CEDAR FAIR L P
10-Ks and 10-Qs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. ___)
Filed by the Registrant
x
Filed by a Party other than Registrant
o
Check the appropriate box:
o
Preliminary Proxy Statement
o
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
x
Definitive Proxy Statement
o
Definitive Additional Materials
o
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
|
CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
|
|
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
|
|
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
|
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x
No fee required
o
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
|
(1
|
)
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
|
|
|
(4
|
)
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
Total fee paid:
|
|
o
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for
which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the
Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
|
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
|
|
|
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
|
|
|
(3) Filing Party:
|
|
|
(4) Date Filed
|
|
One Cedar Point Drive
Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF LIMITED PARTNER UNITHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 4, 2014
The annual meeting of the limited partner unitholders of Cedar Fair, L.P. will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) at the Westin Cincinnati in Cincinnati, Ohio. All unitholders are invited to attend the meeting. The meeting is called for the following purposes:
|
1.
|
To elect three (3) Class III Directors of the general partner to serve for a three-year term expiring in 2017 from those nominees nominated in accordance with our Partnership Agreement.
|
|
2.
|
To confirm the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.
|
|
3.
|
To hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers.
|
|
4.
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
|
Only limited partners who held units as of the close of business on April 15, 2014, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting and at any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.
|
CEDAR FAIR MANAGEMENT, INC.
|
|
|
Matthew A. Ouimet
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
Sandusky, Ohio
April 23, 2014
Your vote is important and we encourage you to vote promptly, even if you plan to attend the annual meeting. You may vote your units via a toll-free telephone number or over the Internet or you may sign, date and mail the proxy card in the envelope provided. If you attend the meeting, you may revoke the proxy and vote in person on all matters brought before the meeting.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
Page
|
||
|
1
|
|
|
|
General
|
1
|
|
|
Time and Place
|
1
|
|
|
Matters to be Considered
|
1
|
|
|
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Unitholder Meeting To Be Held on June 4, 2014
|
1
|
|
|
Voting Process
|
1
|
|
|
Record Date; Voting Rights; Quorum; Vote Required
|
2
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
Board of Directors
|
7
|
|
|
Communication with the Board
|
7
|
|
|
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
|
7
|
|
|
Board Committees
|
8
|
|
|
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
|
9
|
|
|
Unit Ownership Guidelines
|
9
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
|
10
|
|
|
Summary Compensation Table For 2013
|
23
|
|
|
Grants of Plan Based Awards Table For 2013
|
25
|
|
|
Narrative to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Tables
|
26
|
|
|
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End For 2013
|
30
|
|
|
Option Exercises and Units Vested in 2013
|
32
|
|
|
Pension Benefits For 2013
|
33
|
|
|
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
|
33
|
|
|
Director Compensation
|
46
|
|
|
47
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
49
|
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
Audit Fees
|
51
|
|
|
Audit-Related Fees
|
51
|
|
|
Tax Fees
|
52
|
|
|
Other Fees
|
52
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
THE ANNUAL MEETING
General
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the limited partner unitholders of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the “Partnership”) by the Board of Directors of its general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc. (“CFMI”), for use at the annual meeting. We intend to mail a printed copy of this proxy statement and proxy card to our unitholders of record entitled to vote at the annual meeting on or about April 23, 2014.
Time and Place
The annual meeting will be held at the Westin Cincinnati located at 21 East 5th Street, in Cincinnati, Ohio on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Attendees must present a personal form of identification and, if you hold units through a brokerage account, bank or other nominee, you must present a recent statement or other proof of ownership to be admitted.
Matters to be Considered
At the annual meeting, the limited partners will be asked to:
|
•
|
elect three (3) Class III Directors of the general partner to serve for a three-year term expiring in 2017 from those nominees nominated in accordance with our Partnership Agreement;
|
|
•
|
confirm the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm;
|
|
•
|
hold an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers; and
|
|
•
|
vote on any other matters that may be properly raised at the annual meeting.
|
It is not anticipated that any other matters will be raised at the annual meeting.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Unitholder Meeting To Be Held on June 4, 2014
The proxy statement and our annual report on Form 10-K are available free of charge at www.cedarfair.com/ir/proxy.
Voting Process
You may vote in person at the annual meeting or through a proxy. However, even if you plan to attend the annual meeting in person, the Board urges you to submit your vote as soon as possible by mail, telephone or the Internet. The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate votes cast by use of a personal identification number. These procedures allow unitholders to appoint a proxy to vote their units and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded. Instructions for voting by telephone and over the Internet are included on the accompanying proxy card, which solicits proxies on behalf of the Board of CFMI. All of the Partnership units represented by proxies properly received prior to or at the annual meeting and not revoked will be voted in accordance with the instructions indicated in the proxies. If you own units directly and submit a proxy, on or as instructed in the accompanying form, but do not provide voting instructions on your proxy, the units represented by your proxy will be voted for the election as Class III Directors of the Board's nominees, Ms. France and Messrs. Ouimet and Klein and in favor of each of Proposals 2 and 3 and in the discretion of the proxies upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting, in each case whether or not any other nominations are properly made at the meeting.
If you hold units indirectly in a brokerage account or through a bank or other nominee, you are considered to be the beneficial owner of units held in “street name” and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker or nominee. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker how to vote. Under New York Stock Exchange rules, unless you furnish specific voting instructions, your broker is not permitted to vote your units on the election of a director or on the advisory vote on executive compensation. Your broker is permitted to vote your units on the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm, even if you do not furnish voting instructions. If your units are held in “street name,” your broker or other nominee may have procedures that will permit you to vote by telephone or electronically through the Internet.
1
Any proxy given on the accompanying form or through the Internet or telephone may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before it is voted. Proxies may be revoked, or the votes reflected in the proxy changed, by submitting a properly executed later-dated proxy to our Corporate Secretary at One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, before the vote is taken at the annual meeting or attending the annual meeting and voting in person. If your units are voted through your broker or other nominee, you must follow directions received from your broker or other nominee to change your voting instructions.
If you have more questions about the proposals or if you would like additional copies of this document you should call or write:
Morrow & Co., LLC
470 West Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902
Please call: (203) 658-9400 or
Call toll free at: (800) 662-5200 or (800) 607-0088
email: FUN.team@morrowco.com
web address: www.morrowco.com
Record Date; Voting Rights; Quorum; Vote Required
CFMI has fixed the close of business on April 15, 2014 as the record date for unitholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting. Only holders of record of units on the record date are entitled to notice of the annual meeting and to vote at the annual meeting. Each holder of record of limited partner units as of the record date is entitled to cast one vote per unit on each of the proposals. You may obtain directions on attending the annual meeting and voting in person by calling our Investor Relations Department at (419) 627-2233.
The presence in person or by proxy of holders of a majority of the units entitled to vote at the annual meeting will constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business. In case a quorum is not present, the meeting may be adjourned without notice other than an announcement at the time of the adjournment of the date, time and place of the adjourned meeting. The nominees receiving the greatest number of votes cast for the election of Directors by the units represented at the annual meeting in person or by proxy will be elected. The affirmative vote of a majority of the units represented at the annual meeting in person or by proxy is required to confirm the Audit Committee's appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2014. The advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers requires the affirmative vote of a majority of units represented in person or by proxy and voting at the annual meeting. The vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board. However, the Compensation Committee will consider the voting results when making future decisions regarding executive compensation as it deems appropriate.
Abstentions will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the annual meeting, will be counted as votes cast and will have the effect of a vote against a proposal. Broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum but will not be counted as votes cast.
As of April 15, 2014, there were approximately 55,834,875 units outstanding and entitled to vote at the annual meeting, held by approxim
ately 6,300 holders o
f record. As of April 11, 2014, the Directors and executive officers of the general partner and their affiliates beneficially owned 740,486 units (which includes 207,390 vested options), or approximately 1.3% of the total units outstanding on that date. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.”
2
PROPOSAL ONE. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of CFMI currently is comprised of nine directors. The Directors are divided into three classes: Class I, Class II, and Class III, and each class consists of three Directors. The terms of the Directors in Class III expire at this annual meeting. Our current Class III Directors are Gina D. France, Matthew A. Ouimet and Tom Klein.
At this meeting, Gina D. France, Matthew A. Ouimet and Tom Klein are nominated by the Board for election as Class III Directors to serve for three-year terms expiring at the annual meeting in 2017 and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has recommended, and the Board of Directors unanimously has approved, the nomination of Ms. France and Messrs. Ouimet and Klein, to whom we refer in this proxy statement as the Board's nominees.
The Board believes that the attributes, skills and qualifications that Ms. France and Messrs. Ouimet and Klein have developed through their extensive leadership experience across finance, hotel, travel, leisure and consumer-facing industries and their unique insights and perspectives make them exceptionally qualified to serve on the Board. Ms. France and Mr. Klein will qualify as “independent” directors under the NYSE rules and our Corporate Governance Guidelines. Mr. Ouimet is not "independent" as he serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Partnership.
Each nominee has agreed to stand for election and has consented to being named in this proxy statement and to serve if elected. While the Partnership has no reason to believe that any of its nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve as a Director at the time of the annual meeting, in the unlikely event that any of them does not stand for election, the Board may reduce the number of Directors standing for election, or the proxies may use the accompanying proxy to vote for a replacement nominee recommended by the Board, whether or not any other nominations are properly made at the meeting. The nominees who receive the greatest number of votes cast for the election of Director at the annual meeting by the units present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote will be elected. Set forth below is biographical and other information about the Board's nominees and the continuing Directors, including information concerning the particular experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Board to determine that each should serve as a Director.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR these nominees.
Nominees recommended by the Board for election as Class III Directors serving until 2017:
Gina D. France
, age 55, is president and CEO of France Strategic Partners LLC, a private strategic planning and transaction advisory firm. Before founding France Strategic Partners, Ms. France was a Managing Director with Ernst & Young LLP and led the firm’s Center for Strategic Transactions
®
(CST) in Cleveland, Ohio. Ms. France previously served as a managing director of Ernst & Young Corporate Finance LLC and as an investment banker with Lehman Brothers. Ms. France also serves on the Corporate Board of FirstMerit Corporation (NYSE:FMER), a $24.5 billion bank holding company, where she is chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee and serves as an SEC-designated financial expert on the Audit Committee; and has served as a Director of Dawn Food Products, Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of bakery products. Ms. France was recommended to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee by third-party advisors to the Partnership. Ms. France, who has served as a Director since 2011, is the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Ms. France is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors because of her leadership experiences in the investment banking, accounting and financial services field and her experiences as a board member of several nationally recognized companies.
Matthew A. Ouimet,
age 55, has been president of the Partnership’s General Partner since June 2011 and chief executive officer since January 2012, and a member of the Board of Directors since August 2011. Mr. Ouimet was president and chief operating officer for Corinthian Colleges (NASDAQ:COCO), a publicly traded company that owns and manages for-profit colleges throughout the United States and Canada, from July 2009 to October 2010 and was executive vice president-operations for Corinthian Colleges from January 2009 to June 2009. Prior to joining Corinthian Colleges, he served as president, Hotel Group for Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide (NYSE:HOT) from August 2006 to September 2008. Before joining Starwood, Mr. Ouimet spent 17 years at The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), where he last served as President of the Disneyland Resort. He also served in a
3
variety of other business development and financial positions during his employment with Disney, including president of Disney Cruise Line and executive general manager of Disney Vacation Club. This experience, Mr. Ouimet’s leadership and management skills and his insights as Cedar Fair’s president and chief executive officer provide guidance, operational knowledge and management perspective to the Board.
Tom Klein,
age 51, has been president of Sabre Holdings, a global technology company, since January 2010. Prior to joining Sabre in 1994, he held a variety of sales, marketing and operations positions at American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL) and Consolidated Freightways, Inc. In 2006 and 2007, he was recognized by Business Travel News as one of the “25 Most Influential Executives.” In 2010, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for Brand USA by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke. He also serves on the executive committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council. Mr. Klein has served as a Director since January 2012 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Klein is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result of his experience as president of a company in the technology and travel industry and brings an understanding of distribution and technology solutions to the Board.
Class II Directors serving until 2015:
Daniel J. Hanrahan
, age 56, brings more than 30 years of experience, including a variety of sales and marketing, general manager, president and chief executive officer roles across the consumer packaged goods, retail, travel and hospitality sectors. Since August 2012 he has served as the president and chief executive officer and director of the Regis Corporation (NYSE: RGS) a global leader in beauty salons and cosmetology. Prior to joining Regis he served as president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, a cruise line and division of Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE: RCL) from 2007 to 2012. He was promoted to president in 2005 and to CEO in 2007 after his highly successful management of the sales and marketing division for Royal Caribbean. Prior to joining Royal Caribbean, Mr. Hanrahan served in executive-level positions with Polaroid Corporation and Reebok International Ltd. In 2004, he was named one of the “Top 25 Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales and Marketing” by Hospitality and Sales Marketing Association International. Mr. Hanrahan has served as a Director since June 2012 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committee. Mr. Hanrahan is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result of his significant executive-level experience across a wide spectrum of consumer-facing brands, including in the retail, travel and hospitality sectors, as well as his over 30 years of experience in sales and marketing.
Lauri M. Shanahan,
age 51, is a seasoned retail executive with more than 20 years of broad-based experience across global, multi-channel, multi-brand enterprises as well as other retail and consumer product companies, including Gap, Inc. (NYSE:GPS). She joined Gap, Inc., a leading global apparel retail company, in 1992 and served in numerous leadership roles including Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Legal Officer and corporate secretary during her 16-year career with the company. She currently serves on the board of directors and Chairs the Compensation Committees of Deckers Outdoor Corporation, (NASDAQ:DECK) a footwear, accessories and apparel lifestyle company with a portfolio of premium brands and over $1.3B in revenues, and Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc., a retailer of fashionable, value-priced women’s apparel, footwear and accessories with over 500 stores. In addition, Ms. Shanahan is a principal with Maroon Peak Advisors, which provides a broad range of advisory services in the retail and consumer products sector. In December of 2012, Ms. Shanahan was also appointed to the California State Personnel Board. Ms. Shanahan has served as a Director since June 2012 and is member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Ms. Shanahan is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result of her substantial public company management and leadership experience in the consumer goods and retail industries, which includes strategic, operational, legal and risk oversight experience, as well as her experience on the two boards on which she currently serves.
Debra Smithart-Oglesby,
age 59, is a former certified public accountant with more than 30 years of financial and corporate leadership experience in the food service and retail industries. Since 2006, she has served as the chair of the Board of Directors of Denny’s Corporation (NASDAQ:DENN), a full-service, family-style restaurant chain with approximately 1,700 eateries throughout the United States and nine countries. She joined the Denny’s Board in 2003 and was the company’s interim chief executive officer in 2010-2011. Since 2000, she has been the president of O&S Partners, an investment capital and consulting services firm that invests in and provides consulting services to early-stage and transitioning hospitality and retail companies. Prior to joining O&S, Ms. Smithart-Oglesby helped to launch Dekor, Inc., a start-up company in the home improvement and decorating retail segment, as its chief financial officer. From 1997 to 1999, she was the president, corporate services and chief financial officer of First America Automotive, Inc., a new and used car retailer sold to Sonic Automotive. Prior to
4
that, she spent 13 years as the executive vice president and chief financial officer for Brinker International (NASDAQ:EAT), one of the world’s leading casual dining restaurant companies. She held the position of chief financial officer and served on the Brinker Board from 1991 to 1997. Ms. Smithart-Oglesby has served as a Director since June 2012 and is a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees. Ms. Smithart-Oglesby is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result of the extensive management and leadership skills she has developed through her executive and board-level experience in the hospitality and retail industry, as well as her experience as a former certified public accountant for more than 30 years.
Class I Directors serving until 2016:
Eric L. Affeldt,
age 56, has been president and chief executive officer of ClubCorp Inc. (NYSE: MYCC), which owns or operates a network of golf and country clubs, business clubs, sports clubs and alumni clubs, since 2006. Prior to joining ClubCorp, he was a principal of KSL Capital Partners, the private equity firm that purchased ClubCorp in 2006. Mr. Affeldt also previously served as president and CEO of KSL’s former golf division, KSL Fairways, vice president and general manager of Doral Golf Resort and Spa in Miami and the combined PGA West and La Quinta Resort and Club in California and was a founding partner of KSL Recreation. In addition, he was president of General Aviation Holdings, Inc. Mr. Affeldt was selected as the non executive Chairman of the Board in 2012 and has served as a Director since 2010. Mr. Affeldt is an ex-officio member of the Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Affeldt is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result of his experience as president and CEO of a nationally recognized company that conducts business in the entertainment and leisure industry.
John M. Scott, III,
age 48, has served as president and chief executive officer and a director of Orient-Express Hotels Ltd.(NYSE:OEH), a company engaged in the hotel, restaurant, tourist train and cruise businesses, since November of 2012. Prior to joining Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., he served as president and chief executive officer of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, an international luxury hotel and resort company, from 2003 through August 2011. Prior to that he was the managing director of acquisitions and asset management for Maritz, Wolff & Co., a private equity real estate fund. Mr. Scott began his career with the Interpacific Group where he held senior hotel management positions and in 1994 joined the Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) as manager of business development and strategic planning for both Disney Development Company and Walt Disney Attractions groups. Mr. Scott served on the board of Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, a private company until 2012. Mr. Scott is the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and has served as a Director since 2010. Mr. Scott is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result of his past experience as president and CEO of a nationally recognized company that conducts business in the hotel industry.
D. Scott Olivet
, age 51, is the chief executive officer of Renegade Brands, an investment company that primarily invests in apparel and other consumer companies, and the executive chairman of RED Digital Cinema, an American manufacturer of digital cinematography tools, a position he has held since July 2009. Mr. Olivet was the non-executive chairman of Collective Brands, a parent company that owns shoe retailers and manufacturers, from June 2011 to October 2012. From 2005 to July 2009, Mr. Olivet served as chief executive officer and director of Oakley, a manufacturer of sports performance equipment, and from July 2009 to February 2011 served as its chairman of the board. Prior to joining Oakley, Mr. Olivet served as vice president of NIKE (NYSE:NKE) Subsidiaries and New Business Development where he was responsible for the Hurley, Converse, Cole Haan, Bauer Hockey, and Starter brands; senior vice president of Real Estate, Store Design, and Construction with Gap Inc. with responsibility across Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy brands; and as a partner with Bain & Company where he was also the leader of the worldwide practice in organizational effectiveness and change management. He has served as a director of RED Digital Cinema Camera Company since 2006, a director of Skullcandy (NASDAQ: SKUL) serving as a member of its audit committee and chair of the compensation committee since 2011, a trustee of Pomona College since 2009 and vice-chair of its audit committee since 2011, and a director of the Pacific Council on International Policy since July 2010. He served as a director of Collective Brands from 2006 to 2012. Mr. Olivet holds a B.A. from Pomona College and an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. Mr. Olivet has served as a Director since 2013 and is a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Olivet is qualified to serve on the Board of Directors primarily as a result his particular knowledge and professional experience in retail, merchandising, marketing, finance, strategy, technology, international business, and multi-division general management experience from his past public board experience and service as president and CEO of a nationally recognized company that conducts business in the retail industry.
5
PROPOSAL TWO. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”) as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for 2014 and requests that our unitholders confirm that appointment. Deloitte audited our consolidated financial statements and our internal control over financial reporting for 2013. A representative of Deloitte will be present at the annual meeting and will be given an opportunity to make a statement and to respond to appropriate questions.
If our unitholders do not confirm our appointment of Deloitte, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain Deloitte, and may retain that firm or another firm without re-submitting the matter to our unitholders. In all cases, the Audit Committee retains its right to appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our best interests and the interests of our unitholders. The affirmative vote of a majority of the units represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting is required for ratification.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR Proposal Two to confirm the Audit Committee's appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2014.
