SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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Filed by a Party Other than the Registrant ☐

 

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☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

☐ Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒ Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

☐ Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-2.

 

Twin Disc, Incorporated

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

____________________________________________

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

 

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TWIN DISC, INCORPORATED

 

 

1328 Racine Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403

 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS – OCTOBER 28, 2021

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF TWIN DISC, INCORPORATED

 

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Twin Disc, Incorporated, a Wisconsin corporation (the “Corporation”), will be held at 2:00 P.M. (Central Time) on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at the Corporate Offices, 1328 Racine Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403 (the “Annual Meeting”) for the following purposes:

 

1.

To elect three Directors to serve until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2024.

 

2.

To consider an advisory vote to approve the compensation of the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers.

 

3.

To ratify the appointment of RSM US LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

 

4.

To approve the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2021 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan.

 

5.

To transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

 

Only holders of record of shares of common stock of the Corporation at the close of business on August 19, 2021, shall be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

A proxy appointment card and our proxy statement are enclosed with this notice. The proxy card shows the form in which your shares are registered and affords you the opportunity to direct the voting of those shares, even if you are unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Please review these proxy materials and follow the applicable instructions.

	/s/ Jeffrey S. Knutson
	Secretary

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on October 28, 2021

 

Our proxy materials, including the Proxy Statement and 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available over the internet at http://ir.twindisc.com/proxy, and most of our stockholders will receive only a notice (“Notice”) containing instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the internet and vote online. If you receive this Notice but would still like to receive paper copies of the proxy materials, please follow the instructions on the Notice or on the website referred to on the Notice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS IN PERSON, WE ASK YOU TO PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONE OF THE OPTIONS YOU HAVE FOR VOTING YOUR SHARES IN ADVANCE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING. MOST SHAREHOLDERS HAVE THREE OPTIONS FOR SUBMITTING THEIR VOTE: (1) VIA THE INTERNET; (2) BY TELEPHONE; OR (3) IF YOU RECEIVED PAPER COPIES OF THE PROXY MATERIALS, BY SIGNING AND RETURNING YOUR PROXY APPOINTMENT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. THE APPLICABLE INSTRUCTIONS AND DEADLINES FOR EACH OPTION ARE STATED ON THE PROXY CARD AND IN THE PROXY STATEMENT. IF YOUR PROXY APPOINTMENT / VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT RECEIVED BEFORE THE APPLICABLE DEADLINE, THE PROXY WILL BE RULED INVALID. AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, SHOULD YOU FIND IT CONVENIENT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PRIOR INSTRUCTIONS AND VOTE IN PERSON.

 

 

 

 

2021 Proxy Statement

TWIN DISC, INCORPORATED

September 9, 2021

 

DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING

 

This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of the Corporation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 2:00 P.M. (Central Time), at the Corporate Offices, 1328 Racine Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403 on Thursday, October 28, 2021, or any adjournment thereof. Holders of common stock of record at the close of business on August 19, 2021 (the “Record Date”), are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting and each shareholder shall have one vote for each share of common stock registered in the shareholder’s name. Shares represented by a signed proxy appointment or electronic proxy vote will be voted in the manner specified in the form of proxy or, if no specification is made, in a manner consistent with the Board of Directors’ recommendation for each of the proposals mentioned therein.

 

The Corporation intends to commence distribution of this proxy statement and accompanying form of proxy to shareholders on or about September 9, 2021.

 

 

HOW TO VOTE YOUR SHARES

 

Shareholders may vote their shares by properly appointing a proxy, voting in advance of the Annual Meeting via the Internet or by phone, or attending and voting during the Annual Meeting.

 

Registered Shareholders

 

Registered shareholders of the Corporation (shareholders who hold shares through the Corporation’s transfer agent, Computershare) may appoint a proxy by delivering, either in person, by mail or by messenger, the enclosed proxy appointment form. Appointment forms must be received by the Secretary of the Corporation not less than 48 hours prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. The proxy appointment form must be signed in handwriting. The signature must be sufficiently legible to allow the inspector to distinguish it as representing the name of the registered shareholder, or must be accompanied by a rubber stamp facsimile or hand-printed name, including the shareholder’s surname and either the shareholder’s first or middle name as represented on the corporate records and any titles, offices or words indicating agency which appear in the corporate records. PROXY APPOINTMENT FORMS NOT MEETING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE RULED INVALID.

 

Registered shareholders may also vote via the Internet by accessing www.investorvote.com/twin or by telephone at 1-800-652-8683. The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate the shareholder’s identity, to allow the shareholder to give voting instructions and to confirm that such instructions have been properly recorded. Registered shareholders may vote via the Internet or by telephone up to 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 27, 2021. Shareholders that vote via the Internet should understand that there might be costs associated with electronic access that they must bear, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telecommunications companies.

 

Street Name Shareholders

 

Street name shareholders (shareholders whose shares are registered in the name of a bank or brokerage firm) will receive instructions from the bank or broker that they must follow to have their shares voted. Street name shareholders may be eligible to vote their shares electronically via the Internet or by telephone. If the bank or brokerage firm is participating in the Broadridge Investor Communication Services’ program, the voting form will provide instructions about how to vote shares electronically.

 

 

 

 

HOW TO REVOKE YOUR PROXY

 

The person giving the proxy may revoke it before it is exercised, either in person, by mail or by messenger, by submitting a later dated proxy appointment form to the Secretary at least 48 hours prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. If the proxy was voted via the Internet or by telephone, the person may revoke the proxy by entering a new vote via the Internet or telephone prior to the time that Internet and telephone voting closes. The person giving the proxy may also revoke it by attending the Annual Meeting and voting the shares, or by delivering a signed written statement revoking the proxy to the Secretary prior to the date of the Annual Meeting. ANY ATTEMPTED REVOCATIONS NOT MEETING THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE RULED INVALID.

 

RECORD DATE AND QUORUM REQUIREMENTS

 

The record date with respect to this solicitation is August 19, 2021. On that date, there were outstanding 13,654,965 shares of common stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. There also are 200,000 shares of no-par preferred stock authorized, of which 150,000 shares have been designated Series A Junior Preferred Stock, but none are outstanding. The presence of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Corporation, either represented by a signed proxy appointment or electronic proxy vote or present via the Internet, will constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2022

 

If a shareholder wishes to present a proposal for consideration for inclusion in the Notice of the Meeting and Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the proposal must be received at the Corporation’s principal executive offices no later than May 12, 2022. Shareholder proposals received later than July 11, 2022 will be considered untimely, and will not be considered at the Corporation’s 2022 Annual Meeting. Any such proposal must comply with the requirements of Section (14)(a) of the Corporation’s Restated Bylaws.

 

If a shareholder wishes to nominate a person for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation, such nomination shall be made pursuant to timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely for the 2022 Annual Meeting, such notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation no later than July 11, 2022. Any such notice must comply with the requirements of Section (14)(b) of the Corporation’s Restated Bylaws.

 

PERSONS MAKING THE SOLICITATION

 

The proxy is being solicited by the Corporation’s Board of Directors and will be voted in favor of the Directors’ recommendations on each and all matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting, unless the undersigned shareholder specifically instructs the holder or holders of the proxy to the contrary.

 

VOTES REQUIRED FOR PROPOSALS AND HOW VOTES WILL BE COUNTED

 

With respect to the election of Directors (Proposal No. 1), votes may be cast in favor or withheld. Votes that are withheld will have no legal effect and will not be counted as votes cast in the election of Directors. Assuming a quorum is present, Directors shall be elected by a plurality of votes cast by the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting (i.e., the individuals with the largest number of votes cast in favor of their election will be elected as Directors, up to the maximum number of Directors to be chosen in the election). In the event two (2) or more persons tie for the last vacancy to be filled, a run-off vote shall be taken from among the candidates receiving the tie vote. Broker non-votes, as defined below, will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not be counted as votes cast in the election of Directors.

 

 

 

 

With respect to the advisory vote on the compensation of the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers (Proposal No. 2), votes may be cast “For” or “Against” the resolution. Votes “For” must exceed votes “Against” in order for the resolution on compensation of the Named Executive Officers to be considered approved by the shareholders. This vote is not binding on the Corporation. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board of Directors will take the results of the vote into consideration in addressing future compensation policies and practices.

 

With respect to the ratification of the appointment of independent auditors (Proposal No. 3), votes may be cast “For” or “Against.” The appointment will be ratified if a majority of the shares present and entitled to vote on the matter are voted “For” ratification. If the appointment of the independent auditors is not ratified, the Audit Committee will reconsider such appointment.

 

With respect to approval of the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2021 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (“the Plan”) (Proposal No. 4), votes may be cast “For” or “Against.” The affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at the annual meeting (assuming a quorum is present) shall be required for the approval of the Plan. Broker non-votes, as defined below, will not be counted as votes cast in connection with this proposal, and will have no effect on the outcome of the approval of the Plan.

 

Brokers who hold shares in street name for customers are not permitted to vote on certain matters without specific instructions from the beneficial owners of the shares. A “broker non-vote” occurs on an item submitted for shareholder approval when the broker does not have the authority to vote on the item in the absence of instructions from the beneficial owner and the broker does not in fact receive such instructions. A broker non-vote is treated as “present” for purposes of determining a quorum, has the effect of a vote against a particular proposal when a majority of the issued and outstanding shares is required for approval of the proposal, and has no effect when a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote or a plurality or majority of the votes cast is required for approval.

 

Brokers and other nominees may vote on the ratification of the appointment of RSM US LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022 (Proposal No. 3) without specific instructions from beneficial owners. Therefore, no broker non-votes are expected to exist in connection with this proposal. However, brokers or other nominees may not vote on the election of Directors (Proposal No. 1), the advisory vote on Named Executive Officer compensation (Proposal No. 2) or the approval of the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2021 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (Proposal No. 4) without specific instructions from the beneficial owners of the shares. Therefore, an undetermined number of broker non-votes may occur on Proposals No. 1, 2 and 4.

 

 

 

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

 

Based upon the records of the Corporation, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of August 13, 2021 and additional information obtained by the Corporation, the following table sets forth the persons or group of persons having beneficial ownership (as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission) of more than 5% of the issued and outstanding common stock of the Corporation.

 

		Nature of
		Beneficial		Amount				Percent of
Name	Address	Ownership		Owned				Class
John H. Batten	704 Waters Edge Rd.	Power to vote			2,412,647	(1)			17.7	%
	Racine, WI	Beneficial			286,714				2.1	%
GAMCO Investors, Inc.	One Corporate Center	Power to vote &			1,995,959	(2)			14.6	%
	Rye, NY	dispose of stock
Juniper Investment	555 Madison Avenue	Power to vote &			1,034,754				7.6	%
Company, LLC	New York, NY	dispose of stock
Pacific Ridge Capital	4900 Meadows Road	Power to vote &			819,219				6.0	%
Partners, LLC	Lake Oswego, OR	dispose of stock

 

 

 

(1)

Held as trustee under various trusts and as guardian for a non-immediate family member.

(2)

Represents shares held by various entities which are directly or indirectly controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and for which he acts as chief investment officer.

 

 

 

 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Based upon the records of the Corporation, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission as of August 13, 2021 and additional information obtained by the Corporation, the following table sets forth the number of shares of common stock of the Corporation beneficially owned by each of the Directors of the Corporation, each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and the number of shares beneficially owned by all Directors and executive officers of the Corporation as a group.

 

Name of		Amount and Nature
Beneficial Owner		of Beneficial Ownership (1)				Percent of Class
John H. Batten			2,699,361	(2)		19.8	%
James E. Feiertag			45,996	(3)		*
Jeffrey S. Knutson			89,947	(4)		*
Michael Doar			70,115	(5)		*
Janet P. Giesselman			32,162	(5)		*
David W. Johnson			33,831	(5)		*
David B. Rayburn			87,089	(5)		*
Michael C. Smiley			44,297	(5)		*
Harold M. Stratton II			59,815	(5)		*
All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (10 persons)			3,188,366	(5)		23.3	%

 

* Denotes ownership of less than one percent of shares outstanding.

 

(1)

Shares listed include any shares owned by a spouse, minor children and immediate relatives who share the same household as a Director or officer. Inclusion of any such shares is not to be considered an admission of beneficial ownership.

(2)

Includes 2,412,647 shares held by Mr. Batten as trustee under various family trusts and as guardian for non-immediate family member. Also includes restricted stock grants of 44,986 shares that vest in fiscal 2023 and 51,994 shares that vest in fiscal 2024.

(3)

Includes restricted stock grants of 7,721 shares that vest in fiscal 2022, 18,724 shares that vest in fiscal 2023 and 22,877 shares that vest in fiscal 2024.

(4)

Includes restricted stock grants of 15,066 shares that vest in fiscal 2023, and 24,264 shares that vest in fiscal 2024.

(5)

Included above are unvested restricted shares as follows: Mr. Doar 13,296, Ms. Giesselman 13,296, Mr. Johnson 13,296, Mr. Rayburn 13,296, Mr. Smiley 13,296 and Mr. Stratton 13,296.

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Board of Directors has nominated the following persons to serve as Directors for the Corporation, each for a term to expire at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders following the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, as indicated below. Shares of common stock represented by properly executed proxy appointments will be voted for the three nominees listed unless authority to do so is withheld.

 

	Principal Occupation and Other
Name and	Public Company Directorships			Served as Director
Current Age	Held Within Past Five Years		Skills and Qualifications	Continuously Since
TERMS EXPIRE IN 2021:
David B. Rayburn     Age 73	Retired President and Chief Executive Officer, Modine Manufacturing Company, Racine, Wisconsin (A manufacturer of heat exchange equipment); Also Director, Lindsay Corporation (A provider of irrigation and water management systems).		As a former CEO of a public company, Mr. Rayburn has experience and skill sets in strategic planning, financial oversight, compensation policy and practices as well as organizational structure. In addition, Mr. Rayburn’s background includes international business, mergers and acquisitions, engineering and manufacturing in an industry related to the Corporation.	July 2000
Janet P. Giesselman     Age 67	Retired President of Dow Oil & Gas, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan. Also Director, Ag Growth International (A global provider of grain handling and storage equipment), Director, GCP (A construction products technology company), Director, Corteva Agriscience (An agricultural chemical company), Former Director, Avicanna, Inc. (A biopharmaceutical company) and Former Director, Omnova Solutions (A global provider of emulsion polymers and specialty chemicals).		Ms. Giesselman is a retired senior executive of a global public company. Her background includes strategic planning, financial oversight, sales, marketing, start-ups, mergers and acquisitions and global regulatory expertise. Ms. Giesselman has extensive international experience and a broad background in the oil and gas and the agricultural sectors.	June 2015
David W. Johnson     Age 58	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Johnson Outdoors, Inc., Racine, Wisconsin (A global provider of outdoor recreation products).		Mr. Johnson is a sitting CFO of a public company. His strengths include financial leadership, new business development, operational restructuring, cost savings and strategic analysis.	July 2016

 

 

 

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF ELECTING THE NOMINEES LISTED ABOVE AS DIRECTORS. UNLESS YOU INDICATE OTHERWISE ON YOUR PROXY, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THESE NOMINEES AS DIRECTORS.

 

The Directors whose terms are continuing, and the classes to which they have been elected, are set forth below. Each Director whose term is continuing was elected to his or her present term of office by a vote of shareholders at a meeting for which proxies were solicited.

 

	Principal Occupation and Other
Name and	Public Company Directorships			Served as Director
Current Age	Held Within Past Five Years		Skills and Qualifications	Continuously Since
CONTINUING DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2022:
John H. Batten     Age 56	Chief Executive Officer, Twin Disc, Incorporated since May 2019; formerly President and CEO since July 2013; formerly President and Chief Operating Officer since July 2008, and Executive Vice President since October 2004.		Mr. Batten is a sitting CEO of a public company. His skill sets include strategic and operational planning, financial oversight, and organizational development as well as extensive domestic and international experience in engineered products and a complex manufacturing environment.	December 2002
Harold M. Stratton II     Age 73	Chairman of the Board and retired Chief Executive Officer, Strattec Security Corporation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (A leading manufacturer of mechanical and electro-mechanical locks, latches, power opening/closing systems and related security/access control products for global automotive manufacturers).		Mr. Stratton is Board Chairman and retired CEO of a public company. He is skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, compensation and organizational matters. In addition, he has experience in international markets and in an industry involving complex manufacturing and products with high engineering content.	July 2004
CONTINUING DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2023:
Michael Doar     Age 66	Executive Chairman and former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hurco Companies, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana (A global manufacturer of machine tools)		Mr. Doar is Executive Chairman and former CEO of a public company. His experience includes strategic planning, financial oversight, compensation and organizational competencies.	October 2008
Michael C. Smiley     Age 62	Former Chief Financial Officer, Zebra Technologies Corp., Lincolnshire, Illinois (A global provider of enterprise asset intelligence solutions to identify, track and manage the deployment of critical assets for improved business efficiency). Mr. Smiley was previously a Director of the Corporation from 2010-2018.		Mr. Smiley is a former CFO of a public company. His competencies include strategic planning, financial oversight, mergers and acquisitions, extensive domestic and international experience in complex manufacturing and engineered and technology products.	August 2019

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF

THE CORPORATION’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended), the Board of Directors is holding a separate, non-binding advisory vote seeking approval of the compensation of the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed in the “Executive Compensation” portion of this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as “Say on Pay,” gives you the opportunity to indicate your support or lack of support for the Corporation’s fiscal 2021 compensation practices and programs for the Named Executive Officers by voting on the following resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the compensation paid to the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K including the executive compensation disclosures, is hereby APPROVED.

 

As described in the “Executive Compensation” section of this Proxy Statement, and in particular the “Executive Summary” portion of the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement, the Corporation has established a compensation program that is designed to attract and retain key employees, and reward those employees for the short-term and long-term performance of the Corporation.

 

A significant portion of the potential compensation of the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers is directly linked to the Corporation’s performance and the creation of shareholder value, and payments under the Corporation’s incentive programs have correlated to the Corporation’s actual performance. In addition, long-term performance stock awards were granted in 2018 subject to three-year objectives for return on invested capital, sales revenue and earnings per share. Based on the cumulative performance of the Corporation over the past three fiscal years with respect to these three performance measures, the performance stock awards did not vest and expired unvested in 2021.

 

The Corporation also maintains compensation practices that are aligned with sound governance practices. For example, the Corporation’s agreements with its Named Executive Officers are designed to avoid excess parachute payments under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, and thus do not provide for excise tax gross-ups for excess parachute payments. In addition, the Corporation’s change in control severance agreements with its Named Executive Officers contain “double trigger” provisions (i.e., both a change in control and an involuntary termination or resignation for good reason) in order for outstanding equity awards to vest and be paid.

