UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Exchange Act of 1934

---

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

---

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

To the Stockholders of Mohawk Industries, Inc.:

 

You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the corporate headquarters of the Company, 160 South Industrial Boulevard, Calhoun, Georgia 30701.

 

The business of the meeting will be to elect a class of directors to serve a three-year term beginning in 2011 and to consider non-binding resolutions related to the ratification of the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, an advisory vote on executive compensation and an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation. There will not otherwise be a business review at the meeting.

 

Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed, postage-prepaid envelope or vote by Internet or telephone at your earliest convenience so that your shares will be represented at the meeting. If you choose to attend the meeting, you may revoke your proxy and personally cast your votes. To receive a map and driving directions to the corporate headquarters, please call Deby Forbus at (706) 624-2246.

 

Sincerely yours,

 

 

JEFFREY S. LORBERBAUM

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

Calhoun, Georgia

April 1, 2011

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC.

160 South Industrial Boulevard

Calhoun, Georgia 30701

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

May 11, 2011

 

The annual meeting of stockholders of Mohawk Industries, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. local time, at the corporate headquarters of the Company, 160 South Industrial Boulevard, Calhoun, Georgia 30701.

 

The meeting is called for the following purposes:

 

1. To elect four persons who will serve as the Company’s Class I directors for a three-year term beginning in 2011;

 

2. To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011;

 

3. To hold a non-binding, advisory vote with respect to the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, as disclosed and discussed in the compensation discussion and analysis, compensation tables and any related material disclosed in this proxy statement;

 

4. To hold a non-binding, advisory vote regarding the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers; and

 

5. To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

 

The Board of Directors has fixed March 18, 2011 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholders’ Meeting
to be held on May 11, 2011:

 

The Proxy Statement and the 2010 Summary Annual Report to Stockholders are available
at www.mohawkind.com.

 

PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD OR USE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING SO THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE REPRESENTED. IF YOU CHOOSE TO ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND PERSONALLY CAST YOUR VOTES.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

BARBARA M. GOETZ

Corporate Secretary

 

Calhoun, Georgia

April 1, 2011

MOHAWK INDUSTRIES, INC.
160 South Industrial Boulevard
Calhoun, Georgia 30701

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

This Proxy Statement is furnished by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Mohawk Industries, Inc. (“Mohawk” or the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, and at any and all adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy card will be first mailed on or about April 1, 2011 to the stockholders of record of the Company (the “Stockholders”) on March 18, 2011 (the “Record Date”).

 

Proxies will be voted as specified by Stockholders. Unless contrary instructions are specified, if the enclosed proxy card is executed and returned (and not revoked) prior to the Annual Meeting, the shares of the common stock of the Company (the “Common Stock”) represented thereby will be voted FOR election of the nominees listed in this Proxy Statement as directors of the Company, FOR ratification of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, FOR the proposal regarding the advisory vote on executive compensation and EVERY YEAR for the proposal regarding the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation. A Stockholder’s submission of a signed proxy will not affect his or her right to attend and to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders who execute a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted by (i) filing a written revocation with the Secretary of the Company, (ii) executing a proxy bearing a later date or (iii) attending and voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

 

The presence of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum. Shares of Common Stock represented by proxies at the meeting, including broker nonvotes and those that are marked “WITHHOLD AUTHORITY” or “ABSTAIN” will be counted as shares present for purposes of establishing a quorum. A broker nonvote occurs when a broker or nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner votes on one proposal, but does not vote on another proposal because the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Once a quorum is established, (i) the election of directors will require the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of Common Stock represented and entitled to vote in the election at the Annual Meeting, (ii) the ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2011 and the approval of the advisory vote on executive compensation will require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes represented and entitled to vote thereon at the Annual Meeting, and (iii) the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation will be determined by the option receiving the greatest number of votes. Neither withholding authority to vote with respect to one or more nominees nor a broker nonvote will have an effect on the outcome of the election of directors. As to Proposals (2) and (3), shares represented by proxies that are marked “ABSTAIN” will have the effect of a vote against the proposal, while a broker nonvote will not have an effect on the outcome of the proposal.

 

Pursuant to the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate of Incorporation”), holders of Common Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held. Pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, March 18, 2011 has been fixed as the Record Date for determination of Stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting, and, accordingly, only holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on that day will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On the Record Date, there were 68,724,581 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding held by approximately 323 Stockholders.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS URGES YOU TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE OR
USE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING.

 

Voting Instructions

 

By Written Proxy.  Stockholders can vote by written proxy card. If you are a beneficial owner, you may request a written proxy card or a vote instruction form from your bank or broker.

 

By Telephone or Internet.  Stockholders also can vote by touchtone telephone using the telephone numbers on the proxy card, or through the Internet, using the procedures and instructions described on the proxy card. Beneficial owners may vote by telephone or Internet if their bank or broker makes those methods available, in which case the bank or broker will include the instructions with the proxy materials. The telephone and Internet voting procedures are designed to authenticate Stockholders’ identities, to allow Stockholders to vote their shares, and to confirm that their instructions have been recorded properly.

 

PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation provides for the Board of Directors of the Company to consist of three classes of directors serving staggered terms of office. Upon the expiration of the term of office for a class of directors, the nominees for that class will be elected for a term of three years to serve until the election and qualification of their successors.

 

Currently, Messrs. John S. Fiedler, Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum and Robert N. Pokelwaldt serve as Class I directors, whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting. After 19 years of dedicated service, Mr. Pokelwaldt has informed the Board of Directors of his decision to retire upon the expiration of his term at the Annual Meeting. The Board of Directors has re-nominated Messrs. Fiedler and Lorberbaum for election as Class I directors at the Annual Meeting and has nominated each of Karen A. Smith Bogart and Richard C. Ill for election to serve as new Class I directors. The Class II and Class III directors have one year and two years, respectively, remaining on their terms of office and will not be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

 

The Company’s Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Company shall have at least two and no more than eleven directors, with the Board of Directors to determine the exact number. In addition, the Certificate of Incorporation divides the Board of Directors into three classes, with each to consist, as nearly as possible, of one-third of the total number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors.

 

It is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote the proxies for the election of each of Ms. Bogart and Messrs. Fiedler, Ill and Lorberbaum as a Class I director of the Company, unless the Stockholders direct otherwise in their proxies. Each of Ms. Bogart and Messrs. Fiedler, Ill and Lorberbaum has consented to serve as a director of the Company if elected. In the unanticipated event that any of Ms. Bogart or Messrs. Fiedler, Ill or Lorberbaum refuses or is unable to serve as a director, the persons named as proxies reserve full discretion to vote for such other person or persons as may be nominated. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of Ms. Bogart or Messrs. Fiedler, Ill or Lorberbaum will be unable or will decline to serve as a director.

 

The affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares represented and entitled to vote in the election at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present is required for the election of the nominees.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW

 

Director, Director Nominee and Executive Officer Information

 

Based on information supplied by them, set forth below is certain information concerning the nominees for election as Class I directors and the directors in Classes II and III whose terms of office will continue after the Annual Meeting, including the name and age of each, current principal occupation (during the last five years unless otherwise indicated), the name and principal business of the organization in which such occupation is carried on, the year each was elected to the Board of Directors of the Company, all positions and offices held during 2010 with the Company, and directorships, including any other directorships held during the past five years, in other publicly-held companies.