PROPOSAL THREE. ADVISORY VOTE ON OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
We are seeking an advisory vote of our unitholders on the compensation of our named executive officers, which we are providing as required pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. As recommended by our unitholders and approved by the Board, we provide this opportunity annually, and the next unitholder advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers will occur at our 2015 annual meeting. We encourage you to review the detailed information regarding our named executive officer compensation provided in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section and the executive compensation tables and related narratives included in this proxy statement.
Cedar Fair has a long-standing tradition of delivering results for our unitholders, and we believe that our compensation program is structured to best support that continued growth and success. The compensation paid to our named executive officers for 2013 reflected the record breaking results that we achieved in 2013 and our successes in recruitment and retention. Performance highlights for 2013 are provided in detail on page 11 in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section.
In 2013, in line with our previously communicated plan to migrate away from a cash based philosophy to a more performance based approach, our executive compensation program was updated to increase the percentage of performance based units from 25% to 50% of the total equity compensation mix.
We also undertook an annual review of our executive compensation program to identify ways to further improve our program, to maintain best practices and the integrity of our compensation process. As a result of that review, we made the following modifications, updates and changes to our compensation program, which we implemented in 2014:
|
•
|
Increased the performance threshold for the payout under our short term incentive program from 85% to 90% of target consolidated Adjusted EBITDA goal for the annual cash incentive program with no payout under such program if the threshold is not met or if we are unable to pay distributions to our unitholders due to loan covenants;
|
|
•
|
Improved share usage efficiency and increased alignment of management's financial interest with unitholder interests through long-term incentive program modifications, including adjusting the mix of long-term incentive compensation to eliminate the utilization of unit options and increase performance units to 60% and time based restricted units to 40% of the equity compensation mix.
|
6
We ask that you support the compensation of our named executive officers. Although this vote is advisory and nonbinding in nature, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinion of our unitholders and will consider the voting results when determining our compensation policies, philosophy and arrangements in the future.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR Proposal Three to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers, as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section, the compensation tables and the related narratives in this proxy statement.
BOARD MATTERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Board met five times in 2013. Committees of the Board met from time to time upon call of the Chairman of the Board or individual Committee Chairs. During 2013, each Director attended at least 75% of all of the meetings of the Board, inclusive of committee meetings. Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board, meetings of the Committees on which they serve and the annual meeting absent occasional, unavoidable circumstances. All current board members attended the 2013 annual meeting.
Executive sessions of all non-employee independent Directors are scheduled in conjunction with each regularly scheduled board meeting and were held five times during 2013. These executive sessions are attended by non-employee Directors only, and the non-executive independent Chairman presided at each executive session.
In addition to the independence criteria contained in the NYSE listing standards, the Board has adopted additional standards to determine Director independence. These standards are located in the Corporate Governance Guidelines, which are available on the Partnership's website at www.cedarfair.com. The Board has affirmatively determined that current Board members Gina D. France, Lauri Shanahan, Daniel Hanrahan, Debra Smithart-Oglesby, Eric L. Affeldt, John M. Scott III, D. Scott Olivet and Tom Klein meet the independence criteria of the NYSE listing standards and our Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board has determined Mr. Ouimet is not independent because he is an executive officer of the Partnership.
Communication with the Board
Unitholders and interested parties may communicate directly with the Board by sending communications to the attention of Duffield Milkie, Corporate Secretary, One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259. The correspondence will be forwarded to the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee who will review the correspondence and take action accordingly.
We have a toll-free hot-line that is available to anyone, including unitholders, who wishes to bring a matter to the attention of the non-employee Directors. The telephone number of the hot-line is 800-650-0716. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is charged with reviewing information received and taking appropriate action as necessary.
Board Leadership Structure and Risk Oversight
The Board is committed to strong leadership and effective corporate governance, including appropriate oversight of management. As part of our planning process for CEO succession and transition, as well as in response to our unitholders' advisory vote on the leadership structure in January 2011, we modified our Board leadership structure at the beginning of 2011 to separate the roles of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman. Mr. Affeldt serves as our non-executive, independent Chairman. The Board reviews and evaluates the appointment of the non-executive, independent Chairman on a periodic basis.
The Board plays a direct role in monitoring and mitigating risks to the Partnership broadly and also administers its risk oversight role through its committee structure and the committees' reports to the Board. The Board regularly reviews information regarding credit, liquidity and operational risk, and management identifies and prioritizes other material risks. The Audit Committee meets frequently during the year (seven times in 2013) and discusses with management and the Partnership's independent registered public accountant: (1) current business trends affecting the Partnership; (2) major risks facing the Partnership; (3) steps management has taken to monitor
7
and control such risks; and (4) adequacy of internal controls that could significantly affect the Partnership's financial statements. The Audit Committee also reviews the Partnership's enterprise risk management process for identification of and response to major risks. The Audit Committee Chairperson provides the Board with regular reports concerning its risk oversight activities. In addition, the Compensation Committee annually assesses the Partnership's compensation programs to ensure they do not encourage excessive risk taking by employees which could result in a material adverse impact on the Partnership. The Board of Directors is kept abreast of the Compensation Committee's risk oversight and other activities via regular reports of the Committee Chairperson to the full Board.
Board Committees
The Board has three committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each Committee is composed entirely of independent Directors, as that term is defined in the NYSE listing standards and CFMI's Corporate Governance Guidelines, and each member of the Audit Committee is independent as required under Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Each Committee's charter, the Corporate Governance Guidelines and the Code of Conduct and Ethics are available on the Partnership's website at
www.cedarfair.com
and available in print to any unitholder upon request. Each Committee conducts an annual evaluation of its performance, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee annually conducts an evaluation of the Board and its Committees.
The members of the Board and the Committees of the Board on which they serve as of the date of this proxy statement are identified below.
|
Director
|
Audit Committee
|
Compensation Committee
|
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
|
|||
|
Matthew A. Ouimet
|
||||||
|
Eric Affeldt
(1)
|
*
|
*
|
*
|
|||
|
Daniel Hanrahan
|
*
|
*
|
||||
|
Gina D. France
|
**
|
*
|
||||
|
Tom Klein
|
**
|
|||||
|
Lauri Shanahan
|
*
|
|||||
|
John M. Scott III
|
**
|
|||||
|
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
|
*
|
*
|
||||
|
D. Scott Olivet
|
*
|
|||||
|
* Member
|
||||||
|
** Committee Chair
|
||||||
|
(1) Chairman
|
||||||
The Audit Committee
is responsible for appointing and meeting with the Partnership's independent registered public accounting firm and for assisting the Board in its oversight of the financial statement reporting, internal audit and risk management functions. The Audit Committee met seven times in 2013. The Board has determined that each Committee member is financially literate, and Gina D. France and Debra Smithart-Oglesby are the designated financial experts. The Audit Committee's report is on page 51 of this proxy statement.
The Compensation Committee
is responsible for reviewing the Partnership's compensation and employee benefit policies and programs, and recommending related actions, as well as executive compensation decisions and succession planning matters, to the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for recommending the fees paid to the Directors and Board Committee members for services in those capacities. The Compensation Committee met six times in 2013. The Compensation Committee Report is on page 47 of this proxy statement. Compensation decisions for the chief executive officer are made by the Compensation Committee, together with the Board of Directors, based upon its review of his performance and the performance of the Partnership. The Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to non-CEO compensation, incentive compensation plans and equity-based compensation based on discussions with and recommendations of the chief executive officer. On an annual basis, the chief executive officer reviews all of his direct reports, including the other named executive officers. and all of the executive vice presidents and park
8
general managers. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Determining Executive Compensation” for additional detail.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
is responsible for recommending criteria for service as a director, identifying qualified Director nominees to enhance the Board and for playing a leadership role in shaping the governance of CFMI. The Committee considers diversity of experience and background when selecting candidates. The Committee believes candidates for the Board should have the ability to exercise objectivity and independence in making informed business decisions; the highest integrity; extensive knowledge, experience and judgment; loyalty to the interests of the Partnership and its unitholders; and a willingness to devote the extensive time necessary to fulfill a Director's duties. Although CFMI does not have a formal policy on diversity in the selection of candidates for the Board, the Committee considers diversity in its nominating process, including factors such as education, career and professional experience, independence, skills and personal characteristics, and understanding of and experiences in management, finance and marketing in the Partnership's industry as well as other industries. The Committee reviews these factors as well as the other qualifications outlined above and strives to create a Board of Directors with a variety of complementary skills and experiences, both personal and professional. The Committee conducts appropriate inquiries into the background and qualifications of Board candidates meeting these criteria. In 2013, the Nominating Committee met four times.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider qualified nominees recommended by unitholders for membership on the Board. If a unitholder wishes to recommend an individual for membership on the Board, that recommendation can be sent to the attention of Duffield Milkie, Corporate Secretary, One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259. In addition, limited partners may nominate one or more persons for election or reelection to the Board at an annual meeting in accordance and compliance with the notice, procedural, informational and other requirements of our Partnership Agreement. See "Unitholder Proposals and Nominations for the 2015 Annual Meeting" for additional information.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of our Directors who served on the Compensation Committee during 2013 was a current or former officer or an employee of the Partnership or had any relationship with us that would be required to be disclosed by us under applicable related party requirements. There are no interlocking relationships between the Partnership's executive officers or Directors and the board or compensation committee of another entity.
Unit Ownership Guidelines
The Board adopted unit ownership guidelines in March 2012 for our chief executive officer and his direct reports. The chief executive officer is required to hold units having a value of four times his base salary, and his direct reports are required to hold units with a value of two times their base salaries. The chief executive officer's direct reports currently include the chief operating officer, the executive vice president and chief financial officer, the corporate vice president of planning & design, the corporate vice president and general counsel, the executive vice president and chief marketing officer and the corporate vice president of administration. Executives have five years from the adoption of the guidelines (for current executive officers) and five years from becoming an executive officer (for new executive officers) to gain compliance with the guidelines. The Board reviews compliance with the guidelines annually. Units held directly or beneficially owned, units held in benefit plans (e.g., in 401(k) accounts), performance units (as if earned at 100% of target), vested and unvested restricted units and phantom units will be counted for purposes of determining compliance with the unit ownership guidelines.
The Board also revised the unit ownership guidelines for the Directors in March 2012. Under the current guidelines, Directors are required to accumulate units equal to four times the annual cash retainer within four years of January 1, 2011 (for Directors serving on the Board at that date) and within four years of becoming a Director (for new Directors).
9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes our compensation philosophy and objectives, our methods for determining, the elements and mix of executive compensation and the reasons that we have elected to pay these particular elements of compensation. The following summary highlights our 2013 business results and the impact of those results on our compensation decisions as well as actions we have taken recently to update and enhance our compensation programs. This information should be read in conjunction with the compensation tables, related narratives, and notes contained later in this proxy statement.
Following the summary is a detailed discussion of our philosophy and practices regarding the compensation awarded to, earned by, and paid to the following individuals, who were our named executive officers for 2013:
|
•
|
Matthew A. Ouimet, our President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
•
|
Brian C. Witherow, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
•
|
Richard A. Zimmerman, our Chief Operating Officer
|
|
•
|
H. Phillip Bender, our Executive Vice President, Operations
|
|
•
|
Duffield E. Milkie, our Corporate Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
|
Summary
At the core of our compensation philosophy and strategy is the belief that our compensation should be closely tied to Company and individual performance. Consistent with that philosophy, and based on the record breaking results achieved in 2013 summarized immediately below, the cash incentive awards paid to our named executive officers for 2013 increased over 2012 levels. Our annual cash incentive program paid out at maximum levels because our financial performance exceeded the maximum performance goal set by our Compensation Committee, and our named executive officers achieved all of their individual performance goals. In addition, the named executive officers each received unit-based awards to tie a significant portion of their compensation to Company results and further align their interests with our unitholders' interests.
Company Financial Performance
The graphs below illustrate some of the key indicators of the Company's financial health and performance over the five-year fiscal period, 2009 - 2013.
Cumulative Total Return
1
(56% total return in 2013)
1
Based upon initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2009 with dividends reinvested.
10
Net Revenue (up 6% from 2012)
Adjusted EBITDA
2
(up 9% from 2012)
2
See Note 6 in Item 6, “Selected Financial Data,” on pages 14 to 15 of the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal 2013 for additional information regarding Adjusted EBITDA, including how we define and use Adjusted EBITDA, as well as a reconciliation from net income.
Some of our financial results and other accomplishments we achieved for our unitholders in fiscal year 2013 include the following:
|
•
|
Record net revenues of $1.135 billion, up 6% from 2012;
|
|
•
|
Record Adjusted EBITDA of $425.4 million representing a 9% increase from 2012;
|
|
•
|
In November of 2013 we announced that in 2014 our annual cash distribution would increase by 12% to $2.80 per limited partner unit, up from $2.50 per unit in 2013;
|
|
•
|
Our unit price increased 48% from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013; and
|
|
•
|
We produced a total return to investors of 56% from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2013.
|
Our Pay Governance Reflects Best Practices
We have been listening to our unitholders and maintaining and adopting best practices in pay governance. The Company maintains the following compensation and pay governance best practices:
|
•
|
A majority of named executive officer compensation is contingent on corporate performance;
|
|
•
|
Mandatory unit ownership guidelines of four times salary for our Chief Executive Officer and two times for his direct reports;
|
|
•
|
Compensation clawback provision for our Chief Executive Officer and his direct reports;
|
|
•
|
Elimination of excise tax “gross ups”; and
|
|
•
|
Anti-hedging policy that restricts executive officers and directors from engaging in certain transactions such as puts or calls relating to the Partnership’s securities.
|
11
Consideration of Last Year's Advisory Unitholder Vote on Executive Compensation
At the 2013 Annual Meeting of Limited Partner Unitholders, more than 97% of the units cast were voted to approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers. The Compensation Committee believes that the strong unitholder support for the Company's pay practices in 2013 was a clear endorsement of our current performance-based approach, focused on long-term value creation. Therefore, the Compensation Committee has decided to continue its approach to executive compensation for 2014 and to maintain and expand our emphasis on performance in the Company's executive compensation structure.
2014 Compensation Modifications and Updates
For 2014, the Board of Directors instituted the following modifications to our compensation program to enhance our current performance-based approach and emphasize long-term value creation:
|
•
|
Increased the minimum threshold from 85% to 90% for the target consolidated Adjusted EBITDA goal for our annual cash incentive program, with no payout under the program if the threshold is not met or if we are unable to pay distributions to our unitholders due to loan covenants;
|
|
•
|
Modified the Long-Term Incentive Program to eliminate the utilization of options and change the long-term
incentive mix in 2014 to 60% performance units and 40% time-based restricted units; and
|
|
•
|
Supplemented Mr. Ouimet's 2014 Long-Term Incentive Program awards with a performance-based retention unit award tied to unitholder return versus our peer group and with a longer vesting schedule.
|
Our executive compensation decisions continue to reflect our desire to attract and retain highly-qualified individuals while at the same time aligning executive compensation with unitholders' interests, emphasizing performance-based compensation, directly tying compensation to Company performance and increasing insider equity ownership. As further explained below, each of our executive compensation decisions in 2013, including our decisions to increase base salary compensation for our executives, enhance long-term and short-term performance-based incentive awards to each of our named executive officers and to amend and extend the employment agreement with our CEO, were made to further demonstrate our commitment to these goals.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our compensation program is designed to incentivize our key employees to drive superior results, to give key employees a proprietary and vested interest in our growth and performance, and to enhance our ability to attract and retain exceptional managerial talent upon who, in large measure, our sustained growth, progress and profitability depend. Our executive compensation structure rewards both successful individual performance and the consolidated operating results of the Company. Our executive compensation program is in large part designed around Adjusted EBITDA as the key performance objective. Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, other non-cash items, and adjustments as defined in our current credit agreement. We use Adjusted EBITDA as the key measure of performance because it tracks core operating performance closely, it crosses park operating units, it is easy to track and report to our unitholders on a regular basis, and because it is a primary factor in assessing free cash flow available for distributions which we believe is one of the key investment areas of focus for our unitholders.
Overall, our unitholder-approved incentive plan allows us to provide a mix of compensation that drives our management team to achieve strong annual results as well as deliver long-term value for all unitholders. Our compensation structure provides us with the flexibility to evolve our compensation philosophy and program from year to year, as the market, our business or the industry requires.
Determining Executive Compensation
We combine the compensation elements discussed below in a manner that we believe will optimize each executive's contribution to the Company. We recognize and consider many factors in assessing an individual's value. In general, we work within ranges of base salary commensurate with the executive's scope of responsibilities and use our cash incentive and unit-based award programs to challenge the executive to achieve superior annual and long-term results for the benefit of the Company and its unitholders. Because a significant portion of this compensation is dependent on performance results, an executive's actual total compensation can vary considerably if we have a year that exceeds, or fails to meet, expectations. We believe that this is a fair result and appropriately motivates our executives to achieve peak corporate performance over the long term. The range of targeted
12
compensation is position dependent and may reflect how difficult we believe it would be to replace a particular person.
Role of the Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee engaged Hay Group, an independent executive compensation consulting firm, to assist with the annual review of compensation practices and an assessment of the effectiveness of these practices. Since their engagement in 2011, Hay Group has participated in almost all Compensation Committee meetings and has performed no other services for the Company or for management other than to provide advice and counsel to the Compensation Committee in accordance with the Compensation Committee's instructions from time to time.
Per the Compensation Committee's instructions, Hay Group completed a market assessment and participated in a risk assessment of our executive compensation program for 2013 compensation strategy planning and made recommendations on possible changes to the program structure. The Hay Group analysis included a review of our cash incentive program and long-term incentive program. Hay Group also conducted a study of compensation levels for certain of our executive positions as compared to compensation levels for similar positions at comparable companies, including levels of base salaries, target total cash compensation (i.e., base salary and target bonus) and total direct compensation (i.e., base salary, target bonus and long-term incentive).
In January of 2013 Hay Group compared our current programs, practices and compensation levels to market data from published and private survey sources as well as proxy statement information on the current programs, practices and compensation levels of 19 peer companies
.
The selection of peer group members focused on U.S. publicly traded companies with a significant focus on recreation and entertainment, with similar business models to ours, with annual revenues between ½ to 2 ½ times our revenues and with a market capitalization comparable to ours. The goal was for peer group companies to meet the majority of these criteria. The Compensation Committee believes that the following peer group presented an accurate picture of industry practices for the 2013 fiscal year:
|
Bob Evans Farms
|
DSW, Inc.
|
Sea World Entertainment Inc.
|
|
Buckle, Inc.
|
Finish Line, Inc.
|
Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
|
|
Carmike Cinemas, Inc.
|
International Speedway Corp.
|
Speedway Motorsports, Inc.
|
|
*CEC Entertainment, Inc.
|
Madison Square Garden Co.
|
Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
|
|
Choice Hotels International, Inc.
|
Marcus Corporation
|
Vail Resorts, Inc.
|
|
Cinemark Holdings, Inc.
|
Marriott Vacations Worldwide
|
|
|
DreamWorks Animation, Inc.
|
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.
|
|
* Removed from peer group for 2014 due to acquisition by privately-held entity
The peer group meets the established peer group criteria and the desired level of balance among the peer group companies in terms of revenue and market capitalization. Our review of compensation for fiscal year 2013 was based on the revised peer group.
The Compensation Committee reviews this peer group periodically and, at a minimum, biannually. Therefore, we expect that the members of this group will be updated from time to time to ensure that they provide us with the most accurate picture of current industry practices. In February of 2014 CEC Entertainment, Inc. was acquired by Apollo Global Management, LLC.
As a result of the acquisition CEC is now privately-held and CEC’s common stock is no longer trading on the NYSE and therefore CEC will be removed from our peer group for 2014.
