2020 Notice of Annual General Meeting and Proxy Statement
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Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement Making our world more productive 2019 Key Board Actions The Board and its committees undertook the A Message from following key actions during 2019: Our Chairman • Oversaw the Company’s capital allocation strategy, with a focus on investment for future growth and appropriate shareholder distribution levels (including declaration of Dear fellow shareholders, an initial cash dividend and subsequent On behalf of Linde’s entire Board of Directors, I am approval of a 10% increase for 2020) pleased to invite you to the second Annual General • Approved an executive compensation Meeting of Shareholders (“AGM”) of Linde plc program that reflects a clear pay-for- (“Linde” or the “Company”). performance philosophy and aligns management’s interests with those of COVID-19 Pandemic shareholders (please see the detailed We find ourselves in the midst of a global discussion of the executive compensation pandemic of unparalleled proportions. The Board program in the accompanying proxy of Directors is actively monitoring ongoing statement). developments and providing advice and counsel to • Conducted the Company’s initial strategy management as the Company seeks to mitigate and enterprise risk assessment reviews, the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on our critical topics over which the Board will employees, business, customers and communities. continue to exercise appropriate oversight going forward. Undertook a talent review which As we do this, we adhere to safety as one of • underscored the strength and depth of our Linde’s core corporate values and this includes the global human capital. health and safety of our shareholders. Therefore, while we currently anticipate holding the AGM in Environmental and Social Responsibility person in London on July 27, 2020, this may not be possible if there are continuing COVID-19 It is evident through our shareholder related travel restrictions or ongoing health risks. engagement efforts that sustainability and We may need to delay the AGM, change its overall corporate social responsibility are as location and/or conduct the AGM virtually. The important to our investors as they are to us, accompanying Notice of the AGM and the proxy and as such, these will remain primary areas statement provide more details regarding potential of focus for the Board. Our Mission of “Making contingencies and alternatives for the AGM. our World More Productive” reflects our strong belief that Linde is part of the solution to the Strong Corporate Governance world’s climate change challenges. As a follow up to our recently announced 2028 climate 2019 was a successful year for Linde by most change targets, I encourage you to read our measures. The Company delivered strong 2019 Sustainable Development Report which financial performance, and management’s will be published in the next few months integration of our global businesses and functions is substantially complete. Equally as important, the The Board thanks you for your continuing support Board and its committees have also successfully and confidence in Linde. integrated into the Linde corporate governance structure, and we have benefited from the diversity Regards, of backgrounds and expertise that each one of our 12 directors bring. The Board has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, policies and international best practices to build a strong governance architecture. Details of these policies Prof. Dr. Wolfgang H. Reitzle Chairman of the Board and practices are available in the accompanying proxy statement. Table of Contents Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Proxy Statement Highlights ....................................................................................................... 1 Proposals ......................................................................................................................... 1 2019 Business Performance Highlights ........................................................................... 3 Board and Governance Highlights ................................................................................... 5 Compensation Highlights ................................................................................................. 7 Corporate Governance and Board Matters .............................................................................. 8 Linde’s Corporate Governance Framework ..................................................................... 8 Board Committees ........................................................................................................... 16 Director Compensation .................................................................................................... 19 Director Nominees ........................................................................................................... 21 Proposal 1: Re-appointment of Directors ................................................................................. 34 Audit Matters ............................................................................................................................... 35 Independent Auditor Selection Process ........................................................................... 35 Auditor Independence ...................................................................................................... 36 Fees Paid to the Independent Auditor ............................................................................. 37 Audit Committee Report ................................................................................................... 38 Proposal 2a: Non-Binding Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Auditor .... 39 Proposal 2b: Authorization of the Board to Determine the Auditor’s Remuneration .......... 39 Proposal 3: Determination of Price Range for Re-allotment of Treasury Shares ................ 40 Executive Compensation Matters ............................................................................................. 41 Report of the Compensation Committee ......................................................................... 41 Compensation Discussion and Analysis .......................................................................... 41 Linde plc 2019 Executive Compensation Program .................................................. 43 Executive Compensation Tables ..................................................................................... 57 Table 1: Summary Compensation ........................................................................... 57 Table 2: Grants of Plan-Based Awards .................................................................... 59 Table 3: Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End ......................................... 60 Table 4: Option Exercises and Stock Vested ........................................................... 61 Table 5: Pension Benefits ........................................................................................ 62 Table 6: Nonqualified Deferred Compensation ........................................................ 66 Severance and Other Change-In Control Benefits .......................................................... 68 Table 7: Amounts Potentially Payable upon Termination ........................................ 71 CEO Pay Ratio ................................................................................................................. 75 Proposal 4: Advisory and Non-Binding Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation 76 Information on Share Ownership .............................................................................................. 77 Information About the Annual General Meeting and Voting .................................................. 78 General Information ......................................................................................................... 78 Miscellaneous .................................................................................................................. 82 Notice of 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Dear Shareholder: The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Linde plc (“Linde” or the “Company”) will be held at 11:00 a.m. local time on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the Corinthia Hotel, Whitehall Place, Westminster, London, SW1A 2BD, U.K., for the following purposes: (please see the notice below regarding possible changes to the meeting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic) 1. By separate resolutions, to re-appoint the twelve director nominees described in the proxy statement. 2. To (a) ratify, on an advisory and non-binding basis, the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers (“PwC”) as independent auditor of the Company and (b) to authorize the Board, acting through the Audit Committee, to determine PwC’s remuneration. 3. To determine the price range at which the Company can re-allot shares that it acquires as treasury shares under Irish law. 4. To approve, on an advisory and non-binding basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers. 5. To conduct such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Potential Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Annual General Meeting Linde is monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) developments and the related recommendations and protocols issued by public health authorities and governments. The health and well-being of Linde’s shareholders is a high priority. If the Company determines that it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual General Meeting in