BALCHEM CORP filed this DEF 14A on April 25, 2025
BALCHEM CORP - DEF 14A - 20250425 - EXECUTIVE_COMPENSATION

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Consideration of 2024 Shareholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation
Shareholder Engagement and Say-on-Pay Vote
We are committed to both listening and being responsive to our shareholders. The Compensation Committee carefully considers the results of the advisory vote on the approval of the compensation of our NEOs, commonly referred to as “Say-on-Pay.” Throughout the course of the year, we engage with shareholders in various ways as indicated below under “Shareholder Engagement Highlights.” In particular, during 2024, we actively reached out to our shareholders representing over 75% of outstanding shares in relation to executive compensation to help identify their views on our executive compensation programs and, where appropriate, implement changes.
Shareholder Engagement Highlights
Engaged with:
Institutional investors
Retail shareholders
Pension funds
Proxy advisory firms
Industry associations
Engaged through:
Quarterly earnings call
Investor conferences
Individual investor meetings
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
Sustainability Report
Data verification process of proxy advisory firms
Engagements include:
President, Chairman and CEO
CFO and Investor Relations team
Executive Officers
Independent Directors
Head of Global Sustainability
In 2024, engaged with shareholders representing:

Over 75% of total outstanding shares
or
Over 24.3 million shares
Information shared through:
SEC filings including 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and Proxy Statement
Quarterly earnings call
Press releases
Company website
Media and digital platforms
During our 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, 97.1% of votes were cast in support of the compensation of our NEOs. We believe this strong support is in recognition of our pay-for-performance compensation philosophy where the majority of executive compensation is tied to variable pay and payouts are aligned with the Company’s performance.
The Company communicates regularly with shareholders on various matters, including executive compensation, and seeks to incorporate shareholder input into its executive compensation practices. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider shareholder feedback and evolving best practices in making compensation decisions in future years and will continuously endeavour to ensure that management’s interests are aligned with those of our shareholders and support long-term value creation.
Awards Under Incentive Plan
In addition, and driven in part by our efforts to maintain best practices in executive compensation, the following features are included in the Amended and Restated Balchem Corporation 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Amended 2017 Plan”):
Limitation on Shares: The maximum number of shares which may be issued under the Amended 2017 Plan is 2,400,000 shares;
No Repricing of Stock Options or SARs: No repricing (or amendments or replacements related to a repricing) of outstanding Stock Options/SARs is allowed without shareholder approval;
No Discounted Awards: The exercise price per share of stock under a Stock Option or SAR award must be not less than the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant;
Minimum Vesting: Except for 5% of the shares authorized for grant under the Amended 2017 Plan and other limited exceptions, awards (other than cash performance awards) are generally subject to a minimum vesting period of one year;
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Dividends or Dividend Equivalents: Dividends or dividend equivalents otherwise payable on an unvested award will accrue and be paid only when the vesting conditions applicable to the underlying award have been satisfied;
No Liberal Share Recycling: Recycling of shares used to satisfy the exercise price or taxes for any awards is prohibited;
No Liberal Change in Control: The consummation of a merger or similar transaction and a minimum acquisition of 50% of the outstanding shares is required before a change-in-control occurs;
No Automatic “Single-Trigger” Vesting on Change in Control: There is no automatic acceleration of any outstanding awards upon the occurrence of a change in control;
Limitations on Awards to Non-Employee Directors: In the case of awards to non-employee directors, the maximum amount or value that may be granted in any calendar year (inclusive of cash compensation) may not exceed $800,000; and
Compensation Recovery: In the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of its financial statements due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirements under the securities laws, the Compensation Committee would have the discretion to require reimbursement or forfeiture of certain excess performance-based awards received by certain executive officers of the Company during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement.
Full Year 2024 Financial Summary

Note: GAAP Net Earnings were $128.5 million for FY 2024 and $108.5 million for FY 2023. Please refer to the reconciliation of the above non-GAAP financial measures (Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Earnings, and Adjusted Earnings Per Share) to the comparable GAAP financial measures in Appendix A beginning on page A-1 of this proxy statement.
