for grant in this manner will be added back as 1 share of Common Stock if such shares were subject to options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Restated LTIP, and as 1.83 shares of Common Stock if such shares were subject to an award other than options or stock appreciation rights granted under the Restated LTIP. Shares of Common Stock surrendered by participants or withheld by the Company after the effective date of the Restated LTIP to pay all or a portion of the exercise price with respect to option awards and/or withholding taxes with respect to any awards shall not be subject to new awards under the Restated LTIP, and stock-settled stock appreciation rights shall be settled on a gross (rather than on a “net”) basis.

Duration of the Restated LTIP; Shares to be Issued

Following approval by our stockholders, the Restated LTIP will remain effective until May 30, 2023 unless terminated earlier by the Board. The shares of Common Stock to be issued or delivered under the Restated LTIP will be authorized and unissued shares or previously issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company.

 

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On April 4, 2013, the closing price of the Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange was $71.11 per share.

Administration

The Restated LTIP is administered by the Committee. The Committee determines the employees who will be eligible for and granted awards, determines the amount and type of awards, establishes rules and guidelines relating to the Restated LTIP, establishes, modifies and determines terms and conditions of awards, imposes restrictive covenants, corrects any inconsistencies and takes such other action as may be necessary for the proper administration of the Restated LTIP. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for assessing non-employee Director compensation and for determining equity-based awards granted to non-employee Directors.

Eligibility and Participation

Any key employee of the Company or its subsidiaries may be selected by the Committee to receive an award under the Restated LTIP. Non-employee Directors are eligible for awards under the Restated LTIP, and on an annual basis, the Nominating and Governance Committee determines the amount of such awards to the Company’s non-employee Directors. Presently there are approximately 200 employees and Directors who are participating in the LTIP.

Indemnification

Each Board member, Committee member appointed by the Board, or officer of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with the Restated LTIP will be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by such person in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Restated LTIP and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her; provided that he or she must give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf; provided, however, that the foregoing indemnification will not apply to any loss, cost, liability, or expense that is a result of his or her own willful misconduct. These indemnification rights are not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

Stock Options

The Committee may grant to a participant incentive stock options that qualify under Section 422 of the Code, options which do not qualify as incentive stock options (“non-qualified stock options”) or a combination thereof. The terms and conditions of stock option grants, including the quantity, price, vesting and exercise provisions, will be determined by the Committee in its discretion, except that the exercise price for options must be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.

In the case of non-qualified option awards intended to qualify as “performance-based” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, performance targets will include specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals (as defined below under “Performance-Based Awards”).

Stock Appreciation Rights

Stock appreciation rights may be granted by the Committee to a participant either separate from or in tandem with stock options. A stock appreciation right entitles the participant to receive, upon its exercise, a payment equal to (i) the excess of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date over the exercise price of the stock appreciation rights, multiplied by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which the stock appreciation right is exercised. The exercise price of a stock appreciation right is determined by the Committee, except that the exercise price (i) must be equal to or greater than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and (ii) in the case of stock appreciation rights granted in tandem with stock options, must not be less than the exercise price of the related stock option. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, payment will be made in cash or shares of Common Stock, or a combination thereof, as determined at the discretion of the Committee.

 

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In the case of stock appreciation rights intended to qualify as “performance-based” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, performance targets will include specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals (as defined below under “Performance-Based Awards”).

Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units

The Committee may award to a participant shares of Common Stock subject to specified restrictions. Restricted shares are subject to forfeiture and are not transferable until the participant meets certain conditions such as continued employment over a specified forfeiture period (the “Forfeiture Period”) and/or attains specified performance targets over the Forfeiture Period. The Committee may also grant restricted stock units representing the right to receive shares of Common Stock in the future subject to the achievement of one or more goals relating to the completion of service by the Participant and/or the achievement of performance or other objectives during the Forfeiture Period.

During the Forfeiture Period, (i) restricted stock awards may be eligible to receive dividends and (ii) restricted stock unit awards may be eligible to receive dividend equivalent rights. If awarded, such dividends or dividend equivalent rights must be subject to the same restrictions as applicable to the underlying award.

The Committee, at its sole discretion, may waive all restrictions with respect to an award of restricted shares or restricted stock units under certain circumstances (including the death, disability, or retirement of a participant, or a material change in circumstances arising after the date of grant) subject to such terms and conditions as it deems appropriate.

Any performance targets applicable to restricted share or restricted stock units will be determined by the Committee, but in the case of awards intended to qualify as “performance-based” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code will include specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals (as defined below under “Performance-Based Awards”).

Performance Awards

The Committee may grant performance awards to participants under such terms and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate. A performance award entitles a participant to receive a payment from the Company, the amount of which is based upon the attainment of predetermined performance targets over a specific award period. Performance awards may be paid in cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination thereof, as set forth in the award agreement.

Award periods and performance targets will be determined by the Committee. In the case of performance awards intended to qualify as “performance-based” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, performance targets will include specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals (as defined below under “Performance-Based Awards”).

Other Stock-Based Awards

The Committee may make other awards of stock purchase rights or cash awards, Common Stock awards or other types of awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to the value of the Common Stock. The Committee will determine the conditions and terms that apply to these awards.

In the case of other stock-based awards intended to qualify as “performance-based” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code, performance targets will include specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals (as defined below under “Performance-Based Awards”).

Short-Term Cash Awards

The Committee may make performance-based annual cash incentive awards to employees using any performance criteria the Committee deems appropriate. For those employees whom the Committee determines to be subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, however, annual cash incentive awards that are intended to qualify as “performance-based” compensation may be granted by the Company. Such short-term cash awards will be based only on attainment of specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals (as defined below under “Performance-Based Awards”) and will otherwise be subject to the requirements of Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder.

 

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Performance-Based Awards

Awards granted under the Restated LTIP may be structured to meet the performance-based compensation exception to Section 162(m) of the Code. Such awards will be subject to the achievement of specified Performance Goals and must be granted in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code in order to qualify as performance-based compensation.

Performance Goals under the Restated LTIP include any of the following (in absolute terms or relative to one or more other companies or indices): total shareholder return, operating income, return on stockholders’ equity, return on investment, return on invested assets, stock price appreciation, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, cash flow, including operating cash flow, free cash flow, discounted cash flow return on investment, and cash flow in excess of cost of capital, sales growth, margin improvement, income before taxes (IBT), IBT margin, working capital performance, earnings per share, growth in earnings per share, expense targets, productivity targets or ratios, net earnings, net income, net income per share, or gross revenue or revenue by pre-defined business segment, revenue backlog, ratio of operating expenses to operating revenues, pre- or post-tax profit margins, market share, economic value added (income in excess of cost of capital), attainment of specific milestones in connection with strategic initiatives and/or customer satisfaction, in each case, with respect to the Company, its subsidiaries, a business unit by or within which the participant is primarily providing services, or a combination thereof.

Approval of this Proposal 3 will also constitute the requisite stockholder approval needed by the Company to take deductions under Section 162(m) of the Code for performance-based payments that are awarded to certain executive officers under the Restated LTIP.

Change in Control

Unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement, in the event of a change in control of the Company as defined in the Restated LTIP, (i) all option awards and stock appreciation rights will become immediately fully vested and exercisable, (ii) all restrictions or limitations (including risks of forfeiture and deferrals, subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code) on all outstanding restricted share awards and restricted stock unit awards will immediately lapse, and (iii) all performance awards will become immediately fully payable at the maximum level of performance.

Amendment and Termination of the Restated LTIP

The Board has complete power and authority to amend or terminate the Restated LTIP at any time; provided that no amendment or termination of the Restated LTIP may materially adversely affect the right of a participant under an award without the consent of the participant. The Board shall not, without approval by the stockholders of the Company, make any amendment which requires stockholder approval under the Code or under any other applicable law or rule of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed. Notwithstanding any provision of the Restated LTIP, except in connection with adjustments to reflect changes in capitalization, the terms of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights may not be amended or modified, without stockholder approval, to reduce the exercise price, to cancel the option or stock appreciation rights when the exercise price exceeds the fair market value of the underlying Common Stock in exchange for another award, or in any other circumstance meeting the definition of a “repricing” under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (or any similar rule of a stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed).

No awards will be granted under the Restated LTIP after the termination of the Restated LTIP, but the termination of the Restated LTIP will not have any other effect and any award outstanding at the time of the termination of the Restated LTIP may be exercised after termination of the Restated LTIP at any time prior to the expiration date of such award to the same extent such award would have been exercisable had the Restated LTIP not been terminated.

Certain Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following is a general description of the United States federal income tax consequences to participants and the Company relating to incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance awards, other stock-based awards and short-term cash incentive awards that may be granted under the Restated LTIP. The Restated LTIP is not qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code. This discussion only applies to U.S. citizens and/or residents and does not purport to cover all tax consequences

 

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relating to awards granted under the Restated LTIP. This description is intended for use by our stockholders in determining how to vote at our Annual Meeting and not as tax advice to persons who receive awards under the Restated LTIP.

Incentive Stock Options. A participant generally will not recognize income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction from income, at the time of grant of an incentive stock option. If the option is exercised during employment, or within three months thereafter (or one year in the case of a permanently and totally disabled employee), the participant generally will not recognize any income and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction. However, the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price generally is included in computing the participant’s alternative minimum taxable income.

Generally, if the participant disposes of shares acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option within either two years after the date of grant or one year after the date of exercise, the participant will recognize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price (limited generally to the gain on the sale). The balance of any gain or loss will be treated as a capital gain or loss to the participant. If shares are disposed of after the two year and one year periods described above expire, the Company will not be entitled to any deduction, and the entire gain or loss for the participant will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss.

Non-qualified Stock Options. A participant generally will not recognize income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction from income, at the time of grant of a non-qualified stock option. When the option is exercised, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference, if any, between the aggregate exercise prices paid and the fair market value, as of the date the option is exercised, of the shares received. The participant’s tax basis in shares acquired upon exercise will equal the exercise price paid plus the amount recognized by the participant as ordinary income. The Company generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in the tax year in which the option is exercised, equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant as described above. If the participant holds shares acquired through exercise of a non-qualified stock option for more than one year after the exercise of the option, the gain or loss realized upon the sale of those shares generally will be a long-term capital gain or loss. The participant’s holding period for shares acquired upon the exercise of an option will begin on the date of exercise.

Stock Appreciation Rights. A participant generally will not recognize income, and the Company will not be entitled to a deduction from income, at the time of grant of a stock appreciation right. When the stock appreciation right is exercised, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the aggregate grant price and the fair market value, as of the date the stock appreciation right is exercised, of the Company’s Common Stock. The participant’s tax basis in shares acquired upon exercise of a stock-settled stock appreciation right will equal the amount recognized by the participant as ordinary income. The Company generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in the year in which the stock appreciation right is exercised, equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant as described above. If the participant holds shares acquired through exercise of a stock-settled stock appreciation right for more than one year after the exercise of the stock appreciation right, the gain or loss realized upon the sale of those shares will be a long-term capital gain or loss. The participant’s holding period for shares acquired upon the exercise of a stock-settled stock appreciation right will begin on the date of exercise.

