We invite you to attend our
annual meeting of shareholders at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at the Multi-Color Corporate Offices, 4053 Clough Woods Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103. After the meeting, you will hear a report on our operations and have a
chance to meet your directors and executives.
This booklet includes the formal notice of the meeting and the proxy statement. The proxy statement
tells you more about the agenda and procedures for the meeting. It also describes how the Board operates and provides information about our director candidates.
Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend, please vote as soon as possible. You may vote your shares via a toll-free telephone number or
over the Internet. You may also request a paper proxy card to submit your vote by mail, if you prefer. If you do attend the meeting, you may vote your shares in person.
PROXY STATEMENT
GENERAL INFORMATION
Time and Place of 2018 Annual Meeting
The 2018 annual meeting of shareholders of Multi-Color Corporation (Multi-Color or the Company) will be held on Wednesday,
August 8, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time at the Multi-Color Corporate Offices, 4053 Clough Woods Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
Record Date
Shareholders of Multi-Color Corporation as shown on our stock register on June 13, 2018, may vote at the meeting. As of that date, Multi-Color had
20,473,349 Common Shares issued and outstanding.
First Mailing Date of Notice
The Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the Notice) is being mailed to shareholders on or about June 29, 2018. The
Notice contains instructions to allow shareholders to access our Proxy Statement and Annual Report on Form
10-K
on the Internet, as well as vote online or by telephone. The Notice also provides information
about requesting a paper copy of our proxy materials.
Information About Voting
You may vote in person at the meeting or by proxy. We recommend you vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the meeting. You can always change your
vote at the meeting.
There are three ways to vote by proxy:
By Telephone - You can vote by telephone by following the instructions on our proxy card;
By Internet - You can vote over the Internet at www.edocumentview.com/LABL by following the instructions on the Notice; or
By Mail - The Notice includes instructions for requesting a paper copy of our proxy materials, including a proxy card. If you request and receive a paper proxy
card, you can vote by signing, dating and returning the proxy card.
4
Telephone and Internet voting facilities for shareholders of record will be available until 1:00 a.m.
(Eastern Time) on August 8, 2018. If you hold your shares under the Multi-Color Corporation 401(K) Savings Plan, your voting instructions for those shares must be received by 1:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) on August 3, 2018, to allow sufficient
time for voting by the administrator of the plan.
If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you will receive
instructions from the holder of record. You must follow the instructions of the holder of record in order for your shares to be voted. Telephone and Internet voting will also be offered to shareholders owning shares through certain banks and
brokers. If your shares are not registered in your own name and you plan to vote the shares in person at the annual meeting, you should contact your broker or agent to obtain a legal proxy or brokers proxy and bring it to the annual meeting in
order to vote.
All proxies will be voted in accordance with the instructions specified. If you execute and return your proxy but do not specify how
to vote, we will vote your shares in favor of: (1) the election of all nominees for director proposed by the Board; (2) ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2019; (3) advisory approval of our executive compensation. Management does not know of any other matters to be presented for action at the annual meeting; and (4) approval of an amendment to our 2012 Stock Incentive Plan
to increase the amount of equity awards that can be awarded to
non-employee
directors. If any other matters properly come before the annual meeting, however, the proxies will vote such matters in their
discretion.
Proxies
A proxy is your legal
designation of another person to vote the shares you own at the annual meeting. By completing and returning the proxy card(s), which identifies the individuals or trustees authorized to act as your proxy, you are giving each of those individuals
authority to vote your shares as you have instructed. By voting via proxy, each shareholder is able to cast his or her vote without having to attend the annual meeting in person.
Voting a Proxy
If you complete, sign, date, and
return your proxy card(s) or vote by telephone or by using the Internet, your proxy will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you sign and date your proxy card(s) but do not indicate how you want to vote, your shares will be voted for
each of the proposals as the Board recommends.
Revoking a Proxy
You may revoke your proxy before it is voted by (1) submitting a new proxy with a later date; (2) voting in person at the annual meeting;
(3) granting a subsequent proxy through the Internet or telephone; or (4) notifying Multi-Colors Secretary in writing at Multi-Color Corporation, 4053 Clough Woods Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
5
Receiving More Than One Proxy
You will receive multiple proxy cards if you hold your shares in different ways (
e.g.
, trusts, custodial accounts, joint tenancy) or in multiple
accounts. If your shares are held by a broker or bank (
i.e.,
in street name), you will receive your proxy card and other voting information from your broker, bank, trust, or other nominee. It is important that you complete, sign,
date, and return each proxy card you receive, or vote using the telephone, or by using the Internet (as described in the instructions included with your proxy card(s) or in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials).
Holding Shares in Street Name
The terms
street name shareholder and registered shareholder are terms used to describe how your shares are held. If your shares are registered directly in your name with Computershare, our transfer agent, you are a registered
shareholder. If your shares are held in the name of a broker, bank, trust, or other nominee as a custodian, you are a street name shareholder.
Solicitation
The proxies are being solicited by
Multi-Colors Board of Directors. All expenses of Multi-Color in connection with this solicitation will be borne by Multi-Color. Solicitation will be made principally by the Internet and mail, but officers and regular employees may solicit
proxies by telephone or personal contact with nominal expense to Multi-Color. Multi-Color will request brokers and other nominees who hold Common Shares in their names to solicit proxies from the beneficial owners and will pay the standard charges
and expenses associated with that solicitation.
Quorum
In order to carry on the business of the meeting, we must have a quorum. This means at least a majority of the outstanding shares eligible to vote must
be represented at the meeting, either by proxy or in person. Shares owned by Multi-Color are not voted and do not count for this purpose.
Votes Needed
With respect to the election of directors, you may vote for or against each of the nominees or you may
abstain from voting for one or more of the nominees. The affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast is required for the election of directors. A majority of votes cast shall mean that the number of shares voted for a
nominees election exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the number of votes cast with respect to that nominees election. Votes cast shall include direction to withhold authority. Abstentions and broker
non-votes
are not considered votes cast and will have no effect on the election of directors. If a director-nominee is not elected by a majority of votes cast, such director shall offer to tender his or her
resignation to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will, within ninety (90) days following certification of the election results,
6
decide whether to accept or reject such directors resignation and publicly disclose its decision and the rationale for such decision. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the number of
nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected, the directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the shares represented in person or by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors.
The ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast. While the vote on executive
compensation is
non-binding
and advisory, the favorable vote of a majority of the eligible votes cast on this proposal is required for the
non-binding
advisory approval
of our executive compensation. Abstentions will have the same effect as not expressing a preference. The amendment of the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the amount of equity awards that can be awarded to
non-employee
directors requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast. Any other matters considered at the meeting, including postponement or adjournment, will require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes cast.
Abstentions are counted for quorum purposes. Any proxies submitted by brokers who do not indicate a vote for at least
one proposal because they do not have discretionary authority and have not received instructions as to how to vote will not count for quorum purposes. Pursuant to current regulations, brokers have discretionary authority with respect to the
ratification of the appointment of the auditors, but do not have discretionary authority with regard to election of directors or the vote on executive compensation.
Where to Find Voting Results
We will announce
preliminary voting results at the annual meeting. We will also publish final voting results in a Current Report on Form
8-K
to be filed with the SEC within four (4) business days after the annual meeting.
7
MULTI-COLOR CORPORATION - 2018 PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all information you should consider. You
should read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.
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General Information
Meeting:
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Date:
August 8, 2018
Time:
10:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Location:
Multi-Color Corporate Offices, 4053
Clough Woods Drive Batavia, Ohio
45103
Record Date:
June 13, 2018
Common Shares Outstanding:
20,473,349
Stock Symbol:
LABL
Exchange:
NASDAQ
State of Incorporation:
Ohio
Corporate Website:
www.mcclabel.com
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Items to be
Voted On
1. Election of 9
Directors
Alexander Baumgartner
Ari J. Benacerraf
Robert R. Buck
Charles B. Connolly
Michael J. Henry
Robert W. Kuhn
Roland Lienau
Vadis A. Rodato
Nigel A. Vinecombe
2. Ratification of Independent Registered Public
Accountants
3. Advisory Vote to Approve
Executive Compensation
4. Amendment to the
2012 Stock Incentive Plan to Increase Director Equity Awards
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Corporate Governance
Director Term:
One year
Director Election Standard:
Majority vote
Board Meetings in 2018:
8
Board Committees (Meetings in 2018):
Audit (4), Nominating (2),
Compensation (2)
Corporate Governance Materials:
www.mcclabel.com - Investors -
Corporate
Governance
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Company
Communications
Company Secretary:
By mail to:
Sharon E. Birkett
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
Multi-Color Corporation
4053 Clough Woods Drive
Batavia, Ohio 45103
Board:
By mail to:
Nigel A. Vinecombe
Executive Chairman of the Board
Multi-Color Corporation
4053 Clough Woods Drive
Batavia, Ohio 45103
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8
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS
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Corporate Governance at a Glance
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3 fully independent Committees
of the Board: Audit and Finance, Compensation and Organization Development and Nominating
and Corporate
Governance
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Specified retirement age for
directors of 75 years of age
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Independent directors meet in
Executive Session after each regularly scheduled Board meeting
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Annual Board and Committee
self-assessments
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Annual election of all
directors
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Significant share ownership
requirements for directors and senior executives
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Annual advisory vote on
executive compensation
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CEO and Board Chairman roles
are separated
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9 director nominees; 6 are
independent
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Highly qualified directors
with a diversity of skills and experiences
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Code of Ethics
Multi-Color has Standards of Business Conduct and a Code of Ethics applicable to all associates, officers, directors and agents of Multi-Color and its
subsidiaries, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. A copy of the Standards of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics is available in the Investor Relations section of Multi-Colors website (www.mcclabel.com).