Compensation Committee Methodology
NEOs Other than the CEO:
The CEO recommends to the Compensation Committee the amount of total annual compensation for each of the other NEOs.
The CEO completes an annual performance assessment for each of the other NEOs, which is reviewed and considered by the Compensation Committee.
The CEO:
The Compensation Committee conducts an annual performance appraisal of the CEO using evaluation information solicited from each independent Board member and recommends to the Board the annual compensation package for the CEO.
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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
In determining the compensation of the Company’s NEOs for 2024, the Compensation Committee considered many quantitative and qualitative performance factors, including the financial performance of the Company, return on equity, cash flow, return on assets, growth, management of assets, liabilities, capital, liquidity and risk. The Compensation Committee also considered intangible factors such as the scope of responsibility of the NEO leadership within the Company, the community, the applicable industries in which the Company operates and the enhancement of shareholder value.
When establishing performance criteria for each of the NEOs and for the management team as a group, the Compensation Committee endeavours to balance short-term and long-term performance of the Company and cumulative shareholder value.
All factors are considered in the context of the market for Balchem’s products and services, and the complexity and difficulty of managing business risks in the prevailing economic conditions and regulatory environment.
The Compensation Committee believes that the total compensation provided to the NEOs is competitive and has been demonstrated as effective. Details regarding the NEO compensation are set forth in the tables that follow.
Compensation Consultants
The Compensation Committee has authority to engage attorneys, accountants and consultants, including executive compensation consultants, to solicit input concerning compensation matters, and to delegate any of its responsibilities to one or more directors or members of management, where it deems such delegation appropriate and permitted under applicable law.
To better understand the compensation practices of similar companies, the Compensation Committee from time to time, reviews data gathered from a custom peer group. In late 2023, the Compensation Committee, upon close consultation with Pearl Meyer, completed a review and update of Balchem’s peer group. Peer group information serves as the primary reference point for the Compensation Committee with Pearl Meyer’s market survey data used as a secondary reference. The peer group was refreshed in December 2023 and was used for benchmarking purposes in 2024.
2024 Peer Group Companies
The following companies comprised our peer group for 2024:
​Ashland Global Corp.
Hain Celestial Group
​Minerals Technologies
Avient Corp.
H.B. Fuller Co.
MGP Ingredients
​Azek Company
​Hexcel
Quaker Chemical Corp.
Cabot Corp.
Ingevity Corp.
Sensient Technologies
Celsius Holdings
Innospec Inc.
​The Simply Good Foods Co.
CSW Industrials
J&J Snack Foods Corp.
Stepan Co.
Element Solutions
​Lancaster Colony Corp.
Treehouse Foods
FMC Corp.
 
 
This peer group was developed based on comparability to the Company in terms of industry and size (revenue and market capitalization). In December 2023, based upon a peer group review and recommendations from Pearl Meyer, the Compensation Committee approved the current peer group. The changes were made to enhance the alignment of the peer group with the current size of Balchem and the markets that we serve.
Benchmarks
While compensation survey data and benchmarking are useful guides for comparative purposes, we believe that a successful compensation program also requires the application of judgment and subjective determinations, particularly with respect to individual performance. Accordingly, our Compensation Committee applies its judgment to adjust and align each individual element of our compensation program with the broader objectives of the program. For example, we consider other factors, including, but not limited to, the Company’s historical compensation trends; recommendations of the CEO; the performance of
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the Company, its operating units and their respective executives; market factors such as the health of the economy and of the industries served by the Company; the availability of executive talent; executives’ length of service; and internal assessments and recommendations regarding particular executives.
Base Salary
Base salary is the fixed component of pay based on each NEO’s job responsibilities, performance and competitive benchmark data. Annual incentive cash bonuses and long-term compensation also are based on a percentage of base salary.
To ensure we attract and retain the leadership talent required to successfully lead the Company, NEO base salaries are targeted to be competitive with base salary compensation paid to peer group NEOs and other relevant external benchmarks derived from established market survey information.
