UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
Current Report
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 6, 2015
TREX COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 001-14649 | 54-1910453 | ||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(Commission File Number) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
160 Exeter Drive Winchester, Virginia |
22603-8605 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(540) 542-6300
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):
¨ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
¨ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
¨ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 1.01 | Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement |
The disclosure set forth in Item 5.02 below with regard to the following agreements is incorporated herein by reference:
1. | Change-in-Control Severance Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2015, between Trex Company, Inc. and James E. Cline; and |
2. | Severance Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2015, between Trex Company, Inc. and James E. Cline. |
Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers |
Retirement of Ronald W. Kaplan as President and Chief Executive Officer effective August 17, 2015
Pursuant to the terms of the Amendment and Restatement of Employment Agreement between Trex Company, Inc. (the Company) and Ronald W. Kaplan, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, dated July 24, 2012 (Employment Agreement), the Company provided written notice to Mr. Kaplan on May 6, 2015 that the Employment Agreement would not be extended for an additional one year period upon its termination on August 16, 2015. Accordingly, Mr. Kaplan will retire as President and Chief Executive Officer effective August 17, 2015. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, the Company will pay to Mr. Kaplan, within 10 days after August 16, 2015, a lump sum cash payment equal to 1.5 times the sum of his base salary then in effect and 100% of his targeted cash bonus for the 2015 fiscal year. This payment will be in the amount of $1,713,810. In addition, pursuant to the Employment Agreement, on August 16, 2015, Mr. Kaplan shall become fully vested in all outstanding long-term incentive awards, including stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, and performance shares (at the targeted payment level), with the stock appreciation rights being exercisable for a period of 5 years after August 16, 2015.
Mr. Kaplan will continue to serve beyond August 17, 2015 as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Appointment of James E. Cline as President and Chief Executive Officer, and as a Director
On May 6, 2015, the Trex Board of Directors appointed James E. Cline, the Companys Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, to serve as the Companys President and Chief Executive Officer, to be effective on August 17, 2015 upon Mr. Kaplans retirement. Effective August 17, 2015, Mr. Cline will also be appointed to the Companys Board of Directors, and the size of the Board will be increased from seven members to eight members.
Mr. Cline has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August 2013 and as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer between March 2008 and July 2013. Mr. Cline served from July 2005 through December 2007 as the President of Harsco GasServ, a subsidiary of Harsco Corporation and a manufacturer of containment and control equipment for the global gas industry. From January 2008 through February 2008, in connection with the purchase of Harsco GasServ by Taylor-Wharton International LLC, which is owned by Windpoint Partners Company, Mr. Cline served as a consultant to the buyers by providing transition management and financial services. From April 1994 through June 2005, Mr. Cline served as the Vice President and Controller of Harsco GasServ. Mr. Cline served in various capacities with Huffy Corporation from June 1976 to February 1994, including as the Director of Finance of its True Temper Hardware subsidiary, a manufacturer of lawn care and construction products with nine manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada and Ireland. Mr. Cline received a B.S.B.A. degree in accounting from Bowling Green State University.
Effective upon his becoming President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Cline will receive an annual base salary of $500,000, and will be a participant in the Companys Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Program and Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation Program, as further described in the Companys Proxy Statement. Mr. Clines target award under the Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Program shall be 100% of his annual base salary, and his target award under the Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation Program shall be 200% of his annual base salary. In addition, Mr. Cline will receive on August 17, 2015 an equity grant valued at $500,000, comprised of 50% stock appreciation rights and 50% time-based restricted stock, each vesting ratably over a 3 year period.
Mr. Cline has entered into a change-in-control severance agreement with the Company dated May 6, 2015. Under this agreement, if, within the period beginning 90 days before and ending two years after a change in control of the Company (as defined in the agreement), Mr. Clines employment is terminated by the Company (other than for cause or by reason of death or disability) or if he terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Cline will be entitled to receive severance benefits:
For this purpose, cause and good reason are defined as follows:
| Cause includes events specified in the change-in-control severance agreement, including Mr. Clines willful or grossly negligent misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or property of the Company, conviction of a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, moral turpitude or breach of trust, or willful failure or refusal to devote full business time and attention to the performance of duties. |
| Good reason includes events specified in the change-in-control severance agreement, including a material and adverse change in Mr. Clines status or position with the Company, a 10% or greater reduction in his aggregate base salary and targeted annual incentive other than as part of general reduction in executive compensation, the failure by the Company or any successor to continue in effect any employee benefit plan in which he is participating other than as a result of normal expiration of such plan in accordance with its terms, or the relocation of his office more than 50 miles from the current office and further than his then-current residence. |
Upon such termination, Mr. Cline would receive:
| a lump-sum cash payment equal to the sum of (1) his accrued base salary and accrued vacation pay plus (2) if not previously paid, his annual cash incentive earned for the preceding fiscal year plus (3) his targeted annual cash incentive for the year in which the severance occurs, pro-rated based upon the number of days he was employed during such year; |
| a lump sum severance payment of 2.99 times (1) his annual base salary (in effect immediately prior to the change in control or termination, whichever is greater), plus (2) the greater of (a) his target annual cash incentive for the year immediately prior to the year in which the change of control occurs, (b) his target annual cash incentive for the year of termination of employment, or (c) his actual annual cash incentive for the last fiscal year immediately prior to termination of employment; |
| continuation of group health and dental insurance, and group life insurance, on the same terms and conditions as though he had remained an active employee, for the longer of 18 months or until coverage is obtained from a new employer. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the change in control severance agreement provides that, to the extent necessary to avoid imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with a change in control, the amounts payable or benefits to be provided to Mr. Cline shall be reduced such that the reduction of compensation to be provided to Mr. Cline is minimized. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero).
