Document:

thg-ex1040_240.htm

Exhibit 10.40

					
	
 

	
 
	
 
	
 

	
 

	
RULES OF THE CHAUCER

2016 LONG-TERM CASH INCENTIVE PLAN

 

	
 
		
	
 

 

 

 

 

	
1
	
Definitions

In these Rules (unless the context otherwise requires) the following words and phrases have the following meanings:

Award: a conditional right to receive a cash payment under this Plan evidenced by an Award Letter or, where the context permits, an Alternative Award;

Award Letter: a letter issued by the Company and executed by a duly authorised officer thereof as evidence of the grant of an Award;

Award Tax Liability: an amount sufficient to satisfy all of any jurisdiction’s taxes, duties, employee’s social security or national insurance contributions or any other amounts arising in connection with the Vesting or surrender of an Award or any cash payment pursuant to a Vested Award and which are required to be withheld or accounted for by the Withholding Agent;

Base Salary: the annual rate of cash earnings (excluding, without limitation, bonuses and Awards hereunder) of the Employment by virtue of which the Eligible Employee may participate in the Plan, as of the date on which an Award is granted;

Change in Control: Any of the following: (i) the members of the Board of Directors of The Hanover (the “Board”) at the beginning of any consecutive twenty-four (24) calendar month period (the “Incumbent Directors”) cease at any time during such period for any reason other than due to death, disability or retirement (in the event of a member’s death, disability of retirement, such member shall be deemed to continue as an Incumbent Director until such member’s seat on the Board is filled) to constitute at least a majority of the members of the Board, provided that any director whose election or nomination for election by The Hanover stockholders was approved by a vote of at least a majority of such Incumbent Directors shall be treated as an Incumbent Director; (ii) any “person” including a “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d)(2) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “1934 Act”), but excluding The Hanover, its affiliates, any employee benefit plan of The Hanover or any affiliate, and an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities) is or becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rule 13(d)(3) under the 1934 Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of The Hanover representing 35% or more of the combined voting power of The Hanover’s then outstanding securities, except that this provision shall not be applicable if The Hanover, in connection with raising capital or making an acquisition (including through the issuance of debt or other securities which are convertible into securities with voting power), voluntarily agrees to issue to a “person” or a “group” (as defined above) in such a transaction, securities aggregating (when combined with securities owned by such person or group immediately prior to such transaction) 35% or more, but less than a majority, of the combined voting power of The Hanover’s then outstanding securities (but this exception shall not apply to any subsequent transfer, except to the extent agreed to by The Hanover, in writing, at the time such securities are issued); (iii) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, share exchange or similar form of corporate transaction involving The Hanover or any affiliate that requires the approval of The Hanover’s stockholders (excluding a corporate transaction involving solely The Hanover and its affiliates) (a “Business Combination”), unless the stockholders immediately prior to such Business Combination own more than 50% of the total voting power of the successor corporation resulting from such Business Combination or a majority of the board of directors of the successor corporation were Incumbent Directors immediately prior to such Business Combination; (iv) the stockholders of The Hanover approve a sale of all or substantially all of The Hanover assets and such sale is consummated; or (v) the stockholders of The Hanover approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of The Hanover; 

Committee: the remuneration committee of the Company or other duly authorised committee which fulfils the same function, or in the absence of such Committee, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer;

Companies Act: the Companies Act 2006 as amended from time to time;

Company: Chaucer Syndicates Limited;

Control: has the meaning given to it by section 995 of the Income Tax Act 2007;

1

 

Date of Grant: the date on which an Award is granted pursuant to Rule 2.1;

Eligible Employee: any employee (including an executive director) of any Group Company;

Employing Company: the Company or any Group Company or former Group Company by which the Participant is or, where the context so admits, was Employed;

Employment: office or employment with any Group Company and Employed shall be construed accordingly;

Executive Officer of Hanover.  Any Eligible Employee that has been designated by the Board as an “officer” (as that term is defined in Rule 16a-1(f) as promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) of The Hanover.

Financial Year: has the meaning given to it in section 390 of the Companies Act; 

Group: the Company and its Subsidiaries from time to time and Group Company shall be construed accordingly;

Holding Company: the meaning given to it by section 1159 of the Companies Act;

Participant: an Eligible Employee who holds a Subsisting Award including, where the context permits, his personal representatives;

Performance Condition: If applicable, the Performance Condition shall be the Average Post-Tax ROAC during the Performance Period

 

FUNDING SCALE FOR AWARDS SUBJECT TO PERFORMANCE CONDITION

 

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
Avg. Post-Tax ROAC
	
<6.5%
	
6.5%
	
14%
	
>24%

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

	
% of Target Award
	
0%
	
25%
	
100%
	
200%

	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 
	
 

 

If actual Average Post-Tax ROAC falls between the points identified on the scale, funding will increase or decrease in a linear manner

 

Performance Period: the period commencing on 1 January 2016 and expiring on 31 December 2018;

Plan: this plan as governed by the Rules;

Average Post-Tax ROAC: equals:

Measurement Year 1 ROAC + Measurement Year 2 ROAC + Measurement Year 3 ROAC

3

 

Measurement Year 1 ROAC (1 January 2016 – 31 December 2016) equals(d):

 

(2016 Pre-Tax Chaucer Operating Income(a)) x (1 - 2016 Operating Tax Rate(b))

2016 Allocated Capital(c)

 

Measurement Year 2 ROAC (1 January 2017 – 31 December 2017) equals(d):

 

(2017 Pre-Tax Chaucer Operating Income(a)) x (1 - 2017 Operating Tax Rate(b))

2017 Allocated Capital(c)

 

Measurement Year 3 ROAC (1 January 2018 – 31 December 2018) equals(d):

 

(2018 Pre-Tax Chaucer Operating Income(a)) x (1 - 2018 Operating Tax Rate(b))

2018 Allocated Capital(c)

2

 

 

Definitions

 

	
 
	
(a)
	
“Pre-Tax Chaucer Operating Income” means Chaucer’s pre-tax operating income, excluding interest on debt (but including allocated interest expense) for the applicable period determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as reported in The Hanover’s financial statements as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

	
 
	
(b)
	
“Operating Tax Rate” means the actual year end operating tax rate for the applicable portion of the performance period (e.g. year end 2016 tax rate will apply to 2016 performance period) determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and as utilized in the preparation of The Hanover’s financial statements as filed with the SEC. 