Multi-Color will post any amendments to and any waivers from the Standards of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics, as required by applicable federal securities laws and NASDAQ listing standards, at the same location on its website.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has
determined that Alexander Baumgartner, Ari J. Benacerraf, Robert R. Buck, Charles B. Connolly, Robert W. Kuhn and Robert Lienau are independent as defined by applicable federal securities laws and NASDAQ listing standards. Messrs.
Benacerraf, Buck and Connolly served for all of fiscal 2018.
Shareholder Communication with the Board
The Board of Directors has adopted procedures for shareholders to send written communications to the Board as a group. Communications must be clearly
addressed either to the Board of Directors, a committee of the Board or any or all of the independent directors, and sent to either of the persons listed under 2018 Proxy Statement Summary Company Communications,
who will forward any communications except for spam, junk mail, mass mailings, resumes, job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements, or patently offensive, hostile,
9
threatening or otherwise unsuitable or inappropriate material.
Approval of Related Party Transactions
The Companys Standards of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics provide that any proposed transactions between the Company and any
director or executive officer, family member of any director or executive officer, or any entities in which any such person has a material interest must receive the prior approval of the Audit and Finance Committee.
The Charter of the Audit and Finance Committee states that the Audit and Finance Committee has the responsibility to review and approve all related
party transactions as provided in the NASDAQ listing standards. In addition, the Audit and Finance Committee is required to review and investigate, as appropriate, any matters pertaining to the integrity of officers, directors and employees,
including conflicts of interest, or adherence to the Companys Standards of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics.
Multi-Color and its
subsidiaries engage Minter Ellison, a legal firm based in South Africa, for a variety of legal services. Vadis Rodato, who served Multi-Color as CEO and President through December 31, 2017, is the
brother-in-law
of Andrew Corletto, a partner in the Minter Ellison firm. Multi-Color paid the firm fees of $255,000 during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018. Mr. Corletto does not receive any
direct compensation from fees paid by Multi-Color to the firm. This transaction was approved by the Audit and Finance Committee.
Leadership Structure
The roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board are separate roles at the Company. The Board believes this structure is in
the best interest of the Company because it allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus on the
day-to-day
operation of the Companys business and the Chairman of
the Board to focus on the leadership of the Board of Directors, mergers and acquisitions, and investor relations.
Board Role in Risk Management
Day-to-day
risk management is the responsibility of management, but the
Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the oversight of risk management. The oversight responsibility of the Board is supported by Company management and risk management processes. Key factors supporting risk management of the Company
include strong Board and management commitments to risk management and effective communication, including communication between the Board and management.
10
Duties of the Board of Directors; Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Directors oversees the management of Multi-Color on your behalf. The Board reviews Multi-Colors long-term strategic plans and
exercises direct decision-making authority in key areas such as choosing the Chief Executive Officer, setting the scope of his authority to manage Multi-Colors business
day-to-day,
and evaluating his performance. The Board also reviews development and succession plans for Multi-Colors top executives.
Multi-Colors Code of Regulations requires that the Board consist of at least three members with the exact number to be established by shareholders
or the Board. The Board has established a Board consisting of nine directors for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Board met eight times during the
2018 fiscal year. Mr. Baumgartner was appointed to the Board in the middle of the fiscal year and was able to attend only one of the two scheduled meetings for the remainder of the year. The remaining directors attended at least 75% of meetings
held by the Board during their tenure in the 2018 fiscal year and the annual meeting of shareholders held on August 9, 2017. Multi-Color expects each of its directors to attend each annual meeting of shareholders absent a significant personal
or business conflict. The Board convened four executive sessions last year. Executive sessions are generally scheduled in conjunction with regularly scheduled Board meetings.
Duties and Current Members of Board Committees
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Independent Directors
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Audit
and
Finance
Committee
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Compensation
and
Organization
Development
Committee
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Nominating and
Corporate
Governance
Committee
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Alexander Baumgartner
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☑
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Ari J. Benacerraf
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¶
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☑
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Robert R. Buck
◇
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☑
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☑
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Charles B. Connolly
◇
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☑
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¶
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Robert W. Kuhn
◇
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¶
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☑
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Roland Lienau
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☑
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☑
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¶
- Committee Chair
☑
- Committee Member
◇
- Financial Expert
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The Board appoints committees to perform its duties more effectively. Board committees are able to consider key issues
in greater detail than would be possible at full Board meetings. Each committee reviews the results of its meetings with the full Board. The Board has established the Audit and Finance Committee (Audit Committee), Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee (Nominating Committee) and Compensation and Organization Development Committee (Compensation Committee). The Charters of the Audit Committee, Nominating
11
Committee and Compensation Committee are available in the Investor Relations section of Multi-Colors website (www.mcclabel.com).
The Audit Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities relating to the Companys accounting, reporting practices, compliance with
legal and regulatory requirements, and the quality and integrity of Multi-Colors financial reports. The Audit Committee oversees the accounting and financial reporting processes of Multi-Color and the audit of Multi-Colors financial
statements. It reviews the scope and adequacy of Multi-Colors internal accounting and financial controls, reviews the scope and results of the audit plan of Multi-Colors independent registered public accountants and reviews
Multi-Colors financial reporting activities and the accounting standards and principles followed. The Audit Committee oversees the procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of any complaints received regarding accounting, internal
accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential submission by employees of any concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. The Audit Committee also selects and engages Multi-Colors independent registered public
accountants and
pre-approves
their fees.
The Board has determined that all current members of the Audit
Committee, Robert W. Kuhn (Chairman), Robert R. Buck and Charles B. Connolly, satisfy the standards of independence required of audit committee members under applicable federal securities laws and NASDAQ listing standards. In addition,
the Board has concluded that Messrs. Kuhn, Buck and Connolly are audit committee financial experts within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws and are financially literate under NASDAQ listing standards. The Audit Committee
met four times during the 2018 fiscal year. All members attended at least 75% of the Audit Committee meetings.
The Nominating Committee assists the
Board in identifying qualified individuals to become Board members, in determining the composition of the Board of Directors and its committees, in monitoring a process to assess Board effectiveness and in developing, implementing and monitoring the
effectiveness of Multi-Colors corporate governance guidelines. A copy of Multi-Colors corporate governance guidelines is available in the Investor Relations section of Multi-Colors website (www.mcclabel.com).
The Board has determined that all members of the Nominating Committee satisfy the standards of independence under applicable federal
securities laws and NASDAQ listing standards. The Nominating Committee members are Charles B. Connolly (Chairman), Ari J. Benacerraf and Roland Lienau. The Nominating Committee met two times during the last fiscal year.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing Multi-Colors compensation philosophy and assuring that directors, executives and key
management personnel are effectively compensated in terms that are motivating,
12
internally equitable, externally competitive and aligned with the short-term and long-term interests of shareholders. The Compensation Committee approves all compensation of executive officers,
administers Multi-Colors executive incentive compensation plans, sets the criteria for awards under incentive compensation plans and determines whether such criteria have been met. The Compensation Committee also oversees the policies and
practices of Multi-Color that advance its organizational development, including those designed to achieve the most productive engagement of Multi-Colors workforce and the attainment of greater diversity.
The Compensation Committee has evaluated Multi-Colors current compensation policies and practices and determined that they do not encourage
excessive risk-taking. As a result, the Compensation Committee believes that the risks relating to Multi-Colors compensation policies and practices, including those applicable to
non-executive
officers,
are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Multi-Color. The Compensation Committee will evaluate the risks associated with the Companys compensation policies and practices on an annual basis.
The Board has determined that all members of the Compensation Committee satisfy the standards of independence under applicable federal
securities laws and NASDAQ listing standards. The Compensation Committee members are Ari J. Benacerraf (Chairman), Alexander Baumgartner, Robert R. Buck, Robert W. Kuhn and Roland Lienau. The Compensation Committee met two times during the 2018
fiscal year.
Director Nomination Process
Directors are elected each year by shareholders at the annual meeting. The Nominating Committee leads the search for individuals qualified to become
members of the Board and selects director nominees to be presented for approval by the Board and shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders.
The Nominating Committee selects nominees who have high personal and professional integrity, have demonstrated exceptional ability and judgment and who
are effective, in conjunction with the other nominees and members of the Board, in collectively serving the interests of shareholders. Other than an age limit of 75 set by our Board for election of directors, the Committee has not established
specific minimum qualifications for director candidates.
The Committee has no specific or formulaic diversity policy or requirement. However, when
selecting director nominees, the Committee considers the
make-up
of the Board as a whole and favorably views Board diversity with respect to the following attributes: professional and life experience,
education, skills, age, race and gender.
Shareholders may propose nominees for election as directors. The Nominating
13
Committee does not have a policy with regard to the consideration of director candidates recommended by shareholders because Ohio law and the Companys Amended and Restated Code of
Regulations (the Regulations) afford shareholders certain rights related to such matters. The Regulations provide that the only candidates eligible for election at a meeting of shareholders are candidates nominated by or at the direction
of the Board and candidates nominated at the meeting by a shareholder who has complied with the procedures set forth in the Regulations. The Regulations provide that only candidates nominated by or at the direction of the Board and candidates
nominated at the meeting by a shareholder who has complied with the procedures set forth in the Regulations will be considered by the Nominating Committee and eligible for election at a meeting of shareholders.