If a change of control occurs during the term of the change-in-control severance agreement, all unvested outstanding long-term incentive awards, including, but not limited to, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, and performance shares (at the 100% targeted payment level) (whether or not there is a loss of employment) will become fully vested.
A change in control is generally defined as (1) the acquisition by any person or entity of 35% of the Companys outstanding stock, (2) a merger where the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the merger would not own at least 50% of the outstanding stock of the Company after such merger, (3) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (4) during any two-year period, the directors in office at the beginning of such period ceasing to be a majority of the board, unless the nomination of each new director during such period was approved by at least two-thirds of the directors in office at the beginning of such period.
Mr. Cline has also entered into a severance agreement with the Company dated May 6, 2015 providing for the payment of severance compensation and benefits to him if the Company terminates his employment without cause or if he resigns for good reason. For this purpose, cause and good reason are defined in the same manner as in the change-in-control severance agreement discussed above. Upon such a termination, Mr. Cline will be entitled to receive the following:
| a lump-sum cash payment equal to the sum of (1) his accrued base salary and accrued vacation pay plus (2) if not previously paid, his annual cash incentive earned for the preceding fiscal year; |
| a lump-sum cash payment equal to 2 times the sum of (1) his base salary then in effect, plus (2) an amount equal to the greater of (a) his targeted annual cash incentive for the year immediately prior to the year in which his employment terminates, or (b) his actual annual cash incentive earned for the preceding year; |
| continued health and dental plan benefits on the same terms and conditions as though he had remained an active employee (or payment of the necessary amount to obtain equivalent coverage if Company coverage is not possible), for the shorter of 12 months or until equivalent coverage is obtained from a new employer; and |
| accelerated vesting of all outstanding long-term incentive awards, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares and performance shares (at the targeted payment level), with any stock options or stock appreciation rights being exercisable for a period ending on the earlier of 90 days after termination of employment or the expiration of the term of such grant. |
If Mr. Clines employment is terminated during a change-in-control protection period (which begins 90 days before a change-in-control occurs and ends 2 years thereafter) under his change-in-control severance agreement, described above, he will be entitled to receive the severance payments specified under that agreement instead of the foregoing payments under his severance agreement.
Mr. Cline is not entitled to any additional severance payments or benefits under his severance agreement if his employment is terminated by the Company for cause, by him without good reason, or if it terminates due to his death or disability.
The term of the severance agreement ends on Mr. Clines 68th birthday.
Mr. Clines change-in-control severance agreement and severance agreement replace in their entireties Mr. Clines change-in-control severance agreement dated August 3, 2011 and Mr. Clines severance agreement dated August 3, 2013.
The foregoing description of Mr. Clines change-in-control severance agreement and severance agreement with the Company is qualified in its entirety by reference to the agreements, copies of which are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.
Appointment of Bryan H. Fairbanks as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Effective August 17, 2015, Bryan H. Fairbanks, the Companys Senior Director-Supply Chain and Executive Director, International Business Development, will become the Companys Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Bryan H. Fairbanks has served as Senior Director, Supply Chain from 2006 through present, and as the Executive Director, International Business Development, Trex Company, Inc. since September 2012. Prior to these
roles, Mr. Fairbanks held the position of Director, Financial Planning and Analysis from 2004-2006. From 1994-2004, Mr. Fairbanks served in numerous senior finance roles with the Ford Motor Company. Mr. Fairbanks earned a B.S. Degree in accounting from the University of Dayton and a M.B.A. degree from the University of Pittsburgh.
Mr. Fairbanks will receive an annual base salary of $290,000, and will be a participant in the Companys Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Program and Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation Program, as further described in the Companys Proxy Statement. Mr. Fairbanks target award under the Annual Cash Incentive Compensation Program shall be 60% of his annual base salary, and his target award under the Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation Program shall be 115% of his annual base salary.
Mr. Fairbanks has entered into a change-in-control severance agreement with the Company dated May 6, 2015. The terms of this agreement are materially the same as those contained in the amended and restated form change-in-control severance agreement previously filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 9, 2011for use for certain executives and are materially identical to the terms set forth above for Mr. Clines change-in-control agreement, except that upon a change of control, Mr. Fairbanks shall receive a lump sum severance payment of 1.5 times (instead of 2.99 times for Mr. Cline) (1) his annual base salary (in effect immediately prior to the change in control or termination, whichever is greater), plus (2) the greater of (a) his target annual cash incentive for the year immediately prior to the year in which the change of control occurs, (b) his target annual cash incentive for the year of termination of employment, or (c) his actual annual cash incentive for the last fiscal year immediately prior to termination of employment,
Mr. Fairbanks has also entered into a severance agreement with the Company dated May 6, 2015. The terms of this agreement are materially the same as those contained in the severance agreement previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013 for use for certain executives and are materially identical to the terms set forth above for Mr. Clines severance agreement, except that if the Company terminates his employment without cause or if he resigns for good reason, Mr. Fairbanks shall receive a lump-sum cash payment equal to 1 time (instead of 2 times for Mr. Cline) the sum of (1) his base salary then in effect, plus (2) an amount equal to the greater of (a) his targeted annual cash incentive for the year immediately prior to the year in which his employment terminates, or (b) his actual annual cash incentive earned for the preceding year.