In establishing NEO base salaries, the Compensation Committee also considers:
experience and industry knowledge;
the quality and effectiveness of their leadership;
performance relative to total compensation;
internal pay equity among the NEOs and other Company senior executives;
historical considerations;
retention factors; and
input from our CEO regarding individual performance.
NEO base salaries are reviewed annually and may be adjusted to recognize individual performance, promotions, competitive compensation levels, retention requirements, internal pay equity, overall budgetary considerations and other qualitative factors.
Cash Based Incentives – Incentive Compensation Plan
Balchem’s Incentive Compensation Plan (“ICP”) represents a variable, at-risk, cash-based component of each NEO’s compensation. The Company’s policy is to base a meaningful portion of NEO cash compensation on variable incentive opportunities that drives year-over-year financial performance to align NEO compensation opportunities directly with Company financial performance.
ICP awards are based on two financial metrics:
Company Adjusted EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest, other expense/income, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation, acquisition-related expenses and legal settlements, and the fair valuation of acquired inventory); and,
Free Cash Flow (defined as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures).
Unless the Compensation Committee in its discretion determines otherwise, no ICP awards are payable unless the Company attains the Compensation Committee-approved threshold minimum of Adjusted EBITDA.
Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are financial measures that are not in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company believes that the use of these measures in the executive compensation context is helpful in evaluating and comparing our past financial performance with our future results.
These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP; however, the Company believes that they provide useful information about certain of the Company’s core operating results and thus are appropriate to enhance the overall understanding of the Company’s past financial performance and its prospects for the future in the context of evaluating the performance of our executive officers.
As part of the 2022 ICP design and onwards, the Compensation Committee approved the inclusion of an ESG component in the ICP structure for senior management in the form of an ESG modifier of +/- 10% in an effort to drive accountability in advancing progress towards our ESG goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 (from a 2020 baseline) and reducing water withdrawal by 25% by 2030 (from a 2020 baseline). Achieving progress toward these strategic targets is a baseline expectation and the enhancement or reduction of the ICP will only be for achievement well above or below overall expected progress towards our ESG goals. Regardless of ESG performance, the maximum payout for ICP is 200% of target.
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The Compensation Committee may in its discretion approve cash-based bonuses when ICP goals are not met, if it believes there has nevertheless been exceptional segment or individual performance. No such discretionary bonuses were approved by the Compensation Committee in 2024. The Compensation Committee may also approve at its discretion ICP or discretionary cash-based awards at other times during the year in connection with new appointments or promotions. Our Compensation Committee does not time the issuance of incentive awards around our release of undisclosed material information.
ICP target amounts for each NEO are expressed as a percentage of actual base salary earned during the applicable calendar year. For 2024, NEO ICP targets were:
NEO
ICP Target as a Percent of Base Salary
Ted Harris
115%
C. Martin Bengtsson
75%
Frederic Boned
60%
Hatsuki Miyata
60%
Martin Reid
60%
For the 2024 plan year, the Compensation Committee established the Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow performance weighting and metrics as follows:
Metric
Weighting
Threshold
Target
Stretch
Maximum
Adjusted EBITDA
​60%
$230.9
$241.1
$253.2
​$265.2
Revenue
20%
$920.5
$962.0
$986.1
$1,010.1
Free Cash Flow
​20%
$120.0
$133.3
$140.0
$146.6
​ESG Modifier for
Executive Officers
+/- 10%
 
 
 
 
2024 ICP Discussion
On February 12, 2025, the Compensation Committee, following its review of the Company’s 2024 financial results, noted that the Company had achieved the following results:
Metric
2024 Result
Actual vs. Target
Payout Percentage
Adjusted EBITDA
$250.3 million
​103.8%
​122.9%
Revenue
$953.7 million
99.1%
86%
Free Cash Flow
$147.2 million
​110.4%
200%
Based on the resulting Adjusted EBITDA, Revenue and Free Cash Flow results, the Compensation Committee, approved the aggregate ICP payout level at 131.0% of target. Based on substantial progress regarding the Company’s sustainability goals that was made during 2024, the Compensation Committee determined to apply the ESG modifier for the first time with respect to the 2024 ICP payout for the executive officers. In particular, the Compensation Committee determined that a positive 6% ESG modifier was appropriate in light of the Company’s achievements in safety, where the low total recordable injury rate and lost time injury rate showcased our steadfast focus and commitment to employee well-being and safety, and as a result of the Company’s progress made during 2024 in GHG emissions reduction and water withdrawal reduction, which both well-exceeded expected progress against the Company’s respective 2030 goals.