The Regulations require a shareholder wishing to nominate a director candidate to give the Secretary of the Company at least 90 and not more than 120
days written notice prior to the applicable meeting setting forth or accompanied by: (1) certain biographical, stock ownership and investment intent disclosures about the proposed nominee; (2) certain biographical, stock ownership and
hedging or similar activity disclosures about the shareholder giving the notice and specified persons associated with such shareholder; (3) verification of the accuracy or completeness of any nomination information at the Companys
request; (4) a representation that the shareholder was a record holder of the Companys voting stock and intended to appear, in person or by proxy, at the meeting to make the nomination; (5) any other information that would be
required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitation of proxies for the election of directors in a contested election by applicable federal securities laws and (6) the consent of
each such nominee to serve as director if elected. Shareholders should submit the above information (Nomination Information) in writing to the Secretary of Multi-Color at 4053 Clough Woods Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103. If a shareholder
wishes to submit a name for consideration by the Nominating Committee for director nomination at the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders, the Nomination Information must be received by Multi-Color no later than March 1, 2019.
14
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE COMPANYS STOCK
The following table sets forth the share ownership as of May 14, 2018 of the Companys directors, executive officers and shareholders known by
Multi-Color to own beneficially five percent (5%) or more of its outstanding Common Shares.
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Name
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Position
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Common Shares
Beneficially Owned
(1)
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Amount
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Percentage
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Holders of 5% or More of the Outstanding Shares:
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Constantia Flexibles Holding GmbH
(2)
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Principal Shareholder
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3,383,170
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16.5%
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Diamond Castle Holdings, LLC
(3)
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Principal Shareholder
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2,505,923
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12.3%
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ArrowMark Colorado Holdings, LLC
(4)
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Principal Shareholder
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2,232,241
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10.9%
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FMR LLC
(5)
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Principal Shareholder
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1,752,132
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8.6%
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Blackrock, Inc.
(6)
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Principal Shareholder
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1,744,331
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8.5%
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Directors and Executive Officers:
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Nigel A. Vinecombe
(7)
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Chairman of the Board
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479,309
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2.3%
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Alexander Baumgartner
(8)
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Director
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3,383,170
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16.5%
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Ari J. Benacerraf
(9)
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Director
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2,537,896
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12.4%
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Robert R. Buck
(10)
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Director
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17,441
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*
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Charles B. Connolly
(11)
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Director
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19,928
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*
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Robert W. Kuhn
(12)
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Director
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772
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*
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Roland Lienau
(8)
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Director
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3,383,170
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16.5%
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Vadis A. Rodato
(13)
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Director
|
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69,116
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*
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Michael J. Henry
(14)
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President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director
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4,788
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*
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Sharon E. Birkett
(15)
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Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
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36,596
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*
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David G. Buse
(16)
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Chief Operating Officer Wine & Spirits
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22,918
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*
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Michael D. Cook
(17)
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Chief Operating Officer Consumer Product Goods
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14,152
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*
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Executive Officers and Directors as a group (12 persons)
(8)
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6,586,086
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32.2%
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*Indicates less than one percent
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15
(1) Included in the number of Common Shares beneficially owned are the following
shares subject to exercisable options or options that become exercisable within 60 days of May 14, 2018: Ms. Birkett - 27,500 shares, Mr. Rodato - 15,400 shares, Mr. Buse - 4,400 shares, and Mr. Cook - 12,600 shares. All
officers, directors and principal shareholders have sole investment and voting power unless otherwise indicated.
(2) Based on
a Schedule 13D filed on November 9, 2017 by Constantia Flexibles Holding GmbH with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Schedule 13D reported shared voting and dipositive power with respect to 3,383,170 shares. The business address of
Constantia Flexibles Holding GmbH is Handelskai 92, Rivergate, Vienna C4 1200.
(3) Based on a Schedule 13D/A filed on
November 20, 2014 by Diamond Castle Partners 2014, L.P. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Schedule 13D/A reported shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 2,505,923 shares. The business address of Diamond Castle
Holdings, LLC is 280 Park Avenue 25
th
Floor, East Tower, New York, NY 10017.
(4)
Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 9, 2018 by ArrowMark Colorado Holdings, LLC with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Schedule 13G/A reported sole voting and dipositive power with respect to 2,232,241
shares. The business address of ArrowMark Colorado Holdings, LLC is 100 Fillmore Street, Suite 325, Denver, CO 80206.
(5) Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed on February 13, 2018 by FMR LLC with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The business
address of FMR LLC is 245 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. The Schedule 13G/A also reports sole voting power with respect to 1,677,220 shares and sole dispositive power with respect to 1,752,132 shares.
(6) Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed on January 25, 2018 by Blackrock, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
business address of Blackrock, Inc. is 55 East 52
nd
Street, New York, NY 10055. The Schedule 13G/A also reports sole voting power with respect to 1,715,759 shares and sole dispositive power with
respect to 1,744,331 shares.
(7) Includes 425,000 shares held in trust by Tropical Rain Nominees Party Limited
(Tropical Rain) as trustee for the Vinecombe Absolutely Entitled Trust (Vinecombe Trust). Tropical Rain exercises voting and investment power with respect to the shares in accordance with the instructions of
Mr. Vinecombe, who is the beneficiary of the Vinecombe Trust. Also includes 1,321 restricted shares with respect to which he has sole voting power.
(8) Includes 3,383,170 shares owned by Constantia Flexibles Holding GmbH for which Messrs. Baumgartner and Lienau disclaim
beneficial ownership. These shares are included in the amounts reported for both individuals above, but are only included once in the total for Executive Officers and Directors as a group.
(9) Includes 2,505,923 shares of which Mr. Benacerraf disclaims beneficial ownership, 16,000 shares purchased in his margin
account, 14,252 shares over which Mr. Benacerraf has shared voting power, and 1,721 unvested restricted shares granted in connection with director service over which Mr. Benacerraf has shared voting power.
(10) Includes 2,250 shares held by his wife and 1,721 restricted shares with respect to which he has sole voting power.
(11) Includes 15,686 shares held in a
non-voting
revocable trust and 1,721 restricted
shares with respect to which he has sole voting power.
(12) Includes 772 restricted shares with respect to which he has sole
voting power.
(13) Includes 50,000 shares held in trust by Quo Enterprises Pty Ltd (Quo Enterprises) as trustee
for the V&J Rodato Family Trust (Trust). Quo Enterprises exercises voting and investment power with respect to the shares in accordance with the instructions of Vadis Rodato and his wife, who are the beneficiaries of the Trust. The
Trust is revocable at any time by Mr. and Mrs. Rodato.
16
(14) Includes 3,788 restricted shares with respect to which he has sole voting
power.
(15) Includes 4,360 shares held in her 401(k) account and 2,748 restricted shares with respect to which she has sole
voting power.
(16) Includes 3,296 shares held in his 401(k) account and 814 restricted shares with respect to which he has
sole voting power.
(17) Includes 37 shares held in his 401(k) account and 1,515 restricted shares with respect to which he
has sole voting power.
Ownership Guidelines
Consistent with its compensation philosophy and the principle of aligning the interests of management and directors of the Company with the interests of
its shareholders, the Board of Directors implemented stock ownership guidelines for Specified Officers (defined in the guidelines as those officers required to file beneficial ownership reports with the SEC) and
non-employee
directors. Under the guidelines, the Companys Chief Executive Officer is required to own an amount of our shares which is equal to or exceeds three times his annual base salary; Specified Officers
other than the Chief Executive Officer are required to own an amount of our shares which is equal to or exceeds their annual base salary. Also under the guidelines, each of the Companys
non-employee
directors is required to own an amount of Company shares which is equal to or exceeds three times their annual cash retainer and three times their annual restricted stock grant. Generally, Specified Officers and
non-employee
directors subject to the guidelines are required to achieve the applicable guideline within five years of the later of the date of adoption of these guidelines or the appointment to their officer
or director position. Notwithstanding this
phase-in
period, most persons subject to these guidelines have met their ownership target, either as a result of their direct holdings or shares held indirectly by an
entity affiliated with them, in accordance with the guidelines.
17
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
ITEM 3 ON THE PROXY
Section 14A of the Exchange Act and related SEC rules require that we provide our shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a
non-binding
advisory basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (NEOs) as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with SEC rules. The current frequency of the advisory vote on executive
compensation is annual.
As described under Compensation Discussion and Analysis, our executive compensation program is designed with an
emphasis on performance and is intended to closely align the interests of our NEOs with the interests of our shareholders. The Committee regularly reviews our executive compensation program to ensure that compensation is closely tied to performance
measures that our executive officers can meet and that are likely to have an impact on shareholder value. Our compensation programs are also designed to balance long-term performance with short-term performance, and to mitigate the risk that an
executive officer would be incentivized to pursue good results with respect to a single performance metric or operating division to the detriment of our Company as a whole.
The vote on this proposal is advisory, which means the vote will not be binding on Multi-Color Corporation, the Board or the Committee. The Committee
will review the results of the vote on this proposal in connection with its regular evaluations of our executive compensation program.
In view of
the foregoing, shareholders will vote on the following resolution at the 2018 annual meeting of shareholders:
RESOLVED, that the Companys
shareholders hereby approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Named Executive Officers of Multi-Color Corporation as disclosed in Multi-Colors Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Shareholders Meeting in accordance with the
Securities and Exchange Commissions compensation disclosure rules.
The Board recommends that shareholders vote FOR this proposal.
