DEF 14A of WD 40 Co
Filed Oct 31, 2025 · FY20250000105132-25-000107
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS At the annual meeting, the nine nominees named below under the heading, Director Nominees, will be presented for election as directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders when their successors may be elected or appointed. In the event any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the annual meeting, any proxy granted to vote for such nominee will be voted for a nominee designated by the present Board to fill such vacancy. A nominee for election to the Board will be elected as a director if the votes cast for such nominee’s election exceed the votes cast against such nominee’s election. Holders of common stock are not entitled to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. Withheld votes and broker non-votes are not counted as votes in favor of any nominee. If an incumbent director nominee fails to receive more votes for election as a director than votes against election, the incumbent director will continue to serve as a director until a successor is elected or appointed. However, pursuant to Corporate Governance Guidelines adopted by the Board, such director nominee will be expected to tender his or her resignation to the Corporate Governance Committee of the Board. The Corporate Governance Committee will promptly consider such resignation and present a recommendation to the Board to accept or reject such resignation for formal action to be taken within 90 days following the annual meeting. Article III, Section 3.2 of the Bylaws of the Company (amended and restated on June 17, 2024) provides that, unless otherwise specified in the Certificate of Incorporation, the authorized number of directors of the Company shall not be less than seven nor more than 12 until changed by amendment duly adopted by the stockholders. Within the specified limits, the exact number of directors is to be fixed from time to time by a resolution duly adopted by the Board or by the stockholders. By resolution of the Board adopted on October 9, 2025, the authorized number of directors will be fixed at nine, upon the resignation of director, Trevor I. Mihalik, from the Company’s Board, effective December 12, 2025. After serving over five years as a director on the Company’s Board, including serving as chair of the Finance Committee and as a member of the Corporate Governance Committee and the Audit Committee, Mr. Mihalik provided notice to the Company in October 2025 of his decision not to stand for re-election. Mr. Mihalik will continue to serve on the Board and such committees until the annual meeting when his term expires.
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| Director Nominees | Independent1 | Audit | Compensation and People | Corporate Governance | Finance | | Steven A. Brass | | | | | | | Cynthia B. Burks | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | | | Daniel T. Carter | ✓ | Chair2 | | ✓ | ✓ | | Eric P. Etchart, Chairman of the Board | ✓ | | | ✓ | ✓ | | Lara L. Lee | ✓ | | ✓ | | ✓ | | Edward O. Magee, Jr. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | ✓ | | Graciela I. Monteagudo | ✓ | | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | | David B. Pendarvis | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Chair | | | Anne G. Saunders | ✓ | ✓ | Chair | ✓ | |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
1The Board has determined that each director nominee (except for Mr. Brass): (i)has no material relationship with the Company (either directly or indirectly through an immediate family member or as a partner, stockholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with the Company), and (ii)is an independent director as defined in the Marketplace Rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Nasdaq Rules”). 2The Board determined that Mr. Carter is an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by regulations adopted by the SEC.
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| STEVEN A. BRASS, CEO AND PRESIDENT | | | Director since: March 2022 | | | Age: 59 | | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Mr. Brass was appointed CEO, effective 8/2022 and continues to serve as President, a position that he has held since 2019. He joined the Company in 1991 as International Area Manager at the Company’s U.K. subsidiary and has since held several management positions including Country Manager in Germany, Director of Continental Europe, European Sales Director, and European Commercial Director. From 2016 until 2019, Mr. Brass served as Division President, Americas, and from 2019 to 8/2022, as COO. | As CEO and President of the Company, combined with his leadership experience in the Company’s Americas and EIMEA trading blocs, Mr. Brass offers the Board a broad and deep Company-based perspective. In addition, his specific knowledge of the Company’s operations, coupled with his breadth of experience with international markets and our domestic market, provides the Board with valuable insight. |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| CYNTHIA B. BURKS | | | Independent Director since: December 2022 | Committees: | | Age: 59 | ▪ Audit Committee, member | | | ▪ Compensation and People Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Ms. Burks serves as the managing member of Excel Advising, LLC, which was formed in 11/2022 and offers executive coaching and human resources consulting services. From 2019 to 2022, Ms. Burks was SVP and chief people and culture officer at Genentech, Inc. (formerly NYSE: DNA). From 2011 to 2019, she held various human resource management roles at Genentech-affiliated companies, including VP, human resources. Ms. Burks has also held human resource and organizational development positions in industries including media, consumer goods and technology. | Ms. Burks has earned certifications in the areas of corporate directorship, executive compensation, and climate. Ms. Burks’ extensive knowledge of human capital strategy, including talent management, succession planning, compensation strategy, designing culture to increase competitive advantage, diversity, equity and inclusion, and organizational design, enhances the Board’s management oversight capabilities. | | Other Public Company Boards: | Other Boards (Highlights): | | Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: INSP), since 8/2022 | Current: | | ▪ Organization and Compensation Committee, member | | | | Sellars Absorbent Materials, Inc. (manufacturer of absorbents made with recycled fibers), since 8/2022 | | | Cityblock (provider of comprehensive healthcare to underserved communities), since 7/2025 ▪ Talent and Compensation Committee, chair | | | Previous: | | | Genentech Foundation (non-profit), 2020 - 2022 | | | Torch (educational software company), 2021 - 2025 |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| DANIEL T. CARTER | | | Independent Director since: 2016 | Committees: | | Age: 69 | ▪ Audit Committee, chair | | | ▪ Corporate Governance Committee, member | | | ▪ Finance Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Mr. Carter served as EVP and CFO of BevMo! from 2009 until his retirement in 2016. He also served as CFO of the following companies: Semtek, Inc. (2008 to 2009); Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc. (1998 to 2007); and Advanced Marketing Services (1997 to 1998). From 1986 to 1997, he was employed by Price Club and its follow-on entities, serving as SVP for PriceCostco and CFO for Price Enterprises. Mr. Carter began his career as an auditor with Ernst & Young LLP. | Mr. Carter is recognized as a NACD Certified Director and as a NACD Board Leadership Fellow. Mr. Carter is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) in California, and the Board has designated Mr. Carter as a financial expert who is expected to continue to serve on our Audit Committee. He has earned Harvard’s Corporate Director Certificate and Carnegie-Mellon’s CERT Certificate in Cyber-Risk Oversight. Mr. Carter’s financial expertise, considerable knowledge of the retail industry, and financial experience provide the Board with a breadth of relevant skills and experience. | | | Other Board(s): | | | Chosen Foods, LLC (1/2018 - 8/2021) |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| ERIC P. ETCHART, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD | | | Independent Director since: 2016 | Committees: | | Age: 69 | ▪ Corporate Governance Committee, member | | | ▪ Finance Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Mr. Etchart has served as the Company’s non-executive Chairman of the Board since December 2024. Prior to joining the Company’s Board, Mr. Etchart served as SVP of The Manitowoc Company, Inc. (NYSE: MTW) from 2007 until his retirement in 1/2016. He served as SVP, business development, from 2015 to 2016 and as president and general manager of the Manitowoc Crane Group from 2007 to 2015. From 1983 to 2007, Mr. Etchart held various sales, marketing and management positions at subsidiaries and predecessor companies of MTW. | Mr. Etchart is a French national and has held management positions in China, Singapore, Italy, France and the U.S. He is recognized as a NACD Board Leadership Fellow and has earned certifications in Climate Leadership and ESG Leadership. These certifications focus on climate risk and related business strategy, board-related fiduciary obligations, climate-related government regulations, reporting and disclosure requirements, investor engagement, learning how to identify opportunities and overcome challenges related to setting, executing against and measuring ESG goals. Mr. Etchart’s breadth of international finance, marketing, board and management experience provides important perspective to the Board. His commitment to the highest standards of board leadership, with an emphasis on ESG, demonstrates the Board’s continued commitment to good governance. | | Other Public Company Boards: | Other Boards: | | Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG), since 2010 ▪ Audit Committee, member ▪ Governance Committee, member Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE: ALG), since 2015 ▪ Compensation Committee, member ▪ Nominating / Corporate Governance Committee, chair | Previous: UPERIO Group, supplier of tower and self-erecting cranes, until 9/2025 ▪ ESG Committee, chair ▪ UPERIO, USA (subsidiary), director and officer |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| LARA L. LEE | | | Independent Director since: December 2020 | Committees: | | Age: 62 | ▪ Compensation and People Committee, member | | | ▪ Finance Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Ms. Lee operates Lara Lee Associates LLC dba Creative Renewal offering governance, consulting, and advisory services. From 2016 to 2018, Ms. Lee served as president of Orchard Supply Hardware, a former subsidiary of Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW), and from 2013 to 2018, as an SVP of Lowe’s. From 2011 to 2013 she served as chief innovation and operating officer for Continuum, a global consultancy firm. She was also a partner at an innovation firm, Jump Associates, from 2007 to 2010. Ms. Lee’s prior experience included 15 years at Harley-Davidson Motor Company as division head, VP, business unit leader, and in various European and Asian strategy, marketing and business development roles. | Ms. Lee began her career with Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young LLP) in Washington, D.C. and Singapore. Ms. Lee is a NACD Certified Director and earned an ESG certificate from Berkeley Law Executive Education. In 2025, the Corporate Directors Forum named Ms. Lee Director of the Year - Enhancement of Culture & Inclusion. Ms. Lee’s diverse international business and management experience, including expertise in retail, market development, strategic marketing (including digital, e-commerce and