 

	
 
	
(c)
	
Allocated Capital equals:

 

(Current Year Chaucer Net Earned Premium ÷ Current Year Capital Allocation Factor) +

(Prior Year Chaucer Net Earned Premium ÷ Prior Year Capital Allocation Factor)

2

The applicable Capital Allocation Factor shall be determined by The Hanover in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with how it allocates capital to its other business segments.

 

	
 
	
(d)
	
When calculating Post-Tax ROAC, currencies shall be converted into USD based upon exchange rates utilized in the applicable financial statements filed with the SEC.

 

Pro-Rating Formula: the formula which is used to establish the percentage of an Award which may Vest (subject, where applicable, to the satisfaction of Performance Conditions) where Rule 4 (Cessation of Employment) applies by applying the following formula:

where X is the number of days (not to exceed 1,096) comprised in the period beginning on the Date of Grant and ending on the day on which the Award Vests in accordance with Rule 4.

Rules: these rules as from time to time amended in accordance with their provisions by the Committee;

Subsidiary: a company which is a subsidiary of the Company (within the meaning of section 1159 of the Companies Act) and which is under the Control of the Company;

Subsisting Award: an Award to the extent that it has not Vested and has not lapsed; 

The Hanover: The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., a corporation organised under the laws of the state of Delaware, USA;

The Hanover Committee. The Compensation Committee of the Board or such other duly authorised committee which fulfils the same function; 

Vest: in relation to an Award, for the Participant to become absolutely beneficially entitled to a payment of cash under the Award and Vesting, Vested and Unvested shall be construed accordingly;

Vesting Date:1 April 2019 or such other earlier date which may be determined in accordance with these Rules; and

Withholding Agent: a Participant's Employing Company, the Company, any Group Company, any former Group Company, or any other entity or person designated by the Committee which is required to account to the relevant tax authorities for an Award Tax Liability.

3

 

Where the context so permits, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa and the masculine gender shall include the feminine. Any reference to a statutory provision is to be construed as a reference to that provision as from time to time amended or re-enacted and shall include any regulations or other subordinate legislation made under it.

	
2
	
Grant of Awards

	
2.1
	
Subject to section 2.6, the Committee may grant Awards by deed to such Eligible Employees as it shall at its absolute discretion, from time to time, select.  No Eligible Employee shall be entitled as of right to have an Award granted to him. The extent of any grant of Awards shall be determined by the Committee at its absolute discretion.

	
2.2
	
The Committee will determine the aggregate levels of Awards granted under the Plan.

	
2.3
	
No payment will be required in consideration for the grant of an Award.

	
2.4
	
Each Participant shall be issued with an Award Letter which will set out the details mentioned in Rule 2.2.  To the extent that the terms of an Award Letter conflict with the Rules, the Rules shall prevail.

	
2.5
	
The Performance Condition may not be varied (save as otherwise provided in these Rules) unless an event occurs which causes the Committee to determine that such Performance Condition has ceased to be appropriate whereupon the Committee may (subject to the consent of The Hanover Committee) at its absolute discretion vary or replace such Performance Condition provided that the variation or replacement is, in the Committee’s opinion, fair and reasonable.

	
2.6
	
Notwithstanding any language contained herein to the contrary (i) any Awards granted hereunder to an Executive Officer of Hanover will not be effective unless, and until such time as, such action by the Committee has been formally ratified by The Hanover Committee, and (ii) in no event shall the maximum aggregate value of all Awards granted hereunder exceed such amounts authorised by The Hanover Committee.

	
3
	
Transfer

Subject to the rights of a deceased Participant’s personal representatives pursuant to Rule 4.2, an Award may not be transferred, charged, pledged, mortgaged or encumbered in any way whatsoever.

	
4
	
Cessation of Employment

	
4.1
	
If a Participant ceases to hold Employment prior to the date on which any payment pursuant to his Vested Award is made in accordance with Rule 6 by reason of:

	
4.1.1
	
injury, ill-health or disability proved to the satisfaction of the Committee; or

	
4.1.2
	
redundancy; or

	
4.1.3
	
retirement with the agreement of his Employing Company; or

	
4.1.4
	
any other reason at the absolute discretion of the Committee,

Portion of Award Not Subject to a Performance Condition: This portion of the Award shall be deemed to immediately Vest but shall be reduced to reflect the Pro-Rating Formula, unless the Committee, in its absolute discretion, determines that the Award shall Vest to a greater extent; and

4

 

Portion of Award Subject to a Performance Condition: This portion of the Award shall be deemed to immediately Vest to the extent that the Performance Condition has been satisfied but shall be reduced to reflect the Pro-Rating Formula; provided, however, to the extent that the effective date of the cessation of employment is prior to the expiration of the Performance Period and the Performance Condition has not yet been achieved as of such date, such Performance Condition shall be deemed satisfied at such level determined in accordance with Section 7.1.2, unless the Committee, in its absolute discretion, determines that the Award shall Vest to a greater extent.

	
4.2
	
If a Participant dies, 

	
4.2.1
	
Portion of Award Not Subject to a Performance Condition:  This portion of the Award shall be deemed to immediately Vest but shall be reduced to reflect the Pro-Rating Formula, unless the Committee, in its absolute discretion, determines that the Award shall Vest to a greater extent; and

	
4.2.2
	
Portion of Award Subject to a Performance Condition: This portion of the Award shall be deemed to immediately Vest to the extent that the Performance Condition has been satisfied but shall be reduced to reflect the Pro-Rating Formula; provided, however, to the extent that Participant’s death is prior to the expiration of the Performance Period and the Performance Condition has not yet been achieved as of such date, such Performance Condition shall be deemed satisfied at such level determined in accordance with Section 7.1.2, unless the Committee, in its absolute discretion, determines that the Award shall Vest to a greater extent.

	
5
	
Lapse of Awards

	
5.1
	
An Award shall lapse and cease to be capable of Vesting upon the earliest to occur of the following:

	
5.1.1
	
the expiry of the Performance Period, to the extent that any applicable Performance Condition remains unfulfilled at that date;

	
5.1.2
	
the date upon which a Participant ceases to hold Employment for any reason not set out in Rule 4.1;

	
5.1.3
	
the Participant being adjudicated bankrupt; 

	
5.1.4
	
any breach or purported breach of Rule 3 by the Participant; or

	
5.1.5
	
a determination by the Committee pursuant to Rule 13 that the Award be cancelled.

	
5.2
	
For the purposes of these Rules:

	
5.2.1
	
a Participant shall not be treated as ceasing to hold Employment until he ceases to hold Employment with any Group Company; 

	
5.2.2
	
a Participant shall be treated as ceasing Employment on the day on which he gives or is served notice of such cessation, unless the Committee determines that he shall be treated as ceasing Employment upon the date on which he actually ceases Employment;

	
5.2.3
	
if a Participant’s Employment is suspended in accordance with his Employing Company’s disciplinary procedures and subsequently terminated, he shall be treated as having ceased Employment on the date on which he was suspended unless the Committee at its absolute discretion determines otherwise; and

	
5.2.4
	
a female Participant shall not be treated as ceasing Employment if absent from work wholly or partly because of pregnancy until such time as she ceases to be entitled to return to work.

5

 

	
6
	
Vesting of an Award

	
6.1
	
As soon as reasonably practicable after the Vesting Date of an Award, the Company shall pay the Participant the amount to which he is entitled.

	
6.2
	
Any amount paid pursuant to this Plan shall be paid net of any Award Tax Liability.

	
6.3
	
Notwithstanding any language contained herein to the contrary, the determination by the Committee as to the level of achievement of the Performance Condition, the aggregate amount of payments to be made hereunder upon Vesting of the Awards, and any specific amounts to be paid upon Vesting of Awards made to Executive Officers of Hanover, will not be effective unless, and until such time as, such determination by the Committee has be formally ratified by The Hanover Committee.

	
7
	
Change in Control

In the event of a Change in Control, the following provisions of this Rule 7 shall apply:  

	
7.1
	
Except as provided in Rule 7.2 below, upon consummation of a Change in Control 

	
7.1.1
	
Portion of Award Not Subject to a Performance Condition:  This portion of the Award shall immediately Vest; and:

	
7.1.2
	
Portion of Award Subject to a Performance Condition: This portion of the Award shall immediately Vest to the extent that the Performance Condition has been satisfied; provided, however, to the extent that the effective date of the Change in Control is prior to the expiration of the Performance Period and the Performance Condition has not yet been achieved as of such date, such Performance Condition shall be deemed satisfied at such level determined below:

 

		
	
Effective Date of Change in Control, Death or Cessation of Employment Pursuant to Section 4.1
	
Calculation of Level of Performance Condition Achievement

	
Prior to 1 January 2017
	
Performance Condition deemed achieved at target 

	
1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 
	
Measurement Year 1 ROAC shall be achieved at the level of actual performance determined and certified by the Committee; Measurement Years 2 and 3 ROAC shall be deemed achieved at target

	
1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018
	
Measurement Year 1 and 2 ROAC shall be achieved at the level of actual performance determined and certified by the Committee; Measurement Year 3 ROAC shall be deemed achieved at target

	
On or after 1 January 2019
	
Performance Condition shall be achieved at actual level of performance as determined by the Committee

 

	
7.2
	
Notwithstanding Rule 7.1, no acceleration of Vesting shall occur with respect to an Award if The Hanover Committee reasonably determines in good faith prior to the occurrence of a Change in Control that this Award shall be honoured or assumed, or new rights substituted therefor (such honoured, assumed or substituted award hereinafter called an “Alternative Award”), by the Participant's employer (or the Holding Company or a Subsidiary of such employer) immediately following the Change in Control, provided that the Alternative Award shall become a time-based award that is no longer subject to any performance-based Vesting requirement, and shall also:

	
7.2.1
	
be payable in cash;

6

 

	
7.2.2
	
provide such Participant with rights and entitlements substantially equivalent to or better than the rights, terms and conditions applicable under this Award, including, but not limited to, an identical or better time-based Vesting schedule;

	
7.2.3
	
have substantially equivalent economic value to this Award (determined at the time of the Change in Control and based upon the value the Participant would have received had the Award been accelerated pursuant to Rule 7.1 above); and

	
7.2.4
	
have terms and conditions which provide that in the event that the Participant's employment is involuntarily terminated (other than for misconduct or under circumstances whereby, pursuant to the terms of the Participant’s employment, the Participant could be summarily dismissed without notice) or the Participant terminates his employment for “Good Reason” (as defined in Rule 7.3 below) prior to the Vesting Date, the Alternative Award shall automatically Vest in full and any conditions on the Participant's rights under, or any restrictions on transfer or exercisability applicable to, such Alternative Award shall be waived or shall lapse.  

	
7.3
	
For the purpose of Rule 7.2.4 above, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of one or more of the events listed below following a Change in Control: (A) a reduction in the Participant’s rate of annual base salary as in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control; (B) a reduction in the Participant’s annual short-term incentive compensation plan target award opportunity (but excluding the conversion of any cash incentive arrangement into an equity incentive arrangement of commensurate value or vice versa) from that which was in effect immediately prior to such Change in Control; or (C) any requirement that the Participant relocate to an office more than 55 kilometers from the facility where he was located immediately prior to the Change in Control.

	
7.4
	
If a Participant believes that a “Good Reason” event has been triggered, he must give his employing company written notice within 30 days of the occurrence of such triggering event and a proposed termination date which shall be not sooner than 60 days nor later than 90 days after the date of such notice.  Such notice shall specify the Participant’s basis for determining that “Good Reason” has been triggered.  The Company shall have the right to cure a purported “Good Reason” within 30 days of receipt of said notice.

	
8
	
Participation in Plan and Employment

	
8.1
	
No individual shall have any claim against a Group Company or any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, The Hanover) arising out of not being admitted to participation in the Plan which (for the avoidance of all, if any, doubt) is entirely at the discretion of the Committee.

	
8.2
	
The Plan shall not form part of any contract of employment between any Group Company or any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, The Hanover) and any employee and the rights and obligations of any individual under the terms of his Employment shall not be affected by his participation in the Plan.

	
8.3
	
Participation in the Plan shall be on the express condition that ceasing to participate in the Plan and/or the loss of Awards (or parts thereof) for any reason in accordance with the terms of the Plan shall not afford any individual any right to compensation or damages under the terms of his Employment.

	
8.4
	
No Participant shall be entitled to claim compensation or damages from any Group Company or any of its affiliates (including, without limitation, The Hanover) in respect of any diminution or extinction of his rights or benefits (actual or potential) pursuant to any Award granted to him as a result of the exercise or failure to exercise any discretion vested in the Committee under the Plan to the advantage or fullest advantage of the Participant.

	
8.5
	
Each Group Company and its affiliated entities (including, without limitation, The Hanover) shall be entirely free to conduct its affairs as it sees fit without regard to any consequences under, upon or in relation to the Plan or any Award or Participant.

	
8.6
	
Neither the grant of an Award nor any benefit pursuant to an Award shall form part of an individual’s pensionable remuneration for the purposes of any pension plan or similar arrangement which may be operated by any Group Company.

7

 

	
9
	
Administration and Amendment

	
9.1
	
The Plan shall be administered under the direction of the Committee, which, subject to Rule 9.2, may at any time by resolution (ratified by The Hanover Committee) and without other formality delete from, amend or add to the Rules in any respect.

	
9.2
	
Subject to Rule 9.3, no deletion, amendment or addition may be made to the Rules if it would adversely affect the rights already acquired by Participants pursuant to Subsisting Awards without the approval of Participants holding more than fifty percent (50%) of the Subsisting Awards so affected.  

	
9.3
	
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these Rules, the Committee may (without any further formality) make deletions, amendments or additions to the Plan which it considers necessary or desirable in order to benefit the administration of the Plan, to take account of applicable legislation in any country or territory (and including any proposed change to such legislation), or other regulations or to obtain or maintain favourable taxation treatment for Participants or any Group Company provided that such amendments or additions do not diverge from the basic principles of the Plan.

	
9.4
	
The Committee may from time to time make and vary such rules and regulations not inconsistent with the Plan and establish such procedures for the administration and implementation of this Plan as it thinks fit and in the event of any dispute or disagreement as to the interpretation of any such rules, regulations or procedures, the decision of the Committee shall be final and binding upon all persons.

	
9.5
	
The Plan, the grant and Vesting of Awards thereunder, and the other obligations of the Company under the Plan, shall be subject to all applicable national or local laws, rules, and regulations and to such approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required.

	
9.6
	
The Committee’s decision on any matter relating to the interpretation of the Rules and any other matters concerning the Plan (including the rectification of errors or mistakes of procedure or otherwise) shall be final and binding.

	
9.7
	
Any notice or other communication under or in connection with the Plan may be given:

	
9.7.1
	
by the Company to an Eligible Employee or Participant either personally or sent to him at his place of work by electronic mail or by post to the address last known to the Company (including any address supplied by the relevant Employing Company or any Subsidiary) or sent through the Company's internal postal service; and

	
9.7.2
	
to the Company, either personally or by post to the Company Secretary.

Items sent by post shall be pre-paid and shall be deemed to have been received 72 hours after posting.

	
9.8
	
The Company shall bear the costs of setting up and administering the Plan. However, the Company may require any Employing Company to reimburse the Company for any costs borne by the Company directly or indirectly in respect of such Employing Company's Eligible Employees.

	
9.9
	
The Company (or one or more of its affiliated entities, including, without limitation, The Hanover) shall maintain all necessary books of account and records relating to the Plan.

	
9.10
	
If any Award Letter or any other document issued for the purposes of the Plan shall be worn out, defaced or lost, it may be replaced on such evidence being provided as the Committee may require.

8

 

	
9.11
	
By participating in this Plan, each Participant agrees to the holding of information about him by any Group Company (or any of their respective affiliated entities, including, without limitation, The Hanover) and he authorises any Group Company (or any of their respective affiliated entities, including, without limitation, The Hanover) and their agents and advisers to use such information for the purposes of this Plan.  Each Participant further agrees that data concerning his participation may be processed by agents of any Group Company (or any of their respective affiliated entities, including, without limitation, The Hanover) wherever located and where necessary transmitted outside the European Economic Area.

	
10
	
Exclusion of Third Party Rights

The Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 shall not apply to this Plan or to any Award granted under it and no person other than the parties to an Award shall have any rights under it nor shall it be enforceable under that Act by any person other than the parties to it.

	
11
	
Termination

The Plan shall terminate on the 31 December 2016.  This Rule 11 shall not affect Subsisting Awards.

	
12
	
Governing Law

These Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.  Any dispute concerning these Rules not resolved by mutual agreement between the parties to that dispute shall be referred to the courts of England and Wales.

	
13
	
Reduction, Amendment or Cancellation of Awards

Awards may be reduced, amended or cancelled as set out below:

	
13.1
	
The Committee may, subject to Rules 2.6 and 6.3, at any time at its sole discretion determine, before an Award has Vested, to:

	
13.1.1
	
reduce the amount potentially payable under the Award; and/or 

	
13.1.2
	
defer the date on which the Award Vests; and/or

	
13.1.3
	
amend the Performance Condition applying to the Award; and/or

	
13.1.4
	
impose additional conditions to the Award; or

	
13.1.5
	
cancel the Award.

	
13.2
	
The circumstances in which the Committee may make this determination include (but are not limited to):

	
13.2.1
	
the conduct of the Participant or the team or division in which he is working or has worked, or the business unit of which he is or has been a part, is considered to have had a detrimental impact on the business of any Group Company or to have brought the business of any such company into disrepute; or

	
13.2.2
	
evidence emerges that past performance which was taken into account either when the Award was made or when the relevant bonus pool on the basis of which the Award was made was calculated was materially worse than was understood on the relevant date; or

	
13.2.3
	
the prior financial statements of any Group Company or any business unit or division of any Group Company are materially restated, corrected or amended; or

	
13.2.4
	
evidence emerges that the Participant or the Participant’s team, business unit or division has engaged in improper or inadequate risk analysis or has failed to raise concerns in relation to improper or inadequate risk analysis.

9EX-10.34

 Exhibit 10.34 

U.S. BANCORP 

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT 

THIS AGREEMENT is made as of <Grant Date> (the “Grant Date”), by and between U.S. Bancorp (the “Company”) and <Participant
Name> (the “Participant”), together with the Completed Exhibit A which is incorporated herein by reference (collectively, the “Agreement”), sets forth the terms and conditions of a performance restricted stock unit award
representing the right to receive <Number of Target Awards Granted> shares of common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”). The grant of this performance restricted stock unit award is made pursuant to
the Company’s 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by shareholders on April 21, 2015 (the “Plan”) and is subject to its terms. Capitalized terms that are not defined in the Agreement shall have the meaning ascribed to
such terms in the Plan. 
 The Company and Participant agree as follows: 

1. Award 
 Subject to the terms and
conditions of the Plan and the Agreement, the Company grants to Participant a performance restricted stock unit award (the “Units”) entitling Participant to <Number of Target Awards Granted> performance restricted stock units (such
number of units, the “Target Award Number”). The Target Award Number shall be adjusted upward or downward as provided in the Completed Exhibit A. The number of Units that Participant will receive under the Agreement, after giving
effect to such adjustment, is referred to herein as the “Final Award Number.” Each Unit represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock, subject to the vesting requirements and distribution provisions of the Agreement and the
terms of the Plan. The shares of Common Stock distributable to Participant with respect to the Units granted hereunder are referred to as the “Shares.” The Completed Exhibit A sets forth (a) the performance period over which the
Final Award Number will be determined (the “Performance Period”), and (b) the date on which the Final Award Number will be determined (the “Determination Date”). 

2. Vesting; Forfeiture 
 (a)
Time-Based Vesting Conditions. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Agreement, if the Participant remains continuously employed by the Company or an Affiliate of the Company through the Vesting Date as set forth in the vesting schedule
(the “Vesting Schedule”) detailed at the end of this Agreement in the Appendix: Vesting Schedule (the “Scheduled Vesting Date”), the number of Units equal to the Final Award Number shall become vested on the Scheduled Vesting
Date and will be settled and Shares delivered in accordance with Section 3, provided that Participant has at all times since the Grant Date complied with the terms of any confidentiality and
non-solicitation agreement between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant. Except as otherwise provided in the Agreement, if Participant ceases to be an employee of the Company and its Affiliates
prior to the Scheduled Vesting Date, all Units that have not become vested previously shall be immediately and irrevocably forfeited. 
 (b)
Continued Vesting Upon Separation From Service Due to Retirement or Disability. Notwithstanding Section 2(a), if Participant has a Separation From Service (as defined in Section 10) with the Company or any Affiliate by reason of
Retirement (as defined in Section 10) or Disability (as defined in Section 10), prior to the Scheduled Vesting Date, and provided such Separation From Service is not a Qualifying Termination (as defined in Section 10), the Units shall
not be forfeited, but rather, the Final Award Number will be determined in accordance with Section 1 and the Units shall continue to vest on the Scheduled Vesting Date subject to the terms of the Agreement, including Section 2(f) hereof,
and provided that Participant has at all times since the Grant Date complied with the terms of any confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant. 

(c) Acceleration of Vesting Upon Death. If Participant ceases to be an employee by reason of death, or if Participant dies after a
Separation From Service by reason of Retirement or Disability, prior to the Scheduled Vesting Date, then the Units will become vested in accordance with this Section 2(c). If such death occurs prior to the last day of the Performance Period, a
number of Units equal to the Target Award Number will vest upon Participant’s death. If the death occurs on or after the last day of the Performance Period, then a number of Units equal to the Final Award Number will vest and be distributed to
the Participant in accordance with Section 3(d). Notwithstanding the foregoing, such vesting is subject to the terms of the Agreement, including Section 2(f) hereof, and provided the Participant has at all times since the Grant Date
complied with the terms of any confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant. 

