UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

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Exchange Act of 1934

 

 

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12

SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

1

ADMISSION AND VOTING PROCEDURES

 

1

PROXY SUMMARY

 

3

PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

7

REPORT ON THE NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

8

REPORT ON THE SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

 

12

REPORT ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

 

15

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

17

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

19

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

 

33

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

51

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

54

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

 

54

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

55

PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

56

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

57

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP COMPLIANCE

 

58

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

 

58

OTHER MATTERS

 

59

 

 

 

 


 

SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE, INC.

9721 Sherrill Blvd.

Knoxville, TN 37932

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD MAY 10, 2016

TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE, INC.

The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at 7264 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, Tennessee 37882, on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 4:00 p.m., local time, for the following purposes:

 

1.

to elect 12 directors;

 

2.

to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016; and

 

3.

to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

The Board of Directors has set the close of business on March 17, 2016 as the record date for the determination of shareholders who are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and any adjournment thereof.

We are furnishing our proxy materials to you under Securities and Exchange Commission rules that allow companies to deliver proxy materials to their shareholders on the Internet. On or about March 31, 2016, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) and provided access to our proxy materials on the Internet. The proxy materials include the 2015 Annual Report to Shareholders and the Proxy Statement.

We encourage you to attend the Annual Meeting. However, it is important that your shares be represented whether or not you are personally able to attend. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote as instructed in the Notice, via the Internet or the telephone as promptly as possible to ensure that your vote is recorded. Alternatively, you may follow the procedures outlined in the Notice to request a paper proxy card to submit your vote by mail. If you attend the meeting and your shares are registered in your name, you may withdraw your proxy at that time and vote your shares in person.

Your proxy is being solicited by the Board of Directors.

 

By order of the Board of Directors,

 

Eleni Vatsis Stratigeas

Senior Vice President,

Business and Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary

March 31, 2016

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 10, 2016.

The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders are available without charge at http://www.proxyvote.com

 

 

 


 

SCRIPPS NETWORKS INTERACTIVE, INC.

9721 Sherrill Blvd.

Knoxville, TN 37932

PROXY STATEMENT

2016 ANNUAL MEETING

May 10, 2016

This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the “Company”), for use at the Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), which will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2016, at 7264 East Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, Tennessee 37882, at 4 p.m., local time.

The close of business on March 17, 2016, has been set as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES

As we are committed to providing a safe, secure environment for our shareholders, employees, and guests, we kindly ask that you observe the following procedures if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting:

 

·

Before the meeting : Please register on or before May 8, 2016, by contacting Eleni Stratigeas, our Senior Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs and Corporate Secretary, at (865) 560-3326 or estratigeas@scrippsnetworks.com. If you plan to attend the meeting and need special assistance because of a disability, please contact the corporate secretary’s office.

 

·

When you arrive : Company representatives will be available to direct you to the meeting room where you can check in at the registration table beginning at 3:30 p.m. local time.

 

·

What to bring : If your shares are registered in the name of a bank, broker, or other holder of record, please bring both a photo ID and documentation of your stock ownership as of March 17, 2016 (such as a brokerage statement). If your shares are registered in your name, either solely or jointly with one or more co-owners, you will just need a photo ID.

INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

We are furnishing proxy materials to our shareholders primarily via the Internet under rules adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, instead of mailing printed copies of those materials to each shareholder. On March 31, 2016, we mailed to our shareholders a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials, including our Proxy Statement and our Annual Report to Shareholders. The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials also instructs you on how to access your proxy card or to vote via the Internet or by telephone.

This process is designed to expedite the shareholders’ receipt of proxy materials, lower the cost of the Annual Meeting and help conserve natural resources. Shareholders who would prefer to continue to receive printed proxy materials should follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

VOTING PROCEDURES

On March 17, 2016, the Company had outstanding 95,024,669 Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value per share (“Class A Common Shares”), and 33,850,481 Common Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share (“Common Voting Shares”). Holders of Class A Common Shares are entitled to elect the greater of three or one-third (or the nearest smaller whole number if such fraction is not a whole number) of the directors of the Company but are not entitled to vote on any other matters except as required by Ohio law. Holders of Common Voting Shares are entitled to elect all remaining directors and to vote on all other matters requiring a vote of shareholders. Each Class A Common Share and Common Voting Share is entitled to one vote upon matters on which such class of shares is entitled to vote. Holders of Class A Common Shares and Common Voting Shares do not have cumulative voting.

 


 

A quorum of shareholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Class A Common Shares is necessary for the election of the four dir ectors to be elected by the holders of the Class A Common Shares and the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding Common Voting Shares is necessary for any other action to be taken at the meeting.

With respect to the election of directors, when a quorum of holders of Class A Common Shares and Common Voting Shares, respectively, is present at an annual meeting in which directors are elected, directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast. Under this standard, the eight (8) director nominees to be elected by the holders of Common Voting Shares and four (4) director nominees to be elected by the holders of Class A Common Shares who receive the greatest number of votes will become directors of the Company.

With respect to any other matter to be voted upon, when a quorum of holders of Class A Common Shares and Common Voting Shares, respectively, is present at an annual meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the Class A Common Shares and Common Shares, respectively, issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or by proxy, shall decide any question brought before such meeting.  Note, however, that for purposes of this Proxy Statement, holders of Class A Common Shares are only entitled to vote for the election of four (4) director nominees.

With respect to the election of directors, a shareholder may vote “for” or “against” a director nominee or may “withhold” such shareholder’s vote for a director nominee.  Withheld votes will be treated as present at the meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum for the meeting and for purposes of the vote on a particular matter. A withheld vote will have no effect on the matter.

With respect to any other matter to be voted upon, a shareholder may vote “for” or “against” such matter or may “abstain” from voting for such matter. Abstentions will be treated as present at the meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum for the meeting and for purposes of the vote on the particular matter. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the matter.

Broker non-votes also will be treated as present at the meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum for the meeting, but will not be treated as shares present for purposes of the vote on the particular matter. A broker non-vote will have no effect on the matter. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker or other nominee does not vote shares on a “non-routine” matter, such as the election of directors, because the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power for the particular matter and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares.

The presence of any shareholder at the meeting will not operate to revoke his or her proxy. A proxy may be revoked at any time, if it has not been exercised, by giving written notice to the Company or in open meeting. If a shareholder signs and submits such shareholder’s proxy without voting instructions with respect to the proposals contained herein, the proxy will be voted “for” such proposals.

If you are a shareholder of record (i.e., if your shares are registered directly in your name in the records of our transfer agent, Wells Fargo), you can vote using one of the methods described below. If you are a beneficial owner (i.e., you indirectly hold your shares through a nominee such as a bank or broker), you can vote using the methods provided by your nominee.

 

VOTE BY INTERNET

www.proxyvote.com

Have your 16-Digit Control Number (printed in the box marked by the arrow on the notice or proxy card) and follow the instructions.

VOTE BY PHONE

1-800-690-6903

Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions.

TO REQUEST A PAPER OR E-MAIL COPY

If you want to receive a paper or email copy of these documents, you must request one. There is NO charge for requesting a copy. Please choose one of the following methods to make your request:

1) BY INTERNET: www.proxyvote.com

2) BY TELEPHONE: 1-800-579-1639

3) BY EMAIL*: sendmaterial@proxyvote.com

*  If requesting materials by email, please send a blank email with your 16-Digit Control Number in the subject line (your Control Number can be found in the box marked by the arrow on the notice or proxy card). Requests, instructions and other inquiries sent to this email address will NOT be forwarded to your investment advisor. Please make the request as instructed above on or before April 26, 2016 to facilitate timely delivery.

 

 

2


 

 

PROXY SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. It does not contain all of the information that you should consider in voting your shares. You should read the entire proxy statement, as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, carefully before voting.

Voting Matters and Board Recommendations

 

 

Proposal

 

Board Voting

Recommendation

 

Page

Reference

 

 

 

 

 

 

I.

Election of 12 directors

 

For each nominee

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

II.

Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016

 

For

 

56

Select Performance and Business Highlights

 

·

Set all-time Company records in 2015 and showed strong increases from the prior year in key financial metrics:

 

o

Operating Revenue $3.0 billion – up 13.2%

 

o

Segment Profit 1 $1.2 billion – up 11.0%

 

o

Diluted Earnings per Share $4.66 – up 21.7%

 

·

HGTV completed 2015 with the highest yearly cable rating in the network’s history – #8 among primetime viewers age 25 to 54

 

·

Food Network ranked #11 among ad-supported cable networks

 

·

Continued growth in international expansion as evidenced by the completed acquisition of TVN, a leading Polish media company, and the launch of networks in Latin America, Asia and Australia

 

 

1

See reconciliation of Segment Profit to GAAP measure on page F-7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

3


 

Corporate Governance Highlights

We believe that good corporate governance is integral to our business, and the Board monitors developments in governance best practices to assure that it continues meeting its commitment to representation of shareholder interests. Below is a summary of certain corporate governance practices and facts:

 

●       Annual election of directors

●       Strong risk management program

 

 

●       Regular executive sessions of the Board and board committees

●       11 of our 12 director nominees are independent

 

 

●       Annual independent board and committee evaluations

●       Comprehensive Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Principles

 

 

●       Global ethics and corporate compliance program

●       Board participation in executive succession planning

 

 

●       Incentive plan alignment between pay and performance

●       Clawback policy providing for return of incentive compensation

 

 

●       Commitment to seeking diversity on the Board

●       Board oversight of Company strategy

Shareholder Engagement

We value our shareholders’ perspective on our business and each year regularly engage with shareholders through a variety of engagement activities to stay informed on the evolving perspectives of the investor community. We engage with shareholders on various matters, including industry trends, Company performance, corporate governance, and executive compensation. In 2015, our key shareholder engagement activities included investor road shows in nine U.S. and international cities, six investor conferences in the U.S. and U.K., and our 2015 annual meeting of shareholders.

4


 

Director Nominees

The following table provides summary information regarding each nominee to the Board. Information about each director’s experience, qualifications and skills can be found beginning on page 10.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committee Memberships 2

 

NAME

AGE

DIRECTOR

SINCE

DIRECTOR

CATEGORY 3

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION

INDE-

PENDENT

AC

EC

CC

NGC

OTHER

PUBLIC CO.

BOARDS

Jarl Mohn

Industry

64

2008

A

President and CEO, NPR

 

 

Chair

 

None

Nicholas B. Paumgarten

Non-Industry

70

2008

A

Founder, Corsair Capital LLC

 

 

1 (United Community Banks, Inc.)

Jeffrey Sagansky

Industry

64

2008

A

Chairman and CEO, Double Eagle Acquisition Corp.

 

 

Chair

3 (Double Eagle Acquisition Corp., Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc., Starz)

Ronald W. Tysoe

Non-Industry

62

2008

A

Former Senior Advisor, Perella Weinberg Partners LP; Former Vice Chairman, Federated Department Stores, Inc. (now Macy’s Inc.)

Chair

 

 

4 (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Cintas Corporation, J. C. Penney Company, Inc., Taubman Centers, Inc.)

Gina L. Bianchini

Industry

43

2012

CV

Founder and CEO, Mighty Software, Inc.

 

 

None

Michael R. Costa

Non-Industry

58

2009

CV

Former Head of Mergers and Acquisitions and Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, Cowen and Company

 

 

None

David A. Galloway

Industry

72

2008

CV

Former President and CEO, Torstar Corporation

 

 

 

1 (Toromont Industries Ltd.)

Kenneth W. Lowe

Industry

65

2008

CV

Chairman, President, and CEO, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc.

 

 

Chair

 

 

None

Donald E. Meihaus

Industry

61

2015

CV

Former President, Miramar Services, Inc.

 

 

None

 

2

Audit Committee (“AC”); Executive Committee (“EC”); Compensation Committee (“CC”); Nominating and Governance Committee (“NGC”). The Company also maintains a Pricing Committee, a Digital Advisory Committee, and a Special Committee, as described in further detail on page 18.

3

Class A Common Shares (“A”); Common Voting Shares (“CV”).

5


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committee Memberships 2

 

NAME

AGE

DIRECTOR

SINCE

DIRECTOR

CATEGORY 3

PRINCIPAL

OCCUPATION

INDE-

PENDENT

AC

EC

CC

NGC

OTHER

PUBLIC CO.

BOARDS

Richelle P. Parham

Industry

48

2012

CV

Former Chief Marketing Officer, eBay

Marketplaces, North America

 

 

 

1 (Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings)

Mary McCabe Peirce

Industry

67

2008

CV

Former Trustee, The Edward W. Scripps Trust

 

 

1 (The E. W. Scripps Company)

Wesley W. Scripps

Industry

33

2014

CV

Founder and Owner, Forlio Designs LLC

 

 

 

None

 

 

 

 

Number of Meetings in 2015

 

7

0

5

4

 

 

Executive Compensation Highlights

The Company seeks to align the interests of our named executive officers (“NEOs”) with the interests of the Company’s shareholders. Certain important features of our executive compensation program include:

 

·

The program is  designed to reward financial results and effective strategic leadership to build sustainable value for shareholders by correlating the timing and amount of actual pay with performance goals over various time horizons without excessive risk taking.

 

·

Pay is based on performance. Approximately 80% of our Chief Executive Officer’s and approximately 71% of the other NEOs’ fiscal 2015 target total direct compensation was based on “variable” (or “at risk”) pay elements.

 

o

100% of each NEO’s annual incentive award and 30% of each NEO’s long-term incentive award is subject to achievement of short-term and long-term financial and business objectives, with the remainder of the long-term incentive award comprised of stock options and restricted stock units (“RSUs”), designed to reward the NEOs for increasing the Company’s stock price and enhancing long-term value.

 

o

Strong 2015 performance resulted in slightly-above-target payouts under the NEO’s 2015 annual incentive awards, while a lagging total shareholder return relative to the S&P 500 resulted in our NEO’s forfeiting the performance-based restricted share units (“PBRSUs”) award portion of their 2014 long-term incentive awards (with a performance period ended December 31, 2015).

 

·

Base pay increases in 2015 were modest, excluding promotional increases.

 

·

The Company maintains stock ownership guidelines that apply to all executive officers and directors.

 

·

The Company has strong governance policies related to executive compensation, and we employ appropriate compensation risk mitigating features.

 

 

6


 

PROPO SAL 1

Election of Directors

A board of 12 directors is to be elected, four by the holders of Class A Common Shares voting separately as a class and eight by the holders of Common Voting Shares voting separately as a class.  In the election, the nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. Withheld votes and broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.

Each proxy for Class A Common Shares executed and returned by a holder of such shares will be voted for the election of the four directors hereinafter shown as nominees for such class of shares, unless otherwise indicated on such proxy. Each proxy for Common Voting Shares executed and returned by a holder of such shares will be voted for the election of the eight directors hereinafter shown as nominees for such class of shares, unless otherwise indicated on such proxy. Although the Board does not contemplate that any of the nominees hereinafter named will be unavailable for election, in the event that any such nominee is unable to serve, the proxies will be voted for the remaining nominees and for such other person(s), if any, as the Board may propose.

Mr. Galloway is currently 72 years old. As set forth in the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, it is the general policy of the Company that the retirement age for directors is 72 years of age. However, the Board, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, has waived this retirement policy for Mr. Galloway until the 2017 annual meeting of shareholders due to Mr. Galloway’s extensive knowledge and experience, his deep understanding of the media industry and his valuable service on the Compensation Committee, and has concluded that the Company would benefit from his continued service as a member of the Board.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the nominated directors.

 

 

7


 

REPORT ON THE NOMINEES FOR ELEC TION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The following table sets forth certain information as to each of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors. Each of the nominees for director is currently serving as a director of the Company and has been previously elected by our shareholders.

 

Name

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Principal Occupation or Occupation/Business

Experience for Past Five Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominees for Election by Holders of Class A Common Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jarl Mohn(1)

 

64

 

2008

 

President and CEO of NPR since July 2014; Trustee of the Mohn Family Trust since September 1991, Interim CEO at MobiTV, Inc. (a converged media platform) from May 2007 to October 2007; President and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Digital, Inc. (a media company) from January 1999 to March 2002; President and CEO of E! Entertainment Television (a network with programming dedicated to the world of entertainment) from January 1990 to December 1998.

Mr. Mohn brings more than forty years’ experience in the media industry through his prior positions as Chief Executive Officer of several major media companies. Additionally, he has 25 years’ experience in the cable TV industry. He is known for his vast and extensive industry knowledge, innovative thinking and expertise as well as a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the Company. Additionally, he served as a director of The E. W. Scripps Company (a publicly traded media company with interests in television stations, newspapers and local news and information Web sites), which provided him with institutional knowledge of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nicholas B. Paumgarten(2)

 

70

 

2008

 

Founder, Corsair Capital LLC (an investment firm) since March 2006; Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Chase and Chairman of J.P. Morgan Corsair II Capital Partners L.P. (an investment banking firm and an investment fund) from February 1992 to March 2006.

Mr. Paumgarten has extensive financial industry experience and brings both financial services and corporate governance perspective to the Company as the current Chairman of Corsair Capital, a former Managing Director of J.P. Morgan Chase, and the former Chairman of J.P. Morgan Corsair II Capital Partners L.P. His prior service as a director of The E. W. Scripps Company provided him with institutional knowledge and expertise in the media industry.

8


 

Name

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Principal Occupation or Occupation/Business

Experience for Past Five Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Sagansky(3)

 

64

 

2008

 

Chairman and CEO of Double Eagle Acquisition Corp. since July 2015. President of Silver Eagle Acquisition Corp. from July 2013 to March 2015. President of Global Eagle Acquisition Corp. from 2011 to February 2013. Chairman of RHI Entertainment LLC (a producer and distributor of long-form television content) from February 2009 to December 2010.

Mr. Sagansky brings more than 35 years of experience managing television operations and investing in television distribution and production companies, which enables him to provide critical insights into the media industry and how best to position the Company for success. He also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. From his long-term experience in the media industry, he brings expertise and industry knowledge to the Board. Also, as a former director of The E. W. Scripps Company, he brings historical knowledge of the Company and its strengths, challenges and opportunities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald W. Tysoe(4)

 

62

 

2008

 

Senior Advisor of Perella Weinberg Partners LP (a global, independent advisory and asset management firm) from October 2006 to September 2007; Vice Chairman of Federated Department Stores, Inc. (now Macy’s Inc.), a retail organization operating stores and Internet websites, from April 1990 to October 2006.

Mr. Tysoe brings significant experience in accounting and finance, including serving on a number of audit committees of public companies and as a former Chief Financial Officer of a large public company. Mr. Tysoe is an audit committee financial expert as defined in the SEC rules adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Additionally, he served as a director of The E. W. Scripps Company, which provided him with institutional knowledge and insight into the challenges and opportunities of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nominees for Election by Holders of Common Voting Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gina L. Bianchini

 

43

 

2012

 

Founder and CEO of Mighty Software, Inc. (provider of social software solutions) since September 2010. CEO of Ning, Inc. (platform for creating social websites) from 2004 to March 2010. Co-Founder and President of Harmonic Communications (an advertising tracking, measurement, and optimization software company) from March 2000 to July 2003.

Ms. Bianchini’s expertise, vision and creativity in the rapidly evolving world of social networking make her uniquely qualified to serve the Company. Her valuable insight and guidance will benefit the Company as it develops new interactive businesses and explores opportunities to create and deliver our brand of lifestyle content on innovative digital platforms.

9


 

Name

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Principal Occupation or Occupation/Business

Experience for Past Five Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael R. Costa

 

58

 

2009

 

Head of Mergers and Acquisitions and Vice Chairman of Investment Banking, Cowen and Company (a diversified financial services firm) from 2010 to 2011. Former Managing Director, Global Markets and Investment Banking/Mergers and Acquisitions of Merrill Lynch & Co. (provider of wealth management, securities trading and sales, corporate finance and investment banking services) from 1989 through 2008.