28
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE 2012 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
ITEM 4 ON THE PROXY
We are asking our shareholders to approve an amendment to the Amended & Restated 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan) to
increase the amount of equity awards that can be awarded to
non-employee
directors. The 2012 Plan was approved by our shareholders at our 2012 Annual Meeting and there has not been an increase to director
equity awards thereunder since 2012.
This increase is necessary to continue to provide competitive, long-term incentives to directors and to
continue to link directors compensation to their performance. Currently, the 2012 Plan requires that director equity awards be capped at a value of $100,000 per year and that director equity awards can only be increased by ten percent (10%)
from the prior year. To remain competitive and provide our directors with long-term incentives, the Company is seeking to amend the 2012 Plan to remove the ten percent (10%) restriction and to increase the cap on the value of director equity awards
to $150,000 per year.
Summary of the 2012 Plan
The
following is a summary of the material terms of the 2012 Plan and is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the 2012 Plan (a copy of which is filed with the SEC as an exhibit with our Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q
for the Quarter ended June 30, 2017) and the amendment included on Annex A of the Proxy Statement
Objectives of the 2012 Plan
The Board believes that
stock-based awards are an important element of Multi-Colors compensation programs. The 2012 Plan promotes the Companys compensation philosophy and objectives by: (i) providing long-term incentives to those persons with significant
responsibility for the success and growth of the Company, (ii) motivating participants to achieve the long-term success and growth of the Company, (iii) providing a vehicle to tie a significant portion of compensation to the long-term
performance of the Companys shares, (iv) enabling the Company to attract and retain skilled and qualified officers, other employees and directors who are expected to contribute to the Companys success in a competitive market for
such individuals, (v) facilitating ownership of the Companys shares, and (vi) aligning the personal interests of directors, officers, employees, and others in the Companys long-term growth and profitability with the interests
of Multi-Colors shareholders. As of June 1, 2018, approximately 530,975 shares remained available for grant under the 2012 Plan. Information on the total number of shares available under the Companys existing equity compensation
plans and subject to outstanding options and rights as of March 31, 2018 is presented in the Equity Compensation Plan Information table on page 36.
The 2012 Plan allows the Company the flexibility to grant a variety of shares and share-
29
based awards, including stock options and stock appreciation rights, granted separately or in tandem with each other, and restricted shares and restricted share units, both time vested or
conditioned on the attainment of performance goals. All stock incentive awards to the Companys most highly compensated executives that may be made over the next few years are expected to be granted under the 2012 Plan.
Shares Subject to the 2012 Plan
The aggregate number
of common shares that may be issued under the 2012 Plan is 1,250,000. The 2012 Plan provides for appropriate adjustments in the number of shares subject to the 2012 Plan (and other share limitations contained therein and described below) and to
grants previously made if there is a share split, dividend, reorganization, or other relevant change affecting the Companys corporate structure or its shares. If shares under an award are not issued prior to the expiration, termination,
cancellation or forfeiture of the award, then those shares would again be available for inclusion in future grants. Upon the effective date of the 2012 Plan, prior Company equity plans for which shares remained available for grant were terminated.
The shares available under such prior plans were made available for grant under the 2012 Plan, as well as shares subject to outstanding awards under such prior plans which thereafter are forfeited, settled in cash, cancelled or expire; provided that
all outstanding awards under such prior plans remain outstanding and are administered and settled in accordance with the provisions of the prior plans, as applicable.
Other Share Limitations
The maximum number of shares
subject to restricted shares or restricted share units that may be granted under the 2012 Plan is 500,000. The maximum number of shares subject to stock options that may be granted under the 2012 Plan is 1,250,000. The maximum number of shares
subject to restricted shares or restricted share units that may be granted to an individual in a calendar year is 100,000 shares, and the maximum number of shares subject to stock options or stock appreciation rights that may be granted to an
individual in a calendar year is 300,000 shares.
Eligible Participants
Officers and key employees of the Company, and the Companys
non-employee
directors are eligible to receive
awards under the 2012 Plan. Awards are granted to those persons with significant responsibility for the Companys success and growth.
Administration
The 2012 Plan is administered by a committee (the Committee) consisting of at least three directors appointed by the Board, all
of whom meet the definitions of the terms outside director set forth in the regulations under Section 162(m), independent director set forth in The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. rules, and
non-employee
director set forth in Rule
16b-3
under the Exchange Act. Unless determined otherwise by the
30
Board, the Compensation Committee will administer the 2012 Plan and has the authority under the 2012 Plan to: (i) select the employees and directors to whom awards are granted;
(ii) determine the type and timing of awards and the appropriate award agreement evidencing each award; (iii) determine the number of shares covered by each award and all other terms and conditions of awards, not inconsistent with the
terms of the 2012 Plan; (iv) determine whether an award is, or is intended to be, performance based; (v) determine whether terms, conditions, and objectives have been met or, including, without limitation, making certifications related
thereto, if permissible, should be modified or waived, not inconsistent with the terms of the 2012 Plan; (vi) cancel or suspend an award, or determine whether an amount or payment of an award should be reduced or eliminated;
(vii) determine administrative rules, guidelines, and practices governing the 2012 Plan; and (viii) interpret the provisions of and otherwise supervise the administration of the 2012 Plan.
Stock Options
Stock options granted under the 2012
Plan must be in the form of either Incentive Stock Options or ISOs, which meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, as Amended (the Code) or nonqualified stock options (NQSOs), which do not meet
those requirements. The term of a stock option is fixed by the Committee, but may not exceed ten years, and stock options are exercisable at such time or times as determined by the Committee. The exercise price of a stock option cannot be less than
the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, which generally means the last closing price of a share as reported on The NASDAQ Stock Market on the date of the grant. The grantee may pay the stock option exercise price either in cash or
such other manner authorized in the 2012 Plan or the applicable award agreement, including the tender of shares. Shares tendered by participants as full or partial payment of the exercise price will not become available for issuance under the 2012
Plan. The 2012 Plan prohibits stock option repricing.
Code Limitations on Incentive Stock Options
The Code currently places certain limitations on ISO awards. In addition to the other limitations described in the 2012 Plan, an ISO may only be granted
to full or part-time employees (including officers and directors who are also employees) of the Company. The total fair market value of shares subject to ISOs which are exercisable for the first time by any participant in any given calendar year
cannot exceed $100,000 (valued as of the date of grant). No ISO may be exercisable more than three months following termination of employment for any reason other than death or disability, nor more than one year with respect to disability
terminations, or such stock option will no longer qualify as an ISO and shall be treated as an NQSO. ISOs will also be
non-transferable
in accordance with the provisions of the Code. Additional restrictions
apply to the grant of ISOs to holders of in excess of 10% of the Companys outstanding Common Stock.
Stock Appreciation Rights
31
The Committee may grant stock appreciation rights (SAR) separately or in connection with a
stock option granted under the 2012 Plan. If a grantee exercises a SAR, the grantee will receive an amount equal to the excess of the then-fair market value of the shares with respect to which the SAR is being exercised over the stock option
exercise price of the shares, in the case of a SAR in connection with a stock option, or the exercise price of the SAR, in the case of an independent SAR. The SAR exercise price must be at least 100% of the fair market value of the underlying shares
on the date of grant, and the term of such SAR may not exceed ten years. Payment may be made in cash, in shares, or in a combination of cash and shares, as the Committee determines. If a SAR granted in connection with a stock option is exercised in
whole or in part, the right under the related stock option to purchase shares with respect to which the SAR has been exercised will terminate to the same extent. If a stock option is exercised, any SAR related to the shares purchased upon exercise
of the stock option will terminate. To the extent that the number of shares reserved for issuance upon the grant of a SAR exceeds the number actually issued upon exercise of a SAR, such shares will not become available for issuance under the 2012
Plan. The 2012 Plan prohibits SAR repricing.
Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Awards
The Committee may grant restricted share awards which consist of shares issued by the Company to a participant for no consideration, or for a purchase
price which may be below their fair market value, and are subject to forfeiture in the event of termination of the participants employment prior to vesting and subject to restrictions on sale or other transfer by the participant. Unless
otherwise determined by the Committee, participants who hold restricted shares have voting rights with respect to the shares and have the right to receive dividend distributions, in cash or shares, payable to the extent the restrictions on the
applicable restricted shares lapse. The Committee may also grant restricted share unit awards which are substantially similar to restricted share awards but which generally do not give the participant-holder the rights of a shareholder prior to
lapse of the restrictions and, upon such lapse, may be settled in cash, shares, or a combination of both. The Committee may provide for the payment in cash or shares equal to the amount of dividends paid from time to time on the number of shares
that would become payable upon vesting of the restricted share unit award. The Committee may provide that restrictions lapse after the passage of time (time-vested), upon certain events (such as death, disability, or retirement) or upon the
attainment of specified performance objectives (performance-vested). The Committee may waive any restrictions or accelerate the date or dates on which restrictions lapse except no waiver may apply to a term that is not within the Committees
discretion to waive under the 2012 Plan.
Performance-Based Exception
The Committee may grant awards conditioned upon the achievement of performance goals as the Committee shall determine, in its sole discretion. The
performance goals shall be based on one or more performance measures, and the Committee shall specify the time period or periods during which the performance goals must be met. The performance
32
measure(s) may be described in terms of objectives that are related to the individual participant, the Company, or a subsidiary, division, department, region, function, or business unit of the
Company, and shall consist of one or more or any combination of the following criteria: cash flow, profit, revenue, stock price, market share, sales, net income, operating income, return ratios, earnings per share, earnings (which may include an add
back for taxes, interest, and/or depreciation and amortization), operating earnings, profit margins, earnings per Common Share, favorable comparison to established budgets, return on shareholders equity, return on assets, attainment of
strategic and operational initiatives, comparisons with various stock market indices, reduction in costs or a combination of such factors, personal performance measures, working capital, total assets, net assets, return on sales, return on invested
capital, gross margin, costs, shareholders equity, shareholder return and/or productivity or productivity improvement. Performance goals may be expressed in absolute terms or relative to the performance of other entities or the prior
performance of the Company. The Committee may adjust or modify the performance objectives or periods, to the extent applicable unless the Committee determines that such requirements should not be satisfied. Awards intended to qualify for the
performance based exception shall not vest or be paid until the Committee certifies that the performance goals have been achieved.
Unrestricted Share Awards
The Committee may grant unrestricted shares on a bonus or other basis for no cash consideration.
Awards to
Non-Employee
Directors
The Committee is authorized to grant restricted shares to each
non-employee
director annually. The current
number of restricted shares granted to each
non-employee
director each year shall be the number of common shares equal to $65,000 divided by the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant. The
Committee may grant stock options in lieu of or in addition to restricted shares. Under the current version of the 2012 Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to increase the award value annually by an amount not to exceed 10% of that for the
previous year; provided, however, that the award value may not exceed $100,000 for any year. The Board is asking shareholders to approve an amendment to the 2012 Plan that would eliminate the 10% limit and increase $100,000 to $150,000 as set forth
on Annex A.
Transferability of Awards
No award
is transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, except the Committee may, in its discretion, provide that an award (other than an ISO) is transferable without consideration to a participants family member (as
defined in the 2012 Plan), subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may impose. All awards shall be exercisable, during the participants lifetime, only by the participant or a permitted transferee. Additionally, certain
non-employee
directors may assign their awards to certain affiliates of theirs.
33
Termination of Employment
Generally, awards are forfeited upon a participants termination of employment; however, the 2012 Plan provides that the Committee: (i) may
allow a participant to exercise vested stock options or SARs for a period of time after termination, if not terminated for cause; and (ii) has discretion to provide the extent to which, if any, the vesting of any award is accelerated or
forfeited due to a participants, death, disability, or retirement, provided that, for awards intended to be performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m), no vesting may occur or no distribution may be made prior to the
attainment of the performance goals, unless otherwise provided by Section 162(m).
Change in Control
Except as otherwise provided in an award agreement, upon a change in control as defined in the 2012 Plan: (i) all outstanding stock
options and SARs automatically become fully exercisable; and (ii) all restricted share and restricted share unit awards automatically become fully vested.
Recoupment Policy
Awards are subject to forfeiture
or repayment pursuant to the terms of any applicable compensation recoupment or recovery policy adopted by the Company, Committee, or Board, including any policy adopted to comply with the rules of any stock exchange on which the shares are traded
or the SEC.
34
Plan Benefits
Below are benefits which Multi-Color has awarded and anticipates will be awarded to the individuals and groups under the 2012 Plan in the 2019 fiscal
year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Position
|
|
Number of
Stock
Options
|
|
|
Number of
Restricted
Shares
|
|
|
Number of
Restricted
Stock Unit
Awards
2
|
|
Nigel A. Vinecombe, Executive Chairman of the Board
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
1,441
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Vadis A. Rodato, President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Michael J. Henry, President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
3,788
|
|
|
|
11,364
|
|
Sharon E. Birkett, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,894
|
|
|
|
5,682
|
|
David G. Buse, Chief Operating Officer Wine & Spirits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,571
|
|
|
|
4,714
|
|
Michael D. Cook, Chief Operating Officer Consumer Product Goods
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,515
|
|
|
|
4,545
|
|
Executive Group
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
10,209
|
|
|
|
26,305
|
|
Non-Executive
Director group
1
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
6,509
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Non-Executive
Officer Employee group
|
|
|
45,325
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
(1) Pursuant to the 2012 Plan, each
non-employee
director will
receive an annual grant of restricted shares with an aggregate fair market value equal to $65,000 at the time of grant. Based upon the closing share price on June 20, 2018 of $69.90, each would receive 930 shares.
2
(2) NEOs were awarded the opportunity to earn performance-based restricted stock
units (RSUs) based on meeting the Performance RSU goals, with targets (as shown in the following table).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Threshold
|
|
|
Target
|
|
|
Max
|
|
Michael J. Henry
|
|
|
5,682
|
|
|
|
11,364
|
|
|
|
17,045
|
|
Sharon E. Birkett
|
|
|
2,841
|
|
|
|
5,682
|
|
|
|
8,523
|
|
David G. Buse
|
|
|
2,357
|
|
|
|
4,714
|
|
|
|
7,071
|
|
Michael D. Cook
|
|
|
2,273
|
|
|
|
4,545
|
|
|
|
6,818
|
|
35
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table presents summary information as of March 31, 2018 with respect to our equity compensation plans (number of securities
information in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(A)
|
|
(B)
|
|
(C)
|
Plan Category
|
|
Number of securities to
be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants and
rights
|
|
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans
(excluding securities
reflected in Column A)
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
466,000
|
|
$53.10
|
|
953,000
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
|
N/A
|
Discontinuation of 2012 Plan, Amendments, and Award Substitutions
The Board may amend, alter, or discontinue the 2012 Plan at any time, provided that any such amendment, alteration, or discontinuance has been approved
by the Companys shareholders, if shareholder approval is required under applicable laws, regulations, or exchange requirements, and does not materially and adversely impair the rights of any grantee, without his or her consent, under any award
previously granted. The 2012 Plan could be amended without shareholder approval in certain
non-material
ways that could result in an increased cost to the Company. No awards shall be made under the 2012 Plan
after the tenth anniversary of the effective date.
2. Certain Federal Tax Consequences with Respect to Awards
The following information is not intended to be a complete discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of participation in the 2012 Plan and
is qualified in its entirety by references to the Code and the regulations adopted under the Code. The provisions of the Code described in this section include current tax law only and do not reflect any proposals to revise current tax law. The
federal income tax consequences applicable to officers, directors, and other persons who are subject to potential liability under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act may be different than the federal income tax consequences applicable to persons
who are not subject to Section 16(b).
36
Incentive Stock Options
Generally, under the Code, an optionee will not realize taxable income by reason of the grant or exercise of an ISO granted pursuant to the 2012 Plan
(see, however, discussion of alternative minimum tax below). If an optionee exercises an ISO and does not dispose of the shares until the later of (i) two years from the date the option was granted and (ii) one year from the date of
exercise, the entire gain, if any, realized upon disposition of such shares will be taxable to the optionee as long-term capital gain, and the Company will not be entitled to any deduction. If an optionee disposes of the shares within the period of
two years from the date of grant or one year from the date of exercise (a disqualifying disposition), the optionee generally will realize ordinary income in the year of disposition. The Company will receive a corresponding deduction in
an amount equal to the excess of (i) the lesser of (a) the amount, if any, realized on the disposition and (b) the fair market value of the shares on the date the option was exercised over (ii) the option price (subject to the
limitations contained in Section 162(m)). Any additional gain realized on the disposition will be short-term or long-term capital gain and any loss will be long-term or short-term capital loss. The optionee will be considered to have disposed
of a share if he or she sells, exchanges, makes a gift of or transfers legal title to the share (except transfers, among others, by pledge, on death or to a spouse). If the disposition is by sale or exchange, the optionees tax basis will equal
the amount paid for the shares plus any ordinary income realized as a result of the disqualifying disposition.
The exercise of an ISO may subject
the optionee to the
so-called
alternative minimum tax (AMT). The amount by which the fair market value of the shares purchased at the time of the exercise exceeds the option exercise
price is an adjustment for purposes of computing the AMT. In the event of a disqualifying disposition of the shares in the same taxable year as exercise of the ISO, no adjustment is then required for purposes of the AMT, but regular income tax, as
described above, may result from such disqualifying disposition.
An optionee who surrenders shares as payment of the exercise price of his or her
ISO generally will not recognize gain or loss on his or her surrender of such shares. The surrender of shares previously acquired upon exercise of an ISO in payment of the exercise price of another ISO, is, however, a disposition of such
stock. If the ISO holding period requirements described above have not been satisfied with respect to such stock, such disposition will be a disqualifying disposition that may cause the optionee to recognize ordinary income as discussed above.
Under the Code, all of the shares received by an optionee upon exercise of an ISO by surrendering shares will be subject to the ISO holding period
requirements. Of those shares, a number of shares (the Exchange Shares) equal to the number of shares surrendered by the optionee will have the same tax basis for capital gains purposes (increased by any ordinary income recognized as a
result of a disqualifying disposition of the surrendered shares if they were ISO shares) and the same capital gains holding
37
period as the shares surrendered. For purposes of determining ordinary income upon a subsequent disqualifying disposition of the Exchange Shares, the amount paid for such shares will be deemed to
be the fair market value of the shares surrendered. The balance of the shares received by the optionee will have a tax basis (and a deemed purchase price) of zero and a capital gains holding period beginning on the date of exercise. The ISO holding
period for all shares will be the same as if the option had been exercised for cash.
Non-Qualified
Stock Options
Generally, there will be no federal income tax consequences to either the optionee or the Company on the grant of NQSO pursuant to the 2012
Plan. On the exercise of a NQSO, the optionee has taxable ordinary income equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares acquired on the exercise date over the option price of the shares. Multi-Color will be entitled to a federal income
tax deduction (subject to the limitations contained in Section 162(m)) in an amount equal to such excess, provided that Multi-Color complies with applicable reporting rules.
Upon the sale of stock acquired by exercise of a NQSO, optionees will realize long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon their holding
period for such stock. An optionee who surrenders shares in payment of the exercise price of a NQSO will not recognize gain or loss with respect to the shares so delivered unless such shares were acquired pursuant to the exercise of an ISO and the
delivery of such shares is a disqualifying disposition. See Incentive Stock Options above. The optionee will recognize ordinary income on the exercise of the NQSO as described above. Of the shares received in such an exchange, that
number of shares equal to the number of shares surrendered have the same tax basis and capital gains holding period as the shares surrendered. The balance of shares received will have a tax basis equal to their fair market value on the date of
exercise and the capital gains holding period will begin on the date of exercise.
Stock Appreciation Rights
A participant who is awarded a SAR will not have taxable income upon the grant of such SAR and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction by
reason of such grant. Upon the exercise of a SAR, a participant will recognize taxable ordinary income equal to the amount of cash and the fair market value of any shares of common stock received. The Company may generally claim a deduction at that
time equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the participant (subject to the limitations contained in Section 162(m)).
Restricted Share and
Restricted Share Unit Awards
The taxability of a restricted share award to a participant is dependent upon the extent to which the award is
restricted on the date of grant. If the award is either transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, a participant will recognize taxable
38
ordinary income on the date of grant. If the award is both
non-transferable
and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, on the date of grant, then
unless an election is made as described below, a participant will not recognize taxable ordinary income on the date of grant, but will at such time or times as an award becomes either transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture
in an amount equal to the fair market value of such shares at that time. Within thirty days of receipt of an award that is not transferable and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, a participant may file an election with the Internal Revenue
Service to include as taxable ordinary income in the year of receipt an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares subject to the award at the time of receipt. In such event, any subsequent appreciation in the value of such shares will not
be taxable as compensation to a participant upon the vesting of shares subject to the award. However, if shares subject to the award are forfeited subsequent to such election, a participant will not be entitled to a tax deduction. For purposes of
determining the amount of taxable gain or loss upon a subsequent disposition of shares issued pursuant to such an award, the amount of ordinary income to a participant will be treated as the cost basis for such shares. Shares which are held for more
than one year after vesting (or in the event of an election as described above, the date of receipt) generally will qualify for long-term capital gain treatment. An award of restricted share units to a participant is generally taxable as ordinary
income to the participant when the participant receives the shares (or cash equivalent) or has the right to receive payment under the rules of constructive receipt, equal to the value of shares (or cash equivalent) at that time. With respect to
restricted shares and restricted share units, the Company will be entitled to a deduction in such amount and at such time as ordinary income becomes taxable to the participant (subject to the limitations contained in Section 162(m)).
Application of Section 409A to Deferred Compensation Arrangements
The 2012 Plan provides that the Committee may permit recipients of awards to defer the distribution of all or part of any Award in accordance with such
terms and conditions as the Committee shall establish. To the extent that a participant makes such a deferral election, Section 409A of the Code, which was enacted as part of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, subjects the deferral
arrangement to certain substantive requirements including (among other items) deferral election and payment timing requirements. In the event that a deferral arrangement fails to comply with Code Section 409A in form or operation, a participant
may become subject to: (i) the imposition of Federal income tax on all amounts deferred in the tax year in which the amounts are deferred (or, if later, in the tax year when the receipt of the benefits are no longer subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture); (ii) a penalty tax of 20 percent of the includable amount (in addition to the regular income tax at ordinary income rates); and (iii) interest at the underpayment rate plus one percent from the time the amount was
first deferred (or, if later, the tax year when the benefits are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture) until the time the amount is included in income.
Withholding of Tax; Company Deduction
39
Generally, whenever a participant realizes ordinary income under the 2012 Plan, a corresponding deduction
is available to the Company provided the Company complies with certain reporting requirements. Under Section 162(m), however, the Company will be denied a deduction for compensation exceeding $1,000,000 paid to its covered
employees, who generally are the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the three other highest paid executive officers , and any other person who was a covered employee for any taxable year beginning after March 31,
2017, excluding (among other things) certain performance-based compensation provided pursuant to a written binding contract which was in effect on November 2, 2017.
The Company is entitled to withhold, or secure payment from a participant in lieu of withholding, the amount of any tax required by law to be withheld
or paid by the Company with respect to any amount payable or shares issuable under a participants award.
Conclusion
The foregoing summarizes the U.S. federal income tax consequences, and does not include a discussion of state and local income tax or foreign tax
consequences of participation in the 2012 Plan. Participants are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the federal, state and local tax consequences in their particular circumstances and with respect to their particular awards.
Board Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a
majority of votes cast is required for this proposal to pass.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote FOR the approval of an
amendment to increase the amount of equity awards for
non-employee
directors under the Multi-Color Corporation 2012 Stock Incentive Plan.
40
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Executive Summary
This Compensation Discussion and
Analysis section discusses the principles underlying Multi-Color Corporations policies and decisions concerning the compensation of the Companys named executive officers. This section also describes the manner and context in which
compensation is awarded to and earned by the Companys named executive officers and provides perspective on the tables and narratives that follow.
The Board of Directors utilizes the Compensation and Organization Development Committee (for purposes of this section, the Compensation
Committee) to assist the Board in fulfilling the Boards responsibilities in the area of executive compensation. The Compensation Committee, working with management, has approved executive compensation programs that are designed to
attract and retain executives and reward them for their efforts toward helping Multi-Color achieve its short-term and long-term operating, financial and strategic goals, and thereby build shareholder value. Consequently, Multi-Colors executive
compensation packages consist of incentive plans that emphasize stock ownership and bonus compensation arrangements which serve to align more closely the interests of management with those of shareholders.
Most of our compensation decisions are made in the first three months of the fiscal year, after review of our performance and the named executive
officers. We believe the compensation of all of our named executive officers for fiscal year 2018 aligned well with both our performance and the objectives of our executive compensation policies.
The Compensation Committee established a 10% organic operating profit growth target, with 5% minimum and 15% maximum thresholds for payment, as the
performance measurement for the payment of cash incentive compensation to certain NEOs because it believes that a meaningful portion of each NEOs compensation should be performance-based and, therefore, at risk. The Compensation
Committee views the achievability of this target as difficult and aligned with the interests of our shareholders. Because the Company did not achieve 5% organic operating profit growth, we did not pay any cash incentive compensation to certain NEOs
whose cash incentive compensation was based on organic operating growth. For fiscal year 2018, the only NEO who received a bonus was Mr. Buse, Global Chief Operating Officer Wine and Spirits. Mr. Buses cash incentive compensation was
based on the rollup of specific locations that he manages.
Below we summarize certain executive compensation program and governance practices -
both the practices we have implemented to drive performance and the
41
practices we avoid because we do not believe they would serve our shareholders long-term interests.
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What Multi-Color Does
|
Pays for performance
. A significant portion of executive pay is not guaranteed, but rather is
at-risk
and tied to the achievement of various performance metrics that are disclosed to shareholders.
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Sets NEO salary guidelines on an annual basis.
The Company generally considers NEO salaries as part of its annual performance review process in
an effort to be responsive to industry trends.
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Balances short-term and long-term incentives.
The incentive programs provide an appropriate balance of annual and longer-term
incentives, with long-term incentive compensation comprising a substantial percentage of target total compensation.
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Caps award payouts.
Amounts or shares that can be earned under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan are capped, both for stock options and for full
value awards.
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Uses a market-based approach for determining NEO target pay
. Target compensation for NEOs is set after consideration of market data on
compensation at other peer companies.
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Maintains stock ownership guidelines for all NEOs.
The Company has the following minimum stock ownership requirements: CEO - three times base
salary; other NEOs - one times base salary.
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Conducts a risk assessment.
The Compensation Committee annually conducts a compensation risk assessment to determine whether the compensation
policies and practices, or components thereof, create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
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Acts through an independent Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee consists entirely of independent directors.
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What Multi-Color Does Not Do
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Provide excise tax
gross-up
payments.
The Company will not enter into any new contractual agreements
that include excise tax
gross-up
payments.
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Reprice options.
The Company has never repriced or otherwise reduced the
per-share
exercise price
of any outstanding stock options. Repricing of stock options is not permitted under the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan without first obtaining approval from the shareholders of the Company. The Company and the Compensation Committee will not reprice
underwater options without the consent of the Companys shareholders.
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Provide special perquisites to executives.
The Company does not provide executives with programs that are not made available to all Company
employees, except in extremely limited circumstances.
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42
Framework of Multi-Colors Executive Compensation Program
Multi-Colors Goals
Multi-Color seeks to continue to
improve its financial and operating performance on a long-term basis. The Company strives to deliver predictable and reliable results through increasing revenues and net income, and growth in earnings per share and cash flow. While these goals do
not constitute all of the priorities Multi-Color has established, they represent the foundation of Multi-Colors long-term objectives. Multi-Colors compensation policies, practices and programs are intended to align executive compensation
within the framework of these strategic goals, attracting and retaining a strong executive team for the long-term.
The Company intends base salary
and benefits to be fair compensation for the NEOs good faith efforts to do their jobs well, and incentive compensation (both annual and long-term) to be pay for performance on behalf of the Company and its shareholders. The Company expects the
incentive pay to reinforce the executives
line-of-sight
between (i) his or her behaviors, decisions and leadership and (ii) high standards of performance
on corporate financial and other individual measures that, if achieved, will enhance shareholder value.