Retirement of F. Timothy Reese as Senior Vice President, Operations
F. Timothy Reese, the Companys Senior Vice President, Operations, has announced that he is retiring effective June 30, 2015. No payments are due or owing to Mr. Reese under his retention agreement, severance or change-in-control severance agreement as a result of his retirement.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Trex Company, Inc. herewith files the following exhibits:
Exhibit Number |
Description of Exhibit | |
10.1 | Change-in-Control Severance Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2015, between Trex Company, Inc. and James E. Cline. Filed Herewith. | |
10.2 | Severance Agreement, dated as of May 6, 2015, between Trex Company, Inc. and James E. Cline. Filed Herewith. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
TREX COMPANY, INC. | ||||
Date: May 8, 2015 | /s/ William R. Gupp | |||
William R. Gupp | ||||
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary |
Exhibit 10.1
CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
THIS CHANGE IN CONTROL SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (the Agreement) is entered into as of May 6, 2015 (the Effective Date) by and between Trex Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), and James E. Cline, a key employee of the Company (the Eligible Employee).
Recitals
WHEREAS, the Eligible Employee has been appointed the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective August 17, 2015, and will be important in developing and expanding the business and operations of the Company and will possess valuable knowledge and skills with respect to such business;
WHEREAS, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company (the Committee) believes that it is in the best interests of the Company to encourage the Eligible Employees employment with and dedication to the Company and has authorized the Company to enter into this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for the payment of compensation to the Eligible Employee in the event of a termination of the Eligible Employees employment in connection with a Change in Control (as defined herein) during the term of this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, the agreements and covenants set forth herein, and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:
Agreement
1. Definitions. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, capitalized terms in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in this Section 1.
(a) Administrator means the Committee or such other person or persons appointed from time to time by the Committee.
(b) Affiliate means any parent corporation and any subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such terms are defined in Section 424 of the Code.
(c) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) Cause means one of the following reasons for which the Eligible Employees employment with the Employer is terminated: (1) willful or grossly negligent misconduct that is materially injurious to the Employer; (2) embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or property of the Employer; (3) conviction of a felony or the entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (4) conviction of any crime
involving fraud, dishonesty, moral turpitude or breach of trust or the entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to such a crime; or (5) failure or refusal by the Eligible Employee to devote full business time and attention to the performance of his duties and responsibilities if such breach has not been cured within 15 days after notice thereof is given to the Eligible Employee.
(e) Change in Control means the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date:
(1) The consummation of a transaction in which any person (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) becomes, within the 12-month period ending on the date of such persons most recent acquisition, a beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities representing more than 35% of the voting power of the then outstanding securities of the Company; provided that a Change in Control shall not be deemed to occur as a result of a transaction in which the Company becomes a subsidiary of another corporation and in which the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the transaction, will beneficially own, immediately after the transaction, shares entitling such stockholders to more than 50% of all votes to which all stockholders of the other corporation would be entitled in the election of directors (without consideration of the rights of any class of stock to elect directors by a separate class vote);
(2) The consummation of (a) a merger, consolidation, or similar extraordinary event involving the Company and another entity where the stockholders of the Company, immediately prior to the merger, consolidation or similar extraordinary event, will not beneficially own, immediately after the merger, consolidation or similar extraordinary event, securities entitling such stockholders to more than 50% of all votes to which all stockholders of the surviving corporation would be entitled in the election of directors (without consideration of the rights of any class of stock to elect directors by a separate class vote), or (b) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company; or
(3) During any 24-month period, individuals who at the beginning of any such period constitute the Board cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority thereof, unless the election, or the nomination for election by the Companys stockholders, of each director of the Company first elected during such period was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the directors of the Company then still in office who were directors of the Company at the beginning of such 24-month period.
(f) Change in Control Severance Benefits means the benefits payable pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement.
(g) Change in Control Protection Period means the period commencing on the later of (1) the date that is 90 days before the date a Change in Control occurs or (2) the Effective Date, and ending on the second anniversary of the date the Change in Control occurs.
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(h) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(i) Disability shall have the meaning given that term under the Trex Company, Inc. Disability Plan, as in effect at the time a determination of Disability is to be made.
(j) Employer means the Company or an Affiliate.
(k) ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
(l) Final Pay means the sum of (1) the greater of (A) the Eligible Employees annual base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, or (B) the Eligible Employees annual base salary in effect at the time employment terminates, and (2) the greater of (A) the Eligible Employees targeted cash bonus for the year immediately prior to the year in which the Change in Control occurs, (B) the Eligible Employees targeted cash bonus for the year in which employment terminates or (C) the actual cash bonus earned by the Eligible Employee for the year immediately prior to the year in which employment terminates.
(m) Good Reason means, without the specific written consent of the Eligible Employee, any of the following:
(1) A material and adverse change in the Eligible Employees status or position(s) as an officer or management employee of the Employer as in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control, including, without limitation, any adverse change in his status or position as an employee of the Employer as a result of a material diminution in his duties or responsibilities or the assignment to him of any duties or responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with such status or position(s) (other than any isolated and inadvertent failure by the Employer that is cured promptly upon his giving notice), or any removal of the Eligible Employee from or any failure to reappoint or reelect him to such position(s) (except in connection with the Eligible Employees Severance other than for Good Reason).
(2) A 10% or greater reduction in the Eligible Employees aggregate base salary and targeted bonus from the aggregate base salary and targeted bonus that was in effective immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control, but disregarding any reduction in targeted bonus which occurs in accordance with the terms of any written bonus program as it reads immediately prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control.
(3) The failure by the Employer or any successor to continue in effect any employee benefit plan (excluding any equity compensation plan) in which the
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Eligible Employee is participating at the time of the Change in Control (or plans providing the Eligible Employee with similar benefits that are not materially reduced in the aggregate) other than as a result of the normal expiration of any such plan in accordance with its terms as in effect at the time of the Change in Control; or the taking of any action, or the failure to act, by the Employer or any successor which would adversely affect the Eligible Employees continued participation in any of such plans on at least as favorable a basis to him as is the case on the date of the Change in Control or which would materially reduce his benefits under any of such plans.
(4) The Employers requiring the Eligible Employee to be based at an office that is both more than 50 miles from where his office is located immediately prior to the Change in Control and further from his then current residence, except for required travel on the Employers business to an extent substantially consistent with the business travel obligations which the Eligible Employee undertook on behalf of the Employer prior to the Change in Control.
(n) Incentive Plan means the Trex Company, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (or a successor plan).
(o) Severance means (1) the involuntary termination of the Eligible Employees employment by the Employer, other than for Cause, death or Disability or (2) a termination of the Eligible Employees employment by the Eligible Employee for Good Reason, in each case, during the Change in Control Protection Period; provided, however, that in each case the termination constitutes a separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code and Treasury Regulations thereunder.
(p) Severance Date means the date on which the Eligible Employee incurs a Severance.
2. Term of Agreement. This Agreement shall remain in effect from the Effective Date through December 31, 2015; provided, however, that (a) the Agreement shall automatically extend for additional one-year terms unless the Company provides written notice to the Eligible Employee not less than six months before the end of the then-current term; and (b) the Agreement shall automatically extend until the end of the Change in Control Protection Period if a Change in Control occurs during the term of the Agreement.
3. Change in Control Severance Benefits.
(a) Generally. Subject to subsections (h) and (i) below and Section 4, the Eligible Employee shall be entitled to the Change in Control Severance Benefits provided in this Section 3 if he or she incurs a Severance during the Change in Control Protection Period. If the Eligible Employee becomes entitled to receive compensation or benefits under the terms of this Section 3, such compensation or benefits will be reduced by other severance benefits payable under any plan, program, policy or
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practice of or agreement or other arrangement between the Eligible Employee and the Company. It is intended that the net effect to the Eligible Employee of entitlement to any similar benefits that are contained both in this Agreement and in any other existing plan, program, policy or practice of or agreement or arrangement between the Eligible Employee and the Company will be to provide the Eligible Employee with the greater of the benefits under this Agreement or under such other plan, program, policy, practice, or agreement or arrangement.
(b) Payment of Accrued Obligations. If the Eligible Employee incurs a Severance during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Company shall pay to him a lump sum payment in cash, no later than 10 days after the Severance Date (or the date of the Change in Control, if later), equal to the sum of (1) the Eligible Employees accrued annual base salary and any accrued vacation pay through the Severance Date, (2) the Eligible Employees annual bonus earned for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the Severance Date occurs if such bonus has not been paid as of the Severance Date; and (3) the Eligible Employees targeted cash bonus for the year in which the Severance occurs, pro-rated based upon the number of days the Eligible Employee was employed during such year.
(c) Payment of Severance. Subject to subsections (h) and (i) below and Section 4, if the Eligible Employee incurs a Severance during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Company shall pay to him a lump sum cash payment, no later than 10 days after the Severance Date (or the date of the Change in Control, if later), equal to two and ninety-nine one-hundredths (2.99) times the Eligible Employees Final Pay.
(d) [Intentionally Omitted].
(e) [Intentionally Omitted].
(f) Benefit Continuation. Subject to subsections (h) and (i) below and Section 4, if the Eligible Employee incurs a Severance during the Change in Control Protection Period, commencing on the date immediately following such Eligible Employees Severance Date and continuing for 24 months (or such lesser time as required to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under Section 409A of the Code) (the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period), the Company shall cover the Eligible Employee under the same type of Employer-sponsored group health plan and dental plan (e.g., individual or family coverage) and group life insurance in which he was covered as of his Severance Date. The Eligible Employee shall receive such continued coverage under the same terms and conditions (e.g., any requirement that employees pay all or any portion of the cost of such coverage) that would apply if the Eligible Employee had continued to be an employee of the Employer during the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period.
For each month during the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period in which the Eligible Employees continued coverage under an insured plan is not possible, the Company shall, in lieu of providing the coverage described in the preceding paragraph,
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make a monthly cash payment to the Eligible Employee equal to the monthly premium the Employer would be charged for coverage of a similarly-situated employee. The Company shall not be obligated to gross up or otherwise compensate the Eligible Employee for any taxes due on amounts paid pursuant to the preceding sentence.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection (f), the Companys obligation to provide continued coverage (or, in lieu thereof, make a cash payment) pursuant to this subsection (f) shall expire on the date the Eligible Employee becomes covered under one or more plans sponsored by a new employer (other than a successor to the Company) that, at the sole discretion of the Administrator, are determined to provide coverage at least equivalent in the aggregate to the benefits continued under this subsection (f). The coverage period for purposes of the group health continuation requirements of Section 4980B of the Code shall commence at the expiration of the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period.
(g) Outplacement Services. Subject to subsection (i) below and Section 4, if the Eligible Employee incurs a Severance during the Change in Control Protection Period, the Company shall provide him with reasonable outplacement services for up to 12 months following the Severance Date.
(h) Release. The Eligible Employee shall not be eligible to receive any Change in Control Severance Benefits provided in this Section 3 (other than payments under Section 3(b)) unless he first executes a written release and agreement provided by the Company and does not revoke such release and agreement within the time permitted therein for such revocation.
(i) Restriction on Timing of Distribution. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (1) on the Eligible Employees Severance Date, any of the Companys stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) and (2) as a result of such termination, the Eligible Employee would receive any payment that, absent the application of this Section 3(i), would be subject to interest and additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(2)(B)(i) of the Code, then no such payment shall be payable prior to the date that is the earliest of (x) six months after the Eligible Employees Severance Date, (y) the Eligible Employees death or (z) such other date as will cause such payment not to be subject to such interest and additional tax.
4. Reduction of Change in Control Severance Benefits.
(a) Reduction of Payments. To the extent necessary to avoid imposition of the excise tax under Section 4999 of the Code in connection with a Change in Control, the amounts payable or benefits to be provided to the Eligible Employee shall be reduced such that the reduction of compensation to be provided to the Eligible Employee is minimized. In applying this principle, the reduction shall be made in a manner consistent with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, and where two economically equivalent amounts are subject to reduction but payable at different times, such amounts shall be reduced on a pro rata basis (but not below zero).
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(b) Determination. The determination that the Eligible Employees Payment would cause him to become subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code and the calculation of the amount of any reduction, shall be made, at the Companys discretion, by the Companys outside auditing firm or by a nationally-recognized accounting or benefits consulting firm designated by the Company prior to a Change in Control. The firms expenses shall be paid by the Company.
(c) Payment of Remaining Benefits. If a determination is made that the Eligible Employees Change in Control Severance Benefits provided in Section 3(c) must be reduced, payment of the remaining Change in Control Severance Benefits provided in Section 3(c) shall be made in a lump sum cash payment no later than 10 days after the latter of the Severance Date or the date the determination is made.
5. Taxes; Withholding. The Eligible Employee shall be responsible for the payment of all applicable local, state and federal taxes associated with the Eligible Employees receipt of Change in Control Severance Benefits hereunder, and the Company shall have the right to deduct from any distributions hereunder any such taxes or other amounts required by law to be withheld therefrom.
6. Claims Procedures.
(a) Applications for Benefits and Inquiries. Any application for benefits, inquiries about this Agreement or inquiries about present or future rights under this Agreement must be submitted to the Administrator in writing.
(b) Denial of Claims. In the event that any application for benefits is denied in whole or in part, the Administrator must notify the applicant, in writing, of the denial of the application, and of the applicants right to review the denial. The written notice of denial will be set forth in a manner designed to be understood by the applicant, and will include specific reasons for the denial, specific references to the provisions of this Agreement upon which the denial is based, a description of any additional material or information necessary for the applicant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, and an explanation of the review procedure, including the applicants right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse decision on review. This written notice will be given to the applicant within 90 days after the Administrator receives the application, unless special circumstances require an extension of time, in which case, the Administrator has up to an additional 90 days. If an extension of time is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the applicant before the end of the initial 90-day period. This notice of extension will describe the special circumstances necessitating the additional time and the date by which the Administrator expects to render a decision on the application.
(c) Request for a Review. Any person (or that persons authorized representative) for whom an application for benefits is denied, in whole or in part, may
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appeal the denial by submitting a written request for a review to the Administrator within 60 days after the application is denied. The Administrator will give the applicant (or his or her authorized representative) an opportunity to review pertinent documents in preparing a request for a review and submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim.
(d) Decision on Review. The Administrator will provide written notice of its decision on review within 60 days after receipt of the request, unless special circumstances require an extension of time (not to exceed an additional 60 days). If an extension for review is required, written notice of the extension will be furnished to the applicant within the initial 60-day period. This notice of extension will describe the special circumstances necessitating the additional time and the date by which the Administrator expects to render a decision on review. In the event that the Administrator confirms the denial of the application for benefits in whole or in part, the notice will outline, in a manner calculated to be understood by the applicant, the specific reasons for the decision, the specific provisions of this Agreement upon which the decision is based, a statement that the applicant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the applicants claim for benefits, and a statement of the applicants right to bring an action under Section 502(a) of ERISA.