Mr. Costa brings more than twenty-five years of finance/investment banking experience to the Board. His prior work experience includes serving as a financial advisor to numerous corporations/boards in the media and communications industries in connection with mergers, acquisitions and corporate restructurings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David A. Galloway(5)

 

72

 

2008

 

President and Chief Executive Officer of Torstar Corporation (a media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange) from 1988 until his retirement in May 2002.

Mr. Galloway brings over twenty years of media industry experience to the Company. His previous role as Chief Executive Officer provides him with knowledge, experience and insight into various budget issues as well as oversight, governance and management of large organizations. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and has extensive business experience and leadership skills. Additionally, he served on the board of directors of the E. W. Scripps Company, which provided him with institutional knowledge and insight into the challenges and opportunities of the Company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth W. Lowe

 

65

 

2008

 

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since July 2008. President and Chief Executive Officer of The E. W. Scripps Company from October 2000 to June 2008. President and Chief Operating Officer from January 2000 to September 2000 of The E. W. Scripps Company.

From his service as the current Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his prior service as President and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of The E. W. Scripps Company, Mr. Lowe brings deep institutional knowledge and perspective regarding the Company’s strengths, challenges and opportunities. He possesses extensive public company and media industry experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donald E. Meihaus

 

61

 

2015

 

Secretary and Treasurer of The Edward W. Scripps Trust from 1990 until his retirement in 2013. President of Miramar Services, Inc. (the Scripps family office) from 2002 to 2012.

Mr. Meihaus brings institutional knowledge to the Company from his service as the former President of the Scripps family office and as Secretary and Treasurer of The Edward W. Scripps Trust.

10


 

Name

 

Age

 

Director

Since

 

Principal Occupation or Occupation/Business

Experience for Past Five Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richelle P. Parham(6)

 

48

 

2012

 

Chief Marketing Officer of eBay Marketplaces, North America (Ecommerce company) from 2010 to February 2015. Head of Global Marketing Innovation and Head of Global Marketing Services for Visa, Inc. (credit card company) from 2008 to 2010. Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digitas (an integrated advertising agency) from 1994 to 2007.

Ms. Parham has more than 20 years of global marketing experience. Her experience developing strategies that deliver strong return on marketing investments becomes increasingly important as we create lifestyle content services for consumers on emerging interactive media platforms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary McCabe Peirce(7)(8)

 

67

 

2008

 

Mrs. Peirce brings institutional knowledge to the Company through her service as a trustee of The Edward W. Scripps Trust and as a director of The E. W. Scripps Company. As a result of this experience, she has a thorough understanding of the Company’s history and vision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wesley W. Scripps(8)

 

33

 

2014

 

Founder and owner of Forlio Designs LLC (a web design firm) since 2008.

Mr. Scripps’ experience in owning and operating a web design firm provides real-time, valuable insight and guidance to the Company as it develops new interactive businesses and promotes its brands on various platforms.

 

(1)

Mr. Mohn was previously a director of CNET Networks, Inc. (a then-publicly traded interactive media company) and XM Satellite Radio Holdings, Inc. (a then-publicly traded satellite radio provider).

(2)

Mr. Paumgarten is a director of United Community Banks, Inc. (a publicly traded bank holding company).

(3)

Mr. Sagansky is Chairman and CEO of Double Eagle Acquisition Corp. (a publicly traded company formed for the purpose of effecting business combinations), a director of Global Eagle Entertainment, Inc. (a publicly traded airline supplier of entertainment and connectivity to the worldwide airline business) and a director of Starz (a publicly traded pay cable operator). He was previously a director of RHI Entertainment, Inc. (a then-publicly traded broadcast media producer) and American Media, Inc. (a publicly traded magazine company).

(4)

Mr. Tysoe is a director of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Cintas Corporation (a publicly traded company providing specialized services, including uniform programs and other products, to businesses), J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (a publicly traded apparel and home furnishing retailer), and Taubman Centers, Inc. (a publicly traded real estate company that owns and operates regional shopping centers). He was previously a director of NRDC Acquisition Corporation, Ohio Casualty Corporation (a then-publicly traded casualty insurance company) and Pzena Investment Management, Inc. (a publicly traded investment management company).

(5)

Mr. Galloway is a director of Toromont Industries (a Caterpillar machinery dealer). He was previously chair of Bank of Montreal and a director of Shell Canada, Cognos Inc. and Abitibi Consolidated. He was chair of Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto from 2002-2005 and on the board for thirteen years.

(6)

Ms. Parham is a director of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (a publicly traded independent clinical laboratory company).

(7)

Mrs. Peirce is a director of The E. W. Scripps Company.

(8)

Mr. Scripps is a first cousin once removed of Mrs. Peirce.

 

 

11


 

REPORT ON THE SECURITY OWNERSHI P OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to persons known to management to be the beneficial owners, as of January 31, 2016, unless indicated otherwise in the footnotes below, of more than 5 percent of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Shares or Common Voting Shares. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown therein as being beneficially owned by them.

 

 

 

Total Shares to be

Beneficially Owned

 

 

Percentage of Total(1)

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Class A

Common

Shares

 

 

Common

Voting

Shares

 

 

Class A

Common

Shares

 

 

Common

Voting

Shares

 

GREATER THAN FIVE PERCENT SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatories to Scripps Family Agreement(2)

 

 

 

 

 

31,066,422

 

 

 

 

 

 

91.8

%

c/o Tracy Tunney Ward Miramar Services, Inc. 250

   Grandview Ave., Suite 400 Fort Mitchell, KY 41017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Southeastern Asset Management, Inc.(3)

 

 

13,064,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.8

%

 

 

 

6410 Poplar Ave., Suite 900 Memphis, TN 38119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BlackRock, Inc.(4)

 

 

7,358,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.8

%

 

 

 

55 East 52nd Street New York, NY 10022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Vanguard Group(5)

 

 

6,891,877

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.3

%

 

 

 

100 Vanguard Blvd. Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Percentage of class is based on 94,863,550 Class A Common Shares and 33,850,481 Common Voting Shares outstanding as of January 31, 2016. Subject to the Scripps Family Agreement, each Common Voting Share is convertible at no cost and at any time into one Class A Common Share. The Percentage of Total Class A Common Shares does not give effect to the conversion of any Common Voting Shares into Class A Common Shares.

(2)

Certain descendants of Robert P. Scripps, descendants of John P. Scripps, certain trusts of which descendants of John P. Scripps or Robert P. Scripps are trustees or beneficiaries and an estate of a descendent of Robert P. Scripps are signatories to the Amended and Restated Scripps Family Agreement, dated May 19, 2015 (the “Scripps Family Agreement”), which governs the transfer and voting of all Common Voting Shares held by such signatories. The information in the table and this footnote is based on Amendment No. 9 to a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on December 31, 2015 by the signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement. The signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement report shared voting power with each other with respect to the Common Voting Shares shown in the table because such shares will be voted as instructed by a vote conducted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Scripps Family Agreement. The shares shown in the table do not include the following Common Voting Shares (the “Minors’ Shares”) that are held on behalf of persons who were minors at the time such shares were distributed from The Edward W. Scripps Trust (each, a “Minor”), and are not parties or subject to the Scripps Family Agreement: (a) 1,604,000 Common Voting Shares held by two signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement as co-guardians for a Minor and (b) 801,999 Common Voting Shares held by trusts for the benefit of Minors with respect to which another signatory to the Scripps Family Agreement serves as trust advisor.

The signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement also report that they individually beneficially own, in the aggregate, an additional 12,671,552 Class A Common Shares (13.4% of the outstanding Class A Common Shares), including an additional 37,405 Class A Common Shares, 4,376 Class A Common Shares, 45,973 Class A Common Shares, 17,136 Class A Common Shares and 17,136 Class A Common Shares, respectively, that Mary McCabe Peirce and Wesley W. Scripps (each of whom is a director of the Company), Nackey Scagliotti, Edward W. Scripps, Jr. and Paul K. Scripps have the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to outstanding stock options. None of the Class A Common Shares are subject to the Scripps Family Agreement.

If the Scripps Family Agreement is not considered, none of the signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement currently beneficially owns more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Shares or Common Voting Shares, other than: (i) Virginia S. Vasquez and Rebecca Scripps Brickner, who beneficially own 2,405,650 and 2,405,850 Common Voting Shares, respectively (7.1% of the outstanding Common Voting Shares), including shares held by the Estate of Robert P. Scripps, Jr., of which they are co-executors, (ii) Mary McCabe Peirce, who beneficially owns 2,404,000 Common Voting Shares (7.1% of the outstanding Common Voting Shares), including 1,604,000 Minor’s Shares as to which she and Elizabeth A. Logan may be deemed to share beneficial ownership as co-guardians (which are not subject to the Scripps Family Agreement), (iii) Eaton M. Scripps, who beneficially owns 2,283,289 Common Voting Shares (6.7% of the outstanding Common Voting Shares), (iv) Charles Kyne McCabe, who beneficially owns 2,269,000 Common Voting Shares (6.7% of the outstanding Common Voting Shares), and (v) Edward W. Scripps, Jr., who beneficially owns 1,713,211 Common Voting Shares (5.1% of outstanding Common Voting Shares).

The signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement filing the Amendment No. 9 to Schedule 13D were Adam R. Scripps, Anne La Dow, Anne M. La Dow Trust under Agreement dated 10/27/2011, Anthony S. Granado, Austin S. Heidt, Barbara Victoria Scripps Evans, Careen Cardin, Charles E. Scripps, Jr., Charles Kyne McCabe, Charles L. Barmonde, Cody Dubuc, Corina S.

12


 

Granado, Crystal Vasquez Lozano, Cynthia J. Scripps, Douglas A. E vans, Douglas A. Evans 1983 Trust, Eaton M. Scripps, Edward W. Scripps, Jr., Eli W. Scripps, Elizabeth A. Logan, Elizabeth Scripps, Ellen B. Granado, Ellen M. Scripps Kaheny, Ellen M. Scripps Kaheny Revocable Trust dtd April 17, 2014, Estate of Robert P. S cripps, Jr., Eva Scripps Attal, Gerald J. Scripps, Geraldine Scripps Granado, J. Sebastian Scripps, James Bryce Vasquez, Jenny Sue Scripps Mitchell, Jessica L. Scripps, Jimmy R. Scripps, John P. Scripps, John P. Scripps Trust Exempt Trust under agreement d ated 2/10/77, John P. Scripps Trust under agreement dated 2/10/77 FBO Barbara Scripps Evans, John P. Scripps Trust FBO Douglas A. Evans under agreement dated 12/28/84, John P. Scripps Trust FBO Ellen McRae Scripps under agreement dated 12/28/84, John P. Sc ripps Trust FBO Paul K. Scripps under agreement dated 2/10/77, John P. Scripps Trust under agreement dated 2/10/77 FBO Peter M. Scripps, John Patrick Scripps, John Peter Scripps 2013 Revocable Trust, Jonathan L. Scripps, Julia Scripps Heidt, Kendall S. Bar monde, Keon Korey Vasquez, La Dow Family Trust under agreement dated 6/29/2004, Manuel E. Granado, Margaret Scripps Klenzing, Marilyn S. Wade, Mary Ann S. Sanchez, Mary Peirce, Maxwell Christopher Logan, Megan Scripps Tagliaferri, R. Michael Scagliotti, Mo lly E. McCabe, Monica Holcomb, Nackey E. Scagliotti, Nathaniel W. Heidt, Paul K. Scripps, Peggy Scripps Evans, Peter M. Scripps, Peter R. La Dow, Raymundo H. Granado, Jr., Rebecca Scripps Brickner, Robert S. Heidt III, Samantha J. Brickner, Savannah Brickn er, The Marital Trust of the La Dow Family Trust (subtrust of La Dow Family Trust), The Paul K. Scripps Family Revocable Trust, The Peter M. Scripps Trust under agreement dated 11/13/2002, Thomas S. Evans, Thomas S. Evans Irrevocable Trust under agreement dated 11/13/12, Victoria S. Evans Trust under agreement dated 5/19/2004, Virginia S. Vasquez, Wendy E. Scripps, William A. Scripps, William H. Scripps, Kathy Scripps, Scripps Family 1992 Revocable Trust, dated 06-09-92, Sam D.F. Scripps, Samuel Joseph Loga n, Welland H. Scripps, Wesley W. Scripps and William A. Scripps Jr.

(3)

This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. on February 12, 2016. According to the filing, Southeastern Asset Management, Inc. holds sole voting power with respect to 4,559,472 Class A Common Shares, shared voting power with respect to 7,986,400 Class A Common Shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 5,078,435 Class A Common Shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 7,986,400 Class A Common Shares.

(4)

This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by BlackRock, Inc. on January 27, 2016. According to the filing, BlackRock, Inc. holds sole voting power with respect to 6,477,039 Class A Common Shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 7,358,656 Class A Common Shares.

(5)

This information is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC by The Vanguard Group on February 10, 2016. According to the filing, The Vanguard Group holds sole voting power with respect to 173,642 Class A Common Shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 6,713,032 Class A Common Shares, shared voting power with respect to 7,100 Class A Common Shares, and shared dispositive power with respect to 178,845 Class A Common Shares.

The Scripps Family Agreement

General.      The Edward W. Scripps Trust (the “Trust”), the former controlling shareholder of the Company, ended on October 18, 2012 upon the death of Robert P. Scripps, a grandson of the founder. He was the last of Edward W. Scripps’ grandchildren upon whom the duration of the Trust was based. In March and September of 2013, the Trust distributed the Class A Common Shares and Common Voting Shares held by the Trust to the beneficiaries of the Trust and to trust and guardian arrangements on behalf of the Minors.

Certain beneficiaries of the Trust and their descendants and certain members of the John P. Scripps family and trusts for their benefit are signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement, which governs the transfer and voting of Common Voting Shares.

The Minors’ Shares are not subject to the Scripps Family Agreement, and the Minors may or may not become parties in the future.

Voting Provisions of the Scripps Family Agreement.     Section 9 of the Scripps Family Agreement provides that the Company will call a meeting of the signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement (the “Signatories”) prior to each annual or special meeting of the shareholders of the Company. At each of these meetings, the Company will discuss with the Signatories each matter, including election of directors, that the Company will submit to the holders of Common Voting Shares at the annual meeting or special meeting with respect to which the meeting under the Scripps Family Agreement has been called. Each Signatory is entitled, either in person or by proxy, to cast one vote for each Common Voting Share owned of record or beneficially by the Signatory on each matter brought for a vote at the meeting. Each Signatory is bound by the decision reached by majority vote with respect to each such matter, and at the related annual or special meeting of the shareholders of the Company each Signatory is required to vote the Signatory’s Common Voting Shares in accordance with the decisions reached at the meeting of the Signatories.

The Signatories have informed the Company that at a March 10, 2016 meeting of the Signatories held pursuant to the Scripps Family Agreement, the Signatories approved election of the eight director nominees to be voted on by the holders of Common Voting Shares and approved Proposal 2. Accordingly, based on such approval, the Signatories have informed the Company that they will vote the Common Voting Shares held of record by them in favor of such nominees and for Proposal 2 at the annual meeting of shareholders.

13


 

Transfer Restrictions of the Scripps Family Agreement.     Signatories cannot dispose of any Common Voting Shares (except as otherwise summa rized below) without first giving other Signatories and the Company the opportunity to purchase the shares. Signatories cannot convert Common Voting Shares into Class A Common Shares except for a limited period of time after giving other Signatories and th e Company the opportunity to purchase such shares and in certain other limited circumstances.

Signatories are permitted to transfer Common Voting Shares to (a) their lineal descendants, and (b) certain charitable organizations, trusts and entities that are controlled by, or for which the power to vote and dispose of the Common Voting Shares is directed by, descendants of Robert P. Scripps or John P. Scripps.  Descendants to whom the shares are sold or transferred outright, and trustees and other persons with voting and dispositive power with respect to charitable organizations, trusts and entities into which such shares are transferred, must become parties to the Scripps Family Agreement or the shares will be deemed to be offered for sale pursuant to the Scripps Family Agreement. Signatories also are permitted to transfer Common Voting Shares by testamentary transfer to their spouses provided the shares are converted to Class A Common Shares and to pledge the shares as collateral security provided that the pledgee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Scripps Family Agreement. If title to any such shares subject to any trust is transferred to anyone other than a descendant of Robert P. Scripps or John P. Scripps, or if a person who is a descendant of Robert P. Scripps or John P. Scripps acquires outright any such shares held in trust but is not or does not become a party to the Scripps Family Agreement, such shares will be deemed to be offered for sale pursuant to the Scripps Family Agreement. Any valid transfer of Common Voting Shares made by Signatories without compliance with the Scripps Family Agreement will result in automatic conversion of such shares to Class A Common Shares.

Duration of the Scripps Family Agreement.     The provisions restricting transfer of Common Voting Shares under the Scripps Family Agreement will continue until 21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of Robert P. Scripps and John P. Scripps alive when the Trust terminated. The provisions of the Scripps Family Agreement governing the voting of Common Voting Shares will be effective for a 10-year period after termination of the Trust and may be renewed for additional 10-year periods.

Beneficial Ownership by Executive Officers and Directors

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of Class A Common Shares and Common Voting Shares by the Company’s executive officers and directors as of January 31, 2016.*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percentage of

Total(1)

 

Name of Beneficial Owner:

 

Class A

Common

Shares(1)

 

 

Exercisable

Options(2)

 

 

Vested

Restricted

Stock

Units(3)

 

 

Total Class A

Common Shares(4)

 

 

Common

Voting

Shares(1)

 

 

Class A

Common

Shares

 

 

Common

Voting

Shares

 

Gina L. Bianchini

 

 

3,637

 

 

 

18,471

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

23,185

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Michael R. Costa

 

 

6,962

 

 

 

22,765

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

30,804

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

David A. Galloway

 

 

4,137

 

 

 

42,567

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

47,781

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Cynthia L. Gibson

 

 

21,822

 

 

 

59,459

 

 

 

6,116

 

 

 

87,397

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Mark S. Hale

 

 

28,820

 

 

 

96,370

 

 

 

5,776

 

 

 

130,966

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Lori A. Hickok

 

 

14,378

 

 

 

78,745

 

 

 

15,365

 

 

 

108,488

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Burton F. Jablin

 

 

26,746

 

 

 

100,077

 

 

 

45,597

 

 

 

172,420

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Kenneth W. Lowe

 

 

307,925

 

 

 

538,184

 

 

 

99,792

 

 

 

945,901

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

1.0

%

 

*

 

Donald E. Meihaus

 

 

0

 

 

 

5,162

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

6,239

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Jarl Mohn(5)

 

 

22,299

 

 

 

42,567

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

65,943

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Joseph G. NeCastro

 

 

14,706

 

 

 

201,627

 

 

 

66,973

 

 

 

283,306

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Richelle P. Parham

 

 

3,637

 

 

 

18,471

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

23,185

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Nicholas B. Paumgarten(6)

 

 

21,668

 

 

 

60,126

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

82,871

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Mary M. Peirce(7)

 

 

79,997

 

 

 

37,405

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

118,479

 

 

 

32,670,422

 

 

*

 

 

 

96.5

%

Nello-John Pesci, Jr.

 

 

3,435

 

 

 

17,519

 

 

 

6,531

 

 

 

27,485

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Jeffrey Sagansky

 

 

11,580

 

 

 

18,471

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

31,128

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

Wesley W. Scripps(7)

 

 

1,199

 

 

 

4,376

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

6,652

 

 

 

31,066,422

 

 

*

 

 

 

91.8

%

Ronald W. Tysoe

 

 

3,637

 

 

 

27,996

 

 

 

1,077

 

 

 

32,710

 

 

 

0

 

 

*

 

 

*

 

All directors & executive

 

 

576,585

 

 

 

1,390,358

 

 

 

257,997

 

 

 

2,224,940

 

 

 

32,670,422

 

 

 

2.3

%

 

 

96.5

%

officers as a group (18 persons)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

Shares owned represent less than 1% of the outstanding shares of such class of stock.