Compensation Committee Responsibilities
Among other things, the Compensation Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling the Boards responsibilities to: (i) review and
approve the annual and long-term goals and objectives relevant to the Executive Chairman and CEO compensation; (ii) evaluate the Executive Chairman and CEOs performance at least annually and report Executive Chairman and CEO compensation
to the Board; (iii) determine and approve Executive Chairman, CEO, other executive officer and key management personnel compensation; (iv) review and make recommendations on the compensation of the Companys
non-employee
directors; (v) administer the Companys stock option and equity incentive plans and make recommendations to the Board with respect thereto; (vi) review the Companys philosophy on
executive compensation, advise the Executive Chairman, CEO and the Board about different approaches thereto and assess the Companys competitive position for the various elements of executive compensation; (vii) assess the risks associated
with the Companys compensation policies and practices; (viii) review with management this Compensation Discussion and Analysis and make a recommendation with respect to its inclusion in this proxy statement and produce the Compensation
Committee Report included in this proxy statement; and (ix) oversee the Companys compliance with SEC rules and regulations regarding shareholder approval of certain executive compensation matters, including reviewing and approving the
proposals regarding the
say-on-pay
vote and the frequency of the
say-on-pay
vote.
43
The Compensation Committee has the sole authority to obtain the advice of advisors to assist the Committee
in carrying out its responsibilities, after taking into consideration the factors relevant to advisor independence, including those specified in NASDAQ listing standards, and will determine whether any such advisor has a conflict of interest.
The Compensation Committee also sets the compensation and oversees the work of such advisors, and has sole authority to approve the advisors terms
and conditions of retention, including its fees.
During the 2018 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee met two times. The Compensation Committee
may request any officer or employee of the Company, outside counsel, consultants or independent auditors to attend a meeting of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee is comprised of a minimum of three directors, each of whom (i) is not an officer or employee of Multi-Color Corporation
and (ii) does not have any relationship, which in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out his or her responsibilities as a member of the Compensation Committee. Independent directors,
as determined by the Board and in accordance with the rules of NASDAQ, comprise the Compensation Committee. Members of the Compensation Committee are appointed and removed by the Board.
The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to establish and oversee the execution of the Companys philosophy on compensation and organizational
development. The Compensation Committee is responsible for assuring that the Compensation Companys executives, other key management personnel and directors are effectively compensated in terms that (i) are aligned with the short-term and
long-term interests of the shareholders, (ii) attract, motivate and retain key talent and (iii) are externally competitive and internally equitable. The Compensation Committee approves all elements of compensation of the Companys
executive officers and directors, sets the criteria for awards under the Companys incentive compensation plans and determines whether such criteria have been met, and oversees matters relating to the Companys stock compensation plans.
The Compensation Committee also oversees the policies and practices of the Company that advance its organizational development, including those designed to achieve the highest level of engagement of the Companys workforce.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Compensation
programs in which the Companys executive officers participate are designed to be equitable and competitive with the compensation programs of companies with whom the Company competes for employees. The Committee believes executive performance
is a distinguishing factor and a competitive
44
advantage of Multi-Color and rewards executives who deliver outstanding performance.
Multi-Colors
pay-for-performance
compensation philosophy is based
upon this linkage between performance targets and individual accountability. Individual behavior consistent with the Companys core values is recognized as being necessary for building and sustaining shareholder value over the long-term.
Employees at all levels of the organization, including executive officers, are evaluated through a disciplined annual assessment process, and compensated for exemplifying core values of integrity, passion, creativity, perseverance, achievement and
personal leadership.
The Companys goal is to attract, develop, motivate and retain executives who have the skills, experience and drive to
achieve superior growth in shareholder value. The Company believes that, to be successful, the Company needs to be competitive not only in its products and innovative solutions, but also in the quality of its executives. This, in turn, requires that
Multi-Color compensate executive officers competitively.
The Process of Implementing Executive Compensation Changes
The Compensation Committee reviews Multi-Colors executive compensation programs annually. The Compensation Committee utilizes market compensation
data (including base salary and target annual incentive levels) regarding the Executive Chairman and the President and CEO. The Compensation Committee, in turn, recommends compensation levels for this position to the independent members of the Board
of Directors.
Following its evaluation of the Executive Chairman and CEOs performance, the Compensation Committee establishes all aspects of
the CEOs compensation. None of the Companys executives, including the CEO, participates in deliberations relating to his or her own compensation.
The Compensation Committee also receives market compensation data (including base salary and target annual incentive levels) for each individual
executive other than the Executive Chairman and President and CEO. The President and CEO recommends increases or decreases in compensation levels for these executive officers to the Compensation Committee for final approval based upon a review of
the market data and the officers individual performance.
As required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the
Companys proxy statement provides for a
non-binding
shareholder advisory vote, commonly referred to as a
say-on-pay
vote,
with respect to the compensation of our named executive officers. While this vote is not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee values the opinions of shareholders and will review and consider any shareholder concerns evidenced by this
vote.
45
At the Companys 2017 annual meeting, we held such an advisory vote on the compensation of our named
executive officers. Our shareholders overwhelmingly approved the compensation of our named executive officers, with approximately 99% of votes cast in favor of our 2017
say-on-pay
resolution. Based on the results of the 2017
say-on-pay
vote, the Compensation
Committee concluded that the compensation paid to the named executive officers and that the Companys overall pay practices received strong shareholder support and do not require substantial revision to address shareholder concerns.
Elements of Compensation
The principal components of
the compensation for named executive officers generally are:
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annual incentive cash compensation;
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long-term equity incentive compensation; and
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retirement and other benefits.
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Base Salary
The Company establishes compensation plans each
year that align potential executive compensation with expected and potential company performance outcomes. More specifically, we target executive base salary at the 50th percentile of our peer group (as described below). Typically, we establish
annual incentive payout opportunities that, when combined with base salary, will deliver 50th percentile total cash compensation at target performance and will allow the executive to earn above 50th percentile total cash compensation for above
target performance.
In reviewing and determining executive compensation levels for fiscal 2018, the Compensation Committee utilized data provided
by Willis Towers Watson on our overall executive compensation packages, including long-term compensation. In addition, Willis Towers Watson provided data for a peer group of printing, packaging and paper companies, most of which are of similar size
and market capitalization as the Company. Our peer group utilized in assessing our executive compensation for fiscal 2018 included some slight revisions due to the increased size of the Company due to the acquisitions in fiscal 2018 and includes:
ACCO Brands Corporation, AptarGroup, Inc., CCL Industries, Inc., Cimpress N.V., Clearwater Paper Corporation, Grief, Inc., InnerWorkings, Inc., Intertape Polymer Group, KapStone Paper and Packaging Corporation, PH Glatfelter Co., Neenah Paper, Inc.,
Quad/Graphics, Inc., Silgan Holdings Inc., and Winpak Ltd. We seek to
46
include companies with comparable revenues, assets, and enterprise value, and we sought to include as peers companies with significant global presence.
Peer group data is one consideration included in the Compensation Committees process of determining executive compensation for fiscal year 2018.
The Compensation Committee uses the peer group data as general guidance, together with other information such as general business trends, the competitiveness of the markets in which we operate, individual performance, and its own discretion in
setting overall executive compensation.
Salary reviews are generally conducted at the beginning of each fiscal year to compare each
executives salary to the appropriate salary range. Merit based increases to salaries of executive officers are based on the Compensation Committees assessment of the individuals performance. Both financial and, where appropriate,
non-financial
performance measures are considered in making salary adjustments. If an executive officer has responsibility for a business segment, this business segments financial results also are strongly
considered.
Annual Incentive Cash Compensation
Multi-Color believes that among all elements of compensation to executive officers, annual cash incentives provide the most direct link between
compensation levels and annual corporate performance. Typically, the Compensation Committee approves annual incentive performance goals at the beginning of each fiscal year. For fiscal year 2018, the potential incentive range (as a percentage of
base salary) for Mr. Vinecombe was 0% to 97.5%; for Mr. Henry was 0% to 112.5%; for Mr. Rodato was 0% to 112.5%; and for Ms. Birkett, Mr. Buse and Mr. Cook was 0% to 75%, based on target incentives (as a percentage of
base salary) of 65%, 75% and 50%, respectively. The performance goals include goals related to minimum operating profit and year-over-year growth in operating profit, excluding acquisitions made during the fiscal year. Operating profit for the
purposes of the incentive calculation is defined as the operating profit used for U.S. GAAP reporting less the impact of acquisitions and acquisition-related expenses occurring during the year, and the impact of amortization expense.
For Mr. Vinecombe, Mr. Henry, Mr. Rodato and Ms. Birkett, their performance goals are based on total company performance;
Mr. Buse and Mr. Cooks goals are based on the rollup of specific locations that they manage. For any of the executives to earn any cash incentive for fiscal year 2018, the Companys minimum operating profit as a percentage to
sales must have exceeded 10%, excluding acquisitions made during the fiscal year. Once this threshold is met, executives are eligible to receive between 0% and 150% of their target incentives as follows: 0% for less than 5% growth year-over-year;
50% for 5% growth year-over-year; 100% for 10% growth year-over-year; and 150% for 15% growth year-over-year, excluding acquisitions made during the fiscal year. Where year-over-year growth is between these thresholds, incentive amounts are
pro-rated
on a straight-line basis.
47
The Compensation Committee believes that the degree of difficulty of the targets is significant and
reasonable given the business environment and related factors. The Compensation Committee also believes that the target levels are appropriate and do not encourage unnecessary or excessive risk-taking.