For additional detail on the ICP, see “Summary Compensation Table – Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.”
Equity Based Compensation – Long-Term Incentive Program (“LTIP”)
Our NEOs have significant responsibility for the management, growth and long-term success of the Company. Consequently, the Compensation Committee believes that a significant portion of their compensation be a variable, at-risk equity component that is aligned with the creation over time of value for shareholders and stakeholders while supporting critical retention and key leadership development efforts.
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LTIP Awards
The Compensation Committee establishes each NEO’s “Target Equity Multiplier,” which is multiplied by the NEOs’ base salary to determine the “Target Equity Value” and expressed as the dollar value of the LTIP award. The Target Equity Multiplier for each NEO is shown below:
NEO
Target Equity
Multiplier
(of Base Salary)
Ted Harris
3.30
C. Martin Bengtsson
2.25
Frederic Boned
1.50
Hatsuki Miyata
1.50
Martin Reid
1.30
The Target Equity Value is then converted into equity awards based upon the fair value on the date LTIP awards are granted, usually in February of each calendar year, as computed in accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification 718.
Although the Compensation Committee approves the LTIP equity in this time frame, it also reviews competitive market data for NEOs from time to time. The Compensation Committee may grant LTIP awards at other times during the year because of new appointments, promotions or other special circumstances. Our Compensation Committee does not time the grants of incentive awards around our release of undisclosed material information. The Compensation Committee may in its discretion adjust individual grants based upon individual performance.
The Target Equity Value is granted through a mix of stock options (“Stock Options”), time-based restricted shares (“Time-Based Restricted Shares”) and Performance Shares (as defined below) as follows:
25% of the 2024 Target Equity Value is awarded as Stock Options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant. Stock Options have a ten-year term and vest 20% after Year 1, 40% after Year 2 and 40% after Year 3.
25% of the 2024 Target Equity Value is awarded as Time-Based Restricted Shares which are granted at the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant and cliff vest three (3) years from said date.
25% of the 2024 Target Equity Value is awarded as EBITDA performance shares (“EBITDA Performance Shares”). The number of EBITDA Performance Shares that will vest (or not vest) is based upon the attainment of a pre-determined Company EBITDA performance target over the three (3) fiscal years beginning with the fiscal year in which the grant was made (“Performance Period”). The EBITDA Performance Shares will vest (or not vest) at the end of the Performance Period.
25% of the 2024 Target Equity Value is awarded as Total Shareholder Return performance shares (the “TSR Performance Shares” and collectively with the EBITDA Performance Shares, the “Performance Shares”). The number of TSR Performance Shares that will vest (or not vest) is based upon the relative Company TSR vs. the Russell 2000 Index over the three (3) fiscal years beginning with Performance Period.
The 2024-2026 Performance Period will conclude at the end of fiscal 2026 and the awards will pay out, to the extent earned, in shares of common stock in February 2027.
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2022 Performance Share Payout Discussion
On February 12, 2025, the Compensation Committee, following its review of the Company’s EBITDA and TSR performance from the 2022-2024 Performance Period, approved the following payout for the 2022 Performance Share grant:
2022 PSU GRANTS EBITDA
(50% Weight)
2021 FY EBITDA
2024 FY EBITDA
Actual EBITDA
Growth
(2022-2024)
Threshold
EBITDA Growth
(50% of Target Payout)
Target
EBITDA Growth
(100% of Target Payout)
Maximum
EBITDA Growth
(200% of Target Payout)
EBITDA Payout
as a % of Target
$176.1
$230.6
​31.0%
10.0%
24.2%
31.5%
​192.4%
2022 PSU GRANTS - Relative TSR
(50% Weight)
Balchem TSR
Russell 2000
25th %'ile
(50% of Target Payout)
Russell 2000
50th %'ile
(100% of Target Payout)
Russell 2000
75th %'ile
(200% of Target Payout)
Balchem
%'ile Rank
TSR Payout
% of Target
8.0%
​-65.5%
​-16.9%
​31.3%
​63.7
​154.7%
In aggregate, the 2022-24 Performance Shares (PSUs) vested in 172.4% of the target units originally granted.
Stock Ownership Requirements; Trading Limitations
The Company has formal stock ownership requirements for its directors and executive officers. The requirements under the Company’s Stock Ownership Policy for Directors and Executive Officers are:
Director/Officer
Ownership Requirement
(as a multiple of the
annual cash retainer* or
base salary)
Updated Ownership Requirement
effective as of February 13, 2025
Directors
5x
5x
CEO
3x
5x
Chief Financial Officer
1.5x
3x
All Other Executive Officers
1x
2x
*
The cash retainer is exclusive of any fees received for serving as Lead Director and/or Committee Chair(s).
Based on benchmarking conducted by Pearl Meyer, the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultants, the Board approved updates to the Stock Ownership Policy as reflected above, effective February 13, 2025.
Both directors and executive officers have five years from the date of hire or commencement of service as a director, as applicable, to attain the required level of ownership. The number of shares to be held will be calculated at the end of each fiscal year based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq as of December 31 of each calendar year and submitted to the Governance Committee for review. Once the holding requirement is met, any subsequent change in the value of the shares will not affect the amount of stock that executive officers or directors should hold. In the event an executive officer’s annual base salary is increased or a director’s annual cash retainer is increased, such officer or directors will have five years from the time of increase to acquire any additional shares needed to meet the requirements under the stock ownership policy. Further, executive officers who are subsequently promoted to a higher officer level will have five years from the date of promotion to acquire any additional shares needed to meet this policy.
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For purposes of the stock ownership requirement, the following are included:
value of shares owned separately or owned jointly with, or separately by, immediate family members residing in the same household;
value of shares held in trust for the benefit of the Executive Officer or Director and immediate family members;
value of shares purchased on the open market;
value of shares acquired and held by an Executive Officer through the Company’s 401(k) plan;
value of shares obtained through stock option exercise (and not thereafter sold); and
value of shares of restricted stock or performance shares, which have vested free and clear of restrictive legends.
Stock ownership does not include unexercised stock options, stock appreciation rights, or the non-vested portion of any stock options, restricted stock or performance awards.
Pursuant to the stock ownership policy, the Governance Committee may, at its discretion, waive the stock ownership requirement if compliance would create an undue hardship or prevent an Executive Officer or Director from complying with a court order. In such instances, the Governance Committee may make a decision to develop an alternative stock ownership program for such executive officer or director that reflects the intention of the policy and give appropriate consideration of his/her personal circumstances.
All directors and officers are currently in compliance with our stock ownership policy.
Clawback Policy
In 2023, the Company formally adopted an Incentive-Based Compensation Recovery Policy, or clawback policy, pursuant to which the Company can seek reimbursement of either cash or equity-based incentive compensation in the event of a financial restatement due to the Company’s material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws. This policy, which applies to current and former executive officers, applies broadly to incentive-based compensation, including:
(i)
non-equity incentive plan awards that are earned solely or in part by satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal;
(ii)
bonuses paid from a bonus pool, where the size of the pool is determined solely or in part by satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal;
(iii)
other cash awards based on satisfaction of a financial reporting measure performance goal;
(iv)
restricted stock, stock options and performance share units that are granted or vest solely or in part on satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal; and
(v)
proceeds from the sale of shares acquired through an incentive plan that were granted or vested solely or in part on satisfying a financial reporting measure performance goal.
The amount of erroneously awarded compensation to be recovered will be the amount of incentive-based compensation received that exceeds the amount of incentive-based compensation that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated amounts, and must be computed without regard to any taxes paid. Any right of recoupment under the Company’s clawback policy is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other remedies or rights of recoupment that may be available to the Company pursuant to the terms of any similar policy in any compensatory or incentive plan, employment agreement, equity award agreement, or similar plan or agreement and any other legal remedies available to the Company. The Company may not indemnify any such executive officer against the loss of such recovered compensation.
Employment Agreements
The Company has employment agreements with Mr. Harris and has entered into the Bengtsson Offer Letter, which are described below under the section of this proxy statement titled “Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements.” Other than such agreements, there are no agreements or understandings between the Company and any NEO that guarantee continued employment or any level of compensation, including incentive or bonus payments. The Company does not have a written policy regarding employment agreements. There is no provision in foregoing agreements or in any employment or other arrangement with any other executive officer whereby any tax gross-up payment to cover any excise taxes on excess parachute payments will be made.
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Balchem Corporation 401(k) Plan
The Company sponsors the 401(k) Plan for eligible employees, including NEOs. The Company provides a fully vested match in company stock that is equal to 100% of participant contributions up to 6% of eligible compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Service guidelines. Such share purchases are handled through the plan administrator in the open market and no shares are issued by the company for purposes of the company match under the 401(k) Plan.
The amount of the Company’s contribution to the 401(k) Plan for each NEO is shown in a footnote to the “All Other Compensation” section of the Summary Compensation Table.
Perquisites
Perquisites are granted to the NEOs occasionally and are not a material component of compensation. Mr. Harris is entitled to the use of an automobile owned or leased by the Company and to be reimbursed for a specified level of premiums for life and disability insurance. He is also entitled to the use of a financial planner. The Company pays to insure and maintain Mr. Harris’ automobile, and reimburses Mr. Harris for auto expenses that are related to Company business. Mr. Bengtsson, Mr. Boned, Ms. Miyata, and Mr. Reid receive or received cash allowances associated with the use of their personal automobiles. Perquisites for each NEO are shown in the “All Other Compensation” section of the Summary Compensation Table.
Executive Severance Policy
On February 12, 2025, the Compensation Committee approved the adoption of the Balchem Corporation Executive Severance Policy (the “Executive Severance Policy”). Eligible participants in this Policy (“Participants”) are those employees who are designated by the Board as executive officers for purposes of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Pursuant to the Executive Severance Policy, in the event the Company or its subsidiaries terminates the employment of a Participant without Cause outside of a Change in Control Period (such terms as defined in the Executive Severance Policy) and such Participant has been employed by the Company for at least one year prior to such termination, then (1) such Participant is entitled to receive cash severance in an amount equal to the sum of a specified multiple of such Participant’s base salary plus a specified multiple of such Participant’s target annual bonus opportunity and COBRA coverage at the Company’s expense for the length of the severance period set forth in the Executive Severance Policy (or earlier if benefits are provided by a new employer); and (2) such Participant’s outstanding equity awards will be treated in accordance with the relevant equity award agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion and in lieu of all or a portion of the cash payable under (1) above, can accelerate the vesting of all or a portion of such Participant’s outstanding equity awards, provided that the aggregate fair market value of such accelerated equity awards is at least equal to the aggregate amount of such cash payable, pursuant to the terms of the Executive Severance Policy.
Further, subject to the terms and conditions of the Executive Severance Policy, in the event a Participant incurs an Involuntary Termination within a Change in Control Period (such terms as defined in the Executive Severance Policy), then (1) such Participant is entitled to receive cash severance in an amount equal to the sum of a specified multiple of such Participant’s base salary plus a specified multiple of such Participant’s target annual bonus opportunity and COBRA coverage at the Company’s expense for the length of the severance period set forth in the Executive Severance Policy (or earlier if benefits are provided by a new employer); and (2) the vesting of such Participant’s time-based equity awards will immediately accelerate in full, with performance deemed achieved at target levels.
Payment for Termination without Cause
 
Annualized Base
Salary Multiple
Annualized Target
Bonus Multiple
Severance Period
(months)
Chief Executive Officer
2
2
24
Chief Financial Officer
1
1
12
Other Participants
1
1
12
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Payment for Involuntary Termination within a Change in Control Period
 
Annualized Base
Salary Multiple
Annualized Target
Bonus Multiple
Severance Period
(months)
Chief Executive Officer
3
3
36
Chief Financial Officer
2
2
24
Other Participants
2
2
24
Balchem Deferred Compensation Plan
Balchem offers a voluntary, non-qualified deferred compensation plan (“Deferred Compensation Plan”) for NEOs and select other executives. The Deferred Compensation Plan allows participants to defer up to 75% of annual base salary and up to 100% of annual ICP bonus. Compensation deferred under the Deferred Compensation Plan is deemed invested by the participant among various mutual fund investment options. Earnings (or losses) on investments are market earnings (or losses). The Deferred Compensation Plan is not formally funded nor does the Company guarantee any rate of return. The Company does not match any deferral contributions. Distributions may be in a lump sum or installments as determined by the participant’s distribution election.
On February 12, 2025, upon recommendation of Pearl Meyer, the Compensation Committee’s independent compensation consultants, the Compensation Committee reviewed and approved that, subject to the terms and conditions of the Company’s existing Deferred Compensation Plan, to the extent any of the executive officers of the Company elects to make contributions of a portion of their base salary to the Deferred Comp Plan, the Company will match such contributions in full up to 6% of each such officer’s base salary, which is consistent with the Company’s percentage match under its 401(k) plan. This approval had no impact on the executive officers’ compensation in 2024.
Risk Considerations in Our Compensation Program
Our Compensation Committee has discussed the concept of risk as it relates to our compensation program and does not believe our compensation program encourages excessive or inappropriate risk-taking for the following reasons:
Our compensation consists of both fixed and variable components.

The fixed (or salary) portion of compensation is designed to provide a steady income regardless of our stock price performance so that executives do not feel pressured to focus exclusively on stock price performance to the detriment of other important business aspects.

The variable portions of compensation (cash bonus and equity) are designed to reward both short- and long-term corporate performance.
For short-term performance, our cash bonus is awarded based primarily on corporate and business segment performance goals or targets.
For long-term performance, our Stock Options generally vest ratably over three years and are only valuable if our stock price increases over time. Our Time-Based Restricted Share grants and Performance Share grants generally cliff vest in three years.
The variable elements of compensation are a sufficient percentage of overall compensation to motivate executives to produce superior short- and long-term corporate results, while the fixed element is also sufficient such that executives are not encouraged to take unnecessary or excessive risks in doing so.
The use of Adjusted EBITDA as the contingent factor upon which ICP cash incentive depends, encourages our executives to take a balanced approach that focuses on corporate profitability, rather than other measures such as revenue targets, which may create incentives for management to drive sales without regard to cost structure. No payout is made under the ICP program if we are not sufficiently profitable.
Our ICP and LTIP awards are capped for each participant, which mitigates excessive risk-taking. Even if the Company dramatically exceeds its Adjusted EBITDA target, the awards are limited. Conversely, there is no ICP or LTIP award unless minimum performance levels of applicable goals are achieved.
Because a portion of management’s personal investment portfolio consists of the Company’s stock, we believe that the stock ownership guidelines we have in place provide a considerable incentive for
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management to consider the Company’s long-term interests in both their short- and long-term decisions. In addition, we prohibit all hedging transactions involving our stock, so our executives and directors cannot insulate themselves from the effects of poor Company stock price performance.
The following table sets forth fixed and variable components as a percentage of total compensation, as presented in the “Total” column of the “Summary Compensation Table for 2024,” that we paid for the year ended December 31, 2024, to each NEO.
Name
Fixed Component of
Compensation
Variable Component of
Compensation
Ted Harris
17.6%
82.4%
C. Martin Bengtsson
25.1%
74.9%
Frederic Boned
33.4%
66.6%
Hatsuki Miyata
29.2%
​70.8%
Martin Reid
32.1%
67.9%
Compensation Committee Report
We have reviewed and discussed the above “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” with management.
Based upon this review and discussion, we have recommended to the Board that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” be included in this Proxy Statement.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Matthew Wineinger (Chair)
David Fischer
Kathleen Fish
Daniel Knutson
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