 

Nominees for Director

 

Class I Nominees for Director

 

Karen A. Smith Bogart — Ms. Bogart (age 53) is President of Pacific Tributes Inc., a start-up firm providing web-based printing services located in Santa Barbara, California. From 2003 to 2006, Ms. Bogart was Chairman and President, Greater Asia Region and Senior Vice President of Eastman Kodak Company,

located in Shanghai, PRC. She previously managed many of Eastman Kodak’s largest global businesses, including Kodak Professional Imaging, Consumer Printing, and Consumer Cameras and Batteries. Ms. Bogart is also a director of Monolithic Power Systems, Inc., a high performance analog semiconductor company.

 

John F. Fiedler — Mr. Fiedler (age 72) has been a director of the Company since March 2002. Mr. Fiedler is the retired Chairman of the board of directors of BorgWarner Inc., a manufacturer of automotive equipment (“BorgWarner”). He most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of BorgWarner having been named Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in January 1995. Prior to that, Mr. Fiedler served as President and Chief Operating Officer of BorgWarner. Before joining BorgWarner in June 1994, Mr. Fiedler was Executive Vice President of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (“Goodyear”), where he was responsible for North American Tires. Mr. Fiedler’s 29-year career with Goodyear included numerous sales, marketing and manufacturing positions in the United States and Asia. Mr. Fiedler is also a director of WABCO Holdings, Inc., a Belgian truck component manufacturer, Snap-on Inc., a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tools and equipment solutions for professional tool users, and AirTran Holdings, Inc., a low-cost air travel provider. Mr. Fiedler also formerly served as a director of YRL Worldwide Inc., formerly Yellow Roadway Corp. He is also a member of the Kent State Foundation Commission and on the Advisory Board of Prism Capital, a Mezzanine Fund, L.P.

 

Richard C. Ill — Mr. Ill (age 67) has been the Chairman of Triumph Group, Inc. (“Triumph Group”), a public, international aviation services company, since 2009 and President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Triumph Group since 1993. Previously, Mr. Ill held a variety of senior executive positions with Alco Standard Corporation until he founded what is now the Triumph Group. Mr. Ill has over 45 years of public company experience both in management, manufacturing and operations. In addition, Mr. Ill has 14 years of experience as a director of public companies, currently serving as a director of P.F. Glatfelter Company, a global supplier and leading manufacturer of paper and fiber products, and having formerly served as a director of Airgas, Inc., a distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related equipment, safety supplies and MRO products and services.

 

Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum — Mr. Lorberbaum (age 56) has been a director of the Company since our acquisition of Aladdin Mills Inc., (“Aladdin”) in March 1994. He has served as Chairman of the Board since May 2004 and as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer since January 2001. From January 1995 until January 2001, Mr. Lorberbaum served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Mr. Lorberbaum joined Aladdin in 1976 and served as Vice President — Operations from 1986 until February 1994 when he became President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

Continuing Directors

 

Class II Directors Continuing in Office (Terms Expire 2012)

 

Bruce C. Bruckmann — Mr. Bruckmann (age 57) has been a director of the Company since October 1992. Mr. Bruckmann has been a Managing Director of Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co., Inc., a private equity investment firm, since January 1995. From March 1994 to January 1995, Mr. Bruckmann served as Managing Director of Citicorp Venture Capital, Ltd. (“CVC, Ltd.”) and as an executive officer of 399 Venture Partners, Inc. (formerly Citicorp Investments, Inc.). From 1983 until March 1994, Mr. Bruckmann served as Vice President of CVC, Ltd. Mr. Bruckmann is also a director of Town Sports International, Inc., a fitness club operator, MWI Veterinary Products, Inc., a distributor of animal health products to veterinarians, H&E Equipment Services L.L.C., a renter and distributor of industrial and construction equipment, and Heritage — Crystal Clean Inc., a provider of parts cleaning services. Mr. Bruckmann also serves as a director for Downtown Locker Room and Il Fornaio (America) Corporation, which are private companies.

 

Frans G. De Cock — Mr. De Cock (age 68) was elected to the Company’s Board of Directors in October 2005 effective upon the closing of the Company’s acquisition of Unilin Flooring BVBA and its affiliated companies (“Unilin”) (now one of the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries) and was named

President — Unilin in November 2005. Mr. De Cock retired as President — Unilin effective January 1, 2009 but has continued to provide consulting services to Unilin since that time. Before joining Mohawk, Mr. De Cock was one of the managing directors of Unilin. From 1997 until 1999, he also served as President of the European Federation of Associations of Particleboard Manufacturers and, from 1999 until 2004, as President of the European Panel Federation.

 

Joseph A. Onorato — Mr. Onorato (age 62) has been a director of the Company since February 2008. From July 1998 until his retirement in September 2000, Mr. Onorato served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Automotive Aftermarket Group of Dana Corporation, a global leader in the engineering, manufacturing and distribution of components and systems for worldwide vehicular and industrial manufacturers. In July 1998, Dana Corporation merged with Echlin, Inc. (“Echlin”), a worldwide manufacturer of motor vehicle parts. At the time of the merger, Mr. Onorato was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Echlin. While at Echlin, he also served as Treasurer from 1990 to 1994 and as Vice President and Treasurer from 1994 to 1997. He previously worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers. Since his retirement from Dana Corporation, Mr. Onorato has consulted with a private equity firm on acquisitions. Mr. Onorato also serves on the board of directors for Affinia Group Intermediate Holdings, Inc., a motor vehicle components manufacturer, where he is chairman of the Audit Committee. In addition, Mr. Onorato serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the School of Business at Quinnipiac University.

 

Class III Directors Continuing in Office (Terms Expire 2013)

 

Phyllis O. Bonanno — Ms. Bonanno (age 68) has been a director of the Company since February 2004. From 2002 until her retirement in August 2009, Ms. Bonanno served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of International Trade Solutions, Inc. Ms. Bonanno served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Columbia College from July 1997 until March 2000 and served as the Vice President for International Trade at Warnaco, Inc. from 1986 to 1997. Ms. Bonanno has also served as a personal assistant to President Lyndon Johnson and as the first director of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (“USTR”) Office of Private Sector Liaison in the Executive Office of Presidents Carter and Reagan. In addition, while serving at the USTR, Ms. Bonanno served as the Executive Director of the President’s Advisory Committee on Trade Negotiations. Ms. Bonanno is also a director of Adams Express Company, a diversified equity investment company, BorgWarner and Petroleum and Resources Corporation, an equity investment company specializing in energy and natural resources companies.

 

David L. Kolb — Mr. Kolb (age 72) served as President of Mohawk Carpet Corporation (now Mohawk Carpet, LLC and one of the Company’s principal operating subsidiaries) until Mohawk Carpet Corporation was acquired by the Company in December 1988, at which time he became Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Effective January 2001, Mr. Kolb retired from his position as Chief Executive Officer. He retired as Chairman in May 2004. Prior to joining Mohawk Carpet Corporation, Mr. Kolb served in various executive positions with Allied-Signal Corporation for 19 years. Mr. Kolb is also a director of Aaron’s, Inc., a home furnishings retailer, and Chromcraft Revington, Inc., a furniture manufacturer. Mr. Kolb also formerly served as a director of Paxar Corp., a provider of identification solutions. In addition, Mr. Kolb is a trustee of Mount Vernon Presbyterian School.