(e) Rules and Procedures. The Administrator may establish rules and procedures, consistent with this Agreement and with ERISA, as necessary and appropriate in carrying out its responsibilities in reviewing benefit claims.
7. Immediate Vesting of Equity-Based Compensation Awards upon a Change in Control. If a Change in Control occurs during the term of this Agreement, (1) the unexercised portions of all Options and SARs (as defined in the Incentive Plan) granted to the Eligible Employee under the Incentive Plan that have not expired or been forfeited pursuant to their terms shall automatically accelerate and become fully exercisable, (2) the restrictions and conditions on all outstanding Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) granted to the Eligible Employee that have not expired or been forfeited pursuant to their terms shall immediately lapse and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and (3) all outstanding Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock (as defined in the Incentive Plan) granted to the Eligible Employee that are based upon performance of the Company over a certain period of time shall become payable at the Eligible Employees target payment for the relevant performance period (regardless of the amount of the relevant performance period that precedes the Change in Control). Where a Severance precedes the Change in Control (i.e., by operation of clause (1) of Section 1(g)) and the terms of any award granted to the Eligible Employee under the Incentive Plan would otherwise call for the forfeiture of such award upon the termination of the Eligible Employees employment with the Company, such award shall not be deemed to be forfeited on account of the Eligible Employees Severance and shall remain outstanding (subject to the other terms of the award, including its original term) as if the Change in Control preceded the Severance.
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8. General Provisions
(a) Amendment and Termination. This Agreement may not be terminated prior to the end of its term without the written consent of the Eligible Employee. This Agreement may be amended by the Committee at any time; provided, however, that this Agreement may not be amended without the written consent of the Eligible Employee if such amendment would in any manner adversely affect the rights of the Eligible Employee under this Agreement.
(b) Assignment. Except as otherwise provided herein or by law, no right or interest of the Eligible Employee under this Agreement shall be assignable or transferable, in whole or in part, either directly or by operation of law or otherwise, including without limitation by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge or in any manner; no attempted assignment or transfer thereof shall be effective. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if the Eligible Employee is unable to care for his affairs when a payment is due under this Agreement to the Eligible Employee, payment may be made directly to his legal guardian or personal representative.
(c) Compliance with Law. Notwithstanding subsection (a) above or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the Company may amend, modify or terminate this Agreement, without the consent of the Eligible Employee, as the Company deems necessary or appropriate to ensure compliance with any law, rule, regulation or other regulatory pronouncement applicable to this Agreement, including, without limitation, Section 409A of the Code and any Treasury Regulations or other guidance thereunder.
(d) Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced according to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia to the extent not preempted by federal law, without regard to any conflict of laws principles that would apply the law of another jurisdiction.
(e) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included.
(f) Headings and Terms. The headings and captions herein are provided for reference and convenience only, shall not be considered part of the Agreement, and shall not be employed in the construction of the Agreement. Capitalized terms shall have the meanings given herein. Singular nouns shall be read as plural and masculine pronouns shall be read as feminine, and vice versa, as appropriate.
(g) No Assurance of Employment. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the Eligible Employee nor the creation of any fund, trust or account, nor the payment of any benefits shall be construed as giving the Eligible Employee the right to be retained in the service of the Employer, and the Eligible Employee shall remain subject to discharge to the same extent as if this Agreement had never been entered into.
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(h) Successors. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties, including the Eligible Employee and any successor to the Company. If the Eligible Employee incurs a Severance during the Change in Control Protection Period but dies before his Change in Control Severance Benefits have been fully paid, any unpaid amounts shall be paid to the executor, personal representative or administrators of the Eligible Employees estate in a lump sum payment no later than the fifteenth day of the third calendar month following the Eligible Employees death.
(i) Notice. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered, sent by overnight courier, or mailed by first-class, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or transmitted by telegram, telecopy, or telex, addressed, in the case of the Eligible Employee, to the Eligible Employees address as shown on the Companys records, and, in the case of the Company or the Administrator, to the Companys principal office, to the attention of the General Counsel or to the Chairman of the Committee, as applicable, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
(j) Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. Any and all prior agreements or understandings with respect to such matters are hereby superseded.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the day first above written.
TREX COMPANY, INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Ronald W. Kaplan | |
Name: | Ronald W. Kaplan | |
Title: | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | |
ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE | ||
/s/ James E. Cline | ||
Name: | James E. Cline |
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Exhibit 10.2
SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
This Severance Agreement is entered into as of May 6, 2015, by and between Trex Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company) and James E. Cline, an individual (Executive).
Recitals
Executive is an executive officer of the Company. The Company and Executive desire to set forth their agreement pursuant to which Executive will receive certain benefits upon severance from the Company under certain circumstances.
Agreement
Now, therefore, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Term. The term of this Agreement (the Term) shall begin on the date first set forth above and shall end on the Eligible Employees 68th birthday.
2. Termination of Employment.
(a) Termination by the Company for Cause or at the Election of Executive Without Good Reason. In the event Executives employment is terminated for Cause, as defined in Section 3(a), or at the election of Executive for any reason other than Good Reason, as defined in Section 3(b), the Company shall pay to Executive the compensation and benefits otherwise due and payable to him in a lump sum payment in cash, payable within 10 days after termination of employment, equal to the sum of (1) Executives then annual base salary (Base Salary) and any accrued vacation pay through the date of termination of employment, and (2) Executives annual bonus earned for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination of employment occurs if such bonus has not been paid as of the date of termination of employment.