Restricted Shares. Restricted shares subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture results in income recognition equal to the excess of the fair market value of shares over the purchase price (if any) only at the time the restrictions lapse (unless the participant elects to accelerate recognition as of the date of grant through an election under Section 83(b) of the Code). The Company generally will have (at the time the participant recognizes income) a corresponding deduction.

Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units and dividend equivalents generally are subject to tax at the time of payment and the Company generally will have a corresponding deduction when the participant recognizes income.

Performance Awards. Performance awards generally are subject to tax at the time of payment. The Company will generally have (at the time the participant recognizes income) a corresponding deduction.

Other Stock-Based Awards. Other stock-based awards generally are subject to tax at the time of payment. The Company generally will have (at the time the participant recognizes income) a corresponding deduction.

Short-Term Cash Incentive Awards. Short-term cash incentive awards generally are subject to tax at the time of payment. The Company generally will have (at the time the participant recognizes income) a corresponding deduction.

 

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Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, enacted on October 22, 2004, revised the federal income tax law applicable to certain types of awards that may be granted under the Restated LTIP. To the extent applicable, it is intended that the Restated LTIP and any grants made under the Restated LTIP either be exempt from, or, in the alternative, comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, including the exceptions for stock rights and short-term deferrals. The Company intends to administer the Restated LTIP and any grants made thereunder in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

Section 162(m) of the Code. Stockholder approval of the Restated LTIP is sought under applicable exchange requirements and additionally so that the compensation payable under the Restated LTIP that is intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code will be treated as such. If the Restated LTIP and the Performance Goals thereunder are approved by the stockholders and the Restated LTIP is administered in accordance with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Code, payment of the full amounts calculated under the Restated LTIP should be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes.

Plan Benefits

The future amounts that will be received by grantees under the Restated LTIP are not determinable. The equity awards granted to our named executive officers under the LTIP and outstanding as of December 31, 2012 are set forth in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table found on page 31 of this Proxy Statement. As of April 4, 2013 (i) our executive officers as a group (8 officers) held outstanding stock equity grants for 1,690,677 shares, (ii) our non-employee Directors as a group (8 directors) held outstanding stock equity grants for 204,338 shares, and (iii) all of our employees other than our executive officers (194 employees) held outstanding stock equity grants for 1,447,203 shares.

Vote Required

Approval of the Restated LTIP will require the affirmative vote of at least a majority in voting interest of the stock holders present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting, assuming the presence of a quorum. If the stockholders do not approve of the Restated LTIP, it will not be implemented and the LTIP will continue in accordance with its terms. We reserve the right to adopt such other compensation plans and programs as we deem appropriate and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2012 with respect to the shares of our common stock that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans:

 

Plan Category   

Number of securities
to be issued

upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights(A)

   Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights(B)
   Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans(C)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

       3,375,856        $ 45.40          2,332,211  

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

                          

Total

       3,375,856        $ 45.40          2,332,211  

Column (B) excludes the impact of outstanding restricted stock and performance shares as they have no exercise price.

 

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ITEM 4 — RE-APPROVE THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PERFORMANCE GOALS UNDER THE WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

Our Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the re-approval of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as further described in this proposal.

 

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”

THE RE-APPROVAL OF THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE PERFORMANCE GOALS UNDER THE WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN.

We are seeking stockholder re-approval of the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as previously amended and restated as of May 21, 2003 and May 21, 2008 (the “LTIP”) and as further amended and restated effective as of May 30, 2013, subject to stockholder approval of Proposal 3 (the “Restated LTIP”) for purposes of preserving the ability to grant awards to covered executives under the LTIP (or restated LTIP, if approved) that are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation that would be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Section 162(m)”). Under Section 162(m), we must seek your approval at five-year intervals to preserve the federal income tax deduction.

Important Facts About This Proposal

 

Ÿ  

This proposal does not seek to increase the number of shares of Common Stock that can be issued pursuant to awards under the LTIP.

 

Ÿ  

Approval of this proposal by the Company’s stockholders will not result in any additional cost to the Company.

Under “Proposal 3: Approval of the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan” in this proxy statement, we are also proposing, among other amendments to the LTIP, an increase in the number of shares of Common Stock authorized for issuance under such plan. The share increase, as described in Proposal 3, is separate from this Proposal 4, and is not conditioned on or a part of this request. Stockholders are not being asked to approve any amendment to the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan or to approve the Restated LTIP itself in this Proposal 4, but are only being asked to re-approve the material terms of the performance goals for compliance with Section 162(m).

The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders to continue providing an incentive plan under which the Company may grant equity-based compensation awards to executive officers that are intended to be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes under Section 162(m). The LTIP has been structured in a manner such that awards granted under it can satisfy the requirements for “performance-based compensation” within the meaning of Section 162(m). Under Section 162(m), the federal income tax deductibility of compensation paid to our Chief Executive Officer and certain executive officers may be limited to the extent that such compensation exceeds $1 million in any fiscal year. However, compensation that satisfies the requirements for “performance-based compensation” as defined in Section 162(m) is not subject to this limit, and therefore, is generally deductible in full by the Company.

For purposes of Section 162(m), the material terms that must be approved by the stockholders include the employees eligible to receive compensation, a description of business criteria on which the performance goals are based, and the maximum amount of compensation that could be paid to any employee. Stockholder approval of this Proposal 4 is intended to constitute re-approval of each of these aspects of the LTIP for purposes of the stockholder approval requirements of Section 162(m). The following is a description of such aspects of the Restated LTIP and is qualified in its entirety by the applicable provisions of such plan, which are disclosed in Appendix A of this proxy statement in connection with Proposal 3.

Participants in the Restated LTIP include such key employees and non-employee Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may designate from time to time.

Performance Goals for performance-based awards under the Restated LTIP include any of the following (in absolute terms or relative to one or more other companies or indices): total shareholder return, operating income, return on

 

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stockholders’ equity, return on investment, return on invested assets, stock price appreciation, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, cash flow, including operating cash flow, free cash flow, discounted cash flow return on investment, and cash flow in excess of cost of capital, sales growth, margin improvement, income before taxes (IBT), IBT margin, working capital performance, earnings per share, growth in earnings per share, expense targets, productivity targets or ratios, net earnings, net income, net income per share, or gross revenue or revenue by pre-defined business segment, revenue backlog, ratio of operating expenses to operating revenues, pre- or post-tax profit margins, market share, economic value added (income in excess of cost of capital), attainment of specific milestones in connection with strategic initiatives and/or customer satisfaction, in each case, with respect to the Company, its subsidiaries, a business unit by or within which the participant is primarily providing services, or a combination thereof.

In a single calendar year, a participant cannot receive awards under the Restated LTIP (a) of more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock (whether through grants of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance awards, or other awards of Common Stock or rights with respect thereto); or (b) of more than $5,000,000 with respect to short-term cash incentive awards. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a participant who is a non-employee Director may not be granted awards under subsection (a) above in respect of more than 100,000 shares of Common Stock in a single calendar year.

The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued under the Restated LTIP will be reduced by 1 share of Common Stock for every 1 share that is subject to an option or stock appreciation right granted under the Restated LTIP on or after the effective date of the Restated LTIP, and 1.83 shares of Common Stock for every 1 share that was subject to an award other than an option or stock appreciation right granted on or after the effective date of the Restated LTIP. The same share-counting rules will apply to the award limitations described in the preceding paragraph.

If stockholders do not re-approve the material terms of the performance goals under the Restated LTIP under this proposal, and if stockholders do not approve Proposal 3, the Company may not have the ability to grant awards to our Chief Executive Officer and the next three most highly compensated executive officers other than the Chief Financial Officer that are intended to be fully deductible for tax purposes pursuant to Section 162(m).

Approval of this proposal will require the affirmative vote of at least a majority in voting interest of the stockholders present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting, assuming the presence of a quorum. If the stockholders do not approve of this proposal, it will not be implemented and the LTIP will continue in accordance with its terms. The Company reserves the right to adopt such other compensation plans and programs as deemed appropriate and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

 

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ITEM 5 — RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee of our Board has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013.

We are submitting the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm to you for ratification at the Annual Meeting. Although ratification of this appointment is not legally required, our Board believes it is appropriate for you to ratify this selection. In the event that you do not ratify the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, our Audit Committee may reconsider its selection.

 

OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE

RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC

ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2013.

 

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INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Our Audit Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our 2013 financial statements.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since 1994. In addition to performing the audit, Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting, and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services

Aggregate fees for all professional services rendered to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

(In millions)    2012      2011  

Audit fees

   $ 2.0       $ 1.3   

Audit-related fees

   $ 0.8           

Tax fees

     

Compliance

Planning and consulting

   $

$

0.7

0.7

  

  

   $

$

0.6

0.3

  

  

Other fees

               
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4.2       $ 2.2   

The audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were for professional services rendered for the integrated audits of our consolidated financial statements and of our internal control over financial reporting, reviews of quarterly consolidated financial statements and statutory audits.

The audit-related fees for the year ended December 31, 2012 were for professional services related to our acquisitions.

Tax compliance fees for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were for services related to the preparation and review of tax returns.

Tax planning and consulting fees for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were for services involving advice and consultation on tax matters.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

Our Audit Committee has the sole authority to pre-approve, and has policies and procedures that require the pre-approval by them of, all fees paid for services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm. At the beginning of each year, the Audit Committee approves the proposed services for the year, including the nature, type and scope of services and the related fees. Audit Committee pre-approval is also obtained for any other engagements that arise during the course of the year. During 2012 and 2011, all of the audit and non-audit services provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

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Report of the Audit Committee

Management of the Company has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the system of internal controls. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing the Company’s financial reporting process.

In this context, the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Management represented to the Committee that the financial statements of the Company were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Committee reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited financial statements with management and the independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) standards.

In addition, the Committee has discussed with its independent registered public accounting firm, the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence from the Company and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, which have been received by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plan for their respective audits. The Committee meets with the internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their audits, including their audit of the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to our Board and our Board has approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee and our Board also appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2013.

Respectfully Submitted:

THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Robert J. Tarr, Jr., Chairman

John K. Morgan

Steven A. Raymund

Lynn M. Utter

 

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ITEM 6 — STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL REGARDING DECLASSIFICATION OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association (LACERA), 300 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91109, the owner of 45,190 shares of WESCO common stock as of October 1, 2012, has submitted a proposal for consideration at the Annual Meeting. In accordance with SEC rules, the proposal and supporting statement submitted by the stockholder are presented below and are quoted verbatim. WESCO disclaims all responsibility for the content of the proposal and the supporting statement, including sources referenced in the supporting statement. For the reasons set forth in WESCO’s Board of Directors Statement in Opposition, which immediately follows the proposal, our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote AGAINST this proposal.