 

W. Christopher Wellborn — Mr. Wellborn (age 55) has been a director of the Company since our acquisition of Dal-Tile International Inc. (“Dal-Tile”) in March 2002. He has served as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer since November 2005 and as its President and Chief Operating Officer since November 2009. Mr. Wellborn was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary of Dal-Tile from August 1997 through March 2002. From March 2002 to November 2005, he served as President — Dal-Tile. From June 1993 to August 1997, Mr. Wellborn was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Lenox, Inc. Mr. Wellborn formerly served as a director of Palm Harbor Homes, Inc., a builder of manufactured and modular custom homes.

In connection with the merger of Aladdin with a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company in February 1994 (the “Aladdin Merger”), the Company agreed to nominate up to two persons designated by the former shareholders of Aladdin for election or re-election, as the case may be, to the Board of Directors of the Company and to use its best efforts to cause such nominees to be elected to the Board of Directors. Beginning in 1999, Messrs. Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum and Sylvester H. Sharpe were such designees. Effective May 17, 2006, Mr. Sharpe retired from the Board of Directors. At this time, the holders have decided not to designate anyone to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Sharpe’s retirement. At such time as the former shareholders of Aladdin have disposed of 50% or more of the Common Stock issued to them in the Aladdin Merger, the Company will be required to nominate only one such person to the Board of Directors, and at such time as the former shareholders of Aladdin have disposed of 75% or more of the Common Stock issued to them in the Aladdin Merger, the Company will no longer be required to nominate any of such persons to the Board of Directors.

 

In connection with the acquisition of Unilin by the Company in October 2005, the Company agreed to appoint to its Board of Directors a representative designated by Unilin, and Mr. Frans G. De Cock was initially appointed to the Board of Directors as a result.

 

Executive Officers

 

The executive officers of the Company serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors and are currently comprised of Messrs. Jeffrey S. Lorberbaum and W. Christopher Wellborn (who are identified above), Frank H. Boykin, James F. Brunk, James T. Lucke, Frank T. Peters, Bernard P. Thiers and Harold G. Turk.

 

Frank H. Boykin — Mr. Boykin (age 55) was named Vice President — Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in January 2005. In August 2004, Mr. Boykin was appointed Vice President — Finance. He previously served as Corporate Controller of the Company from April 1993 until May 1999, when he was appointed Vice President, Corporate Controller. Before joining the Company, Mr. Boykin served as a Senior Manager at KPMG LLP.

 

James F. Brunk — Mr. Brunk (age 45) has been Corporate Controller, Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since May 2009. Mr. Brunk joined the Company in October 2006 as Chief Financial Officer for the Mohawk Home division. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Brunk was Vice President, Finance-Transportation-Americas for Exide Technologies, a worldwide leader in production and recycling of lead acid batteries from January 2005 to October 2006.

 

James T. Lucke — Mr. Lucke (age 50) joined Mohawk in May 2007 and serves as the Company’s Vice President — General Counsel. Mr. Lucke served as Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Spectrum Brands, Inc., a diversified consumer products company, from October 1999 until joining the Company.

 

Frank T. Peters — Mr. Peters (age 62) was named President — Mohawk Flooring in May 2008. He served as Vice President of Carpet and Yarn Manufacturing for the Mohawk Residential Flooring business unit beginning in 2005. Upon joining the Company in 1993, he served as Vice President of Product Development. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Peters served in manufacturing and product development leadership roles with Armstrong World Industries and Shaw Industries for more than two decades.

 

Bernard P. Thiers — Mr. Thiers (age 55) was promoted to President — Unilin in January 2009, succeeding Mr. De Cock in this position. Mr. Thiers joined Unilin in 1984 as a plant manager and has served in roles of increasing management significance since that time. From 1996 to 2006, he served as Managing Director of Unilin Flooring and from 2006 until his 2009 promotion, he served as President — Unilin Flooring.

 

Harold G. Turk — Mr. Turk (age 64) was named President — Dal-Tile in January 2006. From March 2002 through December 2005, he served as Executive Vice President of the Dal-Tile Strategic Business Unit of Dal-Tile. Mr. Turk joined Dal-Tile in 1976.

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

 

General.  During fiscal 2010, the Board of Directors held seven meetings. All members of the Board of Directors attended at least 75% of the total number of Board of Directors and Committee meetings that they were eligible to attend. All members of the Board of Directors at the time of the 2010 annual stockholders’ meeting were present at such meeting, except for Mr. Larry McCurdy, who passed away in August 2010 after 18 years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors.

 

The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined, considering generally all relevant facts and circumstances regarding each non-management director, that none of Ms. Bogart, Ms. Bonanno, Mr. Bruckmann, Mr. Fiedler, Mr. Ill, Mr. Kolb or Mr. Onorato have a material relationship that would interfere with such director’s exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director, and therefore they are independent within the meaning of the standards for independence set forth in the Company’s corporate governance guidelines, which are consistent with applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) corporate governance standards. Definitions of independence for directors and committee members can be found on the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

 

The Company has a standing Audit Committee (the “Audit Committee”) of the Board of Directors established in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). During 2010, the Audit Committee was comprised of four directors: Mr. McCurdy (Chairman), Mr. Bruckmann, Mr. Onorato and Mr. Pokelwaldt. Following Mr. McCurdy’s death, Mr. Onorato was appointed chairman of the Audit Committee. All such Audit Committee members have been determined by the Board of Directors to be independent as discussed above. During his tenure as Chairman, Mr. McCurdy qualified as the audit committee financial expert within the meaning of applicable SEC regulations and had all the requisite accounting and financial expertise within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE. Upon his appointment as Chairman, the Board of Directors determined that Mr. Onorato is qualified as the audit committee financial expert and has the requisite accounting and financial expertise. The Audit Committee met seven times during 2010. The Audit Committee oversees management’s conduct of the financial reporting process, the system of internal, financial and administrative controls and the annual independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, the Audit Committee engages the independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the independence of such independent registered public accounting firm, approves the scope of the annual activities of the independent registered public accounting firm and internal auditors and reviews audit results. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee, which is available on the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” See also Audit Committee — Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Mohawk Industries, Inc.

 

The Company has a standing Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”), consisting of Mr. Fiedler (Chairman), Mr. Bruckmann and Mr. Pokelwaldt. The Compensation Committee met twice during 2010. The Compensation Committee is responsible for deciding, recommending and reviewing the compensation, including benefits, of the executive officers and directors of the Company, for reviewing risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices and for administering the Company’s executive and senior management incentive compensation plans. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee, which is available on the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” See also Executive Compensation and Other Information — Compensation Committee Report.

 

The Company has a standing Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Governance Committee”), consisting of Mr. Kolb (Chairman), Ms. Bonanno and Mr. Onorato. The Governance Committee met three times in 2010. The Governance Committee is responsible for assisting the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities under the NYSE listing standards and Delaware law, identifying qualified candidates for nomination to the Board of Directors and developing and evaluating the Company’s corporate governance policies. The Governance Committee also considers nominees to the Board of Directors recommended by stockholders in accordance with the requirements of the Company’s Bylaws. See also

Corporate Governance — Nomination Process for the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Governance Committee and Corporate Governance Guidelines recommended by the Governance Committee, both of which are available on the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

 

Executive Sessions with Non-Management Directors.  All directors who are not members of the Company’s management team meet without the Chief Executive Officer and other Company personnel as needed during a portion of each non-telephonic Board of Directors meeting. The Chairmen of the Company’s standing committees chair these executive sessions on a rotating basis.

