def14a
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
(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):
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
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DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
9625 WEST 76TH STREET
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 27, 2010
To The Stockholders Of Digital River, Inc.:
Notice Is Hereby Given that the Annual Meeting of stockholders of Digital River,
Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. local time
at our headquarters at 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344 for the
following purposes:
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To elect two Class III directors for a term of three years and to ratify the
appointment of one Class I director; |
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To ratify the selection by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of
Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors for its fiscal year ending December 31,
2010; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any
adjournment or postponement thereof. |
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying
this Notice.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 31, 2010, as the record date
for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at this Annual Meeting and
at any adjournment or postponement thereof.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/ Kevin L. Crudden
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Kevin L. Crudden |
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Secretary |
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Eden Prairie, Minnesota
April 17, 2010
ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU
EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY
AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING. A RETURN ENVELOPE (WHICH IS
POSTAGE PREPAID IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES) IS ENCLOSED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU DO NOT RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY, YOU MAY VOTE YOUR SHARES ON THE INTERNET BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS ON YOUR
PROXY. EVEN IF YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR PROXY, YOU MAY STILL VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING.
PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD OF RECORD BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE AND
YOU WISH TO VOTE AT THE MEETING, YOU MUST OBTAIN FROM THE RECORD HOLDER A PROXY ISSUED IN YOUR
NAME.
DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
9625 WEST 76TH STREET
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 27, 2010
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
General
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Digital River, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, for use at the Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held on May 27, 2010, at
3:30 p.m. local time, or at any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, for the purposes
set forth in this proxy statement and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. The Annual
Meeting will be held at our headquarters at 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie,
Minnesota, 55344.
Solicitation
We will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly,
printing and mailing of this proxy statement, the proxy card and any additional information
furnished to stockholders. We will furnish copies of solicitation materials to banks, brokerage
houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding in their names shares of our common stock, par value
$.01 per share, beneficially owned by others to forward to the beneficial owners. We may reimburse
persons representing beneficial owners of common stock for their costs of forwarding solicitation
materials to the beneficial owners. Our directors, officers or other regular employees may
supplement original solicitation of proxies by mail, telephone or personal solicitation. They will
not be paid any additional compensation for these services.
Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares
Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on March 31, 2010, will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on March 24,
2010, we had outstanding and entitled to vote 39,628,736 shares of common stock.
Each holder of record of our common stock on that date will be entitled to one vote for each
share held on all matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if at
least a majority of the outstanding shares are represented by votes at the meeting or by proxy.
All votes will be tabulated by the inspector of election appointed for the meeting, who will
separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Abstentions
will be counted towards the vote total on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the
same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted
for any purpose in determining whether a matter has been approved.
Distribution and Electronic Availability of Proxy Materials
This year we are taking advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules that
allow companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders via the Internet. If you received a
Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (Notice) by mail, you will not receive a
printed copy of the proxy materials, unless you specifically request one. The Notice instructs you
on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and
annual report as well as how to submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received the Notice and
would still like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the
instructions for requesting these materials included in the Notice.
We plan to mail the Notice to shareowners by April 18, 2010 which will contain instructions on
how to access this proxy statement and our annual report online.
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We first made available the proxy solicitation materials at www.proxyvote.com on or around
April 15, 2010 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting. You may also request a
printed copy of the proxy solicitation materials by any of the following methods: via Internet at
www.proxyvote.com; by telephone at 1-800-579-1639; or by sending an e-mail to
sendmaterial@proxyvote.com. Our 2009 Annual Report to stockholders was made available at the same
time and by the same methods.
Voting Via the Internet or by Telephone
You may grant a proxy to vote your shares by means of the telephone or on the Internet. The
law of Delaware, under which we are incorporated, specifically permits electronically transmitted
proxies, provided that each proxy contains or is submitted with information from which the
inspectors of election can determine that this proxy was authorized by you.
The telephone and Internet voting procedures below are designed to authenticate stockholders
identities, to allow stockholders to grant a proxy to vote their shares and to confirm that
stockholders instructions have been recorded properly. If you are granting a proxy to vote via
the Internet, you should understand that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such
as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies, that must be borne by you.
For Shares Registered in your Name
Stockholders of record may grant a proxy to vote shares of our common stock by using a
touch-tone telephone to call 1-800-690-6903 or via the Internet by accessing the website
www.proxyvote.com. You will be required to enter our number and a twelve-digit control number
(these numbers are located on the proxy card). If voting via the Internet, you will then be asked
to complete an electronic proxy card. The votes will be generated on the computer screen and you
will be prompted to submit or revise them as desired. Votes submitted by telephone or via the
Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 26, 2010. Submitting your proxy by
telephone or via the Internet will not affect your right to vote in person should you decide to
attend the Annual Meeting.
For Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank
Most beneficial owners whose stock is held in street name receive instruction for granting
proxies from their banks, brokers or other agents, rather than our proxy card. A number of brokers
and banks are participating in a program provided through Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. that
offers the means to grant proxies to vote shares by means of the Internet. If your shares are held
in an account with a broker or bank participating in the Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.
program, you may go to www.proxyvote.com to grant a proxy to vote your shares by means of the
Internet. Votes submitted via the Internet must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May
26, 2010. Submitting your proxy via the Internet will not affect your right to vote in person
should you decide to attend the Annual Meeting. A beneficial owner who wishes to vote at the
meeting must have an appropriate proxy from his or her broker or bank appointing that beneficial
owner as attorney-in-fact for purposes of voting the beneficially held shares at the meeting.
Revocability of Proxies
Any person giving a proxy pursuant to this solicitation has the power to revoke it at any time
before it is voted. You may revoke your proxy by filing with our Corporate Secretary at our
principal executive office, 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344, a
written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or you may revoke your
proxy by attending the meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting will not, by
itself, revoke a proxy.
If you are the beneficial owner of shares held in the name of a broker or bank and you wish to
vote at the Annual Meeting, you must have an appropriate proxy from your broker or bank appointing
you as attorney-in-fact for purposes of voting at the meeting.
2
Stockholder Proposals
The deadline for submitting a stockholder proposal for inclusion in our proxy statement and
form of proxy for our 2011 Annual Meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities
and Exchange Commission is December 19, 2010.
For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the
stockholder, wishing to submit proposals or director nominations that are not to be included in
such proxy statement and proxy, must have given timely notice in writing to our Corporate
Secretary. To be timely, a stockholders notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at our
principal executive offices not later than the close of business on February 26, 2011, nor earlier
than the close of business on January 27, 2011. You should also review our bylaws, which contain
additional requirements with respect to advance notice of stockholder proposals and director
nominations.
Proposal 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws provide that the Board of Directors will
be divided into three classes, with each class having a three-year term. Vacancies on the Board
may be filled only by persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected
by the Board to fill a vacancy in a class (including a vacancy created by an increase in the number
of directors) shall serve for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the
vacancy occurred and until the directors successor is elected and qualified.
Our Board of Directors presently has six members. There are three directors in the class
whose term of office expires in 2010 (Joel A. Ronning, Perry W. Steiner and J. Paul Thorin). Mr.
Thorin has informed us that due to other commitments, he will retire from the Board upon expiration
of his terms at the Annual Meeting. Each of Messrs. Ronning and Steiner have been nominated for
election as Class III directors. On December 8, 2009 the Board of Directors appointed Cheryl F.
Rosner to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board has nominated
Ms. Rosner to stand for election as a Class I director at the upcoming Annual Meeting. If elected
at the Annual Meeting, Ms. Rosner would serve until the 2011 annual meeting and until her successor
is elected and has qualified, or until her death, resignation or removal.
Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes present in person or represented by proxy
and entitled to vote at the meeting. Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if
authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of the nominee. In the event that the nominee
should be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, the shares will be
voted for the election of a substitute nominee as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
may propose. The nominees have agreed to serve if elected, and the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee and management have no reason to believe that the nominees will be unable to
serve.
Abstentions will be counted towards a quorum and towards the vote total for this proposal and
will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum but are
not counted towards the vote total for this proposal.
Nominees For Election For A Three-Year Term Expiring At The 2013 Annual Meeting:
Joel A. Ronning
Mr. Ronning (52) founded Digital River in February 1994 and has been Chief Executive Officer
and a director since that time. From February 2001 to February 2004, Mr. Ronning was a member of
the Office of the President, and from February 1994 to July 1998, he also was our President. From
May 1995 to December 1999, Mr. Ronning served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tech
Squared, Inc., a direct catalog marketer of software and hardware products, and from May 1995 to
July 1998, he served as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of Tech
Squared, Inc. From May 1995 to August 1996, Mr. Ronning also served as President of Tech Squared,
Inc. Mr. Ronning founded MacUSA, Inc., formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of Tech Squared, Inc.,
and he served as a director of MacUSA, Inc. from April 1990 to December 1999. From April 1990 to
July 1998, Mr. Ronning also served as the Chief Executive Officer of MacUSA, Inc.
3
Areas of relevant experience: senior leadership role in global organization; technology and
innovation; detailed knowledge and unique perspective and insights regarding the strategic and
operational opportunities and challenges, trends and competitive positioning of the Company and its
business.
Perry W. Steiner
Mr. Steiner (44) has served as our director since April 1998 and served as our President from
July 1998 to February 2001. Mr. Steiner serves on the Companys Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee and serves as the Chair of the Companys Finance Committee. Mr.
Steiner serves as Managing Partner with Arlington Capital Partners, a private equity fund, which he
joined in 2001. Prior thereto, Mr. Steiner served as a senior member of Wasserstein Perella
Ventures, Inc., a venture capital fund, and as a principal of TCW Capital. Mr. Steiner serves as a
director of Main Line Broadcasting, Cherry Creek Radio and Virgo Holdings.
Areas of relevant experience: capital markets; corporate finance; mergers and acquisitions;
detailed knowledge of Company from prior role as President of the Company.
Nominee For Election For A Term Expiring At The 2011 Annual Meeting:
Cheryl F. Rosner
Ms. Rosner (46) has served as our director since December 8, 2009. From December 2008 to the
present, Ms. Rosner has served as a consultant to various companies. From June 2007 to December
2008, Ms. Rosner served as President and Chief Executive Officer of TicketsNow.com, Inc. From 1999
to 2006, Ms. Rosner served in a number of executive positions at Expedia, Inc., including President
of Expedia Corporate Travel from July 2005 to August 2006 and President of Hotels.com from December
2003 to July 2005. Prior thereto, Ms. Rosner held sales and marketing management positions at a
number of global travel and hospitality companies.
Areas of relevant experience: branding and marketing; internet operations; internet-based travel
services.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote in Favor of the Named Nominees
Directors Continuing In Office Until The 2011 Annual Meeting:
Thomas F. Madison
Mr. Madison (74) has served as a director of the Company since August 1996. Mr. Madison is our
Lead Director and serves as the Chair of the Companys Audit Committee, the Chair of the Companys
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and a member of the Companys Compensation
Committee. Since January 1993, he has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of MLM
Partners, a consulting and small business investment company. From December 1996 to March 1999, Mr.
Madison served as Chairman of Communications Holdings, Inc., a communications and systems
integration company. From August 1999 to March 2000, Mr. Madison served as Chairman of AetherWorks,
Inc., a provider of Internet telephony and data networking solutions for the telecommunications
industry. From February 1994 to September 1994, Mr. Madison served as Vice Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer at Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company. From June 1987 to December 1992, Mr.
Madison was President of US WEST Communications Markets, a division of US WEST, Inc. Mr. Madison
serves as a director of Valmont Industries Inc., Delaware Group of Funds, CenterPoint Energy, Inc.
and Rimage Corporation and from September 2003 to September 2005, he served as Chair of Banner
Health System. From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Madison served as the President and Chief Executive Officer
of Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.
Areas of relevant experience: international operations and issues; risk management; financial
reporting, accounting and controls; corporate governance; deep knowledge of the Company due to
significant tenure with the Company.
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Directors Continuing In Office Until The 2012 Annual Meeting:
Douglas M. Steenland
Mr. Steenland (58) has served as our director since March 2009. He served as President and
Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Airlines Corporation (NWA) from October 2004 until October
2008 when NWA and Delta Air Lines, Inc. merged. Mr. Steenland Chairs our Compensation Committee and serves on our
Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Steenland served in a number of executive
positions after joining NWA in 1991, including President from April 2001 to October 2004, Executive
Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer from September 1999 to April 2001, Executive Vice
PresidentAlliances, General Counsel and Secretary from January 1999 to September 1999, Executive
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from June 1998 to January 1999, and Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary from 1994 to 1998. Prior to joining NWA, Mr. Steenland was
a senior partner at the Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Lipfert, Bernhard, McPherson and Hand.
Mr. Steenland is a director of Delta Air Lines, Inc. and American International Group, Inc.
He previously served as a director of NWA from 2001 to
October 2008.
Areas of relevant experience: international operations, global perspective and issues; operating
environment; corporate governance; legal issues.
Board leadership Structure
The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Ronnings service as both Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer is in the best interest of the Company and its shareowners. Mr. Ronning
possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the
Company and its businesses and is thus best positioned to develop agendas that ensure that the
Boards time and attention are focused on the most critical matters.
His combined role enables decisive leadership, ensures clear accountability, and enhances our
ability to communicate our message and strategy clearly and consistently to our shareowners,
employees, customers and suppliers.
Each of our directors other than Mr. Ronning is independent and the Board believes that the
independent directors provide effective oversight of management. Moreover, in addition to feedback
provided during the course of Board meetings, the independent directors have regular executive
sessions. Mr. Madison, as our Lead Director, serves as the chairperson, or presiding director, for
these executive sessions. The Board believes that this approach effectively encourages full
engagement of all directors in executive sessions. Following an executive session of independent
directors, our Lead Director acts as a liaison between the independent directors and the Chairman
regarding any specific feedback or issues, provides the Chairman with input regarding agenda items
for Board and committee meetings, and coordinates with the Chairman regarding information to be
provided to the independent directors in performing their duties. The Board believes that this
approach appropriately and effectively complements the combined Chief Executive Officer/Chairman
structure.
Although the Company believes that the combination of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
roles is appropriate in the current circumstances, our Corporate Governance Guidelines do not
establish this approach as a policy, but as a matter that is considered as part of succession
planning for the Chief Executive Officer position.
Board Committees and Meetings
The Board has four standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Finance Committee. In addition, in February
2005, the Board of Directors appointed Thomas F. Madison as the Lead Director of the Board for the
purposes of overseeing and evaluating matters of corporate and Board governance. Each of the Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has a written
charter which may be viewed on our Web site at www.digitalriver.com under the Investor Relations
link. The charters include information regarding the committees composition, purpose and
responsibilities.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, there were a total of nine meetings of the
Board and each of the directors attended at least 75% of the total meetings of the Board and of the
committees on which he or she served and which were held during the period he or she was a director
or committee member. We encourage, but do not require, directors to attend the Annual Meeting of
our stockholders. In 2008, all of our directors attended the annual meeting of stockholders.
5
The following table summarizes the membership of the Board and each of its Committees as well
as the number of times each met during fiscal year 2009.
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Nominating and |
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Corporate |
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Director |
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Board |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
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Finance |
Mr. Ronning
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Chair
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Mr. Madison (Lead)
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Member
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Chair
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Member
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Chair
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Member |
Mr. Steiner
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Member
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Member
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Chair |
Mr. Thorin
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Member
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Member
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Mr. Steenland
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Member
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Member
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Chair
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Member
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Member |
Ms. Rosner(2)
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Member
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Member
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Member
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Messrs. Steiner and Thorin served on the Audit Committee until December 2009. |
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Ms. Rosner was appointed to the Board and the respective committees in December 2009. |
Number of Meetings in Fiscal Year 2009:
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Nominating and |
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Corporate |
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Board |
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Governance |
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Finance |
Regular |
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5 |
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7 |
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4 |
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0 |
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Special |
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4 |
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0 |
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0 |
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1 |
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Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors oversees our corporate accounting and financial
reporting processes and audits of our financial statements. For this purpose, the Audit Committee
performs several functions. The Audit Committee evaluates the performance of and assesses the
qualifications of the independent auditors; determines the engagement and compensation of the
independent auditors; determines whether to retain or terminate the existing independent auditors
or to engage new independent auditors; reviews and approves the retention of the independent
auditors to perform any proposed permissible non-audit services; monitors the rotation of partners
of the independent auditors on our engagement team as required by law; reviews the financial
statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K; and discusses with management and the
independent auditors the results of the annual audit and the results of the quarterly financial
statement reviews. Mr. Madison serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee and our Board has
determined that Mr. Madison is an audit committee financial expert as defined in rules
promulgated by the SEC.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves our overall compensation strategy and
policies. The Compensation Committee reviews and approves corporate performance goals and
objectives relevant to the compensation of our executive officers; reviews and approves the
compensation and other terms of employment of our Chief Executive Officer; and administers our
stock option and purchase plans, pension and profit sharing plans, stock bonus plans, deferred
compensation plans and other similar programs. Mr. Steenland serves as the Chair of the
Compensation Committee.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, reviews, evaluates, recommends
and approves candidates for membership on the Board and its various committees, and also is
responsible for oversight of corporate governance issues. Mr. Madison serves as the Chair of the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Our bylaws contain provisions that address the process by which a stockholder may nominate an
individual to stand for election to our Board at our Annual Meeting of stockholders. These
requirements are separate from and
in addition to the SEC requirements that must be met by a stockholder in order to have a
stockholder proposal included in our proxy statement. See Information Concerning Solicitation and
VotingStockholder Proposals.
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To date, we have not received any recommendations from
stockholders requesting that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider a candidate
for inclusion among the slate of nominees presented at our Annual Meeting of stockholders. The
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider qualified candidates for director
suggested by the stockholders. Stockholders can suggest qualified candidates for director by
writing to the attention of our Corporate Secretary at 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie,
Minnesota 55344. We will forward submissions that we receive which meet the criteria outlined
below to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for further review and consideration.
We encourage you to forward any stockholder submissions to our Corporate Secretary prior to
December 19, 2009, to ensure time for meaningful consideration of the nominee. See also
Information Concerning Solicitation and VotingStockholder Proposals for applicable deadlines.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also may develop other more formal policies
regarding stockholder nominations.
Although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not formally adopted minimum
criteria for director nominees, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does seek to
ensure that the members of our Board possess both exemplary professional and personal ethics and
values and an in-depth understanding of our business and industry. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee also believes in the value of professional diversity among members of the
Board, and it feels that it is appropriate for members of our senior management to participate as
members of the Board. The Nominating and Governance Committee further believes that nominees
should possess appropriate qualifications and reflect a reasonable diversity of backgrounds and
perspectives, including those backgrounds and perspectives with respect to age, gender, culture,
religion, race and national origin. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee requires
that at least one member of the Board qualify as an audit committee financial expert as defined
by SEC rules, and that a majority of the members of the Board meet the definition of independence
under rules promulgated by Nasdaq.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees for the class of
directors being elected at each Annual Meeting of stockholders by first evaluating the current
members of the class of directors willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board
with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue to
serve on our Board are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service
by existing members of the Board with the benefits of bringing on members with new perspectives.
If any member of the class of directors does not wish to continue in service or if the Nominating
and Corporate Governance Committee decides not to re-nominate a member of such class of directors
for reelection, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review the skills and
experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee advises senior management with respect to various strategic
undertakings, including capital raising activities, acquisitions and other financial matters. The
Finance Committee meets only occasionally as may be necessary to assist senior management. Mr.
Steiner serves as the Chair of the Finance Committee. All members are independent, as independence
is currently defined in the rules promulgated by Nasdaq. The Finance Committee has not adopted a
written charter.
Use of Consultants
As set forth in its charter, the Compensation Committee has the authority to select, retain
and/or replace, as needed, outside consultants to provide advice to the Compensation Committee in
connection with its fulfillment of its responsibilities. Under the Committees direction, its
consultant cannot provide any other services to the Company. Since 2007, the Committee has retained
Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (Cook & Co.) as its independent compensation consultant. In
accordance with its policy, Cook & Co. does not provide any other services to the Company.
The consultant compiles information regarding executive and director compensation, including
advice regarding the components and mix (short-term/long-term; fixed/variable; cash/equity) of the
executive compensation programs of the Company and its peer group and analyzes the relative
performance of the Company and the peer group with respect to the financial metrics used in the
programs. The consultant also provides information regarding emerging trends and best practices in
executive compensation. In addition to information compiled by the consultant, the Committee also
reviews general survey data compiled and published by third parties.
The consultant retained by the Committee reports to the Committee Chair and has direct access
to Committee members.
7
Oversight of Risk Management
We are exposed to risks including, but not limited to, strategic, operational,
reputational and risks relating to reporting and legal compliance. Our management designed our
enterprise risk management process to identify, monitor and evaluate these risks, and develop an
approach to address each identified risk.
Our Chief Financial Officer is responsible for overseeing the Companys enterprise risk
management process and reports enterprise risk information to the Audit Committee and the Board on
a quarterly basis. In fulfilling his risk management responsibilities, the Chief Financial Officer
works closely with members of the senior management team, including the Companys General Counsel
and the Director of Internal Audit.
On behalf of the Board, the Audit Committee plays a key role in the oversight of the
Companys enterprise risk management function. In this regard, the Companys Chief Financial
Officer meets with the Audit Committee at least four times per year to specifically discuss the
risks facing the Company from a financial reporting perspective and to highlight any new risks that
may have arisen since they last met. Additionally, at each Board meeting, the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer report information about major risks facing the Company.
Diversity
In consultation with other members of Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
is responsible for identifying individuals who it considers qualified to become Board members. In
considering whether to recommend an individual for election to the Board, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee considers, as required by its charter and the Corporate Governance
Guidelines, the Boards overall balance of diversity of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee views diversity expansively and considers among
other things, functional areas of experience, educational background, employment experience and
leadership performance as well as those intangible factors that it deems appropriate to develop a
heterogeneous and cohesive Board such as integrity, achievements, mature judgment, intelligence,
practical wisdom, personal character, the interplay of the candidates relevant experience with the
experience of other Board members, the willingness of the candidate to devote adequate time to
Board duties, and likelihood that he or she will be willing and able to serve on the Board for a
sustained period.
Our Board of Directors and each of its committees engage in an annual self evaluation
process. As part of that process, directors, including the Chief Executive Officer, provide
feedback on, among other things, whether the Board is meeting its diversity objectives and how the
composition of the Board should be changed or supplemented in order to enhance its value to the
Company and its shareholders.
Risk Assessment of Compensation Policies and Practices
We have assessed the compensation policies and practices for our employees and concluded that
they do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the
Company. This analysis was presented to our Compensation Committee.
Director Independence
The Board has reviewed director independence. As a result of this review, the Board
determined that five of the six directors are independent of us and our management, as independence
is currently defined in rules promulgated by Nasdaq. All members of the Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee qualify as independent
directors, as independence is currently defined in rules promulgated by Nasdaq, and, in the case of
the Audit Committee, the SEC and Nasdaq. The independent directors are Messrs. Madison, Steiner,
Thorin, Steenland and Ms. Rosner. Mr. Ronning is considered an inside director because of his
continued employment as our Chief Executive Officer.
Executive Sessions
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the non-management independent directors met
in executive sessions without management on seven occasions. Mr. Madison presided over these
executive sessions as the Lead Director.
8
Corporate Governance Guidelines
We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines that outline, among other matters, the role
and functions of the Board, the responsibilities of various Board committees, and the procedures
for reporting concerns to the Board.
The Guidelines provide, among other things, that:
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a majority of the directors must be independent; |
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|
the Board designate a lead independent director who, among other duties, is responsible
for presiding over executive sessions of independent directors; |
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the Board appoint all members of the Board committees; and |
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|
the independent directors meet in executive sessions without the presence of the
non-independent directors or members of our management at least four times a year during
regularly scheduled Board meeting days and from time to time as deemed necessary or
appropriate. |
As the operation of the Board is a dynamic process, the Board regularly reviews changing legal
and regulatory requirements, evolving best practices and other developments. The Board may modify
the Guidelines from time to time, as appropriate.
Copies of Governance Guidelines, Code Of Conduct and Ethics and Board Committee Charters
Copies of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Conduct and Ethics and all Board
Committee Charters can be viewed on and downloaded from our website at www.digitalriver.com, under
the Investor Relations link. You may request free print copies of each of them by writing to our
Corporate Secretary at the address listed below under the heading Communications with the Board of
Directors.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to our Chief Executive Officer and
senior financial officers, including our Chief Financial Officer and our Controller, as well as our
Board of Directors and all employees. We will provide a copy of the Code to any person, without
charge, upon request. These requests can be made in writing to our Corporate Secretary at 9625
West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. To the extent permitted by the rules promulgated
by Nasdaq, we intend to disclose any amendments to, or waivers from, the Code provisions applicable
to our Chief Executive Officer and senior financial officers, including our Chief Financial Officer
and Controller, or with respect to the required elements of the Code on our website,
www.digitalriver.com, under the Investor Relations link.
Communications with the Board of Directors
If you wish to communicate with the Board of Directors, with the independent directors as a
group or with the Lead Director, you may send your communication in writing to our Corporate
Secretary at 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. You must include your name and
address and indicate whether you are a stockholder of Digital River. The Corporate Secretary will
compile all communications, summarize all lengthy, repetitive or duplicative communications and
forward them to the appropriate director or directors. For example, the Corporate Secretary will
forward stockholder communications recommending potential director nominees to the chairman of the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The Corporate Secretary will not forward
non-substantive communications or communications that pertain to personal grievances, but instead
will forward them to the appropriate department for resolution. In this case, the Corporate
Secretary will retain a copy of the communication for review by any director upon his request.
Director Nominations
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is the standing committee responsible for
identifying and recommending nominees for election to the Board of Directors. The Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee determines the required selection criteria and qualifications of
director nominees based upon our needs at the time nominees are considered. A candidate must
exhibit strong personal integrity, character, ethics and judgment. When evaluating prospective
candidates, the Committee will consider, in accordance with its charter, such factors as:
9
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The candidates business skills and experience; |
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The candidates satisfaction of independence and qualification requirements of Nasdaq; |
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The mix of directors and their individual skills and experiences; and |
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Core competencies that should be represented on the Board. |
When current Board members are considered for nomination for re-election, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee assesses the contributions of those directors, their performance and
their attendance at Board and respective Committee meetings.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider qualified candidates for
possible nomination that are submitted by shareholders. Any shareholder wishing to propose a
nominee should submit a recommendation in writing to our Corporate Secretary, at 9625 West 76th
Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, 55344, indicating the nominees qualifications and other relevant
biographical information and providing confirmation of the nominees consent to serve as a
director. These proposals for nominees will be given due consideration by the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee for recommendations to the Board based on the nominees
qualifications.
No candidates for director nominations were submitted to the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee by any shareholder in connection with the 2010 Annual Meeting. We encourage
you to forward any stockholder submissions to our Corporate Secretary prior to December 19, 2010,
to ensure time for meaningful consideration of the nominee in connection with the 2011 Annual
Meeting. See also Information Concerning Solicitation and VotingStockholder Proposals for
applicable deadlines.
Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to our audited financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, which include our consolidated balance
sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders equity and cash flows for each year in the periods ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and
2007, and the related notes.
The Audit Committee reviews our consolidated financial statements, corporate accounting and
financial reporting process and internal controls on behalf of the Board of Directors. All of the
members of the Audit Committee are independent under the current requirements of the Nasdaq listing
standards and SEC rules and regulations. Management has the primary responsibility for the
financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal control over
financial reporting. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities with respect to our corporate
accounting and financial reporting process, the Audit Committee regularly reviews and discusses the
financial statements with management, including the discussion of the quality, not just the
acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the
clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee also regularly meets with
our independent auditors who have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee. During the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2009, the Audit Committee actively participated in overseeing our efforts
in maintaining and testing internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with the
requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in connection with which our
independent auditors issued an unqualified opinion on February 23, 2010.
The Audit Committee determines the engagement and compensation of the independent auditors,
evaluates the performance of and assesses the qualifications of the independent auditors, reviews
and pre-approves the retention of the independent auditors to perform any proposed permissible
non-audit services and monitors the rotation of partners of the independent auditors on our
engagement team. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, our independent
auditors who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial
statements with generally accepted accounting principles, their judgments as to the quality, not
just the acceptability, of our accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be
discussed with the Audit Committee by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended
(AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1 AU Section 380), as adopted by the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T (Communication with Audit Committees). In addition, the
Audit Committee has discussed with Ernst &
Young LLP their independence from us and our management and the Audit Committee has received
the written disclosures and the letter from the independent accountants required by Rule 3526 of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, (Communications with Audit Committees Concerning
Independence), and considered the compatibility of any non-audit services with the independence of
Ernst & Young LLP.
The Audit Committee discussed with our independent auditors the overall scope and plans for
their audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent auditors, with and without management
present, to discuss the
10
results of their examinations, their evaluations of our internal control
and the overall quality of our financial reporting. During the last fiscal year, the Audit
Committee met with the independent auditors four times without management present in connection
with the foregoing matters.
Based upon the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to
the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 filed with
the SEC.
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the
extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities
Act or the Exchange Act.
Audit Committee
Thomas F. Madison, Chairman
Douglas M. Steenland
Cheryl F. Rosner
11
Proposal 2
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP as our
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2010, and has further directed that
management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the stockholders at the
Annual Meeting. Ernst & Young LLP has audited our financial statements since 2002.
Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will
have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
Neither our bylaws nor other governing documents or law require stockholder ratification of
the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent auditors. However, the Board is submitting
the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good
corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Board will reconsider
whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Board in its discretion
may direct the appointment of different independent auditors at any time during the year if they
determine that such a change would be in our best interests and in the best interests of our
stockholders.
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the
selection of Ernst & Young LLP. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on
proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker
non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether
this matter has been approved.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote in Favor of Proposal 2
Audit Fees
During the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, the aggregate
fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for the professional services rendered for the audit of our annual
financial statements and for the review of the financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q were
approximately $1,614,000 and $1,385,900, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
Audit-related fees are billed for assurance and related services reasonably related to the
performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, and are not reported under Audit
Fees. These services include professional services requested by us in connection with review of
SEC filings, merger and acquisition due diligence, employee benefit plan audits and attest services
pursuant to Statement on Auditing Standard (SAS) No. 70. The aggregate audit-related fees billed
by Ernst & Young LLP were approximately $336,500 and $261,000 for the fiscal years ended December
31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
Tax Fees
Tax fees are billed for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
These services include assistance with tax return preparation and review, federal, state and
international tax compliance, strategic tax planning services, including in connection with our
international subsidiaries, and structuring of acquisitions. The aggregate fees billed by Ernst &
Young LLP for these services were approximately $251,200 and $160,400 for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
All Other Fees
During the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, there were no
fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for professional services other than those described above.
Pre-Approval Policies And Procedures
The Audit Committees policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services to
be provided by our independent auditors. The Audit Committee meets with our independent auditors
to pre-approve the annual
12
scope of accounting services to be performed, including all audit and non-audit services, and
the related fee estimates. Pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of
services to be provided and is generally subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee also
meets with our independent auditors, on a quarterly basis, following completion of their quarterly
reviews and annual audit and prior to our earnings announcements, to review the results of their
work. As appropriate, management and our independent auditors update the Audit Committee with
material changes to any service engagement and related fee estimates as compared to amounts
previously approved.
Under its charter, the Audit Committee has the authority and responsibility to review and
approve the retention of our outside auditors to perform any proposed permissible non-audit
services. The Audit Committee may delegate this authority to one or more Committee members, but
any approvals of non-audit services made pursuant to this delegated authority must be presented to
the full Committee at its next meeting. To date, the Audit Committee has not delegated its
approval authority, and all audit and non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP have been
pre-approved by the Audit Committee in advance.
Auditors Independence
The Audit Committee has determined that the rendering of all the aforementioned services by
Ernst & Young LLP were compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
13
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF
CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of our common stock
as of March 24, 2010, by: (i) each director and nominee for director; (ii) each of the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table; (iii) our executive officers and directors as a
group; and (iv) all those known by us to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of its
common stock.
|
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|
|
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Amount and |
|
|
|
|
Nature of |
|
|
|
|
Beneficial |
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Ownership (1) |
|
Percent |
BlackRock Inc.
40 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10022 |
|
|
2,610,542 |
|
|
|
6.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnest Partners, LLC
1180 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 2300
Atlanta, Georgia 30309 |
|
|
2,574,586 |
|
|
|
6.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc.
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071 |
|
|
2,217,700 |
|
|
|
5.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital World Investors
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071 |
|
|
2,095,000 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joel A. Ronning (2) |
|
|
1,615,998 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
% |
Thomas M. Donnelly (3) |
|
|
315,024 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Kevin L. Crudden (4) |
|
|
121,570 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thomas F. Madison (5) |
|
|
70,746 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Perry W. Steiner (6) |
|
|
54,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
J. Paul Thorin (7) |
|
|
91,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Douglas M. Steenland (8) |
|
|
7,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Cheryl F. Rosner (9) |
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers as a group (8 persons) (10) |
|
|
2,278,338 |
|
|
|
5.7 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than one percent. |
|
(1) |
|
This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors and principal
stockholders and Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the
footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, we believe
that each of the stockholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with
respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Unless otherwise indicated, the
principal address of each of the stockholders named in this table is: c/o Digital River, Inc.,
9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. Applicable percentages are based on
39,628,736 shares outstanding on March 24, 2010, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by
the SEC. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 122,451 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and
730,282 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 63,100 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and
167,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 29,411 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and
49,320 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 12,667 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and
39,688 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 8,500 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and
3,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 8,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and
67,500 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
|
(8) |
|
7,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase. |
|
(9) |
|
3,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase. |
|
(10) |
|
See footnotes number 2 through 9 above. Includes 254,129 shares of restricted stock
subject to our right of repurchase and 1,084,290 shares issuable upon exercise of options
exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2010. |
14
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers, and persons
who own more than ten percent of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC
initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other
equity securities. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by
SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to us and
written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2009. Otherwise, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors
and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Compensation of Directors
Retainer and Meeting Fees
Directors who are our employees do not receive any additional compensation for their services
as directors. During fiscal year 2009, non-employee directors received an annual retainer of
$15,000, which is paid quarterly, and cash compensation of $2,500 for each regular board meeting
they attended in person, which compensation decreased to $1,000 if the meeting was attended
telephonically. In addition, directors shall be paid cash compensation of $1,000 for each special
meeting of the Board attended and $1,000 for each special meeting of a committee attended. In
March 2010, the full Board reviewed the non-employee directors cash compensation and left it
unchanged for fiscal year 2010.
In addition to the retainer and meeting fees, non-employee directors are reimbursed for travel
and other reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to attendance at Board and committee meetings.
Equity Compensation
In 2009, each non-employee director received an annual restricted stock grant of 5,000 shares
of our common stock, which vests annually, one-third per year, over a three-year period. The grant
of the restricted stock award and the vesting schedule are designed to further align the directors
interests with the interests of our stockholders and to provide the directors with an incentive to
maximize long-term stockholder value.
In addition to the restricted stock grants, which were made to all non-employee directors, the
chairmen of the Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance and Finance Committees each
received an additional annual restricted stock grant of 1,000 shares; the chairman of the Audit
Committee received an additional annual restricted stock grant of 2,000 shares; members of the
Audit Committee (other than the chairman) each received an annual restricted stock grant of 1,000
shares; and the Lead Director received an annual restricted stock grant of 1,500 shares. All of
these restricted stock grants vest annually, one-third per year, over a three-year period.
In March 2010, the Compensation Committee and the full Board reviewed the non-employee
directors equity component to the compensation program and left it unchanged for fiscal year 2010.
The Board of Directors will annually evaluate and consider whether to maintain or modify the
compensation program for the non-employee directors.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for the directors to more closely align
the interests of our directors with those of our stockholders. The guidelines provide that
non-employee directors should maintain an investment in Digital River common stock equal to at
least $200,000. This investment level should be achieved within a specified period or, in any
event, no later than four years after their initial election as a director.
15
The following table shows compensation information for our non-employee directors for fiscal
year 2009.
Director Compensation
For Fiscal Year 2009
|
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|
|
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|
Fees Earned |
|
Stock |
|
|
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|
Non-Equity |
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|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
Awards |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name |
|
Cash ($) |
|
($) (1) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Compensation ($) |
|
Compensation ($) |
|
Total ($) |
|
William J. Lansing (2) |
|
$ |
17,500 |
|
|
$ |
227,160 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
244,660 |
|
Thomas F. Madison (3) |
|
$ |
34,000 |
|
|
$ |
359,670 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
393,670 |
|
Cheryl F. Rosner (4) |
|
$ |
6,250 |
|
|
$ |
77,730 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
83,980 |
|
Frederic M. Seegal (5) |
|
$ |
19,500 |
|
|
$ |
227,160 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
246,660 |
|
Douglas M. Steenland (6) |
|
$ |
26,250 |
|
|
$ |
265,020 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
291,270 |
|
Perry W. Steiner (7) |
|
$ |
34,000 |
|
|
$ |
246,090 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
280,090 |
|
J. Paul Thorin (8) |
|
$ |
34,000 |
|
|
$ |
227,160 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
261,160 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts in the Stock Awards column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of
awards granted during 2009, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, for restricted stock
awards. Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures
related to service-based vesting conditions. For restricted stock, the fair value is
calculated using the closing price of Digital River stock on the date of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
Reflects a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on May 28, 2009 with an aggregate
fair value of $227,160 vesting as of the date of grant. In connection with this grant, Mr.
Lansing forfeited all unvested stock awards previously granted by Digital River. Mr. Lansing
has no stock awards or options outstanding at the end of 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the 2009 stock award aggregate fair value of $359,670 for a stock award
grant for 9,500 shares made on May 28, 2009. Mr. Madison has 19,000 stock awards and 39,688
options outstanding at the end of 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
Reflects the 2009 stock award aggregate fair value of $77,730 for a stock award grant
for 3,000 shares made on December 8, 2009. Ms. Rosner has 3,000 stock awards and no options
outstanding at the end of 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
Reflects a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on May 28, 2009 with an aggregate
fair value of $227,160 vesting as of the date of grant. In connection with this grant, Mr.
Seegal forfeited all unvested stock awards previously granted by Digital River. Mr. Seegal
has no stock awards or options outstanding at the end of 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Reflects the 2009 stock award aggregate fair value of $265,020 for a stock award
grant for 7,000 shares made on May 28, 2009. Mr. Steenland has 7,000 stock awards and no
options outstanding at the end of 2009. |
|
(7) |
|
Reflects the 2009 stock award aggregate fair value of $246,090 for a stock award
grant for 6,500 shares made on May 28, 2009. Mr. Steiner has 12,500 stock awards and 30,000
options outstanding at the end of 2009. |
|
(8) |
|
Reflects the 2009 stock award aggregate fair value of $227,160 for a stock award
grant for 6,000 shares made on May 28, 2009. Mr. Thorin has 12,000 stock awards and 67,500
options outstanding at the end of 2009. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview of Compensation Program and Philosophy
The Compensation Committee bases its executive compensation programs on the same objectives
that guide us in establishing all of our compensation programs:
|
|
|
Compensation should be based on the level of job responsibility, individual performance
and Company performance. As employees progress to higher levels in the organization, an
increasing proportion of their pay should be linked to Company performance and shareholder
returns, because they are more able to affect our business results. |
|
|
|
|
Compensation should reflect the value of the job in the marketplace. To attract and
retain a highly skilled work force, we must remain competitive with the compensation
programs of other employers who compete with us for talent. |
|
|
|
|
Compensation should reward performance. Our programs should deliver top-tier compensation
given top-tier individual and Company performance. In addition, the objectives of
pay-for-performance and retention must be balanced. Even in periods of temporary downturns
in Company performance, the programs should continue to ensure that successful,
high-achieving employees will remain motivated and committed to us. |
16
|
|
|
Compensation should foster the long-term focus required for success in the e-commerce
industry. While all employees receive a mix of both annual and long-term incentives,
employees at higher levels have an increasing proportion of their compensation tied to
long-term performance because they are in a position to have greater influence on long-term
results. |
The above policies guide the Compensation Committee in assessing the proper allocation between
long-term compensation, current cash compensation and short-term bonus compensation.
In determining the particular elements of compensation that will be used to implement our
overall compensation policies, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration a number of
factors related to our performance, such as our revenue growth, cost discipline, earnings per share and
profitability as well as competitive practices among our peer group.
Our executive compensation program is overseen and administered by the Compensation Committee,
which is comprised entirely of independent directors as determined in accordance with various
Nasdaq, SEC and Internal Revenue Code rules. The Compensation Committee operates under a written
charter adopted by our Board. A copy of the charter is available at http://www.digitalriver.com.
Compensation Consultant
The Compensation Committee has the authority to engage its own independent advisors to assist
it in carrying out its responsibility. Since 2007, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (Cook & Co.) has
been retained by the Compensation Committee to assist with compensation analysis. In 2009, the
Compensation Committee engaged Cook & Co. to continue to provide advice on compensation programs.
Cook & Co. provides no other compensation or benefit consulting services to us. During fiscal
2009, the independent compensation consultant advised the Compensation Committee on base salaries
and annual and long-term incentives for our chief executive officer and chief financial officer.
The independent compensation consultant reports to the Compensation Committee rather than to
management, although the consultant may meet with management from time-to-time for purposes of
gathering information on proposals that management may make to the Compensation Committee. The
Compensation Committee is free to replace the independent compensation consultant or hire
additional consultants at any time. The independent compensation consultant does not provide any
other services to us and receives compensation only with respect to the services provided to the
Compensation Committee.
Role of Executive Management in Compensation Decisions
The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving the compensation of our named
executive officers and reviewing our compensation programs, practices and packages for executives,
other employees and directors. The Compensation Committee approves the design of our compensation program and, within the parameters of the
program, has authorized Mr. Ronning to make
salary adjustments and short-term incentive (bonus) decisions for all employees other than the
named executive officers. In establishing executive compensation, the Compensation Committee takes
into consideration information about the performance of the Company and our executive officers
provided by our human resources and finance departments, as well as recommendations from the
executive officers as to the base salary, annual incentive targets and equity compensation for the
executive team and other employees. The Compensation Committee considers
managements recommendations with respect to executive compensation. Mr.
Ronning meets with the Compensation Committee to discuss the compensation of other executive
officers, but is not present when decisions with respect to his compensation are made.
Elements of Compensation
There are three major elements that comprise our compensation program: (i) base salary; (ii)
annual incentive opportunities; and (iii) long-term incentives, such as equity awards. We have
selected these elements because each is considered useful and/or necessary to meet one or more of
the principal objectives of our compensation policy. For instance, base salary and annual incentive
targets are set with the goal of attracting employees and adequately compensating and rewarding
them on a day-to-day basis for the time spent and the services they perform, while our equity
programs are geared toward providing an incentive and reward for the achievement of long-term
business objectives and retaining key talent. We believe that these elements of compensation, when
combined, are effective, and will continue to be effective, in achieving the objectives of our
compensation program.
The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation program on an annual basis, including each
of the above elements, which are reviewed from time to time to ensure that compensation levels
remain competitive. In
17
setting compensation levels for a particular executive, the Compensation
Committee takes into consideration the proposed compensation package as a whole and each element
individually, as well as the executives past and expected future contributions to our business. We
have an employment or severance agreement with each of our named executive officers. The
agreements for each of Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden are discussed below under the section
entitled Employment and Change of Control Agreements.
Key Considerations and Process
In applying the program objectives and the elements of compensation, the Compensation
Committee takes into account the following key considerations and adheres to the following
processes:
Competitive Market Assessment. We conduct a competitive market assessment for each of the
primary elements of our executive compensation program. In setting executive compensation levels,
the Compensation Committee reviews market data from the following sources:
|
|
|
Peer Group Information. The Compensation Committee considers information
from the proxy statements of 15 peer group public companies with revenues ranging
from approximately $100 million to $1 billion, with a median revenue of $455 million.
The peer group is composed primarily of internet-based companies. The following
companies were included in our comparison peer group for our fiscal year 2009: |
|
|
|
|
|
Akamai Technologies
|
|
RealNetworks
|
|
Syntel |
Ariba
|
|
RightNow Technologies, Inc.
|
|
ValueClick |
GSI Commerce
|
|
Rovi Corp. (formerly Macrovision)
|
|
VeriFone Holdings |
Imergent
|
|
Salesforce.com, Inc.
|
|
Vertro (formerly MIVA) |
InfoSpace
|
|
SAVVIS
|
|
Websense |
|
|
|
Aon-Radford Executive Survey. This survey provides base salary and
short-term and long-term incentive information on U.S. high-technology and
manufacturing companies. The Compensation Committee considers benchmark information in
this survey. |
|
|
|
|
Information from Cook & Co. Our Compensation Committee also considers
competitive market information provided by Cook & Co., an independent advisor retained
by the Compensation Committee. In establishing compensation for fiscal 2010, Cook &
Co. compiled and analyzed proxy data from the peer group for our chief executive
officer and our chief financial officer. |
Considerations for Mr. Ronning. The Compensation Committee considers the following factors in
setting the compensation arrangements for Mr. Ronning:
|
|
|
An annual assessment of his performance conducted by our Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee; |
|
|
|
|
The financial and strategic results achieved by our Company for the last
fiscal year; |
|
|
|
|
The financial plans and strategic objectives for the next fiscal year; |
|
|
|
|
Other strategic factors critical to the long-term success of our business; |
|
|
|
|
The competitive market data identified above; and |
|
|
|
|
Guidance from the Compensation Committees independent compensation
consultant. |
Considerations for Other Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee considers the
following factors in setting the compensation arrangements for each of the other named executive
officers.
|
|
|
Mr. Ronning and the Compensation Committees assessment of the named executive officers individual
performance and contributions to our performance for the most recent fiscal year; |
|
|
|
|
Our business and financial performance for the most recent fiscal year; |
|
|
|
|
The competitive market data identified above applicable to the specific
position that the named executive officer holds; and |
18
|
|
|
Mr. Ronnings recommendations regarding compensation levels for the other
named executive officers. |
Review of Tally Sheets. On an annual basis (with the most recent version covering 2009
presented in March 2010), management prepares and presents to the Committee tally sheets for each
of the named executive officers to provide the Committee the following compensation data:
|
|
|
Base salary; |
|
|
|
|
Short-term incentive compensation; |
|
|
|
|
Long-term incentive compensation; |
|
|
|
|
Value of in-the-money stock options, both vested and unvested; and |
|
|
|
|
Value of restricted stock grants. |
The Compensation Committee reviewed these tally sheets and compared tally sheets for the named
executive officers with competitive market data for comparable executives in the peer group to
establish compensation for fiscal 2010.
Base Salary
Base salary is the fixed portion of executive compensation. For 2010, base salaries for our
named executive officers were targeted at the third-quartile level (i.e., less than median) of our
peer group. This reflects our philosophy that a significant proportion of the total compensation
of our senior executives should be in the form of long-term incentive awards linked to Company
performance and shareholder returns. Salaries for executive officers are reviewed by the
Compensation Committee on an annual basis and may be changed based on the individuals performance
or a change in competitive pay levels in the marketplace.
The Compensation Committee reviews with our chief executive officer an annual salary plan for
our named executive officers (other than our chief executive officer). The salary plan is
modified as deemed appropriate and approved by the Compensation Committee. The annual salary plan
is developed by our chief executive officer based on publicly available competitive compensation
information on organizations with similar characteristics, such as size, scope of operations,
revenue growth and business focus, and on performance judgments as to the past and expected future
contributions of the individual executives. Additional factors include levels of responsibility,
breadth of knowledge and expertise and prior experience. The Compensation Committee reviews and
establishes the base salary of the chief executive officer based on similar competitive
compensation data and the Compensation Committees assessment of his past performance and its
expectation as to his future contributions in directing our long-term success.
We pay a base salary to help us attract and retain talented executives. The amount of
annualized base salary and year-over-year increase for each of the named executive officers in
fiscal 2009 is set forth in the following table:
Base Salary Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Fiscal Year |
Named Executive Officer |
|
2008 |
|
2009 |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
Since March 2008, the base salaries for each of Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden have
remained unchanged. In March 2010, upon recommendation of management, the Compensation Committee
determined not to change the base salaries of the named executive officers identified in the
Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2010.
19
Annual Incentive Opportunities
In 2008, our stockholders approved the 2008 Performance Bonus Plan (the Performance Plan).
The Performance Plan is a component of our overall strategy to pay our employees for delivering
measurable results. The purposes of the Performance Plan are to motivate senior executives by tying
compensation to performance, to reward exceptional performance that supports our overall objectives
and to attract and retain top-performing senior executives.
In March 2009, the Compensation Committee established the performance goals for the named
executive officers under the terms of the Performance Bonus Plan as well as target bonuses for each
of them for fiscal 2009. Those goals consisted of achievement of performance criteria relating to
revenue, operating income, select revenue growth, select margin improvement, cost structure
efficiencies and acquisition activity. The fiscal 2009 weightings of the performance criteria were
as follows: 25% revenue, 25% operating income, 12.5% select revenue growth, 12.5% select margin
growth, 12.5% cost structure efficiencies and 12.5% acquisition activity.
Bonuses paid to our named executive officers under the Performance Plan for fiscal year 2009
were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive |
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Bonus |
Officer |
|
Amount |
|
Potential |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
356,484 |
|
|
|
63 |
% |
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
190,125 |
|
|
|
63 |
% |
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
79,218 |
|
|
|
63 |
% |
In March 2010, the Compensation Committee established performance goals for 2010 for the named
executive officers under the terms of the Performance Bonus Plan as well as target bonuses for each
of them for fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2010, each named executive officers cash bonus opportunity is
based upon the achievement of performance criteria relating to 2010 full-year revenue and operating
income, and 2010 fourth quarter revenue and operating income. The Compensation Committee believes
that providing incentives to management to optimize revenues while maintaining prudent management
of gross margins and operating expenses in 2010 will promote our long-term value. The 2010 goals
include criteria based on fourth quarter revenue and operating income to address our focus on
generating new business to offset the loss of revenue due to Symantec Corporations
decision to not renew its e-commerce agreement with us when it expires on June 30, 2010. The
fiscal 2010 weightings of the performance criteria are as follows: 37.5% 2010 full-year revenue,
37.5% 2010 full-year operating income. In the case of Messrs. Ronning and Donnelly, the remaining
2010 performance criteria are as follows: 12.5% 2010 fourth quarter revenue and 12.5% 2010 fourth
quarter operating income. In the case of Mr. Crudden, the remaining 2010 performance criteria are
as follows: 6.25% 2010 fourth quarter revenue, 6.25% 2010 fourth quarter operating income and
12.5% personal management objectives.
Target bonuses for our named executive officers under the Performance Plan for fiscal year
2010 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive |
|
Target as a Percent of |
|
|
Officer |
|
Base Salary |
|
Target in Dollars |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
100 |
% |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
|
50 |
% |
|
$ |
125,000 |
|
The amount of bonus earned will be based on how our actual financial performance compares to our
operating plan for 2010 with respect to each of the performance criteria. If we meet our operating
plan, the named executive officers will earn approximately 80% of their target bonuses. For the
named executive officers to achieve 100% of their target bonuses, our revenues and operating income
must exceed our operating plan. If our financial performance significantly exceeds our operating
plan, the bonuses earned by the named executive officers could exceed the target bonuses indicated
above.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Long-term equity incentives are provided through grants of stock options and restricted stock
to executive officers and other employees pursuant to the terms and conditions of our
stockholder-approved 2007 Plan. The stock component of compensation is intended to retain and
motivate employees to grow long-term stockholder value. Initial grants of stock options are
generally made to eligible employees upon commencement of employment.
Following the initial hire, additional equity incentive grants may be made to participants
pursuant to a periodic grant
20
program or following a significant change in job responsibilities,
scope or title. Stock options under the 2007 Plan generally vest over a four-year period and
expire ten years from the date of grant. Stock options are granted at fair market value on the
date of grant and have value only if our stock price increases. Grants of restricted stock
generally vest over a four-year period, and may also include provisions for forfeiture of a portion
of the grant if specified performance criteria are not met. The Compensation Committee believes
this element of the total compensation program directly links the executives interests with those
of our stockholders and our long-term performance.
The Compensation Committee establishes the number of shares subject to, and terms of, options
and restricted stock awards granted under the 2007 Plan to the named executive officers. The
Compensation Committee encourages executives to build an ownership investment in our common stock.
Outstanding performance by an individual executive officer is recognized through larger equity
grants.
As an integral component of its long-term strategic planning process, the Compensation
Committee evaluates a number of factors impacting its employee compensation philosophy, including
our stage of growth, competitive environment, business complexity and market opportunity. One of
the key conclusions from this analysis is that Digital River continues to operate in a high-growth
environment that is subject to rapid change, complexity and a multitude of business risks. To
continue our record of success in this challenging environment, we believe that our compensation
practices must remain competitive with practices of peer group companies with similar growth rates
and long-term opportunities.
The Compensation Committee has granted equity awards at its scheduled meetings. Grants
approved during scheduled meetings become effective and are priced as of the date of approval.
Grants to new hires are approved by the Compensation Committee on the first trading day of the
month after the month of hire and are priced as of the date of approval. Under the 2007 Plan, all
stock option grants have a per share exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common
stock on the grant date. The Compensation Committee has not granted, nor does it intend in the
future to grant, equity compensation awards to executives in anticipation of the release of
material non-public information that is likely to result in changes to the price of our common
stock, such as a significant positive or negative earnings announcement. Similarly, the
Compensation Committee has not timed, nor does it intend in the future to time, the release of
material non-public information based on equity award grant dates. Equity compensation awards
typically vest over a four-year period.
The Compensation Committee believes that our ability to attract, retain and motivate key
executives is critical to achieving strategic goals, which in turn helps build long-term value.
The number of options and restricted stock awards the Compensation Committee grants to each named
executive officer and the vesting schedule for each grant is determined based on a variety of
factors, including market data collected regarding the equity grant ranges for peer companies as
well as the performance rating each executive is given by Mr. Ronning. Mr. Ronning assigns a
performance rating to each member of the executive team that reports to him based on a number of
factors, including the individuals accomplishments during the prior fiscal year and over the
course of his or her service with us. These performance ratings are taken into consideration in
the determination of equity grant proposals for the named executive officers which Mr. Ronning
recommends to the Compensation Committee for consideration.
In 2009 and 2010, the Compensation Committee has granted restricted stock awards to our named
executive officers and other employees, but has not granted any stock options. The awards granted
to the named executive officers provide that specified performance criteria must be met in order to
earn the shares, which are then subject to a four-year vesting schedule. The Compensation
Committee believes this links the interests of the executive officers to company performance and
shareholder returns, and provides a strong retention value. In March 2009, the Compensation
Committee approved a grant of 180,000 performance-based shares to Mr. Ronning, a grant of 90,000
performance-based shares to Mr. Donnelly, and a grant of 45,000 performance-based shares to Mr.
Crudden. In February 2010, the Compensation Committee determined that the Company met
approximately 86% of the performance goals established in March 2009. Accordingly, Messrs.
Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden earned 154,935, 77,468 and 38,735 performance-based shares,
respectively, which will vest over four years commencing on the date of grant. The remaining
shares of restricted stock subject to these grants were forfeited.
In March 2010, the Compensation Committee approved a grant of 185,000 performance-based shares
to Mr. Ronning, a grant of 55,000 performance-based shares to Mr. Donnelly, and a grant of 31,500
performance-based shares to Mr. Crudden. These grants were made based upon a review of equity
grants to similarly situated executives in peer companies. The performance-based shares will be
earned based on our achievement of certain performance requirements in fiscal 2010 (revenue,
operating income and net income). Upon achievement of those requirements, the shares that are
earned will vest over four years commencing on the date of grant. If the
performance goals for fiscal year 2010 are not attained, then the performance-based shares
will either be forfeited or the number of performance-based shares will be adjusted downward in
proportion to the goals achieved.
21
Retirement Benefits under the 401(k) Plan, Executive Perquisites and Generally Available
Benefit Programs
We maintain a tax-qualified 401(k) Plan, which provides for broad-based employee
participation. Under the 401(k) Plan, all of our employees are eligible to receive matching
contributions that are subject to vesting over time. The matching contribution for the 401(k) Plan
year 2009 was $0.50 for each dollar of each participants pretax contributions. We do not provide
defined benefit pension plans or defined contribution retirement plans to our named executive
officers or other employees other than the 401(k) Plan.
We also offer a number of other benefits to the named executive officers pursuant to benefit
programs that provide for broad-based employee participation. These benefits programs include the
employee stock purchase plan, medical, dental and vision insurance, long-term and short-term
disability insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, health and dependent
care flexible spending accounts, wellness programs, educational assistance, employee assistance and
certain other benefits. Many employees also are eligible for variable pay under sales incentive
plans, profit sharing programs and/or the incentive arrangements described above.
The 401(k) Plan and other generally available benefit programs allow us to remain competitive
for employee talent, and we believe that the availability of the benefit programs generally
enhances employee productivity and loyalty. The main objectives of our benefits programs are to
give our employees access to quality healthcare, financial protection from unforeseen events,
assistance in achieving retirement financial goals and enhanced health and productivity. These
generally available benefits typically do not specifically factor into decisions regarding an
individual executives total compensation or equity award package.
On an annual basis, we benchmark our overall benefits programs, including our 401(k) Plan,
against our peer group.
In 2009, we paid $1,588 in car benefits on behalf of Mr. Ronning as well as a matching
contribution under the 401(k) Plan. Messrs. Donnelly and Crudden did not receive any perquisites
in fiscal 2009 other than matching contributions under the 401(k) Plan.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Compensation Committee has adopted stock ownership guidelines for its named executive officers
to more closely align the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders.
The guidelines provide that named executive officers should maintain an investment in Digital River common stock equal
to three times their annual base salary (five times in the case of the Chief Executive Officer).
Compensation of Chief Executive Officer
The compensation of Mr. Ronning, our chief executive officer, consists of all three of the
above-described components. The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation awarded to
Mr. Ronning should reflect our overall performance and, accordingly, for the year ended December
31, 2009, the Compensation Committee used a number of factors and criteria to determine Mr.
Ronnings compensation, including our ability to achieve revenue growth, complete strategic
acquisitions and manage operating expenses.
In March 2010, the Compensation Committee determined not to change Mr. Ronnings base salary
of $450,000. In relation to our peer group, Mr. Ronnings base salary is below the median for the
chief executive officers.
Based upon our overall performance in 2009 as well as Mr. Ronnings leadership of our
management team throughout the year, a bonus of $356,484 was approved to Mr. Ronning in March 2010.
In assessing this bonus, the Compensation Committee considered our financial performance in 2009 as
well as the achievement of various objectives by Mr. Ronning.
The Compensation Committee reviewed market data to determine whether to grant Mr. Ronning
equity incentives. Based on Mr. Ronnings 2008 performance, in March 2009, the Compensation
Committee determined to grant him a performance-based stock grant of 180,000 shares. Since we did
not meet the corporate performance criteria for fiscal 2009, Mr. Ronning forfeited 25,065 of the
performance shares. The Compensation Committee believes that Mr. Ronnings compensation is
comparable to that received by the chief executive officers of those companies in the peer group.
22
The Compensation Committee believes that the elements of Mr. Ronnings compensation
program align with the interests of stockholders. A significant portion of his total compensation,
including annual incentive compensation and equity-based compensation, is performance-based. In
establishing the performance criteria for fiscal 2010 under the Performance Plan and the
performance-based share awards, the Compensation Committee has taken into consideration our focus
on generating new business to offset the loss of revenue due to Symantec Corporations
decision not to renew its e-commerce agreement with us when it expires on June 30, 2010. At the
time Symantec Corporation notified us of its decision in October 2009, it represented approximately
30% of our revenue. The Compensation Committee believes Mr. Ronnings compensation program provides
an incentive and reward for him to guide the Company as it responds to the loss of the Symantec
contract and the challenges of a generally difficult economic environment.
For 2010, Mr. Ronnings compensation pursuant to his employment agreement, described in more
detail below, consists of a base salary of $450,000. Mr. Ronning may also receive a cash incentive
pursuant to the Performance Plan described above under Annual Incentive Opportunities. In
addition, Mr. Ronning was granted 185,000 performance-based shares as described above under
Long-Term Incentive Compensation.
Severance and Change of Control Agreements
Severance Pay Arrangements. We have an employment agreement with Mr. Ronning and a Severance
and Change of Control Agreement with each of Messrs. Donnelly and Crudden that contain severance
pay arrangements. The severance provisions of these agreements are designed to provide clarity with
respect to the rights and obligations of the parties upon the termination of employment with us.
The terms of these agreements are described below.
Change in Control Arrangements. If a change in control of our Company were to occur, the
Compensation Committee believes that it is in the best interests of stockholders to ensure the
retention of key executives to facilitate an orderly transition. For this reason, the agreements
with Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden contain change in control provisions. These agreements
reduce the risk of losing key management personnel that may occur during a critical period of a
potential or actual change in control of our Company. These provisions are separate from the
severance provisions identified above but would not allow an executive to obtain duplicative
severance benefits upon termination of employment.
The change in control provisions contain a double trigger severance provision, which means
that, in order to receive severance benefits, an executives employment must be terminated within a
specified period following a change in control. The Compensation Committee believes that a double
trigger design is more appropriate for severance benefits than the single trigger design as it
prevents payments in the event of a change in control where the executive continues to be employed
without an adverse effect on compensation, role and responsibility or job location. Additional
details about these agreements are described below.
The levels of severance pay and benefits that would be provided under our severance pay
arrangements and practices are competitive with the practices of other companies in our industry.
Our Compensation Committee believes that they are important elements of a total compensation
program to attract and retain senior executives. The peer group data also indicates that the other
terms and conditions of our change in control severance pay plan are consistent with the design
provisions and benefit levels of similar plans at other companies for which we compete for
executive talent.
Joel A. Ronning
Effective as of February 28, 2007, we entered into an employment agreement with Joel A.
Ronning, our chief executive officer, which superseded his prior employment agreement. The term of
the employment agreement is two years with automatic one-year renewals if the agreement is not
terminated prior to the end of the initial two year period (the Expiration Date) (as extended in
connection with any renewed term).
In the event of Mr. Ronnings termination by Digital River for any reason except upon his
retirement, death or disability or for cause, and including, without limitation, our failure to
renew his employment agreement, or upon Mr. Ronnings voluntary termination following failure to
reappoint Mr. Ronning as our chief executive officer, a material change in his function, duties or
responsibilities without his consent that would cause Mr. Ronnings position to become one of
lesser responsibility, importance, or scope, relocation of Mr. Ronnings principal place of
employment by more than thirty miles, or a material breach of his employment agreement, or upon Mr.
Ronnings voluntary (as described above) or involuntary termination of employment following a
change of control of Digital River, he will be entitled to termination payments equal to his base
salary at the time of termination plus a weighted three-year average of his annual bonus amount, as
well as a continuation of certain employee benefits for a period of 12 months. Mr. Ronnings cash
severance is paid in one lump sum payment at least six months following his termination of
employment, in accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, any
unvested Equity Incentives held by Mr. Ronning will immediately vest and become exercisable and any
unexercised stock options will remain exercisable for 12 months following his termination of
employment (unless sooner
23
terminated in connection with a change of control transaction). In the event of a change of
control, such payments and benefits may be reduced if any payment or benefit would be subject to
the excise tax imposed by Sections 280G or 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Mr. Ronning also has
agreed not to compete with Digital River in countries or territories where we conduct our business
for a period of 12 months following his voluntary or involuntary termination as described above.
In the event of Mr. Ronnings death, we will award to his beneficiaries a pro-rated bonus, in
an amount equal the Boards good faith estimate of the bonus Mr. Ronning would have earned in the
year of his death; provided, however, that the good faith estimate of the bonus will be at least
equal to the average of Mr. Ronnings bonuses for the three most recent years. In the event that
we terminate Mr. Ronning following his permanent disability, we will continue to provide him with
term life insurance and medical insurance benefits for a period of one year.
Thomas M. Donnelly
Effective as of March 4, 2008, we entered into an amended and restated change of control and
severance agreement with Thomas M. Donnelly, our chief financial officer. In the event of Mr.
Donnellys termination by Digital River for any reason except upon his retirement, death or
disability or for cause, or upon Mr. Donnellys voluntary termination following a material change
in his function, duties or responsibilities without his consent that would cause Mr. Donnellys
position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope, relocation of Mr. Donnellys
principal place of employment by more than thirty miles, or a material breach of his change of
control and severance agreement, or upon Mr. Donnellys voluntary (as described above) or
involuntary termination of employment following a change of control of Digital River, he will be
entitled to termination payments equal to his base salary at the time of termination, as well as a
continuation of certain employee benefits for a period of 12 months. Mr. Donnellys cash severance
is paid in one lump sum payment at least six months following his termination of employment, in
accordance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, any unvested Equity
Incentives held by Mr. Donnelly will immediately vest and become exercisable and any unexercised
stock options will remain exercisable for 90 days following his termination of employment (unless
sooner terminated in connection with a change of control transaction). In the event of a change of
control, such payments and benefits may be reduced if any payment or benefit would be subject to
the excise tax imposed by Sections 280G or 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Mr. Donnelly also
has agreed not to compete with Digital River in countries or territories where we conduct our
business for a period of 12 months following his voluntary or involuntary termination as described
above.
In the event of Mr. Donnellys death, we will award to his beneficiaries a pro-rated bonus, in
an amount equal the Boards good faith estimate of the bonus Mr. Donnelly would have earned in the
year of his death; provided, however, that the good faith estimate of the bonus will be at least
equal to the average of Mr. Donnellys bonuses for the three most recent years. In the event that
we terminate Mr. Donnelly following his permanent disability, we will continue to provide him with
term life insurance and medical insurance benefits for a period of one year.
Kevin L. Crudden
Effective as of March 4, 2008, we entered into a change of control and severance agreement
with Kevin L. Crudden, our vice president and general counsel. In the event of Mr. Cruddens
termination by Digital River for any reason except upon his retirement, death or disability or for
cause, or upon Mr. Cruddens voluntary termination following a material change in his function,
duties or responsibilities without his consent that would cause Mr. Cruddens position to become
one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope, relocation of Mr. Cruddens principal place of
employment by more than thirty miles, or a material breach of his change of control and severance
agreement, or upon Mr. Cruddens voluntary (as described above) or involuntary termination of
employment following a change of control of Digital River, he will be entitled to termination
payments equal to his base salary at the time of termination, as well as a continuation of certain
employee benefits for a period of 12 months. Mr. Cruddens cash severance is paid in one lump sum
payment at least six months following his termination of employment, in accordance with Section
409A of the Internal Revenue Code. In addition, any unvested Equity Incentives held by Mr. Crudden
will immediately vest and become exercisable and any unexercised stock options will remain
exercisable for 90 days following his termination of employment (unless sooner terminated in
connection with a change of control transaction). In the event of a change of control, such
payments and benefits may be reduced if any payment or benefit would be subject to the excise tax
imposed by Sections 280G or 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code. Mr. Crudden also has agreed not to
compete with Digital River in countries or territories where we conduct our business for a period
of 12 months following his voluntary or involuntary termination as described above.
24
In the event of Mr. Cruddens death, we will award to his beneficiaries a pro-rated bonus, in
an amount equal to the Boards good faith estimate of the bonus Mr. Crudden would have earned in
the year of his death; provided, however, that the good faith estimate of the bonus will be at
least equal to the average of Mr. Cruddens bonuses for the three most recent years. In the event
that we terminate Mr. Crudden following his permanent disability, we will continue to provide him
with term life insurance and medical insurance benefits for a period of one year.
See the table on page 29 of this proxy statement for more information related to the severance
benefits for each of Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden.
Accounting and Tax Considerations
In designing its compensation programs, the Compensation Committee takes into consideration
the accounting and tax effect that each element of compensation will or may have on us and the
executive officers and other employees as a group. We recognize a charge to earnings for financial
accounting purposes when either stock options or restricted stock awards are granted.
Digital River is limited by Section 162(m) of the Code to a deduction for federal income tax
purposes of up to $1,000,000 of compensation paid to certain named executive officers in a taxable
year. Compensation above $1,000,000 may be deducted if it meets certain technical requirements to
be classified as performance-based compensation. Although the Compensation Committee uses the
requirements of Section 162(m) as a guideline, deductibility is not the sole factor it considers in
assessing the appropriate levels and types of executive compensation and it will elect to forego
deductibility when the Compensation Committee believes it to be in our best interests and the best
interests of our stockholders.
The Compensation Committee believes that the compensation programs described above provide
compensation that is competitive with our peer group, link executive and stockholder interests, and
provide the basis for us to attract and retain qualified executives. The Compensation Committee
will continue to monitor the relationship among executive compensation, our performance and
stockholder value as a basis for determining our ongoing compensation policies and practices.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal year 2009, the Compensation Committee was composed of two non-employee
directors: Messrs. Steenland and Madison. No current member of the Compensation Committee is or
has ever been one of our officers or employees, or has had any relationship with us that is
required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of our executive officers serves,
or in the past fiscal year has served, on the board of directors or as a member of a compensation
committee of any entity that has or has had one or more executive officers serving as a member of
our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.
Compensation Committee Report
The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
filed with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, except to the
extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities
Act or the Exchange Act.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis for fiscal year 2009. Based on the review and discussions, the Compensation
Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board has approved, that the Compensation Discussion
and Analysis be included in our proxy statement for our 2010 Annual Meeting of stockholders.
This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee.
Compensation Committee
Douglas M. Steenland, Chairman
Thomas F. Madison
25
Summary of Compensation
The following table shows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, compensation awarded or
paid to, or earned by, our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and vice
president and general counsel (the named executive officers). We did not have any other
executive officers in 2009.
Summary Compensation Table
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Non-Equity |
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Stock |
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Option |
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Incentive Plan |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal |
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|
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Salary |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
($)(4) |
|
($) |
|
Total ($) |
|
Joel A. Ronning |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
4,532,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
356,484 |
|
|
$ |
9,838 |
(5) |
|
$ |
5,348,722 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
796,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,369,160 |
|
|
$ |
361,856 |
|
|
$ |
22,375 |
(6) |
|
$ |
2,999,391 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
411,538 |
|
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,384,750 |
|
|
$ |
2,746,030 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35,685 |
(7) |
|
$ |
5,078,003 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,266,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
190,125 |
|
|
$ |
8,250 |
(8) |
|
$ |
2,764,575 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
716,400 |
|
|
$ |
480,263 |
|
|
$ |
192,990 |
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(9) |
|
$ |
1,697,403 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
288,461 |
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,107,800 |
|
|
$ |
1,753,872 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(9) |
|
$ |
3,357,883 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
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Kevin L. Crudden |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,133,100 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
79,218 |
|
|
$ |
8,250 |
(8) |
|
$ |
1,470,568 |
|
Vice President & General |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
245,961 |
|
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
254,720 |
|
|
$ |
106,725 |
|
|
$ |
80,412 |
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(9) |
|
$ |
705,568 |
|
Counsel |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
231,538 |
|
|
$ |
78,750 |
|
|
$ |
79,762 |
|
|
$ |
126,279 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(9) |
|
$ |
524,079 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts in this column are the 2009, 2008 and 2007 discretionary bonuses paid in
March 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, based on the executives and Digital Rivers
performance in that fiscal year. |
|
(2) |
|
Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts in the Stock Awards column reflect the aggregate
grant date fair value of performance-based share awards approved by the Compensation Committee
during the 2009, 2008 and 2007 fiscal years based on the probable outcome of the performance
conditions under the awards, excluding the impact of estimated forfeitures related to
service-based vesting conditions. The fair value of the award is calculated using the closing
price of Digital Rivers stock on the date of grant in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718,
Stock Compensation. Amounts for 2008 and 2007 have been recomputed using the same methodology
in accordance with SEC rules. For additional information on the valuation assumptions for the
stock awards, refer to note 6, Stock-Based Compensation, in the Digital River, Inc. financial
statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC. The
amounts listed in this column reflect the value of the award at the grant date assuming the
highest level of performance is achieved. In February 2010, the Compensation Committee
determined that Digital River met 86% of the performance goals established in March 2009, and
accordingly Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden earned 154,935, 77,468 and 38,735
performance-based shares from the 2009 stock award grants, respectively, which will vest over
four years commencing on the date of grant. The remaining shares of restricted stock subject
to the 2009 grants were forfeited. The 2008 performance-based share awards listed in this
column were forfeited in their entirety as a result of the Compensation Committees
determination that Digital River did not meet the performance goals established in March 2008.
The 2007 awards were not subject to performance conditions. |
|
(3) |
|
The amounts in the Option Awards column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value
of awards granted during the 2008 and 2007 fiscal years, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic
718, for option awards. No stock options were awarded to named executive officers in 2009.
Pursuant to SEC rules, the amounts shown exclude the impact of estimated forfeitures related
to service-based vesting conditions. For additional information on the valuation assumptions
for the stock option grants, refer to note 6, Stock-Based Compensation, in the Digital River,
Inc. financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with
the SEC. |
|
(4) |
|
The amount reported in this column for the 2008 and 2009 fiscal years include
payments made for the applicable year under the 2008 Performance Bonus Plan. |
|
(5) |
|
This amount consists of (a) Digital Rivers matching contribution of $8,250 under our
tax qualified 401(k) Plan and (b) $1,588 in Company car expense which we paid on Mr. Ronnings
behalf. |
|
(6) |
|
This amount consists of (a) Digital Rivers matching contribution of $7,750 under our
tax qualified 401(k) Plan and (b) $14,625 in Company car expense which we paid on Mr.
Ronnings behalf. |
|
(7) |
|
This amount consists of (a) Digital Rivers matching contribution of $7,750 under our
tax qualified 401(k) Plan, (b) $16,785 in Company car expense which we paid on Mr. Ronnings
behalf and (c) $11,150 in life insurance premiums. |
|
(8) |
|
This amount is Digital Rivers matching contribution of $8,250 under our tax
qualified 401(k) Plan. |
|
(9) |
|
This amount is Digital Rivers matching contribution of $7,750 under our tax
qualified 401(k) Plan. |
26
Grants Of Plan-Based Awards
The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during
fiscal year 2009. The option awards and the unvested portion of the stock awards identified in the
table below are also reported in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table on the
following page.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
For Fiscal Year 2009
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All Other |
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Option |
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Estimated Possible Payouts |
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Estimated Possible Payouts |
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Awards: |
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Exercise or |
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Under Non-Equity |
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Under Equity |
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Number of |
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Base Price of |
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Grant Date Fair |
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Incentive Plan Awards (1) |
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Incentive Plan Awards (2) |
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All Other Stock Awards: |
|
Securities |
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Option |
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Value of Stock |
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Threshold |
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Target |
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Maximum |
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Threshold |
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Target |
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Maximum |
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Number of Securities |
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Underlying |
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Awards |
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and Option |
Name |
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Grant Date |
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($) |
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($) |
|
($) |
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(#) |
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(#) |
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(#) |
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Underlying Options (#) |
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Options (#) |
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($/share) |
|
Awards ($) (3) |
Joel A. Ronning |
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|
3/5/2009 |
|
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$ |
|
|
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$ |
562,500 |
|
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$ |
1,125,000 |
|
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|
|
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
180,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4,532,400 |
|
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Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
3/5/2009 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,266,200 |
|
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Kevin L. Crudden |
|
|
3/5/2009 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
125,000 |
|
|
$ |
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
1,133,100 |
|
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|
(1) |
|
These columns show the threshold, target, and maximum payouts for 2009 performance
under the 2008 Performance Bonus Plan. There is no minimum amount payable under the 2008
Performance Bonus Plan, and a maximum payout of 200% of target for Mr Ronning, and 100% of
target for Messrs. Donnelly and Crudden. The target criteria for Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly
and Crudden are described in the section titled Annual Incentive Opportunities in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The bonus payment for 2009 performance has been paid
based upon the metrics described, at 63% percent of target, and is shown in the Summary
Compensation Table in the column entitled Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation. |
|
(2) |
|
These columns show the threshold, target, and maximum payouts, as performance-based
shares, for 2009 performance. There is no minimum amount of performance-based shares to which
the named executive officers are entitled, and a maximum entitlement of 100% of target. The
actual number of performance-based shares received by the named executive officers is
determined by the attainment of performance goals related to revenue, operating income and
earnings per share. Received shares will vest 25% on the first anniversary of the date of
grant, and 25% thereafter on the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of grant.
Based on the Compensation Committees determination in February 2010 that Digital River met
86% of the performance goals established in March 2009, Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly and Crudden
received 154,935, 77,468 and 38,735 performance-based shares, respectively, and the remaining
performance-based shares subject to the 2009 grants were forfeited. |
|
(3) |
|
This column shows the full grant date fair value of performance-based share awards
under FASB ASC Topic 718 granted to the named executives in 2009. For performance-based share
awards the fair value is calculated using the closing price of Digital River stock on the
grant date of $25.18. For additional information on the valuation assumptions, refer to note
6 of the Digital River financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2009, as filed with the SEC. |
For a discussion of the element of pay in this table see the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis section starting on page 16 of this proxy statement.
27
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table provides a summary of equity awards outstanding at December 31, 2009, for
each of our named executive officers.
2009 Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End
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Option Awards |
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Stock Awards |
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Equity |
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Equity |
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Equity |
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Incentive Plan |
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Incentive |
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Incentive Plan |
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Awards: |
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Plan |
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Awards: |
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Market or |
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|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Market |
|
Number of |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
Value of |
|
Unearned |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
Shares or |
|
Shares, Units |
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
Units of |
|
or Other |
|
or Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
That Have |
|
Stock That |
|
Rights That |
|
Rights That |
|
|
Grant |
|
Options (#) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Expiration |
|
Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
Name |
|
Date |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Options (#) |
|
Price ($) |
|
Date |
|
Vested (#) |
|
Vested ($) |
|
Vested (#) |
|
Vested ($) |
Joel A.
Ronning |
|
|
2/21/2001 |
|
|
|
86,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5.125 |
|
|
|
2/21/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/2002 |
|
|
|
102,217 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13.92 |
|
|
|
2/8/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/8/2002 |
|
|
|
7,183 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
13.92 |
|
|
|
2/8/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/13/2003 |
|
|
|
106,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
10.50 |
|
|
|
2/13/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/9/2004 |
|
|
|
110,898 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
|
2/9/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/9/2004 |
|
|
|
8,702 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
22.98 |
|
|
|
2/9/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
170,700 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35.11 |
|
|
|
2/10/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
68,750 |
|
|
|
31,250 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55.39 |
|
|
|
2/28/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500 |
(3) |
|
|
337,375 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
43,750 |
|
|
|
56,250 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
|
3/4/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/5/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
154,935 |
(6) |
|
$ |
4,181,696 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas
M.
Donnelly |
|
|
2/10/2005 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
30.69 |
|
|
|
2/10/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
6/15/2005 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
28.75 |
|
|
|
6/15/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
9,375 |
|
|
|
625 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35.11 |
|
|
|
2/10/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
(7) |
|
|
67,475 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55.39 |
|
|
|
2/28/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
(3) |
|
|
269,900 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
19,687 |
|
|
|
25,313 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
|
3/4/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/5/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77,468 |
(6) |
|
$ |
2,090,861 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin L.
Crudden |
|
|
1/3/2006 |
|
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
(8) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29.75 |
|
|
|
1/3/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,250 |
(7) |
|
|
33,738 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
3,960 |
|
|
|
1,800 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55.39 |
|
|
|
2/28/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
720 |
(3) |
|
|
19,433 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
4,375 |
|
|
|
5,625 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
|
3/4/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/5/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,735 |
(6) |
|
$ |
1,045,458 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The shares vest 6.25% quarterly, starting on May 10, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
The shares vest 6.25% quarterly, starting on May 31, 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
The shares vest 25% annually, starting on February 29, 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
The market value of stock awards is based on the closing market price of Digital
River stock as of December 31, 2009, which was $26.99. |
|
(5) |
|
The shares vest 6.25% quarterly, starting on June 4, 2008. |
|
(6) |
|
The shares vest 25% annually, starting on March 5, 2010. |
|
(7) |
|
The shares vest 25% annually, starting on February 10, 2007. |
|
(8) |
|
The shares vest 25% starting on January 3, 2007, then 6.25% quarterly thereafter. |
28
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
2009 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Shares |
|
Withheld to |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Realized on |
|
Acquired on |
|
Cover Taxes |
|
Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Exercise ($) |
|
Vesting (#) |
|
(#) |
|
Vesting ($) |
|
|
|
Joel A. Ronning |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,106 |
|
|
|
2,144 |
|
|
$ |
149,500 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
$ |
718,225 |
|
|
|
4,892 |
|
|
|
2,608 |
|
|
$ |
183,100 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
982 |
|
|
|
628 |
|
|
$ |
40,361 |
|
Change of Control and Severance Benefits
Involuntary Termination other than Death, Disability, or Retirement; Certain Voluntary Terminations
Including Termination following a Change of Control
The following table sets forth our lump-sum payment obligations under the Executive Severance
Agreements upon a termination of the employment of our named executive officers. The table assumes
termination on December 31, 2009 and payment of such termination obligations within a reasonable
time thereafter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued |
|
|
Name |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Equity acceleration |
|
benefits |
|
Total |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
406,113 |
|
|
$ |
10,078,363 |
|
|
$ |
9,373 |
|
|
$ |
10,943,849 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,428,236 |
|
|
$ |
9,373 |
|
|
$ |
2,737,609 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,098,628 |
|
|
$ |
9,448 |
|
|
$ |
1,358,076 |
|
Termination upon Death
The following table sets forth our lump-sum payment obligations under the Executive Severance
Agreements upon death of our named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Bonus |
|
Total |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
406,113 |
|
|
$ |
406,113 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
194,372 |
|
|
$ |
194,372 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
82,793 |
|
|
$ |
82,793 |
|
Termination upon Disability
The following table sets forth our lump-sum payment obligations under the Executive Severance
Agreements upon disability of our named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued |
|
|
Name |
|
Bonus |
|
benefits |
|
Total |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
406,113 |
|
|
$ |
9,373 |
|
|
$ |
415,486 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
194,372 |
|
|
$ |
9,373 |
|
|
$ |
203,745 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
82,793 |
|
|
$ |
9,448 |
|
|
$ |
92,241 |
|
For a discussion of the change of control and severance benefits set forth in the tables
above, see page 29 of this proxy statement entitled Severance and Change of Control Agreements.
29
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes information with respect to options and other equity awards
under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2009:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining Available for |
|
|
Number of Securities to be |
|
Weighted-average |
|
Future Issuance under |
|
|
issued upon Exercise of |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
Equity Compensation Plans |
|
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
(Excluding Securities |
Plan Category |
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
Warrants and Rights (1) |
|
Reflected in Column (a)) |
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by
Security Holders |
|
|
3,868,048 |
(2) |
|
$ |
30.91 |
|
|
|
3,178,003 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Not Approved
by Security Holders
(4) |
|
|
1,250 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
|
34,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,869,298 |
|
|
$ |
30.91 |
|
|
|
3,212,111 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The weighted average exercise price does not take into account the shares issuable
upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock, which have no exercise price. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 1,917,483 shares of our common stock to be issued upon exercise of
outstanding stock options and 108,921 restricted stock granted and unvested under the 1998
Plan; and includes 579,742 shares of our common stock to be issued upon exercise of
outstanding stock options and 1,261,902 restricted stock granted and unvested under the 2007
Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 2,922,901 shares of our common stock available for issuance under the 2007
Plan, and 255,102 shares of our common stock available for issuance under the 2000 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan. In accordance with plan provisions, any option granted under the 1998
Plan and 2007 Plan will reduce the available number of shares on a one-to-one basis and any
share award granted will reduce the available number of shares on a three-to-two basis. |
|
(4) |
|
Our Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the Inducement Plan), which was in effect as
of December 31, 2005, and was the only equity compensation plan not approved by security
holders, was adopted by the Board in 2005 in connection with an acquisition. A total of
87,500 restricted shares of Company stock were initially reserved for issuance under the
Inducement Plan. During 2009, 625 shares vested. |
Policies and Procedures with Respect to Related-Party Transactions
The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and ethical conduct in fulfilling its
responsibilities and recognizes that related party transactions can present a heightened risk of
potential or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, as a general matter, it is our preference
to avoid related-party transactions. The Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors,
must review and approve all related-party transactions for which such approval is required under
applicable law, including SEC and Nasdaq rules.
We have policies and procedures regarding the review and approval of related-person
transactions. The policies and procedures are in writing and have been approved by the Audit
Committee. The transactions covered by our policies and procedures include any financial
transaction, arrangement or relationship (including any indebtedness or guarantee of indebtedness)
or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships in which we participate and
the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and a director or executive officer of the Company has a
direct or indirect material interest. The policies and procedures include transactions where the
directors or executive officers children, stepchildren, parents, stepparents, spouse, siblings,
mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, or sisters-in-law
or members of their household (other than a tenant or employee) have a personal interest.
In addition, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and investigating any matters
pertaining to the integrity of management, including conflicts of interest and adherence to our
Code of Conduct and Ethics. Under the Code of Conduct and Ethics, directors, officers and all
other members of the workforce are expected to
30
avoid any relationship, influence or activity that would cause or even appear to cause a conflict
of interest. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines require a director to promptly disclose to the
Board any potential or actual conflict of interest involving him or her. Under the Guidelines, the
Board will determine an appropriate resolution on a case-by-case basis. All directors must recuse
themselves from any discussion or decision affecting their personal, business or professional
interests.
All related party transactions shall be disclosed in our applicable filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission as required under SEC rules.
HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy
the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more
stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those
stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as householding, potentially means
extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.
This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are Digital River stockholders will be
householding our proxy materials. A single proxy statement will be delivered to multiple
stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected
stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be householding
communications to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or
until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in
householding and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, please
notify your broker or direct your written request to: Investor Relations, Digital River, Inc., 9625
West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344 or contact our Investor Relations department at
(952) 253-1234. We will promptly deliver upon written or oral request a separate copy of the
annual report or proxy statement to a security holder at a shared address to which a single copy of
the document was delivered. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy
statement at their addresses and would like to request householding of their communications
should contact their broker.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at
the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with
their best judgment.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/ Kevin L. Crudden
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Kevin L. Crudden |
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Secretary |
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Eden Prairie, Minnesota
April 17, 2010
A copy of the 2009 Annual Report to Stockholders accompanies this proxy statement. Our annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC, is available at no
charge to stockholders upon written request to us at Investor Relations, Digital River, Inc., 9625
West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344. Copies also may be obtained without charge
through Digital Rivers website at www.digitalriver.com, as well as the SECs website at
www.sec.gov.
31
FORM OF PROXY CARD
DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Thursday, May 27, 2010
3:30 p.m.
Digital River, Inc.
9625 West 76th Street
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
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DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
9625 West 76th Street,
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
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proxy |
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF DIGITAL RIVER, INC.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of stockholders of DIGITAL RIVER, INC., a
Delaware corporation (the Company), will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at 3:30 p.m. local
time at the Companys headquarters at 9625 West 76th Street, Eden Prairie, Minnesota,
55344 for the purposes stated on the reverse.
By signing the proxy, you revoke all prior proxies and appoint Joel A. Ronning and Thomas M.
Donnelly, and each of them, with full power of substitution, to vote your shares on the matters
shown on the reverse side and any other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting and all
adjournments.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. Whether or not you
expect to attend the meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy as promptly
as possible. In order to ensure your representation at the meeting, a return envelope (which is
postage prepaid if mailed in the United States) is enclosed for that purpose. Even if you have
given your proxy, you may still vote in person if you attend the meeting. Please note, however,
that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at
the meeting, you must obtain from the record holder a proxy issued in your name.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement accompanying
this Notice. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 31, 2010, as the record date for
the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at this Annual Meeting and at
any adjournment or postponement thereof.
See reverse for voting instructions.
THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO VOTE YOUR PROXY
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Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the Named Proxies to
vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and
returned your proxy card.
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COMPANY # |
VOTE BY PHONE TOLL FREE 1-800-690-6903 QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
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Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until
11:59 p.m. (ET) on May 26, 2010. |
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Please have your proxy card available and follow the simple instructions the voice
provides you. |
VOTE BY INTERNET http://www.proxyvote.com QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
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Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 11:59 p.m.
(ET) on May 26, 2010. |
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Please have your proxy card available and follow the simple instructions to obtain
your records and create an electronic ballot. |
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VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to
Digital River, Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, N.Y. 11717.
If you vote by Phone or Internet, please do not mail your Proxy Card
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR all Proposals.
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1. Election of directors: |
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Election of Class III directors -
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01 Joel A. Ronning
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Vote FOR
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Vote WITHHELD |
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the nominee
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from the nominee |
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(except as marked) |
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02 Perry W. Steiner
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Vote FOR
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Vote WITHHELD |
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the nominee
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from the nominee |
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(except as marked) |
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Ratification of Class I director |
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03 Cheryl F. Rosner
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Vote FOR
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Vote WITHHELD |
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the nominee
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from the nominee |
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(except as marked) |
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\/ Please fold here \/
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2. To ratify the
selection by the
Audit Committee of
the Board of
Directors of Ernst
& Young LLP as
independent
auditors of the
Company for its
fiscal year ending
December 31, 2010. |
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o For
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o Against
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o Abstain |
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO
DIRECTION IS GIVEN, WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL PROPOSALS.
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Address Change? Mark Box o Indicate changes below:
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Date |
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Signature(s) in Box |
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Please sign exactly
as your name(s)
appears on Proxy.
If held in joint
tenancy, all
persons must sign.
Trustees,
administrators,
etc., should
include title and
authority.
Corporations should
provide full name
of corporation and
title of authorized
officer signing the
proxy. |
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