PROPOSAL TO REPEAL CLASSIFIED BOARD

“RESOLVED, that shareholders of WESCO International, Inc. urge the Board of Directors to take all necessary steps (other than any steps that must be taken by shareholders) to eliminate the classification of the Board of Directors and to require that all directors elected at or after the annual meeting held in 2014 be elected on an annual basis. Implementation of this proposal should not prevent any director elected prior to the annual meeting held in 2014 from completing the term for which such director was elected.”

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

“The proponent of this resolution is the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association. The Shareholder Rights Project submitted the resolution on behalf of the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association.

The resolution urges the board of directors to facilitate a declassification of the board. Such a change would enable shareholders to register their views on the performance of all directors at each annual meeting. Having directors stand for elections annually makes directors more accountable to shareholders, and could thereby contribute to improving performance and increasing firm value.

According to data from FactSet Research Systems, the number of S&P 500 companies with classified boards declined by more than two-thirds from 2000 to 2012, and during the period January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012:

 

Ÿ  

More than 50 S&P 500 companies brought management proposals to declassify their boards to a vote at annual meetings;

 

Ÿ  

More than 50 precatory declassification proposals passed at annual meetings of S&P 500 companies; and

 

Ÿ  

The average percentage of votes cast in favor of shareholder proposals to declassify the boards of S&P 500 companies exceeded 75%.

The significant shareholder support for declassification proposals is consistent with empirical studies reporting that:

 

Ÿ  

Classified boards are associated with lower firm valuation (Bebchuk and Cohen, 2005; confirmed by Faleye (2007) and Frakes (2007));

 

Ÿ  

Takeover targets with classified boards are associated with lower gains to shareholders (Bebchuk, Coates, and Subramanian, 2002);

 

Ÿ  

Firms with classified boards are more likely to be associated with value-decreasing acquisition decisions (Masulis, Wang, and Xie, 2007); and

 

Ÿ  

Classified boards are associated with lower sensitivity of compensation to performance and lower sensitivity of CEO turnover to firm performance (Faleye, 2007).

Although one study (Bates, Becher and Lemmon, 2008) reports that classified boards are associated with higher takeover premiums, this study also reports that classified boards are associated with a lower likelihood of an acquisition and that classified boards are associated with lower firm valuation.

Please vote for this proposal to make directors more accountable to shareholders.”

 

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OUR BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “AGAINST”

THE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL TO DECLASSIFY THE COMPANY’S

BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

The Board of Directors Statement in Opposition: The Board has carefully considered the proposal and believes it is not in the best interests of the stockholders. The Board recommends voting AGAINST the advisory proposal to declassify the Board of Directors for the reasons set forth below:

Protecting and Increasing Stockholder Value: A classified structure enhances the ability of the Board to obtain the best outcomes for its stockholders in the event of an unsolicited takeover proposal by promoting negotiation and evaluation of alternatives. It is designed to safeguard against an insurgent stockholder replacing the majority of Directors with its own nominees at a single meeting, thereby gaining control of the Company and its assets without paying fair market value to the Company’s stockholders. It does not preclude a takeover, but it provides the Board the ability to better evaluate the adequacy and fairness of proposed offers, consider alternatives, and protect stockholders against abusive or coercive tactics of a hostile party. Even with a classified Board, stockholders have the ability to elect a majority of the Board within two consecutive annual meetings, which could occur within as little as a twelve-month period, a short period of time for stockholders who are genuinely interested in maximizing the Company’s long-term value. If all Directors could be replaced at a single meeting, a short-term activist could deprive other stockholders from realizing the value that an experienced and knowledgeable Board would work to enhance. The Board has a fiduciary duty to act in a manner that it believes to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, and the Board believes that the protection and leverage provided by a classified Board promote the creation of real long-term stockholder value.

Accountability to Stockholders: All directors, whether elected for one or three years, have the same fiduciary duties to stockholders and are equally accountable to stockholders. They represent all stockholders, not any special interest group or constituency. In the Board’s view, the proponent advocates a “one size fits all” structure without regard to individual characteristics of any company and without giving specific reasons why declassifying this Board should benefit this Company or you, its stockholders. Our Directors are accountable to our Company’s stockholders, and our stockholders currently have and have taken the opportunity to express their views on the performance of each of our Directors. The current members of our Board have been elected and re-elected by the stockholders of the Company, typically by an overwhelming majority. Accountability depends on the selection of responsible, ethical, qualified and experienced Directors, not on whether they serve one-year or three-year terms.

Independence and Long-Term Focus: We operate in cyclical industries and, as a result, our stock price has historically exhibited volatility over relatively short periods. Declassifying our Board could increase susceptibility to short-term activism to the benefit of special interests that may be adverse to the longer-term interests of our stockholders as a whole. Good corporate planning is strategic in nature and often requires several years to implement and realize results. A classified Board provides continuity and stability of decision-making and leadership, enabling Directors to take a long-term perspective and make decisions necessary to maximize stockholder value over the long-term while being sensitive to short-term needs or objectives.

Financial Results and Stockholder Value Creation: Although the proposal mentions academic studies to support the notion that classified boards may have an adverse impact on stockholder value, it does not consider the Company’s actual performance. We have maintained our classified structure for our entire corporate history, and it has served our stockholders well. The Board and the Company’s management have demonstrated the benefit of strong leadership provided by experienced Directors who have served long enough to develop a deep knowledge of the Company’s business and have utilized that knowledge in the development and implementation of the Company’s long-term stockholder value creation strategy.

As evidenced in the charts below, the Company’s total shareholder return has grown at a 10% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) since its initial public offering in May 1999, more than twice the CAGR of the Russell 2000 index over the same time period. Notably, total shareholder returns have exceeded both the Russell 2000 and the MSCI GICS Capital Goods Group over the 1 year, 3 year, 5 year and 10 year time frames. The Company’s enterprise value has grown at a 38% CAGR over the last 3 years and at a 15% CAGR since May 1999, when the Company was first publicly-traded.

The Company-specific performance reflects our Board’s commitment to value creation through a disciplined and fiscally responsible long-term growth strategy, which has served our stockholders well.

 

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Total Shareholder Return

 

LOGO

Enterprise Value

 

LOGO

Stability and Continuity: A classified Board benefits the Company and its stockholders by providing for stability and continuity of leadership and ensuring that the Board comprises Directors who fully understand the Company’s strategy, business and operations. It provides stability to enhance mid- and long-term planning and provides a structure in which a majority of Directors have prior experience with the Company and thorough knowledge of its business. It allows the flexibility to refresh our Board with new ideas while preserving the continuity represented by experienced members of the Board. It helps attract and retain highly qualified Director candidates who are willing to make the long-term commitments of time and resources necessary to understand the Company, its operations and competitive environment.

Note that stockholder approval of this proposal would not by itself declassify the Board of Directors. To implement such a change, our Board must first adopt a resolution to authorize amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and stockholders would then have to approve those amendments by an affirmative majority vote.

Recommendation: The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote AGAINST the proposal to declassify the Board.

 

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APPENDIX A

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC. 1999 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

(As Amended and Restated to be Effective May 30, 2013)

ARTICLE I

PURPOSE AND ADOPTION OF THE PLAN

1.01 Purpose. The purpose of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “Plan”) is to assist WESCO International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) in attracting and retaining highly competent key employees and non-employee directors, and to act as an incentive in motivating selected key employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries to achieve long-term corporate objectives.

1.02 Adoption and Term. The Plan was initially approved by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and the stockholders of the Company to be effective as of May 11, 1999, the effective date of the initial public offering of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company amended and restated the Plan effective as of May 21, 2003, and again amended and restated the Plan effective as of May 21, 2008. This is a further amendment and complete restatement of the Plan effective May 30, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), the date of approval of the Plan as restated herein by the stockholders of the Company. The Plan shall remain in effect until the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, unless terminated earlier by the Board. In addition, the Performance Goals (as defined below) must be reapproved by the Company’s stockholders at least every five (5) years for purposes of complying with the deductibility requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code (as defined below) applicable to performance-based awards to “covered employees” as defined in Section 162(m) and the regulations thereunder.

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of this Plan, capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

2.01 Acquiring Corporation shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 11.08(b).

2.02 Award means any grant to a Participant of one or a combination of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, or Stock Appreciation Rights described in Article VI, Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units described in Article VII, Performance Awards described in Article VIII, other stock-based Awards described in Article IX, and Short-Term Cash Incentive Awards described in Article X.

2.03 Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a Participant or a written notice from the Company to a Participant specifically setting forth the terms and conditions of an Award granted under the Plan.

2.04 Award Period means, with respect to an Award, the period of time determined by the Committee and set forth in the Award Agreement during which specified target performance goals must be achieved or other conditions set forth in the Award Agreement must be satisfied.

2.05 Beneficiary means an individual, trust or estate who or which, by a written designation of the Participant filed with the Company or by operation of law, succeeds to the rights and obligations of the Participant under the Plan and an Award Agreement upon the Participant’s death.

2.06 Board shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 1.02.

2.07 Change in Control means the first to occur of the following events after the Effective Date: (a) the consummation of an acquisition by any person, entity or “group” (as defined in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than the Company and its Subsidiaries, any employee benefit plan of the Company or its Subsidiaries, of 30% or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding voting securities; (b) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company, as a result of which persons who were stockholders of the Company immediately prior to such merger or consolidation, do not, immediately thereafter, own, directly or indirectly, more than 70% of the combined voting power entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the merged or consolidated company; (c) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company;

 

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(d) the consummation of a sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to one or more persons or entities that are not, immediately prior to such sale, transfer or other disposition, affiliates of the Company; and (e) during any period of not more than two years, individuals who constitute the Board as of the beginning of the period and any new director (other than a director designated by a person who has entered into an agreement with the Company to effect a transaction described in clause (a) or (b) of this sentence) whose election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who were directors at such time or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board.

2.08 Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. References to a section of the Code include that section and any comparable section or sections of any future legislation that amends, supplements or supersedes said section.

2.09 Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board.

2.10 Company shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 1.01.

2.11 Common Stock means Common Stock of the Company.

2.12 Date of Grant means the date as of which the Committee grants an Award. If the Committee contemplates an immediate grant to a Participant, the Date of Grant shall be the date of the Committee’s action. If the Committee contemplates a date on which the grant is to be made other than the date of the Committee’s action, the Date of Grant shall be the date so contemplated and set forth in or determinable from the records of action of the Committee; provided, however, that the Date of Grant shall not precede the date of the Committee’s action.

2.13 Effective Date shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 1.02.

2.14 Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

2.15 Exercise Price shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 6.01(b).

2.16 Extraordinary Termination shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 6.03(e)(i).

2.17 Fair Market Value means, a price that is based on the opening, closing, actual, high, low, or average selling prices of a share of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) or other established stock exchange (or exchanges) on the applicable date, the preceding trading day, the next succeeding trading day, or an average of trading days, as determined by the Committee in its discretion; provided that the Exercise Price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than the closing market price of a share of Common Stock on such exchange, on the Date of Grant. Such definition of Fair Market Value shall be specified in the Award Agreement and may differ depending on whether Fair Market Value is in reference to the grant, exercise, vesting, or settlement or payout of an Award. If, however, the accounting standards used to account for equity awards granted to Participants are substantially modified subsequent to the Effective Date or the shares of Common Stock are not traded on an established stock exchange, the Committee shall have the ability to determine Fair Market Value in good faith based on all the relevant facts and circumstances, by the reasonable application of a reasonable valuation method in accordance with Section 409A of the Code and Treasury Regulation §1.409A-1(b)(5)(iv)(B), as the Board or Committee will select and apply at the time of the Date of Grant of the Award, time of exercise, vesting, or other date of calculation.

2.18 Incentive Stock Option means a stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.

2.19 Merger means any merger, reorganization, consolidation, share exchange, transfer of assets, or other transaction having similar effect involving the Company.

2.20 Non-Qualified Stock Option means a stock option that is not an Incentive Stock Option.

2.21 Options means all Non-Qualified Stock Options and Incentive Stock Options.

2.22 Participant means a person designated to receive an Award under the Plan in accordance with Section 5.01.

2.23 Performance Awards means Awards granted in accordance with Article VIII.

2.24 Performance Goals means performance goals and conditions applicable to an Award that the Committee establishes prior to the grant of such Award based on the attainment of one or more or a combination of any of the following (in absolute terms or relative to one or more other companies or indices): total shareholder return, operating income, return on stockholders’ equity, return on investment, return on invested assets, return on invested capital, stock price appreciation, earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, cash flow,

 

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including operating cash flow, free cash flow, discounted cash flow return on investment, and cash flow in excess of cost of capital, sales growth, gross margin, billing margin, margin improvement, income before taxes (IBT), IBT margin, working capital performance, earnings per share, growth in earnings per share, expense targets, productivity targets or ratios, net earnings, net income, net income per share, or gross revenue or revenue by pre-defined business segment, backlog, ratio of operating expenses to operating revenues, pre- or post-tax profit margins, market share, economic value added (income in excess of cost of capital), attainment of specific milestones in connection with strategic initiatives and/or customer satisfaction, in each case, with respect to the Company, its Subsidiaries, a business unit by or within which the Participant is primarily providing Services, or a combination thereof.

2.25 Permanent Disability means a physical or mental disability or infirmity that prevents the performance of a Participant’s employment-related duties lasting (or likely to last, based on competent medical evidence presented to the Committee) for a period of not less than six (6) months, unless a longer period is required by applicable law. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of the provisions of the Plan relating to Incentive Stock Options, “Permanent Disability” shall have the same meaning as under Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. The Committee’s reasoned and good faith judgment of Permanent Disability shall be final and shall be based on such competent medical evidence as shall be presented to it by such Participant or by any physician or group of physicians or other competent medical expert employed by the Participant or the Company to advise the Committee.

2.26 Plan shall have the meaning given to such term in Section 1.01.

2.27 Restricted Shares means Common Stock subject to restrictions imposed in connection with Awards granted under Article VII.

2.28 Restricted Stock Unit means units representing the right to receive Common Stock in the future subject to restrictions imposed in connection with Awards granted under Article VII.

2.29 Retirement means a Participant’s retirement at or after age 65.

2.30 Service means the provision of personal services to the Company or a Subsidiary in the capacity of (a) an employee, (b) a non-employee director, or (c) as an independent contractor or consultant. A Participant’s Service shall not be deemed to have terminated merely because of a change in the capacity in which the Participant renders Service to the Company or a Subsidiary, a transfer of the Participant among the Company and a Subsidiary, or a change in the Company or Subsidiary for which the Participant renders such Service, provided in each case that there is no interruption or termination of the Participant’s Service.

2.31 Stock Appreciation Rights means Awards granted in accordance with Article VI.

2.32 Subsidiary means a subsidiary of the Company within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.

ARTICLE III

ADMINISTRATION

3.01 Committee. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have exclusive and final authority in each determination, interpretation or other action affecting the Plan and its Participants. The Committee shall have the sole discretionary authority to interpret the Plan, to establish and modify administrative rules for the Plan, to impose such conditions and restrictions on Awards as it determines appropriate, and to take such steps in connection with the Plan and Awards granted hereunder as it may deem necessary or advisable. The Committee may, subject to compliance with applicable legal requirements, with respect to Participants who are not subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act or Section 162(m) of the Code, delegate such of its powers and authority under the Plan as it deems appropriate to designated officers or employees of the Company. In addition, the Board may exercise any of the authority conferred upon the Committee hereunder. In the event of any such delegation of authority or exercise of authority by the Board, references in the Plan to the Committee shall be deemed to refer to the delegate of the Committee or the Board, as the case may be.

3.02 Indemnification. Each person who is or shall have been a member of the Board, or a Committee appointed by the Board, or an officer of the Company to whom authority was delegated in accordance with the Plan shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company against and from any loss, cost, liability, or expense that may be imposed upon or reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with or resulting from any claim, action, suit, or

 

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proceeding to which he or she may be a party or in which he or she may be involved by reason of any action taken or failure to act under the Plan and against and from any and all amounts paid by him or her in settlement thereof, with the Company’s approval, or paid by him or her in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit, or proceeding against him or her, provided he or she shall give the Company an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and defend the same before he or she undertakes to handle and defend it on his or her own behalf; provided, however, that the foregoing indemnification shall not apply to any loss, cost, liability, or expense that is a result of his or her own willful misconduct. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which such persons may be entitled under the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws, as a matter of law, or otherwise, or any power that the Company may have to indemnify them or hold them harmless.

ARTICLE IV

SHARES

4.01 Number of Shares Issuable. The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued under the Plan shall be 3,952,211 shares, which includes new shares approved by the Company’s stockholders on the Effective Date and shares that were approved and authorized by stockholders in 2008, but not yet issued under the Plan as of the Effective Date. The total number of shares of Common Stock authorized to be issued under the Plan shall be reduced by 1 share of Common Stock for every 1 share that is subject to an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, or other appreciation-only Award granted under the Plan on or after the Effective Date, and 1.83 shares of Common Stock for every 1 share that was subject to a Restricted Share, Restricted Stock Unit, or other full-value stock-based Award granted on or after the Effective Date. The number of shares available for issuance under the Plan and as specific types of Awards shall be subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11.08. The shares to be offered under the Plan shall be authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock, or issued shares of Common Stock that will have been reacquired by the Company.

4.02 Shares Subject to Terminated Awards. Shares of Common Stock covered by any (a) Options or Stock Appreciation Rights that are forfeited or expire unexercised under Article VI, and (b) Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, other stock-based Awards that are forfeited under Articles VII, VIII, or IX may be subject to new Awards under the Plan. Shares of Common Stock surrendered by Participants or withheld by the Company after the Effective Date to pay all or a portion of the Exercise Price and/or withholding taxes with respect to any Awards shall not be subject to new Awards under the Plan, and stock-settled Stock Appreciation Rights shall be settled on a gross (rather than on a “net”) basis. Any shares of Common Stock that again become available for grant pursuant to this Section 4.02 shall be added back as 1 share of Common Stock if such shares were subject to Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, or other appreciation-only Awards granted under the Plan, and as 1.83 shares of Common Stock if such shares were subject to a Restricted Share, Restricted Stock Unit, or other full-value stock-based Award granted under the Plan.

ARTICLE V

PARTICIPATION

5.01 Eligible Participants. Participants in the Plan shall be such key employees and non-employee directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries as the Committee, in its sole discretion, may designate from time to time. The Committee’s designation of a Participant in any year shall not require the Committee to designate such person to receive Awards in any other year. The designation of a Participant to receive an Award under one portion of the Plan does not require the Committee to include such Participant under other portions of the Plan. The Committee shall consider such factors as it deems pertinent in selecting Participants and in determining the types and amounts of their respective Awards. The Committee may grant Awards from time to time on a discretionary basis and/or provide for automatic Awards on a formula basis to a Participant or designated group of Participants. Subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 11.08, during any calendar year, no Participant shall be granted Awards in respect of more than 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock (whether through grants of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Shares, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards, or other Awards of Common Stock or rights with respect thereto); provided that, in the case of a Participant who is a non-employee director, that limit shall be 100,000 shares of Common Stock.

 

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ARTICLE VI

STOCK OPTIONS

6.01 Option Awards.

(a) Grant of Options. The Committee may grant, to such Participants as the Committee may select, Options entitling the Participants to purchase shares of Common Stock from the Company in such numbers, at such prices, and on such terms and subject to such conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, as may be established by the Committee. The terms of any Option granted under the Plan shall be set forth in an Award Agreement.

(b) Exercise Price of Options. The exercise price of each share of Common Stock which may be purchased upon exercise of any Option granted under the Plan (the “Exercise Price”) shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that, except in the case of any substituted Options described in Section 11.08(c), the Exercise Price shall in all cases be equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant.

(c) Designation of Options. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, the Committee may designate, at the time of the grant of an Option, such Option as an Incentive Stock Option or a Non-Qualified Stock Option; provided, however, that an Option may be designated as an Incentive Stock Option only if the applicable Participant is an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary on the Date of Grant.

(d) Special Incentive Stock Option Rules. No Participant may be granted Incentive Stock Options under the Plan (or any other plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries) that would result in Incentive Stock Options to purchase shares of Common Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value (measured on the Date of Grant) of more than $100,000 first becoming exercisable by such Participant in any one calendar year. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any person who, at the time the Option is granted, owns stock (including stock owned by application of the constructive ownership rules in Section 424(d) of the Code) possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, unless at the time the Incentive Stock Option is granted the Exercise Price is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant of the Common Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option and the Incentive Stock Option by its terms is not exercisable for more than five (5) years from the Date of Grant. No more than a total of 800,000 shares of Common Stock may be awarded to Participants under the Plan as Incentive Stock Options.

(e) Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant or a transferee of an Option pursuant to Section 11.04 shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by an Option until that Participant or transferee shall have become the holder of record of any such shares, and no adjustment shall be made with respect to any such shares of Common Stock for dividends in cash or other property or distributions of other rights on the Common Stock for which the record date is prior to the date on which that Participant or transferee shall have become the holder of record of any shares covered by such Option; provided, however, that Participants are entitled to the adjustments set forth in Section 11.08.

6.02 Stock Appreciation Rights.

(a) Stock Appreciation Right Awards. The Committee is authorized to grant to any Participant one or more Stock Appreciation Rights. Such Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted either independent of or in tandem with Options granted to the same Participant (including Options granted under this Plan or any other plans of the Company). Stock Appreciation Rights granted in tandem with Options may be granted simultaneously with, or, in the case of Non-Qualified Stock Options, subsequent to, the grant to such Participant of the related Option; provided, however, that: (i) any Option covering any share of Common Stock shall expire and not be exercisable upon the exercise of any Stock Appreciation Right with respect to the same share, (ii) any Stock Appreciation Right covering any share of Common Stock shall expire and not be exercisable upon the exercise of any related Option with respect to the same share, and (iii) an Option and Stock Appreciation Right covering the same share of Common Stock may not be exercised simultaneously. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right with respect to a share of Common Stock, the Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over (B) the Exercise Price of such Stock Appreciation Right established in the Award Agreement, which amount shall be payable as provided in Section 6.02(c).

 

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(b) Exercise Price. The Exercise Price established under any Stock Appreciation Right granted under this Plan shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in any event the Exercise Price shall be equal to or greater than the Fair Market Value on the Date of Grant and, in the case of Stock Appreciation Rights granted in tandem with Options, the Exercise Price shall not be less than the Exercise Price of the related Option and, upon exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights, the number of shares subject to exercise under any related Option shall automatically be reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock represented by the Option or portion thereof that are surrendered as a result of the exercise of such Stock Appreciation Rights.

(c) Payment of Incremental Value. Any payment that may become due from the Company by reason of a Participant’s exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right may be paid to the Participant as determined by the Committee (i) all in cash, (ii) all in Common Stock, or (iii) in any combination of cash and Common Stock. In the event that all or a portion of the payment is made in Common Stock, the number of shares of Common Stock delivered in satisfaction of such payment shall be determined by dividing the amount of such payment or portion thereof by the Fair Market Value on the date of exercise. No fractional share of Common Stock shall be issued to make any payment in respect of Stock Appreciation Rights; if any fractional share would be issuable, the combination of cash and Common Stock payable to the Participant shall be adjusted as directed by the Committee to avoid the issuance of any fractional share.

(d) Substitution of Stock Appreciation Rights for Options. The Committee shall have the ability, without Participant consent, to substitute Stock Appreciation Rights paid only in shares of Common Stock for outstanding Options (including Options granted under this Plan or any other plans of the Company); provided the terms of the substituted Stock Appreciation Rights are the same as the terms for the Options and the difference between the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock and the Exercise Price of the Stock Appreciation Rights is equivalent to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the underlying shares of Common Stock and the Exercise Price of the Options. If this provision creates material adverse accounting consequences for the Company, it may be considered null and void in the sole discretion of the Committee.

(e) Rights as a Stockholder. A Participant shall have no rights as a stockholder with respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by an Award of Stock Appreciation Rights unless and until that Participant shall have become the holder of record of any such shares, and no adjustment shall be made with respect to any such shares of Common Stock for dividends in cash or other property or distributions of other rights on the Common Stock for which the record date is prior to the date on which that Participant shall have become the holder of record of any shares covered by such Stock Appreciation Rights; provided, however, that Participants are entitled to the adjustments set forth in Section 11.08.

6.03 Terms of Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights

(a) Conditions on Exercise. An Award Agreement with respect to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may contain such waiting periods, exercise dates and restrictions on exercise (including, but not limited to, periodic installments) as may be determined by the Committee at the Date of Grant; provided that for Awards granted to Participants other than non-employee directors after the Effective Date, and subject to the provisions of any applicable retirement, severance or employment agreement or such terms as may be approved by the Committee relating to the Participant’s Permanent Disability, death or other termination of Service, the vesting schedule (i) for a non-performance-based Option or Stock Appreciation Right Award shall not be less than three years or (ii) for a performance-based Option or Stock Appreciation Right Award shall not be less than one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting of an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right may, but need not, lapse in installments.

(b) Duration of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights. Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall terminate after the first to occur of the following events:

(i) Expiration of the Option and Stock Appreciation Rights as provided in the related Award Agreement;

(ii) Termination of the Award as provided in Section 6.03(e) following the Participant’s termination of Service; or

(iii) Ten years from the Date of Grant;

provided that if on the date an outstanding, vested Option or Stock Appreciation Rights would expire, the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Rights would violate applicable securities laws, the expiration date applicable to the Option or Stock Appreciation Rights will be extended to a date that is thirty (30) calendar

 

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days after the date the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Rights would no longer violate applicable securities laws.

(c) Acceleration of Exercise Time. The Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the right (but shall not in any case be obligated), exercisable at any time after the Date of Grant, to permit the exercise of any Option and Stock Appreciation Rights prior to the time such Option and Stock Appreciation Rights would otherwise become exercisable under the terms of the related Award Agreement.

(d) Extension of Exercise Time. In addition to the extensions permitted under Section 6.03(e) in the event of termination of Service, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the right (but shall not in any case be obligated), exercisable on or at any time after the Date of Grant, to permit the exercise of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right after its expiration date described in Section 6.03(e), subject, however, to the provisions of Sections 6.03(b).

(e) Exercise of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights Upon Termination of Service.

(i) Extraordinary Termination. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at the Date of Grant, in the event that a Participant’s Service terminates by reason of the Participant’s death, Permanent Disability or Retirement (each an “Extraordinary Termination”), then any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by the Participant and then exercisable shall remain exercisable solely until the first to occur of (A) the first anniversary of the Participant’s termination of Service or (B) the expiration of the term of the Option or Stock Appreciation Rights, unless the exercise period is extended pursuant to Section 6.03(b) or by the Committee in accordance with Section 6.03(d). Any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by the Participant that are not exercisable at the date of the Extraordinary Termination shall terminate and be cancelled immediately upon such Extraordinary Termination, and any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights described in the preceding sentence that are not exercised within the period described in such sentence shall terminate and be cancelled upon the expiration of such period.

(ii) Other Termination of Service. Unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee at or after the Date of Grant, in the event that a Participant’s Service terminates for any reason other than an Extraordinary Termination, any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant that are exercisable as of the date of such termination shall remain exercisable for a period of 60 days (or, if shorter, during the remaining term of the Options and Stock Appreciation Rights), unless the exercise period is extended pursuant to Section 6.03(b) or by the Committee in accordance with Section 6.03(d). Any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights held by the Participant that are not exercisable at the date of the Participant’s termination of Service shall terminate and be cancelled immediately upon such termination, and any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights described in the preceding sentence that are not exercised within the period described in such sentence shall terminate and be cancelled upon the expiration of such period.

(iii) Treatment of Incentive Stock Options. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option that may be exercisable under the terms of this Section 6.03(e) or the provisions of the applicable Award Agreement beyond the maximum periods permitted under Section 422 of the Code, such Options shall be deemed to be Non-Qualified Stock Options.

(f) No Dividends or Dividend Equivalents. No dividends or dividend equivalents shall be paid in connection with Options or Stock Appreciation Rights.

6.04 Option and Stock Appreciation Right Exercise Procedures. Each Option and Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan shall be exercised by written notice to the Company or its designated agent at or before the close of business on the expiration date of the Award. The Exercise Price of shares purchased upon exercise of an Option granted under the Plan shall be paid in full in cash by the Participant pursuant to the Award Agreement; provided, however, that in lieu of such cash a Participant may (if authorized by the Committee) pay the Exercise Price in whole or in part by delivering (actually or by attestation) to the Company shares of the Common Stock (which may include Restricted Shares or shares otherwise issuable in connection with the exercise of the Option, subject to such rules as the Committee deems appropriate) having a Fair Market Value on the date of exercise of the Option equal to the Exercise Price for the shares being purchased; except that any portion of the Exercise Price representing a fraction of a share shall in any event be paid in cash. Payment may also be made, in the discretion of the Committee and subject to applicable law, by the delivery (including, without limitation, by fax) to the Company or its designated agent of an executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable

 

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instructions to a broker-dealer to sell or margin a sufficient portion of the shares and deliver the sale or margin loan proceeds directly to the Company to pay for the Exercise Price. The date of exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be determined under procedures established by the Committee, and as of the date of exercise the person exercising the Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall, as between the Company and such person, be considered for all purposes to be the owner of the shares of Common Stock with respect to which the Option or Stock Appreciation Right has been exercised. Any part of the Exercise Price paid in cash upon the exercise of any Option shall be added to the general funds of the Company and may be used for any proper corporate purpose. Unless the Committee shall otherwise determine, any shares of Common Stock transferred to the Company as payment of all or part of the Exercise Price upon the exercise of any Option shall be held as treasury shares.

6.05 Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, all Options and Stock Appreciation Rights outstanding on the date of such Change in Control shall become immediately and fully exercisable. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the provisions of this Section 6.05 shall not be applicable to any Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted to a Participant if any Change in Control results from such Participant’s beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Common Stock.

ARTICLE VII

RESTRICTED SHARES AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

7.01 Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The Committee may grant to any Participant a Restricted Share Award consisting of such number of shares of Common Stock on such terms, conditions and restrictions, whether based on performance standards, periods of Service, retention by the Participant of ownership of specified shares of Common Stock or other criteria, as the Committee shall establish. The Committee may also grant Restricted Stock Units representing the right to receive shares of Common Stock in the future subject to the achievement of one or more goals relating to the completion of Service by the Participant and/or the achievement of performance or other objectives. With respect to performance-based Awards of Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units intended to qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code, performance targets will consist of specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals. The terms of any Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Awards granted under this Plan shall be set forth in an Award Agreement that shall contain provisions determined by the Committee and not inconsistent with this Plan.

(a) Issuance of Restricted Shares. The issuance of shares of Common Stock may be effected on a non-certificated basis, to the extent not prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules of any stock exchange or market system. If actual shares of Common Stock are used, as soon as practicable after the Date of Grant of a Restricted Share Award by the Committee, the Company shall cause to be transferred on the books of the Company or its designated agent, shares of Common Stock, registered on behalf of the Participant, evidencing the Restricted Shares covered by the Award, subject to forfeiture to the Company as of the Date of Grant if an Award Agreement with respect to the Restricted Shares covered by the Award is not duly executed by the Participant and timely returned to the Company. All shares of Common Stock covered by Awards under this Article VII shall be subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions contained in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreements entered into by the appropriate Participants. If the issuance of shares under the Plan is effected on a non-certificated basis, the issuance of shares to a Participant will be reflected by crediting (by means of a book entry) the applicable number of shares of Common Stock to an account maintained by the Company in the name of such Participant, which account may be an account maintained by the Company for such Participant under any dividend reinvestment program offered by the Company. Until the lapse or release of all restrictions applicable to an Award of Restricted Shares the share certificates representing such Restricted Shares, if applicable, may be held in custody by the Company, its designee, or, if the certificates bear a restrictive legend, by the Participant. Upon the lapse or release of all restrictions with respect to an Award, one or more share certificates, registered in the name of the Participant, for an appropriate number of shares, free of any restrictions set forth in the Plan and the related Award Agreement shall be delivered to the Participant.

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Agreement, the Participant shall become a stockholder of the Company with respect to all shares subject to the Award Agreement and shall have all of the rights of a stockholder, including, but not limited to, the right to vote such shares and the right to receive dividends; provided, however, that any shares of Common Stock distributed as a dividend or otherwise with respect to any Restricted Shares as to which the restrictions have not yet lapsed, shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Restricted Shares and held or restricted as provided in this Section 7.01.

(c) Restriction on Transferability. None of the Restricted Shares may be assigned or transferred (other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution or to an inter vivos trust with respect to which the Participant is treated as the owner under Sections 671 through 677 of the Code), pledged or sold prior to the lapse of the restrictions applicable thereto.

(d) Delivery of Shares Upon Vesting. Upon expiration or earlier termination of the forfeiture period without a forfeiture and the satisfaction of or release from any other conditions prescribed by the Committee, or at such earlier time as provided under the provisions of Section 7.03, the restrictions applicable to the Restricted Shares shall lapse. As a condition to the receipt of a Restricted Share or Restricted Stock Unit Award in the form of actual shares of Common Stock, the Committee may require a Participant to execute any stock powers, escrow agreements or other documents. The Committee in its discretion may establish any conditions, limitations, restrictions, vesting, and forfeiture provisions applicable to Restricted Shares or Restricted Stock Units.

7.02 Terms of Restricted Shares.

(a) Forfeiture of Restricted Shares. Subject to Sections 7.02(b) and 7.04, Restricted Shares shall be forfeited and returned to the Company and all rights of the Participant with respect to such Restricted Shares shall terminate unless the Participant continues in the Service of the Company or a Subsidiary until the expiration of the forfeiture period for such Restricted Shares and satisfies any and all other conditions set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee shall determine the forfeiture period and any other terms and conditions applicable with respect to any Restricted Share Award; provided, that, for Awards granted to Participants other than non-employee directors after the Effective Date, and subject to the provisions of any applicable retirement, severance or employment agreement or such terms as may be approved by the Committee relating to the Participant’s Permanent Disability, death or other termination of Service, the forfeiture period (i) for a non-performance-based Restricted Share Award shall not be less than three years or (ii) for a performance-based Restricted Share Award shall not be less than one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the forfeiture period of a Restricted Share Award may, but need not, lapse in installments.

(b) Waiver of Forfeiture Period. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article VII to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, waive the forfeiture period and any other conditions set forth in any Award Agreement under appropriate circumstances (including the death, disability or Retirement of the Participant or a material change in circumstances arising after the Date of Grant) and subject to such terms and conditions (including forfeiture of a proportionate number of the Restricted Shares) as the Committee shall deem appropriate, unless waiving forfeiture would cause the Award to no longer qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code.

7.03 Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall be subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions contained in the Plan and the applicable Award Agreements entered into by the appropriate Participants; provided that for Awards granted to Participants other than non-employee directors after the Effective Date, and subject to the provisions of any applicable retirement, severance or employment agreement or such terms as may be approved by the Committee relating to the Participant’s Permanent Disability, death or other termination of Service, the forfeiture period (i) for a non-performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Award shall not be less than three years or (ii) for a performance-based Restricted Stock Unit Award shall not be less than one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the forfeiture period of a Restricted Stock Unit Award may, but need not, lapse in installments. Until the lapse or release of all restrictions applicable to an Award of Restricted Stock Units, no shares of Common Stock shall be issued in respect of such Awards and no Participant shall have any rights as a stockholder of the Company with respect to the shares of Common Stock covered by such Restricted Stock Unit Award. A Participant’s Restricted Stock Unit Award shall not be contingent on any payment by or consideration from the Participant other than the rendering of Services. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 7.03 to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, waive the forfeiture period and any other conditions set forth in any Award Agreement under appropriate circumstances (including the death, Permanent Disability or Retirement of the Participant or a material change in circumstances arising after the Date of Grant) and subject to such terms and

 

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conditions (including forfeiture of a proportionate number of the Restricted Stock Units) as the Committee shall deem appropriate. The Committee may provide in an Award Agreement, in its discretion, Dividend Equivalent Rights in connection with a Restricted Stock Unit Award; provided, however, that any shares of Common Stock distributed as a Dividend Equivalent Right or otherwise with respect to any Restricted Stock Units as to which the restrictions have not yet lapsed, shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Restricted Stock Units and held or restricted as provided in this Section 7.03. For purposes of the Plan, “Dividend Equivalent Right” means a right to receive additional whole Restricted Stock Units for any dividends on the shares of Common Stock underlying a Restricted Stock Unit, as though such underlying shares had been issued and outstanding and held by the Participant on the record date of payment of such dividends.

7.04 Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, all restrictions applicable to Restricted Share and Restricted Stock Unit Awards shall terminate fully and the Participant shall immediately vest in the Common Stock underlying such Awards. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the provisions of this Section 7.04 shall not be applicable to any Restricted Shares and Restricted Stock Units granted to a Participant if any Change in Control results from such Participant’s beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Common Stock.

ARTICLE VIII

PERFORMANCE AWARDS

8.01 Performance Awards.

(a) Award Periods and Determinations of Awards. The Committee may grant Performance Awards to Participants. A Performance Award shall consist of the right to receive a payment (measured by the Fair Market Value of a specified number of shares of Common Stock, increases in such Fair Market Value during the Award Period and/or a fixed cash amount) contingent upon the extent to which certain predetermined performance targets have been met during an Award Period. Performance Awards may be made in conjunction with, or in addition to, Restricted Share or Restricted Stock Unit Awards made under Article VII. The Award Period shall be two or more fiscal or calendar years or other annual periods as determined by the Committee. The Committee, in its discretion and under such terms as it deems appropriate, may permit newly eligible Participants, such as those who are promoted or newly hired, to receive Performance Awards after an Award Period has commenced.

(b) Performance Targets. The performance targets may include such goals related to the performance of the Company and/or the performance of a Participant as may be established by the Committee in its discretion. In the case of Performance Awards intended to qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code, the targets will consist of specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals. The performance targets established by the Committee may vary for different Award Periods and need not be the same for each Participant receiving a Performance Award in an Award Period. Except to the extent inconsistent with the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Code, in the case of Performance Awards granted to Participants to whom such section is applicable, the Committee, in its discretion, but only under extraordinary circumstances as determined by the Committee, may change any prior determination of performance targets for any Award Period at any time prior to the final determination of the value of a related Performance Award when events or transactions occur to cause such performance targets to be an inappropriate measure of achievement.

(c) Earning Performance Awards. The Committee, on or as soon as practicable after the Date of Grant, shall determine or prescribe a formula for determining the percentage of the applicable Performance Award to be earned based upon the degree of attainment of performance targets.

(d) Payment of Earned Performance Awards. Payments of earned Performance Awards shall be made in cash or shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, as set forth in the Award Agreement. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may provide such terms and conditions with respect to the payment of earned Performance Awards as it may deem desirable.

8.02 Terms of Performance Awards.

(a) Termination of Service. Unless otherwise provided below or in Section 8.03, in the case of a Participant’s termination of Service prior to the end of an Award Period, the Participant will not have earned any Performance Awards for that Award Period.

 

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(b) Retirement. If a Participant’s termination of Service is because of Retirement prior to the end of an Award Period, the Participant will not be paid any Performance Award, unless the Award Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee, in its sole and exclusive discretion, determines that an Award should be paid and paying the Award would not cause the Award to no longer qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code. In such a case, the Participant shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of his or her Award as determined under subsection (d).

(c) Death or Disability. If a Participant’s termination of Service is due to death or disability (as provided in the Award Agreement or determined in the sole and exclusive discretion of the Committee) prior to the end of an Award Period, the Participant or the Participant’s personal representative shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata share of his or her Award as determined under subsection (d).

(d) Pro-Rata Payment. The amount of any payment to be made to a Participant whose termination of Service occurs by Retirement, death or disability (under the circumstances described in subsections (b) and (c) above) will be the amount determined by multiplying (i) the amount of the Performance Award that would have been earned through the end of the Award Period had such Service not been terminated by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of whole months such Participant was employed during the Award Period, and the denominator of which is the total number of months of the Award Period. Any such payment made to a Participant whose Service is terminated prior to the end of an Award Period shall be made at the end of such Award Period, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Any partial payment previously made or credited to a deferred account for the benefit of a Participant in accordance with Section 8.01(d) of the Plan shall be subtracted from the amount otherwise determined as payable as provided in this Section 8.02(d).

(e) Other Events. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article VIII, the Committee may, in its sole and exclusive discretion, determine to pay all or any portion of a Performance Award to a Participant who has terminated Service prior to the end of an Award Period under certain circumstances (including the death, disability or Retirement of the Participant or a material change in circumstances arising after the Date of Grant), subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee shall deem appropriate, unless paying the Award would cause the Award to no longer qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code.

(f) Stockholder Rights. If specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement, the recipient of an Award under this Article VIII shall be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the Common Stock or other securities covered by the Performance Award; provided, however, that any shares of Common Stock distributed as a dividend or otherwise with respect to any Performance Award as to which the restrictions have not yet lapsed shall be subject to the same restrictions as such Performance Award and held or restricted as provided in this Article VIII. Unless specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement, the recipient of an Award under this Article VIII shall not become a stockholder of the Company with respect to shares subject to the Award Agreement and shall not have the right to vote such shares.

8.03 Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, all Performance Awards for all Award Periods shall immediately become fully payable (at the maximum level) to all Participants and shall be paid to Participants within thirty (30) days after such Change in Control. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the provisions of this Section 8.03 shall not be applicable to any Performance Awards granted to a Participant if any Change in Control results from such Participant’s beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Common Stock.

ARTICLE IX

OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS

9.01 Grant of Other Stock-Based Awards. Other stock-based awards, consisting of stock purchase rights, Awards of Common Stock, or Awards valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, may be granted either alone or in addition to or in conjunction with other Awards under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have sole and complete authority to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at which such Awards shall be made, the number of shares of Common Stock to be granted pursuant to such Awards, and all other conditions of the Awards. Any such Award shall be confirmed by an Award Agreement

 

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executed by the Company and the Participant, which Award Agreement shall contain such provisions as the Committee determines to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent of this Plan with respect to such Award.

9.02 Terms of Other Stock-Based Awards. In addition to the terms and conditions specified in the Award Agreement, Awards made pursuant to this Article IX shall be subject to the following:

(a) Non-Transferability. Any Common Stock subject to Awards made under this Article IX may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered prior to the date on which the shares are issued, or, if later, the date on which any applicable restriction, performance or deferral period lapses.

(b) Interest and Dividends. If specified by the Committee in the Award Agreement, the recipient of an Award under this Article IX shall be entitled to receive, currently or on a deferred basis, interest or dividends or Dividend Equivalent Rights with respect to the Common Stock or other securities covered by the Award.

(c) Termination of Service. The Award Agreement with respect to any Award shall contain provisions dealing with the disposition of such Award in the event of a termination of Service prior to the exercise, realization or payment of such Award, whether such termination occurs because of Retirement, Permanent Disability, death or other reason, with such provisions to take account of the specific nature and purpose of the Award.

(d) Performance-Based Awards. With respect to Awards under this Article IX intended to qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code, performance targets will consist of specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals.

(e) Vesting or Forfeiture of Other Stock-Based Awards. For Awards granted to Participants other than non-employee directors under this Article IX after the Effective Date, and subject to the provisions of Section 9.03, the provisions of any applicable retirement, severance or employment agreement and such terms as may be approved by the Committee relating to the Participant’s Permanent Disability, death or other termination of Service, the vesting schedule or forfeiture period (i) for a non-performance-based Award shall not be less than three years or (ii) for a performance-based Award shall not be less than one year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vesting schedule or forfeiture period of an Award may, but need not, lapse in installments.

9.03 Change in Control. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in the applicable Award Agreement, in the event of a Change in Control, all Awards under this Article IX shall immediately become fully vested and payable to all Participants upon such Change in Control. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the provisions of this Section 9.03 shall not be applicable to any Awards granted to a Participant if any Change in Control results from such Participant’s beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of Common Stock.

ARTICLE X

SHORT-TERM CASH INCENTIVE AWARDS

10.01 Eligibility. This Article X is a limited purpose provision that shall apply only in the event the Committee deems it appropriate that the Company’s short-term cash incentives for executive officers of the Company who are from time to time determined by the Committee to be “covered employees” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code qualify for deductibility under the “performance-based” compensation exception contained in Section 162(m) of the Code.

10.02 Awards.

(a) Performance Targets. For each fiscal or calendar year of the Company, the Committee shall establish objective performance targets based on specified levels of one or more of the Performance Goals. Such performance targets shall be established by the Committee on a timely basis to ensure that the targets are considered “pre-established” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.

(b) Amounts of Awards. In conjunction with the establishment of performance targets for a fiscal year, the Committee shall adopt an objective formula (on the basis of percentages of Participants’ salaries, shares in a bonus pool or otherwise) for computing the respective amounts payable under the Plan to Participants if and to the extent that the performance targets are attained. Such formula shall comply with the requirements applicable to performance-based compensation plans under Section 162(m) of the Code and, to the extent based on percentages of a bonus pool, such percentages shall not exceed 100% in the aggregate.

 

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(c) Payment of Awards. Awards will be payable to Participants in cash each year upon prior written certification by the Committee of attainment of the specified performance targets for the preceding fiscal or calendar year.

(d) Negative Discretion. Notwithstanding the attainment by the Company of the specified performance targets, the Committee shall have the discretion, which need not be exercised uniformly among the Participants, to reduce or eliminate the Short-Term Cash Incentive Awards that would be otherwise paid.

(e) Maximum Awards. The maximum aggregate dollar amount that may be paid with respect to Short-Term Cash Incentive Awards during any one calendar year to any one Participant under this Plan shall be $5,000,000.

(f) Guidelines. The Committee may adopt from time to time written policies for its implementation of this Article X. Such guidelines shall reflect the intention of the Company that all payments hereunder qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

10.03 Non-Exclusive Arrangement. The adoption and operation of this Article X shall not preclude the Board or the Committee from approving other short-term incentive compensation arrangements for the benefit of individuals who are Participants hereunder as the Board or Committee, as the case may be, deems appropriate and in the best interests of the Company.

ARTICLE XI

TERMS APPLICABLE TO ALL AWARDS GRANTED UNDER THE PLAN

11.01 Plan Provisions Control Award Terms; Successors. The terms of the Plan shall govern all Awards granted under the Plan, and in no event shall the Committee have the power to grant any Award under the Plan the terms of which are contrary to any of the provisions of the Plan. In the event any provision of any Award Agreement granted under the Plan shall conflict with any term in the Plan as constituted on the Date of Grant of such Award, the term in the Plan as constituted on the Date of Grant of such Award shall control. All obligations of the Company under the Plan with respect to Awards granted hereunder shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation, or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.

11.02 Award Agreement. No person shall have any rights under any Award granted under the Plan unless and until the Company and the Participant to whom such Award shall have been granted shall have executed and delivered an Award Agreement or the Participant shall have received and acknowledged notice of the Award authorized by the Committee expressly granting the Award to such person and containing provisions setting forth the terms of the Award.

11.03 Modification of Award After Grant. No Award granted under the Plan to a Participant may be modified (unless such modification does not materially decrease the value of that Award) after its Date of Grant except by express written agreement between the Company and such Participant; provided that any such change (a) may not be inconsistent with the terms of the Plan and (b) shall be approved by the Committee.

11.04 Limitation on Transfer. Except as provided in Section 7.01(c) in the case of Restricted Shares, a Participant’s rights and interest under the Plan may not be assigned or transferred other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and, during the lifetime of a Participant, only the Participant personally (or the Participant’s personal representative) may exercise rights under the Plan. The Participant’s Beneficiary may exercise the Participant’s rights to the extent they are exercisable under the Plan following the death of the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may grant Non-Qualified Stock Options that are transferable, without payment of consideration, to immediate family members of the Participant, to trusts or partnerships for such family members, or to such other parties as the Committee may approve (as evidenced by the applicable Award Agreement or an amendment thereto), and the Committee may also amend outstanding Non-Qualified Stock Options to provide for such transferability.

11.05 Withholding Taxes. The Company shall be entitled, if the Committee deems it necessary or desirable, to withhold (or secure payment from the Participant in lieu of withholding) the amount of any withholding or other tax required by law to be withheld or paid by the Company with respect to any amount payable and/or shares of Common Stock issuable under such Participant’s Award or with respect to any income recognized upon a disqualifying disposition of shares of Common Stock received pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option,

 

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and the Company may defer payment of cash or issuance of such shares upon exercise or vesting of an Award unless indemnified to its satisfaction against any liability for any such tax. The amount of such withholding or tax payment shall be determined by the Committee and shall be payable by the Participant at such time as the Committee determines. With the approval of the Committee, the Participant may elect to meet his or her withholding requirement (i) by having withheld from such Award at the appropriate time that number of shares of Common Stock the Fair Market Value of which is equal to the amount of withholding taxes due (the amount of withholding that may be satisfied in this manner shall be limited to the minimum amount of taxes, including employment taxes, required to be withheld under applicable federal, state and local law in order to avoid adverse financial accounting consequences to the Company), (ii) by direct payment to the Company in cash of the minimum amount of any taxes required to be withheld with respect to such Award or (iii) by a combination of withholding such shares and paying cash.

11.06 Surrender of Awards. Any Award granted under the Plan may be surrendered to the Company for cancellation on such terms as the Committee and the Participant approve.

11.07 Cancellation and Rescission of Awards.

(a) Detrimental Activities. Unless the Award Agreement specifies otherwise, the Committee may cancel, rescind, suspend, withhold or otherwise limit or restrict any unexpired, unpaid, or deferred Awards, whether vested or unvested, at any time if the Participant is not in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Award Agreement and the Plan, or if the Participant engages in any “Detrimental Activity.” For purposes of this Section 11.07, “Detrimental Activity” shall include: (i) the rendering of services for any organization or engaging directly or indirectly in any business which is or becomes competitive with the Company or its Subsidiaries, or which organization or business, or the rendering of services to such organization or business, is or becomes otherwise prejudicial to or in conflict with the interests of the Company or its Subsidiaries, either during Service or within twelve (12) months after termination of Service; (ii) the disclosure to anyone outside the Company, or the use in other than the Company’s business, without prior written authorization from the Company, of any confidential information or material relating to the business of the Company, acquired by the Participant either during or after Service with the Company; (iii) any attempt directly or indirectly to induce any employee of the Company to be employed or perform services elsewhere or any attempt directly or indirectly to solicit the trade or business of any current or prospective customer, supplier or partner of the Company or its Subsidiaries; or (iv) any other conduct or act the Committee determines to be injurious, detrimental or prejudicial to any interest of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

(b) Enforcement. Upon exercise, payment, or delivery pursuant to an Award, the Participant shall certify in a manner acceptable to the Company that he or she is in compliance with the terms and conditions of the Plan. In the event a Participant fails to comply with the provisions of paragraphs (a)(i)-(iv) of this Section 11.07, if applicable, prior to, or during the six months after, any exercise, payment or delivery pursuant to an Award, such exercise, payment or delivery may be rescinded within two years thereafter. In the event of any such rescission, the Participant shall pay to the Company the amount of any gain realized or payment received as a result of the rescinded exercise, payment or delivery, in such manner and on such terms and conditions as may be required, and the Company shall be entitled to set-off against the amount of any such gain any amount owed to the Participant by the Company.

(c) Erroneously Awarded Compensation. All Awards under the Plan shall be subject to any compensation recovery policy adopted by the Company to comply with applicable law, including, without limitation, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, or to comport with good corporate governances practices, as such policy may be amended from time to time.

(d) Cancellation in the Event of Change in Control. In the event of a Change in Control that is a merger or consolidation in which Company is not the surviving corporation or that results in the acquisition of substantially all the Company’s outstanding Common Stock by a single Person or entity or by a group of Persons or entities acting in concert, or in the event of a sale or transfer of all or substantially all of Company’s assets (a “Covered Transaction”), the Committee shall have the discretion to provide for the termination of all outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights as of the effective date of the Covered Transaction; provided, that, if the Covered Transaction follows a Change in Control or would give rise to a Change in Control, no Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be so terminated (without the Participant’s consent) prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days following the later of (i) the date on which the Award became fully exercisable and (ii) the date on which Participant received written notice of the Covered Transaction. For purposes of the Plan, “Person” shall have the meaning given in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act, as modified and used

 

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herein; however, a Person shall not include (i) the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities, or (iv) a corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the stock of the Company.

11.08 Adjustments to Reflect Capital Changes.

(a) Recapitalization. The number and kind of shares of Common Stock subject to outstanding Awards, the Exercise Price for such shares, the number and kind of shares available for Awards subsequently granted under the Plan, the maximum number of shares in respect of which Awards can be made to any Participant in any calendar year and the Performance Goals and Award Periods applicable to outstanding Awards shall be appropriately adjusted to reflect any stock dividend, stock split, or share combination or any recapitalization, merger, consolidation, exchange of shares, liquidation or dissolution of the Company or other change in capitalization with a similar substantive effect upon the Plan or the Awards granted under the Plan. The Committee shall have the power and sole discretion to determine the amount of the adjustment to be made in each case.

(b) Certain Mergers. After any Merger in which the Company is not the surviving corporation or pursuant to which a majority of the shares which are of the same class as the shares of Common Stock that are subject to outstanding Options are exchanged for, or converted into, or otherwise become shares of another corporation, the surviving, continuing, successor or purchasing corporation, as the case may be (the “Acquiring Corporation”), will either assume the Company’s rights and obligations under outstanding Award Agreements or substitute awards in respect of the Acquiring Corporation’s stock for outstanding Awards; provided, however, that if the Acquiring Corporation does not assume or substitute awards for such outstanding Awards, the Board shall provide prior to the Merger that any unexercisable and/or unvested portion of the outstanding Awards shall be immediately exercisable and vested, and all time-based, performance-based or other restrictions on such Awards shall lapse, as of a date prior to such Merger, as the Board so determines. The exercise and/or vesting of any Award that was permissible or caused solely by reason of this Section 11.08 shall be conditioned upon the consummation of the Merger. Comparable rights shall accrue to each Participant in the event of successive Mergers of the character described above.

(c) Options to Purchase Shares or Stock of Acquired Companies. After any Merger in which the Company or a Subsidiary shall be a surviving corporation, the Committee may grant Options or other Awards under the provisions of the Plan, pursuant to Section 424 of the Code or as is otherwise permitted under the Code, in full or partial replacement of or substitution for old stock options granted under a plan of another party to the merger whose shares of stock subject to the old options may no longer be issued following the Merger. The manner of application of the foregoing provisions to such options and any appropriate adjustments in the terms of such stock options shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. Any such adjustments may provide for the elimination of any fractional shares that might otherwise become subject to any Options. The foregoing shall not be deemed to preclude the Company from assuming or substituting for stock options of acquired companies other than pursuant to this Plan.

11.09 Legal Compliance. Shares of Common Stock shall not be issued hereunder unless the issuance and delivery of such shares shall comply with applicable laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan or any applicable Award Agreement to the contrary, the Committee shall have the sole discretion to impose such conditions, restrictions and limitations (including suspending exercises of Options or Stock Appreciation Rights and the tolling of any applicable exercise period during such suspension) on the issuance of shares with respect to any Award unless and until the Committee determines that such issuance complies with (i) any applicable securities registration requirements or the Committee has determined that an exemption therefrom is available, (ii) any applicable listing requirement of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed, and (iii) any other applicable provision of law, including foreign securities laws where applicable.

11.10 No Right to Employment or Awards. No Participant or other person shall have any claim of right to be granted an Award under the Plan. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the Service of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. No Participant shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants.

 

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11.11 Awards Not Includable for Benefit Purposes. Payments received by a Participant pursuant to the provisions of the Plan shall not be included in the determination of benefits under any pension, group insurance or other benefit plan applicable to the Participant which is maintained by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except as may be provided under the terms of such plans or determined by the Board.

11.12 Governing Law. All determinations made and actions taken pursuant to the Plan shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, other than the conflict of laws provisions thereof, and construed in accordance therewith. The jurisdiction and venue for any disputes arising under, or any action brought to enforce (or otherwise relating to), the Plan will be exclusively in the courts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Allegheny, including the Federal Courts located therein (should Federal jurisdiction exist).

11.13 No Strict Construction. No rule of strict construction shall be implied against the Company, the Committee or any other person in the interpretation of any of the terms of the Plan, any Award granted under the Plan or any rule or procedure established by the Committee.

11.14 Captions. The captions (i.e., all Section headings) used in the Plan are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of the Plan, and shall not be deemed to limit, characterize or affect in any way any provisions of the Plan, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed as if no captions had been used in the Plan.

11.15 Severability. Whenever possible, each provision in the Plan and every Award at any time granted under the Plan shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of the Plan or any Award at any time granted under the Plan shall be held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, then (a) such provision shall be deemed amended to accomplish the objectives of the provision as originally written to the fullest extent permitted by law and (b) all other provisions of the Plan, such Award and every other Award at any time granted under the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.

11.16 Amendment and Termination.

(a) Amendment. The Board shall have complete power and authority to amend the Plan at any time; provided that no termination or amendment of the Plan may, without the consent of the Participant to whom any Award shall theretofore have been granted under the Plan, materially adversely affect the right of such individual under such Award; and provided further, that the Board shall not, without approval by the stockholders of the Company, make any amendment which requires stockholder approval under the Code or under any other applicable law or rule of any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is listed. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, except in connection with adjustments to reflect changes in capitalization in accordance with Section 11.08, the terms of outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights may not be amended or modified, without approval by the stockholders of the Company, to reduce the Exercise Price, to cancel the Option or Stock Appreciation Rights when the Exercise Price exceeds the Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Stock in exchange for another Award, or in any other circumstance meeting the definition of a “repricing” under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (or any similar rule of a stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed).

(b) Termination. The Board shall have the right and the power to terminate the Plan at any time. No Award shall be granted under the Plan after the termination of the Plan, but the termination of the Plan shall not have any other effect and any Award outstanding at the time of the termination of the Plan may be exercised after termination of the Plan at any time prior to the expiration date of such Award to the same extent such Award would have been exercisable had the Plan not been terminated.

11.17 Employees Based Outside of the United States. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, in order to comply with the laws in other countries in which the Company and its Subsidiaries operate or have employees or directors, the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the power and authority to:

(a) Determine which Subsidiaries shall be covered by the Plan;

(b) Determine which employees or directors outside the United States are eligible to participate in the Plan;

(c) Modify the terms and conditions of any Award granted to employees or directors outside the United States to comply with applicable foreign laws;

(d) Establish subplans and modify exercise procedures and other terms and procedures, to the extent such actions may be necessary or advisable. Any subplans and modifications to Plan terms and procedures established under this Section 11.17 by the Committee shall be attached to this Plan document as appendices; and

 

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(e) Take any action, before or after an Award is made, that it deems advisable to obtain approval or comply with any necessary local government regulatory exemptions or approvals.

Notwithstanding the above, (i) the duly authorized officer of the Company may take the actions under Section 11.17(c) and (e) above, (ii) neither the Committee nor such officers may take any actions hereunder, and no Awards shall be granted, that would violate the Exchange Act, the Code, any securities law, or governing statute or any other applicable law.

11.18 Deferred Compensation. No Award shall provide for a deferral of compensation under Section 409A of the Code unless the Committee specifically provides that the Award is intended to be subject to Section 409A of the Code and the Committee shall interpret this Plan in a manner consistent with an Award’s designation as either subject to or exempt from Section 409A, as applicable. References in this Plan to “termination of Service” and similar terms shall mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A of the Code. Any payment or distribution that is to be made to a Participant who is a “specified employee” of the Company within the meaning of that term under Section 409A of the Code and as determined by the Committee, on account of a “separation from service” under Section 409A of the Code, may not be made before the date which is six months after the date of such “separation from service,” unless the payment or distribution is exempt from the application of Section 409A of the Code by reason of the short-term deferral exemption or otherwise. The Company cannot guarantee that the Awards, payments, and benefits that may be made or provided under the Plan will satisfy all applicable provisions of Section 409A of the Code.

11.19 Leaves of Absence. Unless the Committee provides otherwise and except where prohibited by law, vesting of Awards granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence, but such leave of absence (if approved by the Company) shall not be deemed a termination of Service or Service for purposes of the Plan. For purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then three (3) months following the 91st day of such leave any Incentive Stock Option held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option and will be treated for tax purposes as a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

11.20 Electronic Delivery of Plan Information and Electronic Signatures. To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Company may deliver by email or other electronic means (including posting on a web site maintained by the Company or by a third party under contract with the Company) all documents relating to the Plan or any Award thereunder (including without limitation, prospectuses required by applicable securities law) and all other documents that the Company is required to deliver to its security holders (including without limitation, annual reports and proxy statements). To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Participant’s execution of an Award Agreement may be made by electronic facsimile or other method of recording of the Participant’s signature in a manner that is acceptable to the Committee.

11.21 Unfunded Status of Awards. The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company; provided, however, that the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or make other arrangements to meet the Company’s obligations under the Plan to deliver cash, shares of Common Stock, other Awards, or other property pursuant to any Award, which trusts or other arrangements shall be consistent with the “unfunded” status of the Plan unless the Committee otherwise determines with the consent of each affected Participant.

11.22 Interpretive Provisions. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

(a) The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined, whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms, the words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”, and the word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.

(b) Any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, supplements or modifications set forth herein).

(c) Any reference herein to any person or entity shall be construed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such person or entity.

 

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(d) The words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import when used in this Plan or Award Agreement shall be construed to refer to the Plan or Award Agreement, as applicable, in its entirety, and not to any particular provision thereof.

(e) All references to Sections shall be construed to refer to Sections of this Plan.

(f) Any reference to any law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing or interpreting such law and any reference to any law or regulation shall, unless otherwise specified, refer to such law or regulation as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time.

(g) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including;” the words “ to” and “until” each mean “to but excluding;” and the word “through” means “to and including”.

11.23 Nonexclusivity of the Plan. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor its submission to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of options and other awards otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.

 

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LOGO

 

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Suite 700

225 West Station Square Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1122

Phone: 412-454-2200

www.wesco.com


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LOGO

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

225 WEST STATION SQUARE DRIVE

SUITE 700

PITTSBURGH, PA 15219

ATTN: SAMANTHA L. O'DONOGHUE

VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com

Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Have your proxy 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 up until 11:59 P.M., Eastern Time, Wednesday, May 29, 2013. 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:

  

M57116-P33595        

   KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS

 

THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.

   DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

 

 

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.

          
  1.  

Election of Directors

 

     ¨   ¨   ¨     

 

        
   

Nominees

 

                   
    01)   Sandra Beach Lin            
    02)   Robert J. Tarr, Jr.              
    03)   Stephen A. Van Oss              

 

   For    Against   Abstain    

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 through 5.

       

2.

 

Approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s executive compensation.

   ¨    ¨   ¨
         

3.

 

Approve the renewal and restatement of the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

   ¨    ¨   ¨
         

4.

 

Re-approve the material terms of the performance goals under the WESCO International, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

   ¨    ¨   ¨
         

5.

 

Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2013.

   ¨    ¨   ¨
         
         
         

The Board of Directors recommends you vote AGAINST proposal 6.

       

6.

 

Consider a stockholder proposal described in the accompanying proxy statement, if properly presented at the meeting.

   ¨    ¨   ¨
         

NOTE: In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

       

 

Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.

 

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


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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:

The Notice and Proxy Statement and the Annual Report are available at www.proxyvote.com.

 

 

M57117-P33595        

 

WESCO INTERNATIONAL, INC.

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

May 30, 2013 2:00 P.M., Eastern Time

The undersigned hereby appoints Kenneth S. Parks, Samantha L. O’Donoghue and Diane E. Lazzaris, and each of them, as Proxies with full power of substitution, to represent the undersigned and to vote all the shares of Common Stock of WESCO International, Inc., which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present and voting at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Sheraton Station Square, 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 on May 30, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, upon all matters properly coming before the meeting.

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made on any particular matter, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations on any such matter.

Continued and to be signed on reverse side