 (d) Acceleration of Vesting Following a Qualifying Termination.
Notwithstanding the vesting provisions contained in Sections 2(a) and 2(b) above, but subject to the other terms and conditions of the Agreement, if Participant experiences a Qualifying Termination prior to the Scheduled Vesting Date, then the Units
will become vested in accordance with this Section 2(d). If the Qualifying Termination occurs prior to the last day of the Performance Period, a number of Units equal to the Target Award Number will vest upon Participant’s Qualifying
Termination. If the Qualifying Termination occurs on or after the last date of the Performance Period, then a number of Units equal to the Final Award Number will vest and be distributed to the Participant in accordance with Section 3(b).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, such accelerated vesting is subject to the terms of the Agreement, including Section 2(f) hereof, and provided that the Participant has at all times since the Grant Date complied with the terms of any
confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if in connection with a Change in Control the Units are adjusted, or units
in the acquiring or surviving entity are substituted for the Units, or the Plan is terminated, in each case as permitted under the Plan and in accordance with Section 409A, then the terms of such adjustment, substitution or plan termination
will govern the treatment of the Units. 
 (e) Forfeiture on Termination of Employment for Cause and on Breach of Confidentiality
Agreement. If Participant violates the terms of any confidentiality and non-solicitation agreement between the Company or an Affiliate and the Participant, all Units that have not been settled (and Shares
delivered) previously shall be immediately and irrevocably forfeited. If Participant’s employment with the Company is terminated for Cause, all Units that have not been settled (and Shares delivered) previously shall be immediately and
irrevocably forfeited. Upon forfeiture, Participant shall have no rights relating to the forfeited Units (including, without limitation, any rights to receive a distribution of Shares with respect to the Units and the right to receive Dividend
Equivalents). 
 (f) Special Risk-Related Cancellation Provisions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, if at
any time subsequent to the Grant Date the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that Participant has subjected the Company to significant financial, reputational, or other risk by (i) failing to comply with Company policies and
procedures, including the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct, (ii) violating any law or regulation, (iii) engaging in negligence or willful misconduct, or (iv) engaging in activity resulting in a significant or material control
deficiency under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, then all or part of the Units granted under the Agreement that have not been settled (and Shares delivered) at the time of such determination may be cancelled. If any Units are cancelled pursuant to
this provision, Participant will have no rights with respect to the Units (including, without limitation, any rights to receive a distribution of Shares with respect to the Units and the right to receive Dividend Equivalents). 

3. Distribution of Shares with Respect to Units 

Subject to the terms of the Agreement, including the restrictions in this Section 3, following the vesting of Units and following the payment of any
applicable withholding taxes pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the Company shall cause to be issued and delivered to Participant (including through book entry) Shares registered in the name of Participant or in the name of Participant’s legal
representatives, beneficiaries or heirs, as the case may be, as follows: 
 (a) General Rule. As soon as administratively feasible
following the Scheduled Vesting Date (but in no event later than December 31st of the year in which such Scheduled Vesting Date occurs), all Shares issuable pursuant to Units that become vested in
accordance with Sections 2(a) through 2(c) hereof shall be distributed to Participant, or in the event of Participant’s death, to the representatives of Participant or to any Person to whom the Units have been transferred by will or the
applicable laws of descent and distribution. 
 (b) Qualifying Termination Distributions. As soon as administratively feasible
following a Separation From Service in connection with a Qualifying Termination (and in any case no later than 60 days following such Separation From Service except as otherwise provided in this Section 3(b)), all Shares issuable pursuant to
Units that become vested in accordance with Sections 2(d) hereof shall be distributed to Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Shares issuable to a Specified Employee (as defined in Section 10) as a result of a Separation From Service
in connection with a Qualifying Termination will not be delivered to such Specified Employee until the date that is six months and one day after the date of the Separation From Service. If in connection with a Change in Control the Units are
adjusted, or units in the acquiring or surviving entity are substituted for the Units, or the Plan is terminated, in each case as permitted under the Plan and in accordance with Section 409A, then the terms of such adjustment, substitution or
plan termination will govern the treatment of the Units, including the time and manner of settlement of the Units. 

  
 -2- 

 (c) Distributions Following Retirement or Disability. If a Participant has a
Separation From Service due to Retirement or Disability (so long as such Separation From Service is not in connection with a Qualifying Termination), the distribution of Shares with respect to Units will not be accelerated, and Shares will be
distributed as soon as administratively feasible following the applicable Scheduled Vesting Dates (but in no event later than December 31st of the year in which such Scheduled Vesting Date
occurs). 
 (d) Distributions Following Death. As soon as administratively feasible following the death of a Participant (but in no
event later than 90 days following such death) all Shares issuable pursuant to Units that become vested pursuant to Section 2(c) shall be distributed to the Participant. 

In the event that the number of Shares distributable pursuant to this Section 3 is a number that is not a whole number, then the number of Shares
distributed shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number. 
 4. Rights as Shareholder; Dividend Equivalents  

Prior to the distribution of Shares with respect to Units pursuant to Section 3 above, Participant shall not have ownership or rights of ownership of any
Shares underlying the Units; provided, however, that Participant shall be entitled to accrue cash Dividend Equivalents on outstanding Units (i.e. Units that have not been forfeited, cancelled or settled), whether vested or unvested, if
cash dividends on the Common Stock are declared by the Board on or after the Grant Date. Prior to the Determination Date, Participant will accrue cash Dividend Equivalents on Units equal to the Target Award Number. Specifically, when cash dividends
are paid with respect to a share of outstanding Common Stock, an amount of cash per Unit equal to the cash dividend paid with respect to a share of outstanding Common Stock will be accrued with respect to each Unit in Participant’s Target Award
Number. On the Determination Date, the dollar amount of Participant’s cumulative accrued Dividend Equivalents as of the Determination Date will be multiplied by Participant’s Target Award Number Percentage to determine the amount of cash
Dividend Equivalents that will be paid to Participant. Dividend Equivalents will be paid in cash as soon as administratively feasible following the date on which the underlying Units giving rise to the Dividend Equivalents are settled and paid out,
but in no event later than December 31st of the year in which the underlying Units are distributed in accordance with Section 3. The Dividend Equivalents shall be treated as earnings on, and
as a separate amount from, the Units for purposes of Section 409A of the Code. 
 5. Restriction on Transfer  

Except for transfers by will or the applicable laws of descent and distribution, the Units cannot be sold, assigned, transferred, gifted, pledged, or in any
manner encumbered, alienated, attached or disposed of, and any purported sale, assignment, transfer, gift, pledge, alienation, attachment or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against the Company. No such attempt to transfer the Units,
whether voluntary or involuntary, by operation of law or otherwise (except by will or laws of descent and distribution), shall vest the purported transferee with any interest or right in or with respect to the Units or the Shares issuable with
respect to the Units. 
 6. Securities Law Compliance 

The delivery of all or any of the Shares in accordance with this Award shall be effective only at such time that the issuance of such Shares will not violate
any state or federal securities or other laws. The Company is under no obligation to effect any registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933 or to effect any state registration or qualification of the Shares. The Company may, in its
sole discretion, delay the delivery of the Shares or place restrictive legends on such Shares in order to ensure that the issuance of any Shares will be in compliance with federal or state securities laws and the rules of the New York Stock Exchange
or any other exchange upon which the Common Stock is traded. 

  
 -3- 

 7. Income Tax Withholding 

In order to comply with all applicable federal, state, local and foreign income and payroll tax laws or regulations, the Company may take such
action as it deems appropriate to ensure that all applicable withholding, income or other taxes, which are the sole and absolute responsibility of Participant, are withheld or collected from Participant. Without limiting the foregoing, the Company
may, but is not obligated to, permit or require the satisfaction of tax withholding obligations through net Share settlement at the time of delivery of Shares (i.e. the Company withholds a portion of the Shares otherwise to be delivered with a Fair
Market Value, as such term is defined in the Plan, equal to the amount of such taxes, but only to the extent necessary to satisfy certain statutory withholding requirements to avoid adverse accounting treatment under ASC 718) or through an open
market sale of Shares otherwise to be delivered, in each case pursuant to such rules and procedures as may be established by the Company. 
 8.
Miscellaneous 
 (a) The Agreement is issued pursuant to the Plan and is subject to its terms. The Plan is available for
inspection during business hours at the principal office of the Company. In addition, the Plan may be viewed on the Fidelity Website at www.netbenefits.com (or the website of any other stock plan administrator selected by the Company
in the future). 
 (b) The Agreement shall not confer on Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment with the Company or
any Affiliate, nor will it interfere in any way with the right of the Company or any Affiliate to terminate such employment at any time. 

(c) Participant acknowledges that the grant, vesting or any payment with respect to this Award, and the sale or other taxable disposition of
the Shares issued with respect to the Units hereunder may have tax consequences pursuant to the Code or under local, state or international tax laws. It is intended that the Award shall comply with Section 409A of the Code, and the provisions
of the Agreement and the Plan shall be construed and administered accordingly. Any amendment or modification of the Award (to the extent permitted under the terms of the Plan), will be undertaken in a manner intended to comply with
Section 409A, to the extent applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no guaranty or assurance as to the tax treatment of the Award. Participant acknowledges that Participant is relying solely and exclusively on Participant’s own
professional tax and investment advisors with respect to any and all such matters (and is not relying, in any manner, on the Company or any of its employees or representatives). Participant understands and agrees that any and all tax consequences
resulting from the Award and its grant, vesting, amendment, or any payment with respect thereto, and the sale or other taxable disposition of the Shares acquired pursuant to the Award, is solely and exclusively the responsibility of Participant
without any expectation or understanding that the Company or any of its employees or representatives will pay or reimburse Participant for such taxes or other items. 

9. Venue 
 Any claim or action brought with respect
to this Award shall be brought in a federal or state court located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 
 10. Definitions 

For purposes of the Agreement, the following terms shall have the definitions as set forth below: 

(a) “Change in Control” shall have the meaning ascribed to it in the Plan, but only if the event or circumstances constituting
such change in control also constitute a change in ownership or effective control of the Company, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Company, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. 

(b) “Disability” means leaving active employment and qualifying for and receiving disability benefits under the Company’s
long-term disability programs as in effect from time to time. 
 (c) “Qualifying Termination” means: 

(A) Participant’s Separation From Service as a result of the Company’s termination of Participant’s employment for any reason
other than Cause within 12 months following a Change in Control, provided that such a termination will not be a Qualifying Termination if: i) the Company has notified the Participant in writing more than 30 days prior to the Announcement Date that
Participant’s employment is not expected to 

  
 -4- 

 
continue for more than 12 months following the date of such notification, and Participant’s employment is in fact terminated within such 12 month period; or ii) Participant has announced in
writing, prior to the date the Company provides a Notice of Termination to Participant, that Participant intends to terminate his or her employment; or 

(B) Participant’s Separation From Service as a result of Disability within 12 months following a Change in Control; or 

(C) Participant’s Separation From Service (other than as a result of Participant’s termination of employment by the Company for
Cause) within 12 months following a Change in Control, if, at the time of such Separation From Service, Participant is age 55 or older and has had 10 or more years of employment with the Company or its Affiliates following such Participant’s
most recent date of hire by the Company or its Affiliates. 
 For purposes of this definition, the term Company shall be deemed to include any Person that
has assumed this Award (or provided a substitute award to Participant) in connection with a Change in Control. 
 (d)
“Retirement” means a Separation From Service (other than for Cause) by a Participant who is age 55 or older and has had 10 or more years of employment with the Company or its Affiliates following such Participant’s most recent
date of hire by the Company or its Affiliates. 
 (e) “Separation From Service” means a Participant’s separation from
service with the Company and its affiliates, as determined under Treasury Regulation section 1.409A-1(h)(1), provided, that the term “affiliate” shall mean a business entity which is affiliated in
ownership with the Company and that is treated as a single employer under the rules of section 414(b) and (c) of the Code (applying the eighty percent common ownership standard). 

(f) “Specified Employee” shall mean any Participant who is a specified employee for purposes of section 1.409A-1(i) of the U.S. Treasury Regulations, determined in accordance with the rules set forth in the separate document entitled “U.S. Bank Specified Employee Determination.” 

Appendix 
 Vesting Schedule 

<Vesting Schedule> 

  
 -5- 

 EXHIBIT A TO 

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT 

This Exhibit A to the Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement sets forth the manner in which the Final Award Number will be determined for each
Participant. 
 Definitions 
 Capitalized terms used but
not defined herein shall have the same meanings assigned to them in the Plan, and the Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. The following terms used in the text of this Exhibit A and in the ROE Performance Matrix shall have the meanings
set forth below: 
 “Company ROE Maximum” means ____%. 

“Company ROE Minimum” means ____%. 

“Company ROE Result” means the ROE achieved by the Company during the Performance Period. 

“Company ROE Target” means ____%. 

“Determination Date” means the date on which the Final Award Number is determined, which date shall not be later than 45 days after the last
day of the Performance Period. 
 “Final Award Number” means the “Final Award Number” determined in accordance with this
Exhibit A. 
 “Peer Group Companies” means the following companies: ____________________________________. 

“Peer Group ROE Ranking Maximum” means the ____ percentile. 

“Peer Group ROE Ranking Minimum” means the ____ percentile. 

“Peer Group ROE Ranking Target” means the ____ percentile. 

“Peer Group ROE” means the ROE achieved by the Peer Group Companies during the Performance Period. 

“Peer Group ROE Ranking” means the percentile rank of the Company ROE Result relative to Peer Group ROE. 

“Performance Period” means the period commencing on January 1, 20__ and ending December 31, 20__. 

“ROE” means (a) net income applicable to the common shareholders of a company during the Performance Period, divided by (b) that
company’s average common shareholders’ equity during the Performance Period. 
 “ROE Performance Matrix” means the ROE
Performance Matrix set forth in this Exhibit A. 
 “Target Award Number” means the “Target Award Number” set forth in a
Participant’s Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. 
 “Target Award Number Percentage” means the “Target Award
Number Percentage” determined in accordance with the ROE Performance Matrix and the related rules set forth in this Exhibit A. 

  
 -6- 

 Determination of Final Award Number 

Each Participant has been granted a number of Units equal to the Target Award Number. The Target Award Number will be adjusted upward or downward depending on
(a) whether the Company ROE Result is greater or less than the Company ROE Target, and (b) the Peer Group ROE Ranking. The Final Award Number for each Participant will be determined by multiplying (i) the Target Award Number
Percentage by (ii) the Target Award Number. The Target Award Number Percentage will be determined in accordance with the following ROE Performance Matrix and the related rules below: 

ROE PERFORMANCE MATRIX 
  

															
	 Company
ROE

Result

(Vertical
Axis)
	  	 	  	Target Award Number Percentage	 
	  	Company ROE Maximum (__%) or more	  	 	75	% 	 	 	125	% 	 	 	150	% 
	  	Company ROE Target (___%)	  	 	50	% 	 	 	100	% 	 	 	125	% 
	  	 Company ROE Minimum (___%) or less
 (but
greater than zero)
	  	 	25	% 	 	 	50	% 	 	 	75	% 
	  	Company ROE is 0% or less	  	 	0	% 	 	 	0	% 	 	 	0	% 
					
	 	  	 	  	Peer Group
ROE Ranking
Minimum
or below	 	 	Peer Group
ROE
Ranking
Target	 	 	Peer Group
ROE Ranking
Maximum
or above	 
		  		  	 
 
	Peer Group ROE Ranking
 (Horizontal Axis)
	 
  

 In determining the Target Award Number Percentage in accordance with the ROE Performance Matrix, the following rules will
apply: 
  

	 	•	 	 If the Company ROE Result is greater than the Company ROE Minimum and less than the Company ROE Target, the
Target Award Number Percentage on the vertical axis will be determined by interpolation of the Company ROE Result between the Company ROE Minimum and the Company ROE Target. 

 

	 	•	 	 If the Company ROE Result is greater than the Company ROE Target and less than the Company ROE Maximum, the
Target Award Number Percentage on the vertical axis will be determined by interpolation of the Company ROE Result between the Company ROE Target and the Company ROE Maximum. 

 

	 	•	 	 If the Peer Group ROE Ranking is greater than the Peer Group ROE Ranking Minimum and less than the Peer Group ROE
Ranking Target, the Target Award Number Percentage on the horizontal axis will be determined by interpolation of the Peer Group ROE Ranking between the Peer Group ROE Minimum and the Peer Group ROE Target. 

 

	 	•	 	 If the Peer Group ROE Ranking is greater than the Peer ROE Group Ranking Target and less than the Peer Group ROE
Ranking Maximum, the Target Award Number Percentage on the horizontal axis will be determined by interpolation of the Peer Group ROE Ranking between the Peer Group ROE Target and the Peer Group ROE Maximum. 

  
 -7- 

	 	•	 	 After the Target Award Number Percentage on each of the vertical axis and horizontal axis has been determined,
the actual Target Award Number Percentage will be determined by interpolation of the data points (i.e., the percentages) set forth in the ROE Performance Matrix. 

 

	 	•	 	 In no event shall the Target Award Number Percentage be greater than 150.0%. 

The Final Award Number for each Participant shall be determined by the Committee on the Determination Date. 

Committee Determinations 
 The Committee shall make all
determinations necessary to arrive at the Final Award Number for each Participant. The Committee shall determine the Company ROE Result by reference to the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the year ending on the last day of
the Performance Period. The Committee shall determine the Peer Group ROE Ranking by reference to publicly available financial information regarding the Peer Companies. Any determination by the Committee pursuant to this Exhibit A will be
binding upon each Participant and the Company. 
 No Fractional Units 

In the event the Final Award Number is a number of Units that is not a whole number, then the Final Award Number shall be rounded down to the nearest whole
number. 

  
 -8-

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