NETGEAR® Announces Inducement Grants Under NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(c)(4)

Rhea-AI Summary

NETGEAR, Inc. announced the grant of inducement equity awards to newly-hired CEO, Charles (CJ) Prober. The awards include time-based and performance-based restricted stock units, totaling 911,640 shares of common stock. These awards are subject to vesting conditions based on Mr. Prober's continued service and company performance.

Financial Analyst

The inducement equity awards to NETGEAR's new CEO, Charles Prober, signify a strategic move to align leadership incentives with shareholder interests. The mix of time-based RSUs and performance-based RSUs (PSUs) is designed to ensure long-term commitment and performance-driven leadership. The structure of the awards, with vesting periods stretching over four years and performance metrics tied to total shareholder return (TSR) relative to peers, suggests a focus on sustainable growth and competitive performance.

From an investment perspective, the use of TSR as a benchmark for the Sign-On PSU Award is noteworthy. It implies that executive compensation is directly linked to the company's performance in the market, which can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can drive executives to improve company performance, potentially leading to an increase in stock price. On the other, it may also encourage short-term strategies to boost TSR at the expense of long-term stability. Investors should monitor NETGEAR's strategic decisions following this grant to assess the impact of these incentives on the company's direction.

Market Research Analyst

The inclusion of the Nasdaq Telecommunications Index (IXTC) as a benchmark for performance evaluation is a clear indicator of NETGEAR's ambition to outperform its industry peers. The technology and networking sector is highly competitive and the ability to innovate and capture market share is critical. The performance-based vesting of the Sign-On PSU Award ties the CEO's compensation to not just the company's absolute performance but its performance relative to its sector. This approach can drive strategic initiatives aimed at differentiation and market leadership.

It is essential to consider the broader implications of this award structure. If NETGEAR's TSR outperforms the IXTC, it could signal to the market that the company is a strong performer within its sector, potentially attracting more investors. Conversely, if NETGEAR underperforms, it may reflect negatively on the company's competitive position. Stakeholders should watch the company's operational metrics and market position closely to assess the effectiveness of the new CEO's strategies in response to these incentives.

Legal Expert

The grant of equity awards in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) indicates adherence to regulatory standards for inducement grants, which is essential for maintaining corporate governance and investor confidence. The disclosure of these awards and their conditions helps ensure transparency, a critical aspect of public company operations. The legal framework surrounding such inducement grants is designed to prevent conflicts of interest and to align the interests of executives with those of the shareholders.

For shareholders and potential investors, the legal compliance and transparency of the inducement equity awards process are reassuring. However, it is also important for stakeholders to understand the terms and conditions associated with these awards, as they can significantly influence executive behavior and, by extension, company performance. Continuous monitoring of the company's adherence to these regulations and the performance criteria set forth in the inducement awards will be crucial for evaluating the long-term impact on NETGEAR's governance and performance.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NETGEAR, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTGR), a global networking company that delivers innovative networking and Internet connected products to consumers and businesses, today announced that it granted inducement equity awards to newly-hired Chief Executive Officer, Charles (CJ) Prober, on February 27, 2024, pursuant to an offer letter entered into between NETGEAR and Mr. Prober, dated January 30, 2024 (the “Offer Letter”). The awards were granted in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4) as a material inducement to Mr. Prober’s employment with NETGEAR.

The inducement awards consist of three stock unit awards consisting of (1) an award of time-based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) relating to 280,505 shares of NETGEAR’s common stock (the “2024 Annual Award); (2) an award of performance-based RSUs with a target amount of 455,820 shares of NETGEAR’s common stock (the “Sign-On PSU Award”); and (3) an award of time-based RSUs relating to 175,315 shares of NETGEAR’s common stock (the “Sign-On RSU Award”).

The 2024 Annual Award and the Sign-On RSU Award each will vest in equal annual installments over four years (with the first installment vesting on January 31, 2025), in each case subject to Mr. Prober’s continued service with NETGEAR through the vesting date.

The Sign-On PSU Award is divided into three equal tranches that each vest based on performance as follows: (i) the first tranche will vest based on performance from the January 31, 2024 through December 31, 2024, (ii) the second tranche will vest based on performance during calendar year 2025, and (iii) the third tranche will vest based on performance during calendar year 2026. For each tranche, the number of Sign-On PSUs that become eligible to vest (“Earned PSUs”) will be based on how the total shareholder return (“TSR”) of NETGEAR during the performance period compares to the TSRs of the companies in the Nasdaq Telecommunications Index (IXTC), as described in the Offer Letter.

The total number of Earned PSUs will be subject to a “true-up” if the cumulative 3-year relative TSR of NETGEAR from January 31, 2024 through December 31, 2026 is higher than the relative TSR as of the end of either of the first two performance periods.

About NETGEAR, Inc.

For more than 25 years, NETGEAR® (NASDAQ: NTGR) has been the innovative leader in connecting the world to the internet with advanced networking technologies for homes, businesses and service providers around the world. As staying connected has become more important than ever, NETGEAR delivers award-winning network solutions for remote work, distance learning, ultra high def streaming, online game play and more. To enable people to collaborate and connect to a world of information and entertainment, NETGEAR is dedicated to providing a range of connected solutions. From ultra-premium Orbi Mesh WiFi systems and high performance Nighthawk routers, to high-speed cable modems and 5G mobile wireless products to cloud-based subscription services for network management and security, to smart networking products and Video over Ethernet for Pro AV applications, NETGEAR keeps you connected. NETGEAR is headquartered in San Jose, California. Learn more on the NETGEAR Investor Page or by calling (408) 907-8000. Connect with NETGEAR: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and the NETGEAR blog at NETGEAR.com.

© 2024 NETGEAR, Inc. NETGEAR and the NETGEAR logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of NETGEAR, Inc. and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. NETGEAR shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240228406151/en/

NETGEAR Investor Relations

Erik Bylin

investors@netgear.com

Source: NETGEAR, Inc.

What type of awards did NETGEAR grant to the newly-hired CEO?

NETGEAR granted inducement equity awards to the newly-hired CEO, Charles (CJ) Prober. These awards include time-based and performance-based restricted stock units.

How many shares of common stock are included in the inducement equity awards?

The inducement equity awards granted to Mr. Prober total 911,640 shares of NETGEAR's common stock.

What are the vesting conditions for the awards?

The awards will vest in equal annual installments over four years, subject to Mr. Prober's continued service with NETGEAR. The performance-based awards will vest based on the company's total shareholder return compared to the Nasdaq Telecommunications Index.