channel marketing), brand development, and innovation across industries and international markets, provides the Board with valuable insights. | | Other Public Company Boards: | Other Boards (Highlights): | | Previous: | Current: | | Marrone Bio Innovations, Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: MBII; acquired by Bioceres Crop Solutions Corp. now NASDAQ: BIOX), director, member of Audit Committee and Compensation Committee, and designated board ESG lead (11/2020 - 7/2022) | ▪ Independence Holdings LP GP, LLC, the parent company of Liberty Safe & Security Products, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of residential safes, since 10/2021 ▪ Rather Outdoors Corporation, a designer and wholesaler of fishing equipment in North America and Europe, since 2/2023; Compensation Committee member | | | Previous: | | | ▪ The Sill, Inc., an omnichannel specialty retailer of house plants and related products (11/2018 - 3/2024) | | | ▪ Organically Grown Company, a distributor of organic produce, board chair; Compensation. Culture and People Committee chair; and Governance Committee chair (8/2019 - 7/2021) |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| EDWARD O. MAGEE, JR. | | | Independent Director since: June 2022 | Committees: | | Age: 59 | ▪ Audit Committee, member | | | ▪ Compensation and People Committee, member | | | ▪ Finance Committee, member |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Mr. Magee has served as VP for Strategic Operations at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee since 2/2023. He also holds two academic appointments: The first Executive-in-Residence and Professor of Practice, Business at Belmont’s Jack C. Massey College of Business and in 9/2024, COO of the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. From 2/2020 to 12/2022, Mr. Magee served as EVP, operations at Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (“Fender”). Prior to Fender, he served as its SVP, operations from 2016 to 2020. Mr. Magee also served as VP of operations and distribution for Thomas & Betts Corporation (now ABB Ltd.; OTNMKTS: ABBNY) from 2014 to 2016 and in various management roles in vehicle operations at Harley-Davidson Motor Company from 2004 to 2014. | Prior to his executive experience, Mr. Magee served as a combat-decorated Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Magee has earned certificates in corporate directorship, ESG, and cyber risk. In addition, Mr. Magee is an honoree of the 2025 NACD Directorship 100, an annual recognition of the leading corporate directors, and has been recognized by the Corporate Directors Forum as a 2024 Director of the Year - Emerging Board Leader, 2024 Savoy Magazine Most Influential Corporate Director, and 2025 Presidential Leadership Scholar. Mr. Magee is a member of the Digital Director’s Network. Mr. Magee’s extensive knowledge of manufacturing, sustainability, supply chain, and logistics as well as his wide-ranging experience building and developing global leadership teams that drive organizational culture change, enhance the Board’s management oversight capabilities. | | Other Boards (including Non-Profit): | | | Current: | Previous (Highlights): | | ▪ NACD Nashville Chapter, Chair ▪ Smithsonian SITES | Affiliations Advisory Board | ▪ Fender Play Foundation™, co-president and executive director | | ▪ Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee | ▪ Board of Visitors at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business | | | ▪ Advisory Board, Veteran Courage Project |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| GRACIELA I. MONTEAGUDO | | | Independent Director since: June 2020 | Committees: | | Age: 59 | ▪ Compensation and People Committee, member | | | ▪ Corporate Governance Committee, member | | | ▪ Finance Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Ms. Monteagudo served as president and CEO of Lala U.S., Inc. from 2017 to 2018. From 2015 to 2017 she served as president, Americas and global marketing for Mead Johnson Nutrition Company and from 2012 to 2015 she held various leadership roles at Mead Johnson & Company, LLC. From 2008 through 2012, she held various leadership roles at Walmart Mexico, including SVP and business unit head for Sam’s Club stores in Mexico. Ms. Monteagudo has dual Mexican and American citizenship and has held senior management positions in both Latin America and the U.S. | Ms. Monteagudo is recognized as a NACD Certified Director and is an honoree of the 2022 NACD Directorship 100, an annual recognition of the leading corporate directors. She has also earned certifications in the areas of artificial intelligence, climate and ESG. Ms. Monteagudo’s significant board and leadership experience, including international business experience in Latin America, her extensive global and digital marketing, e-commerce, retail, and consumer goods expertise, offers the Board with valuable marketing and consumer products insight. |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| Other Public Company Boards: | Other Boards: | | Current: | Previous (Highlights): | | ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO), since 8/2016 | ▪ Driscoll’s (a market leader of fresh berries), 3/2021 - 12/2021 | | ▪ Nominating, Governance & Sustainability Committee, chair | ▪ The Juice Plus+ Company, LLC, 9/2019 - 7/2023 | | ▪ Compensation & Human Capital Committee, member | | | iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: IHRT), since 7/2021 | | | ▪ Audit Committee, member | |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| DAVID B. PENDARVIS | | | Independent Director since: 2017 | Committees: | | Age: 66 | ▪ Corporate Governance Committee, chair | | | ▪ Audit Committee, member | | | ▪ Compensation and People Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Until his retirement in 6/2023, Mr. Pendarvis had served as chief administrative officer of ResMed Inc. (NYSE and ASX: RMD) since 2011 and secretary since 2003. In 2017, he served as interim president, EMEA and Japan of RMD. He joined RMD in 2002 as global general counsel and has also served as VP of organizational development from 2005 to 2011. Before joining RMD, Mr. Pendarvis was a partner at Gray Cary Ware & Freidenrich LLP (presently, DLA Piper), a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, and a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge J. Lawrence Irving in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, San Diego. | Mr. Pendarvis earned an ESG certificate from Berkeley Law Executive Education. His expertise in corporate governance, compliance, intellectual property and worldwide legal affairs, and experience as general counsel with global responsibilities, including international executive management experience and focus on investor relations and corporate communications, provide the Board with valuable perspective for risk oversight. | | Other Public Company Boards: | Other Boards (including Non-Profit): | | Previous: | Previous: | | Sequenom, Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM), from 2009 until its acquisition by Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (NYSE: LH) in 2016 | ▪ RMD’s subsidiaries, ended 6/2023 ▪ Corporate Directors Forum, 2010 - 2019 ▪ San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, ended 5/2023 |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
| ANNE G. SAUNDERS | | | Independent Director since: March 2019 | Committees: | | Age: 64 | ▪ Compensation and People Committee, chair | | | ▪ Audit Committee, member | | | ▪ Corporate Governance Committee, member | | Experience (Highlights): | Qualifications (including Skills and Certifications): | | Ms. Saunders served as president, U.S., of nakedwines.com from 2016 through 2017. From 2014 through 2016, she was president, U.S. of FTD Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FTD), and from 2012 through 2014, she served as president of Redbox Automated Retail, LLC. From 1990 to 2012, Ms. Saunders held various senior executive level positions at Starbucks Corporation, Bank of America, N.A., Knowledge Universe (presently KinderCare Education), eSociety and AT&T. | Ms. Saunders’ experience as a former senior P&L leader in multiple global consumer company divisions, and her deep functional expertise in marketing, e-commerce, and product innovation and development as well as her extensive public company board experience, provide valuable experience to the Board. | | Other Public Company Boards: | Other Boards: | | Previous: | Current: | | Bowflex Inc. (formerly NYSE BFX and formerly Nautilus, Inc., NYSE NLS), 2012 - 2024, chair since 8/2022 | Reser’s Fine Foods, since 2/2023 ▪ Compensation Committee, member | | Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Inc. (TSX: SWP), 11/2017 - 5/2023 | |
DIRECTOR NOMINEES
There are no material pending litigation or proceedings involving the Company’s director nominees. There are no family relationships among any of our directors, director nominees or executive officers. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES SET FORTH ABOVE.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Compensation for non-employee directors is set by the Board upon the recommendation of the Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Governance Committee conducts a review of non-employee director compensation at least bi-annually, and in October 2024, such review included the 2023 - 2024 NACD Director Compensation Report and the 2024 Director Compensation Report published by FW Cook. For fiscal year 2025, non-employee directors who served through the Company’s fiscal year end received compensation for services as directors pursuant to the Directors’ Compensation Policy and Election Plan (the “Director Compensation Policy”) adopted by the Board on October 3, 2024. Pursuant to the Director Compensation Policy, non-employee directors received a base annual fee of $75,000. The Chair received additional annual compensation of $50,000. Non-employee directors received additional cash compensation for service on various Board committees as follows:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
| | Audit | Compensation | Corporate Governance | Finance | | Chair | $20,000 | $14,000 | $11,000 | $12,000 | | Member | $11,000 | $6,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
All such annual fees were paid in the first calendar quarter of 2025. At the Company’s 2016 annual meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved the WD-40 Company 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (which was amended and restated effective December 12, 2023 upon stockholder approval at the 2023 annual meeting, the “A&R 2016 Stock Incentive Plan”) to authorize the issuance of stock-based compensation awards to employees as well as to directors. In addition to the fees set forth above, the Director Compensation Policy provides for an annual grant of restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards having a grant date value of approximately $110,000 to each non-employee director. Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. On December 12, 2024, each non-employee director elected at the 2024 annual meeting received a non-elective RSU award covering 405 shares of the Company’s common stock. Additional information regarding the RSU awards is provided in a footnote to the Director Compensation table below. Each non-employee director may elect to receive an RSU award (“Elective RSUs”) in lieu of all or a portion of his or her base annual fee for service as a director. The number of shares of the Company’s common stock subject to each such RSU award granted to the non-employee directors equaled the elective portion of his or her base annual fee payable in RSUs divided by the fair market value of the Company’s common stock as of the date of grant. Pursuant to award agreements with non-employee directors, RSU awards are fully vested (except for Elective RSUs, which vest monthly over 12 months), entitled to dividend compensation equivalent to dividends declared and paid on the Company’s common stock, and settled in shares of the Company’s common stock upon termination of the director’s service as a director of the Company. The Company also maintains a Director Contributions Fund from which each incumbent non-employee director has the right each fiscal year to designate $7,000 in contributions to be made by the Company to properly qualified Section 501(c)(3) charitable organizations of the Internal Revenue Code. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE – FISCAL YEAR 2025 The following Director Compensation table provides information concerning compensation earned by each non-employee director for services rendered in fiscal year 2025. Amounts reported in the following table under Fees Earned or Paid in Cash for each director depend on the various committees that each director served as a member or as chair during the fiscal year and whether the director served as the chair of the Board.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