For fiscal year 2018, the only named executive officer who earned a cash incentive payment was Mr. Buse who earned 121.5% of his 50% target
incentive. Multi-Color did not pay any cash incentive compensation to any other named executive officer because the Company did not achieve 5% organic growth year-over-year.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Multi-Color maintains
incentive plans which authorize the issuance of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights. These awards are designed to align the interests of executives with those of shareholders. Because stock options
only have an intrinsic value if the value of Multi-Colors Common Stock increases, they encourage actions that enhance long-term shareholder value. Multi-Color believes that restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights
awards similarly stimulate pride in ownership and motivate employees and executives to commit themselves to our performance and increasing shareholder value.
Multi-Colors 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan) is the principal means by which long-term incentive compensation is provided
for key officers and employees of Multi-Color and the interests of these persons are brought more closely into tandem with the interests of shareholders. The 2012 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The 2012 Plan prohibits us from
repricing stock options absent shareholder approval, for example, by decreasing the exercise price of outstanding options or exchanging outstanding options for new options with a lower exercise price.
Options granted under the 2012 Plan contain such terms and conditions as are established by the Board at the time of the grant. Options currently
granted to employees generally have ten year terms and vest ratably over three to five years. The options fully vest upon a change in control.
When
they are awarded, stock options are generally awarded near the beginning of each fiscal year to certain executives and other designated employees. The exercise price for these grants is equal to the fair market value of Multi-Colors Common
Stock on the date when the Compensation Committee approves the grant, which is the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on the date of grant. The total number of shares allocated for annual grants is generally equal to one percent of the
aggregate number of outstanding shares. As stock options are expensed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, the Company considers the impact of the expense on earnings as one factor in determining the amount of total annual option grants.
48
For fiscal year 2018, Mr. Vinecombe was awarded 1,164 time based restricted shares. Ms. Birkett
was awarded the opportunity to earn from 1,921 to 5,763 of performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) based on meeting the Performance RSU goals, and 1,281 time based restricted shares. Mr. Buse was awarded the opportunity to earn from
1,834 to 5,501 of performance-based RSUs based on meeting the Performance RSU goals, and 1,222 time based restricted shares. Mr. Rodato was awarded the opportunity to earn from 2,619 to 7,858 of performance-based RSUs
based on meeting the Performance RSU goals and 1,746 time based restricted shares. Mr. Cook was awarded 4,000 stock options.
For
Mr. Rodato, Ms. Birkett, and Mr. Buse, the performance-based RSUs are earned as follows:
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Performance RSU Goals
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<Threshold
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Threshold
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Target
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Max
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Three-year compound annualized
Core EPS Growth
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<5.0%
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5.0%
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10.0%
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15.0%
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Earned as % of Target RSUs
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0%
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50%
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100%
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150%
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For fiscal year 2019, Mr. Vinecombe was awarded 1,441 time based restricted
shares. Ms. Birkett was awarded the opportunity to earn from 2,841 to 8,523 of performance-based restricted stock units (RSUs) based on meeting the Performance RSU goals, and 1,894 time based restricted shares.
Mr. Buse was awarded the opportunity to earn from 2,357 to 7,071 of performance-based RSUs based on meeting the Performance RSU goals, and 1,571 time based restricted shares. Mr. Henry was awarded the opportunity to
earn from 5,682 to 17,045 of performance-based RSUs based on meeting the Performance RSU goals and 3,788 time based restricted shares. Mr. Cook was awarded the opportunity to earn from 2,273 to 6,818 of performance-based RSUs based on meeting
the Performance RSU goals, and 1,515 time based restricted shares.
Retirement and Other Benefit Programs
In general, Multi-Color provides the same benefit programs to most full-time employees within the Company, including a defined contribution 401(k) plan.
The Company matches $.50 for every $1 contributed on the first 6% of eligible pay.
Employment Agreements
Effective January 1, 2016, Nigel Vinecombe stepped down from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer and was elected Executive
Chairman of the Board. Vadis Rodato, formerly Chief Operating Officer for Wine & Spirits, was elected President and Chief Executive Officer, a role in which he served until
49
January 1, 2018. David Buse, formerly President of North America Wine & Spirits, was elected Chief Operating Officer for Wine & Spirits. Michael J. Henry, formerly EVP
Labels of a subsidiary of Constantia Flexibles International GmbH prior to its acquisition by the Company, was elected Chief Executive Officer-Elect on November 1, 2017 and was appointed CEO on January 1, 2018. In connection with these
transitions the Company entered into new employment agreements with these executives.
The following description of employment agreements is
qualified to the text of each employment agreement as filed with our reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Vinecombe Agreement
Mr. Vinecombes agreement provides for: (i) an annual base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review by the Committee;
(ii) eligibility to participate in the Companys annual management incentive compensation program, with a bonus target of 65% of annual base salary and a bonus range between 32.5% and 97.5% of annual base salary; and (iii) during the
term of the Agreement, beginning with fiscal year 2017, restricted stock awards with a value of $100,000 on an annual basis.
Mr. Vinecombes agreement provides for the payment of benefits upon termination of employment under specified circumstances. The agreement
also includes confidentiality and
non-competition
covenants.
Henry Agreement
Effective November 1, 2017, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Mr. Henry to serve as the Chief Executive Officer-Elect of MCC.
Mr. Henry was appointed Multi-Colors President and Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2018. Mr. Henrys agreement provides for: (i) an annual base salary of US $1,000,000 to be paid in British pounds, subject
to annual review by the Committee; (ii) eligibility to participate in the Companys annual management incentive compensation program, with a bonus target of 75% of annual base salary and a bonus range between 37.5% and 112.5% of annual
base salary; (iii) during the term of the agreement, restricted stock or stock option awards as may be determined by the Board or its committees from time to time, and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Companys welfare and
certain benefit plans to the extent generally applicable to other executives of the Company, as well as a car allowance, vacation time and certain indemnification as permitted by applicable law.
Mr. Henrys agreement also provides for the payment of benefits upon termination of employment under specified circumstances. The agreement
also includes confidentiality and
non-competition
covenants.
50
Rodato Agreement
Mr. Rodatos agreement provides for: (i) an annual base salary of $600,000, subject to annual review by the Committee;
(ii) eligibility to participate in the Companys annual management incentive compensation program, with a bonus target of 75% of annual base salary and a bonus range between 37.5% and 112.5% of annual base salary; (iii) during the
term of the agreement, restricted stock or stock option awards as may be determined by the Board or its committees from time to time, and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Companys welfare and certain benefit plans to the extent
generally applicable to other executives of the Company, as well as a car allowance, vacation time and certain indemnification as permitted by applicable law.
Mr. Rodatos agreement provides for the payment of benefits upon termination of employment under specified circumstances. The agreement also
includes confidentiality and
non-competition
covenants.
Mr. Rodato retired from the Company on
March 31, 2018.
Buse Agreement
Mr. Buses agreement provides for: (i) an annual base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review by the Committee (which has increased
to $420,000); (ii) eligibility to participate in the Companys annual management incentive compensation program, with a bonus target of 50% of annual base salary and a bonus range between 25% and 75% of annual base salary; (iii) during the
term of the agreement, restricted stock or stock option awards as may be determined by the Board or its committees from time to time, and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Companys welfare and certain benefit plans to the extent
generally applicable to other executives of the Company, as well as a car allowance, vacation time and certain indemnification as permitted by applicable law.
Mr. Buses agreement provides for the payment of benefits upon termination of employment under specified circumstances. The agreement also
includes confidentiality and
non-competition
covenants.
Birkett Agreement
On July 1, 2014, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Birkett. Ms. Birketts agreement continues until
terminated in accordance with its terms. Ms. Birketts employment under the agreement may be terminated at will, at any time, by the Company or Ms. Birkett, with or without cause.
Ms. Birketts agreement provides for: (i) an annual base salary of $400,000, subject to annual review by the Committee (which has
increased to $500,000); (ii) eligibility to participate in the Companys annual management incentive
51
compensation program, with a bonus target of 50% of annual base salary and a bonus range between 25% and 75% of annual base salary; (iii) during the term of the agreement, restricted stock
or stock option awards, and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Companys welfare and certain benefit plans to the extent generally applicable to other executives of the Company, as well as a car allowance, vacation time and certain
indemnification as permitted by applicable law.
Ms. Birketts agreement includes payment of certain relocation expenses if
Ms. Birketts employment is terminated for any reason, whether for cause, good reason, or due to death or disability, upon which the Company will reimburse Ms. Birkett for reasonable
out-of-pocket
costs and expenses to return Ms. Birkett and her family, and their household goods, to Australia.
Ms. Birketts agreement also provides for the payment of benefits upon termination of employment under specified circumstances. The agreement
also includes confidentiality and
non-competition
covenants.
Cook Agreement
Effective February 1, 2018, the Company entered into an employment agreement, which provides for: (i) an annual base salary of $400,000,
subject to annual review by the Committee; (ii) eligibility to participate in the Companys annual management incentive compensation program, with a bonus target of 50% of annual base salary and a bonus range between 25% and 75% of annual
base salary; (iii) during the term of the agreement, restricted stock or stock option awards as may be determined by the Board or its committees from time to time, and (iv) eligibility to participate in the Companys welfare and
certain benefit plans to the extent generally applicable to other executives of the Company, as well as a car allowance, vacation time and certain indemnification as permitted by applicable law.
Mr. Cooks agreement provides for the payment of benefits upon termination of employment under specified circumstances. The agreement also
includes confidentiality and
non-competition
covenants.