(1)

The shares listed for each of the officers and directors represent his or her direct or indirect beneficial ownership of Class A Common Shares and Common Voting Shares. None of the shares listed for any officer or director is pledged as security for any

14


 

obligation, such as pursuant to a loan arrangement or agreement or pursuant to any margin account agreement. Percentage of class is based on 94,863,550 Class A Common Shares and 33,850,481 Common Voting Shares outstanding as of January 31, 2016. Subject to the Scripps Family Agreement, each Common Voting Share is convertible at no cost and at any time into one Class A Common Share. The Percentage of Total Class A Common Shares does not give effect to the conversion of any Common Voting Shares into Class A Common Shares.  

(2)

The shares listed for each of the executive officers and directors include Class A Common Shares underlying exercisable options at January 31, 2016 and options that will be exercisable within 60 days after January 31, 2016 and options that will vest upon retirement.

(3)

The shares listed for each of the executive officers and directors include Class A Common Shares underlying RSUs at January 31, 2016 and restricted stock units that will be vested within 60 days of January 31, 2016 and RSUs that will vest upon retirement.

(4)

The shares listed do not include any phantom share units held by a director in a phantom share account under the 2008 Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors. The following directors have been credited with the following number of phantom share units in such accounts as of December 31, 2015: Mr. Galloway — 23,342.65; Mr. Paumgarten — 17,107.20 and Mr. Tysoe — 27,837.11. The directors do not have voting or investment power with respect to any of these phantom share units.

(5)

The shares for Mr. Mohn include 100 shares held in an S corporation that is 100 percent controlled by The Mohn Family Trust.

(6)

The shares listed for Mr. Paumgarten include 1,700 shares owned by his wife. Mr. Paumgarten disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

(7)

The shares listed for Mrs. Peirce include 1,638,108 Class A Shares and 1,604,000 Common Voting Shares held as co-guardian on behalf of a Minor. Mrs. Peirce and Mr. Scripps are signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement. See “The Scripps Family Agreement” and footnote (2) to the preceding table.

 

 

REPORT ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES

2015 Board Meetings

During 2015, the Board held four regularly scheduled meetings and four special meetings. All directors attended at least 75 percent of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which they served during the year ended December 31, 2015.

Executive Sessions of Directors

Executive sessions of non-management directors are held periodically. A lead director selected by the Board or another non-management director selected by the Board at the time of the meeting presides at each of these meetings. Nicholas B. Paumgarten currently is serving as the lead director.

Committee Charters

The charters of the audit, compensation and nominating and governance committees are available for review on the Company’s website at www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com by first clicking on “Investors,” then “Corporate Governance,” then “Governance Highlights,” and then on each committee’s name. Copies are available in print to any shareholder who requests a copy by contacting the corporate secretary at 9721 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, Tennessee 37932.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Executive Committee.     Kenneth W. Lowe, Chair, Nicholas B. Paumgarten and Mary M. Peirce are the members of the Executive Committee. The Board may delegate authority to the Executive Committee to exercise certain powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Company between Board meetings. The Executive Committee did not meet in 2015.

Audit Committee.     Ronald W. Tysoe, Chair, Michael R. Costa, Donald E. Meihaus, Richelle P. Parham and Jeffrey Sagansky are the members of the Audit Committee. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to: (1) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and financial reporting process and the Company’s systems of internal accounting and financial controls; (2) the performance of the internal audit services function; (3) the annual independent audit of the Company’s financial statements, the engagement of the independent auditors and the evaluation of the independent auditors’ qualifications, independence, performance and fees; (4) the compliance by the Company with legal and regulatory requirements, including the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures; (5) the evaluation of enterprise risk issues; and (6) the fulfillment of all other responsibilities as outlined in its charter. The internal and independent auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets privately with each of the independent auditors, the internal auditors and management. During 2015, the Audit Committee held seven meetings. Each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate,

15


 

under applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and NASDAQ Global Select Market (“NASDAQ”) standards. In addition, Mr. Tysoe and Mr. Costa each is an audit committee financial expert, as defined u nder SEC regulations. No member of the Audit Committee may receive any compensation, consulting, advisory or other fee from the Company, other than the Board compensation described elsewhere in this proxy statement, as determined in accordance with applica ble SEC and NASDAQ rules.

The Company does not limit the number of other audit committees on which the members serve; however, in each case, the Board evaluates and determines whether commitments to serve on other audit committees impairs such member’s effective service to the Company. Messrs. Tysoe and Sagansky currently serve on the audit committees of two public companies, in addition to service on the Audit Committee of the Company. The Company’s Board reviewed these service commitments and determined that such simultaneous service does not impair their ability to effectively serve on the Company’s Audit Committee.

Compensation Committee.     Jarl Mohn, Chair, Gina L. Bianchini, Michael R. Costa, David A. Galloway, and Ronald W. Tysoe are the members of the Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board to discharge the Board’s responsibilities relating to compensation of the Company’s officers. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the Company’s goals and objectives relevant to compensation of senior management and evaluates the performance of senior management in light of those goals and objectives. With respect to the senior managers, the Compensation Committee establishes base compensation levels, the terms of incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans and post-service arrangements. The Compensation Committee approves all awards under the Company’s Long-Term Incentive Plan and approves awards under the Company’s Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee reviews all of the components of the chief executive officer’s compensation, including goals and objectives, and makes recommendations to the Board.

With respect to any funded employee benefit plans, the Compensation Committee appoints and monitors named fiduciaries. On an annual basis, the Compensation Committee reviews the operation of the Company’s compensation program to evaluate its coordination and execution and reviews any management perquisites. The Compensation Committee reviews succession planning relating to positions held by senior officers and makes recommendations with respect thereto to the Board. The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage outside consultants to assist in determining appropriate compensation levels for the chief executive officer, other senior managers and directors. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for producing an annual report for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and for reviewing and approving the Compensation Discussion & Analysis and related compensation disclosure. During 2015, the Compensation Committee held five meetings.

Nominating and Governance Committee.     Jeffrey Sagansky, Chair, Gina L. Bianchini, Donald E. Meihaus, Nicholas B. Paumgarten, Mary McCabe Peirce and Wesley W. Scripps are the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee. The purpose is to: (1) to assist the Board by identifying individuals qualified to become board members and to recommend director nominees to the Board and to the signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement; (2) to recommend to the Board the Corporate Governance Principles applicable to the Company; (3) to lead the Board in its annual review of the Board’s performance; (4) to recommend to the Board nominees for each committee of the Board; and (5) to review and make recommendations with respect to director compensation to the Board. During 2015, the Nominating and Governance Committee held four meetings.

Pricing Committee.     Ronald W. Tysoe, Jarl Mohn and Michael R. Costa are the members of a special Pricing Committee appointed by the Board to review material distribution agreements. The Pricing Committee did not meet in 2015.

Digital Advisory Committee.     Gina L. Bianchini, Chair, Jarl Mohn, Richelle P. Parham and Wesley W. Scripps are the members of the ad hoc Digital Advisory Committee appointed by the Board in November 2012 to further the Company’s on-going commitment to create viable, profitable and growing interactive content strategies and businesses. The Digital Advisory Committee met twice in 2015.

Special Committee .    A special committee of the Board, consisting of Jarl Mohn, Nicholas B. Paumgarten, Jeffrey Sagansky and Ronald W. Tysoe (each of the directors elected by the holders of the Class A Common Shares), was appointed by the Board in December 2014 to review and approve the purchase by the Company pursuant to the Company’s ongoing share repurchase program of Class A Common Shares offered for sale by certain signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement. The special committee did not meet in 2015.

 

 

16


 

CORPORATE G OVERNANCE

The Board is committed to good corporate governance, good business practices and transparency in financial reporting. The Nominating and Governance Committee annually reviews the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, a copy of which is available on the Company’s website by clicking on “Investors,” then “Corporate Governance,” and “Governance Highlights.” Copies are available in print to any shareholder who requests a copy by contacting the corporate secretary at 9721 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, Tennessee 37932.

Code of Ethics

The Company demonstrates its commitment to operate at the highest ethical standards by enforcing the principles in its Code of Ethics which is applicable to all employees. The Company’s Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer is responsible for implementation and oversight of the ethics program. Additionally, the Company has in place a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Financial Officers. It is the responsibility of the Audit Committee and the Chief Financial Officer to make sure that this policy is operative and has effective reporting and enforcement mechanisms. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Financial Officers is available for review on the Company’s website and to any shareholder who requests a printed copy. Amendments to the policies and waivers of provisions applicable to executive officers or directors may only be made by the Board or an authorized committee of the Board. Any such amendment or waiver will be promptly disclosed on the Company’s website within four business days.

The Company believes it has an obligation to provide employees with the guidance and support needed to ensure that the best, most ethical choices are made at work. To support this commitment, the Company established a means for employees to submit confidential and anonymous reports of suspected or actual violations of the Company’s Code of Ethics relating, among other things, to: accounting and auditing matters; antitrust activity; confidentiality and misappropriation; conflicts of interest, discrimination or harassment; diverting of product or business activity; embezzlement; falsification of contracts, reports or records; gifts or entertainment; improper supplier or contractor activity; securities violations; sexual harassment; substance abuse; theft; or unsafe working conditions. To submit a report, an employee may call a toll-free number that is answered by a trained professional of EthicsPoint, an independent firm. This number (888-258-3507) is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees may also raise questions online through the Internet (www.ethicspoint.com).

Charitable Contributions

The Company has not made any charitable contributions, where the amount has exceeded $1 million or 2 percent of such charity’s consolidated gross revenues, to any charitable organization of which a director is an executive officer.

Board Leadership Structure

Kenneth W. Lowe serves as both the Chairman of the Company’s Board and as its President and Chief Executive Officer. The Board has also appointed an independent lead director, Nicholas B. Paumgarten, who presides at all meetings of the Board at which the chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors. The lead director also serves as a liaison between the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and the independent directors, which includes sharing with the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer such observations, comments or concerns as he and the other independent directors deem appropriate, reviews with the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer matters to be presented to the Board and has the authority to call meetings of the independent directors. The Company’s enterprise risk issues are reviewed by the Audit Committee, which reports on such issues to the Board based on periodic reports from management. The Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer’s performance is reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee, which reports such determinations to the Board. The Company deems this leadership structure appropriate as it promotes efficiency in communications between the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer and the Board while monitoring effective independent board oversight over the President and Chief Executive Officer. The Company also believes that its leadership structure supports the risk oversight function of the Board described in more detail below.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

Risk oversight is primarily the responsibility of Company management, while the Board has ultimate responsibility for overseeing management’s risk management processes. The Board uses various means to fulfill this responsibility. Certain risks that fall under the purview of a particular committee are monitored by that committee, which then reports to the full Board as appropriate. Each of the committees of the Board addresses risks that fall within the committee’s areas of responsibility. For example, the Audit Committee reviews management’s enterprise risk management report, management’s audit plan and reports, legal and regulatory reports, treasury and insurance operations, the Company’s information technology risks and mitigation strategies, the tax function, and

17


 

the Company's business code of conduct and compliance program. These management reports address significant risks such as operational, strategic, legal, regulatory, financial, technological, and reputational risks. The Compensation Committee addresses risks arising out of the Company’s executive compensation programs.

Certain risks that might relate to various market and economic assumptions that might be key risk indicators to the Company’s growth and strategic plans are addressed in connection with the Board’s annual review of the Company’s strategic plan and planning process. The Board also has the opportunity to address such risks at each Board meeting in connection with its regular review of significant business and financial developments as presented by management. The Board also reviews risks arising out of specific significant transactions when these transactions are presented to the Board for review or approval.

Communications with the Board

Shareholders and other interested parties wishing to communicate with the independent directors as a group or with any individual director (including the lead director) may do so by addressing a letter to the independent directors or to the individual director and sending it to them in care of the corporate secretary at 9721 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, Tennessee 37932. For those who wish to send such communications via e-mail, they can do so to estratigeas@scrippsnetworks.com. A majority of the independent directors have instructed the corporate secretary to review all communications so received, and to forward directly to the independent directors or the individual director all such communications, except for communications unrelated to the function of the Board. Any communications not forwarded will be retained for one year, and any independent director may request the corporate secretary to forward to the independent director any such communication. The corporate secretary will not share direct communications to the independent directors or an individual director with any other member of management unless instructed to do so by the lead director or the independent director to whom the communication was addressed.

Director Attendance at Annual Meetings of Shareholders

The Company does not have a policy with regard to attendance by the directors at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Directors are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. At last year’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders, all directors were present.

Director Education

New directors attend a training session that introduces them to the Company’s operations and to the members of management. Thereafter, directors are informed on a regular basis of various director educational programs offered by governance and director organizations. The Company pays for the continuing education of its directors. The director orientation policy is reviewed by the Nominating and Governance Committee annually.

Director Independence — Audit Committee

The Board of the Company has determined that none of the current members of the Audit Committee has any relationship with the Company that could interfere with his or her exercise of independence from management and the Company. Each of the members satisfies the definitions of independence set forth in the rules promulgated under the applicable rules of the SEC, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and in the listing standards of NASDAQ.

Director Independence — Controlled Company Status

NASDAQ requires listed companies to have a majority of independent directors on their board of directors and to ensure that their audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and governance committee are composed solely of independent directors as well. A company that qualifies as a “controlled company” does not have to comply with these requirements, other than the audit committee independence requirement, so long as the company discloses to shareholders that the company qualifies as a “controlled company” and is relying on this exemption in not having a majority of independent directors on the Board or solely independent directors on either of the compensation or nominating and governance committees. A “controlled company” is a listed company of which more than 50 percent of the voting power for the election of directors is held by an individual, a group, or another company. Signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement hold a majority of the Company’s outstanding Common Voting Shares and as such the Company qualifies as a “controlled company” and may rely on the NASDAQ exemption. The Company is not relying at present on that exemption.

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Director Independence

The Company has determined that all of the directors, other than Kenneth W. Lowe, have no material relationship with the Company and are independent under the criteria set forth in applicable rules of the SEC, the listing standards of NASDAQ and the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles. Additionally, all of the members of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee are independent under such standards.

Nominations for Directors

The Nominating and Governance Committee will review any candidate recommended by a shareholder of the Company in light of the Nominating and Governance Committee’s criteria for selection of new directors. If a shareholder wishes to recommend a candidate, he or she should send the recommendation, with a description of the candidate’s qualifications, to: Chair, Nominating and Governance Committee, c/o Ms. Eleni Vatsis Stratigeas, Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc., 9721 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37932.

In the past, the Nominating and Governance Committee has hired an independent consultant to assist with the identification and evaluation of director nominees and may do so in the future.

Nomination for Directors — Qualification Standards

When selecting new director nominees, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers requirements of applicable law and listing standards, as well as the director qualification standards highlighted in the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles. The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks diversity on the Board in terms of skills and experience and other factors. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing with the Board the experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of nominees as well as the diversity and composition of the Board as a whole. A person considered for nomination to the Board must be a person of high integrity. Other factors considered are independence, age, skills, and experience in the context of the needs of the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding the selection of director nominees. The Nominating and Governance Committee is required to review annually the effectiveness of the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles, including the provisions regarding director qualifications (including diversity) that are part of the Corporate Governance Principles.

 

 

Compensation Discussion & Analysis

In this section, we describe our compensation philosophy objectives and programs for our Chairman, President  & Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our other NEOs. The CD&A provides:

 

·

A summary of our business results and the alignment between executive pay and long-term Company performance;

 

·

How our Board’s Compensation Committee determines compensation design and pay levels for specific 2015 decisions, including our compensation governance approach; and

 

·

A detailed description of the elements of the Company’s executive compensation program.

Executive Summary

Our executive compensation program is designed to reward financial results and effective strategic leadership to build sustainable value for shareholders, by correlating the timing and amount of actual pay with performance goals over various time horizons without excessive risk-taking.

As part of our historic compensation governance protocol, we annually review the appropriate group of peer companies upon which we benchmark all elements of compensation program design and company-wide pay levels. During 2015, we achieved significant international growth both organically and through our acquisition of TVN. Our compensation decisions and program designs for our NEOs, as discussed in this section, are intended to focus on the long-term growth of the organization.

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Our NEOs for Fiscal 2015 were:

 

Name

Current Title

Previous Title

Kenneth W. Lowe

Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

-

Lori Hickok

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

(February 19, 2015)

Executive Vice President, Finance

Burton F. Jablin

Chief Operating Officer, Scripps Networks Interactive

(August 20, 2015)

President, Scripps Networks

Joseph G. NeCastro

Chief Development Officer (February 19, 2015)

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Cynthia L. Gibson

Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer

-

Mark S. Hale

Executive Vice President, Global Operations & Chief Technology Officer

-

 

Fiscal 2015 Business Review

Scripps Networks Interactive is one of the leading global developers of lifestyle-oriented content for linear and interactive video platforms, including television and the internet, with respected, high-profile brands. Our businesses operate internationally and engage audiences to efficiently serve advertisers by delivering entertaining and highly-useful content that focuses on specifically-defined topics of interest.

We seek to engage audiences worldwide that are highly-desirable to advertisers with entertaining and informative lifestyle content that is produced for television, the internet and alternative media platforms. We intend to expand and enhance our lifestyle brands through creating popular new programming and content, distributing on various platforms, such as mobile phones, tablets and video-on-demand, licensing of content and branded consumer products and increasing our international footprint.

The growth of our international business organically, as well as through acquisition and joint ventures, has been, and continues to be, a strategic priority for the Company. During 2015, we completed the acquisition of TVN, a Polish media company, which operates a portfolio of 13 free-to-air and pay-TV lifestyle and entertainment networks. As a result of this acquisition, we now have two reportable segments: U.S. Networks and International Networks.

U.S. Networks includes our six domestic television networks: HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.  Additionally, U.S. Networks includes websites associated with the aforementioned television brands and other internet and mobile businesses serving home, food, travel and other lifestyle-related categories.

International Networks includes the lifestyle-oriented networks, including TVN. Our lifestyle-oriented channels are available in the United Kingdom, other European markets, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America. We currently broadcast 39 international feeds, reaching approximately 265 million subscribers under the HGTV, DIY, Food Network, AFC, Cooking Channel, Fine Living and Travel Channel brands, as well as the TVN network portfolio.

Our businesses earn revenues from advertising sales, affiliate fees and ancillary sales, including licensing of our content to third parties and our brands for consumer products. Programming expenses, employee costs and marketing and advertising expenses are our primary operating costs.

Consolidated operating revenues, including the results of TVN for six months of the year, were $3,018.3 million in 2015 compared with $2,665.5 million in 2014, an increase of $352.8 million, or 13.2%. Consolidated advertising revenues were $2.063 billion in 2015, up 13.6% over 2014 driven by higher demand and pricing, while consolidated affiliate fee revenues were $875.0 million in 2015, up 9.5% over 2014.

Consolidated segment profit was $1,245.7 million in 2015 compared with $1,121.8 million in 2014, an increase of $123.9 million, or 11.0%.

Segment profit excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, divested operating units, investment results and certain other items included in net income determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker evaluates the operating performance of businesses and make decisions about the allocation of resources to our businesses using a non-GAAP measure we call segment profit. Items excluded from segment profit generally result from decisions made in prior periods or from decisions made by corporate executives rather than the managers of the business segments. A reconciliation of segment profit to operating income determined in accordance with GAAP is provided for on page F-7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

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Consolidated net income attributable to the Company was $606.8 million, or $4.66 per diluted share, in 2015 compared with $545.3 million, or $3.83 per dilute d share, in 2014.

Key Fiscal 2015 Executive Compensation Decisions

Important decisions and payouts related to 2015 are recapped below, and discussed in greater detail in the remainder of the CD&A.