| Non-Employee Director1 | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)2 | Stock Awards ($)3 | All Other Compensation ($)4 | Total ($) | | Cynthia B. Burks | $92,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $208,958 | | Daniel T. Carter | $106,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $222,958 | | Eric P. Etchart | $136,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $252,958 | | Lara L. Lee | $87,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $203,958 | | Edward O. Magee, Jr. | $98,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $214,958 | | Trevor I. Mihalik | $103,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $219,958 | | Graciela I. Monteagudo | $92,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $208,958 | | David B. Pendarvis | $103,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $219,958 | | Gregory A. Sandfort5 | $35,667 | $32,263 | $7,000 | $74,930 | | Anne G. Saunders | $105,000 | $109,958 | $7,000 | $221,958 |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
1 Mr. Brass is not included in this table as he is an employee and does not receive compensation for his service as a director. Compensation for services he provides to the Company is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table included in the Executive Compensation section of the Proxy. 2 Messrs. Carter and Pendarvis and Mses. Burks, Lee, Monteagudo, and Saunders elected to receive their fiscal year 2025 base annual fees of $75,000 in cash. Messrs. Etchart, Mihalik, and Sandfort elected to receive RSU awards in lieu of cash for their base annual fees pursuant to elections made as permitted under the Director Compensation Policy. Mr. Magee elected to receive his fiscal year 2025 base annual fee in cash (67%) and RSUs (33%). The number of shares underlying each director’s RSU award was rounded down to the nearest whole share. 3 Amounts reported under Stock Awards represent the grant date fair value for non-elective RSU awards granted pursuant to the Director Compensation Policy. On December 12, 2024, each director received a non-elective RSU award covering 405 shares of the Company’s common stock. The grant date fair value of approximately $110,000 equals the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date, which was $271.50 multiplied by the number of shares underlying the RSU award. The number of shares underlying each director’s RSU award is rounded down to the nearest whole share. Outstanding RSUs held by each director as of October 15, 2025 are reported in footnotes to Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management table. 4 Amounts represent charitable contributions made by the Company in fiscal year 2025 as designated by non-employee directors pursuant to the Company’s Director Contributions Fund. 5 Mr. Sandfort retired from the Board effective December 12, 2024 and, except for charitable contributions under All Other Compensation, his compensation was prorated and based on the Director Compensation Policy in effect when he was elected at the 2023 annual meeting. The director compensation table above does not include reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., airfare, hotel, car rental, etc.) incurred by directors that the Company reimburses in connection with in-person attendance at Board and committee meetings, on-site visits to the Company’s offices and facilities, and continuing education such as conferences, coursework and speaking engagements. For fiscal year 2025, directors were subject to a limit of $5,000 for continuing education and $12,000 for continuing education-related travel.
Our Executive Compensation Programs Incorporate Strong Governance Features
| •No Employment Agreements with Executive Officers (except as required in the U.K.) | •Executive Officers are Subject to Stock Ownership Guidelines | | •No Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans for Executive Officers | •Executive Officers are Prohibited from Hedging or Pledging Company Stock | | •Long-Term Incentive Awards are Subject to Double-Trigger Vesting upon Change of Control | •No Backdating or Re-Pricing of Equity Awards | | •Annual and Long-Term Incentive Programs Provide a Balanced Mix of Goals for Profitability, Growth and Total Stockholder Return Performance | •Financial Goals for Performance-Based Equity Awards Never Reset | | • Incentive-based Compensation subject to Clawback | •Independent Compensation Consultant Retained by the Compensation Committee of the Board |
Annual Incentive Compensation Overview
Annual Incentive Compensation Overview
GRP
* “Global” is defined as the financial metric computed on a consolidated basis, while “Regional” is defined as the financial metric computed for each of the Company’s relevant reporting segments, either the Americas, EIMEA or Asia Pacific. The measures are calculated in accordance with Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 of GRP Calculations: ▪ Tranche 1 of GRP Calculation is accrued based on the first 3 measures shown above: ♦ “Adjusted Net Sales” is defined as net sales translated using budgeted exchange rates.** ♦ “Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP” is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation (in operating departments), amortization, which includes amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and cloud computing amortization, and generally excludes non-routine items, all translated using budgeted exchange rates and calculated prior to any GRP compensation expense or PSU expense.** ♦ Strategic performance measures are further discussed in Growth Reward Program ▪ Tranche 2 of GRP Calculation is accrued based on the 4th measure shown above: “Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP” is a measure used for Tranche 2 of GRP Calculation and based on U.S. Dollar (“USD”) reported results, defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation (in operating departments), amortization, which includes amortization of definite-lived intangible assets and cloud computing amortization, and generally excludes non-routine items, all using actual exchange rates, calculated after GRP compensation expense is computed for Tranche 1 of GRP Calculation and prior to GRP compensation expense related to Tranche 2 of GRP Calculation and PSU expense.** ** Before the beginning of fiscal year 2025, the Company had announced its intent to divest the homecare and cleaning product portfolios in the Americas and EIMEA segments. Accordingly, the Company excluded the financial impact of these product portfolios in its results for fiscal year 2025 for these measures when setting target and maximum GRP opportunities. On a global basis, these product portfolios represented less than 4% of consolidated net sales and less than 5% of our Global Adjusted EBITDA measures, if included.
PSU Awards
PSU Awards In addition to the GRP, the Company continued to grant PSUs, which are intended to incentivize and reward NEOs for achieving current fiscal year EBITDA above the maximum EBITDA-based metrics used for GRP. Similar to GRP, PSUs represent another short-term incentive to focus on exceptional EBITDA growth and further strengthens the pay-for-performance orientation of the Company’s compensation program. Fiscal year 2025 PSU metrics and performance achieved are shown below under Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO. PSU awards were established by reference to each NEO’s annual GRP opportunity, which is based on a multiple of fiscal year 2025 base salary ranging from 1x to 2x, and fiscal year 2025 maximum percentage GRP opportunity. The share equivalent value of PSUs awarded to each NEO as of the date of grant equals 100% of the NEO’s target GRP opportunity. PSU awards provide for the vesting of restricted stock, based on level of achievement and up to the total shares granted. Restricted stock issued upon vesting of the PSUs are subject to a restrictive endorsement that prohibits their sale before termination of employment. PSU awards that vest are settled on the third business day following the Company’s public release of its annual earnings for each fiscal year. The Company withholds shares to cover required withholding taxes due to the settlement of vested PSU awards and issues restricted stock, net of shares withheld, which have a value as of the settlement date equal to the required tax withholding obligation.
Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) Compensation Overview
Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) Compensation Overview LTI compensation is equity-based and consists of RSUs and MSUs, consistent with prior years. Retention-related equity compensation to NEOs includes RSU awards that typically vest annually over a period of three years after grant, subject to earlier vesting upon the effective date of retirement under certain conditions. Performance-based MSU awards to NEOs promote performance and retention over a longer-term horizon. Depending on the performance of the Company’s stock price against a three-year market return-based measurement period, NEOs may earn MSUs with a three-year vesting cliff (or pro-rata vesting at the end of the applicable measurement period in the event of earlier retirement under certain conditions). The foregoing compensation structure elements are described in greater detail in subsequent sections in this CD&A.
How The Compensation Committee Sets Pay Opportunities
How The Compensation Committee Sets Pay Opportunities As part of the framework for overall NEO compensation and assessment of compensation for each NEO that takes into account individual and Company performance, the Compensation Committee also considers actual and target levels of compensation, short-term and long-term performance periods, labor market data, and peer group executive compensation. The Compensation Committee seeks to align individual NEO performance incentives with short-term and long-term Company objectives. The Compensation Committee assesses the effectiveness of the established framework for NEO compensation by reviewing each principal element of NEO compensation as well as total compensation in the aggregate. The Compensation Committee considers measures of Company performance over multi-year periods, specifically including regional and global measures based on the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP, and relative Company performance compared to an established peer group of companies and a comparable market index. The Compensation Committee also considers the relative achievement of longer-term strategic objectives for which each NEO is accountable. Information regarding NEO strategic objectives is provided in the Executive Officer Compensation Decisions for Fiscal Year 2025 section below under the heading, Base Salary: Process.
FISCAL YEAR 2025 COMPENSATION DECISIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2025 COMPENSATION DECISIONS Compensation decisions for fiscal year 2025 were made in October 2024 based on individual and Company performance during fiscal year 2024 and a market survey conducted by the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultant, ClearBridge Compensation Group, LLC (“ClearBridge”). The following is a summary of decisions made by the Compensation Committee for NEO compensation for fiscal year 2025: •Base salary increases from fiscal year 2024 base salary amounts for NEOs ranged from 3% to 10% and averaged 6%. The base salary increase for each NEO was determined based on individual factors (e.g., role, performance/contributions) and respective market benchmarks, with fiscal year 2025 salaries within the market ranges reviewed by the Compensation Committee. •Our annual cash incentive plan or GRP in which NEOs participate is described below under the heading, Growth Reward Program. Under GRP, Global and Regional goals related to EBITDA, net sales, and strategic performance measures were established shortly after the beginning of the fiscal year. The Company’s performance as measured against these goals is described in detail below. •In addition to cash, as part of overall annual incentive compensation, the Company granted a maximum of 5,686 PSUs (total) to NEOs. See further details in the table under the heading, Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO. •In October 2024, in addition to PSUs, the NEOs received the following long-term stock-based awards: •RSU awards providing for the issuance of a total of 8,907 shares of the Company’s common stock to be earned by continued employment by the Company over a vesting period of three years, subject to earlier vesting upon the effective date of retirement under certain conditions.1 These awards serve a retention purpose together with an incentive to maximize long-term stockholder value through share price appreciation. 1 For a more complete description of the RSU awards, refer to the Executive Officer Compensation Decisions section below under Restricted Stock Unit or RSU Awards. •MSU awards subject to performance vesting covering a target number of shares of the Company’s common stock totaling 8,907 shares. If the Company’s TSR over the three-year measurement period matches the return for the Russell 2000 Index, as published by Russell Investments (“Index”), the target number of shares of the Company’s common stock would vest and be issued to the NEOs. The actual number of shares to be issued to the NEOs will be from 0% to 200% of the target number of shares depending upon the Company’s TSR compared to the return for the Index.2 •Equity awards for fiscal year 2025 varied among the NEOs based on labor market compensation practices specific to the region of employment, relative achievement of individual performance measures and goals established for each NEO, individual market data based on role and responsibilities, as well as Company performance for fiscal year 2025 in areas over which each NEO had direct influence. The Compensation Committee considered the results of advisory Say-on-Pay votes in its decision-making for executive compensation of the NEOs and concluded that no significant changes in executive compensation decisions and policies are warranted due to Say-on-Pay vote outcomes, which are provided below for each year that stockholders voted. For additional details on Say-on-Pay results, please refer to Item No. 2 Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation (“Say-on-Pay”) above.
TARGET PAY POSITION / MIX OF PAY
TARGET PAY POSITION / MIX OF PAY The Company’s compensation program consists primarily of base salary, annual cash and equity incentives, and long-term oriented equity awards. The Compensation Committee considers multiple factors when establishing target total compensation opportunities for executive officers (including base salary, target cash incentive compensation, and RSU and MSU equity awards). Specifically, compensation is determined considering internal factors (including, but not limited to, individual performance, complexity of job function, length of time within the position and anticipated contribution) as well as external market data. When using external market data, the Compensation Committee does not target a specific pay positioning. Instead, the Compensation Committee reviews the full range of market data, with the market 50th percentile of total compensation as one reference point. The Compensation Committee then assesses internal factors for each executive officer, which results in final total target pay levels above or below the market 50th percentile, depending on the Compensation Committee’s individual assessment. Based on recent market analysis, executive officer target pay levels generally fall between the 25th and the 50th percentiles on average, with variability by individual. Actual compensation will vary from target based on the Company’s incentive compensation plan designs, which consider the Company’s performance. This approach is consistent with the Compensation Committee’s historic approach to assessing market data and setting target pay levels (i.e., considering a holistic assessment of relevant internal and external considerations, on an individual case-by-case basis). The mix of pay for executive officers is intended to provide significant incentives to drive overall Company performance and increased stockholder value. This mix consists of Salary as reported in the Summary Compensation Table under Executive Compensation below, RSUs and target values for MSUs (collectively, “Stock Awards”) as reported in the table in footnote 2 to the Summary Compensation Table, target non-equity incentive plan compensation amounts as reported in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table under Executive Compensation below, and when applicable, bonus. The total of these targeted compensation amounts for NEOs is referred to as “Target Compensation Opportunity.” In the charts below, the Target Compensation Opportunity for the CEO, and for all other NEOs in the aggregate, has been divided between elements of compensation that are considered at-risk (MSUs, tied to longer term relative stockholder return, and GRP, tied to current fiscal year financial performance), and those elements that are not performance-based and not considered at-risk (Salary and RSUs). Approximately 53% of the CEO’s Target Compensation Opportunity for fiscal year 2025 was at-risk while approximately 44% of the Target Compensation Opportunity for fiscal year 2025 for the other NEOs was at-risk. Target Compensation Opportunity and the pie charts below exclude PSUs because PSUs granted to NEOs only vest if the associated financial EBITDA measure is achieved at its maximum level, as discussed under Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO. In prior years, the Company had presented total or maximum compensation opportunity that included PSUs as a component of at-risk compensation, which would have represented 72% of total compensation at-risk (of which 9% was attributable to PSUs) for the CEO and 65% and 12%, respectively, for other NEOs.
PEER GROUP AND MARKET DATA
PEER GROUP AND MARKET DATA Before making fiscal year 2025 compensation decisions in October 2024, the Compensation Committee examined the executive compensation practices of a peer group of 12 publicly traded companies to assess the competitiveness of the Company’s executive compensation. Peer group companies were selected from a list of U.S. headquartered companies having net sales, earnings, and market capitalization reasonably comparable to the Company and doing business in the specialty chemical industry or selling branded consumer products globally (with a focus on companies that sell through multiple channels). The 12 peer group companies used in the analysis for fiscal year 2025 compensation decisions were as follows:
PEER GROUP AND MARKET DATA
| •American Vanguard Corporation | •Olaplex Holdings, Inc. | | •Balchem Corporation | •Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. | | •Beyond Meat, Inc. | •Sensient Technologies Corporation | | •e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. | •The Vita Coco Company, Inc. | | •Hawkins, Inc. | •XPEL, Inc. | | •Ingevity Corporation | •YETI Holdings, Inc. |
PEER GROUP AND MARKET DATA
Two companies, Chase Corporation and Livent Corporation, were removed from last fiscal year’s peer group because they are no longer publicly traded companies as a result of being acquired and taken private or being merged into a new company with another company. In addition to peer group data, the Compensation Committee considered general industry company survey data provided by Korn Ferry, a global management consulting firm, to obtain a general understanding of current compensation practices. The Compensation Committee applied these data sources to establish the market median level of compensation for each executive officer position, which the Compensation Committee considered as one factor in making executive compensation decisions for fiscal 2025.
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION: FISCAL YEAR 2025
ANNUAL INCENTIVE COMPENSATION: FISCAL YEAR 2025 Growth Reward Program (“GRP”):
GRP Financial Performance Goals, Weightings and Results
GRP Financial Performance Goals, Weightings and Results Each year the Company develops an operating plan which supports its long-term financial and growth goals and is consistent with its strategic plans and imperatives. The annual operating plan is submitted to the Board for alignment and approval in the first fiscal quarter of each new fiscal year. All of the GRP financial performance goals are components assessed by the Board to be the most critical required outcomes which support achievement of the approved operating plan. Consistent with its pay-for-performance compensation philosophy, the Board aligns NEO variable compensation opportunity with achievement of these performance goals. The following table sets forth the fiscal year 2025 GRP performance measure payout weightings and the minimum and maximum goals for the performance measures applicable to each of the NEOs. The financial goals are set based on earnings growth and sales growth over the prior fiscal year to maintain a strong pay-for-performance orientation.
GRP Financial Performance Goals, Weightings and Results
| | Steven A. Brass | | | Minimum Goal | Maximum Goal | | | Sara K. Hyzer | | | FY 2025 | FY 2025 | | Performance Measure1 | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | William B. Noble2 | Patricia Q. Olsem | ($ thousands) | ($ thousands) | | Global Adjusted Net Sales | 35% | N/A | N/A | $567,800 | $634,943 | | Global Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP | 15% | N/A | N/A | $112,634 | $129,191 | | Regional Adjusted Net Sales (EIMEA) | N/A | 35% | N/A | $212,337 | $236,584 | | Regional Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP (EIMEA) | N/A | 15% | N/A | $54,357 | $61,405 | | Regional Adjusted Net Sales (Americas) | N/A | N/A | 35% | $267,803 | $297,915 | | Regional Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP (Americas) | N/A | N/A | 15% | $69,621 | $78,022 | | Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP | 35% | 35% | 35% | $100,092 | $109,513 | | Strategic Performance Measures | 15% | 15% | 15% | N/A | N/A |
GRP Financial Performance Goals, Weightings and Results
1 Financial performance measures are defined under the heading, GRP. 2 EIMEA amounts have been converted from Great Britain pounds sterling (“GBP”) at an average annual exchange rate for fiscal year 2025 of 1.309 per GBP. The following table sets forth the fiscal year 2025 performance and percentage achievement for each GRP performance measure applicable to each NEO.
GRP Financial Performance Goals, Weightings and Results
| Performance Measure1 | Actual FY 2025 ($ thousands) | % Achievement of Target Annual Opportunity | % Achievement of Maximum Annual Opportunity | | Global Adjusted Net Sales | $602,522 | 80.2% | 40.1% | | Global Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP | $121,322 | 152.2% | 76.1% | | Regional Adjusted Net Sales (EIMEA) | $226,416 | 84.4% | 42.2% | | Regional Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP (EIMEA) | $61,857 | 200.0% | 100.0% | | Regional Adjusted Net Sales (Americas) | $282,949 | 84.6% | 42.3% | | Regional Adjusted EBITDA Pre-GRP (Americas) | $71,467 | 113.2% | 56.6% | | Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP | $107,927 | 166.4% | 83.2% | | Strategic Performance Measures | See below | 174.0% | 87.0% |
GRP Financial Performance Goals, Weightings and Results
1 Financial performance measures are defined under the heading, GRP. 2 EIMEA amounts have been converted from Great Britain pounds sterling (“GBP”) at an average annual exchange rate for fiscal year 2025 of 1.309 per GBP.
Strategic Performance Measures
Strategic Performance Measures For fiscal year 2025, 15% of the GRP is tied to Strategic Performance Measures. The measures are a mix of qualitative and quantitative measures that focus on executing our long-term strategy, improving our operating performance, and aligning individual initiatives with Company performance, which varies by NEO. The Strategic Performance Measures were specifically adopted to align with our Four-by-Four Strategic Framework, which is based on the following pillars: In the context of our Four-by-Four Strategic Framework, each NEO was measured against certain strategic initiatives aligned with their ability and potential to drive long-term financial, strategic, and/or operational performance. The categories of initiatives for our NEOs’ Strategic Performance Measures for fiscal year 2025 were as follows: •Increase global gross margin, aligned with Four-by-Four Strategic Framework, to recover business model •New geographic business expansion to enable future, long-term growth •Establishing the Company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) strategy and framework •Cultivating a strong global talent pipeline and ensuring a seamless leadership succession plan to effectively meet future business needs •Drive organizational growth and efficiency through the successful management of key business and technological initiatives The Strategic Performance Measures were determined by management and the Board to be initiatives critical to long-term financial growth, which could be objectively measured.
Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO
Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO The Company granted PSUs tied to established Global Adjusted EBITDA performance targets for fiscal year 2025, as outlined below:
Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO
| Global Adjusted EBITDA1 | Applicable Percentage | | ≥ $110,148,000 | 100% | | $104,207,000 | 5% | | < $104,207,000 | 0% |
Fiscal Year 2025 PSU Attainment by NEO
1 Global Adjusted EBITDA for purposes of PSU achievement is calculated after both tranches of fiscal year GRP compensation expense are accrued. If Global Adjusted EBITDA exceeds the performance target set at 5%, then the Applicable Percentage is determined on a straight-line basis from the implied zero percentage achievement level of $103,894,000 to the maximum 100% Applicable Percentage achievement level. The Company achieved $103,552,000 in Global Adjusted EBITDA after GRP compensation expense was accrued, which resulted in an Applicable Percentage of 0% for fiscal year 2025. Accordingly, none of the PSU awards granted to the NEOs in October 2024 as shown in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards – Fiscal Year 2025 table below in the Executive Compensation section vested.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE (“LTI”) COMPENSATION
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE (“LTI”) COMPENSATION Equity compensation is a critical component of the Company’s efforts to attract and retain executives and key employees, encourage employee ownership in the Company, link pay with performance and align the interests of executive officers with those of stockholders. To provide appropriately directed incentives to our executive officers, the Company grants awards of RSUs and MSUs. Equity awards for fiscal year 2025 were granted to NEOs in October 2024, pursuant to the Company’s A&R 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, and were allocated equally between RSUs and MSUs (50% of target grant value for each NEO). The RSU and MSU awards to our CEO were, consistent with past practice, larger than the awards to the other NEOs in recognition of his higher level of responsibility for overall Company performance and based upon market data that supports a higher level of equity compensation for our CEO. The specific number of RSUs awarded and Target Number of shares covered by MSU awards were determined for each NEO based on an assessment of the NEO’s achievement of individual performance goals as well as Company performance for fiscal year 2024 in areas over which the NEO had particular influence. The principal attributes and benefits of equity awards for executive officers are as follows: •RSU awards provide for annual vesting over three years from the grant date, subject to earlier vesting upon the effective date of retirement under certain conditions. •MSU awards provide for performance-based vesting tied to the Company’s TSR over a performance measurement period of three fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year in which the awards are granted and ending on August 31st of the third year. The change in the value of the Company’s common stock assumes the reinvestment of dividends and compares the Company’s TSR against the Index. •RSU and MSU awards provide for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting. •The Company believes an equal mix of the number of RSUs and MSUs (at target) is appropriate in order to balance direct alignment with stockholders, incentivize out performance on a relative basis vs. the market, encourage long-term stock ownership, and promote executive retention. The Board recognizes the potentially dilutive impact of equity awards. Accordingly, the Company’s equity award practices are designed to balance the impact of dilution and the Company’s need to remain competitive by recruiting, retaining, and providing incentives for high-performing employees.
Restricted Stock Unit or RSU Awards
Restricted Stock Unit or RSU Awards RSU awards provide for the issuance of shares of the Company’s common stock upon vesting provided that the employee remains employed with the Company on the applicable vesting date (except for termination of employment due to death or disability or, upon certain conditions, vesting upon retirement as noted below). Except as otherwise noted, RSU awards vest annually over three years from the grant date, with approximately 1/3 vesting on each of the vesting dates. The vesting date each year is the third business day following the Company’s public release of its annual earnings for the fiscal year, but not later than November 15. Award Agreements provide that for employees who retire from the Company after reaching age 65, or employees who retire from the Company after reaching age 55 and have been employed by the Company for at least 10 years, unvested RSUs will vest upon the effective date of retirement, provided at least one-year prior written notice of retirement is given by the employee. Payment of required withholding taxes due to the vesting of RSU awards is covered through withholding of shares by the Company. The Company issues a net number of RSU shares after withholding shares having a value as of the vesting date, or as of the date of issuance in the case of death, disability or retirement, equal to the required tax withholding obligation.
Market Share Unit or MSU Awards
Market Share Unit or MSU Awards MSU awards provide for vesting over a performance measurement period of three fiscal years commencing with the fiscal year in which the MSU awards are granted (the “MSU Measurement Period”). The performance provisions of MSU awards are based on relative TSR for the Company over the MSU Measurement Period compared to the total return of the Index. To compute the relative TSR for the Company compared to the return for the Index, dividends paid are treated as reinvested as of the ex-dividend date for each declared dividend. The Applicable Percentage of the Target Number of shares is determined for NEOs based on the percentage point difference between the TSR for the Company compared to the return for the Index (the “Relative TSR”) as set forth in the table below:
Market Share Unit or MSU Awards
| Relative TSR (percentage point difference) | Applicable Percentage | | ≥ 20% | 200% | | 15% | 175% | | 10% | 150% | | 5% | 125% | | Equal | 100% | | -5% | 75% | | -10% | 50% | | < -10% | 0% |
Market Share Unit or MSU Awards
The Applicable Percentage is determined on a straight-line sliding scale from the minimum 50% Applicable Percentage achievement level to the maximum 200% Applicable Percentage achievement level. To determine the TSR for the Company and the return for the Index, the beginning and ending values for each measure is determined by taking the average closing price on all market trading days within the 90 calendar days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year for the beginning of the MSU Measurement Period and all market trading days within the 90 calendar days prior to the end of the third fiscal year of the MSU Measurement Period. Except as otherwise provided with respect to vesting upon death, disability or retirement, employees must remain employed with the Company until the date on which the Compensation Committee certifies achievement of the requisite performance provided for in the MSU Award Agreement. Payment of required withholding taxes due to the settlement of an MSU award, if any, is covered through withholding of shares by the Company. The Company issues a net number of MSU shares after withholding shares having a value on the Settlement Date equal to the required tax withholding obligation. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the A&R 2016 Stock Incentive Plan), the MSU Measurement Period will end as of the effective date of the Change in Control and the ending values for calculating the TSR for the Company and the return for the Index will be determined based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock and the value of the Index, respectively, immediately prior to the effective date of the Change in Control. The Applicable Percentage will be applied to a proportionate amount of the Target Number of MSUs based on the portion of the Measurement Period elapsed as of the effective date of the Change in Control. The NEO will receive RSUs for the portion of the Target Number of MSUs to which the Applicable Percentage is not applied. Those RSUs will time vest, subject to rights under the NEO’s Change of Control Severance Agreement, as of the Settlement Date.