(b) Termination for Death or Disability. If Executives employment is terminated by death or because of Disability, as defined in Section 3(c), the Company shall pay to the estate of Executive or to Executive, as the case may be, a lump sum payment in cash, payable within 10 days after termination of employment, equal to the sum of (1) Executives accrued Base Salary and any accrued vacation pay through the date of termination of employment, and (2) Executives annual bonus earned for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination of employment occurs if such bonus has not been paid as of the date of termination of employment.
(c) Termination by the Company Without Cause or By Executive for Good Reason. If Executives employment is terminated by the Company without Cause, or is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, at any time during the Term (including extensions thereof), except during the Change in Control Protection Period (as defined in Executives Change In Control Severance Agreement) (Change in Control Severance Agreement), Executive will be entitled to the following payments and benefits outlined in this Section 2(c):
(1) Payment of Accrued Obligations. The Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum payment in cash, no later than 10 days after the date of termination of employment, equal to the sum of (1) Executives accrued Base Salary and any accrued vacation pay through the date of termination of employment, and (2) Executives annual bonus earned for the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the date of termination of employment occurs if such bonus has not been paid as of the date of termination of employment.
(2) Payment of Severance. The Company shall pay to Executive a lump sum cash payment, no later than 10 days after such termination, equal to two (2) times Executives Final Pay as defined in Section 3(d). In the event Executive materially breaches any non-compete or confidentiality agreement then in effect with the Company, Executive agrees to return to the Company all amounts received under this Section 2(c)(2).
(3) Equity. Outstanding equity shall vest as follows: (1) The unexercised portions of all Options and SARs (as defined in the Trex Company, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan or a successor plan (Incentive Plan) granted to Executive under the Incentive Plan that have not expired or been forfeited pursuant to their terms shall automatically accelerate and become fully exercisable, (2) the restrictions and conditions on all outstanding Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (as defined in the Incentive Plan) granted to the Executive that have not expired or been forfeited pursuant to their terms shall immediately lapse and such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and (3) all outstanding Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock (as defined in the Incentive Plan) granted to the Executive that are based upon performance of the Company over a certain period of time shall become payable at the Executives target payment for the relevant performance period (regardless of the amount of the relevant performance period that precedes the termination of employment.
(4) Benefit Continuation. Commencing on the date immediately following Executives date of termination of employment and continuing for 24 months (or such lesser time as required to avoid the imposition of additional taxes under
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Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code)) (the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period), the Company shall cover Executive under the same type of Company-sponsored group health plan and dental plan (e.g., individual or family coverage) in which he was covered immediately prior to termination of employment. The Executive shall receive such continued coverage under the same terms and conditions (e.g., any requirement that employees pay all or any portion of the cost of such coverage) that would apply if Executive had continued to be an employee of the Company during the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period.
(5) For each month during the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period in which Executives continued coverage under an insured plan is not possible, the Company shall, in lieu of providing the coverage described in the preceding paragraph, make a monthly cash payment to Executive equal to the monthly premium the Company would be charged for coverage of a similarly-situated employee. The Company shall not be obligated to gross up or otherwise compensate Executive for any taxes due on amounts paid pursuant to the preceding sentence.
(6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2(c), the Companys obligation to provide continued coverage (or, in lieu thereof, make a cash payment) pursuant to this Section 2(c) shall expire on the date Executive becomes covered under one or more plans sponsored by a new employer (other than a successor to the Company) that, at the sole discretion of the Administrator, as defined in Section 3(e), are determined to provide coverage at least equivalent in the aggregate to the benefits continued under Section 2(c)(4). The coverage period for purposes of the group health continuation requirements of Section 4980B of the Code shall commence at the expiration of the Welfare Benefit Continuation Period.
(7) Release. The Executive shall not be eligible to receive any payments or benefits provided in Section 2(c) (other than payments under Section 2(c)(1)) unless he first executes a written release and agreement provided by the Company and does not revoke such release and agreement within the time permitted therein for such revocation.
(8) Restriction on Timing of Distribution. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if (1) on Executives date of termination of employment, any of the Companys stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise (within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) and (2) as a result of such termination, Executive would receive any payment that, absent the application of this Section 2(c)(8), would be subject to interest and additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A(a) of the Code as a result of the application of Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code, then no such payment shall be payable prior to the date that is the earliest of (x) six months after Executives date of termination of employment, (y) Executives death or (z) such other date as will cause such payment not to be subject to such interest and additional tax. For the avoidance of doubt, upon
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the Executives involuntary separation from service (as defined in Treas. Regs. §1.409A-1(n)), the preceding sentence shall not prevent payment to the Executive during such six-month period of an aggregate amount not exceeding the lesser of (a) two (2) times the sum of the Executives annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay for his taxable year preceding the taxable year of the separation from service, or (b) two (2) times the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the year in which the Executive has a separation from service, as permitted pursuant to Treas. Regs. §1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii).