 

 

 

Base Salary

Five NEOs, with the exception of Ms. Hickok, received base salary increases effective January 1, 2015 ranging from 3.3% to 5.0% based on individual contributions to overall corporate results and salary level relative to market. Ms. Hickok received a 25% base salary increase which included her merit increase and in recognition of her promotion to EVP, Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jablin received a base salary increase of 12.9% effective August 1, 2015 in conjunction with his promotion to Chief Operating Officer and additional scope of responsibilities.

 

 

Annual Incentives

Our financial goals, segment profit and revenue, were achieved at 101.97% and 100.31% of target respectively, resulting in a payout of 106.9% of target. These achievements represent 3.3% growth in segment profit over 2014 and 4.8% growth in revenues over 2014.

 

 

Long-term Incentives

All NEOs received a 2014 PBRSU grant, for which the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) was at the 15 th percentile as compared to companies in the S&P 500 for the two-year period ending December 31, 2015, resulting in performance below threshold level and therefore no payout.

 

 

Employment Arrangements

We entered into new or amended employment contracts with certain NEOs to reflect their new roles and responsibilities.

 

Business Results’ Impact on Compensation

We establish target compensation at the beginning of the performance period. An executive’s actual pay will be above or below the target level based on individual, organizational and stock performance. A substantial portion of each NEO’s compensation is in the form of equity and correlated with stock price performance so as the stock price rises or falls, so does the NEO’s actual compensation.

We employ a variety of quantitative criteria to assess the performance of our executives. Our objectives include achieving certain segment profit and revenue targets and exceeding the median total shareholder return of our peers. The charts below illustrate the relationship between performance and our CEO’s compensation.

 

 

Earned stock options, time-based RSUs and PBRSUs represent value of awards granted in 2012, 2013 and 2014 that vested in 2015 and PBRSU awards granted in 2014 and earned in 2015. All equity awards are valued based on the Company’s share price on December 31, 2015.

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Compensation Process Overview

Below we highlight certain executive compensation practices that we consider instrumental in driving Company performance while mitigating risk, as well as practices that we avoid because we do not believe they would serve the interests of our shareholders.

 

 

Our Compensation Core Values

 

 

Market Competitive

Benchmark pay based on size - adjusted median of companies we compete with for business and for talent

Review Peer Group

Annually review peer group for appropriateness, and adjust when necessary to ensure a relevant comparison for executive compensation decisions

Focus on Performance

Maintain a pay mix that is heavily performance - based

Diversified Metrics over Varying Time Horizons

Use different performance metrics in annual incentive plan and long - term incentive plan, to avoid heavy reliance on one definition of success

Program Transparency

Fully disclose the financial performance drivers in numeric terms, used in our incentive programs

Performance Reviews & Risk Consideration

Compensation Committee annually reviews performance goals for annual and long-term incentive awards to confirm using diversified and rigorous, yet attainable targets, and avoiding excessive risk taking

Restrictive Covenants

NEOs are subject to restrictive covenants upon separation, including non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disclosure obligations

Independent Committee Consultant

Retain an independent compensation consultant engaged by, and reporting directly to, the Compensation Committee

Review Committee Charter

Review charter annually to maintain strong oversight and governance protocols

Clawback Policy

Maintain a clawback policy to permit repayment or forfeitures of compensation based on restated financial results

No Hedging

Do not permit hedging transactions or short sales by executives or directors

No Excise Tax Gross-Ups for New Employees

Eliminated excise tax gross - up provisions to new executives

Substantial Stock Ownership Guidelines

Maintain stock ownership guidelines for executives

Double Trigger Vesting

Require double trigger vesting for cash severance payments for termination following a change in control

No Backdating

Do not backdate stock options or reprice without shareholder approval

 

Role of the Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the Company’s executive compensation policies, plan designs and the compensation of our senior officers, including our NEOs. The Compensation Committee considers various factors in making compensation determinations, including the officer’s responsibilities and performance, the effectiveness of our programs in supporting the Company’s short and long - term strategic objectives, and overall financial performance. Additionally, the Compensation Committee coordinates the full Board’s annual review of the CEO’s performance and considers the Board’s assessment in its compensation decisions related to the CEO.

To this end, the Compensation Committee conducts an annual review of executive officer pay levels, reviews market data provided by the independent consultant, approves changes to program designs, including post - termination arrangements, based on an assessment of competitive market practice and emerging trends. Additionally, the Compensation Committee recommends succession plans to the Board and evaluates the risks associated with the Company’s executive compensation programs.

Role of the Compensation Consultant

In 2015 the Compensation Committee engaged Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC (“Meridian”) to provide executive compensation consulting services. Meridian’s services to the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Governance Committee have included updates on best practices and market trends in executive and director compensation, recommendations regarding executive and director compensation, and an independent review of compensation proposals by the Company’s senior management. Meridian attended meetings at the Compensation Committee’s request and was available to provide guidance as questions and issues arose. Meridian provides no other services to the Company other than independent compensation advisory services. The Compensation Committee determined that Meridian is independent after consideration of the SEC independence factors.

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Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

At the request of the Compensation Committee, the CEO presents individual pay recommendations for each of the NEOs, other than himself. In forming his recommendations, he is advised by information provided by human resource management (i.e., Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer and Senior Vice President, Human Resources) and the independent compensation consultant, assessments of individual contributions, achievement of performance objectives and other qualitative factors. The Compensation Committee considers these recommendations in approving the pay levels of each NEO. The CEO does not make recommendations concerning his own compensation.

The CEO and members of human resource management regularly attend Compensation Committee meetings. Human resources management typically presents recommendations for changes to program designs and individual pay levels for executive officers, taking into consideration individual performance of each incumbent, appropriate benchmarking information and issues that may arise from an accounting, legal or tax perspective.

Compensation Program Overview

The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to meet the following three objectives that align with and support our strategic business goals:

 

·

Attract and retain executives who lead the Company’s efforts to build long - term value for shareholders

 

·

Reward achievement of annual operating performance goals and sustained increases in shareholder value

 

·

Emphasize the variable performance - based components of the compensation program more heavily than the fixed components

The key elements of the Company’s executive compensation program are base salary, annual incentives, long - term incentives consisting of stock options, time - based RSUs and PBRSUs units, and retirement benefits. The compensation program also includes certain perquisites, but these perquisites are not a significant element of compensation. Each element of compensation is designed to fulfill the objectives discussed above.

 

Program

Form

Fixed or

Variable

Objectives

Base Salary

Cash

Fixed

●     Serves as attraction and retention incentive

     Rewards individual performance

Annual Incentive

Cash

Variable

●     Rewards annual operating results

●     Emphasizes variable performance - based compensation

Long - term Incentive, which includes:

 

 

●     Emphasizes variable performance - based compensation

●     Serves as attraction and retention incentive

●     Aligns interests with shareholders

Stock Options

Equity

Variable

●     Rewards for increasing stock price and enhancing long - term value

RSUs

Equity

Fixed

●     Rewards for maintaining and increasing stock price and enhancing long - term value

PBRSUs

Equity

Variable

●     Rewards based on Company performance

●     Rewards for maintaining and increasing stock price and enhancing long - term value

Retirement Benefits

Cash

Fixed

●     Serves as attraction and retention incentive

 

Pay Mix

The Compensation Committee has not established a specific formula for the allocation of “fixed” and “variable” compensation components and instead retains the discretion to modify the allocation from year to year. A significant portion of the compensation program for the NEOs is “variable” or “at risk.” This means that it is contingent upon achieving specific results that are essential to the Company’s long - term success and growth in shareholder value. As described above, the variable components of the 2015 compensation program include annual incentives, stock options, and PBRSUs.

A majority of Mr. Lowe’s total direct compensation is variable. The Compensation Committee believes this approach directly aligns the CEO with shareholder interests.

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As illustrated for the 2015 annual program elements, approximately 71% of the total direct compensation opportunity (i.e., “TDC”, or the sum of base salary, annual incentives, variable equity at target and fixed equity) f or the Company’s NEOs employed on the last day of 2015 (other than the CEO) was weighted — assuming payout at target levels — toward variable and equity components. The TDC opportunity for the CEO was approximately 80% weighted toward variable and equity c omponents.

 

To assist in reviewing the levels of compensation in 2015 Meridian collected and analyzed comprehensive market data, including base salary, target short - and long - term incentive opportunities for each of the NEOs from the following published and proprietary sources:

Primary Data Source : Proxy data from a peer group of 10 publicly - traded companies in the media industry, including:

 

AMC Networks Inc.

Lions Gate Entertainment Corp./CN/

Time Warner Inc.

CBS Corp.

Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

Twenty-First Century Fox Inc.

Discovery Communications, Inc.

Starz

Viacom, Inc.

Liberty Global, PLC

 

 

 

The companies in this peer group represent those companies with which we compete for business and talent. All pay opportunities were compared with the size - adjusted median of the market using regression analysis based on revenue to reflect pay of similarly - situated executives in comparable positions.

Secondary Data Sources : To obtain a broader understanding of market pay levels and practices, the Compensation Committee also reviewed survey data from the following sources:

 

·

Cable and Telecommunications Human Resources Association (“CTHRA”) Cable Programmers, Broadcast Networks Compensation Survey; and

 

·

Towers Watson Executive Compensation Database: General Industry and Media Surveys.

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Market data provides an important reference point by indicating what an executive could expect to earn at a similar peer company and what the Company might expect to pay if it should have to recruit from the outside. However, market data is one of the many factors that the Compensation Committee considers to assess the reasonableness of pay opportunities provided to the Company’s executive offic ers. The Compensation Committee also considers other relevant factors in setting an executive officer’s pay opportunity, such as the incumbent’s experience, tenure in position, talent supply and demand, cost constraints of the Company and internal equity c onsiderations.

Tally Sheets

In determining executive compensation, the Compensation Committee also reviews tally sheets for each NEO designed to provide:

 

·

History of targeted pay for the last five years;

 

·

Value of outstanding equity awards at various stock price levels;

 

·

Present value of accrued benefits under each retirement plan and current level of perquisites provided;

 

·

Cumulative stock exercises and stock vesting over time; and

 

·

Update on stock ownership levels.

Analysis of Each Compensation Element

Following is a brief summary of each element of the 2015 compensation program for the NEOs.

Base Salary

After discussing the individual performance, experience, scope of responsibilities, and Mr. Lowe’s recommendations for the other NEOs, the Compensation Committee established the base salaries for each NEO. In general, the increases are intended to align base salary levels with the market and to reflect the individual performance and scope of responsibilities of each NEO. For Mr. Jablin and Ms. Hickok, these include increases due to their promotions.

 

NEO

 

2015 Base Salary

Percentage Increase

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

3.3

%

Ms. Hickok

 

 

25.0

%

Mr. Jablin

 

 

16.7

%

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

3.3

%

Ms. Gibson

 

 

5.0

%

Mr. Hale

 

 

3.3

%

 

Please refer to the Salary column of the Summary Compensation Table for the 2015 base salaries of the NEOs.

Annual Incentive

The annual incentive payout for the NEOs is based on the extent to which certain pre - established performance goals are achieved during the year. The annual incentive program is consistent with the Company’s pay for performance philosophy and is also “at risk” because the Company must achieve certain performance goals established by the Compensation Committee for the NEOs to receive an annual incentive payout.

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Target Incentive Opportunities

The NEOs had the opportunity to earn targeted incentive cash payments that were expressed as a percentage of each executive’s annual base salary. The target incentive opportunities were established by the Compensation Committee, according to each executive’s position and level of responsibility. The Compensation Committee took into consideration the overall performance of each NEO, market data as well as Mr. Lowe’s recommendations. The following table shows the target annual incentive opportunity as of December 31, 2015 (expressed as a percentage of base salary) for each NEO.

 

NEO

 

2015 Target Incentive  as

a Percent of Base Salary

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

130

%

Ms. Hickok

 

 

65

%

Mr. Jablin

 

 

100

%

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

80

%

Ms. Gibson

 

 

65

%

Mr. Hale

 

 

65

%

 

Performance Goals and Actual Results for 2015

The target incentive opportunities are earned based on the extent to which certain performance goals are achieved. The Compensation Committee established two performance goals for the 2015 annual performance period: segment profit and revenue. These performance goals were used because:

 

Segment Profit

Segment profit is the measure by which the Company evaluates the operating performance of each business segment and the measure of performance most frequently used by investors to determine the value of the enterprise. The segment profit goal was based on the consolidated performance of the Company.  Segment profit is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is defined in our notes to the financial statements.  Segment profit for 2015 was adjusted to exclude (i) the effects of currency fluctuations above or below budgeted levels, (ii) financial results of TVN (and the related transaction and integration costs), (iii) expenses related to the reorganization of Travel Channel  and our national television networks, and (iv) restructuring and severance costs.

 

 

Revenue

Revenue growth is primarily achieved through growth in advertising sales and affiliate fee revenues from our television networks. Continued growth in revenues allows us to invest and grow our existing brands and allows us the flexibility to take advantage of promising opportunities in the global media marketplace. The revenue goal was based on the Company’s operating revenue as set forth in our financial statements, and then adjusted to exclude the effects of currency fluctuations above or below budgeted levels and the financial results of TVN.

 

The above combination of a growth measure (revenue) and a profitability measure (segment profit) creates a balance between growing the Company and managing expenses.

The following table provides the weights of each metric, the range of performance and payout, and the actual achievement level for each performance goal along with the payout percentage for 2015. All amounts are shown in millions.

 

 

 

Weights

(% of Total)

 

 

Threshold

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum

 

 

Actual

 

Segment Profit(1)

 

 

65

%

 

$

943.8

 

 

$

1,179.8

 

 

$

1,414.8

 

 

$

1,202.9

 

Revenue

 

 

35

%

 

$

2,227.9

 

 

$

2,784.9

 

 

$

3,341.8

 

 

$

2,793.5

 

Payout Percent of Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

%

 

 

100

%

 

 

200

%

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

Actual segment profit results include adjustments for one-time items that differ from the reported segment profit on page F-6 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

For more information on the 2015 annual incentive opportunity for the NEOs, please refer to the “Grants of Plan - Based Awards” Table. The “Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non - Equity Incentive Plan Awards” column of that table provides the estimated payouts for the NEOs at threshold, target and maximum performance levels for 2015. Please refer to the “Non - Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table for the actual amounts earned by each NEO.

26


 

Long-Term Incentives

The Company’s long - term incentive awards are consistent with the Company’s pay for performance philosophy and are intended to create a direct correlation between the level of compensation paid to the NEOs and the Company’s financial performance and stock price. This approach:

 

·

Assists in increasing stock ownership of the NEOs so that their interests are more closely aligned with the long - term interest of the Company’s shareholders;

 

·

Rewards performance that delivers creation of sustainable shareholder value; and

 

·

Provides a long-term retention incentive for key employees based on the vesting period.

Long-Term Incentive Opportunities

Under the Company’s Long - Term Incentive Plan, the NEOs were granted equity awards as recommended by the CEO and approved by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee approved the 2015 target value of the equity award as a percent of base salary for each NEO based on each NEO’s position and level of responsibility.

Decisions regarding long-term incentive grants were made based on role and competitive market data to reward value creation and meet retention objectives. The Compensation Committee also determined that, to maintain internal equity among the NEOs, the long-term incentive award should increase to reflect increased levels of an NEO’s responsibility and authority in the Company. Therefore, in addition to the other factors cited, the targets reflect the Compensation Committee’s strategy to ensure proper internal alignment among the NEOs. This table  shows the 2015 long-term incentive opportunities (expressed as a percentage of base salary) for each NEO, which remain the same except for Mr. Jablin’s which is higher in connection with his promotion.

 

NEO

 

2015 Long-Term

Incentive as a

Percent of Base Salary

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

275

%

Ms. Hickok

 

 

125

%

Mr. Jablin

 

 

225

%

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

200

%

Ms. Gibson

 

 

125

%

Mr. Hale

 

 

125

%

 

During 2015 we used three long - term incentive vehicles targeting the mix in the table below.

 

Form of Equity

 

Percent of Target

Long-Term

Incentive Award

 

Stock Options

 

 

40

%

Restricted Share Units (RSUs)

 

 

30

%

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (PBRSUs)

 

 

30

%

 

This combination of vehicles balances the need for retention with the focus on share price appreciation, both on an absolute and a relative basis.

Off-Cycle Grants

From time to time, in response to promotional opportunities, retention concerns, or renewal of employment agreements, the Company may provide select key executives with an off-cycle grant. These awards typically vest over multiple years either through passage of time or the requirement of various levels of performance achievement. On March 15, 2015, Ms. Hickok received a RSU grant of $1,000,000 in recognition of her promotion to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, which vests equally over three years.

Stock Options

Stock options only have a value when the Company’s stock price is greater than the options’ exercise price. This incentivizes NEOs to increase share price which benefits our shareholders. Therefore, stock options help to align the interests of NEOs with those

27


 

of shareholders. In addition, stock options serve as an impor tant retention device as they vest over three years and, if not vested, are forfeited if the employee voluntarily terminates before retirement.

Stock option grants have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant and have an eight - year term. These grants provide for accelerated vesting on a pro - rata basis for termination without cause or for good reason.

Time-Based Restricted Share Units

Each RSU corresponds in value to a single share of Company Class A Common Stock. Therefore, as share price increases, RSUs become more valuable. This creates an incentive for our NEOs to increase share price which benefits our shareholders. Time - based RSUs also provide NEOs the opportunity to increase their stock ownership levels. This serves to help align the interests of the NEOs with those of our shareholders. In addition, RSUs serve as an effective retention incentive as they vest over three years and unvested RSUs are forfeited if the employee voluntarily terminates before retirement. These grants provide for accelerated vesting on pro - rata basis for termination without cause or for good reason.

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (2015 Grants)

PBRSU awards provide NEOs with an opportunity to increase their own stock ownership levels and at the same time serve as retention incentives. The number of shares ultimately earned is dependent upon the level of the Company’s achievement of performance targets.

The two - year performance period began on January 1, 2015 and ends on December 31, 2016. Shares are earned if the targeted adjusted cash flow is achieved by more than the threshold as further illustrated in the table below.

The earned units, if any, vest 50% on each of February 28, 2017 and 2018. These grants provide for accelerated vesting in full for termination without cause or for good reason.

 

Performance Payout

 

≤ 80%

 

=

 

 

0

%

85%

 

=

 

 

30

%

90%

 

=

 

 

60

%

95%

 

=

 

 

90

%

100%

 

=

 

 

100

%

105%

 

=

 

 

125

%

110%

 

=

 

 

150

%

115%

 

=

 

 

175

%

≥ 120%

 

=

 

 

200

%

 

Performance-Based Restricted Share Units (2014 Grants)

Prior to 2015, the PBRSUs were calculated by comparing the Company’s TSR over two years to the TSR of the S&P 500 and a minimum performance of the 30 th percentile was required.

For the 2014 PBRSU grant, the Company’s TSR was at the 15th percentile as compared to companies in the S&P 500 for the two - year period ending December 31, 2015, resulting in performance below the threshold and therefore there was no payout.

Additional Information

For more information on the equity awards granted to NEOs in 2015, please refer to the “Grants of Plan - Based Awards” table. For information about the total number of stock options, RSUs and PBRSUs outstanding as of the end of 2015 with respect to each NEO, please refer to the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year - End” table.

Retirement Plans

The Company provides savings and retirement benefits through the Scripps Networks Interactive Pension Plan and the Scripps Networks Interactive 401K Savings Plan.

28


 

The pension plan is closed to new participants and the credited service levels used for benefit calculation pur poses are frozen; however, consideration of salary growth to calculate benefit levels continues for a ten - year transition period that ends December 31, 2019. Plan participants will continue to accrue service for vesting and early retirement eligibility.

The 401K Savings Plan includes a Company match of 50% of the employee’s contribution up to 6% of eligible compensation, and a Company contribution of up to 8% based on a combination of age and service. This Company contribution, which went into effect on January 1, 2010, was intended to mirror some of the financial benefits available under the defined benefit plan that was frozen.