 

This shareholder vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Corporation. However, the Board of Directors and its Compensation and Executive Development Committee will take the results of the vote into consideration in addressing future compensation policies and practices.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION PAID TO THE CORPORATION’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. UNLESS YOU INDICATE OTHERWISE ON YOUR PROXY, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION PAID TO THE CORPORATION’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Audit Committee has selected RSM US LLP (“RSM”) as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, including service to our consolidated subsidiaries. RSM has acted in this capacity since fiscal 2018, following a competitive bidding process. A representative of RSM will attend the Annual Meeting, will be given the opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. Stockholder ratification of the selection of RSM as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required. However, the Audit Committee deems it good corporate governance to submit the selection of RSM to the stockholders for ratification.

 

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Audit Fees

Aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for professional services rendered by RSM in connection with (i) the audit of the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended June 30, 2021 and June 30, 2020, including statutory audits of the financial statements of the Corporation’s affiliates, and (ii) the reviews of the Corporation’s quarterly financial statements were $1,215,900 and $1,155,800, respectively.

 

Audit-Related Fees

Aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by RSM for assurance and services reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Corporation’s financial statements not included in audit fees above were $47,900 and $8,800 for the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The fiscal 2021 fees related to attestation services required by a grant program at the Corporation’s foreign affiliate in Netherlands. The fiscal 2020 fees related to a statutory certification provided at the Corporation’s foreign affiliate in Belgium.

 

Tax Fees

There were no fees billed by RSM during the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, pertaining to tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning.

 

All Other Fees

During the years ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, there were no fees billed by RSM for products and services other than those listed above.

 

The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of services rendered above that were not related to its audit of the Corporation’s financial statements were at all times compatible with maintaining RSM’s independence.

 

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

The Audit Committee annually pre-approves known or anticipated audit and non-audit services and fees. Additional non-audit services and fees not included in the annual pre-approval are submitted to a designated committee member for approval before the work is performed. These fees are then presented at the next Audit Committee meeting for formal documentation of approval. For the year ended June 30, 2021, 100% of audit-related, tax and other fees were pre-approved.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF RSM US LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2022. UNLESS YOU INDICATE OTHERWISE, YOUR PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" RATIFICATION.

 

 

 

 

PROPOSAL 4:  APPROVAL OF THE TWIN DISC, INCORPORATED

2021 LONG TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

 

The Board of Directors has presented for approval the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2021 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). It is the judgment of the Board of Directors that the long-term incentive grants made under the Corporation’s previous long-term incentive plans have been effective and useful in attracting, retaining and motivating officers and other key employees of the Corporation, as well as in encouraging them to increase their stock ownership in the Corporation.  The adoption of the Plan is expected to benefit the Corporation and its shareholders by enabling the Corporation to continue to be competitive in its search for and retention of outstanding employees, and to encourage them to increase their proprietary interests in the Corporation.

 

If approved, the Plan will replace the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (as amended, the “2018 Plan”). Accordingly, no additional stock-based awards will be granted under the 2018 Plan following shareholder approval of the Plan.

 

Certain Material Differences Between the Plan and the 2018 Plan

 

The following is a summary of certain material differences between the Plan and the 2018 Plan. Most of these changes are intended to improve upon certain best practices already included in the 2018 Plan. This summary is qualified by and subject to the actual provisions of the Plan, which is attached as Appendix A.

 

●

Shares Available. The aggregate number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan is 715,000 shares.

 

●

Share Recycling. The 2018 Plan provided that with respect to the exercise of stock options, stock appreciation rights, settled in stock, and shares issued following the lapse of restrictions on restricted stock units or the satisfaction of performance goals with respect to performance stock, the gross number of shares, not the net number of shares issued, underlying the options are counted against the Plan’s maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan. The Plan includes these same provisions, and adds that shares of restricted stock that are forfeited will again be subject to issuance under the Plan.

 

●

The Plan allows the Committee to delegate to the CEO of the Corporation the ability to grant awards to employees who are not executive officers or directors of the Corporation.

 

●

The Plan allows participants to elect to satisfy tax withholding obligations with shares of stock of the Corporation (including shares of stock that are part of the award).

 

These changes add to certain best practices that were already contained in the 2018 Plan, including:

 

●

Share Recycling. The Plan provides that shares received by the Company in connection with the exercise of an award, including shares tendered in payment of a stock option’s or stock appreciation right’s exercise price or shares tendered to the Company for the satisfaction of any tax liability or the satisfaction of a tax withholding obligation, may not be made subject to issuance pursuant to a later Award.

 

●

Minimum Vesting of Awards. All awards issued under the Plan must have a minimum one-year vesting schedule from the date on which the award is granted; provided, however, that awards that result in the issuance of an aggregate of up to five percent (5%) of the shares of the Corporation’s common stock available under the Plan may be granted to participants without regard to the minimum vesting requirement.

 

 

 

 

●

No Evergreen Provisions. The Plan does not contain a provision for automatic funding additions over the life of the Plan.

 

●

Double Trigger for Payouts Relating to a Change in Control. The Plan does not automatically vest and pay out awards following a change in control of the company. Rather, awards will only vest and be paid out based on a change in control if the participant is involuntarily terminated or resigns for good reason (as defined) following a change in control.

 

●

“Change in Control” Definition. The “Change in Control” definition, as it pertains to involuntary termination following a change in control, provides that a change in control occurs upon the consummation of a merger, consolidation, liquidation, or sale of substantially all of the Company’s assets, rather than upon shareholder approval of such events.

 

●

Clawback Provisions. All awards under the Plan are subject to any applicable clawback laws, clawback provisions of the listing standards of NASDAQ, and any clawback policy adopted, and amended from time to time, by the Committee.

 

Share Usage in 2018 Plan and 2010 and 2020 Directors’ Plans

 

As of August 19, 2021, there were no further shares of common stock that remained available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan (assuming performance-based units are paid out at maximum). Any shares issuable pursuant to outstanding awards that are forfeited after August 19, 2021 and that would otherwise be available for future grants under the 2018 Plan will cease to be available for future grants if the 2021 Plan is approved by our stockholders. There were also 666,913 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2020 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2020 Directors’ Plan”), which will continue to be available for future grants.

 

The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding equity outstanding as of August 19, 2021, for all Twin Disc equity award plans. These figures include awards made under the 2021 Plan, which is subject to shareholder approval. The figures represent an update to those provided in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, filed on September 2, 2021, and in the section of this proxy statement entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

 

Outstanding options/SARs			0
Outstanding restricted stock, restricted stock units, and performance stock (1)			1,200,371
Total ordinary shares outstanding			13,654,965

 

(1) Assumes performance-based units are paid out at maximum.

 

Combined, these figures represented approximately 8.79% of ordinary shares outstanding as of August 19, 2021.

 

 

 

 

The Company’s grant history over the past three fiscal years under the 2018 Plan and the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2010 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2010 Director’s Plan”) and 2020 Directors’ Plan was as follows:

 

		Restricted Stock Awarded (Officers)				Restricted Stock Units Awarded (Officers)				Performance Stock Awarded (At Target)				Performance Stock Vested for Three Year Period Ending				Restricted Stock Awarded (Non- Employee Directors)				Weighted Average Basic Common Shares Outstanding
FY2019			23,721				37,950				50,004				78,544				19,584				12,571,013
FY2020			131,980				0				131,688				31,146				48,489				13,153,330
FY2021			168,717				0				265,256				0				83,087				13,246,501
TOTALS			324,418				37,950				446,948				109,690				151,160			NA

 

 

For the performance stock that was awarded in fiscal 2019, all of the shares were forfeited based on the Company’s performance for the three-year fiscal period that ended June 30, 2021. Performance stock awards that were granted in fiscal 2018 with respect to the three-year fiscal period that ended June 30, 2020 vested at 67.5% of target, and performance stock awards that were granted in fiscal 2017 with respect to the three-year performance period that ended on June 30, 2019 vested at 78.87% of target. With respect to the grants of restricted stock shown above, a total of 12,000 shares of restricted stock granted to officers and 0 shares of restricted stock granted to directors were forfeited. With respect to the grants of restricted stock units shown above, a total of 0 shares were forfeited.

 

Material Features of the Plan

 

A summary of the material features of the Plan and the federal income tax consequences of the Plan follows.  Statements about the Plan are qualified by and subject to the actual provisions of the Plan, which is attached as Appendix A.

 

Administration

 

The Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Board of Directors, or such other committee as the Board of Directors may designate (the “Committee”), will administer the Plan.  The Committee has the discretionary authority to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, to select the eligible employees who shall receive awards under the Plan, to grant awards under the Plan and determine the terms and conditions of such awards, and to interpret the Plan and/or any agreement entered into under the Plan.

 

Eligibility

 

The Plan is designed to benefit key employees (including officers) of the Corporation and its subsidiaries who, in the opinion of the Committee, are mainly responsible for the success and future growth of the Corporation and/or any of its subsidiaries.  It is not possible at this time to determine who may be selected to receive options and/or other benefits under the Plan or the amount of common stock to be optioned or awarded to any person.  It is expected, however, that the Committee will make these determinations on the basis of the person's responsibilities and present and potential contributions to the Corporation’s success, and that among those who may qualify as recipients of options and/or related benefits will be officers and other key employees of the Corporation and its majority-owned subsidiaries.  There are currently approximately 20 employees that the Corporation anticipates will receive awards under the Plan.

 

 

 

 

Awards Available Under the Plan

 

Benefits under the Plan (“Benefits”) may be granted, awarded or paid in any one or a combination of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards, performance unit awards, and dividend equivalent awards.  The aggregate number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan is 715,000 shares, which may be authorized and unissued shares or shares reacquired by the Corporation in the open market or a combination of both.  The aggregate amount is subject to proportionate adjustments for stock dividends, stock splits and similar changes.

 

Stock Options.  Stock options consist of options (either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options) to purchase shares of the Corporation’s common stock.  The Committee establishes the time(s) at which options may be exercised and whether all of the options may be exercisable at one time or in increments over time.  The option price or procedure for setting the option price is set by the Committee at the time of granting of an option.  The purchase price of option shares may be paid in cash, common stock of the Corporation, a combination of both, or such other legal and appropriate forms or means as the Committee may determine.  A maximum of 100,000 options may be granted to a participant during any fiscal year.  In the event of stock dividends, splits and similar capital changes, the Plan provides for appropriate adjustments in the number and option prices of shares subject to outstanding options.

 

For incentive stock options, the option price may not be less than the fair market value of the Corporation's stock on the date of grant; however, if the recipient owns more than 10% of the Corporation's stock, the option price must be at least 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant.  Incentive stock options must be exercised within ten years after the date of grant unless the recipient of the option owns more than 10% of the Corporation's stock, in which case they must be exercised within five years of the date of grant. Under certain circumstances, extensions or other modifications of outstanding options may result in disqualification of an option as an incentive option.

 

For non-qualified options, the option price may not be less than the fair market value of the Corporation's stock on the date of grant.  The option holder must also pay the Corporation, at the time of exercise, the amount of federal, state and local withholding taxes required to be withheld by the Corporation.  These taxes may be settled in cash or with common stock of the Corporation, including stock that is part of the award or that is received upon exercise of the stock option that gives rise to the withholding requirement.

 

Except for certain corporate events (e.g., stock splits), repricing of options and repurchase of underwater options are expressly prohibited, unless approved by the Corporation’s shareholders.

 

Stock Appreciation Rights.  Stock appreciation rights may be granted under the Plan with respect to options granted concurrently or previously under the Plan ("Tandem SARs") or on a stand-alone basis ("Stand Alone SARs").  A maximum of 100,000 stock appreciation rights may be granted to a participant during any fiscal year.

 

Each Tandem SAR permits the holder to receive the difference between the market price (on the date of exercise) of the shares to which it relates and the option price thereof.  A Tandem SAR will be exercisable at the time and to the extent the option to which it relates is exercisable.  Holders of Tandem SARs will be permitted to exercise the right or the related option, but not both.  Upon exercise of a Tandem SAR, rights will be paid in cash.  Any exercise will reduce the shares issuable under the Plan under which the related option was granted by the number of shares with respect to which the right is exercised.

 

 

 

 

Each Stand Alone SAR permits the holder to receive the difference between the market price (on the date of exercise) of the shares to which it relates and the exercise price of such shares (i.e., the value specified in the agreement governing the grant of the Stand Alone SAR).  The exercise price may not be less than the fair market value of the Corporation's stock on the date of grant.  Upon exercise, rights will be paid in common stock of the Corporation or cash, or a combination of both, as determined by the Committee.

 

Except for certain corporate events (e.g., stock splits), repricing of SARs and repurchase of underwater SARs are expressly prohibited, unless approved by the Corporation’s shareholders.

 

Restricted Stock.   Restricted stock becomes vested only if earned by the recipient by remaining in the employment of the Corporation, subject to certain exceptions.  The minimum restriction on shares of restricted stock is one year of continued service by the participant, but the Committee may impose longer service requirements and/or additional restrictions.  Restricted stock may also be subject to vesting in installments.  Until the restrictions lapse, the holder of restricted stock may not sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer the restricted stock. Dividends on shares of restricted stock will be paid only if, when and to the extent the underlying shares of restricted stock vest. The Committee does not have discretion to override this requirement.

 

Restricted Stock Units. Restricted stock units represent a right to receive a specified number of shares of the Corporation’s common stock upon the lapse of a substantial risk of forfeiture. The minimum restriction on shares of restricted stock units is one year of continued service by the participant, but the Committee may impose longer service requirements and/or additional restrictions. There is no purchase or exercise price associated with restricted stock units or with the shares issued in settlement of the award. Restricted stock units do not entitle participants to voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends until shares of common stock are issued in settlement of such awards. The Committee may, however, grant dividend equivalent awards to participants who receive restricted stock units.

 

Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units.   A cash-settled restricted stock unit entitles the participant to a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of the common stock of the Corporation upon the lapse of a substantial risk of forfeiture.  The minimum restriction on cash-settled restricted stock units shall be one year of continued service by the participant.  Other restrictions may include continued employment by the participant for a longer period of time, satisfaction of performance goals, or any other factors that the Committee deems relevant.

 

Performance Stock Awards.  Performance stock awards provide for artificial shares, contingently granted, and entitle the participant to actual shares of common stock at the time of payment if predetermined performance goals are achieved.  A maximum of 100,000 shares of performance stock may be granted to a participant during any fiscal year.

 

Performance Stock Units.  A performance stock unit entitles the participant to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of common stock of the Corporation if predetermined performance goals are achieved.  The vesting date will be the last day of the performance period in which a performance goal is met.  A maximum of 200,000 performance stock units may be granted to a participant during any fiscal year.

 

Performance Units.  A performance unit entitles the participant to receive a specified cash payment in the event the Corporation achieves predetermined objectives.  The Plan restricts the maximum amount that may be paid to a participant in any fiscal year pursuant to an award of performance units to $500,000.

 

Dividend Equivalent Awards. Dividend equivalent awards entitle the participant to receive amounts equal to ordinary dividends that are paid on the shares underlying an award while the award is outstanding. Such awards may be granted on a free-standing basis or in connection with another award, except that dividend equivalent awards may not be granted with respect to options or SARS. Dividend equivalent awards relating to an underlying award shall be paid only if, when and to the extent such underlying award vests, and payments due under stand-alone dividend equivalent awards shall be made after applicable restrictions lapse or the vesting conditions are satisfied.

 

 

 

 

Material Terms of the Performance Goals

 

The performance goals for performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards, and performance unit awards may be established by the Committee, based on one or more of the following measures, or upon such other business criteria as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion:

 

☐	gross revenues	☐	debt to EBITDA ratios (including but not limited to the ratio of total funded debt to four quarter EBITDA, as defined in loan covenants of the Corporation)
☐	sales	☐	net income
☐	net asset turnover	☐	operating income
☐	earnings per share	☐	net income margin
☐	cash flow	☐	return on net assets
☐	cash flow from operations	☐	return on total sales
☐	return on investment in excess of cost of capital (i.e., net operating profit after taxes minus the Corporation’s capital charge)	☐	return on common equity
☐	net operating profit after taxes as a percentage of the Corporation’s capital charge	☐	return on total capital
☐	operating profit or income	☐	total shareholder return
☐	EBITDA as a percent of sales

 

The Committee may establish targets under one or more of these performance goals based on single year or multi-year periods; on a Corporation-wide basis or with respect to one or more subsidiaries, business units, divisions or departments of the Corporation; in absolute terms, relative to the performance of one or more similarly situated companies, or relative to the performance of an index covering a peer group of companies; and with or without regard to changes in accounting or extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items.

 

Non-transferability

 

Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an award, a participant's rights shall be exercisable during lifetime only by the participant, and no award may be sold, transferred or assigned, except that options and stock appreciation rights are transferable by will and pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution.

 

 

 

 

Effect of Termination of Employment

 

Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an award or as determined by the Committee, if a participant’s employment is terminated due to death or disability: (i) all options and stock appreciation rights shall immediately vest and will be fully exercisable for a period specified by the Plan; (ii) restrictions on shares of restricted stock shall lapse; (iii) restrictions on restricted stock units shall lapse and the participant (or their designated beneficiary) will receive the number of shares of common stock represented by such restricted stock units; (iv) restrictions on cash-settled restricted stock units shall lapse and the participant (or their designated beneficiary) will receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of the Corporation’s common stock as of the date of termination for each such unit; (v) the participant (or their designated beneficiary) shall receive a prorated payout of any performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards and performance unit awards; and (vi) restrictions on dividend equivalent awards shall lapse and the participant (or their designated beneficiary) will receive a cash payment equal to the amount of dividend equivalents credited to the participant.

 

Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an award or as determined by the Committee, if a participant voluntarily terminates employment before retirement or is terminated for cause: (i) all unexpired and unexercised options and stock appreciation rights shall immediately terminate; (ii) all shares of restricted stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited (except that the Board or the Committee may waive such forfeiture); (iii) all restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, and dividend equivalent awards still subject to restriction shall be forfeited (except that the Committee may waive such forfeiture); and (iv) all performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards and performance unit awards shall be forfeited by the participant.

 

Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an award or as determined by the Committee, if a participant terminates employment for any other reason than those described above: (i) unexpired and unexercised options and stock appreciation rights shall terminate, except that vested options or stock appreciation rights may be exercised by the participant for three years (three months for incentive stock options) after the participant's termination (or until the expiration of the option or stock appreciation right if shorter); (ii) shares of restricted stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited (except that the Committee may waive such forfeiture); (iii) all restricted stock units, cash-settled restricted stock units, and dividend equivalent awards still subject to restriction shall be forfeited (except that the Committee may waive such forfeiture); and (iv) the participant shall receive a prorated payout of any performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards and performance unit awards if and when the performance goals are achieved.