 

2010 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

The following table presents certain summary information concerning director compensation paid by the Company for services rendered during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 

Employees of the Company or its subsidiaries who are also directors do not receive any fee or remuneration for services as members of the Board of Directors or any Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. De Cock also does not receive any fees or remuneration for his services as a member of the Board of

Directors, but he receives compensation for consulting services as described further in Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. The Company pays each independent director an annual retainer of $30,000 and a fee of $4,000 for each Board meeting and $1,000 for each Committee meeting attended. The Compensation Committee and Governance Committee Chairmen receive an additional annual retainer of $2,500 each, and the Audit Committee Chairman also receives an additional annual retainer of $5,000. Each independent director also receives a grant of 1,000 restricted stock units on the first business day of each year provided such director is serving on the Board of Directors on such date. The Company reimburses all directors for expenses the directors incur in connection with attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors or Committees.

 

In December 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the Mohawk Industries, Inc. 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Compensation Plan (the “Director Stock Compensation Plan”) to promote the long-term growth of the Company by providing a vehicle for its non-employee directors to increase their proprietary interest in the Company and to attract and retain highly qualified and capable non-employee directors. Under the Director Stock Compensation Plan, non-employee directors may elect to receive their annual cash retainer fees either in cash or in shares of Common Stock of the Company, based on the fair market value of the Common Stock at the beginning of each quarter. Meeting fees for non-employee directors are only paid in cash. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which may be granted under the plan is 37,500 shares, which shares may not be original issue shares. In 1997, the Director Stock Compensation Plan was amended by the Board of Directors to include an optional income deferral feature using a book entry, stock valued (phantom stock) account that would fluctuate in value based on the performance of the Common Stock of the Company over the deferral period. The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the Director Stock Compensation Plan at any time.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Mohawk Industries, Inc.

 

The Audit Committee members reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 with management. The Audit Committee members also discussed the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T, with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee received the written disclosure letter from the independent registered public accounting firm, which letter is required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm any relationships that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent registered public accounting firm and satisfied itself as to the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. In addition, the members of the Audit Committee considered whether the provision of services for the year ended December 31, 2010 described below under Principal Accountant Fees and Services was compatible with maintaining such independence. Based upon these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Audit Committee
Joseph A. Onorato-Chairman
Bruce C. Bruckmann
Robert N. Pokelwaldt

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

The following table shows the fees rendered (in thousands) to the Company’s principal independent registered public accounting firm for the audit of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively, and fees billed for non-audit related services, tax services and all other services performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm during fiscal 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

 

 

 

The Audit Committee pre-approved all audit and audit-related services in fiscal 2010 and 2009. The Audit Committee has delegated to the Chairman of the Audit Committee the authority to pre-approve audit and audit-related, tax and non-audit related services to be performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.

 

PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Audit Committee has selected KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 and has directed that management submit the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm to Stockholders for ratification at the Annual Meeting. Representatives of KPMG are expected to be present at the meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

Stockholder ratification of the selection of KPMG as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is not required by the Company’s Bylaws or otherwise. If the Stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain KPMG, but still may retain it. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

General Overview

 

Our goal is to have a compensation program that enables us to attract, motivate and retain highly-qualified executives who will assist us in meeting our long-range objectives, thereby serving the interests of our stockholders. We design our compensation program with a view to attracting and retaining executive leadership of a caliber and level of experience necessary to manage successfully our complex global businesses. We believe that, in order to do this effectively, our program must meet the following criteria:

 

 

How we Determine and Assess our Executive Compensation

 

Our Board of Directors bears the ultimate responsibility for approving the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Compensation Committee”) has been delegated authority to discharge these responsibilities. Information about the Compensation Committee and its composition, responsibilities and operations can be found in this proxy statement, under the caption Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors.

 

Our determinations and assessments of executive compensation are primarily driven by two considerations: market data based on the compensation levels, programs and practices of certain other companies for comparable executive positions; and Company and individual performance in specified areas, such as financial metrics and operational efficiency.

 

Market Data

 

We consider the compensation levels, programs and practices of certain other companies to assist us in setting our executive compensation so that it is market competitive. The peer group consists of companies of comparable size on both a revenue and market capitalization basis that are engaged, to varying degrees, in businesses similar to ours. We believe that we compete, to varying degrees, for business and talent with the companies in this peer group. For purposes of setting compensation levels for 2010, the peer group was comprised of the following companies:

 

We obtained information on the compensation levels, programs and practices of the companies within the peer group from market surveys periodically conducted by Mercer, Inc. (“Mercer”), a compensation consultant engaged by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee evaluates compensation levels for our Named Executive Officers based upon a comparison to the market median values.

 

Company and Individual Performance

 

While market competitiveness is important, we also use other measurements to determine our compensation levels. To customize our compensation program and recognize individual performance and contribution to the Company, we focus on (i) financial metrics that we believe are indicators of whether the Company and its business units are achieving our annual or longer-term business objectives, such as earnings per share and earnings after capital charge and (ii) personal performance goals.

 

We believe that market competitiveness and performance factors, considered in conjunction, provide a reasonable basis to assess executive performance and build value for our stockholders. As described below, we consider each of these areas in making our executive compensation decisions from setting base salaries to providing annual and longer-term rewards.

 

2010 Review of Compensation

 

For 2010, the Compensation Committee used the results of the Mercer survey of 2007 peer group executive compensation and adjusted the results by a rate of 3% to estimate 2008 peer group compensation and an additional 2.5% to estimate 2009 peer group compensation as a factor in determining 2010 compensation for our Named Executive Officers. The peer group assessment for 2010 compensation did not include an assessment of the compensation for Mr. Thiers who is compensated according to his services agreement referenced in Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. For 2010, the Compensation Committee analyzed the results of the adjusted Mercer survey in terms of each of the following:

 

 

This assessment showed that our 2010 Named Executive Officers included in this survey (other than our chief executive officer) received, on average, for 2009 (i) base salaries approximately at the median, (ii) total cash compensation at approximately 72% of the median, (iii) long-term incentive compensation at 17% of the median and (iv) total direct compensation at approximately 56% of the median. These averages were lowered as a result of the compensation for our chief executive officer who received a base salary at 84% of the median, total cash compensation at 47% of the median, long-term incentive compensation at 7% of the median and total direct compensation at 21% of the median.

 

The Compensation Committee reviewed this assessment at its February 2010 meeting, together with Mr. Lorberbaum’s recommendations for compensation for the Named Executive Officers other than himself. At this meeting, the Compensation Committee reviewed a tally sheet detailing the various elements of compensation of our Named Executive Officers for 2010, including base salary and annual and long-term incentives. The Compensation Committee believes that all of these elements in the aggregate provide a reasonable and market competitive compensation opportunity for our Named Executive Officers and that each

element contributes to our compensation objectives discussed above. Mr. Lorberbaum recommended and the Compensation Committee approved a base salary increase of approximately 5% for Mr. Peters in order to move his compensation closer to the market median. Given economic conditions and Company performance in 2009 and a review of marketplace comparables, the other Named Executive Officers’ base salaries for 2010 were not increased.

 

We have assessed the compensation policies and practices for our employees and concluded that they do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company’s compensation policies and practices were evaluated to ensure that they do not foster risk taking above the level of risk associated with the Company’s business model.

 

Elements of our Compensation Program

 

Our executive compensation program consists primarily of the following integrated components: base salary, annual incentive awards, and long-term incentive opportunities, which together comprise an executive’s total direct compensation in a given year or performance period. The program is complemented with perquisites and other executive benefits, including 401(k) matching contributions and severance benefits.