To attract and retain key executive talent, the Company has determined that it is important to provide the management team, including the NEOs, with retirement benefits that are in addition to those generally provided to its employees. These restorative plans listed below allow the NEOs to receive the same benefit as other plan participants:

 

·

The Company supplements the pension plan for pension-eligible executives whose salary and contributions exceed the IRS limitations through the Company’s Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”). Consistent with the transitional freeze of the defined benefit plan, the SERP was also transitionally frozen, effective January 1, 2010.

 

·

The NEOs may also defer specified portions of their compensation under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, and receive matching contributions, in each case in excess of what they are able to defer under the 401K Savings Plan due to IRS limitations.

 

·

Due to legal restrictions for plan design, the transitional freeze of the defined benefit pension plan and accompanying transitional freeze of the Company’s SERP had a disproportionately negative impact on employees of the Company, including some of the NEOs. In order to address this disproportionately negative impact, the Company added a Supplemental Contribution Plan (“SCP”), effective January 1, 2010 to allow for Company contributions based on a combination of age and service above the IRS contribution limits. The changes to the Company’s plans also had a disproportionately negative impact on employees as their relative ages and length of service increased. To address this negative impact, the Company contribution to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan was increased for a group of employees based on age and length of service, including the four NEOs who participate in the pension plan. During 2011, the SCP was merged into the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan for ease of administration.

The Company believes that the SERP and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are important retention and recruitment tools, as many of the companies with which the Company competes for executive talent provide similar benefits to their senior executives.

Perquisites

The Company provides executives with benefits comparable to those they would receive at other companies within our industry and are necessary for us to remain competitive in the marketplace. Our Compensation Committee considers these arrangements to be fair and reasonable in light of the relatively low cost to the Company.

In 2015, the NEOs received a financial planning benefit pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, plus an additional payment to cover the taxes associated with the compensation value of this benefit. They also received membership in luncheon and business clubs. In addition, Mr. Lowe receives a monthly travel stipend for his trips to New York.

The NEOs are also eligible for an executive physical. Typically, the majority of the cost associated with this benefit is covered under the healthcare plans offered to the Company’s employees; however, if certain tests or procedures are not covered, the Company will pay for the difference.

For more information about the perquisites provided in 2015 to each NEO, please refer to the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Other Plans and Agreements

Employment Agreements

The Company maintains employment agreements with each of the NEOs. These employment agreements enhance retention incentives for the NEOs and also protect the Company’s interests by imposing confidentiality, non - competition, non - solicitation and other restrictive covenants on the executives.

29


 

The Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Hale in 2014 effective January 1, 2015. The term of Mr. Hale’s agreement extends through December 31, 2015 with an option to extend for up to two one-year periods. Mr. Hale’s contract provided for an increase to base salary to $560,000, target annual incentive opportunity of 50% and a cash bonus of $250,000 within 30 days of the execution of the agreement and a second cash bonus payable on January 1, 2016. Mr. Hale will also receive additional cash bo nus payments of $250,000 upon the mutual renewal of his employment agreement on January 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018, respectively. The cash bonus structure was put in place as a retention vehicle in order to insure Mr. Hale’s continued leadership at the Co mpany and in order to allow sufficient opportunity for succession planning.

The Company entered into a new employment agreement with Ms. Hickok effective January 1, 2015 including her promotion to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer effective February 19, 2015. Ms. Hickok’s contract provided for an increase to base salary to $675,000 annually, target annual incentive opportunity of 65% of her annual salary, a promotion grant of RSUs valued at $1,000,000 and vesting equally over three years and a pension enhancement.

The Company amended Burton Jablin’s contract effective August 19, 2015 to reflect his promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Scripps Networks Interactive. The amendment provided for a base salary increase, effective August 1, 2015, and a target annual incentive opportunity increase to $1,050,000 annually and 100% of Mr. Jablin’s annual salary, respectively.

Effective February 19, 2015, the Company and Mr. NeCastro entered into an amendment to his employment agreement to reflect his new position with the Company of Chief Development Officer. The amendment increased Mr. NeCastro’s base salary to $904,000 annually.  The amendment also modified the multiple of his annual salary and annual incentive he is entitled to receive upon termination of his employment in certain events, with 2.5 times his annual salary and annual incentive payable in the event his employment terminates by reason of his death or disability, but with a reducing multiple (starting at 2.5 times and reduced proportionately based on the time elapsed to the date of termination over the period from January 1, 2015 through the December 31, 2016 termination date of his employment agreement) in the event his employment is terminated without cause or he terminates his employment for good reason.

Each NEO would be entitled to severance benefits under his/her employment agreement in the event of an involuntary termination of employment without “cause” or a termination by the executive for “good reason,” death or disability. Each NEO, other than Messrs. NeCastro and Jablin, would also be entitled to certain severance benefit upon a termination of employment following the expiration of the term. The severance benefits for each of the NEOs are generally determined based upon a multiple of base pay and annual incentive.

In exchange for the severance benefits, the NEOs agree not to disclose Company confidential information and agree not to compete against the Company or solicit its employees or customers for a period of time after termination. These provisions protect the Company’s interests and help to ensure its long - term success.

Executive Severance Plan

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted the Executive Severance Plan, which was most recently amended and restated in 2014 (“ESP”), that provides severance benefits to certain executives upon involuntary termination, death and disability. The ESP also provides benefits for termination for “good reason” for executives with employment agreements. The severance benefits are generally based upon a multiple of base salary and annual incentive, depending upon the level of responsibility of the executive. The ESP was adopted to codify existing practices, to ensure consistency in benefits payable upon termination and to provide for protection of the Company through the inclusion of confidentiality, non-compete and non-interference obligations in exchange for the receipt of benefits.

Change in Control Plan

All NEOs are provided change in control protection under the Company’s Executive Change in Control Plan. Under this plan, a NEO would be entitled to certain severance benefits if a change in control were to occur and the Company terminated the executive’s employment without “cause” or the executive terminated his/her employment with the Company for “good reason” within a two - year period following the change in control. In addition to the benefits available under the Executive Change in Control Plan under these circumstances, Mr. Lowe is entitled to certain additional benefits under his employment agreement. The severance levels in the Change in Control Plan were adopted by the Compensation Committee in 2008.

This plan was frozen to new participants beginning in 2012. A new plan, 2012 Executive Change in Control Plan, was added for new hires beginning in 2012 that is the same as the 2008 plan with the exception that it does not include a gross - up provision.

30


 

The Company believes that the occurrence, or potential occurrence, of a change in control transaction will create uncertainty regard ing the continued employment of NEOs. The change in control protections allow NEOs to focus on the Company’s business and objectively evaluate the benefits to shareholders of proposed transactions without being distracted by potential job loss. It also enh ances retention following a change in control, as the severance benefits are payable only if the executive incurs a qualifying termination within a certain period following a change in control, rather than merely as a result of the change in control. In ad dition, the Change in Control Plan conditions the severance benefits upon certain confidentiality, non - compete and non - solicitation obligations which further protects the continuity of the Company’s business following a change in control.

All equity awards held by employees would immediately vest upon a change in control, under the Long - Term Incentive Plan. Unlike the cash severance described above, the vesting is not contingent upon a qualifying termination within a certain period following a change in control. This single trigger is appropriate because the equity of the Company will change and the Company believes NEOs, along with all participants, should have the same opportunity to realize value as common shareholders.

Additional Information

Please refer to the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section of this proxy statement for information regarding potential payments and benefits, if any, that each NEO is entitled to receive under his/her employment agreement and applicable plans in connection with his/her termination of employment as well as in connection with a change in control.

Other Governance Items

Equity Grant Practices

The Compensation Committee approves annual equity awards at its February meeting, which are subsequently issued on March 1 st based on the closing price of the Company’s Class A Common Shares on such date (or the last trading day prior to such date). This meeting date is set typically two years in advance. The Compensation Committee does not grant equity compensation awards in anticipation of the release of material nonpublic information. Similarly, the Company does not time the release of material nonpublic information based on equity award grant dates.

Stock Ownership Guidelines

Effective November 2011, the Company adopted stock ownership guidelines for all NEOs in addition to executive officers to encourage ownership in the Company for the executives who have a direct impact on the decisions that contribute to the long - term success of the Company.

The guidelines give the executive five years to attain the prescribed ownership levels which are established as a target multiple of base pay. The target multiples for the NEOs are on the table to the right.

 

 

 

Multiple of

 

2015

NEO

 

Salary

 

Ownership

Mr. Lowe

 

5.0x

 

15.5x

Ms. Hickok

 

2.0x

 

2.5x

Mr. Jablin

 

3.0x

 

4.7x

Mr. NeCastro

 

3.0x

 

5.1x

Ms. Gibson

 

2.0x

 

2.5x

Mr. Hale

 

2.0x

 

3.3x

 

Shares owned outright as well as RSUs are included in the totals. As of December 31, 2015, all of the NEOs have met the target stock ownership levels.

Mandatory Retirement Policy

Effective January 1, 2011, the Company adopted a mandatory retirement policy pursuant to which all bona fide executives as defined under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, will be required to retire at the age of 65, unless otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. Each of the NEOs qualifies as a bona fide executive and will be subject to the policy. An amendment to Mr. Lowe’s employment agreement in 2014, which was approved by the Board, extended his employment until December 31, 2016, which is approximately eight months after he turns 65.

31


 

Anti-hedging and Prohibition on Pledging Policy

Our policy on insider trading prohibits directors, officers and certain key employees from engaging in short sales, purchases of puts and calls and other speculative or hedging transactions with respect to Company stock, regardless of whether they hold material, non - public information. In addition, directors, officers and certain key employees are prohibited from holding Company stock in a margin account or pledging Company stock to secure a loan unless a prior approval is obtained.

Income Deduction Limitations

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code generally sets a limit of $1 million on the amount of non-performance-based compensation that the Company may deduct for federal income tax purposes in any given year with respect to the compensation of each of the NEOs other than the Chief Financial Officer. Qualifying performance-based compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. The Compensation Committee intends to preserve the tax deductibility of compensation paid to our executive officers to the extent consistent with our overall program objectives and philosophy, but recognizes that doing so may not always be feasible. In light of the need to maintain flexibility in administering our executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee retains discretion to recommend to the Board executive compensation that may not be deductible.

Compensation Risk Assessment

Members of management from the Company’s human resources, finance and legal groups assessed whether the Company’s compensation policies and practices encourage excessive or inappropriate risk taking by our employees, including employees other than our NEOs and reported the results to the Compensation Committee.

Specifically, the review included a detailed analysis of the following risk factors related to compensation: pay mix, performance goals, performance metrics/target, market comparisons and checks and balances. The review also analyzed whether there was any link between the Company’s key business risks and its compensation programs.

Based upon the review, and in consultation with Meridian, the Compensation Committee determined that its compensation policies and practices did not create risks that are “reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect” on the Company.

 

 

32


 

EXECUTIVE COMPEN SATION TABLES

Summary Compensation Table

The following table presents information concerning compensation paid to the NEOs in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The narrative following the table describes current employment agreements and employment terms with each of our NEOs.

Summary Compensation Table — 2013 to 2015

 

Name and Principal Position

 

Year

 

Salary

($)

 

 

Bonus

($)

 

 

Stock Awards

($)(4)

 

 

Option

Awards

($)(5)

 

 

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

Compensation

($)(6)

 

 

Change in

Pension Value

and

Nonqualified

Deferred

Compensation

Earnings

($)(7)

 

 

All Other

Compensation

($)(8)

 

 

Total

($)

 

Kenneth W. Lowe

 

2015

 

 

1,467,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,420,604

 

 

 

1,573,534

 

 

 

2,039,548

 

 

 

1,315,473

 

 

 

499,158

 

 

 

9,315,317

 

Chairman, President &

 

2014

 

 

1,420,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,398,643

 

 

 

1,566,013

 

 

 

1,785,174

 

 

 

212,433

 

 

 

455,752

 

 

 

11,838,015

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2013

 

 

1,287,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,301,604

 

 

 

1,462,782

 

 

 

1,748,466

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

436,486

 

 

 

7,236,838

 

Lori Hickok(1)

 

2015

 

 

675,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,506,226

 

 

 

329,101

 

 

 

469,221

 

 

 

96,339

 

 

 

154,590

 

 

 

3,230,477

 

Executive Vice President,

 

2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Burton F. Jablin(2)

 

2015

 

 

1,050,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,116,022

 

 

 

725,479

 

 

 

1,122,923

 

 

 

197,847

 

 

 

287,837

 

 

 

4,500,108

 

Chief Operating Officer

 

2014

 

 

900,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,105,662

 

 

 

721,848

 

 

 

696,276

 

 

 

522,776

 

 

 

219,613

 

 

 

4,166,175

 

 

 

2013

 

 

830,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,829,452

 

 

 

209,365

 

 

 

590,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

208,655

 

 

 

7,667,552

 

Joseph G. NeCastro(3)

 

2015

 

 

904,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,084,790

 

 

 

705,203

 

 

 

773,426

 

 

 

119,953

 

 

 

231,942

 

 

 

3,819,314

 

Chief Development Officer

 

2014

 

 

875,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,074,889

 

 

 

701,791

 

 

 

676,935

 

 

 

275,961

 

 

 

194,949

 

 

 

3,799,525

 

 

 

2013

 

 

850,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,605,128

 

 

 

702,346

 

 

 

710,355

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

197,223

 

 

 

7,065,052

 

Cynthia L. Gibson

 

2015

 

 

630,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

472,552

 

 

 

307,159

 

 

 

437,940

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,799

 

 

 

1,947,450

 

Executive Vice President,

 

2014

 

 

600,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

460,762

 

 

 

300,762

 

 

 

290,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,985

 

 

 

1,740,624

 

Chief Legal Officer

 

2013

 

 

500,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

406,261

 

 

 

258,212

 

 

 

261,160

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76,077

 

 

 

1,501,710

 

Mark S. Hale

 

2015

 

 

578,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

433,944

 

 

 

282,054

 

 

 

402,140

 

 

 

116,444

 

 

 

142,412

 

 

 

1,955,494

 

Executive Vice President,

 

2014

 

 

560,000

 

 

 

250,000

 

 

 

429,989

 

 

 

280,724

 

 

 

270,774

 

 

 

258,511

 

 

 

118,313

 

 

 

2,168,311

 

Global Operations &

Chief Technology Officer

 

2013

 

 

525,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

426,668

 

 

 

271,131

 

 

 

274,218

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

115,447

 

 

 

1,612,464

 

 

(1)

Prior to February 2015, Ms. Hickok’s title was Executive Vice President, Finance.

(2)

Prior to August 2015, Mr. Jablin’s title was President, Scripps Networks.

(3)

Prior to February 2015, Mr. NeCastro’s title was Chief Financial and Administrative Officer.

(4)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the: (i) PBRSUs granted to our NEOs (based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions as of the date of grant) and (ii) time - based RSUs granted to our NEOs. The grant date fair value of the PBRSUs granted in 2015, assuming that the highest level of performance would be achieved, is as follows: Mr. Lowe: $2,420,604; Ms. Hickok: $506,245; Mr. Jablin: $1,116,022; Mr. NeCastro: $1,084,790; Ms. Gibson: $472,552 and Mr. Hale: $433,944.

The aggregate grant date fair value was determined in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation  - Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). See Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10 - K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for an explanation of the assumptions made in valuing these awards. For additional information about the equity awards granted in 2015, please refer to the Grants of Plan - Based Awards section of this proxy statement. For information on all outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2015, please refer to the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year - End table.

(5)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to our NEOs. The aggregate grant date fair value was determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for an explanation of the assumptions made in valuing these awards.

(6)

Reflects the annual incentive earned by each NEO under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan for the applicable calendar year. For additional information about the 2015 annual incentive opportunities, please refer to the Grants of Plan - Based Awards and CD&A sections of this proxy statement.

33


 

(7)

Reflects the increase in the present value of the accumulated benefits under the pension plan and the SERP for the applicable calendar yea r. Ms. Gibson is no t eligible to participate in the pension plan or SERP. For information on these plans, please refer to the Pension Benefits table. The NEOs did not accrue any preferential or above - market earnings on non - qualified deferred compensation.  

(8)

Reflects the perquisites and other benefits outlined in the table below. For more information about these benefits, please refer to the CD&A.

34


 

All Other Compensation Table

 

Name

 

 

 

 

 

Financial

Planning

($)(1)

 

 

Legal

Fees

($)

 

 

Club

Dues

($)(2)

 

 

Tax

Gross-Up

($)(3)

 

 

Matching

Contribution

($)(4)

 

 

Company

Contribution

($)(5)

 

 

Senior

Executive

Physical

($)(6)

 

 

Charitable

Matching

Gift

($)(7)

 

 

Other

($)(8)

 

 

Total

($)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

2015

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14,942

 

 

 

10,840

 

 

 

105,197

 

 

 

345,180

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,000

 

 

 

499,159

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

1,682

 

 

 

15,236

 

 

 

12,054

 

 

 

96,155

 

 

 

315,625

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

455,752

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,655

 

 

 

10,840

 

 

 

91,079

 

 

 

298,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

436,486

 

Ms. Hickok

 

 

2015

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,765

 

 

 

31,287

 

 

 

109,538

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

154,590

 

Mr. Jablin

 

 

2015

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,227

 

 

 

62,972

 

 

 

205,139

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

287,838

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,227

 

 

 

47,888

 

 

 

154,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

219,613

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

5,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,928

 

 

 

42,582

 

 

 

136,898

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

208,655

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

2015

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,227

 

 

 

50,323

 

 

 

162,532

 

 

 

1,861

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

231,943

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

11,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,562

 

 

 

46,558

 

 

 

128,749

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

194,949

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

9,234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,751

 

 

 

46,811

 

 

 

113,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

197,223

 

Ms. Gibson

 

 

2015

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,765

 

 

 

32,977

 

 

 

48,057

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

99,799

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,227

 

 

 

26,703

 

 

 

40,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

88,985

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,765

 

 

 

22,835

 

 

 

34,477

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

76,077

 

Mr. Hale

 

 

2015

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,714

 

 

 

3,765

 

 

 

30,493

 

 

 

91,450

 

 

 

4,990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

142,412

 

 

 

 

2014

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,713

 

 

 

3,765

 

 

 

24,923

 

 

 

77,912

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

118,313

 

 

 

 

2013

 

 

 

10,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,618

 

 

 

3,765

 

 

 

23,977

 

 

 

76,087

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

115,447

 

 

( 1)

Represents the amount paid to our NEOs for financial planning services.

(2)

Represents the amount paid for dining, business and country clubs.

(3)

For 2015 represents reimbursement of taxes imposed on the financial planning benefit.

(4)

Represents the amount of all matching contributions earned under the Company’s 401(k) Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan.

(5)

Represents the amount of all age plus service contributions earned under the Company’s 401(k) Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan.

(6)

Represents the cost of the senior executive physical, if any, that is in excess of the cost of a physical covered under the Company’s general health plan.

(7)

Represents the amount of matching charitable contributions under the Company’s matching gift program.

(8)

Represents the amount of a travel stipend.

Salary and Bonus in Proportion to Total Compensation

The NEOs generally receive 46 percent to 49 percent of their target total direct compensation in the form of base salary and cash incentive awards under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. This excludes any non-recurring special equity grants. Please see the CD&A for a description of the objectives of the Company’s compensation program and overall compensation philosophy.

Employment Agreements

Each of the NEOs has entered into an employment agreement with the Company. These employment agreements enhance retention of NEOs and also protect the Company’s interests by imposing confidentiality, non - competition, non - solicitation and other restrictive covenants on the executives. The employment agreements establish the minimum base salary and target annual incentive opportunity for the term of the agreement. Following is a brief summary of the employment agreements.

Employment Agreement for Mr. Lowe

Mr. Lowe serves as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an employment agreement that was most recently amended in 2014 and extends the term through December 31, 2016. During the term, Mr. Lowe is also entitled to: (i) a base salary that is not less than $1,420,000 and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to no less than 130 percent of his salary; (ii) participate in all equity incentive, employee pension, and welfare benefit plans on a basis no less favorable than the most favorable basis provided other senior executives of the Company; (iii) payment of a lump sum equal to 3.0 times his base salary and 2.0 times his target annual incentive upon termination without “cause” or for “good reason”; and (iv) reimbursement for tax and financial planning up to maximum of $15,000 per year, the annual membership fees and other dues associated with one country club and one luncheon club, and the costs of an annual physical examination.

35


 

Employment Agreement for Ms. Hickok

The Company entered into a new employment agreement with Ms. Hickok effective January 1, 2015 in connection with her promotion to Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, effective February 19, 2015. During the term, Ms. Hickok is entitled to: (i) an annual base salary that is not less than $675,000 and a target annual incentive opportunity of 65 percent of his salary; (ii) participate in all equity incentive, employee pension, welfare benefit plans and fringe benefit programs applicable to similarly situated executives of the Company; (iii) payment of a lump sum equal to 2.5 times her base salary and target annual incentive upon termination without “cause” or for “good reason”; and (iv) reimbursement for tax and financial planning up to a maximum of $15,000 per year and the costs of an annual physical examination (v) a promotion grant of RSUs valued at $1 million and vesting equally over three years and a pension enhancement.

Employment Agreement for Mr. Jablin

Mr. Jablin served as the President, Scripps Networks pursuant to an employment agreement entered into in 2013 that extends through 2015. In 2015, the Company entered into a new agreement to reflect his promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Scripps Networks Interactive.  During the term, Mr. Jablin is entitled to: (i) an annual base salary that is not less than $1,050,000 and a target annual incentive opportunity of 100 percent of his salary; (ii) participate in all equity incentive, employee pension, welfare benefit plans and fringe benefit programs applicable to similarly situated executives of the Company; (iii) payment of a lump sum equal to 2.5 times his base salary and target annual incentive upon termination without “cause” or for “good reason”; and (iv) reimbursement for tax and financial planning up to a maximum of $15,000 per year and the costs of an annual physical examination.

Employment Agreement for Mr. NeCastro

Until his retirement in February 2016, Mr. NeCastro served as Chief Development Officer, pursuant to an employment agreement entered into in 2010 that was amended in 2013 extending the term through December 31, 2016. A 2015 amendment to Mr. NeCastro’s agreement increased his base salary to reflect his promotion and modified the multiple of his annual salary and annual incentive he is entitled to receive upon termination of his employment in certain events. During the term, Mr. NeCastro was entitled to: (i) a base salary that is not less than $904,000 and an annual target bonus opportunity equal to no less than 80 percent of salary; (ii) participate in all equity incentive, employee pension, welfare benefit plans applicable to similarly situated executives of the Company; (iii) an additional equity grant upon each renewal of his term; (iv) payment of a lump sum equal to 2.5 times his base salary and 2.5 times his target annual incentive upon termination without “cause” or for “good reason” if prior to the end of the term, and (v) reimbursement for tax and financial planning up to a maximum of $15,000 per year, the annual membership fees and other dues associated with one luncheon club, and the costs of an annual physical examination.

Employment Agreement for Ms. Gibson

Ms. Gibson serves as the Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer pursuant to an employment agreement entered into in 2012 that extends through December 31, 2016. During the term, Ms. Gibson is entitled to: (i) an annual base salary that is not less than $500,000 and a target annual incentive opportunity of 50 percent of her base salary; (ii) participate in all equity incentive plans, employee retirement, welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated executives of the Company; (iii) payment of a lump sum equal to 1.5 times base salary and annual incentive upon termination without “cause” or for “good reason”; and (iv) reimbursement for tax and financial planning up to a maximum of $10,000 per year, the annual membership fees and other dues associated with one luncheon club, and the costs of an annual physical examination.

Employment Agreement for Mr. Hale

Mr. Hale served as the Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Technology Officer pursuant to an employment agreement entered into in 2011. In 2015, the Company entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Hale that was effective as of January 1, 2015 and extends through December 31, 2015 with up to two one year renewals. Mr. Hale’s new title under this employment agreement is Executive Vice President, Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer. Under this employment agreement, Mr. Hale was entitled to: (i) an annual base salary that is not less than $560,000 and target annual incentive opportunity of 50 percent of his base salary; (ii) participate in all equity incentive plans, employee retirement, pension and welfare benefit plans available to similarly situated executives of the Company; (iii) payment of a lump sum equal to 1.5 times Mr. Hale’s base salary and target annual incentive upon termination without “cause” or for “good reason”; and (iv) reimbursement for tax and financial planning up to a maximum of $10,000 per year and the cost of an annual physical examination. In addition, he received a bonus payment of $250,000 in 2014 for his execution of the new employment agreement. A second bonus payment of $250,000 was paid on January 1, 2016. Two additional bonuses of $250,000 are tied to the optional years and are paid if Mr. Hale does not voluntarily terminate his employment through 2016 for one bonus and 2017 through the other.  

36


 

Please refer to the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section for information regarding potential payments and benefits, if any, that eac h executive is entitled to receive under his/her employment agreement in connection with his/her termination of employment or change in control, along with a brief description of the applicable non-competition, non - solicitation, confidentiality and other r estrictions applicable to each executive.

 

 

37


 

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth information for each NEO regarding: (i) estimated payouts of the annual cash incentive opportunities granted by the Company in 2015; (ii) time - based and performance-based RSUs granted in 2015; and (iii) stock options granted in 2015.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards 2015

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Possible Payouts

Under Non-Equity Incentive

Plan Awards (1)

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

Under Equity Incentive

Plan Awards (2)

 

 

All Other

Stock

Awards:

 

 

All Other Option

Awards: Number

of Securities

 

 

Exercise

or Base

Price of

 

 

Grant Date

Fair Value

of Stock

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Threshold

($)

 

 

Target

($)

 

 

Maximum

($)

 

 

Threshold

(#)

 

 

Target

(#)

 

 

Maximum

(#)

 

 

Number

of Units

(#)(3)

 

 

Underlying

Options

(#)(4)

 

 

Option

Awards

($/SH) (5)

 

 

and Option

Awards

($)(6)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

2015

 

 

11,443

 

 

 

1,907,100

 

 

 

3,814,200

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

 

 

 

16,740

 

 

 

33,480

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,210,302

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

102,980

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

 

1,573,534

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,210,302

 

Ms. Hickok

 

2015

 

 

2,633

 

 

 

438,750

 

 

 

877,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

3,501

 

 

 

7,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

253,122

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21,538

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

 

329,101

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,332

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,253,104

 

Mr. Jablin

 

2015

 

 

6,300

 

 

 

1,050,000

 

 

 

2,100,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

7,718

 

 

 

15,436

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

558,011

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

47,479

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

 

725,479

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,718

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

558,011

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

2015

 

 

4,339

 

 

 

723,200

 

 

 

1,446,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45

 

 

 

7,502

 

 

 

15,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

542,395

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,152

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

 

705,203

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

542,395

 

Ms. Gibson

 

2015

 

 

2,457

 

 

 

409,500

 

 

 

819,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20

 

 

 

3,268

 

 

 

6,536

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236,276

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20,102

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

 

307,159

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,268

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236,276

 

Mr. Hale

 

2015

 

 

2,256

 

 

 

376,025

 

 

 

752,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

3,001

 

 

 

6,002

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

216,972

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,459

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

 

282,054

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

216,972

 

 

(1)

Reflects the incentive opportunities granted in 2015 under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan. The award had a performance period that commenced January 1, 2015 and ended December 31, 2015. The “Threshold,” “Target” and “Maximum” columns reflect the range of potential payouts under the plan when the performance goals were established. The threshold equals .6 percent of the target award and the maximum equals 200 percent of the target award. The actual 2015 annual incentive payouts are set forth in the Non - Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement. For information on the applicable performance goals for each award, please refer to the CD&A.

(2)

Reflects the PBRSUs granted under the 2008 Long - Term Incentive Plan. The award has a performance period that commenced January 1, 2015 and will end on December 31, 2016 and a payout that ranges from .6 percent to 200 percent. The actual RSUs credited to the NEOs after the end of the performance period vest 50 percent on each March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018. Vesting accelerates in full upon the executive’s death, disability, retirement, termination without cause or for good reason or in the event of a change in control. The NEOs have no right to vote the share units until they are vested; but they receive dividend equivalents commencing after the end of the performance period as dividends are paid on the underlying shares during the time - based vesting period. For information on the applicable performance goals and performance period for the award, please refer to the CD&A.

(3)

Reflects the time - based RSUs granted under the 2008 Long - Term Incentive Plan on March 1, 2015. The units will vest in three annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant for so long as the executive remains employed by the Company. Vesting accelerates in full upon the executive’s death, disability or retirement, or in the event of a change in control, and vesting accelerates on a prorated basis upon a termination without cause or for good reason. On March 1, 2015, Ms. Hickok was awarded 13,831 additional RSUs which will vest 50% on December 31, 2016 and 50% on December 31, 2017. Vesting accelerates in full upon death, disability, or in the event of a change in control, termination without cause or for good reason.

38


 

The NEOs have no right to vote the share units until they are vested; but they receive dividend equivalents as divide nds are paid on the underlying shares during the vesting period.  

(4)

Reflects the number of shares that may be issued to the NEOs on exercise of stock options granted by the Company in 2015. These stock options vest in three annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Vesting accelerates in full upon the executive’s death, disability, retirement, or in the event of a change in control, and vesting accelerates on a pro - rated basis upon a termination without cause or for good reason.

(5)

Reflects the exercise price of each stock option reported in the table, which equaled the closing market price of the underlying option shares on the date of grant.

(6)

Reflects the grant date fair value, as determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, of each equity award listed in the table. See Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for an explanation of the assumptions used in the valuation of these awards.

39


 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table sets forth information for each NEO with respect to (i) each option to purchase Company shares that had not been exercised and remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015, (ii) each award of time - based RSUs that had not vested and remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015, and (iii) each award of Company PBRSUs that had not vested and remained outstanding as of December 31, 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

Options

(#)(1)

Exercisable

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

Options

(#)(2)

Unexercisable

 

 

Option

Exercise

Price

($)(3)

 

 

Option

Expiration

Date

 

 

 

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

(#)(4)

 

 

Market

Value of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

($)(5)

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of

Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other

Rights That

Have Not

Vested

(#)(6)

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or

Payout Value of Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other Rights

That Have Not Vested

($)(5)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/18/2010

 

 

103,147

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

39.44

 

 

2/17/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/17/2011

 

 

79,090

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53.17

 

 

2/16/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2012

 

 

95,222

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

43.59

 

 

2/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

51,707

 

 

 

25,853

 

 

 

62.37

 

 

2/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

26,729

 

 

 

53,456

 

 

 

81.24

 

 

2/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

0

 

 

 

102,980

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

2/28/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

355,895

 

 

 

182,289

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

61,519

 

 

 

3,396,455

 

 

 

16,740

 

 

 

924,215

 

Ms. Hickok

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/17/2011

 

 

13,482

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53.17

 

 

2/16/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2012

 

 

16,448

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

43.59

 

 

2/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

8,945

 

 

 

4,472

 

 

 

62.37

 

 

2/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

4,620

 

 

 

9,240

 

 

 

81.24

 

 

2/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

0

 

 

 

21,538

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

2/28/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

43,495

 

 

 

35,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,190

 

 

 

893,843

 

 

 

3,501

 

 

 

193,290

 

Mr. Jablin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2012

 

 

4,536

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

43.59

 

 

2/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

7,401

 

 

 

3,700

 

 

 

62.37

 

 

2/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

12,321

 

 

 

24,640

 

 

 

81.24

 

 

2/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

0

 

 

 

47,479

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

2/28/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

24,258

 

 

 

75,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

67,766

 

 

 

3,741,365

 

 

 

7,718

 

 

 

426,111

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/17/2011

 

 

37,148

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53.17

 

 

2/16/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2012

 

 

45,153

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

43.59

 

 

2/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

24,827

 

 

 

12,413

 

 

 

62.37

 

 

2/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

11,978

 

 

 

23,956

 

 

 

81.24

 

 

2/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

0

 

 

 

46,152

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

2/28/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

119,106

 

 

 

82,521

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

70,949

 

 

 

3,917,079

 

 

 

7,502

 

 

 

414,185

 

Ms. Gibson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/17/2011

 

 

5,534

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53.17

 

 

2/16/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2012

 

 

4,732

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

43.59

 

 

2/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

9,128

 

 

 

4,563

 

 

 

62.37

 

 

2/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

5,134

 

 

 

10,266

 

 

 

81.24

 

 

2/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

0

 

 

 

20,102

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

2/28/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

24,528

 

 

 

34,931

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,957

 

 

 

384,103

 

 

 

3,268

 

 

 

180,426

 

Mr. Hale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/18/2010

 

 

18,346

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

39.44

 

 

2/17/2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/17/2011

 

 

14,021

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

53.17

 

 

2/16/2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/16/2012

 

 

16,794

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

43.59

 

 

2/15/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

9,584

 

 

 

4,792

 

 

 

62.37

 

 

2/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

4,792

 

 

 

9,582

 

 

 

81.24

 

 

2/28/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40


 

 

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

Options

(#)(1)

Exercisable

 

 

Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised

Options

(#)(2)

Unexercisable

 

 

Option

Exercise

Price

($)(3)

 

 

Option

Expiration

Date

 

 

 

Number of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

(#)(4)

 

 

Market

Value of

Shares or

Units of

Stock That

Have Not

Vested

($)(5)

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of

Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other

Rights That

Have Not

Vested

(#)(6)

 

 

Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or

Payout Value of Unearned

Shares, Units

or Other Rights

That Have Not Vested

($)(5)

 

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

0

 

 

 

18,459

 

 

 

72.30

 

 

2/28/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

63,537

 

 

 

32,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,660

 

 

 

367,681

 

 

 

3,001

 

 

 

165,685

 

 

(1)

Reflects the number of shares underlying the outstanding stock options that have vested as of December 31, 2015.

(2)

Reflects the number of shares underlying the outstanding stock options that have not vested as of December 31, 2015. The regular vesting dates for each unexercisable stock option award are as follows:

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Total

Number of

Unvested

Stock

Options

Outstanding

 

 

Vesting Date

Mr. Lowe

 

2/14/2013

 

 

25,853

 

 

25,853 on 2/14/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

53,456

 

 

26,728 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

102,980

 

 

34,327 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017; and 34,326 on 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

182,289

 

 

 

Ms. Hickok

 

2/14/2013

 

 

4,472

 

 

4,472 on 2/14/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

9,240

 

 

4,620 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

21,538

 

 

7,180 on 3/1/2016 and 7,179 on 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

35,250

 

 

 

Mr. Jablin

 

2/14/2013

 

 

3,700

 

 

3,700 on 2/14/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

24,640

 

 

12,320 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

47,479

 

 

15,827 on 3/1/2016; 15,826 on 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

75,819

 

 

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

2/14/2013

 

 

12,413

 

 

12,413 on 2/14/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

23,956

 

 

11,978 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

46,152

 

 

15,384 on 3/1/2016, 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

82,521

 

 

 

Ms. Gibson

 

2/14/2013

 

 

4,563

 

 

4,563 on 2/14/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

10,266

 

 

5,133 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

20,102

 

 

6,701 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017; and 6,700 on 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

34,931

 

 

 

Mr. Hale

 

2/14/2013

 

 

4,792

 

 

4,792 on 2/14/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

9,582

 

 

4,791 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

18,459

 

 

6,153 on 3/1/2016, 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

32,833

 

 

 

 

(3)

The exercise price equaled the fair market value per share of the underlying option shares on the date of grant.

41


 

(4)

Reflects the number of RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The vesting dates for each outstanding RSU award are as follows:  

 

Name

 

Grant Date

 

Total Number of Restricted Share Units Outstanding

 

 

Vesting Date

Mr. Lowe

 

2/14/2013

 

 

5,676

 

 

5,676 on 2/14/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

4,768

 

 

4,768 on 3/15/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

9,613

 

 

4,807 on 3/1/2016 and 4,806 on 3/1/2017

 

 

3/3/2014

 

 

24,722

 

 

24,722 on 12/31/2016

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

16,740

 

 

5,580 on 3/1/2016, 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

61,519

 

 

 

Ms. Hickok

 

2/14/2013

 

 

982

 

 

982 2/14/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

825

 

 

825 on 3/15/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

1,662

 

 

831 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

3,501

 

 

1,167 on 3/1/2016, 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

9,220

 

 

4,610 on 12/31/2016 and 12/31/2017

 

 

Total

 

 

16,190

 

 

 

Mr. Jablin

 

11/14/2012

 

 

8,432

 

 

8,432 on 3/15/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

812

 

 

812 on 2/14/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

682

 

 

682 on 3/15/2016

 

 

11/13/2013

 

 

32,636

 

 

13,054 on 12/31/2016 and 19,582 on 12/31/2017

 

 

11/13/2013

 

 

13,055

 

 

6,528 on 3/15/2017 and 6,527 on 12/31/2017

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

4,431

 

 

2,216 on 3/1/2016 and 2,215 on 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

7,718

 

 

2,573 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017; 2,572 on 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

67,766

 

 

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

11/14/2012

 

 

6,746

 

 

6,746 on 12/31/2016

 

 

11/14/2012

 

 

1,687

 

 

1,687 on 12/31/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

2,725

 

 

2,725 on 2/14/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

2,289

 

 

2,289 on 3/15/2016

 

 

11/13/2013

 

 

45,692

 

 

45,692 on 12/31/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

4,308

 

 

2,154 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

7,502

 

 

2,501 on 3/1/2016, 3/1/2017 and 2,500 on 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

70,949

 

 

 

Ms. Gibson

 

2/14/2013

 

 

1,002

 

 

1,002 on 2/14/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

841

 

 

841 on 3/15/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

1,846

 

 

923 on 3/1/2016 and 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

3,268

 

 

1,090 on 3/1/2016; 1,089 on 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

6,957

 

 

 

Mr. Hale

 

2/14/2013

 

 

1,052

 

 

1,052 on 2/14/2016

 

 

2/14/2013

 

 

884

 

 

884 on 3/15/2016

 

 

3/1/2014

 

 

1,723

 

 

862 on 3/1/2016 and 861 on 3/1/2017

 

 

3/1/2015

 

 

3,001

 

 

1,001 on 3/1/2016; 1,000 on 3/1/2017 and 3/1/2018

 

 

Total

 

 

6,660

 

 

 

 

(5)

The value was calculated using the closing market price of our Class A Common Shares on December 31, 2015 ($55.21 per share).

(6)

Reflects the number of PBRSUs which are unearned or unvested and reported assuming target performance as of December 31, 2015. The award has a performance period that commenced January 1, 2015 and will end on December 31, 2016 and a payout that ranges from .6 percent to 200 percent. The actual RSUs credited, if any, to the NEOs after the end of the performance period vest 50 percent on each March 15, 2017 and March 15, 2018.

42


 

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table sets forth information for each NEO with respect to the exercise of stock options during 2015, and the vesting of RSU awards during 2015.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested 2015

 

 

 

Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

Name

 

Number   of

Shares

Acquired on

Exercise (#)

 

 

Value

Realized on

Exercise

($)(1)

 

 

Number of

Shares

Acquired on

Vesting (#)

 

 

Value

Realized on

Vesting

($)(2)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

12,528

 

 

 

1,156,636

 

 

 

117,379

 

 

 

7,592,373

 

Ms. Hickok

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

11,982

 

 

 

789,982

 

Mr. Jablin

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

28,874

 

 

 

1,864,795

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

58,197

 

 

 

4,085,085

 

Ms. Gibson

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

8,260

 

 

 

578,074

 

Mr. Hale

 

 

13,387

 

 

 

184,607

 

 

 

7,631

 

 

 

554,358

 

 

(1)

Reflects the product of the number of options exercised and the difference between the exercise price and the option price on the day of exercise.