In determining 2013 executive compensation, we used the data from the peer group to assess market practices for executive pay, the use and mix of pay devices, and perquisites and benefits. Our objective was to provide base salaries within a competitive range relative to 50% of our peer group and to provide total direct compensation that is within a competitive range relative to 50% up to 75% of our peer group and aligned with survey based data. In 2013, the total direct compensation of four of our named executives officers fell below the targeted percentile range for the identified peer group. As a result, in the fall of 2013 the Committee in consultation with Hay Group reviewed the total direct compensation of our executive officers and made adjustments to executive compensation levels of certain officers in order to better align executive pay with the targeted percentile range.
13
The Committee and Hay Group together reviewed the peer group data and interacted extensively, discussing the appropriate mix of compensation to retain executives and drive performance, certain unique features of our company, our goal to increase alignment with our unitholders through required executive unit ownership guidelines and the mechanics and costs of various compensation features. At the request of the Compensation Committee, Hay Group reviewed and recommended certain modifications to our cash incentive and long-term incentive programs, including the utilization of a different mix of unit-based award opportunities than used in recent years and the Committee adopted the recommended enhancements, all of which were in place for 2013.
Roles of the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee and Our Chief Executive Officer
Although our Board makes the final compensation decisions for the named executive officers, the process of determining compensation is a collaborative one between the Board, Compensation Committee and the chief executive officer. Our chief executive officer dedicates time annually to review all of his direct reports, including the other named executive officers, as well as all of the executive vice presidents and the park general managers. He reviews each individual against budget targets (for the named executive officers), operational targets (for park managers) and achievement of individual performance objectives established before the operating season begins (where applicable) and he makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding the compensation of each individual. The Compensation Committee then makes compensation determinations and adjustments when determined to be appropriate to the chief executive officer's recommendations in accordance with the applicable compensation plans and in turn reports its recommendations to the Board for its approval. Decisions regarding the chief executive officer's compensation are made by the Compensation Committee, together with the Board of Directors, based upon its review of his performance and the Company's performance.
The Board reviews compensation matters after the seasonal parks have closed and financial results for the season are available. The chief executive officer finalizes his evaluations of the other named executive officers' performance against their established targets and achievement of their individual performance objectives and based upon that determination, prepares calculations with respect to cash incentive payouts and equity compensation awards for the current year, as well as recommendations for compensation adjustments for the coming year. The chief executive officer generally presents this report to the Compensation Committee and to the Board in October, and provides a final review in February of the subsequent year when financial results have been finalized and final
review of the achievement of individual goals has been completed. Based on Company performance, park performance and individual performance, the Compensation Committee makes final calculations with regard to cash incentive payouts, equity compensation awards and recommends any compensation adjustments, subject to Board approval and final audited results.
Compensation Consultant Conflicts Assessment
In February of 2014, the Compensation Committee assessed the independence of the compensation consultant in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules and concluded that the compensation consultant's work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflicts of interest.
Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation
Compensation Mix -2013
Our executive compensation program is designed around total direct compensation-that is, the combination of base salary, annual cash incentive awards and long-term incentive compensation. In setting the appropriate level of total direct compensation, the Compensation Committee seeks to establish each compensation element at a level that is both competitive and will attract and motivate top talent, while keeping the overall pay levels aligned with unitholders' interests and job responsibilities.
14
The following table sets forth each element of our executive compensation program and the principal objectives of that element:
|
Compensation Element
|
Principal Objectives
|
|
Base Salary
|
Fixed compensation element intended to reward core competencies, experience and required skills in senior leadership positions.
|
|
Annual Cash Incentive Awards
-
Cash Incentive Compensation
-Cash Bonus
|
Variable compensation element intended to reward contributions to our short-term business objectives and, achievement of individual goals.
|
|
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
-Restricted Unit Awards
-Performance Unit Awards
-Unit Options
-Time-Based Phantom Unit Awards
|
Variable compensation element intended to reward contributions to our long-term success, the achievement of our mission and key business objectives, and each named executive officer's commitment to the interests of our unitholders.
|
|
Retirement Benefits
- Section 401(k) Plan
|
The named executive officers may participate in the Company's 401(k) plan which is available to all our eligible employees.
|
|
Executive Perquisites and Health, Life and Disability Benefits
|
The named executive officers participate in employee benefit plans available to all our eligible employees, including health, life and disability plans.
Perquisites and supplemental compensation believed to be reasonable and intended to enhance the competitiveness of compensation packages.
|
|
Change in Control Protection in Employment Agreements
|
Ensures continuity of management in the event of a change in control of the Company.
|
We seek to balance the compensation for each executive among the above elements in a manner designed to achieve our overall compensation objectives. In setting cash incentive and equity incentive components of compensation for each executive, we look to the relationship of those components to the executive's salary and consider the total direct compensation that is represented by salary, cash incentive awards and unit-based awards. The mix of compensation and relative levels of each element is position dependent and may vary year-to-year.
In 2013, we updated the long-term equity incentive compensation component to place more emphasis on performance and alignment with the interests of our unitholders. In doing so, we believe that performance is focused on long-term value creation and does not encourage executives to take unreasonable risks with respect to the business. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee adopted an adjustment to the mix of long-term incentive compensation to place additional focus on the performance-based component of the plan by increasing the mix of performance-based units from 25% to 50% and reducing the utilization of time-based restricted units from 50% to 25% of the total mix. With these modifications in place, the 2013 long-term incentive mix included performance units (50%), time-based restricted units (25%), and options (25%). We expect in future years that the mix of the long-term incentive compensation will continue to be reflective of an increased emphasis on performance and alignment with the interests of our unitholders.
15
The charts below illustrate, with respect to our named executive officers in 2013, (i) the average target percentage of cash compensation in comparison to equity compensation and (ii) the average target percentage of fixed compensation in comparison to variable compensation.
|
|
Compensation Mix - 2014 Update
For 2014, the Compensation Committee focused on the long-term incentive compensation plan design and was committed to adjusting the relative weighting of the incentive components to ensure that it continued to be consistent with market practices and was performance-based. As discussed above, in October of 2013, in consultation with Hay Group, we reviewed the total compensation of our executive officers in an effort to ensure alignment of the total direct compensation with applicable peer group and survey data. As a result of this review increases were made to the total compensation packages for the CEO, CFO and COO so that their 2014 total direct compensation is better aligned with the established range of the 50th to 75th percentile of the peer group.
The Compensation Committee also reviewed the updates to the program made in 2012 and 2013 and identified additional refinements to our program for 2014. The Committee focused in particular on the long-term incentive compensation plan design and the short-term incentive performance goal scale. As a result of its review, the Committee revised the mix of long-term incentive compensation to increase the relative percentage of performance-based units from 50% to 60%, to increase the relative percentage of time-based restricted units from 25% to 40% and to discontinue the use of options as part of the equity compensation mix for 2014. The performance awards continue to have three-year performance periods, and payout will be based on the achievement of cumulative Adjusted EBITDA versus the target established for the 2014-2016 period based on the same payout scale as applies to the 2013 performance awards. The 2014 time-based restricted units will vest in annual increments over a three-year period - a change from the cliff-vesting that occurs at the end of the three-year restricted period applicable to the 2012 and 2013 restricted unit awards. This change in the vesting schedule was intended to retain an annual vesting feature within one component of the long-term program in light of not awarding options. Both the performance unit awards and restricted unit awards require continuous employment through the payment date, subject to certain exceptions, and accrue distribution equivalents. The Committee decided to retain the cash incentive award program in substantially the same form, except to increase the threshold level of performance to 90% of the targeted level of Adjusted EBITDA and to increase the related threshold payout to 80% of the target award for 2014.
Base Salary
We pay base salaries to provide a fixed amount of compensation that is not subject to performance-related risk commensurate with the executive's scope of responsibilities, performance, current compensation levels, tenure with the Company and other experience. We do not consider the earnings of prior long-term incentive awards or retirement plans when determining base salary compensation, as awards earned in prior years were earned for prior performance, and we do not believe they should be a factor in current compensation. Base salaries may be reviewed and adjusted from time to time, subject to the terms of applicable employment agreements. Based on the factors identified above, the Board, or the Compensation Committee, as the case may be, adjusts the base salary for each of the named executive officers on an annual basis and in connection with promotions or a substantial change
16
in responsibilities. See “Narrative to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Tables - Employment Agreements” for additional information on the terms of the employment agreements.
The base salary for each named executive officer falls within a range, when considered together with the other elements of compensation, that the chief executive officer and Compensation Committee believe is appropriate on an individual basis. In reviewing the named executive officer's salary, the Compensation Committee generally considers, among other things:
•
market data provided by our compensation consultant with respect to comparable positions; and
•
the individual named executive officer's performance, experience, skills and time in position.
In light of such considerations, our named executive officers received merit based increases in base salary for 2013 to, among other things, recognize successful transitions into new executive roles, reward the executive's contribution to a third-straight record year of Adjusted EBITDA in 2012, and better align base pay with market-based comparables. The base pay increases were intended to move the base salaries for our named executive officers closer to the market-based percentile objective of 50% of our peer group. Base salaries for our named executive officers for 2014 and 2013 are indicated below:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
2014 Annual Salary
|
2013 Annual Salary
|
|
Ouimet
|
$900,000
|
$850,000
|
|
Witherow
|
$400,000
|
$376,000
|
|
Zimmerman
|
$525,000
|
$457,000
|
|
Bender
|
$350,000
|
$335,000
|
|
Milkie
|
$350,000
|
$335,000
|
Cash Incentive Program
Our cash incentive awards provide a component of compensation that is contingent on the achievement of annual performance objectives and is designed to reward achievement of short-term financial and operational goals. The performance objectives and percentage of base salary that may be earned as a cash incentive are determined for each named executive officer and approved by the Compensation Committee by March of the applicable year, unless revised during the negotiation of an employment agreement. The performance objectives may be individualized for each position and individual, may be expressed in multiple measures of performance, including individual, business unit, management unit and Partnership performance, and may be weighted differently between positions and individuals.
In 2012, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee the Board adopted a short-term cash incentive award program that included individual performance goals and Company performance goals, and that required that awards not be paid out if Company financial performance falls below a threshold level. For 2013, 85% of the target cash incentive awards for our named executive officers were based on an approved target consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the fiscal year of $405 million and 15% of the target awards were based on the achievement of individual performance goals.
Payouts of the Company performance-based portion of the award were based on specified threshold, target and maximum levels of performance as compared to the targeted level of Adjusted EBITDA of $405 million and were interpolated for performance between those levels. Payouts of the company performance-based portion of the 2013 cash awards were calculated at the following scale (with amounts interpolated between the various levels): Adjusted EBITDA of less than 85% of the target, 0% payout; Adjusted EBITDA of 85% of the target, 50% payout; Adjusted EBITDA of 100% of the target, 100% payout; and Adjusted EBITDA of 105% or more, 150% payout. Payout of the individual performance-based portion of the award was dependent on the achievement of a specified threshold, target or maximum number of individual performance goals, with payout at 50%, 100% and 150% for 2013 awards. Maximum payout of the cash incentive awards were limited to 150% of the target award, and no cash incentive awards were eligible to be paid to the executives in the event that Adjusted EBITDA fell below the threshold level of performance or the Company was not able to pay a distribution during the applicable year due to loan covenants. Participants who leave employment prior to the date of payment forfeit any unpaid cash incentive award unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement. As a result, these awards are designed not only to motivate performance but also to encourage retention of key employees.
17
For 2013, the cash incentive opportunities for our chief executive officer and his direct reports included a clawback provision. This clawback provision has a 24-month look back and is triggered upon a financial restatement that results in lower bonus payouts than originally delivered. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 contained a provision, which when made effective through final SEC rulemaking and exchange listing standards, may require modifications to our clawback provisions.
The 2013 target award opportunities for the named executive officers who were eligible for 2013 cash incentive awards, reflected as a percentage of 2013 base salary, were as follows:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
Target Award in Dollars
|
Target Award as a Percentage of Base Salary
|
|
Ouimet
|
$1,007,500
|
115%
|
|
Witherow
|
$282,000
|
75%
|
|
Zimmerman
|
$342,750
|
75%
|
|
Bender
|
$217,750
|
65%
|
|
Milkie
|
$201,000
|
60%
|
In 2013, the Company achieved record Adjusted EBITDA of $425.4 million which represented a 9% increase from the Company's 2012 Adjusted EBITDA and based on this above-target performance achievement, the payouts of the Company performance-based portion of the cash incentive awards to each of the named executive officers who received awards were at 150% of their respective targets. In addition, each of our executives successfully achieved their individual performance goals, which was a significant contributing factor to our record results in 2013. As a result, each was eligible for the payment of 150% of the individual performance-based portion of their respective targets.
The 2013 cash incentive payouts for the named executive officers are set forth below:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
2013 Cash Incentive
|
Cash Incentive as a Percentage of 2013 Annual Salary
|
|
Ouimet
|
$1,511,250
|
173%
|
|
Witherow
|
$423,000
|
113%
|
|
Zimmerman
|
$514,125
|
113%
|
|
Bender
|
$326,625
|
98%
|
|
Milkie
|
$301,500
|
90%
|
Bonuses
In consideration of our overall compensation objectives and the mix of different types of compensation that were awarded this year, no additional cash bonuses were paid to our named executive officers in fiscal year 2013.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
We provide long-term incentive compensation awards to senior management under our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan which allows us to grant options, units, unit appreciation rights, performance awards and other types of unit-based awards. We utilized these types of awards because we believe they give key employees a proprietary and vested interest in our growth and performance and align key employees' interests with those of our unitholders, while providing us a cost effective means of compensation. We also believe that the vesting schedule for these awards aids us in retaining executives and motivates superior performance over the long term because the payment of the awards is forfeited if the executive is no longer employed by us as of the vesting date, unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement or grant agreement.
In 2012, as a result of our overall review of our compensation program in consultation with Hay Group, we modified our long-term incentive program to realign the elements of the equity plan reflective of the Compensation Committee's desire to migrate to a more performance-based approach with a continuing emphasis on alignment with unitholder interests. That re-alignment resulted in unit based awards to each named executive officer
18
that included a mix of performance unit awards, time-based restricted units, and options. In 2013, the target awards were allocated 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively, among these types of awards, representing an increased emphasis on performance units versus 2012. The target long-term incentive award value was determined as a percentage of base salary and then converted to a number of units for each named executive officer, based on the unit price on the day before the grant date. The long-term incentive awards have rolling three-year performance periods. Options vest in annual increments over a three-year period. Unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement, performance unit awards and restricted unit awards require continuous employment through the payment date, subject to certain exceptions, and accrue distribution equivalents. Restricted units are non-transferable during the restricted period.
In 2013, award recipients were eligible to receive up to a specified percentage of the target number of potential performance units for a particular performance period. The number of units payable is dependent on the level of attainment of the performance objectives specified for the performance period, as determined by the Committee, and no awards will be paid if the threshold level of performance is not achieved. Awards for 2013 have a performance period of January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015, and are based on the level of achievement of cumulative Adjusted
EBITDA versus the target during that period. Payouts of the 2013 awards will be at the following scale (with amounts interpolated between the various levels): cumulative Adjusted EBITDA of less than 85% of the target, 0% payout; cumulative Adjusted EBITDA of 85% of the target, 50% payout; cumulative Adjusted EBITDA of 100% of the target, 100% payout; and cumulative Adjusted EBITDA of 105% or more, a maximum payout of 150% of the target.
Restricted Unit Awards
In February of 2013, we made time-based restricted unit awards to each named executive officer. The restricted period on the awards will lapse upon the executive's continuous employment through the restricted period which expires on December 31, 2015 and the awards will thereafter be unrestricted, unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement or grant agreement. These awards accrue distribution equivalents when we make distributions, which will be paid out upon the lapse of the restricted period along with the original awards. The February 2013 time-based restricted unit awards were as follows:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
February 2013
Restricted Unit Awards
|
|
Ouimet
|
11,502
|
|
Witherow
|
2,544
|
|
Zimmerman
|
3,092
|
|
Bender
|
1,700
|
|
Milkie
|
1,700
|
These time-based restricted unit awards were made in furtherance of the goal of retaining our executive team in order to accomplish our strategic and long-term objectives.
Performance Unit Awards
In February of 2013, we made Performance Unit Awards to each named executive officer. The awards are subject to the achievement of the performance targets set by the Compensation Committee for the performance period of January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015, and are based on the level of achievement of cumulative Adjusted
EBITDA versus the target during that period. The target numbers of units for the February 2013 performance unit awards were as follows:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
February 2013
Performance Unit Awards (Target)
|
|
Ouimet
|
23,004
|
|
Witherow
|
5,088
|
|
Zimmerman
|
6,184
|
|
Bender
|
3,400
|
|
Milkie
|
3,400
|
19
Unit Options
Twenty-five percent of the 2013 annual long-term incentive awards was composed of unit options. These options were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company's units on the day before the grant date. Options remain outstanding for up to ten years from grant and vest in three equal annual installments beginning one year from the date of grant. For 2014, we have shifted away from the use of option grants in favor of emphasizing long-term incentive grants by utilizing performance unit grants with a three-year performance period and time-based restricted unit grants.
For 2013, the Compensation Committee had determined to grant the following unit options to the executives:
|
Named Executive Officer
|
2013
Unit Option Awards
|
|
Ouimet
|
122,492
|
|
Witherow
|
27,092
|
|
Zimmerman
|
32,929
|
|
Bender
|
18,104
|
|
Milkie
|
18,104
|
Performance Unit Award - 2014 Retention Grant
In March of 2014, we made a performance based retention unit award to Matthew A. Ouimet, our president and chief executive officer. The size of the payout of the award is subject to the achievement of the performance targets set by the Compensation Committee for the performance period of January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2016, and will be based on the level of achievement of the three (3) years total unitholder return compared to our identified peer group during that period.
|
2014-2016 Total Unitholder Return relative to Peer Group
|
% of Units Earned
|
|
Greater than the Median of the Peer Group
|
100%
|
|
Between the 25
th
Percentile and Median of the Peer Group
|
90%
|
|
Less than the 25
th
Percentile of the Peer Group
|
75%
|
The performance units earned are payable in units 50% in December 2017 and 50% in December 2018. Mr. Ouimet must maintain continuous employment through the identified payment dates or he will forfeit any unpaid portion of the award, except in the event of death, disability, or change in control (in which circumstances the award will be subject to proration). The performance units accrue distribution equivalents when we make distributions, which will be paid out in cash in conjunction with the payment of the underlying performance units. The March 2014 performance based retention award consisted of 124,234 potential performance units, subject to the aforementioned relative total unitholder return performance criteria.
This performance based retention award was granted in consideration of the important role that Mr. Ouimet has played in the Company's record-setting growth and unitholder returns in recent years, our desire to provide an incentive for him to remain at the Company beyond the current term of his employment agreement, and to continue to align our compensation policies with unitholders' interests. The award also furthers our stated goals of establishing a foundation of equity ownership to support further enhancement of a performance based approach to equity awards and an increase in overall executive unit ownership. This award was in addition to Mr. Ouimet's 2014 restricted unit award and his 2014-2016 Adjusted EBITDA-based performance award.
20
Employment Agreements
We have entered into multi-year employment agreements with each of our named executive officers. These employment agreements serve as the starting point from which the Compensation Committee then continues the process in setting executive compensation. We believe that it is in the best interests of the Company to enter into multi-year employment agreements with our executive officers because the agreements foster long-term retention while still allowing the Compensation Committee to exercise considerable discretion in designing incentive compensation programs.