 

Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an award or as determined by the Committee, if a an event constituting a change in control of the Corporation occurs and a participant either terminates employment for good reason or is involuntarily terminated by the Corporation without cause after the change in control: (i) unexpired and unexercised options and stock appreciation rights shall immediately vest and will be fully exercisable, and the participant shall receive a cash payment (which would be in lieu of shares in the case of options) equal to the higher of the closing price of shares of Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the date of termination of employment or the highest per share price for shares of Common Stock actually paid in connection with any Change in Control of the Company, over the per share exercise price for such option or SAR; (ii) restrictions on shares of restricted stock shall lapse and forfeitability provisions shall cease to apply; (iii) forfeitability provisions relating to restricted stock units shall immediately cease to apply and the participant shall be issued the number of shares of common stock represented by such restricted stock units; (iv) forfeitability provisions relating to cash-settled restricted stock units shall immediately cease to apply and the participant will receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of the Corporation’s common stock; (v) the participant shall receive a payout of any performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards and performance unit awards as if the target performance objectives had been fully achieved (except that for any Participant who received an award under the Plan or the 2018 Plan prior to November 1, 2021 shall receive a payout of any performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards and performance unit awards as if the maximum performance objectives had been fully achieved); and (vi) dividend equivalent awards shall immediately vest and the participant will receive a cash payment equal to the amount of dividend equivalents credited to the participant.

 

 

 

Amendment

 

The Board of Directors may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan.  However, no such change may impair the rights of any participant under any Benefit without the participant's consent, and no amendment shall, without the approval of the Corporation's shareholders, (i) increase the total number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan or increase the amount or type of option that may be granted under the Plan; (ii) change the minimum purchase price, if any, of shares of common stock that may be subject to options under the Plan; (iii) modify the eligibility requirements under the Plan; (iv) extend the term of the Plan; or (v) constitute a material revision of the Plan under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market (or other applicable listing standards).

 

Clawbacks

 

All awards under the Plan are subject to any applicable clawback laws, clawback provisions of the listing standards of NASDAQ, and any clawback policy adopted, and amended from time to time, by the Committee.  The Committee shall have discretion with respect to any clawback to determine whether the Company shall effect such recovery (i) by seeking repayment from the participant; (ii) by reducing amounts that would otherwise be payable to the participant under any compensatory plan, program or arrangement maintained by the Corporation or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Corporation (subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement); (iii) by withholding payment of future increases in compensation (including the payment of any discretionary bonus amounts) or grants of compensatory awards that would have otherwise been made in accordance with the Corporation’s applicable compensation practices; or (iv) by any combination of the above.

 

Effective Date

 

The Plan became effective on August 4, 2021, the date it was approved by the Board of Directors, provided that the shareholders approve the Plan by a majority of votes at a meeting of such shareholders before the first anniversary of the effective date of the Plan.  All awards made under the Plan will be null and void if the shareholders do not approve the Plan before August 4, 2022. No stock options or other Benefits included in the Plan may be granted after August 4, 2031.

 

Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

The following discussion of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences of the Twin Disc, Incorporated, 2021 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan is based on statutory authority and judicial and administrative interpretations as of the date of this Proxy Statement, which are subject to change at any time (possibly with retroactive effect) and may vary in individual circumstances.  It is designed to provide a general understanding of the Corporation's interpretation of the U.S. federal income tax consequences for individuals who are U.S. citizens or residents.  State, local and other tax consequences are not addressed below.

 

Stock Options.  The grant of a stock option does not produce taxable income to the employee or a tax deduction to the Corporation or any subsidiary.  Upon exercise of a non-qualified option, the excess of the fair market value of the common stock acquired over the option price is (a) taxable to the employee as ordinary income and (b) deductible by the employer (assuming withholding, if required).  The tax basis for the common stock acquired is the option price plus that taxable excess.

 

Upon exercise of an incentive option, the excess of the fair market value of the common stock acquired over the option price will be an item of tax preference to the employee (unless the employee disposes of the common stock in that same year).  If the common stock is held by the employee for at least two years after the date of grant and one year after the date of exercise of the option (i) the employee does not realize any income as a result of exercising the option, (ii) the tax basis of the common stock received is the option price, and (iii) the Corporation is not entitled to any tax deduction by reason of the exercise.  Any gain realized on the ultimate sale of the common stock that is held for the appropriate period is treated as gain resulting from the disposition of a capital asset.  If the employee does not hold the common stock for at least two years after the date of a grant and one year after the date of exercise, the excess of the fair market value of the common stock at the time of exercise of the option (or the proceeds of disposition, if less) over the option price will, in the year of disposition, be (a) taxable to the employee as ordinary income and (b) deductible by the Corporation (assuming withholding, if required).  The tax basis for the common stock received will be the option price plus that taxable excess.  The gain realized on the sale of the common stock over the tax basis will be treated as gain resulting from the disposition of a capital asset.

 

 

 

 

Stock Appreciation Rights.  No income will be recognized by the recipient of a stock appreciation right until shares representing the amount of the appreciation or the tax equivalent, if so elected, are transferred to the recipient pursuant to the exercise of the right.  The amount of such income will be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the exercise date (or the cash equivalent), and will be ordinary income. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Code, the Corporation will be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same amount.

 

Restricted Stock.  The grant of a restricted stock award will not result in taxable income to the employee on the date of the grant, unless the employee makes a timely election under Section 83(b) of the Code to include in income the fair market value of the restricted shares as of the date of such transfer.  At the time the substantial risk of forfeiture terminates with respect to a restricted stock award, the then fair market value of the stock will constitute ordinary income to the employee, and the Corporation will then be entitled to a deduction in the same amount. However, an employee who makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the date of transfer of the shares will have taxable ordinary income on the date of transfer of the shares equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares (determined without regard to the substantial risk of forfeiture) over the purchase price, if any, of such restricted shares. If an employee makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Corporation generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction in the year of grant.

 

Any appreciation (or depreciation) after the date the value of the restricted shares initially becomes taxable to the employee that the employee later realizes upon a subsequent disposition of such shares will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain (or loss) depending upon how long the shares have been held. If a Section 83(b) election has not been made, any dividends received with respect to restricted shares that are subject to restrictions generally will be treated as deferred compensation that is taxable as ordinary income to the employee.

 

Restricted Stock Units. The grant of a restricted stock unit will not result in realization of taxable income as long as the award remains in the form of a restricted stock unit. When the restricted stock unit is extinguished and stock is issued, the tax consequences for restricted stock awards (see above paragraph) will be recognized. An election to have the restricted stock unit taxed at the grant date cannot be made under Section 83(b) of the Code because no stock is transferred to the participant on the grant date of the restricted stock unit.

 

Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units.  The grant of cash-settled restricted stock units will not ordinarily result in taxable income to the employee on the date of grant.  At the time the substantial risk of forfeiture terminates with respect to such award, any cash received will constitute ordinary income to the employee, and the Corporation will then be entitled to a deduction in the same amount.

 

Performance Stock Awards, Performance Stock Unit Awards and Performance Unit Awards.   The grant of a performance stock, performance stock unit or performance unit award generally will result in taxable income to the employee on the earlier of actual receipt of compensation pursuant to the award or when compensation is credited to the employee's account, or set apart, or otherwise made available.  Subject to the applicable provisions of the Code, including but not limited to Section 162(m) of the Code, a deduction for federal income tax purposes will be allowable to the Corporation in an amount equal to the compensation realized by the employee.

 

 

 

 

Dividend Equivalent Awards. A participant who receives a dividend equivalent award generally will not recognize any taxable income, and the Corporation will not have any tax consequences, at the time the dividend equivalent award is granted. When a participant is paid for the award, the amount of any cash received will constitute ordinary income to the participant, and the Corporation will be entitled to a tax deduction in the same amount in the year the award is paid.

 

Tax Effect for the Corporation. The Corporation will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in connection with awards under the Plan in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by a participant and at the time the participant recognizes such income. However, special rules limit the deductibility of compensation paid to “covered employees” within the meaning of Code Section 162(m). Under Code Section 162(m), the annual compensation paid to any of these specified employees will be deductible only to the extent that it does not exceed $1,000,000.

 

Vote Required

 

The Plan will be adopted if approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of the Corporation's common stock that are represented at the annual meeting (either in person or by proxy) and are voted in connection with the adoption of the Plan.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE TWIN DISC, INCORPORATED 2021 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN.  UNLESS YOU INDICATE OTHERWISE ON YOUR PROXY, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL.

 

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

The Corporation's business is conducted under the direction of the Board of Directors, pursuant to the laws of the State of Wisconsin and our Restated Bylaws. Members of the Board of Directors are kept informed of the Corporation’s business through discussions with the Chief Executive Officer and with key members of management, by reviewing materials provided to them, and by participating in meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.

 

The Corporation has reviewed its corporate governance policies and practices, particularly in light of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and rule changes made or proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the NASDAQ Stock Market. We believe that our current policies and practices meet all applicable requirements. Our updated corporate governance policies, including updated charters for committees of the Board, are made available to our shareholders on our website, www.twindisc.com, and/or through appropriate mailings.

 

Board Independence

 

The Corporation requires, as set forth in its Guidelines for Corporate Governance, that a majority of the Board members be independent outside Directors. "Independent Director," as used here, means a person other than an officer or employee of the Corporation or its subsidiaries or any other individual having a relationship which, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a Director. At a minimum, to qualify as "independent," a Director must so qualify under governing rules, regulations and standards, including those issued by the SEC and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board assesses independence on an ongoing basis, and the Directors are responsible for bringing to the attention of the Nominating and Governance Committee any changes to their status that may affect independence. In addition, the Directors are required to complete, on at least an annual basis, a questionnaire prepared by the Corporation that is designed to elicit information that relates to the independence assessment. A majority of the current Board of Directors are independent Directors.

 

The Board has determined that the following Directors are independent within the meaning of SEC regulations, the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Corporation's Guidelines for Corporate Governance: Messrs. Doar, Johnson, Rayburn, Smiley and Stratton, and Ms. Giesselman.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) are separated between Mr. Rayburn and Mr. Batten. This allows our CEO (Mr. Batten) to focus on the day-to-day business operations, while allowing the Chairman of the Board (Mr. Rayburn) to lead our Board in its role of providing oversight and advice to management. The Board retains the authority to modify this leadership structure as and when appropriate to best address the Company’s current circumstances and to advance the interests of all shareholders.

 

The Chairman of the Board presides over executive sessions of the independent directors; serves as liaison between the CEO and other independent directors; consults with the CEO as to appropriate scheduling and agendas of meetings of the Board; and serves as the principal liaison for communication by shareholders and employees directed specifically toward non-management directors.

 

 

 

 

Board’s Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Corporation’s Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for overseeing the Corporation’s approach to business risks that it faces. The Board receives regular reports from the Corporation’s management regarding significant developments in the industries and markets in which the Corporation competes, as well as information regarding the Corporation’s financial performance, capital needs and liquidity. With the assistance of management, the Board regularly identifies the risks that are most significant to the Corporation. The Board’s agendas are planned so that each of these risks, the potential exposure they create, management’s efforts to manage those risks and other mitigating activities, are discussed at least annually. Risk management is also an integral part of the Corporation’s annual strategic planning process, and risks identified through that process are also reviewed and discussed by the full Board.

 

Various committees of the Board also have roles in the oversight of risk management. The Audit Committee focuses on financial risk, including the Corporation’s internal controls regarding finance, accounting, legal compliance and ethical behavior. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee evaluates risks that may be created by the Corporation’s compensation policies and practices, and also annually reviews the adequacy and status of the Corporation’s management succession plans.

 

Guidelines for Business Conduct and Ethics

 

Our Guidelines for Business Conduct and Ethics (the "Guidelines") summarize the compliance and ethical standards and expectations we have for all our employees, executive officers and Directors with respect to their conduct in furtherance of the Corporation’s business. The Guidelines, which are available on the Corporation’s website, www.twindisc.com, contain procedures for reporting suspected violations of the provisions contained in the Guidelines, including procedures for the reporting of questionable accounting or auditing matters, or other concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. These materials are also available in print to any shareholder upon request. If we make any substantive amendment to the Guidelines, we will disclose the nature of such amendment on our website at www.twindisc.com or in a current report on Form 8-K. In addition, if a waiver from the Guidelines is granted to an executive officer or Director, we will disclose the nature of such waiver on our website at www.twindisc.com or in a current report on Form 8-K.

 

Anti-Hedging and Pledging Policies

 

Under our Insider Trading Policy, all executive officers, Directors and employees of the Corporation are prohibited from trading in options, warrants, puts and calls or other similar instruments on securities of the Corporation or engaging in short sales of securities of the Corporation.  In addition, our Insider Trading Policy prohibits all executive officers, Directors and employees of the Corporation from engaging in any hedging or monetization transactions involving securities of the Corporation, and prohibits Directors and executive officers from holding securities of the Corporation in a margin account or pledging securities of the Corporation as collateral for a loan.  Our Insider Trading Policy is available on our website, www.twindisc.com

 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

 

Our Guidelines also specifically require that all employees, executive officers and Directors refrain from business activities, including personal investments, which conflict with the proper discharge of their responsibilities to the Corporation or impair their ability to exercise independent judgment with respect to transactions in which they are involved on behalf of the Corporation. The Guidelines include policies on the review and approval of significant transactions between the Corporation and its executive officers or employees, and their relatives or businesses.

 

 

 

 

At the end of each fiscal year, each Director and officer must respond to a questionnaire that requires him or her to identify any transaction or relationship that occurred during the prior two fiscal years or any proposed transaction that involves the Corporation (or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Corporation) and that individual, their immediate family and any entity with which they or such immediate family member are associated. All responses to the questionnaires are reviewed by the Corporation’s internal auditing department and shared with the CEO and Audit Committee, as appropriate. Based upon such review, there were no related party transactions with respect to persons who were Directors or executive officers during fiscal 2020 or fiscal 2021 requiring disclosure under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

DIRECTOR COMMITTEES AND ATTENDANCE

 

Meetings of the Board of Directors and Board Committees; Attendance

 

The Corporation’s Board of Directors met eight times during the year ended June 30, 2021. Among incumbent Directors, there were three absences from these meetings. The Audit Committee met five times during the year. The Nominating and Governance Committee met two times during the year. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee met five times during the year. Each incumbent Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Committees on which the Director served.

 

Director Committee Functions

 

Audit Committee

 

The Corporation has a separately-designated Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The charter of the Audit Committee is available on the Corporation's website, www.twindisc.com. It was most recently reviewed on August 4, 2021.

 

All of the members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of the SEC regulations, the listing standards of NASDAQ Stock Market and the Corporation's Guidelines for Corporate Governance. The Board of Directors has determined that each Audit Committee member (Mr. Smiley (Chair), Mr. Stratton, Ms. Giesselman, and Mr. Johnson) qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of SEC rules.

 

The Audit Committee's purpose is to assist the Board of Directors in monitoring the:

 

●

Integrity of the Corporation's financial statements;

●

Independent auditor's qualifications and independence;

●

Performance of the Corporation's internal audit function and the independent auditors; and

●

Corporation's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

In carrying out these responsibilities, the Audit Committee, among other things:

 

●

Appoints the independent auditor for the purpose of preparing and issuing an audit report and to perform related work, and discusses with the independent auditor appropriate staffing and compensation;

●

Retains, as necessary or appropriate, independent legal, accounting or other advisors;

●

Oversees management's implementation of systems of internal controls, including review of policies relating to legal and regulatory compliance, ethics and conflicts of interests, and reviews the activities and recommendations of the Corporation's internal auditing program;

 

 

 

 

●

Monitors the preparation of quarterly and annual financial reports by the Corporation's management, including discussions with management and the Corporation's independent auditors about draft annual financial statements and key accounting and reporting matters;

●

Determines whether the outside auditors are independent (based in part on the annual letter provided to the Corporation pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communication with the audit committee concerning independence); and

●

Annually reviews management's programs to monitor compliance with the Corporation's Guidelines for Business Conduct and Ethics.

 

Nominating and Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee recommends nominees for the Board to the Board of Directors. The Committee will consider nominees recommended by shareholders in writing to the Secretary. In addition, the Committee develops and recommends to the Board a set of effective corporate governance policies and procedures applicable to the Corporation, and reviews proposed changes in corporate structure and governance, committee structure and function, and meeting schedules, making recommendations to the Board as appropriate. The charter of the Nominating and Governance Committee is available on the Corporation’s website, www.twindisc.com. The independence of the Committee is in compliance with SEC regulations, the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market and the Corporation’s Guidelines for Corporate Governance.

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies candidates for Director nominees in consultation with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, through the use of search firms or other advisers, or through such other methods as the Committee deems to be helpful to identify candidates, including the processes identified herein. The Committee will also consider Director candidates recommended to the Committee by shareholders. The procedures for recommendation of nominees by shareholders are available on the Corporation’s web site, www.twindisc.com. Shareholder recommendations to the Committee for Director candidates shall follow the following procedures:

 

a.

The Committee must receive any such shareholder recommendations for Director candidates on or before the last business day in the month of March preceding that year's annual meeting.

 

b.

Such recommendation for nomination shall be in writing and shall include the following information:

i.

Name and address of the shareholder, whether an entity or an individual, making the recommendation;

ii.

A written statement of the shareholder’s beneficial ownership of the Corporation's securities;

iii.

Name and address of the individual recommended for consideration as a Director nominee;

iv.

A written statement from the shareholder making the recommendation stating why such recommended candidate would be able to fulfill the duties of a Director;

v.

A written statement from the shareholder making the recommendation stating how the recommended candidate meets the independence requirements established by the SEC and the NASDAQ Stock Market;

vi.

A written statement disclosing the recommended candidate's beneficial ownership of the Corporation's securities;

vii.

A written statement disclosing relationships between the recommended candidate and the Corporation which may constitute a conflict of interest; and

viii.

Any other information relating to the recommended candidate that would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for the election of Directors under the Securities Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

c.

Recommendation for nomination must be sent to the attention of the Committee via the U.S. Mail or by expedited delivery service, addressed to:

 

Twin Disc, Incorporated

1328 Racine Street

Racine, WI 53403

Attn: Nominating and Governance Committee

c/o Secretary of Twin Disc, Incorporated

 

In identifying potential candidates, the Nominating and Governance Committee confirms that the candidates meet all of the minimum qualifications for Director nominees set forth below. The Committee does not have a formal diversity policy, but it does consider a candidate’s potential to contribute to the diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds or experiences to the Board as one of many factors in choosing a candidate for the Board. In the end, candidates are selected based on their qualifications and skills and the needs of the Board as a whole, with the goal of having a Board composed of Directors with a diverse mix of financial, business, technological and other skills and experiences. The Committee may gather information about the candidates through interviews, background checks, or any other means that the Committee deems to be helpful in the evaluation process. The Committee then meets as a group to discuss and evaluate the qualities and skills of each candidate, both on an individual basis and taking into account the overall composition and needs of the Board. There is no difference in the manner by which the Committee evaluates potential Director nominees, whether recommended by the Board or by a shareholder.

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates each individual candidate in the context of the overall composition and needs of the Board, with the objective of recommending a group that can best manage the business and affairs of the Corporation and represent shareholder interests using its diversity of experience. A Director must have substantial or significant business or professional experience or an understanding of technology, finance, marketing, financial reporting, international business, strategy, organization or other disciplines relevant to the business of the Corporation. A Director must be free from any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of his or her judgment as a member of the Board or of a Board committee. This does not preclude an otherwise qualified employee of the Corporation from serving as a Director, as long as the majority of Directors satisfies the independence requirements of the regulatory bodies. Each Director will be expected to review and agree to adhere to the Corporation’s Guidelines for Business Conduct and Ethics, as in effect from time to time. The Committee will consider these and other qualifications, skills and attributes when recommending candidates for the Board's selection as nominees for the Board and as candidates for appointment to the Board's committees.

 

Compensation and Executive Development Committee

 

Scope of Authority - The primary purpose of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee is: (i) to assist the Board in discharging its responsibilities in respect to the compensation of the Corporation's executive officers and Directors; (ii) to produce an annual report for inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy statement on executive compensation; and (iii) to lead the process of management succession. The Committee approves the design of, assesses the effectiveness of, and administers executive compensation programs in support of compensation policies of the Corporation.

 

The Compensation and Executive Development Committee charter expressly grants the Committee the authority and responsibility required by the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, which includes the ability to retain or obtain advice from a compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser, and to compensate and oversee the work of any compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser retained by the Committee. The Committee charter also requires the Committee to determine the independence of any such compensation consultant, legal counsel or other adviser to the extent required by the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

 

 

 

The charter of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee is available on the Corporation’s website, www.twindisc.com. The Corporation last reviewed the Compensation and Executive Development Committee charter on August 4, 2021.

 

Composition - The Compensation and Executive Development Committee is composed exclusively of non-employee, independent Directors none of whom has a business relationship with the Corporation, other than in their capacity as Directors. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee reports to the entire Board.

 

Role of Consultants - The Compensation and Executive Development Committee periodically engages an independent consultant to review its compensation program for the executive officers of the Corporation, in order to ensure market competitiveness. Historically, the Committee engaged an independent compensation consultant for this purpose every two years. For fiscal 2021, the Committee engaged Pay Governance, LLC, an independent executive compensation advisory firm, to conduct a detailed review of competitive compensation levels for similar positions in similar industries. The Committee considered that information in setting executive compensation for fiscal 2021.

 

Role of Executive Officers - The Compensation and Executive Development Committee makes all compensation decisions for the CEO, Mr. Batten, and approves recommendations for compensation actions for all other elected officers of the Corporation. As CEO, Mr. Batten annually reviews the performance of each elected officer with the Compensation and Executive Development Committee. Recommendations based on these reviews, including those pertaining to salary adjustments, bonus payouts and equity compensation, are presented to the Compensation and Executive Development Committee, which may exercise its discretion in modifying any of the recommendations presented. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee also reviews the performance of the CEO. It alone determines the salary adjustment, bonus payment and equity awards for Mr. Batten.

 

Committee Membership

 

In October of each year, the Board considers and approves committee membership for the coming year. The Board’s committees are currently comprised of the following Directors, with the Chairman of each Committee listed first:

 

		Compensation &
		Executive		Nominating and
Audit		Development		Governance
Smiley		Giesselman		Johnson
Giesselman		Doar		Doar
Johnson		Stratton		Smiley
Stratton

 

 

Attendance at Annual Meeting

 

The Corporation does not have a formal policy that its Directors attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but they are expected to attend and the Corporation's Directors historically have attended these meetings. All of the members of the Board of Directors attended last year's annual meeting. The Board of Directors conducts its annual meeting in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders at the Corporation's headquarters.

 

 

 

 

Stockholder Communication with the Board

 

The Board provides to every stockholder the ability to communicate with the Board as a whole, and with individual Directors on the Board, through an established process for stockholder communication (“Stockholder Communication”) as follows:

 

1.    Stockholder Communication to Entire Board. For Stockholder Communication directed to the Board as a whole, stockholders may send such communication to the attention of the Chairman of the Board via U.S. Mail or by expedited delivery service:

 

Twin Disc, Incorporated

1328 Racine Street

Racine, WI 53403

Attn: Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

2.    Stockholder Communication to Individual Director. For Stockholder Communication directed to an individual Director in his or her capacity as a member of the Board, stockholders may send such communication to the attention of the individual Director via U.S. Mail or by expedited delivery service:

 

Twin Disc, Incorporated

1328 Racine Street

Racine, WI 53403

Attn: [Name of Individual Director]

 

The Corporation will forward by U.S. Mail any such Stockholder Communication to each Director, and the Chairman of the Board in his or her capacity as a representative of the Board, to whom such Stockholder Communication is addressed to the address specified by each such Director and the Chairman of the Board.

 

Communications from an officer or Director of the Corporation and proposals submitted by stockholders to be included in the Corporation's definitive proxy statement, pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (and related communications) will not be viewed as a Stockholder Communication. Communications from an employee or agent of the Corporation will be viewed as a Stockholder Communication only if such communications are made solely in such employee's or agent's capacity as a stockholder.

 

From time to time, the Board may change the process by which stockholders may communicate with the Board or its members. Please refer to the Corporation's website, www.twindisc.com, for any changes to this process.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Introduction

 

The following discussion describes the material components of compensation paid to the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and its two most highly compensated executive officers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021 (the “Named Executive Officers”). For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, the Named Executive Officers are:

 

●

John H. Batten, Chief Executive Officer;

●

James E. Feiertag, President, Chief Operating Officer; and

●

Jeffrey S. Knutson, Vice President – Finance, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary.

 

In the discussion that follows, we will explain the objectives of our compensation programs, why we pay the compensation we do and how that fits with the Corporation’s commitment to provide value to our shareholders.

 

 

 

 

Executive Summary

 

Through the Board’s Compensation and Executive Development Committee (the “Committee”), the Corporation has established a compensation program that is designed to attract and retain key employees, and reward those employees for short-term and long-term performance of the Corporation. To fulfill these goals, the compensation of the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers consists of a mix of base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives. Base salary is intended to compensate the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers for services rendered during the fiscal year, their level of responsibility and experience within the industry and the Corporation, and their sustained individual performance. Annual incentives are designed to compensate the Named Executive Officers for achieving short-term corporate, business unit and individual performance goals. Long-term incentives are intended to reward executives for sustained performance of the Corporation and are heavily weighted in favor of equity-related awards (performance stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units) that are tied to the Corporation’s stock price.

 

A significant objective of the Corporation’s compensation philosophy is to align the interests of the Named Executive Officers with those of shareholders by paying for performance. Key elements of the Corporation’s compensation program that support the pay for performance philosophy include the following:

 

●

The Corporation seeks to set compensation of its Named Executive Officers at the market median for companies of comparable size and in comparable industries, but also allows actual pay to vary from the market median depending on individual and company performance and length of service within the industry and the Corporation.

 

●

A significant portion of the compensation of the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers is tied to the performance of the Corporation, including annual incentives based on financial measurements that management of the Corporation considers important and long-term incentives that are heavily weighted in favor of equity-related awards (performance stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units).

 

●

The Corporation has stock ownership guidelines for each of its Named Executive Officers, thereby aligning their long-term interests with those of shareholders.

 

●

The Corporation promoted additional equity ownership beyond the performance period for the long-term incentive awards by including performance stock as long-term incentive awards in FY2021.

 

The Corporation also maintains compensation practices that it believes are consistent with good governance. For example:

 

●

The Corporation’s agreements with its Named Executive Officers are designed to avoid excess parachute payments under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code, and thus do not provide for excise tax gross-ups for excess parachute payments.

 

●

The Corporation’s long-term incentive compensation plan (i) prohibits repricing of stock options and the repurchase of underwater options; (ii) limits the recycling of shares that may be awarded under the plan; and (iii) states that all awards are subject to the clawback requirements of any applicable law and the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market, and provides mechanisms for the Corporation to enforce its recovery rights.

 

 

 

 

●

The Corporation’s change in control severance agreements with its Named Executive Officers contain “double trigger” provisions (i.e., both a change in control and an involuntary termination or resignation for good reason) in order for outstanding equity awards to vest and be paid.

 

●

The Committee considers internal pay equity when making compensation decisions, that is, whether employees within the Corporation are paid fairly relative to each other given their duties, experience and performance.

 

●

The annual Corporate Incentive Plan is performance-based and has caps on bonus payments.

 

●

The Committee annually evaluates the Corporation’s compensation programs to ensure that they do not encourage unnecessary risk-taking.

 

The following provides a brief overview of the highlights of the compensation received by the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2021:

 

●

At the beginning of FY2021, the Committee did not approve any increases to the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers, and instituted a temporary 15% reduction in the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers.

 

●

The Committee determined that the free cash flow objective under the Corporate Incentive Plan was partially met, and that the two strategic objectives were fully met. As a result, the Named Executive Officers received payments under the Corporate Incentive Plan equal to 71.59% of the target amounts.

 

●

The Corporation did not achieve the threshold performance levels for its cumulative Average Return on Invested Capital goal (weighted 40%), its average sales revenue goal (weighted 30%), or its average earnings per share (weighted 30%) goal for performance stock granted in 2018 under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. As a result, the performance stock awards did not vest.

 

As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Corporation held its shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation at its October 29, 2020, Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The shareholders approved the say on pay proposal by a significant majority, with more than 90% of the votes cast in favor of the compensation paid to the Corporation’s Named Executive Officers.

 

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

 

Twin Disc believes that knowledgeable, motivated and dedicated employees can make the difference in the Corporation’s ability to execute business strategy and excel in the marketplace. The Committee believes it is in the best interest of the Corporation and its shareholders to fairly compensate the executive team to encourage high-level performance, resulting in increased profitability of the Corporation. Executives are compensated on the value of their contribution to the success of the Corporation, in addition to their assigned scope of responsibilities.

 

Compensation includes opportunities for shared risks and rewards, and reflects the results of both individual performance and performance of the Corporation. In setting compensation, the Committee tries to ensure that the employees’ pay is fair when compared to others within the Corporation as well as when compared to employees at similar positions in other companies. Twin Disc will pay for the value of the job to the Corporation, considering the knowledge, skills and abilities required for each job and will pay market competitive compensation, in order to attract, retain and motivate top talent.

 

 

 

 

The key elements of our executive officers’ total compensation package are base salary, an annual incentive program, a long-term incentive program, and other benefits. Base salary is intended to compensate the executive for the responsibilities and scope of the job, reward sustained performance, and aid in retention. The annual incentive program is intended to reward the achievement of corporate and business unit annual operating goals that are key to the Corporation’s overall performance. The long-term incentive program is intended to reward achievement of sustainable, long-term performance goals, and aid in the retention of the executive, aligning the executive’s rewards with those of the shareholder. The goal of the Corporation’s compensation program is to provide competitive compensation that encourages and rewards individual and team performance for producing both short-term and long-term shareholder value.

 

The Corporation believes that its executive officers should hold a meaningful stake in Twin Disc in order to align their economic interests with those of the shareholders. To that end, the Corporation has had stock ownership guidelines in place for over a decade. Stock ownership targets are equal to five times annual base salary for the CEO, and two times annual base salary for the CFO and President/COO. Executive officers have a period of four years to attain their targeted ownership level. The Committee monitors compliance with this guideline, using its discretion to address non-attainment issues. Compliance is reviewed annually.

 

The Committee also seeks to structure compensation amounts and arrangements so that they do not result in penalties for the executive officers under the Internal Revenue Code. For example, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code imposes substantial penalties and results in the loss of any tax deferral for nonqualified deferred compensation that does not meet the requirements of that section. The Committee has structured the elements of the Corporation’s compensation program so that they either are not characterized as deferred compensation under Section 409A or meet the distribution, timing and other requirements of Section 409A. Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code and related provisions impose substantial excise taxes on so-called “excess parachute payments” payable to certain executive officers upon a change in control and result in the loss of the compensation deduction for such payments for the executive’s employer. The Committee has structured the change in control payments under its severance agreements with the executive officers to avoid having benefits exceed the limitations and provisions of Sections 280G and 4999.

 

Each year, the Committee reviews with management the design and operation of the Corporation’s compensation programs, including the performance objectives and target levels used in connection with awards under the Corporation’s annual and long-term incentive programs. In addition, the Committee reviews all incentive plans for any risk-mitigating factors such as stock ownership guidelines, clawback provisions, multiple performance metrics, a cap on the incentive payout, mix of incentive compensation to total direct compensation, discretionary evaluation components and vesting requirements. The Committee also reviews the total maximum payout of the plans and the effect it has on the performance of the Corporation. While the goals that the Committee establishes are challenging, the Committee has concluded that these goals do not provide employees of the Corporation an incentive to take excessive risk. The Committee has concluded that the Corporation’s compensation policies and practices are not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Corporation.

 

 

 

 

Setting Executive Compensation

 

The elements of each executive’s compensation package include base salary, annual incentive compensation, long-term incentive compensation, benefits and perquisites. Changes to compensation are determined at the beginning of each fiscal year and are dependent upon several factors, including, but not limited to, scope of responsibilities, the Corporation’s performance, individual performance, and competitive market practices.

 

The Committee looks to establish each element of total direct compensation (i.e., base salary, annual incentive compensation, and the annualized value of long-term incentive compensation granted during the year) near the market median (50^th percentile) for companies of a similar size and industry. The Committee believes an executive’s target compensation is competitive if it falls within a band of plus or minus 15% from the competitive median of data. Because a large portion of each executive’s long-term incentive compensation package consists of performance awards, actual payments of long term incentive compensation and total direct compensation in any given year may fall significantly above or below the market median, based on the performance of the Corporation.

 

The Committee periodically engages an independent consultant to review its compensation program for the executive officers of the Corporation, in order to provide information regarding market median compensation levels and the blend of short-term compensation to long-term types of compensation. Historically, a compensation consultant has been engaged to conduct a detailed review of competitive compensation data every two years. The consultant provides the Committee with information regarding market compensation practices and alternatives to consider when making compensation decisions for the executives. Historically, the consultant has not selected a peer group of companies to determine market competitiveness, but rather has used survey data compiled from several general industry compensation databases. The consultant provides information to the Committee regarding the competitiveness of each element of compensation for comparable positions. In addition to competitive data, the Committee considers the executive’s level of experience, length of service in his or her position, the level of responsibility of the position, the performance of the Corporation and sustained individual performance when setting or approving compensation levels.

 

When it established executive compensation for FY2020, the Committee engaged Willis Towers Watson, a global human resources firm, to conduct a review of competitive compensation levels for the CEO and CFO for similar positions in similar industries. For this analysis, Willis Towers Watson referenced published data sources, reflecting a market sample of companies consistent with Twin Disc’s industry and size. The benchmark for CEO compensation was obtained from the 2017 Willis Towers Watson CDB Executive Compensation Survey (CDB) and the 2017 Willis Towers Watson CSR Top Management Compensation Survey. Relative to each of these data sources, Willis Towers Watson referenced a broad sample of both general industry companies with revenues of less than $1 billion (CDB survey) and durable goods manufacturing companies with revenues between $100 million and $450 million (U.S. Top Management Compensation Study). Market data was adjusted to reflect a revenue scope of approximately $241 million. The benchmark for CFO compensation was based on the 2019 Willis Towers Watson For Profit General Industry Executive Survey, with data adjusted to reflect revenues of $241 million. The Committee received information on the 25^th, 50^th and 75^th percentiles of each element of executive compensation for comparable executive positions. The Committee did not consider any specific peer group of companies when making competitive comparisons or compensation decisions, and the Committee did not specify targeted individual companies from among the Willis Towers Watson survey participants.

 

In setting compensation for the Corporation’s executive officers for FY2021, the Committee did not engage a compensation consultant to conduct an extensive study. Instead, due to a planned company-wide salary and wage reduction program, the Committee did not make any base salary or target annual bonus changes for the executive officers, except for a temporary 15% base salary reduction implemented in August 2020 that was restored over the course of the fiscal year. In addition, the Committee decided to keep the target values of the long-term incentive awards the same an FY2020, except the target value of Mr. Batten’s long-term incentive award was reduced by approximately 10%.

 

 

 

Base Salary

 

The Corporation provides executive officers with a base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year, their level of responsibility and experience within the Corporation, and their sustained individual performance. Individual performance is measured through the Corporation’s annual performance evaluation process. Pay for individual performance rewards executives for achieving goals that may not be immediately evident in common financial measurements.

 

Base salaries are reviewed each year by the Committee. As discussed above, base salary levels have historically been compared to the market median (i.e. 50^th percentile), as determined by using survey data and as determined by external consultants, in order to ensure executives are paid a competitive salary, aiding in attraction and retention.

 

Base salary adjustments, as may be appropriate, are determined annually and may be based on individual, team or Corporation performance results, as well as other factors including changes to job scope or responsibilities. In addition, market adjustments to base salary may be indicated when an incumbent is more than 15% below the market median and has been in the job longer than 2-3 years. Market adjustments may also be used to retain valuable employees in a competitive labor market.

 

The Committee uses a performance management system to set individual objectives for each executive. This system allows for the annual evaluation of both performance goal achievement and competency development. When evaluating individual performance, the Committee considers the executive’s effort in promoting corporate values; achieving both short and longer-term objectives; improving product quality; developing relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees; demonstrating leadership abilities among coworkers; and achievement of other individualized goals set as a part of the performance management system.

 

The Committee determines and approves base salary adjustments for the CEO, and approves base salary adjustments for the other members of the executive officer team based on the recommendations from the CEO. Generally, executive base salaries are increased at rates comparable to the increases provided at other comparable companies and are at or near market levels.

 

Annual Incentive Compensation

 

Executive officers and selected key management participate in an annual incentive plan called the Corporate Incentive Plan (“CIP”). This plan provides executives with the opportunity to receive annual cash incentives for achieving corporate, business unit and individual performance goals once threshold performance levels are achieved.

 

The Committee reviews the CIP’s design annually and approves any CIP design changes or amendments. It also reviews and approves annual goals, and certifies the achievement of performance targets, based on the financial statements of the Corporation. Cash incentive payments are made after the end of each fiscal year, dependent upon corporate, business unit or individual goal achievement. In no event may the payout be more than 200% of the target.

 

An executive’s incentive payment under the CIP may be increased or decreased by up to 20%, at the discretion of the Committee, based on the recommendations of the CEO, if the executive’s individual performance goals are either exceeded or not achieved and based on other factors deemed important by the Committee. The Committee alone makes decisions regarding adjustments to the CEO’s annual incentive award.

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

 

The Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (“LTI Plan”), which was approved by the Corporation’s shareholders at the annual meeting in October 2018, provides for the opportunity for executive officers and key employees of the Corporation (and its subsidiaries) to acquire common stock of the Corporation or cash payments via stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards, performance unit awards or dividend equivalent awards. In keeping with the Corporation’s commitment to provide a total compensation package that includes at-risk components of pay, the Committee makes annual decisions regarding the appropriate type of long-term incentives for each executive.

 

The granting of performance stock encourages a pay for performance approach, aligning the interests of the executive with the economic goals of the Corporation and the shareholders. The granting of restricted stock or restricted stock units is based on a number of factors that include rewarding sustained individual performance, increasing an executive’s ownership in the Corporation, and addressing retention concerns. Restricted stock or restricted stock units may also be used to incent executives in times of global economic instability when future values of stock options, performance stock and performance stock units become more unpredictable.