(2)

Reflects the product of the number of RSU s that vested and the closing price per share on the vesting date.

Pension Benefits

The following table sets forth information regarding the pension benefits for each NEO.

Pension Benefits Table — 2015

 

Name

 

Plan Name

 

Number of

Years

Credited

Service

(#)(1)

 

 

Present Value

of

Accumulated Benefit

($)(1)

 

 

Payments

During Last

Fiscal Year

($)(3)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

Scripps Pension Plan

 

 

29.67

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,186,811

 

 

 

SERP

 

 

29.67

 

 

 

14,494,754

 

 

 

0

 

Ms. Hickok

 

Scripps Pension Plan

 

 

18.83

 

 

 

456,911

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

SERP

 

 

18.83

 

 

 

1,151,340

 

 

 

0

 

Mr. Jablin

 

Scripps Pension Plan

 

 

15.75

 

 

 

516,448

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

SERP

 

 

15.75

 

 

 

2,506,955

 

 

 

0

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

Scripps Pension Plan

 

 

7.67

 

 

 

283,100

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

SERP

 

 

7.67

 

 

 

1,524,535

 

 

 

0

 

Ms. Gibson(2)

 

Scripps Pension Plan

 

 

0.00

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

SERP

 

 

0.00

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Mr. Hale

 

Scripps Pension Plan

 

 

15.75

 

 

 

537,184

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

SERP

 

 

15.75

 

 

 

1,224,539

 

 

 

0

 

 

(1)

The number of years of credited service was frozen as of December 31, 2009. The present value of accumulated benefits was calculated as of December 31, 2015 using the same assumptions included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, except that (i) no pre - retirement decrements were assumed and (ii) a retirement age of 62 (the earliest age for unreduced retirement) was assumed. The assumptions included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 and these present values of accumulated benefits include the discount rates as of December 31, 2015 are 3.75 percent for the Pension Plan and 3.39 percent for the SERP. Similarly, the discount rates as of December 31, 2014 were 3.46 percent for the Pension Plan and 3.14 percent for SERP.

(2)

Ms. Gibson was hired after the pension plan was frozen.

(3)

Distributed pursuant to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).

43


 

Description of Retirement Plans

Pension Plan

The Pension Plan as described below was in effect through December 31, 2015. This plan is a tax - qualified pension plan covering substantially all eligible employees. The Pension Plan was transitionally frozen effective December 31, 2009. The material terms and conditions of the Pension Plan as they pertained to the NEOs in 2015 included the following:

Benefit Formula:   Subject to applicable Internal Revenue Code limits on benefits, the monthly normal retirement benefit is equal to 1 percent of the participant’s average monthly compensation up to an integration level plus 1.25 percent of the participant’s average monthly compensation in excess of the integration level, multiplied by the participant’s years of service as of December 31, 2009. The integration level is the average of the Social Security taxable wage bases for the thirty - five years prior to the participant’s termination (or disability, if applicable). Average monthly compensation is the monthly average of the compensation earned during the five consecutive years in the eleven years before termination for which the participant’s compensation was the highest.

Compensation:   Subject to the applicable Internal Revenue Code limit ($265,000 for 2015), compensation includes salary, annual incentives, and amounts deferred pursuant to the SNI 401K Savings Plan and the Company Flex Plan.

Normal Retirement:   A participant is eligible for a normal retirement benefit based on the benefit formula described above if his employment terminates on or after age 65.

Early Retirement:   A participant is eligible for an early retirement benefit if his/her employment terminates on or after age 55 and he/she has completed 10 years of service. The early retirement benefit is equal to the normal retirement benefit described above, reduced by 0.4167 percent for each month the benefit commences before age 62. Messrs. Lowe, Jablin, NeCastro and Hale are the only NEO’s currently eligible for an early retirement benefit. The Company does not grant extra years of service to any NEO under the Pension Plan.

Deferred Vested Benefits:   Each participant who ceases to be employed by the Company for any reason other than death, after his completion of at least five years of credited service, and who does not qualify to receive any other benefit under the plan, shall be eligible to receive a deferred vested benefit.

Form of Benefit Payment:   The benefit formula calculates the amount of benefit payable in the form of a monthly life annuity (which is the normal form of benefit for an unmarried participant). The normal form of payment for a married participant is a joint and 100 percent survivor annuity, which provides a reduced monthly amount for the participant’s life with the surviving spouse receiving the same monthly amount for life. Other optional forms of payment include a lump sum, joint and 50 percent or 100 percent survivor annuity (which provides a reduced monthly amount for the participant’s life with the survivor receiving 50 percent or 100 percent of the monthly amount for life), or a monthly life annuity with a 10 - year certain or 5 - year certain guarantee (which provides a reduced monthly amount for the participant’s life and, if the participant dies within 10 or 5 years of benefit commencement, equal payments to a designated beneficiary for the remainder of the 10 - year or 5 - year certain period, as applicable). All forms of benefit payment are the actuarially equivalent of the monthly life annuity form.

SERP

The SERP was intended to attract and retain executive talent by supplementing benefits payable under the Pension Plan. The SERP was amended effective January 1, 2010 in connection with the transitional freeze of the Pension Plan. The material terms and conditions of the SERP as they pertained to the NEOs in 2015 included the following:

Eligibility:   An executive generally is eligible to participate in the SERP if he/she qualifies for a Pension Plan benefit that was limited by application of the Internal Revenue Code limits on compensation and benefits.

Benefit Formula:   The SERP benefit is equal to the difference between the Pension Plan benefit calculated using the SERP definition of compensation and the actual Pension Plan benefit plus a 1.45 percent gross up for the employee Medicare tax. It may also include a 0.9 percent gross up for the additional Medicare Tax for High - Income Taxpayers if applicable. Compensation includes all compensation included under the Pension Plan (without application of the IRS limit described under the Pension Plan).

Benefit Entitlement:   A participant becomes entitled to a SERP benefit upon termination. The benefit is paid in a single lump sum in the 7th month following termination.

44


 

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

The following table sets forth information regarding the nonqualified deferred compensation for each NEO as of December 31, 2015:

 

Name

 

Executive

Contributions

in Last FY

($)(1)

 

 

Registrant

Contributions

in Last FY

($)(2)

 

 

Aggregate

Earnings in

Last FY

($)

 

 

Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions

($)

 

 

Aggregate

Balance at

Last FYE

($)(3)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

194,493

 

 

 

420,525

 

 

 

(873,519

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

7,096,930

 

Ms. Hickok

 

 

52,754

 

 

 

116,376

 

 

 

(106

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

829,430

 

Mr. Jablin

 

 

125,945

 

 

 

241,084

 

 

 

10,599

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

3,991,965

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

84,746

 

 

 

184,062

 

 

 

(22,794

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

2,375,085

 

Ms. Gibson

 

 

65,694

 

 

 

60,428

 

 

 

(16,305

)

 

 

0

 

 

 

455,625

 

Mr. Hale

 

 

233,130

 

 

 

86,465

 

 

 

1,484

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

1,941,690

 

 

(1)

Represents the base salary and annual incentive deferred by each NEO during 2015. The deferrals are included in the amounts reflected in the Salary and Non - Equity Incentive Plan Compensation columns of the Summary Compensation Table.

(2)

Represents the matching and age plus service contributions credited to each NEO during 2015. These contributions are included in the All Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.

(3)

The aggregate balance as of December 31, 2015 for each NEO includes the following amounts that were previously earned and reported as compensation on the 2006 through 2014 Summary Compensation Tables:

 

Name

 

Salary

Deferred

($)

 

 

Annual

Incentive

Deferred

($)

 

 

Matching

Contributions

($)

 

 

Age +

Service

($)

 

 

Restricted

Share Units

($)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

516,808

 

 

 

514,755

 

 

 

515,782

 

 

 

1,518,277

 

 

 

394,200

 

Ms. Hickok

 

 

56,700

 

 

 

59,128

 

 

 

57,914

 

 

 

173,822

 

 

 

0

 

Mr. Jablin

 

 

108,911

 

 

 

77,180

 

 

 

75,020

 

 

 

250,708

 

 

 

0

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

405,149

 

 

 

303,210

 

 

 

230,896

 

 

 

503,734

 

 

 

0

 

Ms. Gibson

 

 

45,032

 

 

 

77,615

 

 

 

45,801

 

 

 

68,395

 

 

 

0

 

Mr. Hale

 

 

139,782

 

 

 

377,884

 

 

 

103,607

 

 

 

244,866

 

 

 

0

 

 

Description of Executive Deferred Compensation Plan

Each NEO is eligible to defer up to 50 percent of his/her pre-tax base salary and up to 100 percent of his/her pre-tax annual incentive compensation under the terms of the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. The plan is available to a select group of highly compensated employees and is informally funded. Each participant is also entitled to a 50 percent matching credit on base salary deferrals, up to 3 percent of base salary over the applicable Internal Revenue Code limit ($265,000 for 2015), and any annual incentive deferrals. Under the Deferred Compensation Plan, “excess” age and service credits are made on behalf of participants whose age and service contributions under the 401K Savings Plan are subject to limits imposed by the IRS. Payments from the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are made in cash at certain future dates specified by participants or upon earlier termination of employment or death. In general, payments are made in the form of a lump sum or in monthly installments of 5, 10 or 15 years, as elected by the participants, and are automatically accelerated and paid in a lump sum in the event of a termination of employment within two years following a change in control of the Company. The “excess” age and service credits are paid in cash in a single lump sum. The deferred compensation is credited with earnings, gains and losses in accordance with deemed investment elections made by participants from among various crediting options established by the Company from time to time. Participants are permitted to change their deemed investment elections daily. For 2015, the investment options tracked returns under publicly available and externally managed investment funds such as mutual funds.

Description of Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The Company has entered into certain agreements and maintains certain plans and arrangements that require it to pay or provide compensation and benefits to its NEOs in the event of certain terminations of employment or a change in control. The estimated amount payable or provided to each NEO in each situation is summarized below. These estimates are based on the assumption that the various triggering events occurred on the last day of 2015, along with other material assumptions noted below. The actual amounts that would be paid to a NEO upon termination or a change in control can only be determined at the time the actual triggering event occurs.

45


 

The estimated amount of compensation and benefits described below does not take into account compensation and benefits that a NEO has earned prior to the applicable triggering event, such as equity awards that h ad previously vested in accordance with their terms, or vested benefits otherwise payable under the retirement plans and programs (unless those benefits are enhanced or accelerated). As a result, it does not provide information on the payout of the 2015 an nual incentive, as this award was earned as of December 31, 2015, in accordance with its terms, regardless of whether the executive terminated employment or a change in control occurred on that date. Please refer to the “Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year - End” table for a summary of each NEO’s vested equity awards, the “Pension Benefits” table for a summary of each NEO’s vested pension benefit, and the “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” table for a summary of each NEO’s deferred compensation balance . Please see the “Summary Compensation” table for the annual incentive earned by the NEO in 2015.

 

Name and Type of Termination

 

Cash

Severance

($)

 

 

Restricted

Share

Units

(1)($)

 

 

Performance

Based

Restricted

Share Units

(2)($)

 

 

Unexercisable

Options

(3)($)

 

 

Health &

Welfare

(4)($)

 

 

Retirement

(5)(7)($)

 

 

Legal

Expense

($)

 

 

Out-

placement

($)

 

 

Tax

Gross-

Ups

(7)

 

Total

($)

 

Mr. Lowe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,955,769

 

 

 

924,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,879,984

 

Due to Death

 

 

4,841,100

 

 

 

3,396,455

 

 

 

924,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,132

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,174,902

 

Due to Disability

 

 

4,841,100

 

 

 

3,396,455

 

 

 

924,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

15,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,177,638

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Single Trigger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,396,455

 

 

 

924,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,320,670

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Double Trigger)

 

 

10,122,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,833

 

 

 

2,492,318

 

 

 

75,000

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

 

 

 

12,765,451

 

Without Cause or for Good

   Reason (6)

 

 

8,215,200

 

 

 

3,396,455

 

 

 

924,215

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12,561,552

 

Ms. Hickok

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Death

 

 

1,670,625

 

 

 

893,843

 

 

 

193,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,636

 

 

 

1,041,386

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,828,780

 

Due to Disability

 

 

1,670,625

 

 

 

893,843

 

 

 

193,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,321

 

 

 

1,055,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

3,869,801

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Single Trigger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

893,843

 

 

 

193,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,087,133

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Double Trigger)

 

 

2,227,500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

40,931

 

 

 

212,150

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,480,581

 

Without Cause or for Good

   Reason (6)

 

 

1,670,625

 

 

 

399,444

 

 

 

193,290

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,321

 

 

 

1,055,722

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

3,375,402

 

Mr. Jablin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,167,476

 

 

 

426,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,593,587

 

Due to Death

 

 

5,250,000

 

 

 

3,741,365

 

 

 

426,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,585

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,426,061

 

Due to Disability

 

 

5,250,000

 

 

 

3,741,365

 

 

 

426,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

13,284

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

9,455,760

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Single Trigger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,741,365

 

 

 

426,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,167,476

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Double Trigger)

 

 

5,250,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17,666

 

 

 

2,027,691

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,295,357

 

Without Cause or for Good

   Reason (6)

 

 

5,250,000

 

 

 

3,741,365

 

 

 

426,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

9,461,483

 

Mr. NeCastro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,436,162

 

 

 

414,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,850,347

 

Due to Death

 

 

4,068,000

 

 

 

3,917,079

 

 

 

414,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

49,892

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,449,156

 

Due to Disability

 

 

4,068,000

 

 

 

3,917,079

 

 

 

414,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,628

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

8,481,892

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Single Trigger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,917,079

 

 

 

414,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,331,264

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Double Trigger)

 

 

4,068,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52,764

 

 

 

820,945

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,941,709

 

Without Cause or for Good

   Reason (6)

 

 

3,254,400

 

 

 

3,917,079

 

 

 

414,185

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,628

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

7,668,292

 

Ms. Gibson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Death

 

 

1,559,250

 

 

 

384,103

 

 

 

180,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

29,636

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,153,415

 

Due to Disability

 

 

1,559,250

 

 

 

384,103

 

 

 

180,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,764

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

2,179,543

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Single Trigger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

384,103

 

 

 

180,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

564,529

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Double Trigger)

 

 

2,079,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

41,102

 

 

 

124,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,244,842

 

Without Cause or for Good

   Reason (6)

 

 

1,559,250

 

 

 

219,901

 

 

 

180,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

30,764

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

2,015,341

 

46


 

Name and Type of Termination

 

Cash

Severance

($)

 

 

Restricted

Share

Units

(1)($)

 

 

Performance

Based

Restricted

Share Units

(2)($)

 

 

Unexercisable

Options

(3)($)

 

 

Health &

Welfare

(4)($)

 

 

Retirement

(5)(7)($)

 

 

Legal

Expense

($)

 

 

Out-

placement

($)

 

 

Tax

Gross-

Ups

(7)

 

Total

($)

 

Mr. Hale

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to Retirement

 

 

 

 

 

 

533,366

 

 

 

165,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

699,051

 

Due to Death

 

 

1,431,788

 

 

 

367,681

 

 

 

165,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,498

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,984,652

 

Due to Disability

 

 

1,431,788

 

 

 

367,681

 

 

 

165,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

2,012,516

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Single Trigger)

 

 

 

 

 

 

367,681

 

 

 

165,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

533,366

 

Due to Change in Control

   (Double Trigger)

 

 

1,909,050

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27,604

 

 

 

713,119

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,649,773

 

Without Cause or for Good

   Reason (6)

 

 

1,431,788

 

 

 

367,681

 

 

 

165,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

22,362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

 

 

 

 

2,012,516

 

 

(1)

Represents the product of: (i) the number of RSU awards outstanding as of December 31, 2015 that vest upon retirement, multiplied by (ii) $55.21 per share (the closing market price of the Class A Common Shares on December 31, 2015). These will vest on a pro - rated basis for Mr. Jablin and Ms. Gibson if terminated without Cause or for Good Reason.

(2)

Represents the target number of PBRSU awards granted in 2015. These will vest in full subject to actual performance results for the applicable period. For Lowe, NeCastro, and Jablin, also includes the additional PBRSU awards granted in 2015, 2013 and 2013, respectively.

(3)

Represents for each option, the excess of the fair market value of the underlying shares on December 31, 2015 over the exercise price. These will vest on a pro - rated basis for Mr. Jablin and Ms. Gibson because they are not retirement eligible.

(4)

Represents premiums for continued medical, dental and life insurance coverage. For termination without Cause or for Good Reason, one year of financial planning is included.

(5)

For Mr. Jablin, this represents the additional pay and vesting service in the SERP for the time from the date of termination through the date he would have attained age 55 with at least 10 years of service.

(6)

For Mr. Hale and Ms. Gibson, the payment for termination as a result of non - renewal of their employment agreement is the same as for termination without Cause or for Good Reason. Mr. Lowe receives the full vesting of his outstanding equity awards, medical benefits, dental benefits, and life insurance for 24 months. Messrs. NeCastro and Jablin do not receive any severance benefits at the end of the term. Ms. Gibson and Messrs. Hale and Jablin would receive outplacement services for a period of 12 months.

(7)

Represents the actuarial present value of continued pension and defined contribution benefits, calculated using the Pension Plan and SERP’s provisions for lump sum payments on December 31, 2015. The assumptions used to calculate the actuarial present value are included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, except that no pre - retirement decrements were assumed. For Mr. Jablin, this amount includes the Defined Benefit (Pension and SERP) amounts for the time from the date of termination through the date he would have attained age 55 with at least 10 years of service.

(8)

Effective February 15, 2016, Mr. NeCastro retired as an officer and employee of the Company. In connection with his retirement, the Company entered into a separation agreement and general release with Mr. NeCastro (the “Separation Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. NeCastro will receive substantially the same separation payments and benefits due to Mr. NeCastro pursuant to his employment agreement, the ESP and the outstanding equity awards agreements to which Mr. NeCastro is a party. A copy of the Separation Agreement is filed as Exhibit 10.35 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

Voluntary Termination for “Good Reason” or Involuntary Termination without “Cause”

Employment Agreement for Mr. Lowe

Under Mr. Lowe’s employment agreement, if the Company terminates the agreement without “cause” or the executive terminates it for “good reason” (other than within two years following a change in control), he is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to: (i) 3.0 times his annual salary and 2.0 times his target annual incentive; (ii) the pro - rated annual incentive opportunity for the year based on actual performance; (iii) 24 months of the COBRA premium in effect at the time of termination for continued medical coverage; (iv) full vesting of all equity awards, with the options remaining exercisable for the remainder of the original term, except that any outstanding PBRSUs granted with a performance period commencing after January 1, 2009 will only become fully vested at the end of the applicable performance period, and then only to the extent that the Company achieved the applicable performance goals for that performance period; (v) continued life insurance coverage for 24 months following termination; and (vi) one year of financial planning benefits.

47


 

Other Employment Agreements

Under the employment agreements of Messrs. NeCastro and Jablin, if the Company terminates the agreement without “cause” or the executive terminates it for “good reason” (other than within two years following a change in control), each is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to: (i) 2.5 times the executive’s annual salary and target annual incentive; (ii) the pro - rated annual incentive opportunity for the year based on actual performance; (iii) for Mr. Jablin, the value of the additional accruals under the pension plan and SERP for the period from the date of termination through the date the executive would have reached age 55 with at least 10 years of service and additional non - elective contributions to the 401K Savings Plan and Deferred Compensation Plan for the same period; (iv) 18 months of the COBRA premium in effect at the time of termination for continued medical coverage; (v) full vesting of restricted stock awards; (vi) one year of financial planning benefits; and (vii) for Mr. NeCastro continued life insurance coverage until the end of the term and for Mr. Jablin life insurance for 30 months following termination.

Under the employment agreements for Mr. Hale and Mss. Gibson and Hickok, if the Company terminates the agreement without “cause” or the executive terminates it for “good reason” (other than within two years following a change in control), each of them is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to (i) 1.5 times the executive’s annual salary and target annual incentive; (ii) the pro - rated annual incentive opportunity for the year based on actual performance; (iii) 18 months of the COBRA premium in effect at the time of termination for continued medical coverage; (iv) continued life insurance coverage for 1.5 years following the date of termination; and (v) one year of financial planning benefits.

For purposes of each of these employment agreements, the term “cause” generally includes embezzlement, fraud or a felony; unauthorized disclosure of confidential information; a material breach of the agreement; gross misconduct or gross neglect of duties; failure to cooperate with an internal or regulatory investigation; or a violation of the Company’s written conduct policies or ethics code. The term “good reason” generally includes a material reduction in duties or compensation; relocation outside principal place of employment; or a material breach of the employment agreement by the Company.

In exchange for the benefits described above, each of the executives Messrs. Lowe and NeCastro agree not to (i) disclose the Company’s confidential information; (ii) compete against the Company for 6 months after termination (12 months if terminated for “cause”); (iii) solicit the Company’s employees or customers for 12 months after termination; or (iv) disparage the Company for 12 months after termination. With respect to Messrs. Jablin and Hale and Mss. Gibson and Hickok, they agree not to (i) disclose the Company’s confidential information; (ii) compete against the Company for 12 months after termination (iii) solicit the Company’s employees or customers for 12 months after termination; or (iv) disparage the Company for 12 months after termination.

Death or Disability

Employment Agreement for Mr. Lowe

Under Mr. Lowe’s employment agreement, if he dies or suffers a “permanent disability,” the executive, his estate and/or his family become entitled to the following benefits:

 

·

A lump sum payment equal to 2.0 times annual salary (subject to reduction for any proceeds received under any life insurance policy or the Company’s disability plans).

 

·

Annual payments equal to 60 percent of his base salary, commencing within 30 days after the date of his permanent disability and ending at age 65.

 

·

Continued medical and dental benefits for two years (29 months in the case of permanent disability).

 

·

A lump sum payment equal to a pro - rated target annual incentive from January 1 of the year of death or permanent disability through the first anniversary of that event.

The term “permanent disability” has the meaning as defined under the Company’s disability plan.

Other Employment Agreements

Under the employment agreement for Mr. NeCastro, if the executive dies or becomes disabled (as defined under and covered by the Company disability plan), the executive (or his estate) would receive a lump sum payment equal to (i) 1.0 times the executive annual salary (ii) 18 months of COBRA for medical and dental as a lump sum grossed up for taxes, and (iii) a lump sum payment equal to a pro - rated target annual incentive from January 1 of the year of death or permanent disability through the first anniversary of that event.

48


 

Under the employment agreements for each of Messrs. Jablin and Hale and Mss. Gibson and Hickok, if the executive dies or becomes disabled (as defined under and covered by the Company disability plan), the executive (or their estate) would receive the same benefits as if the Company had terminated the agreement without “cause” or if executive terminated for “good reason”.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

If a NEO dies or becomes disabled, any equity awards issued under the Company’s 2008 Long - Term Incentive plan will become fully vested, and in the case of stock options, be exercisable until their expiration date.

Change in Control

Upon a change in control, all outstanding equity awards held by the NEOs will vest, with the options remaining exercisable for the remainder of the original terms. A change in control generally means (i) the acquisition of a majority of the Company’s common voting shares by someone other than a party to the Scripps Family Agreement; (ii) the disposition assets accounting for 90 percent or more of the Company’s revenues, unless the parties to the Scripps Family Agreement have a direct or indirect controlling interest in the acquiring entity, or (iii) a change in the membership of the Company’s Board, such that the current incumbents and their approved successors no longer constitute a majority.

Qualifying Termination Following a Change in Control

Senior Executive Change in Control Plan

Each NEO participates in the Senior Executive Change in Control Plan. Under this plan, if the executive’s employment is terminated by the Company without “cause,” or if the executive resigns for “good reason,” within two years after a “change in control,” then the Company or its successor will be obligated to pay or provide the following benefits:

 

·

A lump sum payment equal to 3.0 times for Mr. Lowe, 2.5 times for Messrs. NeCastro and Jablin, 2.0 times for Mr. Hale and Mss. Gibson and Hickok of the executive’s annual base salary and annual incentive. For this purpose, annual incentive generally means the greater of (i) target in the year of termination or (ii) the highest annual incentive earned in the prior three years.

 

·

Continued medical, dental, disability, life and accidental death insurance coverage for 36 months for Mr. Lowe, 30 months for Messrs. NeCastro and Jablin, and 24 months for Mr. Hale and Mss. Gibson and Hickok.

 

·

A lump sum payment equal to the actuarial value of the additional benefits under the Company’s qualified and supplemental defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans the executive would have received if his/her age and years of service at the time of termination were increased by 3.0 years for Mr. Lowe, 2.5 years for Messrs. NeCastro and Jablin, and 2.0 years for Mr. Hale and Mss. Gibson and Hickok (supplemental defined contribution plan only).

 

·

A tax gross - up for any excise taxes imposed on excess parachute payments.

Under the change in control plan, the terms “cause” generally includes a commission of a felony or an act that impairs the Company’s reputation; willful failure to perform duties; or breach of any material term, provision or condition of employment. The term “good reason” generally includes a reduction in compensation or duties; relocation outside of principal place of employment; or a material breach of the employment terms by the Company.

In addition to the benefits under the Executive Change in Control Plan, Mr. Lowe’s employment agreement provides that he is entitled to receive reasonable outplacement services for a period of 18 months as well as reimbursement for reasonable legal expenses (up to $75,000) if he is required to enforce the agreement in the event of a qualifying termination following a change in control.

In exchange for these benefits, the executives agree not to compete against the Company or its successors, or solicit their employees, customers, vendors or advertisers for a period of one year after termination.

Executive Annual Incentive Plan

Under the Executive Annual Incentive Plan, in the event that a participant’s employment terminates within one year of a change in control, the Company or its successor would be required to pay a lump sum amount to the participant equal to the target annual incentive opportunity for the performance period in which the termination occurs.

49


 

Retirement

Messrs. Lowe, NeCastro and Hale were eligible for retirement as of December 31, 2015. Under certain of their equity award agreements, if they voluntarily terminate employment with the Company, all outstanding equity awards granted pursuant to their employment agreement will vest with the options remaining exercisable for the remainder of the original terms. Their PBRSUs will be earned subject to actual performance results for the applicable period.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes information, as of December 31, 2015, relating to equity compensation plans of the Company pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock units or other rights to acquire shares of the Company’s common stock may be granted from time to time.

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities

to be issued upon

exercise of

outstanding options

warrants and rights

(a)(2)

 

 

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding

options, warrants

and rights

(b)(3)

 

 

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation

plans (excluding

securities reflected in

column (a)

(c)(4)

 

Equity compensation plans approved by

   security holders(1)

 

 

3,140,914

 

 

$

57.38

 

 

 

8,115,624

 

Equity compensation plans not approved by

   security holders

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

Total

 

 

3,140,914

 

 

$

57.38

 

 

 

8,115,624

 

 

(1)

Includes the following plans: 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 2008 Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors, 2008 Long - Term Incentive Plan and 2015 Long - Term Incentive Plan, which encompass the issuance of stock options, restricted shares, PBRSUS, RSUs and employee stock purchase plan. The 2015 Long-Term Incentive Plan replaced the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan as per the Form S-8 filed November 30, 2015, and no further awards will be made under the 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

(2)

Includes an aggregate of 770,274 restricted stock units and PBRSUs.

(3)

Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options; excludes RSUs and PBRSUs.

(4)

Includes 177,985 shares reserved for future issuance of shares related to the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 34,550 shares reserved for the 2008 Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors.

 

 

50


 

DIRECTOR CO MPENSATION

The following table sets forth information regarding the compensation earned in 2015 by our non-employee directors for services provided to the Company:

Director’s Compensation Table

 

Name

 

Fees Earned or Paid

in Cash

($)

 

 

Option

Awards

($)(3)

 

 

Stock

Awards

($)(3)

 

 

Change in Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)(4)

 

 

All Other

Compensation

($)(5)

 

 

Total

($)

 

Gina L. Bianchini

 

 

90,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

236,851

 

Michael R. Costa

 

 

95,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

241,851

 

David A. Galloway(1)

 

 

82,500

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

234,351

 

Don Meihaus

 

 

55,250

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

202,101

 

Jarl Mohn

 

 

105,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

251,851

 

Richelle P. Parham

 

 

87,500

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

234,351

 

Nicholas B. Paumgarten(1)

 

 

78,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

225,631

 

Mary M. Peirce

 

 

78,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

224,851

 

Jeffrey Sagansky

 

 

100,500

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

247,351

 

Nackey E. Scagliotti(2)

 

 

31,250

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

31,250

 

Wesley W. Scripps

 

 

83,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

229,851

 

Ronald W. Tysoe

 

 

120,000

 

 

 

75,004

 

 

 

71,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 

271,851

 

 

(1)

Mr. Galloway and Mr. Paumgarten deferred their 2015 fees into the Company’s Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors.

(2)

Ms. Scagliotti retired from the Board, effective May 12, 2015.

(3)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options and RSUs granted our non - employee directors in 2015. The aggregate grant date fair value was determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 19 of the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for an explanation of the assumptions made in valuing these awards. The following table reflects the number of Class A Common Shares subject to stock options held by the Company’s non - employee directors as of December 31, 2015.

 

Name

 

Aggregate Number of

Company Shares

Underlying Stock

Options Award

(#)

 

Gina L. Bianchini

 

 

13,309

 

John H. Burlingame

 

 

33,029

 

Michael R. Costa

 

 

17,603

 

David A. Galloway

 

 

37,405

 

Jarl Mohn

 

 

37,405

 

Richelle P. Parham

 

 

13,309

 

Nicholas B. Paumgarten

 

 

54,964

 

Mary M. Peirce

 

 

37,405

 

Jeffrey Sagansky

 

 

13,309

 

Nackey E. Scagliotti

 

 

45,973

 

Wesley W. Scripps

 

 

4,376

 

Ronald W. Tysoe

 

 

22,834

 

 

(4)

Reflects the above-market earnings on non-qualified deferred compensation.

(5)

Matching charitable contributions through Company’s matching gift program.

51


 

Description of Director Compensation Program

The Company’s director compensation program is designed to enhance its ability to attract and retain highly qualified directors and to align their interests with the long - term interests of its shareholders. The program includes a cash component, which is designed to compensate non-employee directors for their service on the Board and an equity component, which is designed to align the interests of non - employee directors and shareholders. The Company also provides certain other benefits to non - employee directors, which are described below. Directors who are employees of the Company receive no additional compensation for their service on the Boards.

 

Cash Compensation

Each non - employee director is entitled to receive an annual cash retainer of $50,000. Committee chairs also receive an annual retainer as described in the table below. The retainers are paid in equal quarterly installments. Each non - employee director is also entitled to receive a fee for each board meeting and committee meeting attended, as follows:

 

 

 

Meeting Fees

 

Board per meeting fee

 

$

2,500

 

Executive Committee per meeting fee

 

$

2,000

 

Audit Committee per meeting fee

 

$

2,500

 

Compensation Committee per meeting fee

 

$

2,500

 

Nominating and Governance Committee per meeting fee

 

$

2,000

 

Pricing Committee per meeting fee

 

$

2,500

 

Digital Advisory Committee annual fee

 

$

10,000

 

Executive Committee annual chair fee

 

$

3,000

 

Audit Committee annual chair fee

 

$

20,000

 

Compensation Committee annual chair fee

 

$

20,000

 

Nominating & Governance Committee annual chair fee

 

$

10,000

 

Digital Advisory Committee annual chair fee

 

$

15,000

 

 

Equity Compensation

Each non - employee director is entitled to receive a stock option grant with a target value of $75,000 and a RSU grant with a target value of $75,000. The stock options are exercisable one year from the date of grant, but may be forfeited upon removal from the Board for cause. The RSU awards are payable on the first anniversary of the date of grant, but may be forfeited upon removal from the Board for cause.

Other Benefits

In addition to the above compensation, the Company’s matching gift program, matches, on a dollar - for - dollar basis up to $5,000 annually, charitable contributions made by non - employee directors to qualifying organizations. Additional matching contributions are made for disaster relief contributions. This program is also available to all of the Company’s employees.

Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors

A non - employee director may elect to defer payment of a designated percentage of the cash compensation received as a director under the Company’s Deferred Compensation and Stock Plan for Directors. The director may allocate the deferrals between a phantom stock account that credits earnings including dividends, based on Class A Common Shares, or to a fixed income account that credits interest based on the twelve month average of the 10 - year treasury rate (as of November of each year), plus 1 percent. The deferred amounts (as adjusted for earnings, interest and losses) are paid to the director at the time he or she ceases to serve as a director or upon a date predetermined by the director, either in a lump sum or annual installments over a specified number of years (not to exceed 15) as elected by the director. Payments generally are made in the form of cash, except that the director may elect to receive all or a portion of the amounts credited to his or her phantom stock account in the form of Class A Common Shares.

Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

Effective August 2011, the Board adopted director stock ownership guidelines that require each non-employee director to hold a specified amount of our Class A Common Shares, based on a multiple of three times the director’s then-current annual retainer for board service. Each director is expected to satisfy the stock ownership guidelines within three years from the date the director is appointed as a director of the Company. The Board determined that any shares of our Class A Common Shares beneficially owned by

52


 

the director, as well as awards of RSUs and deferred phantom stock, would be counted for purposes of satisfying the stock ownership guidelines. Once a d irector meets the target, the director is expected to maintain his or her stock ownership pursuant to the guidelines for as long as he or she remains a member of the Board. All non-employee directors who have served as directors of the Company for three ye ars or more have reached and maintained the stock ownership target.

 

 

53


 

REPORT OF THE COMPE NSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this Proxy Statement with management. Based on the Compensation Committee’s review of and the discussions with management with respect to the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jarl Mohn, Chair

Gina L. Bianchini

Michael R. Costa

David A. Galloway

Ronald W. Tysoe

 

 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

No member of the Compensation Committee is a current or former employee of the Company. None of our executive officers served as a member of the compensation committee or a director of another company where such company’s executive officers served on our Board or Compensation Committee.

 

 

54


 

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Related Party Transactions

Under its charter, the Audit Committee generally is responsible for reviewing any proposed related party transaction. The Audit Committee has approved a “Statement of Policy with Respect to Related Party Transactions” which recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of conflicts of interest and/or improper valuation (or the perception thereof). This policy defines a “related party,” requires that executive officers and directors (or nominees for director) report any related party transactions (or potential related party transactions) to the Company’s chief legal officer, who will then report each transaction that the chief legal officer determines is a related party transaction or potential related party transaction to the Audit Committee for its approval or ratification, and defines disclosure procedures.

In 2015, pursuant to the ongoing share repurchase authorization approved by the Board, the Company repurchased 3,007,162 Class A Common Shares at an aggregate purchase price of $216,786,309 from persons who are signatories to the Scripps Family Agreement. All such repurchases were approved by a special committee appointed by the Board consisting solely of directors elected by the holders of the Class A Common Shares. In each case, the purchase price paid for such shares was the volume weighted average price of the shares over the five consecutive trading days preceding the purchase less a 2.5% discount.

 

 

55


 

PROPOS AL 2

Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accountants

The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the independent external audit firm retained to audit the Company’s financial statements. The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as independent registered public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.  Shareholder ratification of the selection of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by law or otherwise.  However, the Board is submitting the selection of Deloitte to the holders of Common Voting Shares for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance.  If the holders of Common Voting Shares do not ratify the selection of Deloitte, the Audit Committee will reconsider the matter.  A representative of Deloitte is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

An affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Common Voting Shares issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, present in person or by proxy, is necessary to ratify the appointment of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.  Each proxy for Common Voting Shares executed and returned by a holder of such shares will be voted “for” the ratification of Deloitte as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016, unless otherwise indicated on such proxy. Abstentions will be equivalent to a vote against this proposal.

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote “FOR” ratification of the selection of Deloitte as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2016.

Independence of the External Auditors.     The Audit Committee has established a pre-approval policy and procedures for audit, audit-related and tax services that can be performed by the independent auditors without specific authorization from the Audit Committee subject to certain restrictions. The policy sets out the specific services pre-approved by the Audit Committee and the applicable limitations, while ensuring the independence of the independent auditors to audit the Company’s financial statements is not impaired.

Service Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.     The following table sets forth fees for all professional services rendered by Deloitte to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

 

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

Audit fees(1)

 

$

2,259,500

 

 

$

1,770,000

 

Audit-related fees(2)

 

 

809,100

 

 

 

410,000

 

Tax fees(3)

 

 

184,000

 

 

 

123,000

 

All other fees

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total fees

 

$

3,252,600

 

 

$

2,303,000

 

 

(1)

Audit fees include the audit of the parent company and certain subsidiary companies, quarterly reviews and accounting consultations.

(2)

Audit-related fees include fees for audits of employee benefit plans, due diligence assistance, audits in connection with dispositions, and other attestations by Deloitte, including those that are required by statute or regulation.

(3)

Tax fees include fees for tax compliance and consultation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

56


 

REPORT OF THE A UDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with the Company’s management and Deloitte, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the audited financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Audit Committee has also discussed with Deloitte all matters required by generally accepted auditing standards to be discussed. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte required by the applicable regulations of the Public Accounting Oversight Board regarding Deloitte’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, has discussed with Deloitte the independent public accountant’s independence, and has concluded that Deloitte is independent.

Based on the review and discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ronald W. Tysoe, Chair

Michael R. Costa

Richelle P. Parham

Jeffrey Sagansky

Donald E. Meihaus

 

 

57


 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and beneficial owners of more than 10 percent of the Company’s Class A Common Shares (“10 percent shareholders”), to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Class A Common Shares and other equity securities of the Company. Executive officers, directors and 10 percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all forms they file pursuant to Section 16(a).

The following individuals (each of whom is a signatory to the Scripps Family Agreement) filed late Form 4s during the year ended December 31, 2015: Elizabeth A. Logan (one report relating to two separate sales of Class A Common Shares to an exchange fund and one report relating to a conversion of Common Voting Shares to Class A Common Shares); Nackey E. Scagliotti (one report relating to the settlement of restricted stock units for Class A Common Shares); and Paul K. Scripps (one report relating to a stock option exercise and subsequent sale of Class A Common Shares).

To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the year ended December 31, 2015, other than as set forth above, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and 10 percent shareholders were complied with.

 

 

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2017 ANNUAL MEETING

Any shareholder proposals intended to be presented at the Company’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received by the Company at 9721 Sherrill Blvd., Knoxville, Tennessee 37932, on or before December 1, 2016, for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholder proposals may be presented only by holders of Common Voting Shares, the only class of shares entitled to vote on such proposals.

If a holder of Common Voting Shares intends to raise a proposal at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting that he or she does not seek to have included in the Company’s proxy statement, the shareholder must notify the Company of the proposal on or before February 14, 2017. If the shareholder fails to notify the Company, the Company’s proxies will be permitted to use their discretionary voting authority with respect to such proposal when and if it is raised at such annual meeting, whether or not there is any discussion of such proposal in the 2017 proxy statement.

 

 

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OTHER MATTERS

The solicitation of proxies is made by and on behalf of the Board. The cost of the solicitation will be borne by the Company. The Company may also reimburse banks, brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred by them in sending proxy materials to the beneficial owners of the Company’s Class A Common Shares.

If any other matters shall properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the proxy, or their substitutes, will vote thereon in accordance with their judgment. The Board does not know of any other matters which will be presented for action at the meeting.

 

 

 

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