 

Base Salary

 

Base salary provides our executive officers with a level of compensation consistent with their skills, experience and contributions in relation to comparable positions in the competitive marketplace. Base salary is the one fixed component of our executives’ total direct compensation, in contrast to annual incentive awards and long-term incentive compensation, which are at risk based on performance. The Compensation Committee reviews the base salaries of our executive officers annually and whenever an executive is promoted. Mr. Lorberbaum makes salary recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to executive officers other than himself. We evaluate our Named Executive Officers’ base salaries in comparison to the median of the peer group salaries for that position to maintain competitive levels. In addition, we also consider the executive’s experience for the position, differences in position and responsibilities relative to the peer group and his or her personal contribution to the financial and operational performance of the Company and our businesses.

 

These other factors could cause any one executive officer’s base salary to be above or below the market median for his or her comparable position. Based on the Compensation Committee’s review of marketplace comparables, the economic conditions and the foregoing individual factors, base salaries for 2010 for our Named Executive Officers were not increased, except for Mr. Peters.

 

Annual Incentive Awards

 

Annual incentive awards provide a direct link between executive compensation and our annual performance. Unlike base salary, which is fixed, our executives’ annual incentive award is at risk based on how well the Company and our executives perform.

 

For 2010, the Compensation Committee approved a senior executive bonus plan (the “SEBP”) designed to provide total cash compensation at the 75th percentile of total cash compensation for our peer group if outstanding performance is achieved. By placing a significant portion of an executive’s annual pay at risk, the Compensation Committee believes that compensation is more directly related to performance and more closely links the financial interests of the executives and those of the stockholders. Given our business objectives, the Compensation Committee believes this policy to be appropriate and fair for both the executives and the stockholders.

Under the SEBP, achievement of positive consolidated adjusted operating income for 2010 would result in funding of a bonus pool equal to 1.25% of our 2010 consolidated adjusted operating income. The Compensation Committee retained discretion to make adjustments deemed necessary by the Compensation Committee to appropriately reflect operating performance during the period and exercised that discretion to exclude certain items. Therefore, the bonus pool for 2010 was approximately $4.1 million, which amounts to 1.25% of our consolidated operating income after excluding the effect of business restructurings (approximately $12.3 million). In February 2010, each named executive officer was assigned a maximum individual award limit which would be that officer’s SEBP award unless the Compensation Committee exercised its discretion to pay a lesser amount. For 2010, the maximum limits for each of Messrs. Lorberbaum and Wellborn was 20% of the bonus pool, and for each of our other named executive officers, the maximum limit was 12% of the bonus pool. The Grants of Plan-Based Awards table disclosed in this proxy statement shows the maximum SEBP award that each of our named executive officers was eligible to receive for 2010.

 

To guide its exercise of discretion to pay less than maximum amounts, the Compensation Committee evaluated performance against intermediate financial performance goals as well as intermediate individual performance goals. The intermediate financial goals were based on Company performance related to earnings per share (“EPS”) and Mohawk adjusted earnings after capital charge (“EAC”) thresholds and divisional performance. The intermediate individual goals for each Named Executive Officer focused on that person’s individual contributions to Company or divisional performance.

 

For each financial metric, the Compensation Committee set a specific target performance goal and defined performance range around the EPS and EAC targets consisting of a threshold (minimum performance level), a level 1 performance level, a target (midpoint performance level) and a maximum performance level. For each individual goal, the Compensation Committee sets various performance goals relating to each executive officer’s area of responsibility.

 

When target performance levels for each financial and individual performance goals are set, we believe such goals are likely to be achieved with good performance by our executives taking into account the variability of economic and industrial conditions. If the EPS threshold metric is not reached, then the Compensation Committee will give no credit to achievement of any of the financial goals and will only consider achievement of individual goals in determining awards. The Compensation Committee has the authority to interpret the SEBP, make changes to it or grant special bonuses for exceptional performance, as it determines appropriate.

 

We selected the intermediate financial and individual metrics for the SEBP because we believe that they create appropriate incentives, aligned with those of our stockholders, to improve the operational efficiency and, as a result, the financial performance, of the Company. We also believe they are good indicators of our overall performance and lead to the creation of long-term value for our stockholders.

 

The 2010 intermediate financial goals, in the case of Messrs. Lorberbaum, Wellborn and Boykin were based on total Company EPS and EAC metrics and, in the case of total Company EPS consisted of (i) threshold of $1.70, (ii) level 1 of $2.10, (iii) target of $2.40 and (iv) maximum of $3.50. The intermediate financial goals for Mr. Peters and Mr. Thiers were based on their respective business division financial results as well as corporate results.

 

In determining annual incentive awards, the Compensation Committee considered both that intermediate financial goals and intermediate individual goals were achieved. Mr. Lorberbaum’s and Mr. Wellborn’s individual goals included, among other things, objectives relating to developing and executing certain strategic initiatives, developing and implementing supply strategies and implementing new product distribution strategies. Mr. Boykin’s individual performance goals included, among other things, executing various cost savings initiatives, achieving organizational development goals and driving productivity improvements. Mr. Peters’ individual goals included, among other things, implementing restructuring activities, continuing to reduce cost structure, improving operations and introducing new products. Mr. Thiers’ individual goals included, among other things, expanding distribution, building an executive leadership team and developing

new business opportunities. Following consideration of achievement of these individual goals, the Compensation Committee granted SEBP awards to our Named Executive Officers as set forth in the Summary Compensation table in this proxy statement. In the case of Messrs. Lorberbaum and Thiers, their achievement of applicable intermediate financial goals resulted in SEBP award calculations in excess of assigned individual award limits by $66,000 and $25,048, respectively. These additional amounts are also reflected in the Summary Compensation table.

 

Long-Term Incentives

 

In 2009, the Committee re-designed the Company’s long-term incentive program for senior executives, including our Named Executive Officers (“LTIP”). Under the LTIP, the Committee authorizes grants of stock-based awards to participants based on achievement of positive consolidated operating income, one-year intermediate individual performance goals and three-year intermediate financial goals as compared to a peer group of companies.

 

To transition from the previous one-year performance period for financial goals to the new three-year performance period, the Committee established one-year (2009) and two-year (2009 — 2010) transitional periods before the full three-year (2009 — 2011) program is in place.

 

We believe the LTIP provides the opportunity to reward and assist us with the retention of our executives, including our Named Executive Officers. By aligning financial rewards with the economic interests of our stockholders, executives are encouraged to work toward achieving our long-term strategic objectives. In 2010, our Named Executive Officers received the opportunity under the LTIP to earn awards in the form of restricted stock units (“RSU’s”) (and, in the case of Mr. Thiers, stock options) based on Company financial performance over a two-year (2009-2010) period and individual performance in 2010.

 

Under the LTIP, each Named Executive Officer was assigned a maximum number of stock awards (based on a percentage base of salary) if the Company achieved positive consolidated operating income for 2010, and which would be his LTIP award unless the Committee exercised its discretion to award a lesser number. The Grants of Plan-Based Awards table disclosed in this proxy statement shows the maximum LTIP award that each of our Named Executive Officers was eligible to receive for 2010.

 

To guide its exercise of discretion to award less than the maximum, the Committee evaluated performance against intermediate financial performance goals and intermediate individual performance goals. The financial goals for 2010 were based on Company compounded growth of total shareholder return (“TSR”) over the two-year (2009-2010) period as compared to a group of peer companies. The Committee then assigned each participant a target number of stock awards (based on a percentage of base salary), which would be awarded should the Company achieve TSR at the 50th percentile of the peer group. Amounts ranging from 50% to 200% of the target number would be earned based on achievement between the 25th and 75th percentile of the peer group. Additionally, the Committee assigned each participant a target number of stock awards (based on a percentage of base salary) which would be awarded should the individual goals be achieved. The minimum, target and maximum awards under the LTIP are disclosed under the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table in this proxy statement. These awards would then vest between two and three years following the grant date.

 

When target performance levels for each financial and individual performance goals are set, we believe such goals are likely to be achieved with good performance by our executives taking into account the variability of economic and industrial conditions. The Committee has the authority to interpret the LTIP, make changes to it or grant special bonuses for exceptional performance, as it determines appropriate.

 

We have selected the financial and individual metrics for the LTIP because we believe that they create appropriate incentives, aligned with those of our stockholders, to improve the operational efficiency and, as a result, the financial performance, of the Company. We also believe they are good indicators of our overall performance and lead to the creation of long-term value for our stockholders.

The Company achieved the TSR at the thirty-first percentile of the peer group for 2010. In exercising its discretion in granting stock awards under the LTIP, the Committee considered this performance and the achievement of intermediate individual goals in determining the LTIP awards. For a description of these goals, please see the discussion of intermediate individual goals under the SEBP in Annual Incentive Awards.

 

Allocation of Total Direct Compensation

 

Just as our stockholders put their money at risk when they invest in our Company, we believe that a significant portion of our executives’ compensation should be at risk. For example, in 2010, assuming achievement of maximum performance objectives, approximately 22% of Mr. Lorberbaum’s total direct compensation was fixed (in the form of salary) and the remaining approximately 78% was at risk: approximately 18% was represented by his annual cash bonus award and 60% by his long-term incentive opportunity. Our other Named Executive Officers had similar weightings of fixed and at-risk compensation for 2010.

 

Perquisites and Other Executive Benefits

 

Perquisites and other executive benefits are a part of our executives’ overall compensation. Access to health care and other welfare benefits protects all employees’ and their families’ health and well-being. We offer additional executive perquisites at the senior leadership level. Under our executive perquisite policy, we provide our executive officers with certain additional benefits, including defined contribution matching benefits, health benefits, life insurance coverage benefits and otherwise as referenced in the Summary Compensation Table. Individually and in the aggregate, we believe that the perquisites we provide to our Named Executive Officers are appropriate to ensure that our executive compensation remains competitive.

 

For information on the incremental cost of these perquisites and other personal benefits, refer to the footnotes to the Summary Compensation Table of this proxy statement.

 

Retirement Benefits and Deferred Compensation

 

Retirement Benefits.  Retirement benefits also fulfill an important role within our overall executive compensation objective because they provide a financial security component that promotes retention. We believe that our retirement program, including the amount of benefit, is adequate to ensure that our executive compensation remains competitive.

 

We maintain the Mohawk Carpet Corporation Retirement Savings Plan II, a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan in which our Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate, along with a substantial number of our employees.

 

We maintain the Mohawk Industries, Inc. Senior Management Deferred Compensation Plan under which a select group of management or highly compensated employees, including our Named Executive Officers, may elect to defer up to 25% of their pre-tax earnings and up to 100% of their year-end bonus payments and receive tax-deferred returns on those deferrals. The account balances in this plan are unfunded and represent money that the participants have previously earned and voluntarily elected to defer in order to accumulate tax-deferred returns. We do not match contributions to the plan. Plan participants can allocate their account balances among the same investment options available under our qualified contribution retirement plan (other than investments in Company stock), which also accumulate on a tax-deferred basis. We believe the provision of this deferral opportunity is a competitive practice in the marketplace. For more information see the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table in this proxy statement.

Severance Pay Arrangements

 

As do a substantial number of our employees, our Named Executive Officers participate in our general employee severance plan which provides a specified number of weeks of severance pay based on continuous service time to the Company and the reason for termination of employment. Our Named Executive Officers, other than Mr. Wellborn and Mr. Thiers, are employees at-will and, with the exception of these two Named Executive Officers, do not have long-term contracts with us. We believe that the at-will employment status of our employees affords us the necessary flexibility to remove employees when appropriate under the circumstances. See Certain Relationships and Related Transactions for a description of our agreements with Mr. Wellborn and Mr. Thiers, including severance benefits provided thereunder.

 

Tax, Accounting and Other Considerations

 

Tax Considerations

 

Section 162(m) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”) places a limit of $1,000,000 on the amount of compensation that we may deduct in any one year with respect to any one of our Named Executive Officers. However, qualifying performance-based compensation will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. To maintain flexibility in compensating our executives, the Compensation Committee reserves the right to use its judgment to authorize compensation payments that may be subject to the limit when the Compensation Committee believes that such payments are appropriate. Accordingly, certain components of our executive compensation program are designed to be qualifying performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) while others are not.

 

Accounting Considerations

 

With the adoption of ASC 718, we do not expect accounting treatment of differing forms of equity awards to vary significantly and, therefore, accounting treatment did not have a material effect on the selection of forms of compensation for 2010.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION

 

Decisions and recommendations regarding the compensation of our executives are made by a three-member Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors, as determined by the Board of Directors. The following is a report of the Compensation Committee concerning our executive compensation policies for 2010.

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the compensation programs of the Company on behalf of the Board of Directors. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviewed and discussed with management of the Company the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this proxy statement and based on such review and discussions recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC.

 

Compensation Committee
John F. Fiedler-Chairman
Bruce C. Bruckmann
Robert N. Pokelwaldt

 

2010 Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table presents certain summary information concerning compensation paid or accrued by the Company for services rendered in all capacities during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 for (i) the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer of the Company, and (ii) each of the three other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company (determined as of December 31, 2010) (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”).

 

 

 

 

2010 Grants of Plan-Based Awards

 

 

 

 

2010 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table sets forth information on outstanding equity awards for each of the Named Executive Officers on December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the exercise of stock options and vested stock awards by the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2010.

 

 

 

 

2010 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

 

 

 

 

The Senior Management Deferred Compensation Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan where the Named Executive Officers may elect to defer up to 25% of their annual base salary and up to 100% of their incentive cash bonus. Deferral elections are due prior to January 1 of each year, and are irrevocable. Mohawk directs a trustee to invest the assets which are held in an irrevocable Rabbi Trust. In order to provide for an accumulation of assets comparable to the contractual liabilities accruing under the Plan, Mohawk may direct the trustee in writing to invest the assets held in the trust to correspond to the hypothetical investments made for participants in accordance with their direction. Deferred amounts are credited with earnings or losses based on the rate of return of mutual funds in which the assets are invested. The executive must make an election regarding payment terms at least twelve (12) months prior to payment, which may be either a lump sum, or annual installments of from two (2) to ten (10) years. If a participant dies before receiving the full value of the deferral account balances, the designated beneficiary would receive the remainder of that benefit. All accounts would be immediately distributed upon a change in control of the Company.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table gives information about the Common Stock that may be issued under the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2010.

 

 

 

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

The Company’s written Related Person Transaction Policy (the “Policy”) can be obtained from the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.” The Policy includes guidelines for identifying, reviewing, approving and ratifying Related Person Transactions, as defined in the Policy. Related Person Transactions include any transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which the Company was, is or will be a participant and the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and in which persons designated in the Policy had, have or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Related Person Transactions are submitted to the Audit Committee for consideration, approval or ratification, after consideration of the relevant facts and circumstances of a particular Related Party Transaction, including but not limited to: (i) the benefits to the Company; (ii) the impact on a director’s independence in the event the transaction involves a director or a person related to the director; (iii) the availability of other sources for comparable products or services; (iv) the terms of the transaction; (v) the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees generally; and (vi) whether the potential Related Person Transaction is consistent with the Company’s Ethics Standards.

 

On November 4, 2009, the Company amended its employment agreement with Mr. Wellborn (the “Wellborn Agreement”) to reflect his expanded responsibilities as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. Pursuant to the terms of the amended employment agreement, Mr. Wellborn will receive a base

salary of $850,000 per year (which may be increased from time to time by the Board of Directors), and he will be eligible to earn an annual bonus of up to 135% of his base salary. Additionally, on November 4, 2009, the Company granted to Mr. Wellborn 90,000 RSU’s. Subject to certain vesting conditions, 15,000 of such RSU’s are scheduled to vest and convert to shares of Common Stock on October 31 of each year from 2014 through 2019. On November 5, 2010, Mr. Wellborn received a grant of an additional 60,000 RSU’s pursuant to his employment agreement, which subject to certain vesting conditions are scheduled to vest and convert to shares on December 31, 2019. In the event Mr. Wellborn exercises any of the options granted to him prior to calendar year 2008, he will be ineligible to receive an annual bonus in the year of such exercise as well as in the next fiscal year.

 

In the event that Mr. Wellborn is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” Mr. Wellborn will be entitled to (i) accrued base salary through the date of termination, (ii) the continuation of his base salary for a two-year period following the termination, (iii) continued participation in employee benefit plans for a two-year period following the termination, and (iv) 90% of the base salary for the year in which the termination occurs (to be paid once during each of the two fiscal years following the year in which the termination occurs). In addition, (i) Mr. Wellborn’s previously granted stock options (other than the options granted to Mr. Wellborn prior to calendar year 2008, which shall be immediately cancelled) will immediately vest and become fully exercisable if Mr. Wellborn is terminated without “cause” or resigns for “good reason,” and (ii) the RSU’s scheduled to vest for the year in which the termination occurs will vest, subject to proration for terminations prior to calendar year end. In the event of a change of control of the Company in which the successor does not assume the obligations under the Wellborn Agreement, Mr. Wellborn will be entitled to the payments and benefits as if he had resigned for “good reason.” In addition, in the event of a change of control, all of Mr. Wellborn’s outstanding stock awards will vest or convert to shares, as applicable. Further, Mr. Wellborn is prohibited from competing with the Company or soliciting employees of the Company for five years following his separation from the Company. The Wellborn Agreement expires on December 31, 2019.

 

On February 9, 2009, the Company’s Unilin Industries BVBA subsidiary and Comm. V. “Bernard Thiers” entered into a service agreement (the “Thiers Service Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. Thiers would provide his services to Unilin. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Thiers will receive an annual base amount of Euro 473,196 and an annual retainer amount of Euro 37,200. Mr. Thiers will also be eligible for an annual bonus of up to 115% of the base amount. Unilin will reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred for services rendered to Unilin. The Thiers Service Agreement restricts Mr. Thiers from providing services to competing companies or soliciting employees or customers for two years following termination. The initial term of the agreement expires on December 31, 2013. The agreement may be terminated (i) by the Company for serious cause at any time without liability, (ii) by the Company at any time other than for serious cause with payment to Mr. Thiers of 1.85 times his annual base amount or (iii) by the Company on 22 months’ notice.

 

On February 24, 2009, Unilin Industries BVBA and BVBA “F. De Cock Management” entered into a service agreement (the “De Cock Service Agreement”) pursuant to which Mr. De Cock will render certain services to the Unilin business segment. Pursuant to the De Cock Service Agreement, Mr. De Cock will receive an annual base amount of Euro 236,598 and an annual retainer amount of Euro 12,132. Mr. De Cock will also be eligible for an annual bonus of up to 85% of the base amount and an annual grant of up to 5,000 options to purchase Mohawk stock. The Company will reimburse all reasonable expenses incurred for services rendered to the Company. The De Cock Service Agreement restricts Mr. De Cock from providing services to competing companies or soliciting employees or customers for two years following the termination of the agreement. The agreement has renewable one year terms, but is subject to termination by either party upon three months’ written notice.

 

Mr. De Cock’s son is an executive in the Unilin business unit, and was paid approximately Euro 706,708 in salary and bonus and was awarded stock options valued at Euro 291,729 in 2010.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

The following directors served on the Compensation Committee during 2010: Mr. Fiedler (Chairman), Mr. Bruckmann and Mr. Pokelwaldt. None of such persons was a party to a Related Person Transaction during 2010.

 

PROPOSAL 3 — ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The recently enacted Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, or the Dodd-Frank Act, enables our stockholders to vote to approve, on an advisory (nonbinding) basis, the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the SEC’s rules.

 

As described in detail under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain our named executive officers, who are critical to our success. Under these programs, our Named Executive Officers are rewarded for the achievement of specific annual, long-term and strategic goals, business unit goals, corporate goals, and the realization of increased stockholder value. Please read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for additional details about our executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal 2010 compensation of our named executive officers.

 

The Compensation Committee continually reviews the compensation programs for our Named Executive Officers to ensure they achieve the desired goals of aligning our executive compensation structure with our stockholders’ interests and current market practices. We are asking our Stockholders to indicate their support for our Named Executive Officer compensation as described in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our named executive officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement. Accordingly, we will ask our Stockholders to vote for the following resolution at the annual meeting:

 

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as discussed and disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the executive compensation tables and related narrative executive compensation disclosure in this proxy statement.”

 

The say-on-pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and to the extent there is any significant vote against the Named Executive Officer compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, they will consider our stockholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL 3.

 

PROPOSAL NO. 4 — ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY SAY-ON-PAY VOTES

 

The Dodd-Frank Act also enables Stockholders to indicate how frequently the Company should seek an advisory say-on-pay vote on the compensation of its Named Executive Officers, such as Proposal 3. By voting on this Proposal 4, Stockholders may indicate whether they would prefer an advisory say-on-pay vote on Named Executive Officer compensation once every one, two, or three years.

 

After careful consideration, the Board of Directors has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every year is the most appropriate alternative for the Company at this time, and therefore the Board recommends that you vote “every year” for the advisory say-on-pay vote on executive compensation.

 

In formulating its recommendation, the Board considered that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow the Company’s stockholders to provide the Company with their direct input on the Company’s compensation philosophy, policies and practices, as disclosed in the proxy statement every year. Additionally, an annual advisory vote on executive compensation is consistent with the Company’s policy of seeking input from the Company’s stockholders on corporate governance matters and the Company’s executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices.

 

Please mark on the proxy card your preference as to the frequency of holding stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation, as either every year, every two years, or every three years, or you may abstain from voting.

 

The option of every year, every two years or every three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by Stockholders will be the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation that has been selected by Stockholders. The Board will take the results of the vote into account when deciding when to call for the next advisory vote on executive compensation. However, because this vote is advisory and not binding on the Board of Directors in any way, the Board may decide that it is in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option approved by the Company’s Stockholders.

 

A scheduling vote similar to this Proposal 4 will occur at least once every six years.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE ON PROPOSAL NO. 4 TO HOLD SAY-ON-PAY VOTES EVERY YEAR.

Principal Stockholders of the Company

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of March 18, 2011, by (i) each person who is known by the Company beneficially to own more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors and nominees, (iii) each of the Named Executive Officers, and (iv) all of the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the holders listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by them.

 

 

 

 

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of the Company’s Common Stock, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. To the Company’s knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with by such persons, except for one gift transaction by Mr. Bruckmann to a family member on December 29, 2009 that was reported on a Form 4 Report on December 22, 2010 and one sale transaction by Mr. Peters on March 2, 2010 that was reported on Form 4 on May 3, 2010.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

General

 

The Board of Directors and the Governance Committee consider the experience, skills and characteristics of candidates for Board membership as well as the Board membership on an annual basis. The Board and the Committee consider diversity in this process, and in this regard seek the most capable directors and candidates who possess the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience to make a significant contribution to the Board, the Company and its stockholders. The Board considers gender, race, nationality, language skills and other personal characteristics in this process.

 

The Company’s Board of Directors is well qualified, and each director has the requisite experience, skills and characteristics to serve on the Board. Among or in addition to the backgrounds and experiences described in Director, Director Nominee and Executive Officer Information:

 

 

 

The Board of Directors has determined that a combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer position is most appropriate for the Company at this time. Mr. Lorberbaum has served in this combined role since 2004. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Lorberbaum has efficiently conducted the business and affairs of the Company and believes that he has provided effective leadership and guidance as the Chairman in the development of the Company’s risk profile and pursuit of its strategic goals. The Board of Directors does not have one independent lead director; rather, the Board has determined that each of the three independent chairmen of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees will also provide Board leadership by presiding at the Board’s executive sessions on a rotating basis.

 

The Board of Directors provides oversight of the financial, operational, legal and other business risks to the Company on an ongoing basis. Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. We face a number of risks, including economic risks, financial risks, legal and regulatory risks and others, such as the impact of competition. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risk that we face, while the Board, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board is responsible for satisfying itself that the Company’s risk management processes are adequate and functioning as designed.

 

While the Board is ultimately responsible for risk oversight, the Audit Committee has primary responsibility for the financial, legal and other operational risks and the Compensation Committee assesses the risks associated with our compensation practices. Each of the Committees routinely reports to the full Board on material issues considered by such Committee, which may include issues of risk.

 

Nomination Process for the Board of Directors

 

The Governance Committee evaluates candidates for the Board of Directors identified by its members, other Board members, Company’s management and stockholders. The Governance Committee from time to time may also retain a third-party executive search firm to identify qualified candidates for membership on the Board of Directors. A stockholder who wishes to recommend a prospective nominee for consideration by the Governance Committee should follow the procedures set forth below under Stockholder Proposals.

 

Once the Governance Committee has identified a prospective nominee, it makes an initial determination as to whether to conduct a full evaluation. In evaluating a prospective nominee, the Governance Committee may consider among other things, the following criteria: the ability of the prospective nominee to represent the interests of the stockholders of the Company; the prospective nominee’s standards of integrity, commitment and independence of thought and judgment; the prospective nominee’s ability to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to the performance of his or her duties; the extent to which the prospective nominee contributes to the range of talent, skill and expertise of the Board of Directors; and the extent to which the prospective nominee helps the Board of Directors reflect the diversity of the Company’s stockholders, employees and customers.

 

After completing the evaluation, the Governance Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors.

Communication with Directors

 

The Board of Directors has established a process by which interested parties may send communications to members of the Board of Directors. Interested parties wishing to send communications to members of the Board of Directors should write to the Mohawk Board of Directors at P.O. Box 963, Calhoun, Georgia 30703. Interested parties should indicate whether the communication is directed to all Board members or only non-management Board members. The Company’s General Counsel will relay all communications to all members of the Board or non-management directors as directed by the writer. For other information related to interested party opportunities to communicate with members of the Board of Directors (including the Company’s policy with respect to attendance of directors at annual stockholder meetings), visit the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

 

Availability of Information

 

The Board of Directors has adopted (i) written charters for each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance Committee, (ii) Corporate Governance Guidelines and (iii) the Mohawk Industries, Inc. Standards of Conduct and Ethics. Each of these documents is available on the Company’s website at www.mohawkind.com under the heading “Corporate Governance” and will be made available in print to any stockholder who requests it.

 

Financial Statements

 

Consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, independent registered public accounting firm’s reports and management’s discussion and analysis are provided under Appendix A.

 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Any proposal that a stockholder may desire to have included in the Company’s proxy statement for presentation at the 2012 Annual Meeting must be received by the Company at Mohawk Industries, Inc., P.O. Box 12069, 160 South Industrial Boulevard, Calhoun, Georgia 30703, Attention: Secretary, on or prior to December 2, 2011. In addition, stockholders may intend to present a director nomination or other proposal from the floor of the 2012 Annual Meeting, and they may commence their own proxy solicitation with respect to such director nomination or other proposal. Under the Company’s Bylaws, the Company must receive notice of a director nomination or other stockholder proposal prior to December 2, 2011 in order for the notice to be timely. If the Company does not receive notice of a director nomination or other stockholder proposal prior to December 2, 2011, the Company will retain discretionary voting authority over the proxies returned by stockholders for the 2012 Annual Meeting with respect to such director nomination or other stockholder proposal. Discretionary voting authority is the ability to vote proxies that stockholders have executed and returned to the Company, on matters not specifically reflected on the proxy card, and on which stockholders have not had an opportunity to vote by proxy.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting or are incidental to the conduct of the Annual Meeting, the persons appointed in the accompanying proxy intend to vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with their best judgment.

 

The Company will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Company. Directors, officers and other employees of the Company may, without additional compensation except for reimbursement for actual expenses, solicit proxies by mail, in person or by telecommunication. The Company has retained Georgeson Shareholder to assist in the solicitation of proxies for a fee of not more than $8,000 plus expenses. The Company will reimburse brokers, fiduciaries, custodians and other nominees for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in sending the Company’s proxy materials to, and obtaining instructions relating to such materials from, beneficial owners.

As permitted by the Exchange Act, only one copy of this proxy statement is being delivered to Stockholders residing at the same address, unless the Stockholders have notified the Company of their desire to receive multiple copies of the proxy statement. This is known as householding. The Company will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the proxy statement to any Stockholder residing at an address to which only one copy was mailed. Requests for additional copies for the current year or future years should be directed to Deby Forbus at (706) 624-2246. Stockholders of record residing at the same address and currently receiving multiple copies of the proxy statement may contact our registrar and transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“AST”), to request that only a single copy of the proxy statement be mailed in the future. Contact AST by phone at 800-937-5449. Beneficial owners should contact their broker or bank.

 

If your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank nominee or other institution, only it can sign a proxy card with respect to your shares. Accordingly, please contact the person responsible for your account and give instructions for a proxy card to be signed representing your shares.

 

A list of Stockholders entitled to be present and vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at the offices of the Company, 160 South Industrial Boulevard, Calhoun, Georgia 30701, for inspection by the Stockholders during regular business hours from May 1, 2011, to the date of the Annual Meeting. The list also will be available during the Annual Meeting for inspection by Stockholders who are present.

 

If you cannot be present in person, you are requested to complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly. An envelope has been provided for that purpose. No postage is required if mailed in the United States.

 

BARBARA M. GOETZ

Corporate Secretary

 

Calhoun, Georgia

April 1, 2011

APPENDIX A

 

FINANCIAL SECTION

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS