FORM DEF 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o 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):
þ No fee required.
o Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
9625 WEST 76TH STREET
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN 55344
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 28, 2009
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 28, 2009, 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 one Class II director to hold office until the 2012 annual meeting of
stockholders; |
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To approve an amendment to the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan to, among other
things, reserve an additional 2,650,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder; |
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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,
2009; 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 April 1, 2009, 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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Kevin L. Crudden |
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Secretary |
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Eden Prairie, Minnesota
April 15, 2009
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 28, 2009
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 28, 2009, 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 April 1, 2009, will be
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on April 1,
2009, we had outstanding and entitled to vote 38,175,158 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 17, 2009, 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 17, 2009 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 2008 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 27, 2009. 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 instructions 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
27, 2009. 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.
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Stockholder Proposals
The deadline for submitting a stockholder proposal for inclusion in our proxy statement and
form of proxy for our 2010 Annual Meeting of stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities
and Exchange Commission is December 19, 2009.
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 27, 2010, nor earlier
than the close of business on January 28, 2010. You should also review our bylaws, which contain
additional requirements with respect to advance notice of stockholder proposals and director
nominations.
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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.
The Board of Directors presently has seven members and one vacancy. There are two directors
in the class whose term of office expires in 2009 (William J. Lansing and Frederic M. Seegal).
Each of Messrs. Lansing and Seegal have informed us that due to other commitments, each will retire
from the Board upon expiration of their terms at the Annual Meeting. On March 5, 2009 the Board of
Directors appointed Douglas M. Steenland to the Board. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee of the Board has nominated Mr. Steenland to stand for election at the upcoming Annual
Meeting. Set forth below is the name, age and biographical information for Mr. Steenland. If
elected at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Steenland would serve until the 2012 annual meeting and until
his successor was elected and has qualified, or until his 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 nominee has agreed to serve if elected, and the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee and management have no reason to believe that the nominee 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.
Nominee For Election For A Three-Year Term Expiring At The 2012 Annual Meeting:
Douglas M. Steenland
Mr. Steenland (57) 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 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. He previously served as a director of NWA
from 2001 to October 2008.
The Board of Directors Recommends
a Vote in Favor of the Named Nominee
Directors Continuing In Office Until The 2011 Annual Meeting:
Thomas F. Madison
Mr. Madison (73) 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
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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.
Directors Continuing In Office Until The 2010 Annual Meeting:
Joel A. Ronning
Mr. Ronning (51) 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.
Perry W. Steiner
Mr. Steiner (43) 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 Audit Committee and Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee. In February 2001, Mr. Steiner joined the private equity firm
Arlington Capital Partners, where he is a Managing Partner. 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, a group of leveraged buyout funds managed by Trust Company of the West. Mr. Steiner
serves as a director of Main Line Broadcasting, Cherry Creek Radio and Long Island Radio.
J. Paul Thorin
Mr. Thorin (65) has served as our director since June 1996. Mr. Thorin serves on the
Companys Audit Committee and the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Since
July 2005, Mr. Thorin has been in private legal practice in San Francisco. From September 2000 to
June 2005, Mr. Thorin served as Vice President and General Counsel of ArrayComm, Inc., a wireless
technology company. From April 1996 to July 2000, Mr. Thorin served as General Counsel of Fujitsu
America Inc., a subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited, and from June 1997 to July 2000, he served as its
Vice President and General Counsel.
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.
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During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, 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 served and which were held during the period he 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.
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 2008.
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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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Mr. Lansing
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Member
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Chair
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Member
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Member |
Mr. Seegal
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Member
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Member
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Member
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Chair |
Mr. Steiner
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Member
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Member
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Member
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Mr. Thorin
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Member
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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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Member
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Member |
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Mr. Steenland was appointed to the Board in March 2009. |
Number of Meetings in Fiscal Year 2008:
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Nominating and |
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Corporate |
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Meetings |
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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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7 |
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5 |
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3 |
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2 |
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0 |
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Special
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2 |
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0 |
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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. Lansing 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
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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. 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 Corporate 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 is composed of Messrs. Seegal and Lansing and it meets only occasionally as may
be necessary to assist senior management. Mr. Seegal 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.
Director Independence
The Board has reviewed director independence. As a result of this review, the Board
determined that six of the seven directors, including the director being nominated for re-election
at the Annual Meeting (Mr. Steenland), 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,
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Lansing, Steiner, Seegal, Thorin and Steenland. 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, 2008, the non-management independent directors met
in executive sessions without management on thirteen occasions. Mr. Madison presided over these
executive sessions as the Lead Director.
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. |
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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.
8
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:
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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 2009 Annual Meeting. 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 in connection with the 2010 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, 2008, which include our consolidated balance
sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated statements of operations,
stockholders equity and cash flows for each year in the periods ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and
2006, 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, 2008, 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 19, 2009.
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
9
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 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, 2008, 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
Perry W. Steiner
J. Paul Thorin
10
Proposal 2
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANYS
2007 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
In February 2007, the Board adopted, and the stockholders subsequently approved, the Companys
2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan). There are 2,000,000 shares of common stock reserved
for issuance under the 2007 Plan. As of March 31, 2009, an aggregate of 1,873,982 shares of the
Companys common stock (net of cancelled or expired options or restricted or performance shares
that had been forfeited) had been granted under the 2007 Plan. Only 279,135 shares of common stock
(plus any shares that might in the future be returned to the 2007 Plan as a result of cancellations
or expirations of options or forfeiture of restricted or performance shares) remained available for
future grants under the 2007 Plan.
In March 2009, the Board amended the 2007 Plan, subject to stockholder approval, to increase
the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the 2007 Plan from a total of
2,000,000 shares to a total of 4,650,000 shares. The Board adopted this amendment in order to
ensure that the Company can continue to grant stock options, restricted shares or performance
shares at levels determined appropriate by the Board and the Compensation Committee.
Stockholders are requested in this Proposal 2 to approve (a) the increase of shares available
under the 2007 Plan from 2,000,000 shares to 4,650,000 shares and (b) the elimination of the
minimum three-year vesting in the case of restricted stock grants to non-employee directors. 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 meeting will be required to approve the increase of authorized
shares under the 2007 Plan. Abstentions will be counted towards 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 use of equity compensation has historically been a significant part of our overall
compensation philosophy and is a practice that we plan to continue. The 2007 Plan serves as an
important part of this practice and is a critical part of the compensation package that we offer
our personnel. We believe that the use of stock options, restricted stock, performance shares and
other equity-based incentives are critical for us to attract and retain the most qualified
personnel and to respond to relevant market changes in equity compensation practices. In addition,
awards under the 2007 Plan provide our employees an opportunity to acquire or increase their
ownership stake in us, and we believe this alignment with our stockholders creates a strong
incentive to work hard for our growth and success.
In connection with the amendment to reserve additional shares, the 2007 Plan also is being
amended to eliminate the three year vesting schedule on the grant of restricted shares in the case
of grants to non-employee directors. In recent years, like many companies, we have granted
restricted shares to our non-employee directors as part of their compensation package. Under the
2007 Plan, all grants of restricted stock must, at a minimum, vest over three years in equal annual
installments. This amendment will provide the Board with flexibility to grant restricted shares to
non-employee directors with no required minimum vesting schedule similar to many other companies in
our peer group.
The description of the 2007 Plan below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
provisions of the 2007 Plan itself, which is attached as Appendix A to these proxy materials.
As of April 1, 2009, the fair market value per share of our common stock was $29.97.
Purpose of the 2007 Plan
The purpose of the 2007 Plan is to provide a means by which eligible participants may be given
the opportunity to benefit from increases in value of our common stock, to secure and retain the
services of eligible participants, to provide incentives for eligible participants to exert maximum
efforts for our success, and to align the interests of eligible participants with the interests of
our stockholders.
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2007 Plan Basics
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Eligible participants: |
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All of our employees, directors and consultants and those
of our subsidiaries. As of April 1, 2009 approximately 991
persons were eligible for stock awards under the 2007 Plan. |
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Types of awards:
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Incentive stock options
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Restricted stock awards |
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Nonstatutory stock options
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Restricted stock unit awards |
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Performance shares |
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Share reserve: |
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Subject to capitalization adjustments, 2,000,000 shares of
our common stock are reserved under the 2007 Plan. |
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In addition, shares not issued under the 1998 Plan shall
become available for issuance under the 2007 Plan to the
extent a stock option or other stock award under the 1998
Plan expires or terminates before shares of common stock
are issued under the award. |
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Limitations: |
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For any two shares of our common stock issued in connection
with a full value award that does not provide for full
payment in cash or property by the participant, three fewer
shares will be available for issuance in connection with
future awards. |
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No more than 400,000 shares of our common stock subject to
stock awards may be granted to an eligible participant in
any calendar year. |
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Capitalization
adjustments: |
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Share reserve, limitations, purchase price and number of
shares subject to outstanding stock awards will be adjusted
in the event of a stock split, reverse stock split, stock
dividend, merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization, or similar transaction. |
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Repricing: |
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Not permitted without stockholder approval. |
Stock Options
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Term: |
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Not more than 10 years from the date of grant. |
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Exercise price: |
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Not less than 100% of fair market value on the date of grant. |
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Consideration:
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Cash
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Delivery of our common stock |
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Net exercise
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Any other form of legal consideration |
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Transferability: |
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Nontransferable; except upon death or divorce (nonstatutory stock options
only). |
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Vesting: |
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To be determined by the Board at the time of grant. |
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Termination of service: |
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7 days following termination for cause
90 days following termination without cause
Additional time if termination due to death or disability |
Restricted Stock Awards; Restricted Stock Unit Awards; and Performance Shares
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Purchase price: |
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Determined by Board at the time of grant; may be zero. |
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Consideration: |
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Determined by Board at the time of grant; may be in any form permissible
under applicable law. |
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Vesting: |
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Determined by Board at time of grant; may be based on achievement of
performance objectives; provided that if the vesting schedule is a time-based
vesting schedule, such shares shall vest not faster than one-third per year
over three years and if the vesting schedule is a performance-based vesting
schedule, such shares shall vest not earlier than the first anniversary of
the date of grant. To the extent Proposal 2 is adopted by the stockholders,
in the case of grants to non-employee directors, there is no minimum vesting
schedule. |
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Performance objectives:
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Total shareholder return
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Net earnings growth |
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Earnings per share
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Return on assets |
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Stock price
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Revenues |
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Return on equity
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Expenses |
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Net earnings
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Funds from operations |
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Related return ratios
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Funds from operations per share |
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Cash flow
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Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation, and amortization |
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Payment: |
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Payable only in shares of our common stock. |
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Termination of service: |
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Unvested portion of the stock award is forfeited. |
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Dividend equivalents: |
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Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of common stock
equivalents underlying restricted stock unit awards and performance shares. |
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Transferability:
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Stock awards are transferable as provided in the stock award agreement. |
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Deferral of award payment: |
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Board may establish one or more programs to permit selected participants to
elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of a stock award, the
satisfaction of performance objectives, or other events which would entitle
the participant to payment, receipt of our common stock or other
consideration. |
Additional 2007 Plan Terms
Administration. The 2007 Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee, which will
have the power to interpret the plan and to adopt such rules and guidelines for carrying out the
plan as it may deem appropriate. The Compensation Committee will have the authority to adopt such
modifications, procedures and subplans as may be necessary or desirable to comply with the laws,
regulations, compensation practices and tax and accounting principles of the countries in which we
or one of our subsidiaries may operate to assure the viability of the benefits of awards made to
individuals employed in such countries and to meet the objectives of the 2007 Plan. Subject to the
terms of the 2007 Plan, the Compensation Committee will have the authority to determine those
individuals eligible to receive awards and the amount, type and terms of each award and to
establish and administer any performance goals applicable to such awards.
Stock options granted under the 2007 Plan will qualify as performance-based compensation
under Section 162(m). Other stock awards may, but need not, include performance objectives that
satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m). To the extent that stock awards (other than stock
options) are intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), the
performance objectives will be one of the objectives listed as performance objectives in the
preceding section of this plan summary. The Compensation Committee will determine which performance
objectives shall apply to specific stock awards.
Tax withholding. Tax withholding obligations may be satisfied by the eligible participant by
(i) tendering a cash payment; (ii) authorizing us to withhold shares of our common stock from the
shares otherwise issuable as a result of the exercise or acquisition of common stock under the
Stock Award; or (iii) delivering to us owned and unencumbered shares of common stock.
Corporate Transactions; Securities Acquisition. In the event of a corporate transaction, the
surviving corporation may assume, continue or substitute outstanding stock awards. To the extent
that the stock awards are not assumed, continued or substituted, the vesting (and exercisability if
applicable) of the stock awards held by eligible participants who are in continuous service with
Digital River prior to the effective time of the corporate transaction shall be accelerated and, if
applicable, terminated at the effective time of the corporate transaction if not exercised prior to
the effective time. In the event of certain securities acquisitions involving more than 50% of our
outstanding securities, the vesting (and exercisability if applicable) of all outstanding stock
awards shall be accelerated. The acceleration of the vesting of stock awards in the event of an
acquisition or similar corporate event may be viewed as an anti-takeover provision, which may have
the effect of discouraging a proposal to acquire or otherwise obtain control of Digital River.
Amendment; Termination. The Board may amend the 2007 Plan at any time, provided, that the
amendment does not impair the rights of any eligible participant with respect to any outstanding
award. Some amendments may require stockholder approval. The Board may suspend or terminate the
2007 Plan at any time. No stock awards will be granted under the 2007 Plan after it is suspended or terminated. Unless
sooner terminated by the Board, the 2007 Plan will terminate on April 4, 2017.
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Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is only a brief summary of the effect of U.S. federal income taxation on us and
the 2007 Plan participants. This summary does not discuss the income tax laws of any other
jurisdiction (such as municipality or state) in which the recipient of the award may reside. For
purposes of this discussion Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Incentive Stock Options. No tax will be payable by us or the participant at the time of
grant or exercise of an incentive stock option that satisfies the requirements of Code Section 422.
The participant will recognize long term capital gain or loss on the sale or exchange of the shares
acquired upon the exercise of the incentive stock option if the participant sells or exchanges the
shares at least two years after the date grant and more than one year after the date of exercise.
If the participant sells or exchanges the shares earlier than the expiration of these two holding
periods, then the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the lesser of the difference
between the exercise price of the option and the fair market value of the shares on the date of
exercise or the difference between the sales price and the exercise price. Any additional gain on
the sale of the shares will be capital gain. We will be entitled to deduct the amount, if any, that
the participant recognizes as ordinary income, subject to certain reporting requirements.
Nonstatutory Stock Options. No tax will be payable by us or the participant at the time of
grant of a nonstatutory stock option. Upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the excess, if
any, of the fair market value of the shares with respect to which the award is exercised over the
exercise price of the award will be treated for Federal tax purposes as ordinary income. Any profit
or loss realized on the sale or exchange of the shares will be treated as a capital gain or loss.
We will be entitled to deduct the amount, if any, by which the fair market value of the shares on
the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price.
Restricted Stock. Generally, no taxes are due when the restricted stock award is initially
granted and we will not take a deduction at that time. The fair market value of the shares subject
to the award is taxable as ordinary income when it is no longer subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture (i.e., becomes vested or transferable). Income tax is paid by the participant on the
value of the shares at ordinary rates when the restrictions lapse and we will be entitled to a
corresponding deduction. Any profit or loss realized on the sale or exchange of the shares will be
treated as a capital gain or loss.
Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares. Generally, no taxes are due when the
restricted stock units or performance shares are initially granted and we will take a deduction at
that time. The fair market value of the shares subject to the award is taxable to the participant
when the shares are paid to the participant subject to the design limitations and requirements of
Code Section 409A. We will be entitled to deduct the amount, if any, that the participant
recognizes as ordinary income.
Section 162(m). Section 162(m) denies a deduction to any publicly held corporation for
compensation paid to certain covered employees in a taxable year to the extent that compensation
to such covered employee exceeds $1 million. Certain kinds of compensation, including qualified
performance-based compensation, are disregarded for purposes of the deduction limitation. As
described above, stock options granted under the 2007 Plan qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m). Other stock awards will qualify as performance-based
compensation if the grant of the stock award or the vesting of the stock award is subject to one
or more performance objectives that satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m).
Deferred Compensation. Subject to further guidance from the Internal Revenue Service,
restricted stock unit awards and performance shares that may be deferred beyond the vesting date
are deferred compensation and subject to the design limitations and requirements of Code Section
409A. If the limitations and requirements of Code Section 409A are violated, deferred amounts will
be subject to tax at ordinary income rates immediately upon such violation and affected
participants will be subject to penalties equal to (i) 20% of the amount deferred and (ii) interest
at a specified rate on the under-payment of tax that would have occurred had the deferred
compensation been included in gross income in the taxable year in which it was first deferred.
OTHER EQUITY PLANS
1998 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The terms and conditions of the 1998 Plan are substantially similar to the terms and
conditions of the 2007 Plan. The 1998 Plan was initially adopted by our stockholders in 1998
and amended and restated in 2005, which amendment was adopted by our stockholders in 2005. The
1998 Plan provides for the award of stock options and stock-based awards to our elected officers,
outside directors, and employees. As of March 31, 2009, there were 2,317,807 shares subject to
issuance upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1998 Plan, at a weighted average exercise
price of $29.98, and with a weighted average remaining life of 5.9 years. The 1998 Plan terminated
on June 8, 2008 and all options or awards originally granted under the 1998 Plan are governed by
the
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terms and conditions of the 1998 Plan, except that to the extent that any options or other
stock award expires or terminates before the stock underlying the award has been issued under the
1998, the shares otherwise set aside of those awards shall become available for issuance under the
2007 Plan.
INDUCEMENT EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
In December 2005, in connection with the acquisition of DR globalTech, Inc. (f/k/a Commerce5,
Inc.), we adopted an Inducement Equity Incentive Plan (the Inducement Plan) for DR globalTech,
Inc. executives who joined us as a result of the acquisition. A total of 87,500 restricted shares
of our common stock were reserved for grants under the Inducement Plan. The terms and conditions of
the Inducement Plan are substantially similar to the terms and conditions of the 2007 Plan. As set
forth under Equity Compensation Plan Information on page 36, at December 31, 2008, no shares of
our common stock remained available for future issuance under the Inducement Plan.
2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
In March 2000, the Board adopted our 2000 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the Purchase Plan)
to provide a means by which our employees (and employees of any of our parent or subsidiaries
designated by the Board to participate in the Purchase Plan) may be given an opportunity to
purchase our common stock through payroll deductions. All of our employees, including officers, who
are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hours per week and at least 5 months per year, are
eligible to participate in the Purchase Plan. The rights to purchase our common stock that are
granted under the Purchase Plan are intended to qualify as options issued under an employee stock
purchase plan as that term is defined in Section 423(b) of the Code. The Purchase Plan is
administered by the Board and the Compensation Committee and is implemented by offerings of rights
to purchase common stock from time to time to all eligible employees. The Purchase Plan permits
offerings up to 27 months in duration. However, currently each offering under the Purchase Plan is
six months in duration. Employees who participate in an offering under the Purchase Plan have the
right to purchase up to the number of shares of common stock equal to a percentage designated by
the Board (currently, up to 10%) of an employees earnings withheld pursuant to the Purchase Plan
and applied, on specified dates determined by the Board, to the purchase of shares of our common
stock. The purchase price per share at which shares of common stock are sold in each offering under
the Purchase Plan equals the lower of (i) 85% of the fair market value of a share of common stock
on the first day of the offering or (ii) 85% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on
the last day of the offering or the purchase date. The Board has amended the Purchase Plan from
time to time to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan, which
amendments were approved by our stockholders, most recently at our 2003 annual meeting. Currently,
there are 368,777 shares reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan.
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 meeting will be required to approve the 2007 Plan.
Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on the proposal 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
Proposal 3
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, 2009, 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
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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 3
Audit Fees
During the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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 $1,385,900 and $1,213,000, 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 $261,000 and $254,000 for the fiscal years ended December
31, 2008 and 2007, 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 $160,400 and $233,439 for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
All Other Fees
During the last two fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, 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 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
16
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.
17
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 31, 2009, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount and |
|
|
|
|
Nature of |
|
|
|
|
Beneficial |
|
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
|
Ownership (1) |
|
Percent |
Capital World Investors
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, California 90071 |
|
|
3,650,000 |
|
|
|
9.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
100 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 |
|
|
2,683,550 |
|
|
|
7.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnest Partners, LLC
1180 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 2300
Atlanta, Georgia 30309 |
|
|
2,415,011 |
|
|
|
6.3 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joel A. Ronning (2) |
|
|
1,199,002 |
|
|
|
3.1 |
% |
Thomas M. Donnelly (3) |
|
|
296,660 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Kevin L. Crudden (4) |
|
|
89,823 |
|
|
|
|
* |
William J. Lansing (5) |
|
|
31,000 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Thomas F. Madison (6) |
|
|
88,836 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Perry W. Steiner (7) |
|
|
47,500 |
|
|
|
|
* |
J. Paul Thorin (8) |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Frederic M. Seegal (9) |
|
|
61,000 |
|
|
|
|
* |
Douglas M. Steenland |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
* |
All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons) (10) |
|
|
1,903,821 |
|
|
|
5.0 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
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
38,176,234 shares outstanding on March 31, 2009, adjusted as required by rules promulgated by
the SEC. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 192,500 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 642,782
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 102,500 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 182,812
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes 46,970 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 37,880
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 6,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 25,000
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 9,500 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 67,188
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 6,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 30,000
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
18
|
|
|
(8) |
|
Includes 6,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 72,500
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 6,000 shares of restricted stock subject to our right of repurchase and 45,000
shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
|
(10) |
|
See footnotes number 2 through 9 above. Includes 375,470 shares of restricted stock subject
to our right of repurchase and 1,103,162 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable
within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
19
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, 2008, we had one late filing for Mr. Donnelly and one late filing for Mr. Crudden, in each case
relating to a company sale to withhold income taxes for each person for restricted shares that
vested. 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 2008, 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 2009, the full Board reviewed the non-employee directors cash compensation and left it
unchanged for fiscal year 2009.
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 2008, 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 2009, 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 2009.
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 $200,000.
This investment level should be achieved within a specified period or, in any event, no later than
four years after their initial election as a director.
20
The following table shows compensation information for our non-employee directors for fiscal
year 2008.
Director Compensation
For Fiscal Year 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash ($) |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Total ($) |
|
William J. Lansing (3) |
|
$ |
34,000 |
|
|
$ |
233,984 |
|
|
$ |
15,745 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
283,729 |
|
Thomas F. Madison (4) |
|
$ |
32,500 |
|
|
$ |
358,683 |
|
|
$ |
23,567 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
414,750 |
|
Frederic M. Seegal (5) |
|
$ |
35,000 |
|
|
$ |
233,984 |
|
|
$ |
15,745 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
284,729 |
|
Perry W. Steiner (6) |
|
$ |
33,000 |
|
|
$ |
228,120 |
|
|
$ |
15,745 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
276,865 |
|
J. Paul Thorin (7) |
|
$ |
33,000 |
|
|
$ |
228,120 |
|
|
$ |
15,745 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
276,865 |
|
Douglas M. Steenland (8) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This column is the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for 2008 for the fair value of restricted stock
granted in 2008 and in prior fiscal years, in accordance with SFAS 123R. 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) |
|
This column is the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for 2008 for the fair value of stock options granted
in prior fiscal years, in accordance with SFAS 123R. 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 grants, refer to note 5,
Stock-Based Compensation, in the Digital River, Inc. financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed
with the SEC. |
|
(3) |
|
Reflects the compensation costs recognized by Digital River in 2008 for stock award and stock option grants with the following fair values
as of the grant date: (a) $210,660 for a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on February 10, 2006; (b) $332,340 for a stock award grant
for 6,000 shares made on February 28, 2007; (c) $191,040 for a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on March 4, 2008; and (d) $422,350
for a stock option grant to purchase 25,000 shares made on February 10, 2005 at an exercise price of $30.69 per share. Mr. Lansing has
12,000 stock awards and 40,000 options outstanding at the end of 2008. |
|
(4) |
|
Reflects the compensation costs recognized by Digital River in 2008 for stock award and stock option grants with the following fair values
as of the grant date: (a) $298,435 for a stock award grant for 8,500 shares made on February 10, 2006; (b) $526,205 for a stock award grant
for 9,500 shares made on February 28, 2007; (c) $302,480 for a stock award grant for 9,500 shares made on March 4, 2008; and (d) $633,525
for a stock option grant to purchase 37,500 shares made on February 10, 2005 at an exercise price of $30.69 per share. Mr. Madison has
18,666 stock awards and 67,188 options outstanding at the end of 2008. |
|
(5) |
|
Reflects the compensation costs recognized by Digital River in 2008 for stock award and stock option grants with the following fair values
as of the grant date: (a) $210,660 for a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on February 10, 2006; (b) $332,340 for a stock award grant
for 6,000 shares made on February 28, 2007; (c) $191,040 for a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on March 4, 2008; and (d) $422,350
for a stock option grant to purchase 25,000 shares made on February 10, 2005 at an exercise price of $30.69 per share. Mr. Seegal has
12,000 stock awards and 45,000 options outstanding at the end of 2008. |
|
(6) |
|
Reflects the compensation costs recognized by Digital River in 2008 for stock award and stock option grants with the following fair values
as of the grant date: (a) $193,105 for a stock award grant for 5,500 shares made on February 10, 2006; (b) $332,340 for a stock award grant
for 6,000 shares made on February 28, 2007; (c) $191,040 for a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on March 4, 2008; and (d) $422,350
for a stock option grant to purchase 25,000 shares made on February 10, 2005 at an exercise price of $30.69 per share. Mr. Steiner has
11,833 stock awards and 30,000 options outstanding at the end of 2008. |
|
(7) |
|
Reflects the compensation costs recognized by Digital River in 2008 for stock award and stock option grants with the following fair values
as of the grant date: (a) $193,105 for a stock award grant for 5,500 shares made on February 10, 2006; (b) $332,340 for a stock award grant
for 6,000 shares made on February 28, 2007; (c) $191,040 for a stock award grant for 6,000 shares made on March 4, 2008; and (d) $422,350
for a stock option grant to purchase 25,000 shares made on February 10, 2005 at an exercise price of $30.69 per share. Mr. Thorin has
11,833 stock awards and 72,500 options outstanding at the end of 2008. |
|
(8) |
|
Mr. Steenland was appointed a Class II director in March 2009 and did not receive any compensation for the year ended December 31, 2008. |
21
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. |
|
|
|
|
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, 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. In 2007, Frederic W. Cook & Co., Inc. (Cook & Co.) was
retained by the Compensation Committee to assist with compensation analysis. In 2008, the
Compensation Committee engaged Cook & Co. to continue to provide advice on compensation programs.
During fiscal 2008, Cook & Co. advised the Compensation Committee on base salaries and annual and
long-term incentives for our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Cook & Co.
reports to the Compensation Committee rather than to management, although Cook & Co. 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 Cook & Co. or
hire additional consultants at any time. Cook & Co. 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 on occasion meets with our chief executive officer, Mr. Ronning,
and/or other executives to obtain recommendations with respect to our compensation programs,
practices and packages for executives, other employees and directors. Management makes
recommendations to the Compensation Committee on the base salary, annual incentive targets and
equity compensation for the executive team and other employees. The Compensation Committee
considers, but is not bound to and does not always accept, managements recommendations with
respect to executive compensation.
22
Mr. Ronning attends some of the Compensation Committees meetings, but the Compensation
Committee also regularly holds executive sessions not attended by any members of management or
non-independent directors. The Compensation Committee discusses Mr. Ronnings compensation package
with him, but makes decisions with respect to Mr. Ronnings compensation without him present. The
Compensation Committee has the ultimate authority to make decisions with respect to the
compensation of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee has authorized
Mr. Ronning to make salary adjustments and short-term incentive (bonus) decisions for all employees
other than the named executive officers.
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 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 $100
million to $1 billion, with a median revenue of $400 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 2008: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comparison Peer Group |
|
|
|
Akamai Technologies
|
|
Macrovision
|
|
SAVVIS |
Ariba
|
|
MIVA
|
|
Syntel |
GSI Commerce
|
|
RealNetworks
|
|
ValueClick |
Imergent
|
|
RightNow Technologies, Inc.
|
|
VeriFone Holdings |
InfoSpace
|
|
Salesforce.com, Inc.
|
|
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 2009, Cook & Co.
compiled and analyzed proxy |
23
|
|
|
data from the peer group and survey data from the Aon-Radford Executive Survey 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. Ronnings 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 |
|
|
|
|
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 2008
presented in March 2009), 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 2009.
Base Salary
Base salary is the fixed portion of executive compensation targeted at the median level for
technology companies with similar characteristics such as sales volume, capitalization and
financial performance. 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 competitive 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 2008 is set forth in the following table:
24
Base Salary Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
|
2007 |
|
2008 |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
235,000 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
Since February 2007, the base salaries for each of Messrs. Ronning and Donnelly have remained
unchanged. In March 2008, Mr. Crudden received a base salary increase of 6.4% based upon an
assessment of his performance and the competitiveness of his base salary utilizing peer group
information as the principal benchmark.
In March 2009, 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 2009.
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 2008, the Compensation Committee established the corporate and personal performance
goals as well as a bonus target for fiscal 2008. Those goals consisted of achievement of
performance criteria relating to revenue, operating income, new market growth, employee
satisfaction surveys, customer satisfaction surveys and internal systems enhancement. The fiscal
2008 weightings of the performance criteria were as follows: 30% revenue, 30% operating income, 10%
new market growth, 10% employee satisfaction surveys, 10% customer satisfaction surveys and 10%
internal systems enhancement.
Bonuses paid to our named executive officers under the Performance Plan for fiscal year 2008
were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of Bonus |
Named Executive Officer |
|
Amount |
|
Potential |
Joel A. Ronning
|
|
$361,856
|
|
64% |
Thomas M. Donnelly
|
|
$192,990
|
|
64% |
Kevin L. Crudden
|
|
$80,412
|
|
64% |
In March 2009, the Compensation Committee determined that bonuses should continue to be based
upon optimizing revenues while maintaining prudent management of gross margins and operating
expenses. The Compensation Committee believes these goals are the strongest drivers of our
long-term value. In March 2009, the Compensation Committee established performance goals for 2009
for the named executive officers under the terms of the Performance Bonus Plan. For fiscal 2009,
each named executive officers cash bonus opportunity is based upon the achievement of performance
criteria relating to revenue and operating income, new market growth, improvement in margins,
operating efficiency and strategic acquisition activity. The fiscal 2009 weightings of the
performance criteria are as follows: 50% corporate financial goals (revenue and operating income),
12.5% new market growth, 12.5% operating efficiency, 12.5% cost structure efficiencies and 12.5%
completion of strategic acquisitions.
25
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 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. 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.
The Compensation Committee determined that the company did not meet the performance goals
established in March 2008 and the performance shares granted to each of Messrs. Ronning, Donnelly
and Crudden were forfeited in their entirety.
In March 2009, the Compensation Committee approved a grant of 180,000 performance-based shares
to Mr. Ronning. In March 2009, the Compensation Committee approved a grant of 90,000
performance-based shares to Mr. Donnelly. In March 2009, the Compensation Committee approved a
grant of 45,000 performance-based shares to Mr. Crudden. These grants were made based upon a
review of equity grants to similarly situated executives in peer companies. Further, the
performance-based shares require us to meet certain performance requirements in fiscal 2009
(revenue, operating income and earnings per share) and, upon achievement of those requirements,
vest over four years commencing on the date of grant. If the performance goals for fiscal year
2009 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.
26
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 2008 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 other comparable companies in the Twin Cities.