 

The composition of an executive’s long-term compensation – e.g., performance stock and restricted stock – is determined by the Committee. The executive has no role or choice whether to receive incentive compensation in the form of performance stock, restricted stock, or other forms.

 

The Committee establishes the vesting criteria, including the performance goals that must be achieved in order for the award to vest. The LTI Plan requires a minimum vesting, restricted or performance period of at least one year for all awards made under the LTI Plan, with the exception that up to five percent of the shares available for issuance under the LTI Plan may be awarded with a shorter vesting, restricted or performance period. Grants are made at the beginning of each fiscal year, or as determined by the Committee, for the ensuing multi-year cycle period.

 

The Committee uses external consultants and survey information as a guideline when considering long-term incentive awards for management. The Committee reviews competitiveness of awards under the LTI Plan annually and obtains a periodic independent review. In addition, the Committee reviews and approves LTI Plan changes as necessary, and ensures the LTI Plan’s compliance with shareholder approval requirements.

 

Benefits

 

The Corporation believes it is necessary to also recognize the efforts of its officer group and senior management in the area of benefits. The Committee annually reviews the Corporation’s benefit programs for competitiveness and uses external consultants and surveys as a reference when necessary. It approves the addition, modification or deletion of any executive benefit program, as well as the eligibility of any specific executive for a program. Information regarding the Corporation’s benefit programs available to its Named Executive Officers follows the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End table later in this Executive Compensation discussion.

 

Other Personal Benefits and Perquisites

 

Twin Disc’s Named Executive Officers, along with other executive officers and senior management, are occasionally provided a limited number of perquisites whose primary purpose is to minimize distractions from personal issues to focus the executive’s attention on important initiatives of the Corporation. An item is not a perquisite if it is integrally related to the performance of the executive’s duties.

 

 

 

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table summarizes the “total compensation” of the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, and its two most highly compensated executive officers other than its Chief Executive Officer, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. It should be noted that the total compensation as reported by the Summary Compensation Table follows specific requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission for reporting compensation, and does not reflect the target or actual compensation for the Named Executive Officers for the fiscal year.

 

															(3)
											(2)				Nonqualified				(4)
							(1) Stock				Non-Equity Incentive Plan				Deferred Compensation				All Other Compen-
Name and Principal Position	Year		Salary				Awards				Compensation				Earnings				sation				Total
John H. Batten	2021		$	558,463			$	980,946			$	322,155			$	1,867			$	106,952			$	1,970,383
Chief	2020		$	600,000			$	1,000,010			$	0			$				$	116,910			$	1,716,920
Executive Officer
James E. Feiertag	2021		$	409,540			$	431,615			$	204,747			$				$	46,498			$	1,092,400
President, Chief Operating	2020		$	440,000			$	400,003			$	0			$				$	43,450			$	843,453
Officer
Jeffrey S. Knutson	2021		$	325,769			$	343,336			$	137,811			$				$	34,419			$	841,335
Vice President – Finance,	2020		$	350,000			$	350,008			$	0			$				$	31,847			$	731,855
CFO, Treasurer and Sec’y

 

(1)	Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for each Named Executive Officer computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. The performance awards are calculated as of the grant date, based on the most probable outcomes of the respective performance goals. T he aggregate grant date fair values of the performance-based awards granted in FY2021, assuming the maximum performance goals are achieved, are as follows: Mr. Batten, $1,029,990; Mr. Feiertag, $453,196; and Mr. Knutson, $309,002. These calculations are based on the closing share price on the date of grant of $5.66.
	The following table presents separately the compensation expense recognized in FY2021 and in FY2020 for outstanding awards of performance stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units for Messrs. Batten, Feiertag, and Knutson.

 

											Restricted Stock
Name	Year		Performance Stock				Restricted Stock				Units
John H. Batten	2021		$	224,102			$	260,731			$	160,002
	2020		$	(158,041	)		$	224,846			$	160,002
James E. Feiertag	2021		$	96,801			$	178,114				-
	2020		$	(15,122	)		$	131,669				-
Jeffrey S. Knutson	2021		$	67,759			$	104,932			$	51,672
	2020		$	(57,219	)		$	101,615			$	51,672

 

(2)	Reflects cash bonuses earned in connection with achievement of specific performance targets under the Corporate Incentive Plan, described in the narrative following the Summary Compensation Table.

 

 

 

 

(3)	This figure represents above-market earnings on the SERP benefits of Mr. Batten. Mr. Batten’s SERP benefit was credited with 3% in earnings, the minimum earnings rate under the SERP. Messrs. Feiertag and Knutson do not participate in the SERP.

 

(4)

All Other Compensation consists of the following for each of the Named Executive Officers:

 

		401(k)				Retirement Savings				Defined Contribu-												Tax Gross Up on				Perquisites and
		Company				Plan				tion				Life				Relocation				Relocation				Personal
Name		Match				Contribution				SERP				Insurance				Expense				Expense				Benefits				Total
J.H. Batten		$	9,785				18,525				22,656				29,000												26,986				106,952
J.E. Feiertag		$	9,784												900				19,125				16,689								46,498
J.S. Knutson		$	9,649												24,770																34,419

 

The Corporation’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) was restated during FY2011 to provide a defined contribution formula for the benefits of Mr. Batten. Messrs. Feiertag and Knutson do not participate in the SERP.

 

Messrs. Batten and Knutson participate in an endorsement split-dollar life insurance plan. Mr. Feiertag participates in the company-sponsored group life insurance plan.

 

Perquisites and Personal Benefits for Mr. Batten for FY2021 consist of personal use of the company plane and, supplemental long-term disability premiums. The aggregate total of perquisites and personal benefits for each of the remaining Named Executive Officers was less than $10,000 for FY2021, and therefore need not be disclosed or included in such Named Executive Officers’ “All Other Compensation” total.

 

Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table

 

Base Salary

 

For FY2021, the Committee initially maintained the base salaries of the Named Executive Officers at their FY2020 levels. In August 2020, the base salaries of Batten, Feiertag and Knutson were reduced by 15% as part of a temporary company-wide salary reduction applicable to all US-based employees. 5% of base salaries were restored in November, 2020, with the remaining 10% restored in February 2021.

 

Stock Awards Granted in FY2021

 

The amounts in the “Stock Awards” column of the Summary Compensation Table reflect awards made in FY2021 to the Named Executive Officers under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. In FY2021, Messrs. Batten, Feiertag and Knutson received awards of performance stock. The Committee determined that the long-term incentive awards granted in FY2021 would use a combination of the following performance goals and weightings for the three-year performance period ending in FY2023: (i) average return on invested capital (40%); cumulative sales revenue (30%), and (iii) cumulative free cash flow (30%). In addition, the possible range of long-term incentive payments for each performance goal was established as 50% - 150% of the target. These shares will vest on June 30, 2023 if the specific measures are achieved within the payout range.

 

In order to incent and retain the Corporation’s executives, restricted stock units were also granted to Messrs. Batten, Feiertag and Knutson in FY2021. The restricted stock awards will vest on August 6, 2023, provided the executives remain employed with the Corporation until the vesting dates.

 

 

 

 

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

 

The amounts in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table reflect cash bonuses earned in connection with achievement of specific performance targets under the Corporate Incentive Plan (“CIP”). For FY2021, the target bonuses as a percentage of base salary were set at 75% for Mr. Batten, 65% for Mr. Feiertag and 55% for Mr. Knutson. The CIP targets for the Named Executive Officers were based on a combination of EBITDA and free cash flow as well as on achievement of certain strategic objectives.

 

Objective		Weight					Target
EBITDA			30	%			Target: $15,000,000
							Threshold: $12,040,000
							Maximum: $21,000,000
Free Cash Flow			30	%			Target = $2,000,000
							Threshold = $815,000
							Maximum = $3,200,000
Strategic Objective			20	%			Lufkin, Texas facility operational (measured by PTO and HPTO production)
Strategic Objective			20	%			Progress on Sales, Inventory, and Operations Process

 

In August 2021, the Committee determined that the strategic objectives for FY2021 were fully met, and that the Corporation’s free cash flow of $2,064,000 exceeded the target. The CIP therefore paid at 71.59% of the target amounts for each of the Named Executive Officers.

 

Compensation Decisions Made by the Committee in FY2022

 

Since the end of FY2021, the Committee has taken the following actions with respect to the base salary, annual incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation for its Named Executive Officers.

 

Base Salary

 

At their meeting in August 2021, the Committee approved a 5% increase in the base salaries of Mr. Batten and Mr. Knutson. The base salary of Mr. Feiertag was not increased in light of his decision to retire effective on or about September 30, 2021.

 

Annual Incentive Compensation

 

In August 2021, the Committee reviewed and approved the performance goals recommended for the CIP for FY2022. The CIP will pay out if certain EBITDA, Free Cash Flow, gross margin improvement, and strategic objectives relating to optimizing corporate owned facilities group continuous improvement are achieved for FY2022. The Committee set the target bonus percentages (as a percentage of base salary) for each of the Named Executive Officers for FY2022 as follows: 85% for Mr. Batten; 65% for Mr. Feiertag; and 55% for Mr. Knutson.

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

 

In August 2021, the Committee reviewed the performance objective established in August of 2018 for the vesting of performance stock granted in August 2018 under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. The objective is listed below:

 

Performance Objective: Average Return on Invested Capital (also called Average Return on Total Capital), Average Sales Revenue and Average Annual Earnings Per Share for the three fiscal years ending 6/30/2021 at the achievement levels specified below. Average Return on Invested Capital was weighted at 40% and Average Sales Revenue and Average Annual Earnings Per Share are each weighted at 30% of the performance objective.

 

 

Performance of Objective as June 30, 2021
		Avg. Return on
		Invested Capital					Average Sales
		(a/k/a Avg. Return on Total					Revenue				Avg. Annual
		Capital) (40%)					(30%)				Earnings per Share (30%)
Maximum			12.0	%			$	325,000,000			$	1.60
Target			8.0	%			$	300,000,000			$	1.30
Threshold			4.0	%			$	275,000,000			$	1.00

 

“Average Return on Invested Capital” (also known as Average Return on Total Capital) is defined as the average amount of “Return on Invested Capital” for the three fiscal years of the Performance Period. Return on Invested Capital is measured as Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) divided by Invested Capital, where NOPAT equals earnings from operations, less tax, calculated using the actual reported effective tax rate, and Invested Capital equals long-term debt plus shareholders equity.

 

“Average Sales Revenue” is defined as the average of the amount reported as annual “Net Sales” in the Company’s financial statements for the three fiscal years of the Performance Period.

 

“Average Earnings Per Share” is defined as the average of the amount reported as “Diluted earnings per share attributable to Twin Disc common shareholders” for the three fiscal years of the performance period.

 

The Committee determined, subject to audit, that for the three-year period ending June 30, 2021, the Corporation’s Average Return on Invested Capital was -.33%, the Average Sales Revenue was $256,027,150, and the Average Annual Earnings per share was ($.92). As a result, the Corporation did not achieve the threshold level of performance for any of the performance goals, and the performance stock did not vest.

 

For FY2022, the awards use a combination of the following performance goals and weightings for the three fiscal year performance period ending June 30, 2024: (i) average return on invested capital (also known as average return on total capital) (40%), (ii) cumulative sales revenue (30%), and (iii) adjusted earnings per share (30%). In addition, the possible range of long-term incentive payments for each performance goal will be 50% - 150% of the target. T he Committee awarded only performance stock and restricted stock units as long-term incentive awards in FY2022.

 

 

 

 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information on plan-based incentive awards granted to our Named Executive Officers during FY2021.

 

						Estimated Future Cash Incentive												Estimated Future Share or
						Payouts Under Non-Equity												Unit Payouts Under Equity
						Incentive Plan Awards												Incentive Plan Awards
																														All other
																														Stock				Grant Date
																														awards;				Fair Value
																														Number of				of Stock
																														shares of				and
						Threshold				Target				Maximum				Threshold				Target				Maximum				stock or				Option
Name		Grant Date				($)				($)				($)				(#)				(#)				(#)				units				Awards (3)
John H. Batten
Cash Incentive						$	225,000			$	450,000			$	900,000
Performance Stock
Award (1)		8/6/2020																	60,659				121,318				181,977							$	686,660
Restricted Stock
Award (2)		8/6/2020																													51,994			$	294,286
James E. Feiertag
Cash Incentive						$	143,000			$	286,000			$	572,000
Performance Stock
Award (1)		8/6/2020																	26,690				53,380				80,070							$	302,131
Restricted Stock
Award (2)		8/6/2020																													22,877			$	129,484
Jeffrey S.
Knutson
Cash Incentive						$	87,500			$	175,000			$	350,000
Performance Stock
Award (1)		8/6/2020																	18,198				36,396				54,594							$	206,001
Restricted Stock
Award (2)		8/6/2020																													24,264			$	137,334

 

(1)	Consists of stock awards with performance-based vesting criteria, as discussed in the “Long-Term Incentive Compensation” section of the Executive Compensation discussion; eligible for vesting in 2023.

(2)	Consists of restricted stock awards with a vesting date of August 6, 2023. These stock awards will vest if the executive remains employed through the vesting date.

(3)	The grant date fair values are calculated using the closing price of Twin Disc shares on August 6, 2020 (the grant date) of $5.66.

 

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table summarizes the number of restricted stock, performance stock and restricted stock unit awards held by our Named Executive Officers on June 30, 2021. The Named Executive Officers had no outstanding exercisable or unexercisable options outstanding on June 30, 2021.

 

		Stock Awards
				Equity Incentive Plan
				Awards: Market or
			Equity Incentive Plan	Payout Value of
		Market Value of	Awards: Number of	Unearned Shares,
	Number of Shares or	Shares or Units of	Unearned Shares,	Units or Other Rights
	Units of Stock That Have	Stock That Have Not Vested	Units or Other Rights	That Have Not Vested
Name and Grant Date	Not Vested	(7)	That Have Not Vested	(7)
John H. Batten
8/24/2018	18,476 (1)	$262,913	9,238 (4)	$131,457
10/31/2019	44,986 (2)	$640,151	29,054 (5)	$413,438
8/6/2020	51,994 (2)	$739,875	60,659 (6)	$863,178
James E. Feiertag
5/1/2019	7,721 (3)	$109,870	3,861 (4)	$54,942
8/1/2019	18,724 (2)	$266,443	9,362 (5)	$133,221
8/6/2020	22,877 (2)	$325,540	26,690 (6)	$379,799
Jeffrey S. Knutson
8/1/2018	6,060 (1)	$86,234	3,030 (4)	$43,117
8/1/2019	13,192 (2)	$187,722	6,596 (5)	$93,861
10/31/2019	1,874 (2)	$26,667	937 (5)	$13,334
8/6/2020	24,264 (2)	$345,277	18,198 (6)	$258,956

 

(1)	Reflects non-vested restricted stock unit awards that are scheduled to vest three years from the date of grant.

(2)	Reflects non-vested restricted stock awards that are scheduled to vest three years from the date of grant.

(3)	Reflects non-vested restricted stock awards that are scheduled to vest on August 1, 2021.

(4)	Reflects non-vested performance stock awards scheduled to vest in FY2022 based on three-year performance period ending June 30, 2021. Figures shown are based on achieving threshold performance goals.

(5)	Reflects non-vested performance stock awards scheduled to vest in FY2023 based on three-year performance period ending June 30, 2022. Figures shown are based on achieving threshold performance goals.

(6)	Reflects non-vested performance stock awards scheduled to vest in FY2024 based on three-year performance period ending June 30, 2023. Figures are shown based on achieving threshold performance goals.

(7)	Values were calculated using $14.23 per share, the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock as of June 30, 2021, the last trading day of the fiscal year.

 

Retirement Benefits

 

Qualified Retirement Plans

 

The Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Savings Plan for Salaried Employees (“Savings Plan”) provides non-contributory retirement benefits to all Twin Disc, Incorporated salaried employees hired prior to October 1, 2003. The Savings Plan was established August 1, 2009 to provide a retirement benefit similar to the one previously provided under the Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees, discussed below, in a defined contribution format.

 

Employer contributions under the Savings Plan are based on a percentage of annual compensation, from 4.5% to 6.5%, based on years of service. This contribution is deposited into an individual investment account, in which the individual directs his or her own investment elections, within an array of choices.

 

The Savings Plan does not allow employee contributions. Employer contributions, which are made annually, are 100% vested.

 

 

 

 

The Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees (“Retirement Plan”) provides non-contributory retirement benefits to all Twin Disc, Incorporated salaried employees hired prior to October 1, 2003. Eligibility for retirement occurs upon reaching one of the following age and service requirements: a) Age 65 with 5 years of service; b) Age 60 with 10 years of service; c) 30 years of service at any age; or d) age plus service equals 85 points. Only Mr. Batten participates in this program and he is not eligible for retirement as of June 30, 2021.

 

Prior to January 1, 1997, Retirement Plan benefits were based upon both years of service and the employees’ highest consecutive 5-year average annual compensation during the last 10 calendar years of service. As of December 31, 1996, the then-current accrued benefits under the Retirement Plan were frozen and the Retirement Plan was amended to provide for future accruals under a cash-balance program. Mr. Batten is eligible for a benefit under the cash-balance program.

 

Subsequently, the Retirement Plan was amended to freeze all future benefit accruals, effective August 1, 2009.

 

The definition of compensation for purposes of calculating the pension benefit includes W-2 income, excluding any expense reimbursements or taxable fringe benefits, and is limited by the IRS maximum compensation as determined each year. In calendar years 2019, 2020, and 2021 the annual limits were $280,000, $285,000, and $290,000, respectively.

 

Benefits under the frozen Retirement Plan are payable in a monthly annuity form, with either a single life or joint and survivor life benefit option. Benefits under the cash balance program are payable in a lump sum payment, or single life or joint and survivor annuity benefit options.

 

The Twin Disc, Incorporated – The Accelerator 401(k) Savings Plan (“401(k) Plan”) is a tax-qualified retirement savings plan to which all Twin Disc, Incorporated employees, including the Named Executive Officers, are able to contribute up to the limit prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service on a pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) basis. The Corporation matches 50% of the first 8% of pay that is contributed to the 401(k) Plan. All contributions to the 401(k) Plan, as well as any matching contributions, are fully vested upon contribution.

 

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan

 

The Corporation extends a supplemental retirement plan, called the Twin Disc, Incorporated, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”), to certain qualified officers. It is the Corporation’s current practice to not add new officers to the SERP. For those eligible participants (only Mr. Batten) the SERP benefit is calculated as the additional benefit that the participant would have received at retirement under the Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Savings Plan for Salaried Employees and the frozen Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees, but for the limitation on compensation used in determining benefits under those plans. SERP benefits of all Named Executive Officers who are eligible participants are stated as individual accounts.

 

The SERP benefit is payable in two lump sum payments, which are paid on or about the first and second February 1st in the years following retirement. However, if the commencement of benefits is based on the participant’s separation from service, the first payment will not be made sooner than six months after the participant’s separation. The maximum payment in any given year is $500,000 and any amounts in excess of $500,000 will be paid in the third and subsequent years following retirement.

 

Executive Life Insurance

 

The Corporation provides an endorsement split-dollar life insurance benefit to certain Named Executive Officers who were in their positions prior to January 1, 2015. The Corporation’s current practice is to not provide this benefit to new officers. While employed, the death benefit for an executive is generally equal to three times his or her annual base salary, although exceptions may occur due to other compensation arrangements. At the later of retirement or the 15th anniversary of the policy, the Corporation will recover its share of the total premiums paid throughout the life of the policy from the cash value. At that time, the ownership of the remaining policy and corresponding cash values are transferred to the executive. Information regarding this benefit is detailed in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Officers who obtained their positions on or after January 1, 2015 are eligible for a term life insurance benefit equal to approximately three times their base salary, subject to certain limitations that may apply regarding insurability or maximum insurance levels.

 

 

 

 

Agreements Providing Payments Following Termination or Change in Control

 

Change in Control Agreements

 

The Corporation has change in control severance agreements with each of its executive officers, which were most recently updated in August 2018. If a change in control occurs (as defined in the agreements) and the executive thereafter terminates employment under circumstances specified in the agreements, the executive is entitled to certain severance benefits. Severance benefits for Named Executive Officers would consist of the sum of the executive’s annual base salary (as defined in the agreements) in effect immediately prior to the circumstances giving rise to the executive’s termination, plus the greater of the executive’s annual bonus for the fiscal year preceding termination (or, if no annual bonus was paid in that year, the average of the annual bonuses for the three fiscal years preceding termination) or target annual bonus for the fiscal year of termination, times a multiple (2.5 for Mr. Batten, 2.0 for Feiertag and Knutson). In addition, the executive would be entitled to the cash value over the exercise price of any shares of common stock subject to unexercised stock options held by the executive, and fringe benefits would continue for 24 months following termination. The agreements are specifically designed to avoid having benefits exceed the limitations and provisions of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

The performance stock and performance stock unit award agreements and the restricted stock and restricted stock unit grant agreements between the Corporation and its Named Executive Officers have certain change in control provisions. Specifically, if a change in control (as defined in the agreements) occurs and the employee thereafter terminates employment under circumstances specified in the agreements, all performance stock and performance stock units shall immediately vest as if the performance objectives had been fully achieved, all restricted shares shall become freely transferable and non-forfeitable, and all restricted stock units shall immediately vest and the related shares shall be delivered.

 

The following information describes the payments to each Named Executive Officer in the event of a termination of employment as a result of retirement, death, disability, termination for cause, voluntary termination prior to retirement, and involuntary termination (or resignation for good cause) following a change in control.

 

Normal or Early Retirement. For purposes of the following discussion, retirement means termination of employment after the Named Executive Officer reaches age 65, or after the Named Executive Officer reaches age 60 with 10 years of service, which is how retirement is defined in the SERP and the award agreement for performance stock. Named Executive Officers who participate in the Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees and the Twin Disc, Incorporated Retirement Savings Plan for Salaried Employees may also retire after 30 years of service at any age, or if their age plus service equals 85 points, but these definitions of retirement are not considered in the following discussion because they do not affect the amounts required to be disclosed in the tables below. None of the Named Executive Officers are currently eligible for retirement.

 

Medical benefits are only available to Twin Disc retirees hired before October 1, 2003 and who are not yet Medicare-eligible. Eligibility for retiree medical benefits ends upon reaching Medicare eligibility.

 

Restricted stock is forfeited if retirement occurs before the restrictions on such shares have ended.

 

Performance stock and performance stock units will be paid after the end of the relevant performance period, but only if the performance objective is achieved. The stock or units are prorated based on actual employment during the performance period.

 

Stock options must be exercised within 30 days of termination or they expire.

 

 

 

 

A Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) is available for several Named Executive Officers who qualify for a retirement benefit under the Corporation’s pension plans. Messrs. Batten is currently the only participant.

 

For those executives eligible for an endorsement split-dollar life insurance policy, the ownership of the life insurance will be transferred from the Corporation to the executive at the later of retirement or the 15^th anniversary of the policy. At the time of transfer, the Corporation will recover its share of the total premiums paid throughout the life of the policy from the cash value or alternatively, receive direct reimbursement from the executive.

 

Death while Employed. In the event of death of a Named Executive Officer while actively employed, the executive’s estate would receive payment for any base salary earned, but not yet paid. In addition, any vacation accrual not used would also be paid to the estate.

 

Restricted stock vests and becomes payable per the terms of the individual grant agreement. The estate would receive the payment of shares.

 

Performance stock and performance stock units will immediately vest after the Employee’s termination of employment due to death and be paid as if the maximum performance target has been achieved. The stock or units are prorated based on actual employment during the performance period.

 

Options will fully vest and may pass to the estate, or as directed by a will, and must be exercised within one year from date of death.

 

Disability. In the event of termination of employment due to disability, a Named Executive Officer would receive benefits under the Corporation’s short-term and long-term disability plans, generally available to full-time salaried employees. Benefits are reduced for any social security pension eligibility.

 

Restricted stock vests and becomes payable per the terms of the individual grant agreement.

 

Performance stock and performance stock units will immediately vest after the Employee’s termination of employment due to disability and are paid assuming the maximum performance target has been achieved. The stock or units are prorated based on actual employment during the performance period.

 

Termination for Cause. An executive is not eligible for any additional benefits at termination, unless the Compensation and Executive Development Committee would determine that severance payments are appropriate.

 

Voluntary Termination Prior to Retirement. An executive is not entitled to any additional forms of severance payments in the event of a voluntary termination, prior to becoming eligible for retirement.

 

Involuntary Termination (or Resignation for Good Cause) Following Change in Control. The Corporation has entered into Change in Control Severance Agreements with each of our Named Executive Officers. The agreements provide that if the executive experiences an involuntary termination (or resigns for good reason, as defined) within two years following a change in control of the Corporation, the executive will receive the following benefits:

 

●

a severance payment equal to (a) a specified multiple, times (b) the sum of (i) the executive’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (or, if employment terminates for good reason due to a reduction in base salary, the executive’s annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the reduction,) plus (ii) a bonus component, equal to the greater of: (A) the annual bonus awarded to the executive under the Corporation’s annual Corporate Incentive Plan (“CIP”) for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs (or, if no annual bonus was received for such fiscal year, the average of the annual bonuses awarded to the executive under the CIP for the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs), or (B) the executive’s target annual bonus under the CIP for the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurs. In addition, the following benefits would also become payable

 

 

 

 

●

twenty-four months of benefit continuation,

●

current value of all outstanding stock options,

●

restricted stock will immediately vest,

●

restricted stock units will immediately vest and shares will be issued, and

●

performance stock and performance units immediately vest, and stock or cash is paid under the agreements as if the maximum performance objective was achieved. The cash payment shall be equal to the number of performance stock units granted to the employee multiplied by the fair market value of the Corporation’s common stock as of the effective date of such change in control.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table summarizes information regarding the compensation received by each of our non-employee Directors during FY2021:

 

			Fees				Value of
			Earned or				Stock			All Other
Name	Year		Paid in Cash				Awards (1)			Compensation		Total
Michael Doar (2)	2021		$	36,250			$	103,752				$	140,002
Janet Giesselman	2021		$	77,500			$	72,503				$	150,003
David Johnson	2021		$	77,500			$	72,503				$	150,003
David Rayburn	2021		$	116,500			$	72,503				$	189,003
Michael Smiley	2021		$	72,500			$	72,503				$	145,003
Harold Stratton II	2021		$	67,500			$	72,503				$	140.003
David Zimmer (3)	2021		$	31,250			$	0				$	31,250

 

(1)

Value of Stock Awards is computed as of the date of grant in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 718. Mr. Doar held 16,607 shares of restricted stock as of the end of FY2021, and Mr. Zimmer did not hold any shares of restricted stock at the end if FY2021. Each other director held 13,296 shares of restricted stock as of the end of FY2021.

 

(2)

The value of Mr. Doar’s stock awards includes shares of restricted stock issued in lieu of quarterly cash retainers, pursuant to an irrevocable election made in November 2020 under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2020 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Such shares will vest on the first anniversary of the date of issuance.

 

(3)	Mr. Zimmer retired from the Board of Directors on October 29, 2020 and did not receive an award of restricted stock in FY2021.

 

Director Compensation Plan

 

Outside Directors of the Corporation (i.e. non-Corporation employees) are paid an annual retainer fee composed of both cash and restricted shares of Twin Disc stock. The restricted shares are issued under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2020 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the “2020 Directors’ Plan”). The mix of cash and stock is determined by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The cash portion is paid quarterly, which the stock portion of the retainer is awarded annually, at the annual shareholders meeting in October. The restricted shares awarded at a shareholders meeting will vest as of the subsequent annual shareholders meeting.

 

Under the 2020 Directors’ Plan, Directors have the option to elect to receive all or a portion of their quarterly base cash retainer in restricted shares of Twin Disc stock. The restricted shares will vest one year after the date that the quarterly cash retainer payment would have been made.

 

Committee chairs are paid an annual fee in addition to the annual retainer. The chair of the Audit Committee receives $20,000, the chair of the Compensation and Executive Development Committee receives $15,000 and the chair of the Governance Committee receives $10,000. The annual Chairman’s fee is $54,000.

 

 

 

 

For FY2021, the Committee engaged Pay Governance LLC, an independent firm, to conduct a review of competitive of its pay program for outside directors using readily available data with companies comparable to the Corporation in terms of revenue. The Corporation’s program reflects typical practices for other companies with similar revenues. As a result, no changes were proposed for the Director compensation program.

 

Director stock ownership guidelines are in place for the outside Directors of the Corporation. These guidelines will set a target ownership level of three times the value of the Director annual retainer fee, exclusive of committee chair fees. Directors will have a period of five years to attain their targeted ownership level. The Compensation and Executive Development Committee monitors compliance with this guideline, using its discretion to address nonattainment issues.

 

Outside Directors who reach the age of 72 are required to retire from the Board of Directors effective as of the completion of their current term. Retired outside Directors will be entitled to an annual retirement benefit equal to the cash portion of the total annual retainer amount last paid to the Director prior to retirement, exclusive of committee chair fees. Retirement benefits will be payable for a term equal to the Director’s years of service or life, whichever is shorter. In January of 2018, the Board voted to close this retirement program to new directors, with current participants continuing in the program, as described above, until their retirement. In May of 2020, the Board voted to cap the maximum annual benefit at $62,500 and cap the maximum service years equal to 15 years. For those Directors who already had more than fifteen years of service at the time of the change, their benefit immediately freezes at their current service years, with no additional accruals.

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any of the Corporation’s other filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent the Corporation specifically incorporates this report by reference therein.

 

The Audit Committee charter reflects standards set forth in SEC regulations and NASDAQ Stock Market rules. All members of the Audit Committee are independent, as defined in Rule 5605 of the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

The Audit Committee has implemented procedures to ensure that during the course of each fiscal year it devotes the attention that it deems necessary or appropriate to each of the matters assigned to it under the Committee's charter. To carry out its responsibilities, the Committee met five times during fiscal 2021.

 

As part of its responsibilities, and as set forth in its charter, the Audit Committee met with both management and the Corporation's independent accountants to review and discuss the audited financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant accounting issues. Management advised the Committee that all financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Committee discussed the statements with both management and the independent accountants. The Committee's review included discussion with the independent accountants of matters required to be discussed pursuant to the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC.

 

The Committee received the written disclosures and the letter required from the independent accountants pursuant to Rule 3526, “Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence,” of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communication with the audit committee concerning independence.  The Committee also discussed with RSM US LLP matters relating to its independence.

 

 

 

 

On the basis of these reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Board approve the inclusion of the Corporation's audited financial statements in the Corporation’s annual report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Audit Committee

Michael C. Smiley, Chair

Janet P. Giesselman

David W. Johnson

Harold M. Stratton

 

August 4, 2021

 

 

 

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

The following table summarizes certain information regarding the Corporation’s equity-based compensation plans as of the end of the most recently completed fiscal year:

 

Plan Category	# of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	Weighted Average Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights	# of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders	620,601(1)	N/A	666,913 (2)
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Shareholders	0	N/A	0
TOTAL	620,601 (1)	N/A	666,913 (2)

 

(1)	Includes 184,767 shares of performance stock that may be issued as of June 30, 2022 and 397,884 shares of performance stock that may be issued as of June 30, 2023 under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, assuming the maximum performance goals are achieved. As of June 30, 2021, the Corporation believes that it is not likely that the threshold performance goals will be achieved for the awards that may be issued as of June 30, 2022, and that it is likely that the performance goals for the awards that may be issued as of June 30, 2023 will be achieved at or near target. Also includes 19,474 restricted stock units issued under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan that vested on August 1, 2021 and 18,476 restricted stock units issued under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan that vested on August 24, 2021.
(2)	Consists of 666,913 shares issuable under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2020 Stock Incentive Plan for Non-Employee Directors. Assumes that outstanding performance stock awards under the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan will be issued at maximum, which may not reflect the most probable outcome.

 

GENERAL

 

The Corporation will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies. The firm of Georgeson Inc., New York, NY has been retained to assist in solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting at a fee not to exceed $10,000 plus expenses.

 

Management does not know of any other business to come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote upon such matters in their discretion in accordance with the authorization of the proxy.

 

If you do not contemplate attending the Annual Meeting, we respectfully request that you direct your vote via the Internet or by telephone, or (if you received paper copies of the proxy materials) by filling in, signing and returning the accompanying proxy at your earliest convenience. If you are a registered shareholder of the Corporation, you may transmit your voting instructions via the Internet by accessing www.investorvote.com/twin or by telephone at 1-800-652-8683. If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a bank or brokerage firm, you may be eligible to vote your shares electronically via the Internet or by telephone – your voting form will provide you with instructions. If you are returning a paper copy of your proxy, it must be delivered to the Secretary either in person, by mail, or by messenger, and it must be received by the Secretary not less than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the date of the Annual Meeting.

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A

 

TWIN DISC, INCORPORATED

 

2021 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

 

ARTICLE I

 

PURPOSE

 

1.1         Purpose. The purpose of the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2021 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) is to promote the overall financial objectives of Twin Disc, Incorporated (the “Company”) and its majority owned subsidiaries (“Subsidiaries”) by providing opportunities for the officers and key employees selected to participate in the Plan (each a “Participant”) to acquire Common Stock of the Company (“Common Stock”), and to receive Common Stock or cash bonuses upon attainment of specified financial goals of the Company or its Subsidiaries. The Plan gives the Compensation and Executive Development Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, or such other committee as the Board of Directors shall designate (the “Committee”), the authority and discretion to award stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards, cash-settled restricted stock unit awards, performance stock awards, performance stock unit awards, performance unit awards and/or dividend equivalent awards (collectively, “Awards”) to eligible employees of the Company.

 

ARTICLE II

 

EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM

 

2.1         Effective Date. The Plan shall become effective on the date that it is approved by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Effective Date”), provided that shareholders of the Company’s Common Stock approve the Plan by a majority of votes cast at a meeting of such shareholders before the first anniversary of the Effective Date. No shares shall be issued under the Plan prior to such shareholder approval. Notwithstanding any terms of the Plan to the contrary:

 

(a)         Options issued under the Plan prior to such shareholder approval shall not be exercisable unless and until such shareholder approval occurs;

 

(b)         SARs issued under the Plan that would be settled in shares of Common Stock shall not be exercisable unless and until such shareholder approval occurs;

 

(c)         If an event occurs prior to such shareholder approval that would otherwise result in issuance of shares prior to such shareholder approval (including, for example, termination of a Participant’s employment due to death or disability), such shares shall not be issued unless and until such shareholder approval occurs; and such shares shall be issued no later than 2 ½ months after the date of such shareholder approval occurs (or, if later, the first day of the seventh month following the Participant’s termination of employment for reasons other than death).

 

If the shareholders do not approve the Plan before the first anniversary of the Effective Date, any Awards made under the Plan shall be null and void.

 

 

 

 

2.2         Term. No Award may be granted more than ten years after the Effective Date.

 

2.3         Post-Term Activity. Awards granted within the term of the Plan as set forth in Section 2.2, subject to the all other terms and conditions of the Plan and the agreement(s) governing the grant of the Awards, may be exercised, paid out, or modified more than ten years after the adoption of the Plan. Restrictions on Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, and Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units may lapse more than ten (10) years after the Effective Date.

 

ARTICLE III

 

STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

 

3.1         Maximum Number. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards under the Plan from and after the Effective Date is 715,000, subject to the adjustments provided in Article XI, below. Such shares may be newly-issued shares, authorized but unissued shares or shares reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise. Because Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units are payable only in cash, the number of such Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units and Performance Stock Units shall not count against the 715,000 maximum described in this paragraph.

 

3.2         Availability of Shares for Award. Any Award or portion of an Award that is settled in cash and not in shares of Common Stock shall not be counted against the share limit in Section 3.1. In addition, if (i) an Award lapses, expires, terminates, or is cancelled without the issuance of shares of Common Stock under the Award; (ii) the Committee determines during or at the conclusion of the term of an Award that all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock that would be subject to issuance under the Award will not be issued because the conditions for such issuance have not been or will not be satisfied; (iii) shares of Common Stock are forfeited under an Award; or (iv) shares of Common Stock are issued under an Award and the Company later reacquires them pursuant to rights reserved by the Company upon the issuance of such shares; then the shares of Common Stock subject to such Award shall again be available for the grant of a new Award under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing:

 

(a)         Shares of Common Stock that are received by the Company in connection with the exercise of an Award, including shares tendered in payment of a Stock Option’s or an SAR’s exercise price or shares tendered to the Company for the satisfaction of any tax liability or the satisfaction of a tax withholding obligation, may not be made subject to issuance pursuant to a later Award.

 

(b)         In the event that only net shares are issued upon exercise of a Stock Option, upon the exercise of a SAR settled in shares of Common Stock, or upon the issuance of shares of Common Stock following the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock Units or the satisfaction of performance goals with respect to Performance Stock, the gross number of shares associated with such Award shall be counted against the 715,000 maximum described in Section 3.1.

 

(c)         In no event will shares that are repurchased on the open market using stock option exercise proceeds be added back to the Plan.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

4.1         General Administration. The Committee shall supervise and administer the Plan. The Committee shall have discretionary authority to determine all issues with respect to the interpretation of the Plan and Awards granted under the Plan, and with respect to all Plan administration issues.

 

4.2         Powers of the Committee. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law (including but not limited to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended), the Committee shall have the authority, in its discretion: (i) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan; (ii) to select the eligible employees who shall receive Awards under the Plan; (iii) to grant Awards under the Plan and to determine the terms and conditions of such Awards, including without limitation the authority to determine the number of shares subject to issuance with respect to any Award, the vesting or exercise schedule of any Award, and the specific performance goals that shall cause an Award to vest or become payable; (iv) to determine the terms and conditions of the respective agreements (which need not be identical) pursuant to which Awards are granted, and (with the consent of the holder thereof) to modify or amend any Award; (v) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effectuate the grant of any Award; (vi) to determine the exercise price per share of options granted under the Plan; (vii) to determine the permissible methods of Award exercise and payment, including cashless exercise arrangements; (viii) to decide whether a Stock Appreciation Right Award shall be settled in cash or Common Stock; (ix) to determine the remaining number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan; (x) to appoint and compensate agents, counsel, auditors or other specialists to aid it in the discharge of its duties; (xi) to interpret the Plan and/or any agreement entered into under the Plan; (xii) to delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company the authority to grant Awards under the Plan to employees of the Company or its Subsidiaries who are not directors or executive officers of the Company, subject to the limitations set forth in the Plan; and (xiii) to make all other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

 

4.3         Committee. The Committee shall consist of at least two directors, each of whom shall be a “non-employee director” as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3(b)(3) promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum at any meeting thereof (including telephone conference), and all determinations of the Committee shall be made by a majority of the members present, or by a writing by a majority of the members of the entire Committee without notice or meeting.

 

4.4         Minimum Vesting. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, and subject to acceleration as described in Sections 8.1, 8.2, and 9.1, no Awards granted under the Plan shall have a vesting, restricted or performance period (as applicable) of less than one year from the date of grant; provided, however, that Awards that result in the issuance of an aggregate of five percent (5%) of the shares of Common Stock available pursuant to Section 3.1 may be granted to any one or more Participants without regard to such minimum vesting, restricted or performance provisions.

 

4.5         Compliance with Code Section 409A. All Awards under this Plan shall be structured in a manner to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, or to be exempt from the application of Code Section 409A.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE V

 

ELIGIBILITY

 

5.1         Eligibility. An Award may be granted under the Plan to those key employees (including officers) of the Company or its present or future Subsidiaries who, in the opinion of the Committee, are mainly responsible for the success and future growth of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

AWARDS

 

6.1         Types of Awards. Awards under the Plan may be granted in any one or a combination of the following:

 

(a)

Stock Options. An Option shall entitle the Participant to receive shares of Common Stock upon exercise of such Option, subject to the Participant's satisfaction in full of any conditions, restrictions or limitations imposed in accordance with the Plan or the agreement between the Company and the Participant governing the award of such Option. The agreement governing the award of an option shall designate whether such option is intended to be an incentive stock option or a non-qualified stock option, and to the extent that any stock option is not designated as an incentive stock option (or even if so designated does not qualify as an incentive stock option), it shall constitute a non-qualified stock option. In the case of an incentive stock option, if the aggregate fair market value (determined on the date of grant) of the Shares with respect to which all incentive stock options (within the meaning of Code Section 422) are first exercisable by the Participant during any calendar year (under this Plan and under all other incentive stock option plans of the Company or any affiliate that is required to be included under Code Section 422) exceeds $100,000, such option automatically shall be treated as a non-qualified stock option to the extent this limit is exceeded. The maximum number of Options that may be granted to any Participant during any fiscal year of the Company is 100,000, subject to the adjustments provided in Article XI, below.

 

(i)

Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of the Common Stock purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Committee, but shall not be less than the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the date the option is granted (or, if the Option is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option, not less than 110% of the such fair market value if the option is granted to an individual who owns or is deemed to own stock possessing more than 10% of the combined voting power of all classes of stock or the Company, a corporation which is the parent of the Company or and subsidiary of the Company (each as defined in Section 424 of the Code) (a "10% Shareholder")). For this and all other purposes under the Plan, the fair market value shall be the mean between the highest and lowest quoted selling prices per share of Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the date of grant; provided, that if the Common Stock ceases to be listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market, the Committee shall designate an alternative method of determining the fair market value of the Common Stock.

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Option Period. An Option shall be exercisable at such time and subject to such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee. An option that is intended to qualify as an incentive stock option shall not be exercisable more than ten years after the date it is granted (or five years after the date it is granted, if granted to a 10% Shareholder).

 

(iii)

No Repricings or Repurchases of Underwater Options Permitted. Except in connection with a transaction or event described in Article XI, the terms of outstanding Options may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of the outstanding Options or cancel the outstanding Options in exchange for cash, other awards or Options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Options without stockholder approval.

 

(b)

Stock Appreciation Rights. A Stock Appreciation Right shall entitle the Participant to surrender to the Company the Stock Appreciation Right and to be paid therefor the amount described in Section 6.1(b)(i)(3) or 6.1(b)(ii) below, subject to the Participant's satisfaction in full of any conditions, restrictions or limitations imposed in accordance with the Plan or the agreement between the Company and the Participant governing the award of such Stock Appreciation Right. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in conjunction with all or part of any Stock Option under this Plan (“Tandem SARs”), or may be granted on a stand-alone basis (“Stand Alone SARs”). The maximum number of Stock Appreciation Rights that may be granted to any Participant during any fiscal year of the Company is 100,000, subject to the adjustments provided in Article XI, below.

 

(i)

Tandem SAR's.

 

(1)

Grant. Tandem SARs may be granted in connection with non-qualified or incentive stock options, but may only be granted at the time of grant of such associated Options.

 

(2)

Term. A Tandem SAR shall have the same term as the Stock Option to which it relates and shall be exercisable only at such time or times and to the extent the related Stock Option would be exercisable.

 

(3)

Exercise. Upon the exercise of a Tandem SAR, the Participant shall be entitled to receive an amount in cash equal in value to the excess of the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price per share of Common Stock as specified in the agreement governing the Tandem SAR, multiplied by the number of shares in respect to which the Tandem SAR is exercised. The exercise of Tandem SARs shall require the cancellation of a corresponding number of Stock Options to which the Tandem SARs relate, and the exercise of Stock Options shall require the cancellation of a corresponding number of Tandem SARs to which the Stock Options relate.

 

 

 

 

(4)

Expiration or Termination. A Tandem SAR shall expire or terminate at such time as the Stock Option to which it relates expires or terminates, unless otherwise provided in the agreement governing the grant of the Tandem SAR.

 

(ii)

Stand Alone SAR's. A Stand Alone SAR may be granted at such time and for such term as the Committee shall determine, and shall be exercisable at such time as specified in the agreement governing the grant of the Stand Alone SAR. Upon exercise of a Stand Alone SAR, the Participant shall be entitled to receive, in cash, Common Stock, or a combination of both (as determined by the Committee), an amount equal to the fair market value per share of Common Stock over an exercise price specified in the agreement governing the grant of the Stand Alone SAR (which exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the date the Stand Alone SAR is awarded), multiplied by the number of shares in respect to which the Stand Alone SAR is exercised.

 

(iii)

No Repricings or Repurchases of Underwater SARs Permitted. Except in connection with a transaction or event described in Article XI, the terms of outstanding SARs may not be amended to reduce the exercise price of the outstanding SARs or cancel the outstanding SARs in exchange for cash, other awards or Options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original SARs without stockholder approval.

 

(c)

Restricted Stock Awards. Restricted Stock consists of shares of Common Stock that are transferred or sold to the Participant, but which carry restrictions such as a prohibition against disposition or an option to repurchase in the event of employment termination. The minimum restriction on shares of Restricted Stock shall be one year of continued service by the Participant, although the Committee may impose longer service requirements and/or additional restrictions. Until such restrictions lapse, the Participant may not sell, assign, pledge or otherwise transfer, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, the Restricted Stock. A sale of Restricted Stock to a Participant shall be at such price as the Committee determines, which price may be substantially below the fair market value of the Common Stock at the date of grant.

 

(i)

Lapse of Restrictions. The Committee shall establish the conditions under which the restrictions applicable to shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse. Lapse of the restrictions may be conditioned upon continued employment of the Participant for a specified period of time, satisfaction of performance goals of the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

 

 

 

(ii)

Rights of Holder of Restricted Stock. Except for the restrictions on transfer and/or the Company's option to repurchase the Restricted Shares, the Participant shall have, with respect to shares of Restricted Stock, all of the rights of a shareholder of Common Stock, including, if applicable, the right to vote the shares and the right to receive any cash or stock dividends. Notwithstanding the foregoing, cash or stock dividends on shares of Restricted Stock shall be automatically deferred, and shall be paid to the Participant only if, when and to the extent the underlying shares of Restricted Stock vest. Cash or stock dividends payable with respect to shares of Restricted Stock that are forfeited shall also be forfeited. Cash or stock dividends payable under this paragraph shall be paid as soon as practicable after the restrictions on the shares of Restricted Stock to which such dividends relate lapse (but no later than the 15th day of the third month of calendar year after the calendar year in which such restrictions lapse). Cash dividends shall be paid with an appropriate rate of interest, as determined by the Committee. The Committee shall not have the discretion to override the provisions of this Section 6.1(c)(ii).

 

(iii)

Certificates. The Company may require that the certificates evidencing shares of Restricted Stock be held by the Company until the restrictions thereon have lapsed. If and when such restrictions lapse, certificates for such shares shall be delivered to the Participant. Such shares may have further restrictions on transfer if they have not been registered under the Exchange Act, but shall no longer be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.

 

(d)

Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Restricted Stock Units consist of the right to receive a specified number of shares of Common Stock upon the lapse of a substantial risk of forfeiture. The minimum restriction on Restricted Stock Units shall be one year of continued service by the Participant, although the Committee may impose longer service requirements and/or additional restrictions. There is no purchase or exercise price associated with Restricted Stock Units or with the shares issued in settlement of the award. Participants have no voting rights or rights to receive cash dividends with respect to Restricted Stock Units until shares of Common Stock are issued in settlement of such awards. However, the Committee may grant restricted stock units that entitle the holders to receive Dividend Equivalent Awards, as described in Section 6.1(i) below.

 

(i)

Lapse of Restrictions. The Committee shall establish the conditions under which the restrictions applicable to Restricted Stock Units shall lapse. Lapse of the restrictions may be conditioned upon continued employment of the Participant for a specified period of time, satisfaction of performance goals of the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

(ii)

Timing of Payments. Shares of Common Stock due under Restricted Stock Units shall be issued as soon as practicable after the applicable restrictions lapse, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such restrictions lapse. Such shares may have further restrictions on transfer if they have not been registered under the Exchange Act, but shall no longer be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.

 

(e)

Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units consist of the right to receive a cash payment upon the lapse of a substantial risk of forfeiture. The minimum restriction on Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units shall be one year of continued service by the Participant, although the Committee may impose longer service requirements and/or additional restrictions. The cash payment for each Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit that vests upon the lapse of the substantial risk of forfeiture shall be equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock as of the date the substantial risk of forfeiture lapses.

 

 

 

 

(i)

Lapse of Restrictions. The Committee shall establish the conditions under which the restrictions applicable to Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units shall lapse. Lapse of the restrictions may be conditioned upon continued employment of the Participant for a specified period of time, satisfaction of performance goals of the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other factors as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

(ii)

Timing of Payments. Payments of amounts due under Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units shall be made as soon as practicable after the applicable restrictions lapse, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such restrictions lapse.

 

(f)

Performance Stock Awards. Performance Stock Awards are artificial shares that are contingently granted to a Participant, which entitle the Participant to actual shares of Common Stock, if predetermined objectives are met. Because the payment of a Performance Stock Award is based on a predetermined number of shares of Common Stock, the value of the award may increase or decrease depending on the fair market value of the Common Stock after the date of grant. The maximum number of shares of Performance Stock that may be granted to any Participant during any fiscal year of the Company is 100,000, subject to the adjustments provided in Article XI, below.

 

(i)

Performance Goals. The Committee shall establish one or more performance goals with respect to each grant of a Performance Stock Award. The performance goals may be tailored to meet specific objectives. Payment or vesting a Performance Stock Award may be based upon one or more of the following criteria, as determined by the Committee, or upon such other business criteria as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion: gross revenues, sales, net asset turnover, earnings per share, cash flow, cash flow from operations, return on investment in excess of cost of capital (i.e., net operating profit after taxes minus the Company’s capital charge), net operating profit after taxes as a percentage of the Company’s capital charge, operating profit or income, EBITDA as a percent of sales, debt to EBITDA ratios (including but not limited to the ratio of total funded debt to four quarter EBITDA, as defined in loan covenants of the Company), net income, operating income, net income margin, return on net assets, return on total sales, return on common equity, return on total capital, or total shareholder return. The Committee may establish targets under one or more of the foregoing performance goals based on single year or multi year periods. In addition, performance goals may relate to attainment of specified objectives by the Participant or by the Company or an affiliate, including a division or a department of the Company or an affiliate, or upon any other factors or criteria as the Committee shall determine.

 

(ii)

Certification of Satisfaction of Performance Goals. Following the completion of a period for which performance goals have been established, the Committee shall certify the extent to which such goals have been achieved. Such certification shall occur, and any applicable transfer of shares of Common Stock shall be made, as soon as practicable following the completion of the performance period, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such period ends.

 

 

 

 

(g)

Performance Stock Unit Awards. A Performance Stock Unit shall entitle the Participant to receive a cash payment equal to the fair market value of a share of Common Stock of the Company as of the Vesting Date, if predetermined objectives are met. The “Vesting Date” shall be the last day of the performance period for which a performance goal is established. The maximum number of Performance Stock Units that may be granted to any Participant during any fiscal year of the Company is 200,000, subject to the adjustments provided in Article XI, below.

 

(i)

Performance Goals. The Committee shall establish one or more performance goals with respect to each grant of a Performance Stock Unit. The performance goals may be tailored to meet specific objectives. Payment or vesting a Performance Stock Unit Award may be based upon one or more of the following criteria, as determined by the Committee, or upon such other business criteria as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion: gross revenues, sales, net asset turnover, earnings per share, cash flow, cash flow from operations, return on investment in excess of cost of capital (i.e., net operating profit after taxes minus the Company’s capital charge), net operating profit after taxes as a percentage of the Company’s capital charge, operating profit or income, EBITDA as a percent of sales, debt to EBITDA ratios (including but not limited to the ratio of total funded debt to four quarter EBITDA, as defined in loan covenants of the Company), net income, operating income, net income margin, return on net assets, return on total sales, return on common equity, return on total capital, or total shareholder return. The Committee may establish targets under one or more of the foregoing performance goals based on single year or multi year periods In addition, performance goals may relate to attainment of specified objectives by the Participant or by the Company or an affiliate, including a division or a department of the Company or an affiliate, or upon any other factors or criteria as the Committee shall determine.

 

(ii)

Certification of Satisfaction of Performance Goals. Following the completion of a period for which performance goals have been established, the Committee shall certify the extent to which such goals have been achieved. Such certification shall occur, and any applicable payments shall be made, as soon as practicable following the completion of the performance period, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such period ends.

 

(h)

Performance Unit Awards. Performance Unit Awards entitle the participant to cash payments (or, at the election of the Committee, their equivalent in shares of Common Stock), if predetermined objectives are met. Because the payment of a Performance Unit Award is based on a predetermined cash amount, the value of each unit remains constant and does not fluctuate with changes in the market value of the Common Stock. The maximum amount that may be paid to any Participant in any fiscal year of the Company pursuant to an award of Performance Units shall be $500,000.00.

 

 

 

 

(i)

Performance Goals. The Committee shall establish one or more performance goals with respect to each grant of a Performance Unit Award. The performance goals may be tailored to meet specific objectives. Payment or vesting a Performance Unit Award may be based upon one or more of the following criteria, as determined by the Committee, or upon such other business criteria as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion: gross revenues, sales, net asset turnover, earnings per share, cash flow, cash flow from operations, return on investment in excess of cost of capital (i.e., net operating profit after taxes minus the Company’s capital charge), net operating profit after taxes as a percentage of the Company’s capital charge, operating profit or income, EBITDA as a percent of sales, debt to EBITDA ratios (including but not limited to the ratio of total funded debt to four quarter EBITDA, as defined in loan covenants of the Company), net income, operating income, net income margin, return on net assets, return on total sales, return on common equity, return on total capital, or total shareholder return. The Committee may establish targets under one or more of the foregoing performance goals based on single year or multi year periods. In addition, performance goals may relate to attainment of specified objectives by the participant or by the Company or an affiliate, including a division or a department of the Company or an affiliate, or upon any other factors or criteria as the Committee shall determine.

 

(ii)

Certification of Satisfaction of Performance Goals. Following the completion of a period for which performance goals have been established, the Committee shall certify the extent to which such goals have been achieved. Such certification shall occur, and any applicable payments shall be made, as soon as practicable following the completion of the performance period, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such period ends.

 

(i)

Dividend Equivalent Awards. Dividend Equivalent Awards entitle the Participant to receive payment having a value equal to the dividends that would be payable with respect to a specified number of shares of Common Stock during a specified period, if the Participant owned that number of shares of Common Stock. Dividend Equivalent Awards may be granted on a free-standing basis or in connection with another Award, except that Dividend Equivalent Awards may not be granted with respect to Options or SARs. Any Dividend Equivalent Awards relating to an underlying Award shall be paid only if, when and to the extent such underlying Award vests, and the value of a Dividend Equivalent Award payable with respect to an underlying Award that does not vest shall be forfeited. Payments of amounts due under a stand-alone Dividend Equivalent Award shall be made as soon as practicable after the applicable restrictions lapse or the vesting conditions are satisfied, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such restrictions lapse or such vesting conditions are satisfied.

 

 

 

 

6.2         Written Agreements. Each Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written agreement, the form of which shall be consistent with the terms and conditions of the Plan and applicable law, which shall be signed by an officer of the Company and the Participant. Until such agreement has been entered into between the Company and the Participant, the Participant shall have no rights in any Award approved by the Committee.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

PAYMENT FOR AWARDS

 

7.1         General. Payments required, if any, upon a Participant's exercise of an Award under the Plan may be made in the form of: (i) cash; (ii) Company stock; (iii) a combination of cash and Company stock; or (iv) such other forms or means that the Committee shall determine in its discretion and in such manner as is consistent with the Plan's purpose and the Code, the Exchange Act, or other applicable laws or regulations.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

EFFECT OF TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT ON BENEFITS

 

8.1         Termination by Reason of Death. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an Award or as determined by the Committee, if a Participant incurs termination of employment due to death:

 

(a)

Any unexpired and unexercised Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall thereafter be fully exercisable (whether or not such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights were fully vested at the time of the Participant's death) by the deceased Participant’s estate or by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right by bequest or inheritance for a period of one year immediately following the date of death, or until the expiration of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right if shorter.

 

(b)

Any restrictions on shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse and the Participant’s designated beneficiary (or in the absence of such beneficiary, the Participant’s estate) shall be fully vested in the Restricted Stock.

 

(c)

Any restrictions on Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, and the Participant’s designated beneficiary (or in the absence of such beneficiary, the Participant’s estate) shall be issued the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such Restricted Stock Units. Such shares shall be issued as soon as practicable following the Participant’s death, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the Participant’s death occurs.

 

(d)

Any restrictions on Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, and the Participant’s designated beneficiary (or in the absence of such beneficiary, the Participant’s estate) shall receive a cash payment for each Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit equal to the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market as of the date of the Participant’s death. Such payment shall be made as soon as practicable following the Participant’s death, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the Participant’s death occurs.

 

 

 

 

(e)

The Participant’s designated beneficiary (or in the absence of such beneficiary, the Participant’s estate) shall receive a prorated payout of any Performance Stock Awards, Performance Stock Unit Awards and Performance Unit Awards. The prorated payout shall be based upon the length of time that the Participant held such Awards prior to his or her death relative to the period for which performance is measured, and shall be determined as if the target performance objective had been attained; provided, that for any Participant who received an Award under this Plan or the Twin Disc, Incorporated 2018 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan prior to November 1, 2021 (each a “Grandfathered Participant”), the prorated payout shall be determined as if the maximum performance objective had been attained. Such payment shall be made as soon as practicable following the Participant’s death, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the Participant’s death occurs.

 

(f)

Dividend Equivalent Awards that are unvested or subject to restrictions shall immediately vest and such restrictions shall lapse, and the Participant’s designated beneficiary (or in the absence of such beneficiary, the Participant’s estate) shall receive a cash payment equal to the amount of dividend equivalents credited to the Participant. Such payment shall be made as soon as practicable following the Participant’s death, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which the Participant’s death occurs.

 

8.2         Termination by Reason of Disability. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an Award or as determined by the Committee, if a Participant incurs termination of employment due to disability:

 

(a)

Any unexpired and unexercised Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall thereafter be fully exercisable (whether or not such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights were fully vested at the time the Participant became disabled) for a period of three years (except for incentive stock options, in which case the period shall be one year) immediately following the date of such termination of employment, or until the expiration of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right if shorter. The Participant's death at any time following such termination due to disability shall not affect the foregoing. In the event of termination due to disability, if an incentive stock option is exercised more than one year after such termination of employment (or such other time period as may apply under Section 422 of the Code), such Option shall thereafter be treated as a non-qualified stock option.

 

(b)

Any restrictions on shares of Restricted Stock shall lapse and the Participant shall be fully vested in the Restricted Stock.

 

(c)

Any restrictions on Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, and the Participant shall be issued the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such Restricted Stock Units.

 

 

 

 

(d)

Any restrictions on Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units shall lapse, and the Participant shall receive a cash payment for each Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Unit equal to the fair market value per share of Common Stock on the NASDAQ Stock Market as of the date of the Participant’s termination of employment.

 

(e)

The Participant shall receive a prorated payout of any Performance Stock Awards, Performance Stock Unit Awards and Performance Unit Awards. The prorated payout shall be based upon the length of time that the Participant held such Awards prior to his or her termination of employment due to disability relative to the period for which performance is measured, and shall be determined as if the target performance objective had been attained; provided, that for any Grandfathered Participant (as defined in Section 8.1(e)), the prorated payout shall be determined as if the maximum performance objective had been attained. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment due to disability, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death.

 

(f)

Any Dividend Equivalent Awards that are unvested or subject to restrictions shall immediately vest and such restrictions shall lapse, and the Participant shall receive a cash payment equal to the amount of dividend equivalents credited to the Participant.

 

Unless otherwise defined in the agreement governing the grant of an Award, “disability” shall mean a mental or physical illness or injury that entitles the Participant to receive benefits under the long term disability plan of the Company or a Subsidiary, or if the Participant is not covered by such a plan, a mental or physical illness that renders a Participant totally and permanently incapable of performing the Participant's duties for the Company or a Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a “disability” shall not qualify under the Plan if it is the result of: (i) a willfully self-inflicted injury or willfully self-induced sickness; or (ii) an injury or disease contracted, suffered or incurred, while participating in a criminal offense. The determination of disability shall be made by the Committee. The determination of disability for purposes of the Plan shall not be construed as an admission of disability for any other purpose.

 

8.3         Voluntary Termination Before Retirement or Termination for Cause. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an Award or as determined by the Committee, if a Participant voluntarily terminates his or her employment before retirement or is terminated for cause:

 

(a)

Any unexpired and unexercised Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall immediately terminate. The death or disability of the Participant after such a termination of employment shall not renew the exercisability of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right.

 

(b)

All shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the Participant, except the Committee shall have the discretion in whole or in part to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to any or all of such Participant's shares of Restricted Stock.

 

 

 

 

(c)

All Restricted Stock Units, Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units, and Dividend Equivalent Awards still subject to restriction or vesting conditions shall be forfeited by the Participant, except the Committee shall have the discretion in whole or in part to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to any or all of such Participant's Restricted Stock Units, Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units, and/or Dividend Equivalent Awards.

 

(d)

All Performance Stock Awards, Performance Stock Unit Awards and Performance Unit Awards shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Company.

 

Unless otherwise defined in the agreement governing the grant of an Award, “termination for cause” shall mean termination because of (i) any act or failure to act deemed to constitute cause under the Company's established practices policies or guidelines applicable to the Participant or (ii) the Participant's act or omission constituting gross misconduct with respect to the Company or a Subsidiary in any material respect.

 

8.4         Other Termination. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an Award or as determined by the Committee, if a Participant's employment terminates for any reason (including retirement) other than the reasons listed in Section 8.1 through 8.3 above:

 

(a)

Any unexpired and unexercised Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights held by such Participant shall thereupon terminate, except that any such Option or Stock Appreciation Right, to the extent vested on the date of the Participant's termination, may be exercised by the Participant for a period of three years (except for incentive stock options, in which case the period shall be (3) three months) immediately following the date of such termination of employment, or until the expiration of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right if shorter. The death or disability of the Participant after such a termination of employment shall not extend the time permitted to exercise an Option or Stock Appreciation Right.

 

(b)

All shares of Restricted Stock still subject to restriction shall be forfeited by the Participant, except the Committee shall have the discretion in whole or in part to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to any or all of such Participant's shares of Restricted Stock.

 

(c)

All Restricted Stock Units, Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units, and Dividend Equivalent Awards still subject to restriction or vesting conditions shall be forfeited by the Participant, except the Committee shall have the discretion in whole or in part to waive any or all remaining restrictions with respect to any or all of such Participant's Restricted Stock Units, Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units, and/or Dividend Equivalent Awards.

 

(d)

The Participant shall receive a prorated payout of any Performance Stock Awards, Performance Stock Unit Awards and Performance Unit Awards if and when the performance goals are achieved. The prorated payout shall be based upon the length of time that the Participant held such Awards prior to his or her termination of employment relative to the period for which performance is measured, and the extent to which the performance goals are achieved as certified by the Committee. Such payment shall be made as soon as practicable following the completion of the of the period for which performance goals have been established, but no later than the 15th day of the third month of the calendar year after the calendar year in which such period ends.

 

 

 

 

Unless otherwise defined in the agreement governing the grant of an Award, “retirement” shall mean the Participant's termination of employment after attaining either age 65, or age 60 with the accrual of 10 years of service.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

TERMINATION FOLLOWING CHANGE IN CONTROL

 

9.1         General. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an Award or as determined by the Committee, and notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, if an event constituting a Change in Control of the Company occurs and a Participant either terminates employment for Good Reason or is involuntarily terminated by the Company without cause after the Change in Control:

 

(a)

outstanding Options awarded to the Participant that are not yet fully exercisable shall immediately become exercisable in full, and in lieu of shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of Options, the Participant shall receive an amount in cash for each such Option equal to (i) the higher of the closing price of shares of Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the date of termination of employment or the highest per share price for shares of Common Stock actually paid in connection with any Change in Control of the Company, over (ii) the per share exercise price of such Option. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death;

 

(b)

outstanding Stock Appreciation Rights (whether Tandem SARs or Stand Alone SARs) awarded to the Participant that are not yet fully exercisable shall immediately become exercisable in full, and the Participant shall receive an amount in cash for each such Stock Appreciation Right equal to (i) the higher of the closing price of shares of Common Stock reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on the date of termination of employment or the highest per share price for shares of Common Stock actually paid in connection with any Change in Control of the Company, over (ii) the per share exercise price of such Stock Appreciation Right. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death;

 

(c)

the transferability provisions and the forfeitability provisions relating to Restricted Stock shall immediately cease to apply;

 

(d)

the forfeitability provisions relating to Restricted Stock Units shall immediately cease to apply, and the Participant shall be issued the number of shares of Common Stock represented by such Restricted Stock Units.

 

(e)

the forfeitability provisions relating to Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units shall immediately cease to apply, and a cash payment shall be made based on the fair market value of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of the Participant’s termination of employment. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death;

 

 

 

 

(f)

Performance Stock Awards granted hereunder shall immediately vest and shares of Common Stock underlying the award shall be delivered as if the target performance objectives had been fully achieved; provided, that for any Grandfathered Participant (as defined in Section 8.1(e)), the shares of Common Stock underlying the award shall be delivered as if the maximum performance objective had been fully achieved. The delivery of such shares shall occur on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death; and

 

(g)

Performance Stock Units granted hereunder shall immediately vest and a cash payment shall be made as if the target performance objective had been fully achieved; provided, that for any Grandfathered Participant (as defined in Section 8.1(e)), the payment shall be made as if the maximum performance objective had been fully achieved. Such cash payment shall be equal to the target (or maximum, for a Grandfathered Participant) number of performance stock units granted to the Participant multiplied by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as the Participant’s termination of employment. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death;

 

(h)

Performance Unit Awards granted hereunder shall immediately vest and a cash payment shall be made as if the target performance objective had been fully achieved; provided, that for any Grandfathered Participant (as defined in Section 8.1(e)), the payment shall be made as if the maximum performance objective had been fully achieved. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death; and

 

(i)

Dividend Equivalent Awards granted hereunder shall immediately vest and a cash payment shall be made equal to the amount of dividend equivalents credited to the Participant. Such payment shall be made on the earlier of (i) the first day of the seventh month following the date of the Participant’s termination of employment, or (ii) the date of the Participant’s death.

 

9.2         Non-Waiver. The Participant’s continued employment with the Company, for whatever duration, following a Change in Control of the Company shall not constitute a waiver of his or her rights with respect to this Article IX. The Participant's right to terminate his or her employment pursuant to this Section 9.2 shall not be affected by his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness.

 

 

 

 

9.3         Definitions and Additional Rules. For purposes of this Article IX:

 

(a)

“Good Reason” shall mean, without the Participant’s written consent, the occurrence after a Change in Control of the Company of any one or more of the following:

 

(i)

the assignment to the Participant of duties, responsibilities or status that constitute a material diminution in the Participant’s duties, responsibilities or status or a material reduction or alteration in the nature or status of the Participant’s duties and responsibilities;

 

(ii)

a material reduction by the Company in the Participant’s annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company or as the same shall be increased after the Change in Control of the Company;

 

(iii)

a material change in the geographic location at which the Participant must provide services; or

 

(iv)

a material change in or termination of the Company’s benefit plans or programs or the Participant’s participation in such plans or programs (outside of a good faith, across-the-board reduction of general application) in a manner that effectively reduces their aggregate value.

 

(b)

“Change in Control of the Company” shall be deemed to occur in any of the following circumstances:

 

(i)

if there occurs a change in control of a nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) of Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement;

 

(ii)

if any “person” (as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than John Batten or any member of his family (the “Batten Family”), is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company's then outstanding securities, except that any acquisition of securities of the Company directly from the Company (excluding any acquisition resulting from the exercise of a conversion or exchange privilege in respect of outstanding convertible or exchangeable securities unless such outstanding convertible or exchangeable securities were acquired directly from the Company) shall not constitute a Change in Control of the Company;

 

(iii)

if at any time after the Effective Date, individuals who as of the Effective Date constitute the Board of Directors (as of the Effective Date, the “Incumbent Board”) shall cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors; provided however, that any person becoming a director after the Effective Date whose appointment or nomination for election to the Board of Directors was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be, for purposes of this Plan, considered as though such person were a member of the Incumbent Board; and provided further, that no such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest which was (or, if threatened, would have been) subject to Exchange Act Rule 14a-12(c) shall be deemed to have been a member of the Incumbent Board; or

 

 

 

 

(iv)

upon the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that results in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least 80% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation, or the consummation of complete liquidation of the Company or the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company's assets.

 

(c)

To constitute a termination for Good Reason hereunder:

 

(i)

Termination of employment must occur within two years following the existence of a condition that would constitute Good Reason hereunder; and

 

(ii)

The Participant must provide notice to the Company of the existence of a condition that would constitute Good Reason within 90 days following the initial existence of such condition. The Company shall be provided a provided a period of 30 days following such notice during which it may remedy the condition. If the condition is remedied, the Participant’s subsequent voluntary termination of employment shall not constitute termination for Good Reason based upon the prior existence of such condition.

 

ARTICLE X

 

NONTRANSFERABILITY

 

10.1         General. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement governing the grant of an Award, a Participant’s rights shall be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant, and no Award may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated; provided, that Options and Stock Appreciation Rights are transferable by will or pursuant to the laws of descent and distribution.

 

ARTICLE XI

 

ADJUSTMENT PROVISIONS

 

11.1         Changes in Capitalization. If the Company shall at any time change the number of issued shares of Common Stock without new consideration to the Company (by stock dividends, stock splits, split-up, spin-off, or similar transactions):

 

(a)

the total number of shares reserved for issuance under this Plan, the number of shares covered by or subject to each outstanding Award, the number of outstanding Cash-Settled Restricted Stock Units and the number of outstanding Performance Stock Units, shall be adjusted so that the aggregate consideration payable to the Company, if any, and the value of each such Award shall not be changed; and

 

 

 

 

(b)

the maximum number of Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Stock Units and shares of Performance Stock that may be granted to any Participant in any fiscal year of the Company shall be proportionately adjusted to reflect the increase or decrease in the issued shares of Common Stock.

 

11.2         Reorganization, Sale, etc.. Awards granted hereunder may also contain provisions for their continuation, acceleration, immediate vesting, or for other equitable adjustments after changes in the Common Stock resulting from the consummation of a reorganization, sale, merger, consolidation, dissolution, liquidation or similar circumstances.

 

11.3         Substitutions and Assumptions. If the Company acquires an entity which has issued and outstanding stock options or other rights, the Company may substitute stock options or rights for options or rights of such entity, including options or other rights to acquire stock at less than 100% of the fair market price of the stock at grant. The number and kind of such stock options and other rights shall be determined by the Committee and the total number of shares reserved for issuance under this Plan shall be appropriately adjusted consistent with such determination and in such manner as the Committee may deem equitable to prevent substantial dilution or enlargement of the Awards granted to, or available for, present or future Participants of this Plan. The number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to Article III may be increased by the corresponding number of options or other benefits assumed, and, in the case of a substitution, by the net increase in the number of shares subject to options or other benefits before and after the substitution.

 

ARTICLE XII

 

AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN AND CLAWBACKS OF AWARDS

 

12.1         Amendment and Termination of Plan. The Board, without further approval of the Company's shareholders, may amend the Plan from time to time or terminate the Plan at any time, provided that:

 

(a)

no action authorized by this Article shall reduce the amount of any existing Award or change the terms and conditions thereof without the Participant's consent; and

 

(b)

no amendment of the Plan shall, without the approval of the Company's shareholders, (i) increase the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the Plan or increase the amount or type of Awards that may be granted under the Plan; (ii) change the minimum purchase price, if any, of shares of Common Stock that may be made subject to Awards under the Plan; (iii) modify the requirements as to eligibility for an Award under the Plan; (iv) extend the term of the Plan; or (v) constitute a material revision of the Plan under the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market (or such other listing standards then applicable to the Company).

 

 

 

 

12.2         Clawback of Awards. To the extent required by applicable law or the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market (or such other listing standards then applicable to the Company), including but not limited to Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Awards and amounts paid or payable with respect to Awards shall be subject to clawback as determined by the Committee, which clawback may include forfeitures, repurchase, reimbursement and/or recoupment of Awards and amounts paid or payable pursuant to or with respect to Awards, in each instance in accordance with applicable law or listing standards. All Awards granted under this Plan, any property (including shares of Common Stock) received in connection with any exercise or vesting of any Awards, and any proceeds received from the disposition of any such property, shall be subject to such applicable law or listing standards, as well as any company-specific clawback policy adopted, and amended from time to time, by the Committee. The Committee shall have discretion with respect to any clawback to determine whether the Company shall effect such recovery:

 

(a)

by seeking repayment from the Participant;

 

(b)

by reducing amounts that would otherwise be payable to the Participant under any compensatory plan, program or arrangement maintained by the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate of the Company (subject to applicable law and the terms and conditions of the applicable plan, program or arrangement);

 

(c)

by withholding payment of future increases in compensation (including the payment of any discretionary bonus amounts) or grants of compensatory awards that would have otherwise been made in accordance with the Company’s applicable compensation practices; or

 

(d)

by any combination of the above.

 

ARTICLE XIII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

13.1         Unfunded Status of Plan. It is intended that the Plan constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation. The Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or other arrangements to meet the obligations created under the Plan to deliver Common Stock or make payments; provides, however, that unless the Committee otherwise determines, the existence of such trusts or other arrangements is consistent with the “unfunded” status of the Plan.

 

13.2         Withholding Taxes. No later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includible in the gross income of the Participant for federal income tax purposes with respect to any Award or with respect to any exercise of any Option or Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan, the Participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company or other entity identified by the Committee regarding the payment of any federal, state, local or foreign taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld. The Participant may elect to satisfy such withholding obligation, in whole or in part, with Common Stock, including Common Stock that is part of the Award or that is received upon the exercise of the Award that gives rise to the withholding requirement, and such shares of Common Stock shall be valued at their fair market value on the date the tax withholding is effective. The fair market value of any shares of Common Stock withheld or tendered to satisfy any such tax withholding obligations shall not exceed the amount determined by the applicable maximum statutory tax withholding rates. The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional upon such payment or arrangements, and the Company shall, to the extent permitted by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment otherwise due to the Participant. If the Participant disposes of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to an incentive stock option in any transaction considered to be a disqualifying transaction under the Code, the Participant must give written notice of such transfer and the Company shall have the right to deduct any taxes required by law to be withheld from any amounts otherwise payable to the Participant.

 

 

 

 

13.3         No Guaranty of Employment. Nothing herein shall be construed to constitute a contract of employment between the Company or Subsidiary and the Participant. Except as may be provided in a written contract, the Company or Subsidiary and each of the Participants continue to have the right to terminate the employment relationship at any time for any reason.

 

13.4         Controlling Law. The Plan and all Awards made and actions taken hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin (other than its law respecting choice of law). The Plan shall be construed to comply with all applicable law and to avoid liability to the Company or a Subsidiary, including, without limitation, liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

 

13.5         Headings. The headings contained in the Plan are for reference purposes only, and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of the Plan.

 

13.6         Severability. If any provision of the Plan shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereby, and this Plan shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted.

 

13.7         Successors and Assigns. This Plan shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon each successor and assign of the Company. All obligations imposed upon a Participant, and all rights granted to the Company hereunder, shall be binding upon the Participant's heirs, legal representatives and successors.

 

13.8         Entire Agreement. This Plan and any agreements governing the grant of Awards hereunder to any Participant constitute the entire agreement with respect to the subject matter hereof with respect to such Participant, provided that in the event of any inconsistency between the Plan and any such agreement(s), the terms and conditions of the Plan shall control.