POST-EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS
POST-EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS The Company has change of control severance agreements with each of the NEOs. The specific terms of the agreements are described below under the heading, Change of Control Severance Agreements. In establishing the terms and conditions of these agreements, consideration was given to including severance compensation in the event of termination of employment without cause (or for good reason) without regard to a change of control of the Company. No such provisions were included, and severance compensation is payable only following a “double-trigger”: termination of employment without “cause” or for “good reason” within two years following a “change of control” of the Company (as defined in these agreements). The Compensation Committee believes that the change of control severance agreements help ensure the best interests of stockholders by fostering continuous employment of key management personnel. As is the case in many public companies, the possibility of an unsolicited change of control exists. The uncertainty among management that can arise from a possible change of control can result in the untimely departure or distraction of key executive officers. Reasonable change of control severance agreements reinforce continued attention and dedication of executive officers to their assigned duties and support the Compensation Committee’s objective of retaining high quality executives.
OTHER COMPENSATION POLICIES
Compliance is determined using the current aggregate market value of (i) shares of the Company’s common stock owned, (ii) unvested RSUs, and (iii) if applicable, shares underlying vested equity awards. CLAWBACK POLICY On June 19, 2023, the Board, in accordance with the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, adopted a clawback policy, which became effective October 2, 2023. The clawback policy applies to current and former executive officers of the Company as defined in Rule 10D‑1(d) under the Exchange Act and is administered by the Compensation Committee. In the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement to correct the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under securities laws, including restatements that correct an error in previously issued financial statements (a) that is material to the previously issued financial statements or (b) that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period (each a “restatement”), the Company shall recover erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation from its officers. The recovery of such compensation applies regardless of (i) whether an officer engaged in misconduct or otherwise caused or contributed to the requirement for a restatement, and (ii) whether or when the Company files restated financial statements. TAX DEDUCTIBILITY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation payable in any tax year to certain covered executive officers. Section 162(m) generally provides that a company covered by the statute cannot deduct compensation paid to its most highly paid executive officers to the extent that such compensation exceeds $1 million per officer per taxable year. While the Compensation Committee seeks to maximize the deductibility of compensation paid to the Company’s executive officers, the Compensation Committee believes that it is important to maintain flexibility in administering compensation programs in a manner that provides total compensation to the executive officers that is in line with competitive practice, the Company’s compensation philosophy, and the interests of stockholders. Accordingly, we have not adopted a policy that all compensation must qualify as deductible for tax purposes and retain the ability to provide compensation that may not qualify as deductible under Section 162(m). Therefore, the Company presently pays some compensation to its executive officers that may not be deductible under Section 162(m), and it is anticipated that the Company will continue to do so. ACCOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS We follow Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC Topic 718”) for our stock-based compensation awards. ASC Topic 718 requires companies to measure the compensation expense for share-based payment awards made to employees and directors, including restricted stock awards and performance-based awards, based on the grant date fair value of these awards. Depending upon the type of performance conditions applicable to performance-based awards, ASC Topic 718 may require the recording of compensation expense over the service period for the award (usually, the vesting period) based on the grant date value (such as for our MSUs) or compensation expense may be recorded based on the expected probability of vesting over the vesting period, subject to adjustment as such probability may vary from period to period (such as for our PSUs). This calculation is performed for accounting purposes and amounts reported in the compensation tables below are based on the compensation expense expected to be recorded over the vesting periods for the awards, determined as of the grant date for the awards. In the case of our MSUs, the grant date values fix the compensation expense to be recorded over the vesting period. These amounts are reported even though our executive officers may realize more or less value from their MSU awards depending upon the actual level of achievement of the applicable performance measure. In the case of our PSUs, no value is included in the Summary Compensation Table or in the table under Grants of Plan-Based Awards – Fiscal Year 2025 because ASC Topic 718 requires that we assess the probability of vesting of the PSUs as of the grant date. As of the grant date, we did not consider it probable that the PSUs would become vested even though it was possible that our executive officers would receive shares upon vesting of the PSUs following the end of the fiscal year upon achievement of the applicable performance measure. POLICIES AND PRACTICES RELATED TO THE GRANT OF CERTAIN EQUITY AWARDS CLOSE IN TIME TO THE RELEASE OF NONPUBLIC INFORMATION During fiscal 2025, we did not grant any stock options to our NEOs and accordingly, we have no information to disclose pursuant to Item 402(x)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Compensation Committee approves all equity award grants to our NEOs on or before the grant date. The Compensation Committee’s general practice is to complete its annual executive compensation review and determine performance goals and target compensation for our NEOs, and then equity awards are granted to NEOs and become effective. Accordingly, annual equity awards are typically granted to our NEOs in October, shortly after fiscal year-end. While the Compensation Committee has discretionary authority to approve equity awards to our NEOs outside of the cycle described above for new hires, promotions, recognition, retention or other purposes, the Compensation Committee does not have a practice or policy of granting equity awards in anticipation of the release of material non-public information and, in any event, we do not time the release of material non-public information in coordination with grants of equity awards in a manner that intentionally benefits our NEOs.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE The following table shows information for the three fiscal years ended August 31, 2025, August 31, 2024, and August 31, 2023 concerning the compensation of our CEO, our CFO, and the three most highly compensated executive officers other than the CEO and CFO as of the end of fiscal year 2025 (collectively, “NEOs”):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
| Name and Principal Position(s) | Year | Salary1 | Stock Awards2 | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation3 | All Other Compensation4 | Total | | Steven A. Brass | 2025 | $680,000 | $3,242,147 | $219,693 | $125,059 | $4,266,899 | | CEO | 2024 | $640,800 | $2,073,161 | $829,340 | $116,873 | $3,660,174 | | | 2023 | $600,000 | $1,394,168 | $355,809 | $108,676 | $2,458,653 | | Sara K. Hyzer | 2025 | $356,895 | $648,209 | $257,841 | $107,019 | $1,369,964 | | CFO | 2024 | $336,420 | $521,784 | $237,622 | $103,828 | $1,199,654 | | | 2023 | $315,000 | $321,417 | $103,212 | $96,672 | $836,301 | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | 2025 | $324,450 | $350,815 | $220,563 | $104,648 | $1,000,476 | | Chief People Officer | 2024 | $320,400 | $353,415 | $212,942 | $99,400 | $986,157 | | | 2023 | $300,000 | $294,663 | $89,595 | $95,048 | $779,306 | | William B. Noble5 | 2025 | $380,255 | $242,872 | $301,870 | $50,269 | $975,266 | | Group Managing Director | 2024 | $355,224 | $276,716 | $348,696 | $45,378 | $1,026,014 | | Patricia Q. Olsem | 2025 | $381,100 | $421,309 | $282,388 | $120,678 | $1,205,475 | | Division President, Americas | 2024 | $382,989 | $460,166 | $235,676 | $119,835 | $1,198,666 | | | 2023 | $346,934 | $402,050 | $145,870 | $109,852 | $1,004,706 |
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
1Salary reported for fiscal years 2025 and 2023 reflects base salary. For fiscal year 2024, base salary paid to each NEOs was as follows: Mr. Brass - $618,000; Ms. Hyzer - $324,450; Mr. Lindeman - $309,000; Mr. Noble - $355,224 (281,946 GBP converted to USD at an average annual exchange rate for fiscal year 2024 of 1.26 per GBP; and Ms. Olsem - $370,000. U.S.-based employees are paid bi-weekly, and during fiscal year 2024, there were 27 instead of the 26 traditional pay periods. Consequently, salary reported for each NEO (except for Mr. Noble) represents their respective base salary and an additional paycheck received during fiscal year 2024. 2Stock Awards for fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 are reported at their grant date fair values. Grant date fair value assumptions and related information is set forth in Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under the subsection “Stock-based Compensation” and Note 16, Stock-based Compensation, to the Company’s financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 27, 2025. Stock Awards consisting of MSUs awarded in fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023 are included based on the value of 100% of the target number of shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued upon achievement of the applicable performance measure. Stock Awards consisting of PSUs awarded for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023 are reported as having no value under applicable disclosure rules and ASC Topic 718 due to the lack of any expected probability of vesting of the PSUs as of their respective grant dates, as discussed above in the CD&A section under the heading, Accounting Considerations. For achievement of the highest level of the applicable performance measure for the MSUs granted in fiscal year 2023, the NEOs would have received 200% of the target number of shares. MSU achievement based on performance during the 3-year measurement period ending on August 31, 2025 was 103.5%. Based on the level of achievement of the applicable performance measure for PSUs granted in fiscal year 2025, NEOs did not earn any of their respective target PSUs (and their PSUs were forfeited). The following table sets forth the amounts that would have been included in Stock Awards for fiscal years 2025, 2024 and 2023 for each of the NEOs based on the grant date fair values and the maximum number of shares targeted to be received under MSU and PSU award agreements.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
| Named Executive Officer | Year | RSUs | MSUs (Maximum) | PSUs (Maximum) | Total Stock Awards | | Steven A. Brass | 2025 | $1,460,211 | $3,563,872 | $670,720 | $5,694,803 | | | 2024 | $872,084 | $2,203,957 | $607,961 | $3,684,002 | | | 2023 | $627,672 | $1,532,992 | $589,264 | $2,749,928 | | Sara K. Hyzer | 2025 | $291,943 | $712,532 | $193,501 | $1,197,976 | | | 2024 | $217,874 | $550,618 | $175,465 | $943,957 | | | 2023 | $144,706 | $353,422 | $170,160 | $668,288 | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | 2025 | $158,001 | $385,627 | $159,827 | 703,455 | | | 2024 | $145,184 | $366,914 | $151,990 | $664,088 | | | 2023 | $132,661 | $324,004 | $147,188 | $603,853 | | William B. Noble | 2025 | $109,386 | $266,973 | $198,276 | $574,634 | | | 2024 | $108,937 | $275,309 | $184,815 | $569,061 | | | 2023 | $108,571 | $265,168 | $193,642 | $567,382 | | Patricia Q. Olsem | 2025 | $189,751 | $463,116 | $206,569 | $859,435 | | | 2024 | $188,877 | $477,334 | $200,134 | $866,344 | | | 2023 | $181,008 | $442,084 | $187,346 | $810,438 |
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
3Amounts reported as Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation represent annual cash incentive compensation payouts as described in CD&A section of this Proxy Statement under the heading, GRP. Threshold, target and maximum payouts for each of the NEOs for fiscal year 2025 are set forth below in the table under the heading, Grants of Plan-Based Awards - Fiscal Year 2025. 4All Other Compensation for each of the NEOs includes the following items: (i) employer profit sharing and matching contributions to the Company’s 401(k) Plan, except for Mr. Noble, who received an In Lieu Benefit defined below (“Retirement Benefits”); (ii) dividend equivalent amounts paid to Messrs. Brass and Noble and Ms. Olsem for vested DPUs that will not be settled in shares until termination of employment (“Dividend Equivalents”); (iii) perquisites and benefits which include group life, medical, dental, vision, wellness and other insurance benefits (“Welfare Benefits”); (iv) a taxable payment made to Mr. Noble in lieu of a retirement plan contribution under the U.K. retirement benefit program that would, if contributed to the retirement plan, result in adverse tax consequences to Mr. Noble (“In Lieu Benefit”); and (v) vehicle allowance costs which include lease or depreciation expense, fuel, maintenance and insurance costs, except for Mr. Noble, who received a cash allowance and fuel (“Vehicle Allowance”). The following table specifies the amounts included in All Other Compensation for fiscal year 2025 for each of the NEOs:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
| Named Executive Officer | Retirement Benefits | Dividend Equivalents | Welfare Benefits | Vehicle Allowance | Total All Other Compensation | | Steven A. Brass | $58,056 | $400 | $46,534 | $20,069 | $125,059 | | Sara K. Hyzer | $58,056 | $- | $29,163 | $19,800 | $107,019 | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | $58,056 | $- | $28,384 | $18,208 | $104,648 | | William B. Noble | $- | $16,765 | $13,654 | $19,850 | $50,269 | | Patricia Q. Olsem | $58,056 | $329 | $43,213 | $19,080 | $120,678 |
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
5Mr. Noble was not an NEO for the fiscal year 2023. Accordingly, only his compensation for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2024 and 2025 are presented. As an employee of the Company’s U.K. subsidiary, he is paid and/or receives benefits in GBP, and amounts shown have been converted to USD at average annual exchange rate for fiscal year 2025 of 1.309 per GBP.
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our NEOs for each of the fiscal years ended August 31, 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021, and our financial performance for each such fiscal year. The tabular and narrative disclosures provided are intended to be calculated in a manner consistent with applicable SEC rules and may reflect reasonable estimates and assumptions where appropriate.
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE
| Fiscal Year | Summary Compensation Table Total PEO(1) | Compensation Actually Paid to PEO(1)(2) | Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs(1) | Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs (1)(2) | Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based On: | | Net Income (in 000s)(4) | Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP (in 000s)(5) | | | | | | | Total Shareholder Return (3) | Peer Group Total Shareholder Return (3) | | | | (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | | 2025 | $4,266,899 | $1,479,081 | $1,137,795 | $655,935 | $114.01 | $151.51 | $90,994 | $107,927 | | 2024 | $3,660,174 | $4,970,863 | $1,076,687 | $1,363,462 | $136.49 | $141.98 | $69,644 | $108,567 | | 2023 | $2,458,653 | $2,715,405 | $817,106 | $865,284 | $109.96 | $121.63 | $65,993 | $94,734 | | 2022 | $3,632,413 | $3,455,230 | $945,276 | $723,034 | $95.05 | $118.07 | $67,329 | $93,258 | | 2021 | $3,729,888 | $4,241,228 | $1,267,213 | $1,490,577 | $118.59 | $145.58 | $70,229 | $105,932 |
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE
| Fiscal Year | Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) | Non-PEO NEOs | | 2025 | Steven A. Brass | Sara K. Hyzer, Jeffrey G. Lindeman, William B. Noble, and Patricia Q. Olsem | | 2024 | Steven A. Brass | Sara K. Hyzer, Jeffrey G. Lindeman, William B. Noble, and Patricia Q. Olsem | | 2023 | Steven A. Brass | Jay W. Rembolt, Sara K. Hyzer, Phenix Q. Kiamilev, Jeffrey G. Lindeman, and Patricia Q. Olsem | | 2022 | Garry O. Ridge | Steven A. Brass, Jay W. Rembolt, Phenix Q. Kiamilev, and Patricia Q. Olsem | | 2021 | Garry O. Ridge | Steven A. Brass, Jay W. Rembolt, William B. Noble, and Patricia Q. Olsem |
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE
2 In calculating the “compensation actually paid” amounts reflected in these columns, the fair value or change in fair value, as applicable, of the equity award adjustments included in such calculations were computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Time-vested RSU grant date fair values are calculated using the stock price as of the date of grant. In accordance with the relevant rules, the fair values were remeasured as of the end of each fiscal year and as of each vesting date, during the years displayed in the table, using the stock price as of fiscal year end and as of each vesting date, respectively. Performance-based market share unit (“MSU”) fair values are calculated based on the Monte-Carlo valuation model as of the date of grant. Adjustments have been made using performance-based market share unit fair values as of each measurement date using the stock price as of the measurement date and updated Monte-Carlo assumptions. Performance-vested restricted stock (“PSU”) fair values are valued at zero at each respective measurement date, given all outstanding PSUs were accrued at and estimated to be earned below threshold (i.e., all shares forfeited) as of each respective measurement date. We provide information regarding the assumptions used to calculate the valuation of the awards in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 27, 2025. In the calculation of “Compensation Actually Paid” and presented in the table, the following amounts were deducted and added:
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE
| Fiscal Year | Named Executive Officer | Summary Compensation Table | Grant Date Fair Value of Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | Year End Fair Value of Unvested Awards Granted in Fiscal Year | Change in Fair Value of Unvested Prior Year Awards | Change in Fair Value of Vested Prior Year Awards | Value of Awards Granted and Vested in Fiscal Year | Fair Value of Prior Year Awards Canceled as of Prior FYE | Total Equity Adjustments | Compensation Actually Paid | | | | (a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h)=(c)+(d)+(e)+(f)+(g) | = (a)-(b)+(h) | | 2025 | PEO | $4,266,899 | $3,242,147 | $2,111,234 | $(1,664,959) | $8,054 | $— | $— | $454,329 | $1,479,081 | | | Non-PEO NEOs | $1,137,795 | $415,801 | $270,764 | $(338,710) | $1,887 | $— | $— | $(66,059) | $655,935 |
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE TABLE
3 The Company Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) and the Company’s Peer Group TSR reflected in these columns for each applicable fiscal year is calculated based on a fixed investment of $100 at the applicable measurement point on the same cumulative basis as is used in Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K. The peer group used to determine the Company’s Peer Group TSR for each applicable fiscal year is the following published industry index, as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2025 pursuant to Item 201(e) of Regulation S-K: Russell 2000® Index (“Russell 2000”). The Russell 2000 was chosen because we do not believe we can reasonably identify any other industry index or specific peer issuer that would offer a meaningful comparison. 4 Represents the amount of net income reflected in the Company’s audited financial statements for the year indicated. 5 We have selected Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP as our most important financial measure (that is not otherwise required to be disclosed in the table) used to link “compensation actually paid” to our NEOs to Company performance for fiscal year 2025. Global Adjusted EBITDA is used by the Compensation Committee and the Company as part of its calculation to determine GRP earned and as the sole measure for determining the level of achievement for vesting of PSUs. See additional information in the CD&A section of the Proxy Statement, including for the definition of Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 2025
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 2025 In addition to base salary and GRP for fiscal year 2025, NEOs were granted RSU, MSU and PSU awards under the Company’s A&R 2016 Stock Incentive Plan as shown in the table below. Descriptions of the RSU and MSU awards are provided above in the CD&A section under the heading, Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) Compensation Overview, and a description of PSU awards are provided under the heading, PSU Awards. The table also provides threshold, target, and maximum payout information relating to the Company’s fiscal year 2025 GRP.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 2025
| | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards1 | | | Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards2 | | | | | | Name | Grant Date | Threshold ($) | Target ($) | Maximum ($) | Threshold (#) | Target (#) | Maximum (#) | All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units3 (#) | Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Options Awards4 ($) | | Steven A. Brass | 10/03/2024 | $1 | $680,000 | $1,360,000 | | | | | | | | 10/03/2024 (MSU) | | | | 2,943 | 5,887 | 11,774 | | $1,781,936 | | | 10/03/2024 (RSU) | | | | | | | 5,887 | $1,460,211 | | | 10/03/2024 (PSU) | | | | 133 | | 2,669 | | $- | | Sara K. Hyzer | 10/03/2024 | $1 | $196,293 | $392,585 | | | | | | | | 10/03/2024 (MSU) | | | | 588 | 1,177 | 2,354 | | $356,266 | | | 10/03/2024 (RSU) | | | | | | | 1,177 | $291,943 | | | 10/03/2024 (PSU) | | | | 38 | | 770 | | - | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | 10/03/2024 | $1 | $162,225 | $324,450 | | | | | | | | 10/03/2024 (MSU) | | | | 318 | 637 | 1,274 | | $192,814 | | | 10/03/2024 (RSU) | | | | | | | 637 | $158,001 | | | 10/03/2024 (PSU) | | | | 31 | | 636 | | $- | | William B. Noble | 10/03/2024 | $1 | $209,140 | $418,280 | | | | | | | | 10/03/2024 (MSU) | | | | 220 | 441 | 882 | | $133,486 | | | 10/03/2024 (RSU) | | | | | | | 441 | $109,386 | | | 10/03/2024 (PSU) | | | | 39 | | 789 | | - | | Patricia Q. Olsem | 10/03/2024 | $1 | $209,605 | $419,210 | | | | | | | | 10/03/2024 (MSU) | | | | 382 | 765 | 1,530 | | $231,558 | | | 10/03/2024 (RSU) | | | | | | | 765 | $189,751 | | | 10/03/2024 (PSU) | | | | 41 | | 822 | | - |
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS - FISCAL YEAR 2025
1The Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards represent Threshold, Target and Maximum payouts under the Company GRP awards payable for fiscal year 2025 performance. The Target amount represents 50% of the Maximum payout for each NEO. The Maximum amount represents the annual non-equity incentive compensation opportunity for each NEO that assumes full achievement of the GRP performance measures (as more fully discussed above in the CD&A section under the heading, GRP) and attainment by the Company of a level of Global Adjusted EBITDA Post-GRP sufficient to maximize GRP payouts. 2The Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards represent the Threshold, Target, and/or Maximum number of shares to be issued upon performance vesting of MSU and PSU awards as described in the CD&A section under the heading, Equity Compensation. There is no applicable Target number of shares for PSU awards to be earned by the NEOs. 3All Other Stock Awards represent RSUs described in the CD&A section under the heading, Equity Compensation. 4Information relating to the amounts disclosed as the Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards is included in footnote 1 to the Summary Compensation Table above.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2025 FISCAL YEAR END
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2025 FISCAL YEAR END The following table provides detailed information concerning the RSU and MSU awards that were not vested as of the fiscal year end, August 31, 2025, for each of the NEOs:
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2025 FISCAL YEAR END
| | Stock Awards | | | | | Named Executive Officer | Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#)1 | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)2 | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#)3 | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)2 | | Steven A. Brass | 10,091 | $2,180,060 | 24,559 | $5,305,726 | | Sara K. Hyzer | 2,202 | $475,720 | 5,473 | $1,182,387 | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | 1,392 | $300,728 | 3,577 | $772,775 | | William B. Noble | 1,025 | $221,441 | 2,666 | $575,963 | | Patricia Q. Olsem | 1,764 | $381,095 | 4,578 | $989,031 |
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2025 FISCAL YEAR END
1Represents RSU awards to the NEOs that were not vested as of the fiscal year end. 2The Market Value of the shares or units that were not vested as of the fiscal year end is based on $216.04 per share or unit, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on August 31, 2025. 3Represents the maximum number of shares to be issued with respect to MSU awards granted in fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to the NEOs that were not vested as of the fiscal year end. The maximum number of shares to be issued with respect to MSU awards equals the number of shares to be issued with respect to the MSU awards upon achievement of the highest level of achievement for such MSU awards as described above in the CD&A section under the heading, Equity Compensation. MSU awards granted in fiscal year 2023 are included at 103.5% of the units granted on October 10, 2022 because such MSUs did not vest until after the fiscal year end (on October 9, 2025 when the Compensation Committee certified the level of performance achieved).
STOCK VESTED – FISCAL YEAR 2025
STOCK VESTED – FISCAL YEAR 2025 Equity awards to our executive officers are granted to satisfy goals for executive officer retention, to provide incentives for current and future performance, and to meet objectives for overall levels of compensation and pay mix. RSU, MSU and PSU awards were granted to the NEOs by the Compensation Committee in October 2024. All of the equity awards are set forth below in the table under the heading, Grants of Plan-Based Awards - Fiscal Year 2025. In establishing award levels for the NEOs for fiscal year 2025, the Compensation Committee placed emphasis on long-term retention goals and desired incentives for current and future contributions. The following table sets forth the number of shares of the Company’s common stock acquired upon the vesting of RSU and MSU awards in the Company’s last fiscal year and the aggregate dollar value realized with respect to such vested RSU and MSU awards. No shares of stock were issued with respect to PSU awards granted on October 3, 2024 that would have vested on August 31, 2025 had performance targets been attained.
STOCK VESTED – FISCAL YEAR 2025
| | Stock Awards | | | Named Executive Officer | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting1 | Value Realized on Vesting2 | | Steven A. Brass | 2,652 | $699,783 | | Sara K. Hyzer | 747 | $197,111 | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | 643 | $169,669 | | William B. Noble | 504 | $132,990 | | Patricia Q. Olsem | 1,182 | $311,895 |
STOCK VESTED – FISCAL YEAR 2025
1The Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting represents shares of the Company’s common stock issued on October 22, 2024 upon vesting of RSU and MSU awards. 2The Value Realized on Vesting for the RSUs and MSUs on October 22, 2024 is calculated based on the number of vested RSU and MSU awards multiplied by the closing price of $263.87 for the Company’s common stock on such date.
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION – FISCAL YEAR 2025
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION – FISCAL YEAR 2025 The following table provides information concerning compensation received by the NEOs that is subject to deferral under applicable RSU and DPU award agreements:
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION – FISCAL YEAR 2025
| Named Executive Officer | Aggregate Earnings in Last FY1 ($) | Aggregate Balance at Last FYE2 ($) | | Steven A. Brass | $5,054 | $23,332 | | Sara K. Hyzer | $— | $— | | Jeffrey G. Lindeman | $— | $— | | William B. Noble | $198,947 | $918,386 | | Patricia Q. Olsem | $4,165 | $19,228 |
NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION – FISCAL YEAR 2025
1The Aggregate Earnings in Last FY represents the increase in value from August 31, 2024 to August 31, 2025 of the shares underlying deferred settlement of RSUs and vested DPUs held by each NEO that will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock following termination of employment as disclosed in footnotes to the table under the heading, Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. The number of such deferred settlement of RSUs and vested DPUs for each NEO was multiplied by the difference in the closing price of the Company’s common stock on August 31, 2025 of $216.04 and on August 31, 2024 of $262.84, a decrease in value of $46.80 per share. Amounts shown are not included as compensation in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal year 2025. 2The Aggregate Balance at Last FYE represents the value as of August 31, 2025 of the deferred settlement of RSUs and any vested DPUs held by each NEO as noted in these footnotes. The value for each deferred settlement of RSU and each vested DPU is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on August 31, 2025, which was $216.04 per share. The underlying deferred settlement of RSUs and vested DPUs were included in prior disclosures for the NEOs to the extent that the NEOs were included in Summary Compensation Table disclosures for the years in which such awards were first granted to the NEOs.
CEO PAY RATIO
CEO PAY RATIO As required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the SEC, the pay ratio of the total annual compensation of our CEO, Mr. Brass, to that of the Company’s “median employee” for fiscal year 2025 was approximately 38:1. To determine the CEO pay ratio, the total annual compensation for the median employee for fiscal year 2025 was calculated to be $113,343, which included the same elements of compensation required to be in the Summary Compensation Table, and was calculated in the same manner as the CEO’s total annual compensation, which was $4,266,899 for fiscal year 2025. We identified the Company’s median employee from all employees of the Company (excluding the CEO) as of August 31, 2025. Employees included full-time, part-time and temporary employees and fixed term contract employees at such time. To identify the Company’s median employee in fiscal year 2025, we calculated total compensation for fiscal year 2025 for each employee other than the CEO by including salary or regular hourly wages paid in the fiscal year, annual cash incentive compensation paid during the fiscal year under the Company’s GRP, and the grant date value of RSUs and MSUs granted to employees in the fiscal year. Compensation paid to employees who were hired after the beginning of fiscal year 2025 or who terminated prior to the end of the fiscal year 2025 was not annualized. For employees who received compensation denominated in a foreign currency, such amounts were converted to USD using average annual exchange rates as of August 31, 2025. As of August 31, 2025, the Company employed 714 employees located in 18 countries. The Company’s median employee is located in the U.S.