In connection with his employment arrangements, Mr. Ronning is entitled to a car allowance.
In 2008, we paid $14,625 in car allowances on behalf of Mr. Ronning. Messrs. Donnelly and Crudden
did not receive any perquisites in fiscal 2008 other than matching contributions under the 401(k)
Plan.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board has not adopted stock ownership guidelines for its named executive officers but
intends to consider establishing such guidelines.
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, 2008, the Compensation Committee used a number of factors and criteria to determine Mr.
Ronnings compensation, including our ability to maintain revenue growth, penetrate new markets,
complete strategic acquisitions and manage operating expenses.
In March 2009, 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 2008 as well as Mr. Ronnings leadership of our
management team throughout the year, a bonus of $361,856 was approved to Mr. Ronning in March 2009.
In assessing this bonus, the Compensation Committee considered our financial performance in 2008 as
well as the achievement of personal objectives by Mr. Ronning.
The Compensation Committee reviewed market data to determine whether to grant Mr. Ronning
equity incentives. Based on Mr. Ronnings 2007 performance, in March 2008, the Compensation
Committee determined to grant him an option to acquire 100,000 shares of our common stock and a
performance-based stock grant of 25,000 shares. Since we did not meet the corporate performance
criteria for fiscal 2008, Mr. Ronning forfeited the 25,000 performance shares in their entirety.
Mr. Ronnings compensation pursuant to his employment agreement, described in more detail
below, consists of a base salary of $450,000, which will remain his base salary for 2009. In 2008,
Mr. Ronnings compensation also included a cash bonus of $361,856 based on his and our performance,
which was paid in March 2009. In addition, in March 2009, Mr. Ronning was granted 180,000
performance-based shares as part of his total compensation package. The performance-based shares
require us to meet certain performance requirements in fiscal
27
2009 and, upon achievement of those requirements, vest over four years commencing on the date
of grant. If we do not meet the performance goals in fiscal 2009, these performance-based shares
will either be forfeited or the number of performance-based shares will be adjusted downward in
proportion to the goals achieved. The Compensation Committee may grant stock options, restricted
stock, stock appreciation rights, or other equity incentives (Equity Incentives) to Mr. Ronning
in the future.
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 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
28
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.
29
In the event of Mr. Cruddens death, we will award to his beneficiaries a pro-rated bonus, in
an amount equal 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 35 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 2008, the Compensation Committee was composed of three non-employee
directors: Messrs. Lansing, Madison and Seegal. 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 2008. 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 2009 Annual Meeting of stockholders.
This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee.
Compensation Committee
William J. Lansing, Chairman
Thomas F. Madison
Frederic M. Seegal
30
Summary of Compensation
The following table shows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008, 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 2008.
Summary Compensation Table
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Non-Equity |
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|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Awards ($) |
|
Compensation |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
Total ($) |
|
Joel A. Ronning |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
346,852 |
|
|
$ |
2,021,558 |
|
|
$ |
361,856 |
|
|
$ |
22,375 |
(4) |
|
$ |
3,202,641 |
|
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
411,538 |
|
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
289,579 |
|
|
$ |
2,453,294 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35,685 |
(5) |
|
$ |
3,690,096 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
2,187,447 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35,435 |
(6) |
|
$ |
3,722,882 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
365,259 |
|
|
$ |
1,020,239 |
|
|
$ |
192,990 |
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(7) |
|
$ |
1,886,238 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
288,461 |
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
319,436 |
|
|
$ |
848,410 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(7) |
|
$ |
1,663,807 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
77,944 |
|
|
$ |
476,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,500 |
(8) |
|
$ |
1,062,313 |
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Kevin L. Crudden |
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|
2008 |
|
|
$ |
245,961 |
|
|
$ |
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
63,883 |
|
|
$ |
188,616 |
|
|
$ |
80,412 |
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(7) |
|
$ |
596,622 |
|
Vice President & General |
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|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
231,538 |
|
|
$ |
78,750 |
|
|
$ |
60,560 |
|
|
$ |
162,392 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,750 |
(7) |
|
$ |
540,740 |
|
Counsel (9) |
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(1) |
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The amounts in this column are the 2008, 2007 and 2006 discretionary bonuses paid in March 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, based on the executives and Digital Rivers performance in that
fiscal year.
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(2) |
|
The amounts in the Stock Awards column reflect the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the 2008, 2007 and 2006 fiscal years, in accordance with SFAS
123(R), 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. |
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(3) |
|
The amounts in the Option Awards column reflect the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the 2008, 2007 and 2006 fiscal years, in accordance with SFAS
123(R), for option awards. 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 5, Stock-Based Compensation, in the Digital River, Inc. financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2008, as filed with the SEC. |
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(4) |
|
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. |
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(5) |
|
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. |
|
(6) |
|
This amount consists of (a) Digital Rivers matching contribution of $7,500 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. |
|
(7) |
|
This amount is Digital Rivers matching contribution of $7,750 under our tax qualified 401(k) Plan. |
|
(8) |
|
This amount is Digital Rivers matching contribution of $7,500 under our tax qualified 401(k) Plan. |
|
(9) |
|
Mr. Crudden became an executive officer of Digital River in 2007. Accordingly, compensation information is presented for 2007 and 2008. |
31
Grants Of Plan-Based Awards
The following table shows all plan-based awards granted to the named executive officers during
fiscal year 2008. The option awards and the unvested portion of the stock awards identified in the
table below are also reported in the Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table on the
following page.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
For Fiscal Year 2008
|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards: |
|
Exercise or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Stock |
|
Number of |
|
Base Price of |
|
Grant Date Fair |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: Number |
|
Securities |
|
Option |
|
Value of Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of Shares or |
|
Underlying |
|
Awards |
|
and Option |
Name |
|
Grant Date |
|
Units (#) (1) |
|
Options (#) (2) |
|
($/share) (3) |
|
Awards ($) (4) |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
$ |
1,369,160 |
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
796,000 |
|
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
$ |
480,263 |
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
22,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
716,400 |
|
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
$ |
106,725 |
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
8,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
254,720 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
This column shows the number of restricted shares granted in 2008 to the named executive officers. The shares vest
annually over four years starting on March 4, 2009. These restricted shares were performance-based. Since the
Company did not meet the performance thresholds for 2008, these shares were forfeited in their entirety for each of
the named executive officers in this table. |
|
(2) |
|
This column shows the number of stock options granted in 2008 to the named executive officers. The options vest
6.25% quarterly starting June 4, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
This column shows the exercise price for the stock options granted in 2008, which was the closing price of Digital
River stock on March 4, 2008, the date the options were granted. |
|
(4) |
|
This column shows the full grant date fair value of restricted stock and stock options under SFAS 123R granted to
the named executives in 2008. For restricted stock, fair value is calculated using the closing price of Digital
River stock on the grant date of $31.84. For stock options, fair value is calculated using the Black-Scholes value
on the grant date of $13.69 for Mr. Ronning and $10.67 for Messrs. Donnelly and Crudden. For additional
information on the valuation assumptions, refer to note 5 of the Digital River financial statements in the Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, as filed with the SEC. These amounts reflect our accounting expense,
and do not correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the named executive officers. |
For a discussion of the element of pay in this table see the Compensation Discussion and
Analysis section starting on page 26 of this proxy statement.
32
Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table provides a summary of equity awards outstanding at December 31, 2008, for
each of our named executive officers.
2008 Outstanding Equity Awards at Year End
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive Plan |
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
|
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|
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|
Plan |
|
|
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|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Market or |
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Market |
|
Number of |
|
Payout Value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or |
|
Value of |
|
Unearned |
|
of Unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
Shares or |
|
Shares, Units |
|
Shares, Units |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 |
|
|
|
120,700 |
|
|
|
62,500 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35.11 |
|
|
|
2/10/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
43,750 |
|
|
|
56,250 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55.39 |
|
|
|
2/28/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,750 |
(3) |
|
$ |
465,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
18,750 |
|
|
|
81,250 |
(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
|
3/4/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas
M.
Donnelly |
|
|
2/10/2005 |
|
|
|
46,875 |
|
|
|
3,125 |
(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
30.69 |
|
|
|
2/10/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
5/10/2005 |
|
|
|
43,750 |
|
|
|
6,250 |
(7) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
25.23 |
|
|
|
5/10/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
6/15/2005 |
|
|
|
21,875 |
|
|
|
3,125 |
(8) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
28.75 |
|
|
|
6/15/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
6,875 |
|
|
|
3,125 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
35.11 |
|
|
|
2/10/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
(9) |
|
$ |
124,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55.39 |
|
|
|
2/28/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000 |
(3) |
|
$ |
372,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
8,437 |
|
|
|
36,563 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
|
3/4/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kevin L.
Crudden |
|
|
1/3/2006 |
|
|
|
27,500 |
|
|
|
12,500 |
(10) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
29.75 |
|
|
|
1/3/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/10/2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
(9) |
|
$ |
62,000 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
2,520 |
|
|
|
3,240 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
55.39 |
|
|
|
2/28/2017 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
2/28/2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,080 |
(3) |
|
$ |
26,784 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
3/4/2008 |
|
|
|
1,875 |
|
|
|
8,125 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
31.84 |
|
|
|
3/4/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
(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, 2008, which was $24.80. |
|
(5) |
|
The shares vest 6.25% quarterly, starting on June 4, 2008. |
|
(6) |
|
The shares vest 25% starting on February 10, 2006, then 6.25% quarterly thereafter. |
|
(7) |
|
The shares vest 25% starting on May 10, 2006, then 6.25% quarterly thereafter. |
|
(8) |
|
The shares vest 25% starting on June 15 2006, then 6.25% quarterly thereafter. |
|
(9) |
|
The shares vest 25% annually, starting on February 10, 2007. |
|
(10) |
|
The shares vest 25% starting on January 3, 2007, then 6.25% quarterly thereafter. |
33
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
2008 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Shares |
|
Withheld to |
|
Value |
|
|
Acquired on |
|
Realized on |
|
Acquired on |
|
Cover Taxes |
|
Realized on |
Name |
|
Exercise (#) |
|
Exercise ($) |
|
Vesting (#) |
|
(#) |
|
Vesting ($) |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
|
210,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,709,910 |
|
|
|
3,581 |
|
|
|
2,669 |
|
|
$ |
203,938 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,853 |
|
|
|
2,647 |
|
|
$ |
242,375 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,060 |
|
|
|
550 |
|
|
$ |
51,359 |
|
34
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, 2008 and payment of such termination obligations within a reasonable
time thereafter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued |
|
|
Name |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Equity acceleration |
|
benefits |
|
Total |
Joel A. Ronning |
|
$ |
450,000 |
|
|
$ |
703,952 |
|
|
$ |
9,563,932 |
|
|
$ |
8,948 |
|
|
$ |
10,726,832 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
300,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
496,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,948 |
|
|
$ |
804,948 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
88,784 |
|
|
$ |
9,024 |
|
|
$ |
347,808 |
|
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 |
|
$ |
703,952 |
|
|
$ |
703,952 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
214,330 |
|
|
$ |
214,330 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
93,887 |
|
|
$ |
93,887 |
|
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 |
|
$ |
703,952 |
|
|
$ |
8,948 |
|
|
$ |
712,900 |
|
Thomas M. Donnelly |
|
$ |
214,330 |
|
|
$ |
8,948 |
|
|
$ |
223,278 |
|
Kevin L. Crudden |
|
$ |
93,887 |
|
|
$ |
9,024 |
|
|
$ |
102,911 |
|
For a discussion of the change of control and severance benefits set forth in the tables
above, see page 28 of this proxy statement entitled Severance and Change of Control Agreements.
35
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, 2008:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
Remaining Available for |
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Weighted-average |
|
Future Issuance under |
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
Exercise Price of |
|
Equity Compensation |
|
|
Exercise of |
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
Plans (Excluding |
|
|
Outstanding Options, |
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
Securities Reflected in |
Plan Category |
|
Warrants and Rights |
|
(1) |
|
Column (a)) |
Equity Compensation
Plans Approved by
Security Holders |
|
|
3,299,212 |
(2) |
|
$ |
30.08 |
|
|
|
2,345,239 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity Compensation
Plans Not Approved
by Security Holders
(4) |
|
|
3,300 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
|
32,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
3,302,512 |
|
|
$ |
30.08 |
|
|
|
2,377,922 |
|
|
|
|
(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 2,402,740 shares of our common stock to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding stock options and 198,122 restricted stock
granted and unvested under the 1998 Plan; and includes 543,110 shares
of our common stock to be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock
options and 155,250 restricted stock granted and unvested under the
2007 Plan. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 1,976,462 shares of our common stock available for issuance
under the 2007 Plan, and 368,777 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 2008, 11,725 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-party
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.
36
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 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.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Kevin L. Crudden
Secretary
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
April 15, 2009
A copy of the 2008 Annual Report to Stockholders accompanies this proxy statement. Our annual
report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, 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.
37
APPENDIX A
Digital River, Inc.
Amended and Restated
2007 Equity Incentive Plan
Initially Adopted: April 4, 2007
Initially Approved by Stockholders: May 31, 2007
1. Purposes.
(a) Eligible Stock Award Recipients. The persons eligible to receive Stock Awards are
Employees, Directors and Consultants.
(b) Available Stock Awards. The purpose of the Plan is to provide a means by which eligible
recipients of Stock Awards may be given an opportunity to benefit from increases in the value of
the Common Stock through the granting of the following types of awards: (i) Incentive Stock
Options; (ii) Nonstatutory Stock Options; (iii) Restricted Stock Awards; (iv) Restricted Stock
Units Awards; and (v) Performance Shares.
(c) General Purpose. The Company, by means of the Plan, seeks to retain the services of the
group of persons eligible to receive Stock Awards, to secure and retain the services of new members
of this group, to provide incentives for such persons to exert maximum efforts for the success of
the Company and its Affiliates, and to align the interests of such persons with the interests of
the Companys stockholders.
2. Definitions.
(a) Affiliate means any parent corporation or subsidiary corporation of the Company, whether
now or hereafter existing, as those terms are defined in Sections 424(e) and (f), respectively, of
the Code.
(b) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c) Capitalization Adjustment has the meaning ascribed to that term in Section 12(a).
(d) Cause means any (i) willful breach of any agreement entered into with the Company; (ii)
misappropriation of the Companys property, fraud, embezzlement, breach of fiduciary duty, other
acts of dishonesty against the Company; (iii) conviction of any felony or crime involving moral
turpitude; or (iv) other act as determined by the Board in its discretion.
(e) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(f) Committee means a committee of one or more members of the Board appointed by the Board
in accordance with Section 3(c).
A-1
(g) Common Stock means the common stock of the Company.
(h) Company means Digital River, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(i) Consultant means any person, including an advisor, (i) engaged by the Company or an
Affiliate to render consulting or advisory services and who is compensated for such services or
(ii) serving as a member of the Board of Directors of an Affiliate and who is compensated for such
services. However, the term Consultant shall not include Directors who are not compensated by
the Company for their services as Directors, and the payment of a directors fee by the Company for
services as a Director shall not cause a Director to be considered a Consultant for purposes of
the Plan.
(j) Continuous Service means that the Participants service with the Company or an
Affiliate, whether as an Employee, Director or Consultant, is not interrupted or terminated. A
change in the capacity in which the Participant renders service to the Company or an Affiliate as
an Employee, Consultant or Director or a change in the entity for which the Participant renders
such service, provided that there is no interruption or termination of the Participants service
with the Company or an Affiliate, shall not terminate a Participants Continuous Service. For
example, a change in status from an employee of the Company to a Consultant to an Affiliate or to a
Director shall not constitute an interruption of Continuous Service. The Board or the chief
executive officer of the Company, in that partys sole discretion, may determine whether Continuous
Service shall be considered interrupted in the case of any leave of absence approved by that party,
including sick leave, military leave or any other personal leave. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
leave of absence shall be treated as Continuous Service for purposes of vesting in a Stock Award
only to such extent as may be provided in the Companys leave of absence policy or in the written
terms of the Participants leave of absence agreement.
(k) Corporate Transaction means the occurrence, in a single transaction or in a series of
related transactions, of any one or more of the following events:
(i) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all, as determined by the Board in its
discretion, of the consolidated assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
(ii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is not the
surviving corporation; or
(iii) a merger, consolidation or similar transaction following which the Company is the
surviving corporation but the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately preceding the merger,
consolidation or similar transaction are converted or exchanged by virtue of the merger,
consolidation or similar transaction into other property, whether in the form of securities, cash
or otherwise.
(l) Covered Employee means the chief executive officer and the four (4) other highest
compensated officers of the Company for whom total compensation is required to be reported to
stockholders under the Exchange Act, as determined for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(m) Director means a member of the Board.
A-2
(n) Disability means the permanent and total disability of a person within the meaning of
Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(o) Employee means any person employed by the Company or an Affiliate. Service as a
Director or payment of a directors fee by the Company for such service or for service as a member
of the Board of Directors of an Affiliate shall not be sufficient to constitute employment by the
Company or an Affiliate.
(p) Entity means a corporation, partnership or other entity.
(q) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(r) Exchange Act Person means any natural person, Entity or group (within the meaning of
Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Exchange Act), except that Exchange Act Person shall not include
(A) the Company or any Subsidiary, (B) any employee benefit plan of the Company or any Subsidiary
or any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company
or any Subsidiary, (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of
such securities, or (D) an Entity Owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company
in substantially the same proportions as their Ownership of stock of the Company.
(s) Fair Market Value means, as of any date, the value of the Common Stock determined as
follows:
(i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange, the Fair Market Value of
a share of Common Stock, unless otherwise determined by the Board, shall be the closing sales price
for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or market
(or the exchange or market with the greatest volume of trading in the Common Stock) on the day of
determination (or, if such day of determination does not fall on a market trading day, then the
last market trading day prior to the date of determination), as reported in The Wall Street Journal
or such other source as the Board deems reliable.
(ii) In the absence of such markets for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be
determined in good faith by the Board.
(t) Full Value Award means a Stock Award that does not provide for full payment in cash or
property by the Participant.
(u) Incentive Stock Option means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(v) Non-Employee Director means a Director who either (i) is not currently an employee or
officer of the Company or its parent or a subsidiary, does not receive compensation, either
directly or indirectly, from the Company or its parent or a subsidiary, for services rendered as a
consultant or in any capacity other than as a Director (except for an amount as to which disclosure
would not be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K promulgated pursuant to the Securities
Act (Regulation S-K)), does not possess an interest in any other transaction for
A-3
which disclosure would be required under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K, and is not engaged in
a business relationship for which disclosure would be required pursuant to Item 404(b) of
Regulation S-K; or (ii) is otherwise considered a non-employee director for purposes of Rule
16b-3.
(w) Nonstatutory Stock Option means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock
Option.
(x) Option means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory Stock Option granted pursuant
to the Plan.
(y) Option Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and an Optionholder
evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. Each Option Agreement shall be
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(z) Optionholder means a person to whom an Option is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if
applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Option.
(aa) Outside Director means a Director who either (i) is not a current employee of the
Company or an affiliated corporation (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations promulgated
under Section 162(m) of the Code), is not a former employee of the Company or an affiliated
corporation who receives compensation for prior services (other than benefits under a
tax-qualified retirement plan) during the taxable year, has not been an officer of the Company or
an affiliated corporation, and does not receive remuneration from the Company or an affiliated
corporation, either directly or indirectly, in any capacity other than as a Director or (ii) is
otherwise considered an outside director for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(bb) Own, Owned, Ownership. A person or Entity shall be deemed to Own, to have
Owned, or to have acquired Ownership of securities if such person or Entity, directly or
indirectly, through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise, has or
shares voting power, which includes the power to vote or to direct the voting, with respect to such
securities.
(cc) Participant means a person to whom a Stock Award is granted pursuant to the Plan or, if
applicable, such other person who holds an outstanding Stock Award.
(dd) Performance Share means a Stock Award denominated in shares of Common Stock equivalents
granted pursuant to Section 7(c) that may be earned in whole or in part based upon attainment of
performance objectives established by the Board pursuant to Section 8.
(ee) Performance Share Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a holder
of Performance Shares evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Performance Share award.
Each Performance Share Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(ff) Plan means this Digital River, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
A-4
(gg) Restricted Stock Award means shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to the terms and
conditions of Section 7(a).
(hh) Restricted Stock Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a
holder of Restricted Stock evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Restricted Stock
Award. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the
Plan.
(ii) Restricted Stock Unit Award means a Stock Award denominated in shares of Common Stock
equivalents granted pursuant to the terms and conditions of Section 7(b) in which the Participant
has the right to receive a specified number of shares of Common Stock over a specified period of
time.
(jj) Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and
a holder of a Restricted Stock Unit Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual
Restricted Stock Unit Award. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be subject to the
terms and conditions of the Plan.
(kk) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or any successor to Rule
16b-3, as in effect from time to time.
(ll) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(mm) Stock Award means any right granted under the Plan, including an Option, a Restricted
Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award, and Performance Shares.
(nn) Stock Award Agreement means a written agreement between the Company and a holder of a
Stock Award evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Stock Award. Each Stock Award
Agreement shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(oo) Subsidiary means, with respect to the Company, (i) any corporation of which more than
fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to elect a
majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of whether, at the time, stock
of any other class or classes of such corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason
of the happening of any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, Owned by the Company,
and (ii) any partnership in which the Company has a direct or indirect interest (whether in the
form of voting or participation in profits or capital contribution) of more than fifty percent
(50%).
(pp) Ten Percent Stockholder means a person who Owns (or is deemed to Own pursuant to
Section 424(d) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or of any of its Affiliates.
3. Administration.
(a) Administration by Board. The Board shall administer the Plan unless and until the Board
delegates administration to a Committee, as provided in Section 3(c).
A-5
(b) Powers of Board. The Board shall have the power, subject to, and within the limitations
of, the express provisions of the Plan:
(i) To determine from time to time which of the persons eligible under the Plan shall be
granted Stock Awards; when and how each Stock Award shall be granted; what type or combination of
types of Stock Award shall be granted; the provisions of each Stock Award granted (which need not
be identical), including the time or times when a person shall be permitted to receive Common Stock
pursuant to a Stock Award; and the number of shares of Common Stock with respect to which a Stock
Award shall be granted to each such person.
(ii) To construe and interpret the Plan and Stock Awards granted under it, and to establish,
amend and revoke rules and regulations for its administration. The Board, in the exercise of this
power, may correct any defect, omission or inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Award
Agreement, in a manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or expedient to make the Plan
fully effective.
(iii) To amend the Plan or a Stock Award as provided in Section 13.
(iv) To terminate or suspend the Plan as provided in Section 14.
(v) Generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts as the Board deems necessary
or expedient to promote the best interests of the Company and that are not in conflict with the
provisions of the Plan.
(c) Delegation to Committee.
(i) General. The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees
of one (1) or more members of the Board who are not Employees, and the term Committee shall apply
to any person or persons to whom such authority has been delegated. If administration is delegated
to a Committee, the Committee shall have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the
powers theretofore possessed by the Board, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee,
members of which are not Employees, any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to
exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board shall thereafter be to the Committee or
subcommittee), subject, however, to such resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the
Plan, as may be adopted from time to time by the Board. The Board may abolish the Committee at any
time and revest in the Board the administration of the Plan.
(ii) Section 162(m) and Rule 16b-3 Compliance. In the discretion of the Board, the Committee
may consist solely of two or more Outside Directors, in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code,
and/or solely of two or more Non-Employee Directors, in accordance with Rule 16b-3. In addition,
the Board or the Committee may delegate to a committee of one or more members of the Board, who are
not Employees, the authority to grant Stock Awards to eligible persons who are either (a) not then
Covered Employees and are not expected to be Covered Employees at the time of recognition of income
resulting from such Stock Award, (b) not persons with respect to whom the Company wishes to comply
with Section 162(m) of the Code, or (c) not then subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
A-6
(d) Effect of Boards Decision. All determinations, interpretations and constructions made by
the Board in good faith shall not be subject to review by any person and shall be final, binding
and conclusive on all persons.
4. Shares Subject to the Plan.
(a) Share Reserve. Subject to the provisions of Section 12(a) relating to Capitalization
Adjustments, the Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Stock Awards shall not exceed in the
aggregate Four Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand (4,650,000) shares of Common Stock plus any
shares of Common Stock subject to options or other stock awards outstanding under the Companys
1998 Equity Incentive Plan that expire or otherwise terminate, in whole or in part, without having
been exercised or issued in full and that otherwise would have again become available for issuance
under the Companys 1998 Equity Incentive Plan.
(b) Limitation on Full Value Awards. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4(a), for any
two (2) shares of Common Stock issued in connection with a Full Value Award, three (3) fewer shares
of Common Stock will be available for issuance in connection with Options and future Stock Awards
under Section 4(a).
(c) Reversion of Shares to the Share Reserve. If any Stock Award shall for any reason expire
or otherwise terminate, in whole or in part, without having been exercised in full, the shares of
Common Stock not acquired under such Stock Award shall revert to and again become available for
issuance under the Plan.
(d) Source of Shares. The shares of Common Stock subject to the Plan may be unissued shares
or reacquired shares, bought on the market or otherwise.
5. Eligibility.
(a) Eligibility for Specific Stock Awards. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to
Employees. Stock Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors
and Consultants.
(b) Ten Percent Stockholders. A Ten Percent Stockholder shall not be granted an Incentive
Stock Option unless the exercise price of such Option is at least one hundred ten percent (110%) of
the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and the Option is not exercisable
after the expiration of five (5) years from the date of grant.
(c) Section 162(m) Limitation on Annual Grants. Subject to the provisions of Section 12(a)
relating to Capitalization Adjustments, no Employee shall be eligible to be granted Stock Awards
covering more than four hundred thousand (400,000) shares of Common Stock during any calendar year.
(d) Consultants. A Consultant shall not be eligible for the grant of a Stock Award if, at the
time of grant, a Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act (Form S-8) is not
available to register either the offer or the sale of the Companys securities to such Consultant
because of the nature of the services that the Consultant is providing to the Company,
A-7
because the Consultant is not a natural person, or because of any other rule governing the use
of Form S-8.
6. Option Provisions.
Each Option shall be in such form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board
shall deem appropriate. All Options shall be separately designated Incentive Stock Options or
Nonstatutory Stock Options at the time of grant, and, if certificates are issued, a separate
certificate or certificates shall be issued for shares of Common Stock purchased on exercise of
each type of Option. The provisions of separate Options need not be identical, but each Option
shall include (through incorporation of provisions hereof by reference in the Option Agreement or
otherwise) the substance of each of the following provisions:
(a) Term. Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent Stockholders, no
Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten (10) years from the date on which it was
granted.
(b) Exercise Price. Subject to the provisions of Section 5(b) regarding Ten Percent
Stockholders, the exercise price of each Option shall be not less than one hundred percent (100%)
of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock subject to the Option on the date the Option is
granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may be granted with an exercise price lower than
that set forth in the preceding sentence if such Option is granted pursuant to an assumption or
substitution for another option in a manner satisfying the provisions of Section 424(a) of the
Code.
(c) Consideration. The purchase price of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an
Option shall be paid, to the extent permitted by applicable law and as determined by the Board in
its sole discretion, by any combination of the methods of payment set forth below. The Board shall
have the authority to grant Options that do not permit all of the following methods of payment (or
otherwise restrict the ability to use certain methods) and to grant Options that require the
consent of the Company to utilize a particular method of payment. The methods of payment permitted
by this Section 5(c) are:
(i) by cash, check, bank draft or money order payable to the Company;
(ii) pursuant to a program developed under Regulation T as promulgated by the Federal Reserve
Board that, prior to the issuance of the stock subject to the Option, results in either the receipt
of cash (or check) by the Company or the receipt of irrevocable instructions to pay the aggregate
exercise price to the Company from the sales proceeds;
(iii) by delivery to the Company (either by actual delivery or attestation) of shares of
Common Stock;
(iv) by a net exercise arrangement pursuant to which the Company will reduce the number of
shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise by the largest whole number of shares with a Fair
Market Value that does not exceed the aggregate exercise price; provided, however, the Company
shall accept a cash or other payment from the Participant to the extent of any remaining balance of
the aggregate exercise price not satisfied by such reduction in
A-8
the number of whole shares to be issued; provided, further, that shares of Common Stock will
no longer be subject to an Option and will not be exercisable thereafter to the extent that
(A) shares issuable upon exercise are reduced to pay the exercise price pursuant to the net
exercise, (B) shares are delivered to the Participant as a result of such exercise, and (C) shares
are withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations; or
(v) in any other form of legal consideration that may be acceptable to the Board in its sole
discretion and permissible under applicable law.
(d) Transferability of an Incentive Stock Option. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be
transferable except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and shall be exercisable
during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to the Company, in a form satisfactory to the
Company, designate a third party who, in the event of the death of the Optionholder, shall
thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.
(e) Transferability of a Nonstatutory Stock Option. A Nonstatutory Stock Option shall be
transferable to the extent provided in the Option Agreement. If the Nonstatutory Stock Option does
not provide for transferability, then the Nonstatutory Stock Option shall not be transferable
except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, or pursuant to a qualified domestic
relations order as defined in the Code or in Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, and shall be exercisable during the lifetime of the Optionholder only by the
Optionholder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Optionholder may, by delivering written notice to
the Company, in a form satisfactory to the Company, designate a third party who, in the event of
the death of the Optionholder, shall thereafter be entitled to exercise the Option.
(f) Vesting Generally. The total number of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option may,
but need not, vest and therefore become exercisable in periodic installments that may, but need
not, be equal. The Option may be subject to such other terms and conditions on the time or times
when it may be exercised (which may be based on performance or other criteria) as the Board may
deem appropriate. The vesting provisions of individual Options may vary. The provisions of this
Section 6(f) are subject to any Option provisions governing the minimum number of shares of Common
Stock as to which an Option may be exercised.
(g) Termination of Continuous Service. In the event that an Optionholders Continuous Service
terminates (other than upon the Optionholders death or Disability or for Cause), the Optionholder
may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such
Option as of the date of termination) but only within such period of time ending on the earlier of
(i) the date ninety (90) days following the termination of the Optionholders Continuous Service
(or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option Agreement) or (ii) the expiration of the
term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement. If, after termination, the Optionholder
does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified in the Option Agreement, the Option
shall terminate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that Optionholder is terminated for
Cause, the Option shall terminate as of the date of the Optionholders termination of Continued
Service.
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(h) Extension of Termination Date. An Optionholders Option Agreement may also provide that
if the exercise of the Option following the termination of the Optionholders Continuous Service
(other than upon the Optionholders death or Disability) would be prohibited at any time solely
because the issuance of shares of Common Stock would violate the registration requirements under
the Securities Act, then the Option shall terminate on the earlier of (i) the expiration of the
term of the Option set forth in Section 6(a) or (ii) the expiration of a period of ninety (90) days
after the termination of the Optionholders Continuous Service during which the exercise of the
Option would not be in violation of such registration requirements.
(i) Disability of Optionholder. In the event that an Optionholders Continuous Service
terminates as a result of the Optionholders Disability, the Optionholder may exercise his or her
Option (to the extent that the Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of
termination), but only within the period of time specified in the Option Agreement; provided,
however, that such vested Options shall not be exercisable for a period greater than one (1) year
following the Optionholders termination of Continuous Service due to Disability. If no such
period is specified in the Option Agreement, then any vested outstanding Options shall be
exercisable only within thirty (30) days following the Optionholders termination of Continuous
Service due to Disability. If, after termination, the Optionholder does not exercise his or her
Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate.
(j) Death of Optionholder. In the event that (i) an Optionholders Continuous Service
terminates as a result of the Optionholders death or (ii) the Optionholder dies within the period
(if any) specified in the Option Agreement after the termination of the Optionholders Continuous
Service for a reason other than death, then the Option may be exercised (to the extent the
Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of death) by the Optionholders
estate, by a person who acquired the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance or by a
person designated to exercise the option upon the Optionholders death pursuant to Section 6(d) or
6(e), but only within the period of time specified in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that
such vested Options shall not be exercisable for a period greater than one (1) year following the
Optionholders death. If no such period is specified in the Option Agreement, then any vested
outstanding Options shall be exercisable only within six (6) months following the Optionholders
death. If, after death, the Option is not exercised within the time specified herein, the Option
shall terminate.
(k) Termination for Cause. In the event that the Optionholders Continuous Service is
terminated for Cause, the Optionholder may exercise his or her Option (to the extent that the
Optionholder was entitled to exercise such Option as of the date of termination) but only within
such period of time ending on the earlier of (i) the date seven (7) days following the termination
of the Optionholders Continuous Service (or such longer or shorter period specified in the Option
Agreement) or (ii) the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth in the Option Agreement.
7. Provisions of Stock Awards other than Options.
(a) Restricted Stock Awards. Each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall be in such form and
shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and
conditions of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement may change from time to time, and the terms and
conditions of separate Restricted Stock Award Agreements need not be
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identical, but each Restricted Stock Award Agreement shall include (through incorporation of
provisions hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the
following provisions:
(i) Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Award, the Board will determine
the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each share of Common
Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Award. To the extent required by applicable law, the
consideration to be paid by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject to a Restricted
Stock Award will not be less than the par value of a share of Common Stock. Such consideration may
be paid in any form permitted under applicable law.
(ii) Vesting. Shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award shall be
subject to a share repurchase option in favor of the Company in accordance with a vesting schedule
to be determined by the Board. The Board may condition the vesting of the shares acquired pursuant
to the Restricted Stock Award upon the attainment of specified performance objectives established
by the Board pursuant to Section 8 or such other factors as the Board may determine in its sole
discretion, including time-based vesting; provided, however, that, in the case of a grant to a
Participant other than a non-employee director, if the vesting schedule is a time-based vesting
schedule, such shares shall vest not faster than one-third per year over three years and if the
vesting schedule is a performance-based vesting schedule, such shares shall vest not earlier than
the first anniversary of the date of grant. In the case of a Restricted Stock Award to a
non-employee director, there shall be no minimum vesting schedule.
(iii) Termination of Participants Continuous Service. In the event that a Participants
Continuous Service terminates, the Company may repurchase or otherwise reacquire any or all of the
shares of Common Stock held by the Participant that have not vested as of the date of termination
under the terms of the Restricted Stock Award Agreement. The Company will not exercise its
repurchase option until at least six (6) months (or such longer or shorter period of time required
to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes) have elapsed following the
purchase of the restricted stock unless otherwise provided in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
(iv) Transferability. Rights to acquire shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Restricted
Stock Award shall be transferable by the Participant only upon such terms and conditions as are set
forth in the Restricted Stock Award Agreement, as the Board shall determine in its discretion, so
long as Common Stock awarded pursuant to the Restricted Stock Award remains subject to the terms of
the Restricted Stock Award Agreement.
(b) Restricted Stock Unit Awards. Each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall be in such
form and shall contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms
and conditions of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements may change from time to time, and the
terms and conditions of separate Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreements need not be identical, but
each Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement shall include (through incorporation of the provisions
hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following
provisions:
(i) Consideration. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board will
determine the consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of
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each share of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Unit Award. To the extent required
by applicable law, the consideration to be paid by the Participant for each share of Common Stock
subject to a Restricted Stock Unit Award will not be less than the par value of a share of Common
Stock. Such consideration may be paid in any form permitted under applicable law.
(ii) Vesting. At the time of grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Board shall impose
such restrictions or conditions to the vesting of the Restricted Stock Unit Award as it, in its
absolute discretion, deems appropriate. The Board may condition the vesting of the Restricted
Stock Unit Award upon the attainment of specified performance objectives established by the Board
pursuant to Section 8 or such other factors as the Board may determine in its sole discretion,
including time-based vesting; provided, however, that, in the case of a grant to a Participant
other than a non-employee director, if the vesting schedule is a time-based vesting schedule, such
Stock Award shall vest not faster than the first anniversary of the date of grant. In the case of
a Restricted Stock Unit Award to a non-employee director, there shall be no minimum vesting
schedule.
(iii) Payment. A Restricted Stock Unit Award will be denominated in shares of Common Stock
equivalents. A Restricted Stock Unit Award will be settled by the delivery of shares of Common
Stock.
(iv) Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of
Common Stock equivalents covered by a Restricted Stock Unit Award, as determined by the Board and
contained in the Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. At the discretion of the Board, such
dividend equivalents may be converted into additional shares of Common Stock equivalents covered by
the Restricted Stock Unit Award by dividing (1) the aggregate amount or value of the dividends paid
with respect to that number of shares of Common Stock equivalents covered by the Restricted Stock
Unit Award then credited by (2) the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the payment date
for such dividend, or in such other manner as determined by the Board. Any additional share
equivalents covered by the Restricted Stock Unit Award credited by reason of such dividend
equivalents will be subject to all the terms and conditions of the underlying Restricted Stock Unit
Award Agreement to which they relate.
(v) Termination of Participants Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the
applicable Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, such portion of the Restricted Stock Unit Award
that has not vested will be forfeited upon the Participants termination of Continuous Service for
any reason.
(vi) Transferability. Restricted Stock Units shall be transferable by the Participant only
upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, as the
Board shall determine in its discretion.
(c) Performance Shares. Each Performance Share Agreement shall be in such form and shall
contain such terms and conditions as the Board shall deem appropriate. The terms and conditions of
Performance Share Agreements may change from time to time, and the terms and conditions of separate
Performance Share Agreements need not be identical; provided, however, that each Performance Share
Agreement shall include (through incorporation of the provisions
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hereof by reference in the agreement or otherwise) the substance of each of the following
provisions:
(i) Consideration. At the time of grant of Performance Shares, the Board will determine the
consideration, if any, to be paid by the Participant upon delivery of each share of Common Stock
subject to the Performance Shares. To the extent required by applicable law, the consideration to
be paid by the Participant for each share of Common Stock subject to a Performance Shares will not
be less than the par value of a share of Common Stock. Such consideration may be paid in any form
permitted under applicable law.
(ii) Vesting. At the time of grant of Performance Shares, the Board shall impose such
restrictions or conditions to the vesting of the Performance Shares as it, in its discretion, deems
appropriate. The Board may condition the grant of Performance Shares upon the attainment of
specified performance objectives established by the Board pursuant to Section 8 or such other
factors as the Board may determine in its sole discretion; provided, however, that such Performance
Shares shall vest not earlier than the first anniversary of the date of grant.
(iii) Payment. Performance Shares will be denominated in shares of Common Stock Equivalents.
Performance Shares will be settled by the delivery of shares of Common Stock.
(iv) Dividend Equivalents. Dividend equivalents may be credited in respect of shares of
Common Stock equivalents covered by Performance Shares, as determined by the Board and contained in
the Performance Share Agreement. At the discretion of the Board, such dividend equivalents may be
converted into additional shares of Common Stock equivalents covered by the Performance Shares by
dividing (1) the aggregate amount or value of the dividends paid with respect to that number of
shares of Common Stock equivalents covered by the Performance Shares then credited by (2) the Fair
Market Value per share of Common Stock on the payment date for such dividend, or in such other
manner as determined by the Board. Any additional share equivalents covered by the Performance
Shares credited by reason of such dividend equivalents will be subject to all the terms and
conditions of the underlying Performance Share Agreement to which they relate.
(v) Termination of Participants Continuous Service. Except as otherwise provided in the
applicable Performance Share Agreement, such portion of the Performance Shares that have not vested
will be forfeited upon the Participants termination of Continuous Service for any reason.
(vi) Transferability. Performance Shares shall be transferable by the Participant only upon
such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Performance Share Agreement, as the Board shall
determine in its discretion.
(d) Deferral of Award Payment. The Board may establish one or more programs under the Plan to
permit selected Participants to elect to defer receipt of consideration upon exercise of a Stock
Award, the satisfaction of performance objectives, or other events which, absent such an election,
would entitle such Participants to payment or receipt of Common Stock or other consideration under
a Stock Award. The Board may establish the election procedures of such deferrals, the mechanisms
for payment of Common Stock or other consideration subject to
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deferral (including accrual of interest or other earnings, if any, on amounts with respect
thereto) and such other terms, conditions, rules and procedures that the Board deems advisable and
in compliance with Section 409A of the Code.
8. Performance Objectives.
The Board shall determine the terms and conditions of Stock Awards at the date of grant or
thereafter; provided that performance objectives, if any, related to Stock Awards granted to
Covered Employees shall be established by the Board not later than the latest date permissible
under Section 162(m) of the Code. To the extent that such Stock Awards are paid to Covered
Employees the performance objectives to be used, if any, shall be expressed in terms of one or more
of the following: total shareholder return; earnings per share; stock price; return on equity; net
earnings; related return ratios; cash flow; net earnings growth; earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA); return on assets; revenues; expenses; funds from operations
(FFO); and FFO per share. Performance objectives, if any, established by the Board may be (but
need not be) different from year-to-year, and different performance objectives may be applicable to
different Participants.
9. Covenants of the Company.
(a) Availability of Shares. During the terms of the Stock Awards, the Company shall keep
available at all times the number of shares of Common Stock required to satisfy such Stock Awards.
(b) Securities Law Compliance. The Company shall seek to obtain from each regulatory
commission or agency having jurisdiction over the Plan such authority as may be required to grant
Stock Awards and to issue and sell shares of Common Stock upon exercise of the Stock Awards;
provided, however, that this undertaking shall not require the Company to register under the
Securities Act the Plan, any Stock Award or any Common Stock issued or issuable pursuant to any
such Stock Award. If, after reasonable efforts, the Company is unable to obtain from any such
regulatory commission or agency the authority which counsel for the Company deems necessary for the
lawful issuance and sale of Common Stock under the Plan, the Company shall be relieved from any
liability for failure to issue and sell Common Stock upon exercise of such Stock Awards unless and
until such authority is obtained.
10. Use of Proceeds from Stock.
Proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to Stock Awards shall constitute general funds
of the Company.
11. Miscellaneous.
(a) Acceleration of Exercisability and Vesting. The Board shall have the power to accelerate
the time at which a Stock Award may first be exercised or the time during which a Stock Award or
any part thereof will vest in accordance with the Plan, notwithstanding the provisions in the Stock
Award stating the time at which it may first be exercised or the time during which it will vest.
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(b) Stockholder Rights. No Participant shall be deemed to be the holder of, or to have any of
the rights of a holder with respect to, any shares of Common Stock subject to such Stock Award
unless and until such Participant has satisfied all requirements for exercise of the Stock Award
pursuant to its terms.
(c) No Employment or other Service Rights. Nothing in the Plan or any instrument executed or
Stock Award granted pursuant thereto shall confer upon any Participant any right to continue to
serve the Company or an Affiliate in the capacity in effect at the time the Stock Award was granted
or shall affect the right of the Company or an Affiliate to terminate (i) the employment of an
Employee with or without notice and with or without cause, (ii) the service of a Consultant
pursuant to the terms of such Consultants agreement with the Company or an Affiliate or (iii) the
service of a Director pursuant to the Bylaws of the Company or an Affiliate, and any applicable
provisions of the corporate law of the state in which the Company or the Affiliate is incorporated,
as the case may be.
(d) Incentive Stock Option $100,000 Limitation. To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value (determined at the time of grant) of Common Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock
Options are exercisable for the first time by any Optionholder during any calendar year (under all
plans of the Company and its Affiliates) exceeds one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000), the
Options or portions thereof that exceed such limit (according to the order in which they were
granted) shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options, notwithstanding any contrary provision of
a Stock Award Agreement.
(e) Investment Assurances. The Company may require a Participant, as a condition of
exercising or acquiring Common Stock under any Stock Award, (i) to give written assurances
satisfactory to the Company as to the Participants knowledge and experience in financial and
business matters and/or to employ a purchaser representative reasonably satisfactory to the Company
who is knowledgeable and experienced in financial and business matters and that he or she is
capable of evaluating, alone or together with the purchaser representative, the merits and risks of
exercising the Stock Award and (ii) to give written assurances satisfactory to the Company stating
that the Participant is acquiring Common Stock subject to the Stock Award for the Participants own
account and not with any present intention of selling or otherwise distributing the Common Stock.
The foregoing requirements, and any assurances given pursuant to such requirements, shall be
inoperative if (1) the issuance of the shares of Common Stock upon the exercise or acquisition of
Common Stock under the Stock Award has been registered under a then currently effective
registration statement under the Securities Act or (2) as to any particular requirement, a
determination is made by counsel for the Company that such requirement need not be met in the
circumstances under the then applicable securities laws. The Company may, upon advice of counsel
to the Company, place legends on stock certificates issued under the Plan as such counsel deems
necessary or appropriate in order to comply with applicable securities laws, including, but not
limited to, legends restricting the transfer of the Common Stock.
(f) Withholding Obligations. To the extent provided by the terms of a Stock Award Agreement,
the Participant may satisfy any federal, state or local tax withholding obligation relating to the
exercise or acquisition of Common Stock under a Stock Award by any of the following means (in
addition to the Companys right to withhold from any compensation paid to the Participant by the
Company) or by a combination of such means: (i) tendering a cash
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payment; (ii) authorizing the Company to withhold shares of Common Stock from the shares of
Common Stock otherwise issuable to the Participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of
Common Stock under the Stock Award; provided, however, that no shares of Common Stock are withheld
with a value exceeding the minimum amount of tax required to be withheld by law (or such lesser
amount as may be necessary to avoid variable award accounting); or (iii) delivering to the Company
owned and unencumbered shares of Common Stock.
(g) Foreign Employees. Without amending the Plan, the Board may grant Stock Awards to
eligible Employees, Directors and Consultants who are foreign nationals on such terms and
conditions different from those specified in this Plan as may in the judgment of the Board be
necessary or desirable to foster and promote achievement of the purposes of the Plan, and, in
furtherance of such purposes the Board may make such modification, amendments, procedures, subplans
and the like as may be necessary or advisable to comply with provisions of laws in other countries
in which the Company operates or has Employees, Directors and Consultants.
(h) Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have and
subject to limitations of applicable law, the members of the Board shall be indemnified by the
Company against all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action,
suit or proceeding to which they or any of them may be a party by reason of any action taken or
failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any rights granted thereunder and against
all amounts paid to them in settlement thereof or paid by them in satisfaction of a judgment of any
such action, suit or proceeding. The Board member or members shall notify the Company in writing,
giving the Company an opportunity at its own cost to defend the same before such Board member or
members undertake to defend the same on their own behalf.
12. Adjustments upon Changes in Stock.
(a) Capitalization Adjustments. If any change is made in, or other event occurs with respect
to, the Common Stock subject to the Plan or subject to any Stock Award without the receipt of
consideration by the Company (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization,
reincorporation, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating
dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or other
transaction not involving the receipt of consideration by the Company (each a Capitalization
Adjustment)), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of
securities subject to the Plan pursuant to Sections 4(a) and 4(c) and the maximum number of
securities subject to award to any person pursuant to Section 5(c), and the outstanding Stock
Awards will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and number of securities and price per share
of Common Stock subject to such outstanding Stock Awards. The Board shall make such adjustments,
and its determination shall be final, binding and conclusive. (The conversion of any convertible
securities of the Company shall not be treated as a transaction without receipt of consideration
by the Company.)
(b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of a dissolution or liquidation of the Company,
then all outstanding Stock Awards shall terminate immediately prior to the completion of such
dissolution or liquidation, and shares of Common Stock subject to the
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Companys repurchase option may be repurchased by the Company notwithstanding the fact that
the holder of such stock is still in Continuous Service.
(c) Corporate Transaction. In the event of a Corporate Transaction, any surviving corporation
or acquiring corporation may assume or continue any or all Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan
or may substitute similar stock awards for Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan (it being
understood that similar stock awards include, but are not limited to, awards to acquire the same
consideration paid to the stockholders or the Company, as the case may be, pursuant to the
Corporate Transaction), and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect
of Common Stock issued pursuant to Stock Awards may be assigned by the Company to the successor of
the Company (or the successors parent company), if any, in connection with such Corporate
Transaction. In the event that any surviving corporation or acquiring corporation does not assume
or continue any or all such outstanding Stock Awards or substitute similar stock awards for such
outstanding Stock Awards, then with respect to Stock Awards that have been not assumed, continued
or substituted and that are held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated prior
to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction, the vesting of such Stock Awards (and, if
applicable, the time at which such Stock Awards may be exercised) shall (contingent upon the
effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) be accelerated in full to a date prior to the effective
time of such Corporate Transaction as the Board shall determine (or, if the Board shall not
determine such a date, to the date that is five (5) days prior to the effective time of the
Corporate Transaction), the Stock Awards shall terminate if not exercised (if applicable) at or
prior to such effective time, and any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with
respect to such Stock Awards held by Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated shall
(contingent upon the effectiveness of the Corporate Transaction) lapse. With respect to any other
Stock Awards outstanding under the Plan that have not been assumed, continued or substituted, the
vesting of such Stock Awards (and, if applicable, the time at which such Stock Award may be
exercised) shall not be accelerated, unless otherwise provided in a written agreement between the
Company or any Affiliate and the holder of such Stock Award, and such Stock Awards shall terminate
if not exercised (if applicable) prior to the effective time of the Corporate Transaction.
(d) Securities Acquisition. In the event of an acquisition by any Exchange Act Person of the
beneficial Ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or
comparable successor rule) of securities of the Company representing at least fifty percent (50%)
of the combined voting power entitled to vote in the election of directors (other than an
acquisition pursuant to Section 12(c) above), then with respect to Stock Awards held by
Participants whose Continuous Service has not terminated, the vesting (and exercisability, if
applicable) of such Stock Awards shall be accelerated in full.
13. Amendment of the Plan and Stock Awards.
(a) Amendment of Plan. The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the Plan.
However, except as provided in Section 12(a) relating to Capitalization Adjustments, no amendment
shall be effective unless approved by the stockholders of the Company to the extent stockholder
approval is necessary to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or the listing
requirements of the national exchange.
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(b) Stockholder Approval. The Board, in its sole discretion, may submit any other amendment
to the Plan for stockholder approval, including, but not limited to, amendments to the Plan
intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder
regarding the exclusion of performance-based compensation from the limit on corporate deductibility
of compensation paid to Covered Employees.
(c) Contemplated Amendments. It is expressly contemplated that the Board may amend the Plan
in any respect the Board deems necessary or advisable to provide eligible Employees with the
maximum benefits provided or to be provided under the provisions of the Code and the regulations
promulgated thereunder relating to Incentive Stock Options and/or to bring the Plan and/or
Incentive Stock Options granted under it into compliance therewith.
(d) No Impairment of Rights. Rights under any Stock Award granted before amendment of the
Plan shall not be impaired by any amendment of the Plan unless (i) the Company requests the consent
of the Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.
(e) Amendment of Stock Awards. The Board at any time, and from time to time, may amend the
terms of any one or more Stock Awards; provided, however, that the rights under any Stock Award
shall not be impaired by any such amendment unless (i) the Company requests the consent of the
Participant and (ii) the Participant consents in writing.
14. Termination or Suspension of the Plan.
(a) Plan Term. The Board may suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. Unless sooner
terminated, the Plan shall terminate on April 4, 2017. No Stock Awards may be granted under the
Plan while the Plan is suspended or after it is terminated.
(b) No Impairment of Rights. Suspension or termination of the Plan shall not impair rights
and obligations under any Stock Award granted while the Plan is in effect except with the written
consent of the Participant.
15. No Authority to Reprice.
Without the consent of the stockholders of the Company, except as provided in Section 12(a),
the Administrator shall have no authority to effect either (i) the repricing of any outstanding
Options under the Plan or (ii) the cancellation of any outstanding Options under the Plan and the
grant in substitution therefor of new Options under the Plan covering the same or different numbers
of shares of Common Stock.
16. Effective Date of Plan.
The amended and restated Plan shall become effective as determined by the Board, but no Stock
Award shall be exercised (or, in the case of Stock Awards other than Options, shall be granted)
unless and until the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company, which approval
shall be within twelve (12) months before or after the date the Plan is adopted by the Board.
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17. Choice of Law.
The law of the State of Delaware shall govern all questions concerning the construction,
validity and interpretation of this Plan, without regard to such states conflict of laws rules.
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FORM OF PROXY CARD
DIGITAL RIVER, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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 28, 2009, 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 April 1, 2009, 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 27, 2009. |
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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 27, 2009. |
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Please have your proxy card available and follow the simple instructions to obtain
your records and create an electronic ballot. |
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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01 Douglas M. Steenland
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o Vote FOR
the nominee
(except as marked)
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o Vote WITHHELD
from the nominee |
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(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for the
indicated nominee, write the number(s) of the nominee(s)
in the box provided to the right.) |
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\/ Please fold here \/
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2. To approve an amendment to the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan to, among other things, reserve
an additional 2,650,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. |
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o For
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o Against
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o Abstain |
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3. 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, 2009. |
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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. |