(d) Termination During a Change in Control Protection Period. If Executives employment is terminated during a Change in Control Protection Period (as that term is defined in Executives Change in Control Severance Agreement), Executive shall be entitled to receive such severance payments and benefits as are set forth in Executives Change in Control Severance Agreement, and shall not be entitled to any benefits under this Section 2.
3. Definitions.
(a) Cause means one of the following reasons for which the Executives employment with the Company is terminated: (1) Executives willful or grossly negligent misconduct that is materially injurious to the Company; (2) Executives embezzlement or misappropriation of funds or property of the Company; (3) Executives conviction of a felony or the entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a felony; (4) Executives conviction of any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, moral turpitude or breach of trust or the entrance of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to such a crime; or (5) Executives willful failure or refusal by Executive to devote his full business time (other than on account of disability or approved leave) and attention to the performance of his duties and responsibilities if such breach has not been cured within 15 days after written notice thereof is given to the Executive by the Board.
(b) For the purposes of this Agreement, Good Reason shall exist upon: (1) a material and adverse change in Executives status or position(s) as an officer or management employee of the Company, including, without limitation, any adverse change in his status or position as an employee of the Company as a result of a material diminution in his duties or responsibilities (other than, if applicable, any such change directly attributable to the fact that the Company is no longer publicly owned) or the assignment to him of any duties or responsibilities which are materially inconsistent with such status or position(s) (other than any isolated and inadvertent failure by the Company that is cured promptly upon his giving notice), or any removal of Executive from or any failure to reappoint or reelect him to such position(s) (except in connection with Executives termination other than for Good Reason); (2) a 10% or greater reduction in Executives aggregate Base Salary and targeted bonus, other than any such reduction proportionately consistent with a general reduction of pay across the
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executive staff as a group, as an economic or strategic measure due to poor financial performance by the Company; (3) Companys requiring Executive to be based at an office that is both more than 50 miles from where his office is located and further from his then current residence; or (4) a material breach by the Company of this Agreement; provided, however, that if any of the conditions in this Section 3(b) exists, Executive must provide notice to the Company no more than ninety (90) calendar days following the initial existence of the condition and his intention to terminate his employment for Good Reason. Upon such notice, the Company shall have a period of thirty (30) calendar days during which it may remedy the condition.
(c) For the purposes of this Agreement, the term Disability shall have the meaning given that term under the Trex Company, Inc. disability plan carrier, as in effect at the time a determination of Disability is to be made.
(d) For the purposes of this Agreement, the term Final Pay shall be defined as the sum of (1) Executives Base Salary in effect at the time employment terminates (without taking into consideration a reduction in Base Salary which constitutes Good Reason as provided in Section 3(b)(2) above), and (2) the greater of (A) Executives targeted cash bonus for the year immediately prior to the year in which employment terminates or (B) the actual cash bonus earned by the Executive for the year immediately prior to the year in which employment terminates.
(e) For the purposes of this Agreement, the term Administrator means the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or such other person or persons appointed from time to time by the Committee.
4. Notices. For purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered, sent by overnight courier, or mailed by first-class, registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or transmitted by telegram, telecopy, or telex, addressed, in the case of Executive, to Executives address as shown on the Companys records and, in the case of the Company, to the Companys principal office, to the attention of the General Counsel, or to such other address as either party may have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith, except that notices of change of address shall be effective only upon receipt.
5. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Executives Change In Control Severance Agreement, any stock appreciation rights agreement, restricted stock agreement and/or any other equity agreement issued pursuant to the Trex Company, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (or a predecessor or successor plan), any Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement and any restrictive covenant agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.
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6. Amendment. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by both the Company and Executive.
7. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed, interpreted and enforced as a sealed instrument under and in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without reference to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. Any action, suit or other legal proceeding which is commenced to resolve any matter arising under or relating to any provision of this Agreement shall be commenced only in a court of the Commonwealth of Virginia (or, if appropriate, a federal court located within Virginia), and the Company and Executive each consents to the jurisdiction of such a court.
8. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of both parties and their respective successors and assigns, including any corporation with which or into which the Company may be merged or which may succeed to its assets or business, provided, however, that the obligations of Executive are personal and shall not be assigned by him. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of Executives death, any payments that Executive was otherwise entitled to under this Agreement shall be made to his estate.
9. Acknowledgment. Executive states and represents that he has had an opportunity to fully discuss and review the terms of this Agreement with an attorney. The Executive further states and represents that he has carefully read this Agreement, understands the contents herein, freely and voluntarily assents to all of the terms and conditions hereof, and signs his name of his own free act. The Company represents that it has obtained all necessary consents and approvals to execute this Agreement.
10. Miscellaneous.
(a) No delay or omission by the Company in exercising any right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of that or any other right. A waiver or consent given by the Company on any one occasion shall be effective only in that instance and shall not be construed as a bar or waiver of any right on any other occasion.
(b) The captions of the sections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and in no way define, limit or affect the scope or substance of any section of this Agreement.
(c) Termination of employment under this Agreement shall mean a separation from service under Section 409A of the Code.
(d) In case any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or otherwise unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall in no way be affected or impaired thereby.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year set forth above.
Trex Company, Inc. |
/s/ Ronald W. Kaplan |
Ronald W. Kaplan |
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Executive: | ||
/s/ James E. Cline | ||
Name: | James E. Cline |
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