In 2013, in consultation with our compensation consultant and outside legal counsel, we amended and restated our employment agreement with Matthew A. Ouimet. The new agreement took effect on October 21, 2013 and will terminate December 31, 2016. Under the agreement, Mr. Ouimet's base salary was increased from $850,000 to $900,000, which was retroactive to July 1, 2013. Mr. Ouimet will not be eligible for an increase in base salary until after June 2015. Mr. Ouimet's base salary will be reviewed from time to time but will not be subject to decrease except in the event of salary reductions applicable to substantially all of our senior executives. Under the agreement, during his employment period, Mr. Ouimet is eligible to participate in our cash incentive compensation plans and equity incentive plans, including our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, at a level appropriate to his position and performance, as determined by the Board. Per the terms of the amended employment contract, the target cash incentive award for 2013 was based on the performance metrics established in February 2013and the targeted cash award for 2013 was calculated as a blend of 110% of $850,000 and 120% of $900,000, both prorated for actual time the base salaries were in effect for 2013. For 2014, the target award will be 120% of his base salary. For 2014 and thereafter, the maximum annual cash incentive payable by Cedar Fair is 180% of his base salary, (which represents 150% of the target) and the minimum payment threshold is 90% of the target performance threshold.
Post-Employment Compensation and Change in Control Agreement
Each employment agreement provides for certain benefits in termination and change-in-control situations, and we have a change-of-control plan in place for certain executives and key employees. If an executive who would otherwise be covered by the change-of-control plan has change-in-control provisions in his employment agreement, then the executive does not participate in the change-of-control plan while the employment agreement is in effect. In addition, certain of our incentive plans contain termination and change-in-control provisions. Our compensation consultant reviewed our change-in-control arrangements in connection with its review of our compensation programs and determined that our arrangements were appropriate and consistent with market terms. The agreements that would apply to our named executive officers in a termination and change-in-control situation are discussed in more detail under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.
In connection with amending Mr. Ouimet’s employment agreement in October 2013, we modified the provisions with regard to the payment owed to Mr. Ouimet upon the termination of his employment without cause, for disability, or by his resignation with good reason (other than following a change in control) to two times his base salary, payable in a single lump sum. The revised agreement also provides that, if Mr. Ouimet is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, or certain other terminations, he becomes fully vested in any equity awards made under Cedar Fair’s Omnibus Incentive Plan that are scheduled to vest within 18 months after his termination of employment, unless otherwise specifically exempted from vesting by the terms of the underlying award agreement. For further information, see "Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control".
Retirement Programs
Our named executive officers participate in our tax-qualified Cedar Fair Retirement Savings Plan. This plan, or a similar plan, is available to all of our eligible employees and contains a 401(k) matching program as well as a profit sharing component. The annual amount of the profit sharing contribution is determined, after consideration of the Compensation Committee's recommendation, by the Board, in its sole discretion. Our contributions to this plan for our named executive officers are included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 23. In addition, several of our executives have accounts under our 2008 Supplemental Retirement Plan, which is described on page 33, including Mr. Milkie. Additional contributions to this plan were discontinued in 2011, and we do not intend to have any other executive officers participate in this plan.
21
Perquisites and Supplemental Compensation
We provide perquisites or supplemental compensation to our named executive officers that we believe are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our overall compensation philosophy. We believe that these benefits generally enhance the competitiveness of our compensation packages and represent a small percentage of overall compensation. Mr. Ouimet's employment agreement provides for supplemental compensation at an annual rate of $50,000, which is intended to provide for an annual amount in lieu of most individual perquisites other than an annual physical exam, de minimis perquisites such as discounts on our products and occasional one-time benefits such as relocation expenses we provided in connection with hiring him and coverage of his attorney fees in connection with the updates to his employment agreement.
In 2013 we provided Messrs. Zimmerman, Witherow, Bender and Milkie, with automobile allowances. We also offered our named executive officers discounts on Company products and covered certain relocation expenses for Mr. Zimmerman. See Footnote 4 to the Summary Compensation Table on page 23 for a discussion of when the value of perquisites is reported in that table.
Risk Assessment Process
The Compensation Committee has reviewed our compensation programs and concluded that our compensation policies and practices do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. This risk assessment process included a review of the design and operation of our compensation programs, consultation with our compensation consultants at Hay Group, review of a risk assessment matrix which aided us in the process of identifying and evaluating situations or compensation elements that may raise material risks, and an evaluation of the controls and processes we have in place to manage those risks.
Because we provide different types of compensation, consider various factors in assessing Company and individual performance and retain, at the Compensation Committee level, discretion in certain compensation matters, we believe that our compensation program provides an effective and appropriate mix of incentives to help ensure the Company's performance is focused on long-term value creation and does not encourage our executives to take unreasonable risks with respect to our business.
Impact of Tax and Accounting Considerations
In adopting various executive compensation plans and packages, as well as in making certain executive compensation decisions, particularly with respect to grants of unit-based long-term incentive awards, the Compensation Committee considers the accounting treatment and the anticipated financial statement impact of such decisions, as well as the anticipated dilutive impact on our unitholders.
As a result of our status as a Partnership, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code does not apply to Cedar Fair.
Securities Trading Policy
Our Company has a policy that executive officers and non-employee directors may not purchase or sell our units when they may be in possession of nonpublic material information. In addition, this policy restricts short sale transactions and transactions involving put or call options relating to our securities.
22
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR 2013
The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by each of the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The table also summarizes, for each of our named executive officers for 2013 who was also one of our named executive officers for 2012 and 2011, the total compensation paid to or earned by the officer for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011.
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
(f)
|
(g)
|
(h)
|
(i)
|
(j)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary ($)
|
Bonus ($)
|
Unit Awards ($) (1)
|
Option Awards ($) (2)
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) (3)
|
Change in Pension Value and Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)
|
All Other Compensation ($) (4) (5)
|
Total ($)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Matthew A. Ouimet
(6)
|
2013
|
$
|
875,000
|
|
(6
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
1,274,997
|
|
$
|
425,047
|
|
$
|
1,511,250
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
81,611
|
|
$
|
4,167,905
|
|
|||||
|
President and
|
2012
|
$
|
850,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
2,274,414
|
|
$
|
425,024
|
|
$
|
927,478
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
65,654
|
|
$
|
4,542,570
|
|
|||||||
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
2011
|
$
|
400,685
|
|
$
|
416,712
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
1,500,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
28,738
|
|
$
|
2,346,135
|
|
|||||
|
Brian C. Witherow
(8)
|
2013
|
$
|
376,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
282,002
|
|
$
|
94,009
|
|
$
|
423,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
31,521
|
|
$
|
1,206,532
|
|
|||||||
|
Executive Vice President
|
2012
|
$
|
346,527
|
|
(9
|
)
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
612,506
|
|
$
|
87,507
|
|
$
|
286,427
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
19,237
|
|
$
|
1,352,204
|
|
|||||
|
and Chief Financial Officer
|
2011
|
$
|
191,109
|
|
$
|
15,000
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
85,402
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
69,564
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
27,778
|
|
$
|
388,853
|
|
|||||
|
Richard A. Zimmerman
|
2013
|
$
|
457,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
342,748
|
|
$
|
114,264
|
|
$
|
514,125
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
30,945
|
|
$
|
1,459,082
|
|
|||||||
|
Chief Operating Officer
|
2012
|
$
|
425,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
743,744
|
|
$
|
106,257
|
|
$
|
347,804
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
19,451
|
|
$
|
1,642,256
|
|
|||||||
|
2011
|
$
|
346,644
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
50,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
202,800
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
19,635
|
|
$
|
619,079
|
|
||||||||
|
H. Philip Bender
|
2013
|
$
|
335,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
188,445
|
|
$
|
62,821
|
|
$
|
326,625
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
20,171
|
|
$
|
933,062
|
|
|||||||
|
Executive Vice President
|
2012
|
$
|
325,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
507,828
|
|
$
|
60,939
|
|
$
|
230,505
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
19,451
|
|
$
|
1,143,723
|
|
|||||||
|
of Operations
|
2011
|
$
|
299,504
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
85,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
197,392
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
19,635
|
|
$
|
601,531
|
|
|||||||
|
Duffield E. Milkie
|
2013
|
$
|
335,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
188,445
|
|
$
|
62,821
|
|
$
|
301,500
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
(10
|
)
|
$
|
20,171
|
|
$
|
907,937
|
|
|||||
|
Corporate Vice President
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
and General Counsel
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
(1)
|
The amounts in column (e) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of unit-based awards other than options granted during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011, as applicable, pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The 2013 amount for each executive includes the grant date fair value for the February 2013 restricted unit awards and the February 2013 performance unit awards for the 2013-2015 performance period. The amounts included in the table for the 2013-2015 performance unit awards were computed based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions for the awards on the grant date (i.e., the target level of performance). The ASC Topic 718 grant date fair values of the 2013-2015 performance unit awards by executive assuming target and maximum levels of performance are as follows: Mr. Ouimet - $849,998 (target), $1,274,997 (maximum); Mr. Witherow - $188,002 (target), $282,003 (maximum); Mr. Zimmerman - $228,499 (target), $342,749 (maximum); Mr. Bender - $125,630 (target), $188,445 (maximum); and Mr. Milkie - $125,630 (target), $188,445 (maximum).
|
The 2012 amounts include the grant date fair value for the March 2012 restricted unit awards, the October 2012 restricted unit awards and the March 2012 performance unit awards for the 2012-2014 performance period (computed based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions for the awards on the grant date (i.e., the target level of performance)). The ASC Topic 718 grant date fair values of the 2012-2014 performance unit awards by executive assuming target and maximum levels of performance are as follows: Mr. Ouimet-$424,996 (target), $637,494 (maximum); Mr. Witherow-$87,497 (target), $131,261 (maximum); Mr. Zimmerman-$106,249 (target), $159,373 (maximum); and Mr. Bender-$60,950 (target), $91,425 (maximum).
The 2011 amounts in column (e) for Messrs. Ouimet, Zimmerman, and Bender include the aggregate grant date fair value of phantom unit awards to those executives during 2011. Mr. Witherow's 2011 amount reflects the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of 2008-2011 performance unit awards made during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan based on the maximum
23
potential payout under the established performance targets. Mr. Witherow's 2008-2011 performance unit awards ultimately paid out at the 65% level, as further discussed below under “Narratives to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Tables - Performance Unit Awards - 2008-2011 Performance Units.”
Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are discussed in Note 7 to the Partnership's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, included in the Partnership's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2014.
|
(2)
|
The amounts in column (f) reflect the aggregate grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of unit options awarded to the named executive officers in the applicable year. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are discussed in Note 7 to the Partnership's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, included in the Partnership's Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2014.
|
|
(3)
|
The amounts in column (g) reflect cash incentive awards to the named executive officers for 2013, 2012 and 2011. See the discussion under “Cash Incentive Program Awards and Bonuses” on page 27 for additional information.
|
|
(4)
|
The amounts shown in column (i) reflect, for each named executive officer, 401(k) matching contributions of 3% of pay and reflect profit sharing contributions of 4% of pay up to the respective limitations imposed under rules of the Internal Revenue Service. The 2013 profit sharing contributions for each named executive officer were approximately $12,520.
The amounts in column (i) also reflect, for each named executive officer for whom the total value of perquisites received in a given year was at least $10,000, the aggregate value of perquisites received in that year. The 2013 amount shown in column (i) for Mr. Ouimet includes the aggregate value of the following: supplemental compensation earned for 2013 under Mr. Ouimet's employment agreement ($50,000); amounts paid by the company during contract negotiations; and discounts on Partnership products and services. See “Employment Agreements” for additional discussion of Mr. Ouimet's employment agreement. The 2013 amount shown in column (i) for Mr. Witherow includes the cost of a physical exam. The 2013 amount shown in column (i) for Mr. Zimmerman includes the cost of a physical exam and relocation expenses. For additional discussion of contributions that we make for our named executive officers under our Retirement Savings Plan and of perquisites we provide our named executive officers, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Retirement Programs” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Perquisites and Supplemental Compensation.”
|
|
(5)
|
The value attributable to the personal use of company-provided automobiles (calculated in accordance with Internal Revenue Service guidelines) is included as compensation on the W-2 of named executive officers who receive such benefits. This value is included in column (i) for each named executive officer for whom the total value of perquisites for the year was $10,000 or more. Each named executive officer is responsible for paying income tax on such amount.
|
|
(6)
|
Mr. Ouimet's annual salary reflects the mid-year increase in his base salary pursuant to the 2013 amendment to his employment contract. Mr. Ouimet joined our company as President on June 20, 2011. He became our Chief Executive Officer on January 3, 2012.
|
|
(7)
|
The amounts in column (d) reflect cash bonuses to certain of our named executive officers for 2011. Mr. Ouimet received a cash bonus for 2011 representing 104% of his 2011 base salary, pro-rated for the amount of time he was employed during 2011. Mr. Ouimet was entitled to a minimum cash bonus equal to his pro-rated salary for 2011 under his employment agreement. Mr. Witherow was awarded a special discretionary cash bonus in 2011 in recognition him being instrumental in running our corporate finance division and providing continuity following the departure of our former chief financial officer, which was in addition to his 2011 cash incentive award reported in column (g).
|
|
(8)
|
Mr. Witherow served as interim co-principal financial officer for a portion of 2011. He was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in January 2012.
|
|
(9)
|
Mr. Witherow's 2012 annual salary of $350,000 was effective shortly after the beginning of the year, and the 2012 amount in column (c) of the Summary Compensation Table for him was prorated accordingly.
|
|
(10)
|
Mr. Milkie's pension value decreased by $8,949 during 2013.
|
24
GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS TABLE FOR 2013
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
(f)
|
(g)
|
(h)
|
(i)
|
(j)
|
(k)
|
(l)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1)
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards
|
All Other Unit Awards: Number of Units (#)
|
All Other Option Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#)
|
Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards ($)
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Unit and Option Awards ($)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Name
|
Grant Date
|
Threshold ($)
|
Target ($)
|
Maximum ($)
|
Threshold (#)
|
Target (#)
|
Maximum (#)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Ouimet
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
122,492
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
$
|
425,047
|
|
||||||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
11,502
|
|
23,004
|
|
(2
|
)
|
34,506
|
|
(2
|
)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
849,998
|
|
|||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
11,502
|
|
(3
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
424,999
|
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
$
|
503,750
|
|
$
|
1,007,500
|
|
$
|
1,511,250
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
Witherow
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
27,092
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
$
|
94,009
|
|
||||||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
2,544
|
|
5,088
|
|
(2
|
)
|
7,632
|
|
(2
|
)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
188,002
|
|
|||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,544
|
|
(3
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
94,001
|
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
$
|
141,000
|
|
$
|
282,000
|
|
$
|
423,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
Zimmerman
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
32,929
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
$
|
114,264
|
|
||||||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
3,092
|
|
6,184
|
|
(2
|
)
|
9,276
|
|
(2
|
)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
228,499
|
|
|||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
3,092
|
|
(3
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
114,249
|
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
$
|
171,375
|
|
$
|
342,750
|
|
$
|
514,125
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
Bender
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
18,104
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
$
|
62,821
|
|
||||||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
1,700
|
|
3,400
|
|
(2
|
)
|
5,100
|
|
(2
|
)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
125,630
|
|
|||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,700
|
|
(3
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
62,815
|
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
$
|
108,875
|
|
$
|
217,750
|
|
$
|
326,625
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
Milkie
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
18,104
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
$
|
62,821
|
|
||||||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
1,700
|
|
3,400
|
|
(2
|
)
|
5,100
|
|
(2
|
)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
125,630
|
|
|||
|
2/26/13
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,700
|
|
(3
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
62,815
|
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
$
|
100,500
|
|
$
|
201,000
|
|
$
|
301,500
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|||||||
|
(1)
|
These columns show possible payouts under 2013 cash incentive awards that were based on the achievement of the Company and individual performance measures established in February 2013. The threshold, target and maximum opportunities in column (c), (d) and (e), respectively, assume achievement of the threshold, target or maximum level of both the Company performance goals and individual performance goals, as applicable. Actual amounts paid with respect to these awards are reported in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table for 2013. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Narratives to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Tables - Cash Incentive Program Awards and Bonuses.”
|
|
(2)
|
Amounts reflect a multi-year performance unit award granted under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan for the January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015 performance period. The threshold, target and maximum potential number of performance units that may be earned is set forth in columns (f), (g) and (h). Payouts will be based on the level of achievement of consolidated Adjusted EBITDA versus specified threshold, target and maximum levels of performance over the three-year period. See “Compensation Discussion Analysis - Elements of 2013 Compensation - Performance Unit Awards” and “Narrative to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Tables - Performance Unit Awards - 2013-2015 and 2012-2014 Performance Units.”
|
|
(3)
|
Amounts reflect time-based restricted units granted under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The February 2013 awards vest December 31, 2015.
|
25
NARRATIVE TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION AND GRANTS OF PLAN BASED AWARDS TABLES
The description that follows summarizes the terms and conditions of our employment agreements with Messrs. Ouimet, Witherow, Zimmerman, Bender and Milkie. It also summarizes terms of and the programs under which the compensation reflected in the tables for our named executive officers was awarded. Additional information is provided in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” sections.
Employment Agreements
We amended and restated our employment agreement with Matthew A. Ouimet, our president and chief executive officer, in October 2013. The new agreement took effect on October 21, 2013 and will terminate December 31, 2016. Under the agreement, Mr. Ouimet's base salary was increased from $850,000 to $900,000, which increase was retroactive to July 1, 2013. Mr. Ouimet's base salary will be reviewed from time to time but will not be subject to decrease except in the event of salary reductions applicable to substantially all of our senior executives and he will not be eligible for an increase in base salary until after June 2015. Under the current agreement, during his employment period, Mr. Ouimet is eligible to participate in our cash incentive compensation plans and equity incentive plans, including our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, at a level appropriate to his position and performance, as determined by the Board. Per the terms of the amended employment contract, the target cash incentive award for 2013 was based on the performance metrics established in February 2013 and the targeted cash award was calculated as a blend of 110% of $850,000 and 120% of $900,000, both prorated for actual time the base salaries were in effect for 2013. For 2014, the target cash incentive award will be 120% of his base salary. Also, for 2014 and thereafter, the maximum annual cash incentive payable by Cedar Fair is 180% of his base salary (which represents 150% of the target) and the minimum payment threshold is 90% of the target performance threshold.
The amended and restated agreement also modifies the provisions with regard to the payment owed to Mr. Ouimet upon the termination of his employment without cause, for disability, or by his resignation for good reason (other than following a change in control) to two times his base salary, payable in a single lump sum and further provides that, if Mr. Ouimet's employment is terminated in certain situations, he becomes fully vested in any equity awards made under Cedar Fair’s Omnibus Incentive Plan that vest within 18 months after his termination of employment. Any Omnibus Plan awards will immediately vest upon a change in control under the agreement, and any calendar year cash bonuses are to be paid to Mr. Ouimet at the same time as our other senior executives and no later than March 15 following the end of the year. Mr. Ouimet generally must be employed on the last day of the year to receive a cash bonus for that year, but the agreement specifies certain situations where a termination of employment would not result in forfeiture of a cash bonus. See the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section for detailed descriptions of those situations. Mr. Ouimet's agreement provides for supplemental compensation at an annual rate of $50,000, payable in monthly installments and for us to cover the cost of an annual physical exam. The employment agreement does not limit the manner in which Mr. Ouimet may spend his supplemental compensation. In addition, Mr. Ouimet is eligible to participate in any benefit and compensation plans that we offer from time to time, including medical, disability, life insurance, 401(k) and deferred compensation plans, on the same basis as our other senior executives, and he is entitled to four weeks of annual paid vacation days. The agreement contains non-competition, confidentiality, non-disparagement and assignment of inventions provisions and a clawback provision in favor of Cedar Fair that is further described below.
We also have employment agreements with Mr. Witherow (our executive vice president and chief financial officer), Mr. Zimmerman (our chief operating officer), Mr. Bender (our executive vice president of operations), and Mr. Milkie (our corporate vice president and general counsel) which were effective December 4, 2012. The agreements with Messrs. Witherow and Bender and Milkie will terminate December 31, 2015, and the agreement with Mr. Zimmerman will terminate December 31, 2014. The agreements entitle each executive to receive a specified annual base salary, which will be reviewed from time to time but will not be subject to decrease except in the event of salary reductions applicable to substantially all of our senior executives. The minimum annual base salary amounts specified in the agreements are: Mr. Witherow, $350,000; Mr. Zimmerman, $425,000; Mr. Milkie $325,000; and Mr. Bender, $325,000. During the employment period, each executive is eligible to participate in our cash incentive compensation plans and equity incentive plans, including our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, at a level appropriate to his position and performance, as determined by the Board. Any Omnibus Plan awards will immediately vest upon a change in control under the agreement, and any calendar year cash bonuses are to be paid to the executive at the same time as our other senior executives and no later than March 15 following the end of the year. The executives generally must be employed on the last day of the year to receive a cash bonus for that year, but the agreement specifies certain situations where a termination of employment would not result in forfeiture of a cash bonus. See the “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” section for detailed descriptions of those situations. In addition, each executive is eligible to participate in any benefit and
26
compensation plans that we offer from time to time, including medical, disability, life insurance, 401(k) and deferred compensation plans, on the same basis as our other senior executives, and he is entitled to annual vacation days and reimbursement for reasonable business expenses incurred in performing his duties in accordance with policies that we maintain from time to time. Mr. Zimmerman's agreement also entitled him to certain relocation expenses through April 14, 2013. Each agreement contains non-competition, confidentiality, non-disparagement and assignment of inventions provisions and a clawback provision in favor of Cedar Fair that is further described below.
Under the clawback provisions of our employment agreements, our Board may require an executive to return his incentive compensation if (i) the payment was predicated upon achieving certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a substantial restatement of Cedar Fair's financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii) the Board determines that the executive engaged in intentional misconduct that caused or substantially caused the need for the substantial restatement, and (iii) a lower payment would have been made based upon the restated financial results. For a discussion of the benefits that would be provided by the employment agreements in the event of each executive's death, retirement, disability or other terminations or upon a change in control, see “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” in this proxy statement.
Cash Incentive Program Awards and Bonuses
The amounts reported in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table represent final payouts of cash incentive awards made pursuant to our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan for 2013, 2012 and 2011, which were tied to the achievement of performance measures and target award opportunities established by March of the applicable year, except for Mr. Ouimet's 2013 target award opportunity, which was established in February 2013 and later increased in connection with his employment agreement amendment. For 2013 and 2012, 85% of the target cash incentive award opportunities were based on an approved target for consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the year, and 15% of the target cash incentive awards were based upon the achievement of individual performance goals. Payouts could range from 0% up to a maximum of 150% of the target award, and specific threshold, target and maximum levels of performance and related payout scales were established for both the Company and individual portions of the awards. The threshold, target and maximum cash incentive awards for 2013 are reported in columns (c), (d) and (e), respectively, of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2013. For additional detail regarding our cash incentive award program and the 2013 cash incentive awards (including the percentage of 2013 base salary represented by each executive's 2013 target award opportunity, the Company and individual payout scales established for 2013, the payout levels for 2013 for the Company and individual portions of the awards and the payout received as a percentage of base salary for each executive for 2013), see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Cash Incentive Program.” No additional cash bonuses were awarded to our named executive officers for 2013.
For 2011, the performance objective that applied to the named executive officers' cash incentive awards was the achievement of a consolidated Adjusted EBITDA target, and the payouts for the cash incentive awards for the named executive officers were at the percentage of target Adjusted EBITDA achieved, excluding the impact of our incentive plans. The amounts reported in column (d) of the Summary Compensation Table in 2011 represent one-time cash bonuses to Messrs. Ouimet and Witherow in 2011. A portion of Mr. Ouimet's 2011 bonus represents his minimum cash bonus for 2011 under his original employment agreement, and his final bonus amount was at the same percentage of his target for 2011 as for the other named executive officers that year. The 2011 bonus for Mr. Witherow was in addition to his 2011 cash incentive award and was a one time cash bonus in recognition of him being instrumental in running our corporate finance division during 2011 following the departure of our former chief financial officer.
Option Grants
We awarded each of our named executive officers options in February 2013 and March 2012. The grant date fair values of these option awards are set forth in the Option Awards column (f) of the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year and column (l) of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2013. The number of units underlying the options for each executive and the option price is provided in columns (j) and (k) of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2013. These options vest in three equal annual installments on the anniversary of the grant date and will expire on the earlier of the ten year anniversary of the grant date or the date that is thirty (30) days after a separation from service, as defined in the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Any outstanding unvested options will vest and become fully exercisable in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Mr. Ouimet will become fully vested in any options that are scheduled to vest within eighteen months following certain terminations, and those options will expire thirty calendar days after the vesting date. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Long-Term Incentive Compensation - 2013” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Unit Options” for additional information. After consulting with
27
Hay Group regarding the overall effectiveness of options and prevailing market practices the Committee has elected to discontinue the usage of options as part of the equity compensation mix for 2014.
Restricted Unit Awards
We made time-based restricted unit grants to our named executive officers in February 2013, October 2012 and March 2012. The grant date fair values of these restricted units are included in the applicable year's amounts in the Unit Awards column (e) of the Summary Compensation Table. The numbers of units granted and grant date fair values of the 2013 awards are set forth in columns (i) and (l) of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table. The restricted period on these awards will lapse upon the executive's continuous employment through the applicable vesting date, as follows: the restricted period for the February 2013 grants ends December 31, 2015; the restricted period for the October 2012 grants ends October 24, 2015; and the restricted period for the March 2012 awards ends December 31, 2014. The executive is unable to sell, transfer, pledge or assign restricted units during the applicable restricted period and will not receive any payments or distributions during that period, but the executive may vote the restricted units during the restricted period. The restricted units will accumulate distribution equivalents if and to the extent that we make distributions on our units during the restricted period in the same form as any such distributions. Upon the expiration of the applicable restricted period, the units will thereafter be unrestricted and any accrued distribution equivalents will be paid promptly. Except in the cases of death, disability and retirement, or as otherwise provided in an employment agreement, executives will forfeit their restricted units and any distribution equivalents if they do not satisfy the continuous employment requirement. All restrictions applicable to any restricted units will lapse and restricted units will become fully vested and transferable in the event of a change in control, as defined in the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Long-Term Incentive Compensation - 2013” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Restricted Unit Awards” for additional information.
Performance Unit Awards
2013-2015 and 2012-2014 Performance Units
We made performance unit awards to each of our named executive officers in February 2013 and March 2012, which are subject to the level of achievement of cumulative Adjusted EBITDA versus the target set by the Compensation Committee for the respective performance periods of January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2015 and January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014. Executives are eligible to receive up to 150% of the target number of potential performance units for the applicable performance period. Payouts will be made based on a sliding scale of performance objectives, and no awards will be paid if the threshold performance level is not achieved. The threshold, target and maximum numbers of units for the named executive officers' 2013-2015 performance unit awards are set forth in columns (f), (g) and (h), respectively, of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2013. The grant date fair values of the 2013-2015 performance unit awards, calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 718 and based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions, are reported in column (l) of the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for 2013 and are included in the 2013 amounts set forth in the Unit Awards column (e) of the Summary Compensation Table. The grant date fair values of the 2012-2014 performance unit awards, calculated in accordance with ASC 718 and based upon the probable outcome of the performance conditions, are included in the 2012 amounts set forth in the Summary Compensation Table. Distribution equivalents are earned on the number of performance units that become payable if and to the extent we make distributions on our units after the grant date and before the payment date of the award. Awards will be paid in the form of units, cash or a combination of both, as determined by the Compensation Committee, after the end of the performance period and by March of the following year. Unless otherwise stated in an employment agreement, an executive must remain in continuous employment with us through the payment date or will forfeit the entire award, except that awards will be prorated in the event of death, disability or retirement, and that awards will be deemed earned and payable in full at the target level in the event of a change in control. For additional detail regarding the 2013-2015 performance units (including the payout scale for the awards), see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Long-Term Incentive Compensation - 2013” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Executive Compensation - Performance Unit Awards.”
2008-2011 Performance Units
In 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008, we made performance unit awards to certain then-vice presidents and mid-level employees under the terms of the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, including Messrs. Witherow, Zimmerman, Bender and Milkie. The awards were based on a sliding scale of performance objectives tied to the attainment of specified levels of cumulative Adjusted EBITDA for 2011, September 2010 through 2011, 2009 through 2011 and June 2008 through
28
2011, respectively. The maximum numbers of performance units that each executive was eligible to receive for the 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008 awards were as follows: Mr. Witherow (4,448 units for 2011; 6,023 units for 2010; 9,489 units for 2009; 3,686 units for 2008); Mr. Zimmerman (16,667 units for 2009; 6,474 units for 2008); Mr. Bender (14,556 units for 2009; 5,654 units for 2008); and Mr. Milkie (11,111 units for 2009; 4,424 units for 2008). The grant date fair values of the 2011 performance awards are reflected in Mr. Witherow’s 2011 amounts reported in Column (e) of the Summary Compensation Table, assuming the highest level of performance is achieved. The performance periods for all of these grants ended December 31, 2011, after which the Compensation Committee determined that each year’s awards had been achieved at 65% of the maximum based upon the level of achievement of Adjusted EBITDA during the applicable performance periods. Half of these awards vested and were paid out in a combination of cash and units in March 2012, and the remaining half vested and were paid out in a combination of cash and units in March 2013.
Phantom Unit Awards
In October 2011, we granted time-based phantom unit awards to certain executive officers under the “other unit award” provisions of our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. The grant date fair values of the October 2011 phantom unit awards are included in column (e) of the Summary Compensation Table, as and where applicable. Payouts with respect to the time-based phantom units are subject to the continued employment of the recipient and the passage of time. Half of the 2011 time-based phantom awards vested and were paid in a combination of cash and units in March 2014. The remainder of the 2011 time-based phantom unit award will be payable in March 2015, in cash equivalent, units or a combination of both, as will be determined by the Compensation Committee. The phantom units accrue additional phantom units on the date of each quarterly distribution paid by us, if any, calculated at the NYSE closing price on such date.
Mr. Ouimet received an initial award of 54,201 time-based phantom units in connection with entry into his initial employment agreement in June 2011, with a grant date value of approximately $1,000,000. The grant date fair value of these phantom units is included in Mr. Ouimet's 2011 amount in column (e) of the Summary Compensation Table. These phantom units will vest in two equal installments in June 2014 and June 2015. The phantom units subject to this award accrue additional phantom units from distributions that we make, subject to the same vesting terms and conditions.
Unless otherwise provided in an employment agreement or in the award document, if a participant is terminated or resigns prior to any payment under the time-based phantom unit awards, the unpaid amount is forfeited. In the event of death or disability during employment or retirement after age 62, the awards will be paid in a lump sum cash payment within ninety days of the event, subject to compliance with Section 409A of the Code. In the event of a change in control, all restrictions applicable to the time-based phantom unit awards will lapse, and the awards will become fully vested and transferable and will be payable in full.
29
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END FOR 2013
|
Option Awards
|
Unit Awards
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
(f)
|
(g)
|
(h)
|
(i)
|
(j)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Name
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable #
|
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable #
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options #
|
Option Exercise Price ($)
|
Option Expiration Date
|
Number of Units That Have Not Vested # (1)
|
Market Value of Units That Have Not Vested ($) (2)
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested #
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($)
|
|||||||||||||
|
Ouimet
|
28,796
|
|
57,591
|
|
(5
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
29.53
|
|
3/27/2022
|
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
122,492
|
|
(6
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
2/26/2023
|
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
62,836
|
(7)
|
$3,115,401
|
||||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
28,755
|
(9)
|
$1,425,650
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
56,921
|
(10)
|
$3,014,510
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
11,502
|
(11)
|
$599,887
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
23,788
|
(3)
|
$1,179,427
|
(3)
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
36,612
|
(4)
|
$1,815,219
|
(4)
|
|||||||
|
Witherow
|
5,929
|
|
11,857
|
|
(5
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
29.53
|
|
3/27/2022
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
|
—
|
|
27,092
|
|
(6
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
2/26/2023
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
15,780
|
(10)
|
$834,058
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,544
|
(11)
|
$132,683
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
4,898
|
(3)
|
$242,818
|
(3)
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
8,098
|
(4)
|
$401,488
|
(4)
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Zimmerman
|
7,199
|
|
14,398
|
|
(5
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
29.53
|
|
3/27/2022
|
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
32,929
|
|
(6
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
2/26/2023
|
|
—
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
19,161
|
(10)
|
$1,012,763
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,345
|
(8)
|
$116,286
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,875
|
(9)
|
$142,565
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
3,092
|
(11)
|
$161,263
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
5,947
|
(3)
|
$294,857
|
(3)
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
9,842
|
(4)
|
$487,972
|
(4)
|
|||||||
|
Bender
|
4,129
|
|
8,257
|
|
(5
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
29.53
|
|
3/27/2022
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
|
—
|
|
18,104
|
|
(6
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
2/26/2023
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
13,277
|
(10)
|
$701,075
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,260
|
(8)
|
$112,057
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
4,888
|
(9)
|
$242,360
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,700
|
(11)
|
$88,664
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
3,412
|
(3)
|
$169,145
|
(3)
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
5,411
|
(4)
|
$268,290
|
(4)
|
|||||||
|
Milkie
|
4,129
|
|
8,257
|
|
(5
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
29.53
|
|
3/27/2022
|
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
|
—
|
|
18,104
|
|
(6
|
)
|
—
|
|
$
|
36.95
|
|
2/26/2023
|
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
13,277
|
(10)
|
$701,075
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
5,330
|
(8)
|
$264,285
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
7,189
|
(9)
|
$356,412
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,700
|
(11)
|
$88,664
|
—
|
—
|
||||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
3,412
|
(3)
|
$169,145
|
(3)
|
|||||||
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
—
|
5,411
|
(4)
|
$268,290
|
(4)
|
|||||||
30
|
(1)
|
Phantom unit amounts in this column include additional units that are credited as a result of the reinvestment of distribution equivalents.
|
|
(2)
|
The market values for phantom units were calculated by multiplying the closing market price of our units as of December 31, 2013 as reported on the NYSE ($49.58), by the number of unvested phantom units in column (g). The market values for restricted units were calculated by multiplying the closing market price of our units on December 31, 2013 by the number of restricted units in column (g), and adding to that the amount of cash distribution equivalents accumulated on the restricted units from the grant date of the award through December 31, 2013. See “Narratives to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Table - Phantom Unit Awards” and “Narratives to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Table - Restricted Unit Awards” for additional detail.
|
|
(3)
|
Amounts represent performance units awarded in March 2012 pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan that are contingent upon the level of achievement of cumulative Adjusted EBITDA versus the target during the period from January 2012 through December 2014. The amounts set forth in column (i) assume that the maximum number of units are earned and assume the reinvestment in distribution equivalent units of distributions on such maximum number from the grant date of the award through December 31, 2013. The actual number of units and distribution equivalents earned will be determined following the end of the performance period and will vest and will be payable, either in cash equivalent, units or a combination of both in March 2015. Market value reported in column (j) was calculated by multiplying the maximum number of units and distribution equivalent units through December 31, 2013 that may be earned set forth in column (i) by the closing market price of our units as of December 31, 2013. Payout value could differ from market value if we elect to pay distribution equivalents in cash. For additional information regarding these awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Compensation - Performance Unit Awards” and “Narratives to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Table - Performance Unit Awards.”
|
(4) Amounts represent performance units awarded in February 2013 pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan that are contingent upon the level of achievement of cumulative Adjusted EBITDA versus the target during the period from January 2013 through December 2015. The amounts set forth in column (i) assume that the maximum number of units are earned and assume the reinvestment in distribution equivalent units of distributions on such maximum number from the grant date of the award through December 31, 2013. The actual number of units and distribution equivalents earned will be determined following the end of the performance period and will vest and will be payable, either in cash equivalent, units or a combination of both in March 2016. Market value reported in column (j) was calculated by multiplying the maximum number of units and distribution equivalent units through December 31, 2013 that may be earned set forth in column (i) by the closing market price of our units as of December 31, 2013. Payout value could differ from market value if we elect to pay distribution equivalents in cash. For additional information regarding these awards, see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis - Elements of 2013 Compensation - Performance Unit Awards” and “Narratives to Summary Compensation and Grants of Plan Based Awards Table - Performance Unit Awards.”
|
(5)
|
One half of the portion of these options that was unvested at fiscal year-end became exercisable on March 27, 2014, with the remaining options becoming exercisable on March 27, 2015.
|
|
(6)
|
One third of these options became exercisable on February 26, 2014, and one third of these options will become exercisable on each of February 26, 2015 and February 26, 2016.
|
|
(7)
|
These phantom units vest and will be payable either in cash equivalent, units or a combination of both, 50% in June 2014 and 50% in June 2015.
|
|
(8)
|
These phantom units vested and were paid either in cash equivalent, units or a combination of both in March 2014.
|
|
(9)
|
Half of these phantom units vested and were paid in a combination of units and cash in March 2014. The remaining 50% of these phantom units vest and will be payable either in cash equivalent, units or a combination of both in March 2015.
|
|
(10)
|
Amount represents restricted units awarded in March 2012 and October 2012 pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. These restricted units vest according to the following schedule: Mr. Ouimet - 28,784 restricted units vest on December 31, 2014, and 28,137 restricted units vest on October 24, 2015; Mr.
|
31
Witherow - 5,926 restricted units vest on December 31, 2014, and 9,854 restricted units vest on October 24, 2015; Mr. Zimmerman - 7,196 restricted units vest on December 31, 2014, and 11,965 restricted units vest on October 24, 2015; Mr. Bender - 4,127 restricted units vest on December 31, 2014, and 9,150 restricted units vest on October 24, 2015; Mr. Milkie - 4,127 restricted units vest on December 31, 2014, and 9,150 restricted units vest on October 24, 2015. These restricted units accumulate distribution equivalents during the restricted period that will be payable in the same form as accrued when the awards vest. Distribution equivalents accumulated as of fiscal year-end are reflected only in column (h), as all distribution equivalents on the restricted units have been accrued in cash.
|
(11)
|
Amount represents restricted units awarded in February 2013 pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. These restricted units vest on December 31, 2015. These restricted units accumulate distribution equivalents during the restricted period that will be payable in the same form as accrued when the awards vest. Distribution equivalents accumulated as of the fiscal year-end are reflected only in column (h) as all distribution equivalents on the restricted units have been accrued in cash.
|
OPTION EXERCISES AND UNITS VESTED IN 2013
|
Option Awards
|
Unit Awards (1)
|
|||||||||||||
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
||||||||||
|
Name
|
Number of Units Acquired on Exercise (#)
|
Value Realized on Exercise ($)
|
Number of Units Acquired on Vesting (#)
|
Value Realized on Vesting ($)
|
||||||||||
|
Ouimet
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
||||
|
Witherow
|
1,000
|
|
$
|
10,070
|
|
7,685
|
|
(2
|
)
|
$
|
294,720
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
200
|
|
$
|
6,670
|
|
||||||||||
|
Zimmerman
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
7,521
|
|
(2
|
)
|
$
|
288,430
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
2,176
|
|
(3
|
)
|
$
|
83,667
|
|
(3
|
)
|
||||||
|
Bender
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
6,569
|
|
(2
|
)
|
$
|
251,921
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
2,097
|
|
(3
|
)
|
$
|
80,630
|
|
(3
|
)
|
||||||
|
Milkie
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
5,049
|
|
(2
|
)
|
$
|
193,629
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
7,910
|
|
(3
|
)
|
$
|
303,841
|
|
(3
|
)
|
||||||
|
(1)
|
The amounts in column (d) reflect the total number of phantom units or performance units that vested for each executive in 2013.
|
|
(2)
|
Reflects the vesting and related value of performance unit grants made from 2008 through 2011 pursuant to the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan. Mr. Zimmerman received 100% of the value in units. Mr. Witherow received 60% of the value in units and 40% in cash. Mr. Bender received 100% of the value in cash. Mr. Milkie received 50% of the value in units and in cash.
|
|
(3)
|
Reflects the vesting and related value of prior year phantom unit grants, plus additional units credited as a result of reinvestment of distribution equivalents.
|
32
PENSION BENEFITS FOR 2013
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
|||||
|
Name
|
Plan Name
|
Number of Years Credited Service #
|
Present Value of Accumulated Benefit ($) (1)
|
Payments During Last Fiscal Year ($)
|
|||||
|
Ouimet
|
-
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Witherow
|
-
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Zimmerman
|
-
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Bender
|
-
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
Milkie
|
2008 Supplemental Retirement Plan
|
6
|
$
|
76,370
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
(1) The estimated present value amount is based on projected benefits earned through age 62 assuming (i) an annual interest rate of 3.25% and (ii) a discount rate of 5.74%.
We adopted the 2008 Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “2008 SERP”) in February 2008 to provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain of our executive officers, and accounts were established and credited in prior years for some of our executive officers under the 2008 SERP. Mr. Milkie is the only named executive officer for 2013 to participate in the 2008 SERP. Mr. Milkie will become fully vested in his account upon the earliest of his retirement (provided that he has at least twenty years of service with the Partnership), or if while employed by the Partnership, upon his death, disability, or change in control. Additional contributions to the 2008 SERP were discontinued in 2011, and we do not intend to have any other executive officers participate in this plan.
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL
The following summaries describe and quantify the payments that each named executive officer would receive if his employment with us were terminated or if we had a change in control. These payments and benefits derive from a combination of employment agreements, our long-term incentive plans and our supplemental retirement plans. In all cases, the timing and amount of payments will comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code. The summaries assume that the termination or change in control occurred on December 31, 2013 and the relevant unit price is the closing market price of our units on the NYSE on December 31, 2013, which was $49.58 per unit.
Payments Pursuant to Employment Agreements (other than in connection with a Change in Control)
The following information summarizes payments that our named executive officers will receive in the event of terminations with or without cause, as a result of death or disability, in connection with non-renewals of their employment agreements and in general. Descriptions of release requirements, restrictions and certain key defined terms are provided at the end of this section. For information regarding payments in the event of a change in control, see “Payments Upon a Change in Control under Employment Agreements” and “Incentive Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan Payments upon a Change of Control” below. For additional information regarding payments in the event of death, disability or retirement, see “Payments Upon Death, Disability or Retirement under our Incentive and Supplemental Retirement Plans” below.
Terminations without Cause or due to Disability and Resignations for Good Reason
If we terminate the employment of Mr. Ouimet, Mr. Witherow, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Milkie or Mr. Bender without cause or because of a disability, or if any of those executives resign for good reason (in each case, other than in connection with a change in control), Mr. Ouimet will be entitled to:
33
|
•
|
Payment of accrued and unpaid base salary (together with accrued and unpaid supplemental compensation), reimbursement of business expenses and payment for accrued and unused vacation days, each as accrued as of the termination date, in a lump sum within 30 days following termination;
|
|
•
|
An amount equal to two times his base salary. This amount will be payable in a single lump sum on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the 60
th
day after the termination, and will be reduced by any payments received from any short- or long-term disability plan maintained by us, where applicable;
|
|
•
|
Any unpaid cash incentive award earned with respect to a calendar year ending on or before the date of termination, payable at the same time payment would have been made had the executive continued to be employed;
|
|
•
|
A pro-rata portion of his cash incentive award for the calendar year of termination, based on actual performance (with certain qualitative performance criteria being deemed satisfied in full), which amount will be prorated based on the number of days the executive is employed during the applicable year and payable at the same time payment is made to other senior executives and no later than March 15 of the next calendar year;
|
|
•
|
Payment of the after-tax monthly COBRA continuation coverage premium under our medical plan (less the amount of the executive's contribution as if he was an active employee), until the earliest of twelve months after termination, the date the executive is no longer eligible for COBRA or the date that he obtains other employment with medical benefits, with the first COBRA premium payment being made following the timely delivery of a general release and including any amounts due prior thereto;
|
|
•
|
Full vesting in any equity awards made under Cedar Fair’s Omnibus Incentive Plan that vest within 18 months after his termination of employment without cause or his resignation for good reason unless otherwise specifically exempted from vesting by the terms of the underlying award agreement. Equity awards other than options that vest under this provision will be paid or vest on the scheduled payment date under the award agreement without regard to the continuous employment requirements or proration. Options that vest within the 18 month period will terminate 30 calendar days after the vesting date unless exercised; and
|
|
•
|
All other accrued amounts or benefits the executive is due under our benefit plans, programs or policies (other than severance).
|
Each executive other than Mr. Ouimet will be entitled to:
|
•
|
Payment of accrued and unpaid base salary, reimbursement of business expenses and payment for accrued and unused vacation days, each as accrued as of the termination date, in a lump sum within 30 days following termination;
|
|
•
|
An amount equal to his base salary. This amount will be payable at the same time salary otherwise would be paid over the 12-month period following termination, but (i) with the first payment being made on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the 60
th
day after the termination and including any payments that otherwise would be due earlier, and (ii) with payments being reduced by any payments received from any short- or long-term disability plan maintained by us, where applicable;
|
|
•
|
Any unpaid cash incentive award earned with respect to a calendar year ending on or before the date of termination, payable at the same time payment would have been made had the executive continued to be employed;
|
|
•
|
A pro-rata portion of his cash incentive award for the calendar year of termination, based on actual performance (with certain qualitative performance criteria being deemed satisfied in full), which amount will be prorated based on the number of days the executive is employed during the applicable year and payable at the same time payment is made to other senior executives and no later than March 15 of the next calendar year;
|
|
•
|
Payment of the after-tax monthly COBRA continuation coverage premium under our medical plan (less the amount of the executive's contribution as if he was an active employee), until the earliest of twelve months after termination, the date the executive is no longer eligible for COBRA or the date that he obtains other employment with medical benefits, with the first COBRA premium payment being made following the timely delivery of a general release and including any amounts due prior thereto; and
|
|
•
|
All other accrued amounts or benefits the executive is due under our benefit plans, programs or policies (other than severance).
|
34
Death
If the employment of any of Mr. Ouimet, Mr. Witherow, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Milkie or Mr. Bender is terminated by reason of death, the executive or his legal representatives shall be entitled to:
Payment of accrued and unpaid base salary (together with accrued and unpaid supplemental compensation for Mr. Ouimet), reimbursement of business expenses and payment for accrued and unused vacation days, each as accrued as of the termination date, in a lump sum within 30 days following termination;
|
•
|
Any unpaid cash incentive award earned with respect to a calendar year ending on or before the date of termination, payable at the same time payment would have been made had the executive continued to be employed;
|
|
•
|
A pro-rata portion of his cash incentive award for the calendar year of termination, based on actual performance (with certain qualitative performance criteria being deemed satisfied in full), which amount will be prorated based on the number of days the executive is employed during the applicable year and payable at the same time payment is made to other senior executives and no later than March 15 of the next calendar year;
|
|
•
|
Payment of the after-tax monthly COBRA continuation coverage premium under our medical plan for the executive's spouse and eligible dependents (less the amount of the executive's contribution as if he was an active employee) for a period of up to twelve months after executive's death, if permitted under applicable law; and
|
|
•
|
All other accrued amounts or benefits the executive is due under our benefit plans, programs or policies (other than severance).
|
Non-Renewal
Our executive employment agreements provide for a process by which we and the executive will indicate whether the parties are willing to enter into a new employment agreement prior to expiration of the agreement. If (i) the executive timely indicates he is willing to enter into a new agreement and we indicate that we are not willing to enter into a new agreement or fail to provide timely notice, or (ii) the parties desire to enter into a new employment agreement, but the new agreement is not executed before expiration of the current employment period, and (in either case) the executive's employment is terminated immediately following expiration, the executive will be entitled to:
|
•
|
Payment of accrued and unpaid base salary (together with accrued and unpaid supplemental compensation for Mr. Ouimet), reimbursement of business expenses and payment for accrued and unused vacation days, each as accrued as of the termination date, in a lump sum within 30 days following termination;
|
|
•
|
An amount equal to his base salary, payable at the same time salary otherwise would be paid over the 12-month period following termination, but with the first payment being made on the first regularly scheduled payroll date following the 60
th
day after the termination and including any payments that otherwise would be due earlier;
|
|
•
|
Any unpaid cash incentive award earned with respect to a calendar year ending on or before the date of termination, payable at the same time payment would have been made had the executive continued to be employed;
|
|
•
|
Payment of the after-tax monthly COBRA continuation coverage premium under our medical plan (less the amount of the executive's contribution as if he was an active employee), until the earliest of twelve months after termination, the date the executive is no longer eligible for COBRA or the date that he obtains other employment with medical benefits, with the first COBRA premium payment being made following the timely delivery of a general release and including any amounts due prior thereto;
|
|
•
|
All other accrued amounts or benefits the executive is due under our benefit plans, programs or policies (other than severance); and
|
|
•
|
Mr. Ouimet will receive full vesting in any equity awards made under Cedar Fair’s Omnibus Incentive Plan that vest within 18 months after his termination of employment unless otherwise specifically exempted from vesting by the terms of the underlying award agreement, with such awards vesting and being paid as described above for terminations without cause or resignations for good reason.
|
Other Terminations
If the executive's employment is terminated for any reason other than by us without cause, by the executive for good reason, or as a result of death or disability, including by expiration of the employment term, which we refer to in the tables below as “All Terminations,” the executive or his legal representatives will be entitled to receive a lump sum payment within 30 days following termination consisting of accrued and unpaid base salary (together with accrued and
35
unpaid supplemental compensation for Mr. Ouimet), reimbursement of business expenses and payment for accrued and unused vacation days, each as accrued as of the date of termination. The executive also will be entitled to any unpaid cash incentive award earned with respect to a calendar year ending on or before the date of termination, payable at the same time payment would have been made had the executive continued to be employed, and all other accrued amounts or benefits the executive is due under our benefit plans, programs or policies (other than severance). In addition, Mr. Ouimet will fully vest in any equity awards made under Cedar Fair’s Omnibus Incentive Plan that vest within 18 months after his termination of employment unless otherwise specifically exempted from vesting by the terms of the underlying award agreement, with such awards vesting and being paid as described above for terminations without cause or resignations for good reason.
Releases and Restrictions; Certain Definitions
Any termination payments under the executives' respective employment agreements are subject to execution, timely delivery, and non-revocation of a general release in favor of Cedar Fair. In addition, each executive is subject to non-competition, non-solicitation, confidentiality, non-disparagement and cooperation provisions contained in his employment agreement, with the non-competition and non-solicitation obligations lasting during the period with respect to which he is receiving severance payments (if employment is terminated without cause, due to disability or for good reason, and not for death) or for twelve months (if employment is terminated for any reason other than without cause or for good reason).
Under the employment agreements, “cause” means: (i) the executive's willful and continued failure to perform his duties or follow the lawful direction of the Board (or, for the executives other than Mr. Ouimet, the chief executive officer or the Board) or a material breach of fiduciary duty after written notice of the breach; (ii) theft, fraud, or dishonesty with regard to Cedar Fair or in connection with the executive's duties; (iii) indictment for or conviction of (or guilty or no contest plea to) a felony or any lesser offense involving fraud or moral turpitude; (iv) material violation of our code of conduct or similar written policies after written notice specifying the violation; (v) willful misconduct unrelated to us that has, or is likely to have, a material negative impact on us after written notice specifying the failure or breach; (vi) gross negligence or willful misconduct relating to our affairs; (vii) material breach by the executive of his employment agreement; (viii) a final and non-appealable determination by a court or other governmental body that the executive has materially violated federal or state securities laws; or (ix) a breach or contravention of another employment agreement or other agreement or policy by virtue of the executive's employment with us or performance of his duties, or the existence of any other limitation on his activities on our behalf except for confidentiality obligations to former employers.
“Disability” means a physical or mental incapacity or disability that renders or is likely to render the executive unable to perform his material duties for either 180 days in any twelve-month period or 90 consecutive days, as determined by a physician selected by us.
“Good reason” means, without the executive's express consent: (i) any material diminution in his responsibilities, authorities or duties; (ii) any material reduction in the executive's (x) base salary (or, for Mr. Ouimet, in the aggregate amount of his base salary and supplemental compensation), or (y) target cash incentive opportunity (except in the event of an across the board reduction in base salary or cash incentive opportunity applicable to substantially all of our senior executives); (iii) a forced relocation of his place of employment by the greater of seventy (70) miles or the distance constituting a “material change in the geographic location” of the executive's place of employment under Section 409A; or (iv) a material breach of the employment agreement by us. The events described in (i), (ii) and (iii) will not constitute “good reason” unless the executive notifies us in writing and we fail to cure the situation within the time periods specified in the agreement.
Payments upon Death, Disability or Retirement under our Incentive and Supplemental Retirement Plans
If any named executive officer dies, becomes disabled or retires at age 62 or over while employed by us, any unvested phantom unit awards under our Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan and any unvested time-based phantom units awarded under our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be paid in full in a lump sum cash payment within ninety days of the event (or such period of time as required by Section 409A of the Code). In the event of death or disability during employment, actual performance-based phantom unit awards under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan for that year, as well as any unpaid awards for prior years, will be paid in a lump sum cash payment within ninety days of the event (subject to Section 409A). Performance-based phantom unit awards under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be prorated in the event of retirement after age 62 and paid, together with any unpaid such awards for prior years, in a lump sum cash payment within ninety days of the end of the performance period or retirement date, respectively (subject to Section 409A).
36
All amounts accrued under our 2008 SERP will also become fully vested and payable upon an executive's death, disability or retirement at age 62 or over with at least 20 years of service. Any cash incentive awards outstanding at the time of death or retirement will be paid on a prorated basis. Our EBITDA-based performance unit awards under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be payable in the event of death or disability while employed by us, or retirement at age 62 or over from employment with us, with amounts being prorated where the death, separation from service due to disability or retirement occurs during the performance period. Restrictions on our outstanding restricted unit awards will lapse upon death, disability or retirement. Options awarded under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will expire on the earlier of the ten year anniversary of the grant date or the date that is thirty (30) days after a separation from service under the plan. Mr. Ouimet's 2014 TSR-based award would be payable in a lump sum upon death or separation from service due to disability occurring prior to either or both payment dates, based on the performance through the end of the most recently completed year and with one-half prorated based on the first, and the remainder prorated based on the second, payment date. The named executive officers also will receive payments in these situations as described above under “Payments Pursuant to Employment Agreements (other than in connection with a Change in Control).”
Payments upon a Change in Control under Employment Agreements
In the event of certain terminations following a change in control, Mr. Ouimet, Mr. Witherow, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Milkie and Mr. Bender will receive benefits and payments in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements. Our incentive plans and our 2008 SERP also contain change-in-control provisions. Each of our incentive plans and employment agreements uses the “change in control” definition provided by Section 409A of the Code or a definition based on the 409A definition. As a result, if a change in control occurs under one plan or agreement, it will trigger payment under the other plans and agreements as well. “Change-in-control” events include:
|
•
|
a change in ownership of the Partnership which generally would occur when a person or group acquires units representing more than 50 percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Partnership;
|
|
•
|
a change in the effective control of the Partnership, which could occur even if a change in ownership has not occurred, and would occur if either (i) a person or group acquires units, all at once or over a period of 12 months, representing 30 percent or more of the total voting power of the Partnership, or (ii) a majority of our directors will have been replaced during a 12-month period by directors not endorsed by a majority of the board before the date of appointment or election; or
|
|
•
|
a change in ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Partnership, which would occur if a person or group acquires, all at once or over a period of 12 months, assets from us that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than 40 percent of the total gross fair market value of all of our assets immediately before the acquisition(s), determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
|
Section 409A and its rules contain detailed provisions for determining whether a change-in-control event has occurred. The above descriptions of change-in-control events are general summaries only, and we refer you to Section 409A and its rules for additional detail.
All of our employment agreements and our supplemental retirement plans contain a double trigger change in control provision, which means that two events must occur for a participant to receive payments under the change in control provision. First, a change in control must occur. The second trigger under the employment agreements is that the executive's employment must be terminated within 24 months following the change in control. Terminations for “good reason” (as defined above) by the executive qualify for change in control protection in addition to involuntary terminations. The second trigger under our supplemental retirement plans is the occurrence of a separation from service under the plan. Our incentive plans under which we have awarded phantom units, performance units and unit options contain single trigger change in control provisions.
If we terminate the employment of Mr. Ouimet, Mr. Witherow, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Milkie or Mr. Bender without cause or because of a disability within 24 months following a change in control, or if any of those executives resign for good reason within 24 months following a change in control, the executive is entitled to the payments and benefits described above under “Payments Pursuant to Employment Agreements (other than in connection with a Change in Control) - Terminations without Cause or due to Disability and Resignations for Good Reason,” except that:
|
•
|
in lieu of his non-change in control severance or base salary continuation, as applicable, the executive will receive severance as follows:
|
|
◦
|
Mr. Ouimet will receive a lump sum amount equal to three times annual cash compensation for the year preceding the calendar year in which the change in control occurred, less US$1; and
|
37
|
◦
|
each executive other than Mr. Ouimet will receive a lump sum amount equal to two and one-half times the executive's annual cash compensation for the year preceding the calendar year in which the change in control occurred, less US$1; and
|
|
•
|
the executive will have the right to continue medical and dental insurance coverage under COBRA during the 30 month period following the termination, and to receive monthly reimbursement of such COBRA continuation coverage premiums from us, if permitted by applicable law.
|
For purposes of our employment agreements, “cash compensation” with respect to any calendar year is defined as (a) the total salary payable, (b) target annual cash incentive compensation with respect to that calendar year, even if not paid during the year, (c) with respect to any multi-year cash bonus, the amount actually paid and (d) for Mr. Ouimet, his annual supplemental compensation. Any lump sum payments made pursuant to the employment agreements in connection with a change in control will be paid within sixty days following the termination, subject to the requirements of Section 409A.
Our executive employment agreements cap the present value of the aggregate payments, distributions and benefits provided to or for the executive's benefit which constitute parachute payments under Section 280G of the Code at 299% of the base amount (as defined for purposes of Section 280G). If the present value exceeds the cap, the payments, distributions and benefits to the executive will be reduced in the order specified in his employment agreement so that the reduced amount will result in no portion of his payments, distributions and benefits being subject to excise tax. We refer to this type of provision as a “280G cap and cutback provision” below.
Payments of change-in-control amounts or provisions of change-in-control benefits under the employment agreements are conditioned upon the execution and non-revocation of a mutually acceptable separation agreement and release.
Incentive Plan and Supplemental Retirement Plan Payments upon a Change in Control
In addition to the payments and benefits outlined above, our incentive plans and our supplemental retirement plans contain change-in-control provisions that may result in payments to participating named executive officers, summarized below. In the event of a change in control:
|
•
|
Unpaid awards from prior years that were made under our Amended and Restated Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan will be paid in a lump sum cash payment within ninety days of the event (or such period of time as may be required by Section 409A of the Code).
|
|
•
|
Grants made under our Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, including options, unit appreciation rights, restricted units or performance units, will vest, become fully exercisable and be free of all restrictions or limitations. Option holders may elect to “cash out” any options for the difference between the price of the option and the change in control price per unit within 60 days of a change in control.
|
|
•
|
Unless otherwise specified in connection with making a particular award, cash incentive awards made under our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be deemed to have been earned at 100% of the target level in the year of the change in control and will be paid within 30 days following a change in control.
|
|
•
|
Unless otherwise specified in connection with making a particular award, all long-term incentive awards made under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan (i.e., performance-based phantom unit awards) will be deemed to have been earned at 100% of the target level. All such awards, including any unpaid awards from prior years will be paid in a lump sum cash payment within 30 days of the change in control.
|
|
•
|
Unless otherwise specified in connection with making a particular award, all performance awards made under our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will be deemed to have been earned and payable in full and any other restriction shall lapse. Any such performance awards will be paid within 30 days following a change of control. Our outstanding EBITDA-based performance awards will be deemed earned at the target level. The March 2014 TSR-based performance award to Mr. Ouimet would be earned based on the performance through the end of the most recently completed year, with one-half of the units prorated based on the first, and the remainder prorated based on the second, payment date.
|
|
•
|
Unless otherwise specified in connection with making a particular award, all restrictions, limitations and other conditions applicable to any “other unit awards” granted under our 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan, such as the time-based phantom unit awards granted in October 2010, June and October 2011 and February 2012, shall lapse and those awards shall become fully vested and transferable. Any such awards will be issued, settled or distributed, as applicable within 30 days following a change in control.
|
|
•
|
All restrictions applicable to our outstanding restricted unit awards will lapse and restricted units will become fully vested and transferable.
|
38
|
•
|
Any outstanding unvested options under the 2008 Omnibus Incentive Plan will vest and become fully exercisable. Option holders may elect to “cash out” any options within 60 days of a change in control for the difference between the price of the option and the fair market value per unit at the time of the election.
|
|
•
|
All amounts accrued by the named executive officers under our Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Program and 2008 SERP will vest and be funded in a trust for the benefit of the executive officers when they retire at or after reaching age 62, die, or become disabled, whichever occurs first.
|
39
Matthew A. Ouimet
The payments that would have been made to Mr. Ouimet upon a termination of his employment or a change in control of the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:
|
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation
|
All Terminations
|
Termination Other than For Cause or For Good Reason
|
Termination upon Non-renewal
|
Disability
|
Death
|
Change in Control Only
|
Termination upon Change in Control
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compensation
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Earned but unpaid salary
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
$
|
39,452
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Severance
|
—
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
900,000
|
|
1,800,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
305,739
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Incentive compensation
|
551,606
|
|
(2
|
)
|
551,606
|
|
(2
|
)
|
551,606
|
|
(2
|
)
|
551,606
|
|
(2
|
)
|
551,606
|
|
(2
|
)
|
47,856
|
|
(3
|
)
|
551,606
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Unit Options
|
2,186,089
|
|
(4
|
)
|
2,186,089
|
|
(4
|
)
|
2,186,089
|
|
(4
|
)
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
2,701,780
|
|
2,701,780
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Phantom units
|
4,541,051
|
|
(4
|
)
|
4,541,051
|
|
(4
|
)
|
4,541,051
|
|
(4
|
)
|
4,541,051
|
|
4,541,051
|
|
4,541,051
|
|
4,541,051
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Restricted units
|
1,535,770
|
|
(4
|
)
|
1,535,770
|
|
(4
|
)
|
1,535,770
|
|
(4
|
)
|
3,614,397
|
|
3,614,397
|
|
3,614,397
|
|
3,614,397
|
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Performance units
|
1,179,427
|
|
(5
|
)
|
1,179,427
|
|
(5
|
)
|
1,179,427
|
|
(5
|
)
|
1,391,358
|
|
(6
|
)
|
1,391,358
|
|
(6
|
)
|
1,996,431
|
|
1,996,431
|
|
|||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Health benefits
|
—
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
—
|
|
36,543
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Totals
|
$
|
10,033,395
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
11,848,012
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
10,948,012
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
11,952,481
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
10,152,481
|
|
(7
|
)
|
$
|
12,940,967
|
|
$
|
13,786,999
|
|
||||
|
(1)
|
Amount was decreased by $4,944,260 to comply with the 280G cap and cutback provision of Mr. Ouimet’s employment agreement. Pre-capped severance amount based on 2012 cash compensation, as defined in employment agreement and described above on page 37, which reflects the salary, target annual cash bonus, and Mr. Ouimet’s annual supplemental compensation for 2012. See “Summary Compensation Table for 2013” for increased 2013 salary versus 2012 and “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for 2013” for 2013 target cash incentive opportunity, which would result in higher severance amount for change in control and termination dates on and after January 1, 2014 (subject to the 280G cap and cutback provision).
|
|
(2)
|
Amount excludes portion of 2013 cash incentive award paid prior to the assumed termination date.
|
|
(3)
|
Amount represents payout of the 2013 cash incentive award at 100% of the target level less the amount of the award paid prior to the assumed date of the change in control.
|
|
(4)
|
Amount includes all unexercisable options awarded to Mr. Ouimet in 2012 and two-thirds of the unexercisable options awarded in 2013. Amount also includes the unvested phantom units awarded to Mr. Ouimet in 2011 and the restricted units awarded in March 2012. Amount based on value of the units as of the assumed termination date. Value of this award to Mr. Ouimet depends on the unit price as of the later applicable payment dates and could differ from that assumed herein. Value of phantom and restricted units also depends on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment date.
|
|
(5)
|
Amount includes the performance awards awarded to Mr. Ouimet in 2012. This amount assumes that all performance metrics are met over the applicable performance period and that Mr. Ouimet would receive the maximum number of units. The amount represents the value at December 31, 2013 of 23,788 units, plus the value of distribution equivalents accrued on those units through the assumed termination date. The total units that would be payable, however, could be lower as a result of performance actually attained. Additionally, as Mr. Ouimet would not receive any payments until the scheduled payment date in 2015, the value to him of the
|
40
units would depend on the unit price as of the later applicable payment date and on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment date.
|
(6)
|
If Mr. Ouimet had died or had become disabled on December 31, 2013, he would be entitled to receive payment in 2015 and 2016, respectively, as provided in his 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 performance unit awards as if he were employed on the applicable payment date. Any such payments would be prorated as of December 31, 2013, the date of death or disability, and would depend upon the level of attainment of the performance metrics. This amount assumes that all performance metrics are met over the applicable performance period and that Mr. Ouimet would receive the maximum number of units. Accordingly, this amount represents the value at December 31, 2013 of 15,859 units (i.e., 2/3 of the maximum units under the 2012 award) and 12,204 units (i.e., 1/3 of the maximum units under the 2013 award), plus the value of distribution equivalents accrued on those units through the assumed termination date. The total units that would be payable, however, could be lower as a result of performance actually attained. Additionally, as Mr. Ouimet would not receive any payments until the scheduled payment dates in 2015 and 2016, the value to him of the units would depend on the unit price as of the later applicable payment dates and on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment dates.
|
|
(7)
|
Total value could be higher or lower depending upon the factors described in footnotes 4, 5, and 6.
|
41
Brian C. Witherow
The payments that would have been made to Mr. Witherow upon a termination of his employment or a change in control of the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:
|
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation
|
All Terminations
|
Termination Other than For Cause or For Good Reason
|
Termination upon Non-renewal
|
Disability
|
Death
|
Change in Control Only
|
Termination upon Change in Control
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compensation
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Earned but unpaid salary
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
$
|
16,482
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Severance
|
—
|
|
400,000
|
|
400,000
|
|
400,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
176,963
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Incentive compensation
|
154,395
|
|
(2
|
)
|
154,395
|
|
(2
|
)
|
154,395
|
|
(2
|
)
|
154,395
|
|
(2
|
)
|
154,395
|
|
(2
|
)
|
13,395
|
|
(3
|
)
|
154,395
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Unit Options
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
579,911
|
|
579,911
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
966,740
|
|
966,740
|
|
966,740
|
|
966,740
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
295,708
|
|
(4
|
)
|
295,708
|
|
(4
|
)
|
429,538
|
|
429,538
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Health benefits
|
—
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
—
|
|
36,543
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Totals
|
$
|
170,877
|
|
$
|
585,494
|
|
$
|
585,494
|
|
$
|
1,847,942
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
1,447,942
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
2,006,066
|
|
$
|
2,360,572
|
|
||||||||||
|
(1)
|
Amount was decreased by $1,354,286 to comply with the 280G cap and cutback provision of Mr. Witherow’s employment agreement. Pre-capped severance amount based on 2012 cash compensation, as defined in employment agreement and described above on page 37, which reflects the salary and target annual cash bonus for 2012. See “Summary Compensation Table for 2013” for increased 2013 salary versus 2012 and “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for 2013” for 2013 target cash incentive opportunity, which would result in higher severance amount for change in control and termination dates on and after January 1, 2014 (subject to the 280G cap and cutback provision).
|
(2) Amount excludes portion of 2013 cash incentive award paid prior to the assumed termination date.
|
(3)
|
Amount represents payout of the 2013 cash incentive award at 100% of the target level less the amount of the award paid prior to the assumed date of the change in control.
|
|
(4)
|
If Mr. Witherow had died or had become disabled on December 31, 2013, he would be entitled to receive payment in 2015 and 2016, respectively, as provided in his 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 performance unit awards as if he were employed on the applicable payment date. Any such payments would be prorated as of December 31, 2013, the date of death or disability, and would depend upon the level of attainment of the performance metrics. This amount assumes that all performance metrics are met over the applicable performance period and that Mr. Witherow would receive the maximum number of units. Accordingly, this amount represents the value at December 31, 2013 of 3,265 units (i.e., 2/3 of the maximum units under the 2012 award) and 2,699 units (i.e., 1/3 of the maximum units under the 2013 award), plus the value of distribution equivalents accrued on those units through the assumed termination date. The total units that would be payable, however, could be lower as a result of performance actually attained. Additionally, as Mr. Witherow would not receive any payments until the scheduled payment dates in 2015 and 2016, the value to him of the units would depend on the unit price as of the later applicable payment dates and on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment dates.
|
|
(5)
|
Total value could be higher or lower depending upon the factors described in footnote 4.
|
42
Richard A. Zimmerman
The payments that would have been made to Mr. Zimmerman upon a termination of his employment or a change in control of the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:
|
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation
|
All Terminations
|
Termination Other than For Cause or For Good Reason
|
Termination upon Non-renewal
|
Disability
|
Death
|
Change in Control Only
|
Termination upon Change in Control
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compensation
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Earned but unpaid salary
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
$
|
20,033
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Severance
|
—
|
|
525,000
|
|
525,000
|
|
525,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
621,401
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Incentive compensation
|
187,656
|
|
(2
|
)
|
187,656
|
|
(2
|
)
|
187,656
|
|
(2
|
)
|
187,656
|
|
(2
|
)
|
187,656
|
|
(2
|
)
|
16,281
|
|
(3
|
)
|
187,656
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Unit Options
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
704,573
|
|
704,573
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
258,851
|
|
258,851
|
|
258,851
|
|
258,851
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
1,174,027
|
|
1,174,027
|
|
1,174,027
|
|
1,174,027
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
359,229
|
|
(4
|
)
|
359,229
|
|
(4
|
)
|
521,886
|
|
521,886
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Health benefits
|
—
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
36,543
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Totals
|
$
|
207,689
|
|
$
|
747,306
|
|
$
|
747,306
|
|
$
|
2,539,413
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
2,014,413
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
2,710,268
|
|
$
|
3,524,970
|
|
||||||||||
|
(1)
|
Amount was decreased by $1,237,972 to comply with the 280G cap and cutback provision of Mr. Zimmerman’s employment agreement. Pre-capped severance amount based on 2012 cash compensation, as defined in employment agreement and described above on page 37, which reflects the salary and target annual cash bonus for 2012. See “Summary Compensation Table for 2013” for increased 2013 salary versus 2012 and “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for 2013” for 2013 target cash incentive opportunity, which would result in higher severance amount for change in control and termination dates on and after January 1, 2014 (subject to the 280G cap and cutback provision).
|
|
(2)
|
Amount excludes portion of 2013 cash incentive award paid prior to the assumed termination date.
|
|
(3)
|
Amount represents payout of the 2013 cash incentive award at 100% of the target level less the amount of the award paid prior to the assumed date of the change in control.
|
|
(4)
|
If Mr. Zimmerman had died or had become disabled on December 31, 2013, he would be entitled to receive payment in 2015 and 2016, respectively, as provided in his 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 performance unit awards as if he were employed on the applicable payment date. Any such payments would be prorated as of December 31, 2013, the date of death or disability, and would depend upon the level of attainment of the performance metrics. This amount assumes that all performance metrics are met over the applicable performance period and that Mr. Zimmerman would receive the maximum number of units. Accordingly, this amount represents the value at December 31, 2013 of 3,965 units (i.e., 2/3 of the maximum units under the 2012 award) and 3,281 units (i.e., 1/3 of the maximum units under the 2013 award), plus the value of distribution equivalents accrued on those units through the assumed termination date. The total units that would be payable, however, could be lower as a result of performance actually attained. Additionally, as Mr. Zimmerman would not receive any payments until the scheduled payment dates in 2015 and 2016, the value to him of the units would depend on the unit price as of the later applicable payment dates and on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment dates.
|
|
(5)
|
Total value could be higher or lower depending upon the factors described in footnote 4.
|
43
H. Philip Bender
The payments that would have been made to Mr. Bender upon a termination of his employment or a change in control of the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:
|
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation
|
All Terminations
|
Termination Other than For Cause or For Good Reason
|
Termination upon Non-renewal
|
Disability
|
Death
|
Change in Control Only
|
Termination upon Change in Control
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compensation
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Earned but unpaid salary
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Severance
|
—
|
|
350,000
|
|
350,000
|
|
350,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
920,616
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Incentive compensation
|
119,218
|
|
(2
|
)
|
119,218
|
|
(2
|
)
|
119,218
|
|
(2
|
)
|
119,218
|
|
(2
|
)
|
119,218
|
|
(2
|
)
|
10,343
|
|
(3
|
)
|
119,218
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Unit Options
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
394,213
|
|
394,213
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
354,417
|
|
354,417
|
|
354,417
|
|
354,417
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
789,739
|
|
789,739
|
|
789,739
|
|
789,739
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
202,193
|
|
(4
|
)
|
202,193
|
|
(4
|
)
|
291,623
|
|
291,623
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Health benefits
|
—
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
14,617
|
|
—
|
|
36,543
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Totals
|
$
|
133,903
|
|
$
|
498,520
|
|
$
|
498,520
|
|
$
|
1,844,869
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
1,494,869
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
1,855,020
|
|
$
|
2,921,054
|
|
||||||||||
|
(1)
|
Amount was decreased by $420,008 to comply with the 280G cap and cutback provision of Mr. Bender’s employment agreement. Pre-capped severance amount based on 2012 cash compensation, as defined in employment agreement and described above on page 37, which reflects the salary and target annual cash bonus for 2012. See “Summary Compensation Table for 2013” for increased 2013 salary versus 2012 and “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for 2013” for 2013 target cash incentive opportunity, which would result in higher severance amount for change in control and termination dates on and after January 1, 2014 (subject to the 280G cap and cutback provision).
|
(2) Amount excludes portion of 2013 cash incentive award paid prior to the assumed termination date.
|
(3)
|
Amount represents payout of the 2013 cash incentive award at 100% of the target level less the amount of the award paid prior to the assumed date of the change in control.
|
|
(4)
|
If Mr. Bender had died or had become disabled on December 31, 2013, he would be entitled to receive payment in 2015 and 2016, respectively, as provided in his 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 performance unit awards as if he were employed on the applicable payment date. Any such payments would be prorated as of December 31, 2013, the date of death or disability, and would depend upon the level of attainment of the performance metrics. This amount assumes that all performance metrics are met over the applicable performance period and that Mr. Bender would receive the maximum number of units. Accordingly, this amount represents the value at December 31, 2013 of 2,275 units (i.e., 2/3 of the maximum units under the 2012 award) and 1,804 units (i.e., 1/3 of the maximum units under the 2013 award), plus the value of distribution equivalents accrued on those units through the assumed termination date. The total units that would be payable, however, could be lower as a result of performance actually attained. Additionally, as Mr. Bender would not receive any payments until the scheduled payment dates in 2015 and 2016, the value to him of the units would depend on the unit price as of the later applicable payment dates and on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment dates.
|
|
(5)
|
Total value could be higher or lower depending upon the factors described in footnote 4.
|
44
Duffield E. Milkie
The payments that would have been made to Mr. Milkie upon a termination of his employment or a change in control of the Partnership as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:
|
Executive Benefits and Payments Upon Separation
|
All Terminations
|
Termination Other than For Cause or For Good Reason
|
Termination upon Non-renewal
|
Disability
|
Death
|
Change in Control Only
|
Termination upon Change in Control
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Compensation
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Earned but unpaid salary
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
$
|
14,685
|
|
||||||||||||||
|
Severance
|
—
|
|
350,000
|
|
350,000
|
|
350,000
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
398,553
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Incentive compensation
|
110,048
|
|
(2
|
)
|
110,048
|
|
(2
|
)
|
110,048
|
|
(2
|
)
|
110,048
|
|
(2
|
)
|
110,048
|
|
(2
|
)
|
9,548
|
|
(3
|
)
|
110,048
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|||||||
|
Unit Options
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
394,213
|
|
394,213
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Phantom units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
620,697
|
|
620,697
|
|
620,697
|
|
620,697
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Restricted units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
789,739
|
|
789,739
|
|
789,739
|
|
789,739
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Performance units
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
202,193
|
|
(4
|
)
|
202,193
|
|
(4
|
)
|
291,623
|
|
291,623
|
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
Supplemental retirement
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
—
|
|
76,370
|
|
76,370
|
|
76,370
|
|
76,370
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Health benefits
|
—
|
|
11,690
|
|
11,690
|
|
11,690
|
|
11,690
|
|
—
|
|
29,224
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
Totals
|
$
|
124,733
|
|
$
|
486,423
|
|
$
|
486,423
|
|
$
|
2,175,422
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
1,825,422
|
|
(5
|
)
|
$
|
2,196,875
|
|
$
|
2,725,152
|
|
||||||||||
|
(1)
|
Amount was decreased by $867,634 to comply with the 280G cap and cutback provision of Mr. Milkie’s employment agreement. Pre-capped severance amount based on 2012 cash compensation, as defined in employment agreement and described above on page 37, which reflects the salary and target annual cash bonus for 2012. See “Summary Compensation Table for 2013” for 2013 salary and “Grants of Plan Based Awards Table for 2013” for 2013 target cash incentive opportunity, which would result in higher severance amount for change in control and termination dates on and after January 1, 2014 (subject to the 280G cap and cutback provision).
|
(2) Amount excludes portion of 2013 cash incentive award paid prior to the assumed termination date.
|
(3)
|
Amount represents payout of the 2013 cash incentive award at 100% of the target level less the amount of the award paid prior to the assumed date of the change in control.
|
|
(4)
|
If Mr. Milkie had died or had become disabled on December 31, 2013, he would be entitled to receive payment in 2015 and 2016, respectively, as provided in his 2012-2014 and 2013-2015 performance unit awards as if he were employed on the applicable payment date. Any such payments would be prorated as of December 31, 2013, the date of death or disability, and would depend upon the level of attainment of the performance metrics. This amount assumes that all performance metrics are met over the applicable performance period and that Mr. Milkie would receive the maximum number of units. Accordingly, this amount represents the value at December 31, 2013 of 2,275 units (i.e., 2/3 of the maximum units under the 2012 award) and 1,804 units (i.e., 1/3 of the maximum units under the 2013 award), plus the value of distribution equivalents accrued on those units through the assumed termination date. The total units that would be payable, however, could be lower as a result of performance actually attained. Additionally, as Mr. Milkie would not receive any payments until the scheduled payment dates in 2015 and 2016, the value to him of the units would depend on the unit price as of the later applicable payment dates and on the value of future distributions made prior to the payment dates.
|
|
(5)
|
Total value could be higher or lower depending upon the factors described in footnote 4.
|
45
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors recommends the fees paid to Directors and Board Committee members for services in those capacities. The schedule of fees for 2014 is as follows:
|
1.
|
For service as a member of the Board, a retainer of $65,000 per annum, payable in cash quarterly, plus $1,500 payable in cash for attendance at each meeting of the Board after the 20th Board meeting, plus $120,000 per annum to be paid in cash, limited partnership units, adjusted for fractional units as needed, or a combination of both;
|
|
2.
|
For service as a Board Committee member, $2,000 per annum (excluding Committee Chairman); and
|
|
3.
|
For service as Chairman of the Board, a fee of $50,000 per annum
;
for service as Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board, a fee of $10,000 per annum; and for service as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a fee of $5,000 for each per annum.
|
These fees are payable only to non-management Directors. Management Directors receive no additional compensation for service as a Director. All Directors receive reimbursement from the Partnership for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with service in that capacity. Additionally, all Directors are to accumulate units equal to four times the annual cash retainer within four years of January 1, 2011 (for Directors serving on the Board at that date) and within four years of becoming a Director (for future Board members). Beginning with 2014 Directors have the option to elect to defer some or all of their annual equity payment. The deferred units accrue distribution equivalents during the directors tenure and vest and are paid out in a lump sum in units, or a combination of cash and units, upon the director’s departure from the Board.
Director Compensation for 2013
The table that follows summarizes the compensation paid by the Partnership to non-employee Directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. The schedule of fees for 2013 was as follows:
|
1.
|
For service as a member of the Board, a retainer of $65,000 per annum, payable in cash quarterly, plus $1,500 payable in cash for attendance at each meeting of the Board after the 20th Board meeting, plus $120,000 per annum to be paid in cash, limited partnership units, adjusted for fractional units as needed, or a combination of both;
|
|
2.
|
For service as a Board Committee member, $2,000 per annum (excluding Committee Chairman); and
|
|
3.
|
For service as Chairman of the Board, a fee of $50,000 per annum
;
for service as Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Board, a fee of $10,000 per annum; and for service as the Chairman of the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a fee of $5,000 for each per annum.
|
These fees are payable only to non-management Directors. Management Directors receive no additional compensation for service as a Director. All Directors receive reimbursement from the Partnership for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with service in that capacity.
46
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
(d)
|
(e)
|
(f)
|
(g)
|
(h)
|
||||||||||||||
|
Name
(1)
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)
|
Unit Awards ($)
|
Option Awards ($)
(2)
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)
|
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
|
All Other Compensation ($)
|
Total ($)
|
||||||||||||||
|
Eric L. Affeldt
|
$
|
235,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
235,000
|
|
|
Gina D. France
|
$
|
197,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
197,000
|
|
|
Daniel J. Hanrahan
|
$
|
67,654
|
|
$
|
120,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
187,654
|
|
|
Richard L. Kinzel
(3)
|
$
|
80,048
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
80,048
|
|
|
Tom Klein
|
$
|
190,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
190,000
|
|
|
D. Scott Olivet
(4)
|
$
|
72,048
|
|
$
|
34,039
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
106,087
|
|
|
John M. Scott III
|
$
|
191,346
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
191,346
|
|
|
Lauri M. Shanahan
|
$
|
67,000
|
|
$
|
120,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
187,000
|
|
|
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
|
$
|
69,000
|
|
$
|
120,000
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
189,000
|
|
|
(1)
|
Matthew A. Ouimet, the Partnership's President and Chief Executive Officer, is not included in this table as he was an employee of the Partnership in 2013 and thus received no compensation for his service as a Director. The compensation to Mr. Ouimet as an employee of the Partnership is shown in the Summary Compensation Table on page 23 and our other Executive Compensation disclosures.
|
|
(2)
|
As of December 31, 2013, no non-employee Director had any options outstanding.
|
|
(3)
|
Term ended on June 6, 2013 for Mr. Kinzel.
|
|
(4)
|
Term began on June 6, 2013 for Mr. Olivet.
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement. Based on the review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Partnership's proxy statement and the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Tom Klein, Chairman
Eric Affeldt
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
Daniel Hanrahan
47
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following tables set forth the number of Partnership units beneficially owned by each of the Partnership's Directors, each of the Board's nominees for election at the annual meeting, each of the named executive officers, all current directors and executive officers as a group as of April 11, 2014, and by each person known by the Partnership to own 5% or more of its units.
Directors, Board Nominees and Executive Officers
|
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership
|
|||||||||||||
|
Beneficial
|
Investment Power
|
Voting Power
(1)
|
Percentage
|
||||||||||
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
Ownership
(1)
|
Sole
|
Shared
|
Sole
|
Shared
|
of Units
(2)
|
|||||||
|
Matthew A. Ouimet
|
226,375
|
|
(3
|
)
|
132,640
|
|
2,000
|
|
224,375
|
|
2,000
|
|
*
|
|
Brian C. Witherow
|
69,627
|
|
(4
|
)
|
45,613
|
|
1,550
|
|
68,077
|
|
1,550
|
|
*
|
|
Richard A. Zimmerman
|
108,012
|
|
(5
|
)
|
80,325
|
|
—
|
|
108,012
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
|
H. Philip Bender
|
68,248
|
|
(6
|
)
|
51,330
|
|
—
|
|
68,248
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
|
Duffield E. Milkie
|
53,558
|
|
(7
|
)
|
36,369
|
|
271
|
|
53,287
|
|
271
|
|
*
|
|
Eric L. Affeldt
|
27,200
|
|
27,200
|
|
—
|
|
27,200
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
||
|
Gina D. France
|
10,525
|
|
10,525
|
|
—
|
|
10,525
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
||
|
Tom Klein
|
6,148
|
|
3,148
|
|
3,000
|
|
3,148
|
|
3,000
|
|
*
|
||
|
John M. Scott III
(8)
|
10,999
|
|
(8) (9)
|
|
8,260
|
|
1,740
|
|
8,260
|
|
1,740
|
|
*
|
|
Daniel J. Hanrahan
|
4,341
|
|
(9
|
)
|
3,342
|
|
—
|
|
3,342
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
|
Lauri M. Shanahan
|
4,573
|
|
(9
|
)
|
3,574
|
|
—
|
|
3,574
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
|
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
|
6,219
|
|
6,219
|
|
—
|
|
6,219
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
||
|
D. Scott Olivet
|
1,679
|
|
(9
|
)
|
680
|
|
—
|
|
680
|
|
—
|
|
*
|
|
All Directors and executive officers as a group (17 individuals)
(10)
|
740,486
|
|
503,051
|
|
8,561
|
|
731,925
|
|
8,561
|
|
1.3%
|
||
|
*
|
Less than one percent of outstanding units.
|
|
(1)
|
Includes restricted units over which there is voting power, but no investment power, as follows: Mr. Ouimet, 91,735; Mr. Witherow, 22,464; Mr. Zimmerman, 27,687; Mr. Bender, 16,918; Mr. Milkie, 16,918; and all executive officers and directors as a group (17 individuals) 228,874.
|
|
(2)
|
Each beneficial owner's ownership percentage has been calculated assuming full exercise of outstanding options to purchase units, if any, exercisable by such owner within 60 days after April 11, 2014, but no exercise of outstanding options covering units held by any other person. The ownership percentage of the Directors and executive officers as a group has been calculated assuming full exercise of outstanding options that the Directors and executive officers as a group have the right to exercise within 60 days after April 11, 2014, but no exercise of outstanding options covering units held by anyone outside that group.
|
|
(3)
|
Consists of 224,375 units as to which Mr. Ouimet has sole voting power (which includes 125,954 units beneficially owned as of April 11, 2014 and 98,421 units that Mr. Ouimet has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2014 through the exercise of options and 132,640 in which he has sole investment power); and 2,000 units for which he has shared voting and investment power.
|
|
(4)
|
Consists of 68,077 units as to which Mr. Witherow has sole voting power (which includes 47,189 units beneficially owned as of April 11, 2014 and 20,888 units that Mr. Witherow has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2014 through the exercise of options and 45,613 in which he has sole investment power); and 1,550 units for which he has shared voting and investment power.
|
48
|
(5)
|
Consists of 108,012 units as to which Mr. Zimmerman has sole voting power (which includes 82,638 units beneficially owned as of April 11, 2014 and 25,374 units that Mr. Zimmerman has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2014 through the exercise of options and 80,325 in which he has sole investment power).
|
|
(6)
|
Consists of 68,248 units as to which Mr. Bender has sole voting power (which includes 53,956 units beneficially owned as of April 11, 2014 and 14,292 units that Mr. Bender has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2014 through the exercise of options and 51,330 in which he has sole investment power).
|
|
(7)
|
Consists of 53,287 units as to which Mr. Milkie has sole voting (which includes 38,995 units beneficially owned as of April 11, 2014 and 14,292 units that Mr. Milkie has the right to acquire within 60 days of April 11, 2014 through the exercise of options and 36,369 in which he has sole investment power); and 271 units for which he has shared voting and investment power.
|
|
(8)
|
Mr. Scott III has pledged 8,260 units as security for a line of credit.
|
|
(9)
|
Includes units which such Directors have the vested right to acquire (within sixty (60) days of April 11, 2014) through the conversion of deferred units under the Director equity deferred compensation program upon termination of service as a Director of Cedar Fair: (i) Mr. Scott III (999 units), (ii) Mr. Hanrahan (999 units), (iii) Ms. Shanahan (999 units), and (iv) Mr. Olivet (999 units).
|
|
(10)
|
The unit amounts listed include a total of 207,390 units of limited partner interest which all current directors and executive officers as a group have vested options to acquire within 60 days from April 11, 2014.
|
5% or Greater Unitholders
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner
|
Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
|
Percentage
of Units
|
|||
|
Neuberger Berman Group LLC Neuberger Berman LLC 605 Third Avenue New York, NY 10158
|
8,762,442
(1)
|
15.7
|
%
|
(1
|
)
|
|
MSDC Management, L.P. MSD Torchlight Partners, L.P. 645 Fifth Avenue, 21st Floor New York, NY 10022
|
3,812,073
(2)
|
6.8
|
%
|
(2
|
)
|
|
(1)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filing by Neuberger Berman Group LLC and Neuberger Berman LLC (collectively, “NB”) on February 12, 2014. On the Schedule 13G/A, NB reported shared voting power over 8,285,406 units and reported shared dispositive power over and aggregate beneficial ownership of 8,762,442 units.
|
|
(2)
|
Based upon a Schedule 13G/A filing by MSDC Management, L.P. and MSD Torchlight Partners, L.P. (collectively, “MSD”) on February 13, 2014. On the Schedule 13G/A, MSD reported shared voting power, shared dispositive power and aggregate beneficial ownership of 3,812,073 units.
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Richard Kinzel’s son, Bart Kinzel, Vice President and General Manager of Carowinds, and son-in-law, Tim Boals, Vice President - Merchandise and Games, Cedar Point, are employed by Cedar Fair and received compensation of approximately $441,881 and $419,869, respectively, in 2013. Richard Kinzel served as a member of our board last year through the 2013 annual meeting. There were no other transactions that must be disclosed between the Partnership and our officers, directors, Board nominees for election or any person related to our officers or directors or Board nominees for election, or with any holder of more than 5% of the outstanding units, during 2013 and through the date of this proxy statement.
49
The Board's Corporate Governance Guidelines include policies and procedures for the review and approval of interested transactions, which are defined as transactions in which CFMI or the Partnership participate and any executive officer, director, director nominee or other related party has a direct or indirect material interest. The definition of interested transactions is intended to cover the types of transactions subject to Regulation S-K Item 404 and excludes certain types of transactions consistent with that regulation. The policy generally presumes a related party's interest to be material unless clearly incidental in nature or determined in accordance with the policy to be immaterial in nature.
Each executive officer, director and director nominee is required to notify the Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of his or her intention to enter into, or to cause CFMI or the Partnership to enter into, an interested transaction. The Committee reviews the material facts of all interested transactions requiring its approval, and the disinterested members of the Committee either approve or disapprove the entry into the interested transaction. The policy also provides a mechanism for Committee review and ratification or modification of any interested transactions as to which advance approval is not feasible or that were entered into in error. In determining whether to approve or ratify a transaction, the Committee considers whether or not the transaction is in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Partnership, taking into account the following (among other factors it considers appropriate): (i) the position within or relationship of the related party with the Partnership or CMFI, (ii) the extent of the related party's interest in the transaction, (iii) the business purpose for and reasonableness of the transaction, including available alternatives for achieving the business purpose, (iv) whether the terms of the transaction are comparable to those that could be negotiated with an unrelated third party, (v) whether the transaction impacts the independence or objectivity of director or executive officer, and (vi) whether the transaction creates the perception of impropriety. Authority is delegated under the policy to the Committee Chair to pre-approve or ratify any interested transactions that do not involve a director and that are expected to involve less than $120,000, subject to subsequent review by the Committee. No director is allowed to participate in any discussion or approval of an interested transaction for which he or she is a related party, except for providing material information as to the transaction and for counting to determine the presence of a quorum to act on the transaction. An ad hoc committee of at least two independent directors may be designated by the Board where less than two members of the Committee would be available to review an interested transaction involving a member of a Committee.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires officers and Directors, and persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of a registered class of Partnership units, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, Directors and greater than ten percent unitholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Partnership with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 (including amendments to such forms) furnished to the Partnership during and with respect to 2013, except as set forth below, no Director, officer, or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of the Partnership's outstanding units failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during 2013. One late Form 4 was filed for each of the following individuals,
with the number of transactions indicated in the parentheses: Mr. Ouimet (2), Mr. Witherow (2), Mr. Zimmerman (2), Mr. Bender (2), Mr. Milkie (2), Mr. Decker (2), Ms. Semmelroth (2), Mr. Freeman (2), and Mr. Hoffman (2).
50
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair Management, Inc. is responsible for appointing and meeting with the Partnership's independent registered public accounting firm and for assisting the Board in its oversight of the financial statement reporting, internal audit and risk management functions.
Management is responsible for the financial reporting process, including the system of internal controls and disclosure controls, and for the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). The independent auditors are responsible for auditing these financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity to GAAP, and for auditing the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee's responsibility is to monitor and review these processes, acting in an oversight capacity.
Members of the Committee have reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements and internal controls for 2013 contained in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K with management and representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP. In addition, the Committee discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, "Communications with Audit Committees", as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Committee also discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP their independence from Cedar Fair Management, Inc., and the Partnership and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures and letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditor's communications with the audit committee concerning independence, which the Audit Committee has received, and considered their independence in connection with non-audit services provided. The Audit Committee also reviewed with Deloitte & Touche LLP the critical accounting policies and practices followed by the Partnership and other material written communications between Deloitte & Touche LLP and the management of the Partnership, including its report on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.
Based on the above reviews and discussions, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board of Directors approved the recommendation.
Gina D. France, Chairperson
Eric L. Affeldt
Daniel Hanrahan
Debra Smithart-Oglesby
D. Scott Olivet
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM SERVICES AND FEES
The aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for the audit and non-audit services provided to us by our principal accountant during the last two fiscal years are set forth below.
Audit Fees
The Partnership was billed by Deloitte $1,303,100 and $982,095 for professional services rendered for the 2013 and 2012 audits of the annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, the review of the financial statements included in Forms 10-Q, and other services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.
Audit-Related Fees
The Partnership had no audit-related fees billed by Deloitte in 2013 and 2012. Audit-related services principally include due diligence, assurance services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Partnership's financial statements and other attestation services or consultations that are not reported under audit fees.
51
Tax Fees
In 2013, the Partnership was billed by Deloitte $342,445 and $149,105 in fees for services related to tax compliance and tax planning, respectively. In 2012, the Partnership was billed by Deloitte $233,893 and $23,001 in fees for services related to tax compliance and tax planning, respectively.
All Other Fees
There are no fees for professional services rendered by Deloitte that do not fit within the above category descriptions.
The Audit Committee reviews and pre-approves each audit and non-audit service engagement with the Partnership's independent auditors.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The Partnership has sent you this proxy and will pay the cost of soliciting the proxies from unitholders. Proxies may be solicited personally, by mail, by telephone, by email, by fax, by press release, by press interview or via the Internet. In addition, arrangements have been or will be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send the proxy materials to beneficial owners of the units, and the Partnership, upon request, will reimburse the brokerage houses and custodians for their reasonable expenses in so doing. The Partnership has retained Morrow & Co., LLC to aid in the solicitation of proxies and to verify certain records related to the solicitation. Morrow & Co., LLC will receive a fee of between $5,000 and $10,000 as compensation for its services plus reimbursement for its related out-of-pocket expenses. CFMI, its directors and certain of its officers and employees also may solicit the vote of unitholders. These persons will receive no additional compensation for their assistance in soliciting proxies.
UNITHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING
Any unitholder who wishes to present a proposal other than a nomination at the 2015 annual meeting and to have the proposal considered for inclusion in the Partnership's proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting pursuant to SEC Rule 14a-8 must deliver the proposal to the Partnership at its principal executive offices not later than December 24, 2014. Any unitholder who wishes to present such a proposal at the 2015 annual meeting other than for inclusion in the Partnership's proxy statement and form of proxy must deliver the proposal to the Partnership at its executive officers not later than March 9, 2015 or such proposal will be untimely. If a unitholder fails to submit the proposal by March 9, 2015, the appointed proxies may exercise discretionary voting authority on the proposal.
Any limited partner of record may nominate one or more persons for election or reelection to the Board at an annual meeting of limited partners in accordance with our Partnership Agreement if they meet and comply with the notice, procedural, informational, and other requirements of the Partnership Agreement. Limited partners must give timely notice in writing to the secretary of the Partnership of any such nominations. To be timely, a unitholder's notice must be delivered to or received by the Partnership not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting of unitholders. However, if the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to the anniversary or delayed more than 60 days after such anniversary, then to be timely such notice must be received by the Partnership no later than the later of 70 days prior to the date of the annual meeting or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made. In order for a unitholder's notice to be proper, such notice must include all the necessary information prescribed in the Partnership Agreement and the nominating person and the unitholder-nominated director candidate must provide and timely supplement certain relevant background, biographical, security ownership and other information. In addition, the nominating person must be entitled to vote at and hold units as of the annual meeting. The Partnership and General Partner are not required to include in its proxy materials any person nominated by a unitholder. If the 2015 annual meeting is held no earlier than May 5, 2015 and no later than August 3, 2015, any nominations will need to be delivered or received no earlier than March 6, 2015 and no later than April 5, 2015 in order to be timely.
52
HOUSEHOLDING OF ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALS
Some broker, bank and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that, if you are a beneficial owner of units, only one copy of the Partnership's proxy statement and annual report may have been sent to multiple unitholders in your household unless your nominee has received contrary instructions. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of the documents to you if you write or call us at the following address or phone number: Cedar Fair, L.P., One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, telephone (419) 627-2233, Attention: Investor Relations. Beneficial owners who want to receive separate copies of the proxy statement and annual report in the future, or who are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for their households, should contact their broker, bank or other nominee record holder.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the statements contained in this report that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including statements as to our expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Important factors, including those listed under Item 1A in the Partnership's Form 10-K, could adversely affect our future financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.
53
TABLE OF CONTENTS
THE ANNUAL MEETINGPROPOSAL ONE. ELECTION OF DIRECTORSPROPOSAL TWO. APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRMPROPOSAL THREE. ADVISORY VOTE ON OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATIONBOARD MATTERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCEEXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONCOMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORTSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENTCERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONSSECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCEREPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSINDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM SERVICES AND FEESEXPENSES OF SOLICITATION OF PROXIESUNITHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETINGHOUSEHOLDING OF ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALSFORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS