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Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
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Definitive Proxy Statement | |
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Definitive Additional Materials | |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
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No fee required. | |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
This document shall also serve as a circular to holders of the common stock of Yum China Holdings, Inc. for the purposes of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”) (the “Hong Kong Listing Rules”).
Warning: The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. You are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the securities of Yum China Holdings, Inc. If you are in doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange take no responsibility for the contents of this document, make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and expressly disclaim any liability whatsoever for any loss howsoever arising from or in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this document.
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
101 East Park Boulevard, Suite 805
Plano, Texas 75074
United States of America |
Yum China Building
20 Tian Yao Qiao Road
Shanghai 200030
People’s Republic of China |
April 12, 2023
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
We are pleased to invite you to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Yum China Holdings, Inc. (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 8:00 a.m. local time, at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong.
The attached notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement contain details of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting. In addition, the Company’s 2022 annual report, which is being made available to you along with the proxy statement, contains information about the Company and its performance.
Your vote is important. We encourage you to vote promptly, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You may vote your shares over the Internet or via telephone. If you received a paper copy of the proxy materials, you may complete, sign, date and mail the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided.
If you plan to attend the meeting, you may also vote in person. If you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, you will be required to show the notice or voting instructions form you received from your bank, broker or other nominee or a copy of a statement (such as a brokerage statement or legal proxy) from your bank, broker or other nominee reflecting your stock ownership as of March 27, 2023 in order to be admitted to the meeting. All attendees must bring valid photo identification to gain admission to the meeting. Whether or not you attend the meeting, we encourage you to consider the matters presented in the proxy statement and vote as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Joey Wat
Chief Executive Officer
Yum China Holdings, Inc.
Notice Of Annual Meeting
Of Stockholders
Time and Date: |
8:00 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, May 25, 2023 | |
Location: |
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong | |
Items of Business: |
(1) To elect the nine director nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement to serve for a one-year term expiring at the 2024 annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders. | |
(2) To approve and ratify the appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG as the Company’s independent auditors for 2023. | ||
(3) To approve, on an advisory basis, the Company’s named executive officer compensation. | ||
(4) To approve, on an advisory basis, the frequency of the advisory vote to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation. | ||
(5) To approve, pursuant to the rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Board’s continuing authority to approve the Company’s issuance of shares of its common stock or securities convertible into common stock in an amount not to exceed 20% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company as of the date of the Annual Meeting, effective from date of the Annual Meeting until the earlier of the date the next annual meeting is held or June 25, 2024. | ||
(6) To approve, pursuant to the rules of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Board’s continuing authority to approve the Company’s repurchase of shares of its common stock in an amount not to exceed 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company as of the date of the Annual Meeting, effective from date of the Annual Meeting until the earlier of the date the next annual meeting is held or June 25, 2024. | ||
(7) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. | ||
Who Can Vote: |
You can vote if you were a stockholder of record as of the close of business on March 27, 2023. | |
How to Vote: |
You may vote over the Internet or via telephone by following the instructions set forth in the accompanying proxy statement. If you received a paper copy of the proxy materials, you may also vote by completing, signing, dating and returning the proxy card. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person. Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please vote promptly. | |
Date of Mailing: |
This notice of Annual Meeting, the accompanying proxy statement and the form of proxy are first being mailed to stockholders on or about April 12, 2023. |
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Joseph Chan
Chief Legal Officer
PROXY STATEMENT – TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY | 1 | |||||
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING | 6 | |||||
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY | 11 | |||||
11 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
12 | ||||||
13 | ||||||
13 | ||||||
14 | ||||||
14 | ||||||
14 | ||||||
16 | ||||||
19 | ||||||
19 | ||||||
20 | ||||||
21 | ||||||
21 | ||||||
23 | ||||||
24 | ||||||
24 | ||||||
MATTERS REQUIRING STOCKHOLDER ACTION | 25 | |||||
ITEM 1 |
25 | |||||
ITEM 2 |
Approval and Ratification of Independent Auditors | 31 | ||||
ITEM 3 |
Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation | 33 | ||||
ITEM 4 |
Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation | 34 | ||||
ITEM 5 |
Authorization to Issue Shares up to 20% of Outstanding Shares | 35 | ||||
ITEM 6 |
Authorization to Repurchase Shares up to 10% of Outstanding Shares | 37 | ||||
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION | 40 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION | 42 | |||||
42 | ||||||
43 | ||||||
46 | ||||||
48 | ||||||
Alignment of Executive Compensation Program with Business Performance |
51 | |||||
52 | ||||||
53 | ||||||
53 | ||||||
55 | ||||||
2022 Named Executive Officer Compensation and Performance Summary |
66 | |||||
70 | ||||||
72 | ||||||
73 | ||||||
74 | ||||||
87 | ||||||
89 | ||||||
2022 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION | 94 | |||||
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION | 96 | |||||
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT | 97 | |||||
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 100 |
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
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This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement. This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider, and you should read the entire proxy statement carefully before voting.
MEETING INFORMATION
Time and Date: 8:00 a.m. (local time) on Thursday, May 25, 2023
Location: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
Record Date: March 27, 2023 |
HOW TO VOTE
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 1 |
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
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ITEMS OF BUSINESS
Proposal | Board Voting Recommendation |
Page Reference |
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1. Election of the 9 Director Nominees Named in this Proxy Statement to Serve for a One-Year Term |
FOR each nominee | 25 | ||||
2. Approval and Ratification of the Appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG as the Company’s Independent Auditors for 2023 |
FOR | 31 | ||||
3. Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation |
FOR | 33 | ||||
4. Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation |
for 1 YEAR | 34 | ||||
5. Authorization to Issue Shares up to 20% of Outstanding Shares |
FOR | 35 | ||||
6. Authorization to Repurchase Shares up to 10% of Outstanding Shares |
FOR | 37 |
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Yum China Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) is the largest restaurant company in China in terms of 2022 system sales. We had $9.6 billion of revenues in 2022 and nearly 13,000 restaurants as of December 31, 2022. Our growing restaurant network consists of our flagship KFC and Pizza Hut brands, as well as emerging brands such as Taco Bell, Lavazza, Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang. We have the exclusive right to operate and sublicense the KFC, Pizza Hut and, subject to achieving certain
agreed-upon milestones, Taco Bell brands in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). We own the intellectual property of the Little Sheep and Huang Ji Huang concepts outright.
The Company’s common stock is dual-primary listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) and on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “HKEX” or “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”).
2 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
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SUMMARY INFORMATION REGARDING NOMINEES
The following table provides summary information about each of the nominees to our board of directors (the “Board of Directors” or the “Board”).
Name | Age | Director Since |
Primary Occupation | Independent | Board Committee Membership as of April 12, 2023 | |||||||||||
A | C | G | F | |||||||||||||
Fred Hu (Chairman) |
59 | 2016 | Chairman and founder of Primavera Capital Group | ✓ | CC | |||||||||||
Joey Wat |
51 | 2017 | Chief Executive Officer of the Company | |||||||||||||
Peter A. Bassi |
73 | 2016 | Former Chairman of Yum! Restaurants International | ✓ | CC | X | ||||||||||
Edouard Ettedgui |
71 | 2016 | Non-Executive Chairman of Alliance Française, Hong Kong | ✓ | X | X | X | |||||||||
Ruby Lu |
52 | 2016 | Venture capitalist | ✓ | CC | X | ||||||||||
Zili Shao |
63 | 2016 | Non-executive Chairman of Fangda Partners | ✓ | X | CC | ||||||||||
William Wang |
48 | 2017 | Partner of Primavera Capital Group | ✓ | X | |||||||||||
Min (Jenny) Zhang |
49 | 2021 | Former Vice-chairlady of Huazhu Group Limited | ✓ | X | X | X | |||||||||
Christina Xiaojing Zhu |
50 | — | President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart China | ✓ |
A – Audit Committee; C – Compensation Committee; G – Nominating and Governance Committee; F – Food Safety and Sustainability Committee;
CC – Committee Chair
* Cyril Han is a member of the Audit Committee. Louis T. Hsieh is a member of the Audit Committee and Food Safety and Sustainability Committee. Messrs. Han and Hsieh will not stand for re-election to the Board at the Annual Meeting.
The following charts summarize the diversity of our director nominees.
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 3 |
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
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GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS
The Board believes that good corporate governance is a critical factor in achieving business success and in fulfilling the Board’s responsibilities to stockholders. The Board believes that its principles and practices align management and stockholder interests. Highlights include:
Director Independence |
• Independent Board Chairman
• 8 of 9 director nominees are independent | |
Director Elections and Attendance | • Annual election of all directors
• Majority voting policy for elections of directors in uncontested elections
• Proxy access for director nominees by stockholders
• 97% director attendance at Board and committee meetings in 2022 | |
Board Refreshment and Diversity | • Board Diversity Policy
• Directors with experience, qualifications and skills across a wide range of public and private companies
• Directors reflect diversity of age, gender, race and nationality
• Average director nominee age of 57 as of April 12, 2023
• Independent and non-management directors may generally not stand for re-election after age 75 | |
Other Governance Practices |
• Stockholders holding at least 25% of the Company’s outstanding shares have the right to call special meetings
• Active stockholder engagement
• No shareholder rights plan (also known as a poison pill)
• Director and executive officer stock ownership policies
• Policy prohibiting hedging or other speculative trading of Company stock
• Policy regarding resignation if any director experiences a significant change in professional roles and responsibilities
• Board access to senior management and independent advisors |
4 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 5 |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
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What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
Why am I receiving these materials?
Why did I receive a one-page notice in the mail regarding the Internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?
6 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
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Who may attend the Annual Meeting?
The Annual Meeting is open to all stockholders as of the close of business on March 27, 2023. If you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, you will be required to show the notice or voting instructions form you received from your bank, broker or other nominee or a copy of a statement (such as a brokerage statement or legal proxy) from your bank, broker or other
nominee reflecting your stock ownership as of March 27, 2023 in order to be admitted to the meeting.
All attendees must bring valid photo identification to gain admission to the meeting. Please note that computers, cameras, sound or video recording equipment, large bags, briefcases and packages will not be allowed in the meeting room.
Who may vote?
You may vote if you owned any shares of Company common stock as of the close of business on the record date, March 27, 2023. Each share of Company common stock
is entitled to one vote. As of March 27, 2023, there were 418,247,486 shares of Company common stock outstanding.
What am I voting on?
You will be voting on the following six items of business at the Annual Meeting:
• | The election of the nine director nominees named in this proxy statement to serve for a one-year term; |
• | The approval and ratification of the appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG as the Company’s independent auditors for 2023; |
• | The approval, on an advisory basis, of the Company’s named executive officer compensation; |
• | The approval, on an advisory basis, of the frequency of the advisory vote to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation; |
• | The authorization to issue shares up to 20% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; and |
• | The authorization to repurchase up to 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. |
We will also consider other business that properly comes before the meeting.
How does the Board of Directors recommend that I vote?
Our Board of Directors recommends that you vote your shares:
• | FOR each of the nine nominees named in this proxy statement for election to the Board; |
• | FOR the approval and ratification of the appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG as our independent auditors for 2023; |
• | FOR the proposal on named executive officer compensation; |
• | for 1 YEAR as the frequency of the proposal on named executive officer compensation; |
• | FOR the authorization to issue shares up to 20% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company; and |
• | FOR the authorization to repurchase up to 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company. |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 7 |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
|
How do I vote before the Annual Meeting?
Can I vote at the Annual Meeting?
Can I change my mind after I vote?
Who will count the votes?
Representatives of Broadridge Financial Solutions will count the votes and will serve as the independent inspector of election.
8 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
|
What if I return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice or proxy card?
Will my shares be voted if I do not provide my proxy?
How many votes must be present to hold the Annual Meeting?
How many votes are needed to elect directors?
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 9 |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE MEETING AND VOTING
|
How many votes are needed to approve the other proposals?
May stockholders ask questions?
Yes. Representatives of the Company will answer stockholders’ questions of general interest following the Annual Meeting.
When will the Company announce the voting results?
What if other matters are presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting?
10 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
|
Highlights of our corporate governance policies and practices are described below.
Director Independence |
• Independent Board Chairman
• 8 of 9 director nominees are independent | |
Director Elections and Attendance |
• Annual election of all directors
• Majority voting policy for elections of directors in uncontested elections
• Proxy access for director nominees by stockholders
• 97% director attendance at Board and committee meetings in 2022 | |
Board Refreshment and Diversity |
• Board Diversity Policy
• Directors with experience, qualifications and skills across a wide range of public and private companies
• Directors reflect diversity of age, gender, race and nationality
• Average director nominee age of 57 as of April 12, 2023
• Independent and non-management directors may generally not stand for re-election after age 75 | |
Other Governance Practices |
• Stockholders holding at least 25% of the Company’s outstanding shares have the right to call special meetings
• Active stockholder engagement
• No shareholder rights plan (also known as a poison pill)
• Director and executive officer stock ownership policies
• Policy prohibiting hedging or other speculative trading of Company stock
• Policy regarding resignation if any director experiences a significant change in professional roles and responsibilities
• Board access to senior management and independent advisors |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 11 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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What is the composition of the Board of Directors and how often are members elected?
How often did the Board meet in 2022?
What is the Board’s policy regarding director attendance at the Annual Meeting?
All directors are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. All incumbent directors attended the 2022 annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders.
How are director nominees selected?
12 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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by the Committee. For a stockholder to submit a candidate for consideration by the Nominating and Governance Committee, a stockholder must notify the Company’s Corporate Secretary by mail at Yum China Holdings, Inc., 101 East Park Boulevard, Suite 805, Plano, Texas 75074 or at Yum China Holdings, Inc., Yum China Building, 20 Tian Yao Qiao Road, Shanghai 200030, People’s Republic of China.
In accordance with the Corporate Governance Principles, our Board seeks members from diverse professional backgrounds who combine a broad spectrum of experience and expertise with a reputation for integrity. Directors should have experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility and be leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are affiliated, and are selected based upon contributions they can make to the Board and management. The Nominat-
ing and Governance Committee seeks to complete customary vetting procedures and background checks with respect to individuals suggested for potential Board membership by stockholders of the Company or other sources. We believe that each of our directors and director nominees has met the guidelines set forth in the Corporate Governance Principles.
The Company is party to a shareholders agreement with Primavera Capital Group (“Primavera”), and API (Hong Kong) Investment Limited, an affiliate of Zhejiang Ant Small and Micro Financial Services Group Co., Ltd. (currently known as Ant Group Co., Ltd., “Ant Group”) pursuant to which Primavera has identified two director designees, Dr. Fred Hu and Mr. William Wang.
What are the director nominees’ qualifications and skills?
As listed below, our director nominees have experience, qualifications and skills across a wide range of public and private companies spanning many different industries,
possessing a broad spectrum of experience both individually and collectively. They possess a diverse mix of regional, industry and professional expertise.
Executive Leadership |
Industry | Information Technology |
Regional (China/Asia Pacific) |
Public Company Board | ||||||
Fred Hu | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
Joey Wat | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
Peter A. Bassi | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
Edouard Ettedgui | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
Ruby Lu | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
Zili Shao | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||||
William Wang | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||||||
Min (Jenny) Zhang | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||||
Christina Xiaojing Zhu | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
How does the composition of our Board reflect diversity?
The Nominating and Governance Committee seeks to recommend nominees that bring a unique perspective to the Board in order to contribute to the collective diversity of the Board. The Board believes that having directors of diverse backgrounds helps the Board better oversee the Company’s management and operations and assess risk
and opportunities for the Company’s business model from a variety of perspectives. Under our Board Diversity Policy, diversity is broadly construed to mean a variety of perspectives, skills, personal and professional experiences and backgrounds, and other characteristics represented in both visible and non-visible ways that include, but are not
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 13 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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Can stockholders nominate directors for election to the Board?
Yes, under our Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”), stockholders may nominate persons for election as directors at an annual meeting by following the procedures described under “Additional Information.”
What is the Board’s leadership structure?
What are the Company’s governance policies and ethical guidelines?
14 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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directors and employees of the Company, including the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer. All employees of the Company are required, on an annual basis, to complete the Yum China Code of Conduct Questionnaire and certify in writing that they have read and understand the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is available on the Company’s website at ir.yumchina.com. The Company intends to post amendments to or waivers from the Code of Conduct (to the extent applicable to directors or executive officers and required by the rules of the SEC, NYSE or HKEX) on this website. |
• | Conflicts of Interest Policy Applicable to Directors. As set out in Yum China’s Code of Conduct, Yum China’s conflicts of interest policy with respect to directors is designed to ensure adequate disclosure and consideration of the types of conflict of interest situations that are reasonably likely to be of concern to the Company. |
Accordingly, directors are required to disclose to the Company all potential conflict of interest situations that could reasonably be expected to impact the independence and judgment of directors in performing their duties as members of the Board of Directors of the Company. Such disclosures are required to be made by the director at such time and in such manner as to provide adequate notice and sufficient information to the Company to enable the Company to fully and adequately consider the relevant facts and circumstances related to the potential conflict of interest and to determine the actions, if any, that should be taken to resolve such potential conflict of interest.
The Company’s governance policies are compliant with applicable rules and regulations of both the NYSE and the HKEX.
What other significant Board governance practices does the Company have?
• | Annual Election of Directors. In accordance with our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, our directors are elected to serve a one-year term and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal. |
• | Role of Lead Director. Our Corporate Governance Principles require the independent directors to appoint a Lead Director when the Chairman does not qualify as independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the NYSE. The Company currently does not have a Lead Director because the Chairman of the Board is independent. |
• | Executive Sessions. Our independent and non-management directors meet regularly in executive session. The executive sessions are attended only by the independent and non-management directors and are presided over by the independent Chairman. Our independent directors also meet in executive session at least once per year. |
• | Board and Committee Evaluations. The Board recognizes that a thorough, constructive evaluation process enhances our Board’s effectiveness and is an essential element of good corporate governance. Each year, the Nominating and Governance Committee oversees the design and implementation of the evaluation process, focused on the Board’s contribution to the Company and on areas in which the Board believes a better contribution could be made. In addition, each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Food Safety and Sustainability Committee also conducts a similar annual self-evaluation pursuant to their respective charters. Written questionnaires completed by each director, as well as discussions with selected directors, solicit feedback on a wide range of issues, including Board/committee composition and leadership, meetings, responsibilities and overall effectiveness. A summary of the Board and committee evaluation results is discussed with the Board and with the respective committees, and policies and practices are updated in response |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 15 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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What is the Board’s role in risk oversight?
16 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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How does the Board oversee food safety risk?
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 17 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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How does the Board oversee cybersecurity risk?
How does the Board oversee sustainability risk?
How has the Board overseen the Company’s response to COVID-19?
18 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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What is the Board’s role in management development and succession planning?
How does the Board determine which directors are considered independent?
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 19 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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How do stockholders communicate with the Board?
Stockholders or other parties who wish to communicate directly with the non-management directors, individually or as a group, or the entire Board may do so by writing to the Nominating and Governance Committee, c/o the Corporate Secretary, Yum China Holdings, Inc., 101 East Park Boulevard, Suite 805, Plano, Texas, 75074. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board has approved a process for handling correspondence received by the Company and addressed to non-management members of the Board or the entire Board. Under that pro
cess, the Corporate Secretary of the Company reviews all such correspondence and regularly forwards to a designated member of the Nominating and Governance Committee copies of all such correspondence (except commercial correspondence and correspondence that is
duplicative in nature) and a summary of all such correspondence. Directors may at any time review a log of all correspondence received by the Company that is addressed to members of the Board and request copies of any such correspondence. Written correspondence from stockholders relating to accounting, internal controls or auditing matters are brought to the attention of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee and to the internal audit department and are handled in accordance with procedures established by the Audit Committee with respect to such matters (described below). Correspondence from stockholders relating to Compensation Committee matters are referred to the Chairperson of the Compensation Committee.
How do the Board and management engage with stockholders?
Our Board and management are committed to regular engagement with our stockholders. We reached out to our top 75 stockholders, representing over 66% of the outstanding shares of Company common stock, in summer 2022 in connection with the voluntary conversion of our secondary listing status to a primary listing status on the HKEX. In winter 2022, we again approached our top 10 stockholders, as well as top 25 stockholders that had not engaged with us in 2021 or the summer of 2022, which comprised holders of nearly 50% of the outstanding shares of Company common stock, in order to solicit their input on important governance, executive compensation, sustainability and other matters. Additionally, our directors directly engage with stockholders from time to time upon stockholders’ request. Our senior management team, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, regularly engage in meaningful dialogue with our stockholders, including through our quarterly earnings calls and investor conferences and meetings. Our senior management team regularly reports to our Board and, as applicable, committees of our Board, regarding stockholder views.
We regularly evaluate and respond to the views voiced by our stockholders. In response to the continuous stockholder focus on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters, we discussed with our stockholders our commitment to environmental sustainability and our enhanced sustainability performance. In 2022, we set near-term science-based targets (SBTs) for 2035. We identified and assessed climate-related risks and opportunities in our operations and value chain in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure (“TCFD”), and released our first TCFD report in 2022. In 2022, we also participated in the CDP Questionnaire for the second year.
In addition, beginning with the 2021 annual incentive program, ESG measures have been incorporated into the key performance indicators that are used to determine the individual performance factor for each leadership team member and we have expanded our disclosures on the ESG measures. See “Recent Compensation Highlights” and “2022 NEO Compensation and Performance Summary” under “Executive Compensation” for more information.
20 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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What are the Company’s policies on reporting of concerns regarding accounting and auditing matters?
What are the Committees of the Board?
The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Governance and Food Safety and Sustainability Committees. Set forth below is a summary of the functions of each committee, the members of each committee as of April 12, 2023 and the number of meetings each committee held in 2022.
Audit Committee
Peter A. Bassi, Chair Cyril Han* Louis T. Hsieh* Zili Shao Min (Jenny) Zhang
Number of meetings held in 2022: 11 |
• Possesses sole authority regarding the selection and retention of the independent auditors, subject to stockholder approval • Reviews and has oversight over the Company’s internal audit function • Reviews and approves all auditing services, internal control-related services and permitted non-audit services to be performed for the Company by the independent auditors • Reviews the independence, qualification and performance of the independent auditors • Reviews and discusses with management and the independent auditors any major issues as to the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls, any special steps adopted in light of material control deficiencies and the adequacy of disclosures about changes in internal control over financial reporting • Reviews and discusses with management and the independent auditors the annual audited financial statements, results of the review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements and significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the Company’s financial statements • Reviews and discusses with the independent auditors any critical audit matter (“CAM”) addressed in the audit of the Company’s financial statements and the relevant financial statement accounts and disclosures that relate to each CAM • Reviews the Company’s accounting and financial reporting principles and practices, including any significant changes thereto • Advises the Board with respect to Company policies and procedures regarding compliance with applicable laws and regulations and with the Company’s Code of Conduct • Discusses with management the Company’s major risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures; and assists the Board in the oversight of cybersecurity and other technology risks. Further detail about the role of the Audit Committee in risk assessment and risk management is included in the section entitled “What is the Board’s role in risk oversight?” and “How does the Board oversee cybersecurity risk?” |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 21 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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The Board of Directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are independent within the meaning of applicable SEC regulations and listing standards of the NYSE. The Board has also determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE and that each of Messrs. Bassi, Han and Hsieh and Ms. Zhang is qualified as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of SEC regulations.
Compensation Committee
Ruby Lu, Chair Edouard Ettedgui William Wang Min (Jenny) Zhang
Number of meetings held in 2022: 8 |
• Oversees the Company’s executive compensation plans and programs and reviews and recommends changes to these plans and programs • Monitors the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executives in light of corporate goals set by the Committee • Reviews and approves the corporate goals and objectives relevant to the Chief Executive Officer’s and other senior executives’ compensation and evaluates their performance in light of those goals and objectives • Determines and approves, either as a committee or together with the other independent Board members, the compensation level of the Chief Executive Officer and other senior executive officers based on this evaluation • Reviews the Company’s compensation plans, policies and programs to assess the extent to which they encourage excessive or inappropriate risk-taking or earnings manipulation |
The Board has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.
Nominating and Governance
Fred Hu, Chair Edouard Ettedgui Ruby Lu Min (Jenny) Zhang
Number of meetings held in 2022: 3 |
• Identifies and proposes to the Board individuals qualified to become Board members and recommends to the Board director nominees for each committee • Advises the Board on matters of corporate governance • Reviews and reassesses from time to time the adequacy of the Company’s Corporate Governance Principles and recommends any proposed changes to the Board for approval • Receives comments from all directors and reports annually to the Board with assessment of the Board’s performance • Reviews annually and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation and benefits of directors • Reviews management succession planning and makes recommendations to the Board • Review emerging corporate governance issues and best practices |
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GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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The Board has determined that all of the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee are independent within the meaning of the listing standards of the NYSE.
Food Safety and Sustainability Committee
Zili Shao, Chair Peter A. Bassi Edouard Ettedgui Louis T. Hsieh*
Number of meetings held in 2022: 3 |
• Reviews, evaluates and advises the Board regarding the practices, procedures, strategies and initiatives to protect food safety • Reviews, evaluates and advises the Board regarding trends, issues and concerns which affect or could affect the Company’s food safety practices, and the risks arising therefrom, in light of the Company’s overall efforts related to food safety • Reviews and evaluates any corrective action taken by management to address any food safety related risks or incident, if any, and advises the Board regarding any proposed action in relation thereto • Reviews, evaluates and advises the Board regarding the Company’s practices, policies, procedures, strategies and initiatives relating to sustainability, including environmental, supply chain and food nutrition and health • Reviews and evaluates the trends, issues and concerns which affect or could affect the Company’s sustainability practices, policies, procedures, strategies and initiatives • Reviews and oversees the development and implementation of the goals the Company may establish from time to time with respect to its sustainability initiatives • Oversees the reporting and communication with stakeholders with respect to sustainability |
* At the Annual Meeting, Messrs. Han and Hsieh are stepping down from the Board and its committees and are not standing for re-election.
What are the Company’s policies and procedures with respect to related person transactions?
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GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
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Does the Company require stock ownership by directors?
Does the Company require stock ownership by executive officers?
How many shares of Company common stock do the directors and executive officers own?
Stock ownership information for our directors and executive officers is shown under “Stock Ownership Information.”
Does the Company have a policy on hedging or other speculative trading in Company common stock?
Directors, executive officers and certain other designated employees are prohibited from speculative trading in Company common stock, including trading in puts, calls or other hedging or monetization transactions.
How are directors compensated?
Employee directors do not receive additional compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. The annual compensation for each director who is not an employee of the Company is discussed under “2022 Director Compensation.”
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ITEM 1. Election of Directors
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Director Nominees
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Fred Hu Age 59 Director Since 2016 | |
Fred Hu has served as the chairman and founder of Primavera, a China-based global investment firm, since its inception in 2011. Prior to Primavera, Dr. Hu served in various roles at Goldman Sachs from 1997 to 2010, including as partner and chairman of Greater China at Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. From 1991 to 1996, he served as an economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C. Dr. Hu currently is a member of the board of directors of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, a company listed on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 1398) and the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SHA: 601398), and UBS Group AG, a company listed on both the SIX Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX: UBSG) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: UBS). From May 2011 to May 2018, Dr. Hu served as an independent non-executive director of Hang Seng Bank Limited, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 0011). From November 2014 to April 2021, he served as an independent non-executive director of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 0388). From August 2020 to March 2022, he served as an independent non-executive director for Ant Group. Dr. Hu serves as a co-director of the National Center for Economic Research and a professor at Tsinghua University. Dr. Hu obtained his doctoral degree in economics from Harvard University. Dr. Hu brings to our Board extensive expertise in international affairs and the Chinese economy. In addition, Dr. Hu brings valuable business, strategic development and corporate leadership experience as well as expertise in economics, finance and global capital markets. |
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Joey Wat Age 51 Director Since 2017 | |
Joey Wat has served as a director of our Company since July 2017 and as the Chief Executive Officer of our Company since March 2018. She served as our President and Chief Operating Officer from February 2017 to February 2018 and the Chief Executive Officer, KFC from October 2016 to February 2017, a position she held at Yum! Restaurants China, from August 2015 to October 2016. Ms. Wat joined Yum! Restaurants China in September 2014 as President of KFC China and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer for KFC China in August 2015. Before joining YUM, Ms. Wat served in both management and strategy positions at A.S. Watson Group (“Watson”), an international health, beauty and lifestyle retailer, in the U.K. from 2004 to 2014. Her last position at Watson was managing director of Watson Health & Beauty U.K., which operates Superdrug and Savers, two retail chains specializing in the sale of pharmacy and health and beauty products, from 2012 to 2014. She made the transition from head of strategy of Watson in Europe to managing director of Savers in 2007. Before joining Watson, Ms. Wat spent seven years in management consulting including with McKinsey & Company’s Hong Kong office from 2000 to 2003. Ms. Wat obtained a master of management degree from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2000. Ms. Wat brings to our Board extensive knowledge of the Company’s business and her industry acumen acquired in the course of a career that included several leadership roles in retail companies. |
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Peter A. Bassi Age 73 Director Since 2016 | |
Peter A. Bassi served as Chairman of Yum! Restaurants International from 2003 to 2005 and as its President from 1997 to 2003. Prior to that position, Mr. Bassi spent 25 years in a wide range of financial and general management positions at PepsiCo, Inc., Pepsi-Cola International, Pizza Hut (U.S. and International), Frito-Lay and Taco Bell. Mr. Bassi currently serves as lead independent director and chairman of the governance and nominating committee of BJ’s Restaurant, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI), where he also serves on the audit committee and compensation committee. He has been a member of the board of BJ’s Restaurant, Inc. since 2004. From January 2009 to May 2019, Mr. Bassi held various positions on the board of Potbelly Corporation (NASDAQ: PBPB). From June 2015 to December 2018, Mr. Bassi served on the value optimization board for Mekong Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in Vietnam. He also served on the board of supervisors of AmRest Holdings SE (WSE: EAT) from 2013 to 2015, and served on the board of the Pep Boys—Manny, Moe & Jack from 2002 to 2009. Mr. Bassi received his master’s degree of business administration (MBA) from the University of Rhode Island in 1972. He brings to our Board knowledge of the restaurant industry and global franchising, as well as financial expertise and extensive public company board and corporate governance experience. |
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Edouard Ettedgui Age 71 Director Since 2016 | |
Edouard Ettedgui has served as the non-executive chairman of Alliance Française, Hong Kong since 2016. He also served as a non-executive director of Mandarin Oriental International Limited from April 2016 to May 2020, the company for which he was the group chief executive from 1998 to 2016. Prior to his time at Mandarin Oriental International, Mr. Ettedgui was the chief financial officer for Dairy Farm International Holdings, and he served in various roles for British American Tobacco (“BAT”), including as the business development director, group finance controller and group head of finance. From 1990 to 1996, he spent around six years with BAT Industries PLC in London, initially as the head of finance and later as the group finance controller and director for new business development. Mr. Ettedgui graduated from ESSEC Business School (France) in 1975. He brings to our Board senior management experience in various international consumer-product industries, extensive financial expertise and public company board experience. |
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Ruby Lu Age 52 Director Since 2016 | |
Ruby Lu is a venture capitalist investing in technology start-ups in the U.S. and China. Ms. Lu founded Atypical Ventures, an early-stage technology venture investment firm, in 2019. In 2006, she co-founded DCM China, a venture capital firm. During her more than 12-year tenure at DCM, she invested in, and served as a board member for, many leading technology companies, including BitAuto Holdings Limited, Ecommerce China Dangdang Inc. and Pactera Technology International Ltd. Prior to joining DCM in 2003, Ms. Lu was a vice president in the investment banking group of technology, media and telecommunications at Goldman Sachs & Co. in Menlo Park, California. She is currently an independent director on the boards of Unilever (NYSE: UL) and Uxin Limited (NASDAQ: UXIN). She also served as an independent director and on the audit committee of iKang Healthcare Group, Inc. and as an independent director and Chairman of the special committee for iDreamSky Technologies Limited before these two companies were taken private, as well as an independent director of Blue City Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: BLCT). Ms. Lu obtained her master of arts from Johns Hopkins University in 1996. She brings to our Board public company board experience as well as extensive financial and global market experience. |
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Zili Shao Age 63 Director Since 2016 | |
Zili Shao is the founder and chairman of MountVue Capital Management Co. Ltd. Mr. Shao also serves as an independent non-executive director of Bank of Montreal (China) Co., Ltd. and an independent member of the general and supervisory board of EDP – Energias de Portugal, S.A., a multinational energy company listed on the Euronext Lisbon Stock Exchange (stock code: EDP).Mr. Shao also served as co-chairman and partner at King & Wood Mallesons China from April 2015 to May 2017. From 2010 to 2015, Mr. Shao held various positions at JP Morgan Chase & Co. (“JP Morgan”), including roles such as chairman and chief executive officer of JP Morgan China and vice chairman of JP Morgan Asia Pacific. Prior to JP Morgan, he was a partner at Linklaters LLP, a leading international law firm, for 12 years. He acted as managing partner of Linklaters of Greater China and subsequently was appointed managing partner of the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Shao obtained his master’s degree in law from the University of Melbourne in 1994. Mr. Shao brings to our Board extensive professional experience in Asia and public company board and corporate governance experience. |
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William Wang Age 48 Director Since 2017 | |
William Wang is one of the founding partners of Primavera. Prior to Primavera, Mr. Wang served as a managing director of Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking/Principal Investment Area, where he led significant successful investments in China for the group. Prior to that, Mr. Wang worked in the investment banking division and private equity group of China International Capital Corporation Limited. Mr. Wang currently serves as a director on the board of Geely Automobile Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 0175), and Sunlands Technology Group, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: STG), in addition to directorships at Primavera’s portfolio companies. Mr. Wang obtained a master of management degree in management science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2000. He brings to our Board deep knowledge and investment insights of the Chinese market. |
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Min (Jenny) Zhang Age 49 Director Since 2021 | |
Min (Jenny) Zhang held various leadership positions in Huazhu Group Limited, a multi-brand hotel group listed on both the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ: HTHT) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 1179) from September 2007 to August 2021, including as vice-chairlady from July 2020 to August 2021, executive vice-chairlady from November 2019 to July 2020, chief executive officer from May 2015 to November 2019, president from January 2015 to May 2015, chief financial officer from March 2008 to May 2015, chief strategic officer from November 2013 to January 2015 and senior vice president of finance from September 2007 to February 2008. Ms. Zhang served as an independent director of LAIX Inc., an artificial intelligence company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LAIX), from May 2020 to October 2022. She served as an independent non-executive director of Genscript Biotech Corporation, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 1548), from August 2015 to November 2018, and an independent director of OneSmart Education Group Limited, a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ONE), from March 2018 to February 2020. Ms. Zhang received a master of business administration degree from Harvard Business School in 2003. Ms. Zhang brings to our Board leadership experience in a consumer-focused industry in China, extensive financial expertise and public company board experience. |
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Christina Xiaojing Zhu Age 50 | |
Christina Xiaojing Zhu is the president and chief executive officer of Walmart China. Prior to joining Walmart Group in May 2020, Ms. Zhu served as the president of Fonterra Greater China, a global dairy exporter and milk processor, where she led Fonterra group’s businesses in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan region, from August 2016 to December 2019, and served as a managing director and vice president from September 2011 to July 2016. Prior to joining Fonterra, Ms. Zhu served as a vice president of Honeywell International Inc., a NYSE-listed technology company, where she was responsible for strategy and development, from January 2005 to May 2008, and served as director for strategy and business development from February 2003 to January 2005. Prior to that, Ms. Zhu worked as an engagement manager of McKinsey & Company with a focus on serving financial institutions from 1999 to 2003. Ms. Zhu currently serves as a director of Dada Nexus Limited (NASDAQ: DADA), a platform of local on-demand retail and delivery in China listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Ms. Zhu also serves as a non-voting observer of JD.com, Inc., an e-commerce company that is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ: JD) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (stock code: 9618). Ms. Zhu received a bachelor’s degree in western studies from Beijing Foreign Studies University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Ms. Zhu will bring to our Board leadership, operational and digital experience in a customer-centric industry in China. |
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ITEM 2. Approval and Ratification of Independent Auditors
What am I voting on?
We are asking stockholders to approve and ratify the appointment of KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG as our independent auditors for U.S. financial reporting and Hong Kong financial reporting purposes, respectively, for the year 2023. KPMG Huazhen LLP has served as our independent auditor since 2016. KPMG has served as our independent auditor since 2020 after our listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG shall hereafter collectively referred as “KPMG”).
As part of its audit engagement process, the Audit Committee considers on at least an annual basis the engagement of independent auditors. In deciding to engage KPMG as independent auditors for 2023, the Audit Committee considered:
• | KPMG’s performance in 2022; |
• | KPMG’s independence; |
• | The depth and expertise of the KPMG’s audit teams, including their understanding of the Company’s industry, business, operations and systems, as well as accounting policies and processes; |
• | The appropriateness of KPMG’s fees; |
• | A consideration of KPMG’s known legal risks and significant proceedings that may impair its ability to perform the audit; and |
• | KPMG’s tenure as the Company’s independent auditors. |
KPMG rotates its lead audit engagement partner every five years. The Audit Committee is directly involved in the evaluation of the lead audit engagement partner to ensure that the he or she is appropriately qualified to lead the Company’s audit. After considering the criteria set forth above, the Audit Committee believes that retaining KPMG as the Company’s independent auditors is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
Will a representative of KPMG attend the Annual Meeting?
Representatives of KPMG will attend the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
What vote is required to approve this proposal?
Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. In the event this proposal is not approved, the Audit Committee will reconsider the selection of KPMG as the Company’s independent auditors.
The Audit Committee and the Board of Directors recommend that you vote FOR approval of this proposal.
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ITEM 3. Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation
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ITEM 4. Advisory Vote on the Frequency of the Advisory Vote on Named Executive Officer Compensation
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ITEM 5. Authorization to Issue Shares up to 20% of Outstanding Shares
Prior to the voluntary conversion of our secondary listing status to a primary listing status on the HKEX, the Board’s authority included the ability to issue shares. Such authority is generally on par with other NYSE-listed U.S. companies. However, under the Hong Kong Listing Rules, a primary-listed company must have authority from its stockholders to issue any shares, including shares that are part of the company’s authorized but unissued share capital, unless they are offered to existing stockholders pro-rata to their existing holdings. Approval of this proposal will permit the Board the authority to authorize the Company to issue shares in compliance with the Hong Kong Listing Rules to the same extent already authorized under our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the rules of the NYSE. We are not asking stockholders to approve an increase in our authorized share capital.
In light of the dynamics of the China market in which it operates, the Company has always believed in maintaining a strong balance sheet and maximum financial flexibility. This authority will enable the Company to address business contingencies and capture growth opportunities, in accordance with its long-term strategic goals, in a timely manner. Consistent with its past practice, the Board will authorize future issuances of securities only if it determines that such issuances are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board has no immediate plans to issue any shares pursuant to this authorization and we are not asking stockholders to approve a specific issuance of shares.
Furthermore, the Company does not intend to issue any shares under this authority at a discount of more than 10% to the “benchmarked price” (as described in Rule 13.36(5) of the Hong Kong Listing Rules), which is more restrictive than the maximum discount of 20% permitted under the Hong Kong Listing Rules.
Granting the Board this authority is an annual, routine matter for primary-listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. In accordance with the Hong Kong List-
ing Rules, it is a customary practice for primary-listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to seek stockholder authority to issue up to 20% of a company’s outstanding shares and for such authority to be effective until the next annual meeting of stockholders, unless otherwise earlier revoked or modified by a duly adopted resolution of the stockholders. June 25, 2024 is the 13-month anniversary of the Annual Meeting and reflects the end date of the authorization, after which the authorization cannot extend. Therefore, consistent with this market practice, and as allowed under the Hong Kong Listing Rules, we are seeking approval for continuing authority for the Board to authorize the Company to issue common stock or securities convertible into common stock up to a maximum of 20% of our outstanding shares as of the date of the Annual Meeting, for a period from the Annual Meeting until the earlier of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders or June 25, 2024. We expect to propose a renewal of this authorization annually. Pursuant to this proposal, assuming for illustrative purposes that our outstanding shares remain unchanged from March 27, 2023 to the date of the Annual Meeting, the Company will be allowed to issue a maximum of 83,649,497 shares of common stock.
Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote in favor of the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, to approve the Board’s continuing authority to approve the Company’s issuance of shares of its common stock or securities convertible into common stock in an amount not to exceed 20% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company as of the date of the Annual Meeting, effective from date of the Annual Meeting until the earlier of the date the next annual meeting is held or June 25, 2024.”
For clarity, this authority will include the authority to issue securities convertible into shares of common stock, or options, warrants or similar rights to subscribe for shares of common stock or such convertible securities of the Company and to make or grant offers, agreements
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ITEM 6. Authorization to Repurchase Shares up to 10% of Outstanding Shares
This section serves as the explanatory statement pursuant to Rule 10.06(1)(b) of the Hong Kong Listing Rules to provide information for our stockholders to make a reasonably informed decision on whether to vote for or against the resolution with respect to the authorization to repurchase shares to be proposed at the Annual Meeting.
We have historically used share repurchases as a means of returning cash to stockholders. The Board believes that, after we became a primary-listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, it is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders to continue have a general authority from our stockholders to enable our Company to purchase shares of common stock in the markets. Further, the Company prioritizes the equality of our stockholders, regardless of the exchange on which the shares they hold trade. After we became a primary-listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, our goal is to maintain that priority and ensure that our stockholders holding our shares that trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are also allowed the benefit of our share repurchase program.
The Company first adopted a share repurchase program in the U.S. in 2017 (the “U.S. Repurchase Program”) and has increased the authorization thereunder from time to time. The Company has also adopted plans in compliance with Rule 10b5-1 and/or Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to effect repurchases under the U.S. Repurchase Program. After we became a primary-listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, we carried on the U.S. Repurchase Program, and we also adopted a share repurchase program in Hong Kong which is analogous to the U.S. Repurchase Program.
Under the Hong Kong Listing Rules, a primary-listed company must obtain authority from its stockholders to repurchase its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange if it wishes to conduct share repurchases on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Granting the Company this authority is a routine matter for primary-listed companies on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is consistent with market practice. Without this authority, the Company’s
ability to repurchase shares would be limited to the repurchase of shares that trade on the NYSE and would not include repurchases on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Granting the Company this authority will ensure continuous parity between investors who hold our shares that trade on the NYSE and investors that hold our shares that trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Any repurchases made in Hong Kong or the United States will reduce the available authority under the repurchase mandate and the repurchase authorization.
In connection with the authorizations established by the Board regarding our share repurchase programs, these repurchases would be made only at price levels that the Company would consider to be in the best interests of the stockholders generally, after taking into account the Company’s overall financial position. Our Board of Directors has authorized an aggregate of $2.4 billion for our share repurchase program, including its most recent increase in authorization in March 2022. As of December 31, 2022, approximately $1.2 billion remained available under that program. As a Delaware corporation, we are bound by the requirements the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a corporation from purchasing its shares of capital stock when the purchase would cause any impairment of our capital, as well as applicable SEC and NYSE requirements.
Share Capital
As of March 27, 2023, the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company was 418,247,486. Pursuant to this proposal, and assuming for illustrative purposes that our outstanding shares remain unchanged from March 27, 2023 to the date of the Annual Meeting, we are seeking continuing authority to repurchase up to a maximum of 41,824,748 shares of common stock, representing 10% of our outstanding shares as of the date of the Annual Meeting. The authority will be effective for a period from the Annual Meeting until the earlier of the 2024 annual meeting of stockholders or June 25, 2024, unless earlier revoked or modified by a
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duly adopted resolution of the stockholders. As noted above, June 25, 2024 is the 13-month anniversary of the Annual Meeting and reflects the end date of the authorization, after which the authorization cannot extend.
Funding of Repurchase
The repurchases may depend on market conditions and funding arrangements at the time and will be made only when the Company believes that such repurchases will benefit the Company and our stockholders. Repurchases of shares of common stock will be funded out of funds legally available for such purposes in accordance with the Company’s Amended and Restated Bylaws, the Hong Kong Listing Rules, applicable U.S. federal law, Delaware law, the NYSE listing standards, and other applicable laws and regulations in U.S. and Hong Kong.
Impact of Repurchases
The repurchase of common stock pursuant to this proposal may have a material adverse impact on the working capital or leverage of the Company as compared with the position as at December 31, 2022 in the event that the proposed repurchases were to be carried out in full at any time during proposed repurchase period. However, our directors are subject to fiduciary duties to the Company and are bound by the requirements the State of Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a corporation from purchasing its shares of capital stock when the purchase would cause any impairment of our capital.
The Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Takeovers Code”)
If, as a result of a repurchase pursuant to the authorization to repurchase shares, a stockholder’s proportionate interest in the voting rights of our Company increases, such increase will be treated as an acquisition of voting rights for the purposes of the Takeovers Code. Accordingly, a stockholder, or a group of stockholders acting in concert (within the meaning under the Takeovers Code), depending on the level of increase in the stockholder’s interest, could obtain or consolidate control of our Company and thereby become obliged to make a mandatory offer in accordance with Rule 26 of the Takeovers Code.
As of March 27, 2023, to the best knowledge and belief of our Board of Directors, our largest stockholder beneficially owned 39,956,938 shares of common stock, representing approximately 9.6% of our outstanding shares, based on Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule 13G filed on February 10, 2023 with the SEC by the stockholder. In the event that our Board of Directors should exercise in full the authorization to repurchase shares, and the shareholding of our largest stockholder remains the same, the beneficial ownership of our largest stockholder will be increased to approximately 10.6% of our outstanding shares.
To the best knowledge and belief of our Board of Directors, such increase would not give rise to an obligation to make a mandatory offer under the Takeovers Code. Our Board of Directors has no present intention to repurchase shares of common stock to the extent that will trigger the obligations under the Takeovers Code for our largest stockholder to make a mandatory offer. Our Board of Directors is not aware of any other consequences which may arise under the Takeovers Code as a result of a repurchase pursuant to the authorization to repurchase shares. The Hong Kong Listing Rules prohibit a company from buying back shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange if the result of the repurchases would be that less than 25% (or such other prescribed minimum percentage as determined by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange) of our outstanding shares would be in public hands. Our Board of Directors does not propose to repurchase shares which would result in less than the prescribed minimum percentage of shares of common stock in public hands.
Market Prices of Shares
This section includes information required to be provided pursuant to Rule 10.06(1)(b) of the Hong Kong Listing Rules. While our shares are dual-primary listed on the NYSE and HKEX, the information set forth below relates exclusively to our listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is therefore provided in Hong Kong dollars. The below values do not represent trading prices of our shares on the NYSE.
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Our common stock was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on September 10, 2020. The following table sets forth the highest and lowest closing prices at which the shares of common stock traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange during each month of the previous 12 months and until March 2023:
Yum China’s Highest and Lowest Monthly Close Price (March 2022 – March 2023)
Share price | ||||||||
Highest | Lowest | |||||||
(HK$) | (HK$) | |||||||
2022 |
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March |
416.4 | 290.0 | ||||||
April |
355.4 | 313.2 | ||||||
May |
360.2 | 292.8 | ||||||
June |
385.2 | 320.4 | ||||||
July |
392.2 | 358.2 | ||||||
August |
401.4 | 365.6 | ||||||
September |
417 | 367 | ||||||
October |
395 | 312.8 | ||||||
November |
431.4 | 342.6 | ||||||
December |
456.6 | 421 | ||||||
2023 |
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January |
494 | 433.6 | ||||||
February |
491.6 | 454.8 | ||||||
March |
500 | 452.2 |
Undertaking
None of our directors, nor, to the best of our directors’ knowledge after having made all reasonable inquiries, any of their close associates (as defined in the Hong Kong Listing Rules), have any present intention, in the event that the authorization to repurchase shares is approved, to sell any shares of common stock to our Company.
No core connected person (as defined in the Hong Kong Listing Rules) has notified our Company that he/she/it has a present intention to sell shares of common stock to our Company pursuant to the authority being sought in this proposal, if the authorization to repurchase shares is exercised.
Our directors have undertaken to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange that, so far as the same may be applicable, they will exercise the authorization to repurchase shares in accordance with the Hong Kong Listing Rules and the applicable laws of the Delaware (being the jurisdiction of the Company’s incorporation).
Repurchases of Shares
For the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased approximately 10.5 million shares of our common stock in open market transactions on the New York Stock Exchange for a total cost of approximately $466 million.
Details of shares repurchased on the New York Stock Exchange in the previous six months are as follows:
Number of Shares | Price paid per share | |||||||||||
Repurchased | Highest | Lowest | ||||||||||
(thousands) | (US$) | (US$) | ||||||||||
2022 |
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October |
964 | 50.00 | 38.76 | |||||||||
November |
223 | 50.00 | 42.48 | |||||||||
December |
Nil | – | – | |||||||||
2023 |
||||||||||||
January |
337 | 62.43 | 55.81 | |||||||||
February |
316 | 63.01 | 56.97 | |||||||||
March |
376 | 64.56 | 57.78 |
Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote in favor of the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, to approve the Board’s continuing authority to approve the Company’s repurchase of shares of its common stock in an amount not to exceed 10% of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock of the Company as of the date of the Annual Meeting, effective from date of the Annual Meeting until the earlier of the date the next annual meeting is held or June 25, 2024.”
What vote is required to approve this proposal?
Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the approval of this proposal.
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 39 |
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
|
Who are our largest stockholders?
The following table sets forth the number of shares of Company common stock beneficially owned as of March 27, 2023, except as otherwise noted, by (i) beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Company common stock, (ii) each of the Company’s named executive officers, (iii) each of the Company’s directors and director nominees and (iv) all of the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group.
In accordance with SEC rules, beneficial ownership includes all shares the stockholder actually owns beneficially or of record, all shares over which the stockholder has or shares voting or dispositive control and all shares the stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 27, 2023. Except as indicated in the footnotes to the table, the Company believes that the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares owned beneficially by them.
Name of Beneficial Owner | Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
Percent of Shares(1) |
||||||
More Than 5% Owners |
||||||||
Invesco Ltd. |
39,956,938 | (2) | 9.6 | % | ||||
1555 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 1800 |
||||||||
Atlanta, GA 30309 |
||||||||
BlackRock, Inc. |
28,737,537 | (3) | 6.9 | % | ||||
55 East 52nd Street |
||||||||
New York, NY 10055 |
||||||||
|
||||||||
Named Executive Officers |
||||||||
Joey Wat |
581,567 | (4) | * | |||||
Andy Yeung |
37,891 | (5) | * | |||||
Joseph Chan |
23,036 | (6) | * | |||||
Johnson Huang |
136,756 | (7) | * | |||||
Aiken Yuen |
48,160 | (8) | * | |||||
|
||||||||
Non-Employee Directors |
||||||||
Peter A. Bassi |
63,764 | * | ||||||
Edouard Ettedgui |
38,223 | * | ||||||
Cyril Han |
22,526 | * | ||||||
Louis T. Hsieh |
64,739 | * | ||||||
Fred Hu |
43,737 | * | ||||||
Ruby Lu |
42,776 | * | ||||||
Zili Shao |
38,674 | * | ||||||
William Wang |
34,828 | * | ||||||
Min (Jenny) Zhang |
5,070 | * | ||||||
|
||||||||
Ownership of all directors and executive officers as a group (19 total) |
1,383,666 | (9) | * | |||||
|
40 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION
|
* | Represents less than one percent |
(1) | Percentage ownership is determined based on a total of 418,247,486 shares of Company common stock outstanding as of March 27, 2023. |
(2) | Based on Amendment No. 4 to the Schedule 13G filed by Invesco Ltd. on February 10, 2023, which indicated that, as of December 30, 2022, Invesco Ltd. had sole voting power over 39,956,938 shares of Company common stock and sole dispositive power over 39,956,938 shares of Company common stock. |
(3) | Based on Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13G filed by BlackRock, Inc. on February 1, 2023, which indicated that, as of December 31, 2022, BlackRock, Inc. had sole voting power over 26,054,315 shares of Company common stock and sole dispositive power over 28,737,537 shares of Company common stock. |
(4) | Includes 326,423 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested stock appreciation rights (“SARs”). |
(5) | Includes 14,143 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested SARs. |
(6) | Includes 9,769 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested SARs. |
(7) | Includes 85,824 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested SARs. |
(8) | Includes 35,747 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested SARs. |
(9) | Includes 635,794 shares issuable upon the exercise of vested SARs. |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 41 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
For 2022, our NEOs were:
Name | Title | |
Joey Wat |
Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) | |
Andy Yeung |
Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) | |
Joseph Chan |
Chief Legal Officer | |
Johnson Huang* |
Chief Customer Officer | |
Aiken Yuen |
Chief People Officer |
* | Having served as General Manager, KFC through April 30, 2022, Mr. Huang was appointed as the Company’s Chief Customer Officer, effective May 1, 2022. |
This CD&A is divided into four sections:
Executive Summary |
• Context for Determining Executive Compensation Decisions | |
• Business Overview and Performance Highlights | ||
• Recent Compensation Highlights | ||
• Alignment of Executive Compensation Program with Business Performance | ||
• Pay Components | ||
• Executive Compensation Practices | ||
• Stockholder Engagement | ||
| ||
Elements of the Executive Compensation Program |
• Base Salary | |
• Annual Performance-Based Cash Bonuses | ||
• Long-Term Equity Incentives | ||
• Other Elements of Executive Compensation Program | ||
• 2022 NEO Compensation and Performance Summary | ||
|
42 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
| ||
How Compensation Decisions Are Made |
• Executive Compensation Philosophy | |
• Role of the Compensation Committee | ||
• Role of the Independent Consultant | ||
• Executive Compensation Peer Group | ||
• Competitive Positioning and Setting Compensation | ||
| ||
Compensation Policies | • Compensation Recovery Policy | |
• Equity-Based Awards Grant Policy | ||
• Stock Ownership Guidelines and Retention Policy | ||
• Hedging and Pledging of Company Stock | ||
|
Executive Summary
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 43 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Source: National Bureau of Statistics of China
44 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 45 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
46 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
we launched over 500 new or upgraded menu items in 2022, from regional offers to national launches. We effectively focused our marketing campaigns on more impactful value-for-money offerings. Our total system sales decreased 5% year-over-year in 2022, compared to a 6% decline in the total revenue of the China restaurant industry. |
• | We further broadened our member base and engaged with members to drive repeat purchases. Our loyalty programs grew approximately 70% from over 240 million members at the end of 2019 to over 410 million members at the end of 2022. Member sales accounted for approximately 60% of our system sales in 2022. |
• | We proactively managed costs by taking actions to improve operational efficiency. We leveraged digital capabilities, such as sales forecasting and inventory management, to continuously improve operational efficiency. Our initiatives such as optimizing staff scheduling and labor mix, as well as sharing restaurant management teams across stores enabled us to drive labor productivity. We also spent considerable efforts to add variable components to more of our leases. We emerged from the pandemic with a rebased cost structure that yielded a restaurant margin of 14.1% for the full year 2022, compared with 13.7% in the prior year, despite lower sales. |
• | We invested heavily in building our digital capabilities across the value chain. The most visible aspects are consumer-facing – the apps and screens that empower digital ordering and our membership programs. Digital orders accounted for approximately 89% of KFC and Pizza Hut’s Company sales in 2022, compared to 55% in 2019. Similarly, the digitalization of our operations, from the supply chain to our kitchens, has been impactful. |
• | We made significant investments in our supply chain infrastructure to support future business growth. We expanded from 29 to 33 logistics centers to enhance self-sufficiency in each province in China. In 2022, we began construction on our largest greenfield logistics center, which will serve as the headquarters for our logistics centers across China. Powered by our digital capabilities, our real-time inventory visibility from logistics centers to stores helped enable us to dispatch |
raw materials with greater precision, allowing for more efficient operations and reduced food waste. |
• | We maintained our rapid store network expansion with innovative store models and healthy payback periods. Over the 2020-2022 period, we expanded our store portfolio by approximately 40%, adding a total of approximately 3,800 new stores and reaching 12,947 total stores at the end of 2022. In 2022, we opened 1,824 gross new stores, closed underperforming stores, and achieved 1,159 net new stores in 2022 with healthy payback periods. KFC and Pizza Hut stores maintained an average payback period of two and three years, respectively. We lowered up-front investment and streamlined restaurant operations to improve efficiency. With multiple innovative store formats, we increased store density in higher tier cities and penetrated further into lower tier cities. |
• | We strengthened our portfolio of emerging brands. We launched growth initiatives at Taco Bell and Lavazza, while we closed the operations of COFFii & JOY and East Dawning. In 2022, Taco Bell doubled its store count to 91 stores and Lavazza reached 85 stores by year end. |
• | We continued to invest in sustainability and sustainable growth. In 2021, we committed to reaching net-zero value chain GHG emissions by 2050. In 2022, we set near-term science-based targets to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 63% by 2035 from a 2020 base year and reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods by 66.3% per ton of goods purchased by 2035 from a 2020 base year, which targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). |
• | We successfully converted from secondary listing to primary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. As the first Delaware-incorporated company becoming dual-primary listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange, our management team had to navigate many novel and complex regulatory issues during the conversion application process. We believe this strategic move will provide enhanced access to investors and broaden our shareholder base. |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 47 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
48 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Lavazza Joint Venture’s business plan, including the target to open 1,000 Lavazza stores in China in the next few years, the Lavazza Joint Venture established equity plans (the “JV Equity Plans”) allowing for the grant of equity awards with respect to the Lavazza Joint Venture to key employees of the Lavazza Joint Venture, Lavazza Group and the Company. In February 2022, the Lavazza Joint Venture and the Compensation Committee approved equity awards under the applicable JV Equity Plan to certain employees of the Company, including the NEOs, in the form of PSUs. Under the JV Equity Plans, up to 15% of the equity in the Lavazza Joint Venture may be granted as equity awards, with employees and other eligible participants of the Lavazza Joint Venture eligible to receive up to 80% of the JV Equity Plan shares, or 12% of the equity in the Lavazza Joint Venture. The remaining JV Equity Plan shares will be allocated to the employees of the Company and Lavazza Group in accordance with their respective equity interest in the Lavazza Joint Venture, or up to 2% and 1%, respectively, of the equity in the Lavazza Joint Venture. The PSU awards (the “2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants”) granted to the NEOs are subject to both performance-based vesting conditions and the occurrence of a liquidity event. The liquidity event vesting condition, which includes the occurrence of an initial public offering of the Lavazza Joint Venture, must occur within seven years of the grant date for the awards to vest. As discussed above, the JV Equity Plans and related grants to key contributors were adopted in order to help execute the Company’s strategy for the Lavazza Joint Venture by aligning their interests to the success of the Lavazza Joint Venture. |
• | Annual Incentive Program—To support key objectives linked to the Company’s long-term strategy, the Compensation Committee replaced system gross new builds with system net new builds and replaced member sales with member activity as performance goals to be used to determine payouts under the 2022 annual incentive program. As a result of this change, for 2022, annual incentive program payouts were originally to be determined based solely on adjusted operating profit growth, same store sales growth, delivery sales growth, system net new builds, and member activity. |
The Company’s annual incentive program targets, which were set in early 2022, reflected the Company’s |
business goals and priorities in light of the then prevailing operating environment. While the Compensation Committee’s practice has generally been to establish and communicate goals at the beginning of each year, the Compensation Committee also retains flexibility to modify the Company’s executive compensation program when circumstances warrant, in order to continue to incentivize actions to drive operational performance and retain key talent. In the first half of 2022, the highly transmissible Omicron variant caused significant volatility in our business operations. For example, during April and May 2022, over 2,500 of our stores in China, on average, were either temporarily closed or offered only takeaway and delivery services. In July 2022, in light of the volatile operating environment and the significant impact of the Omicron-variant outbreaks on the Company’s operating and financial performance in the first half of 2022, the Compensation Committee considered potential real-time actions to help manage the immediate challenges, retain talent and motivate performance. The Compensation Committee approved (i) the maintaining of the original key performance indicators (“KPIs”) to hold participants accountable for such goals, but with a reduction in the weighting of such KPIs from 100% to 30%, (ii) the introduction of two supplemental KPIs, accounting for 30% of the team factor weighting, to motivate strategic actions to align with the Company’s key priorities at the time of protecting operating margin and profitability, and (iii) the introduction of two relative measures requiring above-market performance in the form of relative revenue growth (comparing the Company’s 2022 year-over-year growth rate in total revenues against that of the China restaurant industry) and rTSR (comparing the Company’s TSR in 2022 against the TSR of the constituents of the MSCI China Index), with the relative measures accounting for the remaining 40% of the team factor weighting. This modified program continued to maintain the same performance-based structure, but with updates to reflect the evolving operating challenges created by the pandemic and changes in business focuses to address these challenges and the inclusion of relative measures to assess the Company’s success in navigating the operational environment as compared to the market. The Compensation Committee determined that this combination of performance metrics was aligned with the Company’s strategic actions to help |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 49 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
protect the Company’s operating margin and profitability during this challenging time and appropriate to motivate management to focus on the successful execution of the Company’s operational plan. When approving the final team factor for Company performance, the Compensation Committee applied discretion to reduce the result of Company performance from 135% to 120% of target. For details, see “Elements of the Executive Compensation Program—Annual Performance-Based Cash Bonuses—Team Performance Factors.” |
• | Modification of 2020 Annual PSUs—Beginning with the 2020 annual equity grants, the group of recipients of PSUs had been expanded to include all of the Company’s leadership team, including the NEOs. In addition, unlike the 2019 PSUs where only a relative measure was used, the performance metrics and goals for the annual PSUs granted in 2020 (the “2020 Annual PSUs”) adopted two absolute growth targets, including adjusted total revenue growth (weighted 60%) and adjusted diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) growth (weighted 40%). A relative measure, the Company’s rTSR compared to the MSCI China Index, was included only as a modifier to increase or decrease the number of units to be earned by up to 20%. The absolute growth targets were established in early 2020 at a time when the Company could not have anticipated or known the duration or impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the market in which the Company operates. In 2021 and 2022, the Compensation Committee closely monitored the impact of the pandemic on the Company and potential payouts, and considered different alternatives to fairly assess and reward management for their performance during the three-year performance period of the 2020 Annual PSUs. |
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Company was operating in a volatile and unpredictable market during the duration of the performance period. Compared to 2019, the 2022 total revenue for the China restaurant industry declined by 6%, with a negative CAGR of 2% from 2019 to 2022. As a result, the original absolute growth goals set for the 2020 Annual PSUs became less effective in incentivizing management and recognizing actions that would enable the Company to navigate the pandemic and emerge stronger. Facing the |
unprecedented challenges, our revenue growth rate (excluding foreign currency translation) outperformed that of the China restaurant industry, with an increase by 6% comparing 2022 to 2019, and a CAGR of 2% from 2019 to 2022. In addition, comparing to the constituents of the MSCI China Index, the Company’s TSR ranked at the 68.91 percentile over the three-year period from 2020 to 2022. |
In light of the Company’s strong performance against its peers despite the COVID-19 pandemic and considering that keeping the original design of the 2020 Annual PSUs potentially would have resulted in zero payout, which the Compensation Committee believed would not appropriately reflect management’s performance or be aligned with the Company’s compensation philosophy, the Compensation Committee determined to adjust the weighting of the performance metrics of the 2020 Annual PSUs in December 2022. As adjusted, the performance goals applicable to the 2020 Annual PSUs are rTSR (weighted 60%), adjusted total revenue growth (weighted 24%) and adjusted diluted EPS growth (weighted 16%), with adjusted total revenue growth and adjusted diluted EPS growth having the same relative weightings to each other as prior to adjustment. The Compensation Committee placed more emphasis on the rTSR measure in recognition of the difficulty of measuring performance against absolute growth goals set before the onset of the COVID -19 pandemic, in light of the volatile operating environment, and its assessment that rTSR would better measure the Company’s success in execution of its evolving and COVID-19 responsive operational plan during the three-year performance period. Accordingly, these weightings were adjusted to better measure our performance relative to the operating market in which we operate, while keeping all original performance goals applicable to the 2020 Annual PSUs. Except for the changes in weighting of the performance goals, the terms and conditions applicable to the 2020 Annual PSUs remained unchanged. The Compensation Committee determined that this modification to the 2020 Annual PSUs was aligned with the Company’s compensation philosophy of retaining talent and rewarding performance, particularly in light of the operational achievements of the Company since the 2020 Annual PSUs were granted. Based on the reallocated weighting
50 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 51 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
sented approximately 87% of the 2022 annual target compensation for Ms. Wat (consisting of the target payout opportunity under the annual performance-based cash bonus plan, target annual PSUs, RSUs and SARs). For purposes of this calculation, we have excluded the target grant date fair value of the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants and the incremental fair value associated with the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs, as these do not represent a component of the Company’s typical annual executive compensation program.
2022 CEO Target Compensation Mix
Pay Components
The Company’s executive compensation program has three primary pay components: (i) base salary; (ii) annual performance-based cash bonuses (i.e., short-term incentives); and (iii) long-term equity awards. We believe that
these key elements are aligned with the Company’s compensation philosophy and objectives, as illustrated in the following table.
Objective | Base Salary |
Annual Performance- Based Cash Bonuses |
Long-Term Equity |
|||||||||
Attract and retain the right talent to achieve superior stockholder results — Competitive total reward program structure that enables pay to vary based on role, responsibility, experience, market value and future potential of talent in order to drive superior results year-over-year
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
| |||
Reward performance — Motivate both short-term and long-term performance through annual and long-term equity programs. A majority of NEO annual target compensation is performance-based or variable and, therefore, at-risk
|
|
X
|
|
|
X
|
| ||||||
Emphasize long-term value creation — The Company’s belief is simple: if it creates long-term value for stockholders, then it shares a portion of that value with those responsible for the results. Equity awards focus on the long-term performance of the Company and directly align the interests of the recipients with those of the Company’s stockholders
|
|
X
|
| |||||||||
Drive ownership mentality — We require executives to invest in the Company’s success by owning a substantial amount of Company stock
|
|
X
|
|
52 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Executive Compensation Practices
Our Executive Compensation Practices
| ||
✓ |
We deliver a significant percentage of annual target compensation in the form of variable compensation tied to performance, with 87% of Ms. Wat’s 2022 annual target compensation in the form of variable pay elements | |
✓ |
We deliver a significant portion of total compensation in the form of equity | |
✓ |
Maximum payout opportunity for STI and PSUs | |
✓ |
We have multi-year vesting periods for equity awards | |
✓ |
We perform market comparisons of executive compensation against a relevant peer group, recognizing the different geographic regions where executives are sourced and recruited | |
✓ |
The vesting of the rTSR portion of the PSU awards will be capped at target if our TSR performance is negative over the performance period | |
✓ |
The payout for the rTSR measure for annual performance-based cash bonus program is capped at target if our TSR performance is negative | |
✓ |
We use an independent compensation consultant reporting directly to the Compensation Committee | |
✓ |
We have double-trigger vesting for equity awards in the event of a change in control under our long-term incentive plans | |
✓ |
We maintain stock ownership guidelines, which includes a retention requirement until the guideline is achieved | |
✓ |
We maintain a compensation recovery policy | |
✓ |
We maintain an equity-based awards grant policy specifying pre-determined dates for annual equity grants | |
✓ |
We hold an annual “say on pay” vote | |
✓ |
We maintain an annual stockholder engagement process | |
✓ |
Our Compensation Committee regularly meets in executive session without any members of management present
| |
X |
We do not pay dividends or dividend equivalents on PSUs unless and until they vest | |
X |
We do not allow repricing of underwater SARs under our long-term incentive plan without stockholder approval | |
X |
We do not allow hedging, short sales or pledging of our securities | |
X |
We do not allow backdating of SARs | |
X |
We do not provide for tax gross-ups relating to a change in control | |
|
|
Stockholder Engagement
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 53 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
54 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Elements of the Executive Compensation Program
The Company’s 2022 executive compensation program consists of three primary pay components: (i) base salary; (ii) annual performance-based cash bonuses (i.e., short-term incentives); and (iii) long-term equity awards. The following charts demonstrate that 2022 annual target compensation for Ms. Wat, our CEO, and the NEOs was heavily weighted toward variable pay elements. Such elements represented approximately 87% of the 2022 annual target compensation for Ms. Wat and, on average, 72% of
the 2022 annual target compensation for our other NEOs (consisting of the target payout opportunity under the performance-based cash bonus plan and target annual equity grants). For purposes of this calculation, we have excluded the target grant date fair value of the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants and the incremental fair value associated with the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs, as these do not represent a component of the Company’s typical annual executive compensation program.
2022 CEO Target Compensation Mix | 2022 Other NEOs Average Target Compensation Mix |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 55 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Base Salary | × |
Target Bonus
|
× |
Team
|
× |
Individual
|
= |
Final Individual
|
56 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
against that of the China restaurant industry) and rTSR (comparing the Company’s TSR in 2022 against the TSR of the constituents of the MSCI China Index), with the relative measures accounting for the remaining 40% of the team factor weighting. This modified program continued to maintain the same performance-based structure, but with updates to reflect the evolving operating challenges created by the pandemic and changes in business focuses to address these challenges and the inclusion of relative measures to assess the Company’s success in navigating the pandemic against peers in the same operating market. The Compensation Committee assigned a 40% weight to the two new relative measures in recognition of the difficulty of forecasting absolute performance in light of the volatile operating environment. The Compensation Committee set rigorous targets for the new
relative measures, which required above-industry performance and results: target performance for the rTSR measure required the Company to be at the 55th percentile and target performance for the relative revenue growth metric required the Company’s total revenues, excluding foreign currency translation, to be at least 2% higher than that of the China restaurant industry. The payout for the rTSR measure would have been capped at target if the Company’s TSR performance was negative. The Compensation Committee determined that this combination of performance metrics was aligned with the Company’s strategic actions to help protect the Company’s operating margin and profitability during this challenging time and appropriate to motivate management to focus on the successful execution of the Company’s operational plan.
The Company’s performance metrics were established as growth goals with 2021 as the baseline measure. This methodology required performance better than 2021 in order to receive a target payout. A leverage formula for each team performance measure magnifies the potential impact that performance above or below the performance
target will have on the calculation of the annual bonus. This leverage increases the payouts when targets are exceeded, and reduces payouts when performance is below target, with a threshold level of performance required in order for any bonus associated with such metric to be paid and a cap on bonus payments.
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 57 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
The team performance threshold, target and maximum achievement levels, actual results, weights and overall
performance for each measure following the adjustments described above are outlined below.
COMPANY
Team Performance Measures | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Actual | |
Earned as a % of Target |
Weighting* | |
Final Team Performance |
|||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Profit Growth(1) |
0% | 9.8% | 25% | -14% | 0% | 12% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Same Store Sales Growth |
0% | 2% | 4% | -7% | 0% | 4.5% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Delivery Sales Growth |
9% | 15% | 21% | 17% | 135% | 4.5% | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||||
System Net New Builds |
1,080 | 1,230 | 1,380 | 1,159 | 76% | 6% | 4% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Member Activity(2) |
— | — | — | — | 0% | 3% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Commodity Cost Growth(3) |
4% | 2% | 0% | 2.1% | 98% | 15% | 15% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Labor Cost Growth(4) |
5% | 0% | -5% | -7% | 200% | 15% | 30% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Relative Revenue Growth(5) |
1% | 2% | 4% | 7% | 200% | 20% | 40% | |||||||||||||||||||||
R-TSR(6) |
40th | 55th | 85th | 93.65th | 200% | 20% | 40% | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FINAL COMPANY TEAM FACTOR |
135 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
KFC(7)
Team Performance Measures | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Actual | |
Earned as a % of Target |
|
Weighting* | |
Final Team Performance |
||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Profit Growth (KFC)(1) |
1% | 12% | 28% | -1% | 0 | % | 12 | % | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||
Same Store Sales Growth (KFC) |
0% | 2% | 4% | -7% | 0 | % | 4.5 | % | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||
Delivery Sales Growth (KFC) |
9% | 15% | 21% | 18% | 143 | % | 4.5 | % | 6% | |||||||||||||||||||
System Net New Builds (KFC) |
700 | 800 | 900 | 926 | 200 | % | 6 | % | 12% | |||||||||||||||||||
Member Activity (KFC)(2) |
0% | 6.4% | 12.9% | -0.2% | 0 | % | 3 | % | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||
Commodity Cost Growth (YUMC)(3) |
4% | 2% | 0% | 2.1% | 98 | % | 15 | % | 15% | |||||||||||||||||||
Labor Cost Growth (YUMC)(4) |
5% | 0% | -5% | -7% | 200 | % | 15 | % | 30% | |||||||||||||||||||
Relative Revenue Growth (YUMC)(5) |
1% | 2% | 4% | 7% | 200 | % | 20 | % | 40% | |||||||||||||||||||
R-TSR (YUMC)(6) |
40th | 55th | 85th | 93.65th | 200 | % | 20 | % | 40% | |||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FINAL KFC TEAM FACTOR |
143% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
* | The original weighting established at the beginning of 2022 and prior to the July 2022 adjustments by the Compensation Committee was Adjusted Operating Profit Growth – 40%, Same Store Sales Growth – 15%, Delivery Sales Growth – 15%, System Net New Builds – 20%, and Member Activity – 10%, based on which the team factor results of the Company and KFC would have been 36% and 62%, respectively. |
(1) | Adjusted Operating Profit Growth as a team performance factor is the adjusted operating profit growth, excluding the effects of foreign currency translations (either positive or negative) because we believe that changes in the foreign exchange rate can cause operating profit growth to appear more or less favorable than business results indicate. |
(2) | Member Activity as a Company team performance factor is defined as the weighted average results of KFC and Pizza Hut active member spending indices. The active member spending index of each of KFC and Pizza Hut measures the year-over-year growth rate of member sales, excluding foreign currency translation. |
(3) | Commodity Cost Growth measures the year-over-year change in purchase costs of the key commodities purchased by the Company, excluding foreign currency translation, with a lower or negative growth rate resulting in higher achievement against target. |
(4) | Labor Cost Growth measures the year-over-year change in labor costs, excluding foreign currency translation, for crews and restaurant management teams of the Company at the store level, with the impact from temporary store closures normalized in the calculation by excluding such periods. A lower or negative growth rate will result in higher achievement against target. |
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(5) | Relative Revenue Growth represents the excess of the Company’s 2022 year-over-year growth rate in total revenues, excluding foreign currency translation, over that of the China restaurant industry. |
(6) | The rTSR is measured as the Company’s achievement of total shareholder return compared against the constituents of the MSCI China Index. TSR percentile rank was calculated based on the 20 trading day average closing prices up to and including January 1, 2022 and the 20 day average closing prices up to and including December 31, 2022 and assumes reinvestment of dividends. The payout for the rTSR measure would be capped at target if the Company’s TSR performance is negative. |
(7) | The KFC Team Factor was determined based on a combination of Company (YUMC) and KFC goals as noted in the table above. The Compensation Committee believed that this combination of goals incentivized specific KFC goals but also aligned KFC participants with the broader efforts of the Company as a whole. |
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Threshold | Target | Maximum | ||||||||||||||
TSR Percentile Rank Achieved |
<25 | % | 25 | % | 55 | % | 85 | % | ||||||||
Proportion of Target Award Vesting |
0 | % | 40 | % | 100 | % | 200 | % |
2020 Annual PSUs
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(1) | The number of performance units that vest shall be modified by up to +20% for outperformance, or up to -20% for underperformance, as compared to the MSCI China Index. |
(2) | The following table sets forth the rTSR vesting schedule for the 2020 Annual PSUs after the adjustment: |
Threshold | Target | Maximum | ||||||||||||||
TSR Percentile Rank Achieved |
<25 | % | 25 | % | 55 | % | 85 | % | ||||||||
Proportion of Target Award Vesting* |
0 | % | 40 | % | 100 | % | 200 | % |
* | Vesting proportion for performance between performance levels would be determined based on linear interpolation. Under the program, payout would be capped at target if the Company’s TSR was negative over the three-year performance period. TSR percentile rank was calculated based on the 20-trading day average closing prices up to and including January 1, 2020 and the 20-day average closing prices up to and including December 31, 2022 and assumes reinvestment of dividends. |
Performance Measure | Threshold | Target | Maximum | Actual | |
Earned as a % of Target |
|
Weighting | |
Final Team Performance |
||||||||||||||||||
R-TSR |
25th | 55th | 85th | 68.91th | 146.36% | 60% | 87.82% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Total Revenue CAGR(1) |
4% | 7% | 10% | 3% | 0% | 24% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Diluted EPS CAGR(2) |
4.5% | 7.25% | 10% | -12% | 0% | 16% | 0% | |||||||||||||||||||||
Final Payout Ratio |
87.82% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) | Adjusted Total Revenue represents total revenues as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Audited Financial Statements”), but adjusted to exclude (i) revenues from transactions with franchisees and unconsolidated affiliates; (ii) revenues generated from certain emerging brands; and (iii) the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. The performance goal is measured from 2019 year-end results, which is the base year for measuring CAGR. |
(2) | Adjusted Diluted EPS is defined as Adjusted Net Income divided by Adjusted Weighted-Average Common and Diluted Potential Common Shares Outstanding, where: |
• | Adjusted Net Income represents adjusted net income presented in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, but further adjusted to exclude: (i) income generated from certain emerging brands; (ii) income tax expense |
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impact of planned or actual repatriations; (iii) investment gains or losses for equity investments measured at fair value; (iv) certain non-recurring adjustments; (v) the impact of foreign currency fluctuations; and (vi) the income tax effect of the above adjustments. The performance goal is measured from 2019 year-end results, which is the base year for measuring CAGR. |
• | Adjusted Weighted-Average Common and Diluted Potential Common Shares Outstanding represents weighted-average common and diluted potential common shares outstanding presented in Note 5 to the Audited Financial Statements, and adjusted to exclude: (i) impact on share count associated with certain share repurchases; (ii) impact on share count as a result of the Company’s global offering and secondary listing on the HKEX; (iii) impact on outstanding shares held by employees of YUM! Brands, Inc. (“YUM”); and (iv) diluted shares associated with the 2020 partner PSU awards (“2020 Partner PSU Awards”). |
Based on the Company’s 22.55% TSR performance during the three-year performance period, the Company ranked at the 68.91 percentile as compared to the TSR performance of the still-active constituents of the MSCI China Index at the end of the performance period, resulting in 87.82% vesting of the target PSUs and dividend equivalents.
The table below shows the number of shares of our common stock acquired by each of the NEOs upon the vesting of the 2020 Annual PSUs (before payment of applicable withholding taxes).
Name | Number of Shares (#) |
|||
Ms. Wat |
52,166 | |||
Mr. Yeung |
12,520 | |||
Mr. Chan |
8,347 | |||
Mr. Huang |
12,520 | |||
Mr. Yuen |
6,782 |
Please see the “2022 Summary Compensation Table” and the “2022 Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table” for further information regarding the 2020 Annual PSUs that vested during the year and the incremental fair value associated with the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs.
2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants
As disclosed in last year’s CD&A, the Company and Lavazza Group established the Lavazza Joint Venture to explore and develop the Lavazza coffee business in China. In order to incentivize the efforts of employees of the Company, Lavazza Group and the Lavazza Joint Venture to execute on the Lavazza Joint Venture’s business plan, including the target to open 1,000 Lavazza
stores in China in the next few years, the Lavazza Joint Venture established the JV Equity Plans allowing for the grant of equity awards with respect to the Lavazza Joint Venture to key employees of the Lavazza Joint Venture, as well as select employees of Lavazza Group and the Company. Under the JV Equity Plans, up to 15% of the equity in the Lavazza Joint Venture may be granted as equity awards, with employees and other eligible participants of the Lavazza Joint Venture, including restaurant general managers, eligible to receive up to 80% of the JV Equity Plan shares, or 12% of the equity in the Lavazza Joint Venture. The remaining JV Equity Plan shares will be allocated to the employees of the Company and Lavazza Group in accordance with their respective equity interest in the Lavazza Joint Venture, or up to 2% and 1%, respectively, of the equity in the Lavazza Joint Venture.
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2022 NEO Compensation and Performance Summary
Below is a summary of our NEOs’ 2022 compensation—which includes base salary, annual cash incentive, and equity awards, as well as an overview of our NEOs’ 2022 performance relative to their individual annual performance goals. The specific performance summaries described below were considered in determining the Individual Performance Factor under the annual cash bonus program. As noted in the CD&A, in February 2022, the Compensation Committee approved the performance goals that would be used to determine the Individual Per-
formance Factor for the CEO and other NEOs. These annual performance goals generally fell within the performance categories of mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing stockholder returns, accelerating the growth of our brands, driving new business initiatives, effectively managing costs, and achieving ESG and other strategic objectives. Under each performance goal category, each NEO has a number of underlying pre-established goals against which the NEO’s performance is assessed. See “Elements of the Executive Compensation Program—Annual Performance Based Cash Bonuses—Individual Performance Factor.”
Joey Wat Chief Executive Officer
|
2022 Performance Summary. The Compensation Committee determined Ms. Wat’s performance to be significantly above target with an Individual Performance Factor of 140%. Ms. Wat was recognized for leading the Company’s crisis management team in taking timely and decisive actions in tackling the many unprecedented challenges arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022, which was viewed as even more difficult than 2020 or 2021. Those measures included protecting employees, sustaining operations, driving sales and protecting profitability. Despite a decline in the total revenue for the China restaurant industry due to massive lockdowns and infections in both early and late 2022, Ms. Wat led the Company to achieve profitability in every quarter in 2022. The Company also delivered revenue growth (excluding foreign currency translation) which outperformed the China restaurant industry revenue growth by 7% in 2022. Ms. Wat led the effort to restructure both commodity and labor cost bases to protect margins, resulting in a full year restaurant margin of 14.1%, compared to 13.7% in 2021. The Company’s 2022 TSR ranked 93.65 percentile against the constituents of the MSCI China Index. Despite a very challenging business environment, the Company achieved net new stores of 1,159 with healthy average payback period of two and three years for KFC and Pizza Hut, respectively. Ms. Wat also provided strategic guidance to the emerging brands including Taco Bell and Lavazza, both making solid progress in 2022. Taco Bell doubled its store count to 91 while Lavazza reached a store count of 85, at the end of 2022. On ESG, under
Ms. Wat’s direction, the Company also formulated its near term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets and roadmap and received SBTi’s approval in November 2022. The Company also published its first TCFD report and received the industry highest score for the third year from Dow Jones Sustainability Index.
2022 Compensation Decisions. Effective February 1, 2022, the Compensation Committee decided to bring Ms. Wat’s 2022 target compensation levels at slightly above the median of the Company’s compensation peer group, after taking into account Ms. Wat’s experience in and knowledge of the China consumer market and global expertise. These decisions positioned Ms. Wat’s total target direct compensation at the 54th percentile of the Company’s 2022 compensation peer group. After considering the advice of its compensation consultant, market practice, and Ms. Wat’s individual performance, the Compensation Committee made the following compensation decisions.
• | Base Salary. Ms. Wat’s base salary was increased from $1,350,000 to $1,425,000, an increase of 5.6%. |
• | Annual Incentive Plan Target and Payout Level. Ms. Wat’s annual cash bonus target remained unchanged at 200% of her base salary, resulting in a bonus target for the year of $2,850,000. Ms. Wat’s 2022 annual cash bonus award payout was $4,788,000, |
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Andy Yeung Chief Financial Officer
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Joseph Chan Chief Legal Officer
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Johnson Huang Chief Customer Officer (since May 1, 2022); General Manager, KFC (through April 30, 2022) |
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Aiken Yuen Chief People Officer |
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How Compensation Decisions Are Made
Executive Compensation Philosophy
A unique feature of the Company is that while incorporated in Delaware and listed on the NYSE and Hong Kong Stock Exchange, substantially all of its operations are located in China. As a result, knowledge of and expertise in both U.S. and China regulatory regimes and business practices are required for many of the Company’s executive officers.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews the company’s executive compensation program to evaluate whether the program continues to support the attraction and retention of highly-qualified executives necessary to achieve superior stockholder results and support the long-term sustainable growth of the Company while simultaneously holding them accountable to continuously achieve results based on our high standards of ethical behavior and corporate governance.
Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the CEO and other executive officers, sets the compensation levels of each of the executive officers, and together with the other independent directors of the Board, approves the compensation of the CEO. The Compensation Committee’s responsibilities under its charter are further described in the “Governance of the Company” section of this Proxy Statement. While not members of the Compensation Committee, the CEO, the CFO, the Chief People Officer, and the Chief Legal Officer, when necessary, also attended meetings of the Compensation Committee in 2022 to contribute to and understand the Compensation Committee’s oversight of, and decisions relating to, executive compensation. The CEO, the CFO, the Chief People Officer, and the Chief Legal Officer did not attend portions of the meetings relating to their own compensation. The Compensation Committee regularly conducts executive sessions without management present. The Compensation Committee also engages in an ongoing dialogue with its compensation consultant, the CEO, and the Chief People Officer for the evaluation and establishment of the elements of our executive compensation program.
Role of the Independent Consultant
During 2022, the Compensation Committee retained Mercer (Hong Kong) Limited (“Mercer”) as its independent consultant to advise it on executive compensation matters. Mercer attended Compensation Committee meetings in 2022 and provided advice and guidance to the Compensation Committee on (i) the market competitiveness of the Company’s executive pay practices and levels; (ii) the Company’s 2022 annual and long-term incentive awards, including the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants, as well as the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs; (iii) the 2023 compensation peer group; (iv) the results of equity compensation analytics and award valuations; (v) the 2022 LTIP adopted upon the dual primary listing of the Company’s common stock on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange; and (vi) compensation disclosures, including this CD&A and the pay versus performance disclosure. The Compensation Committee has assessed the independence of Mercer pursuant to NYSE rules and conflicts of interest specifically enumerated by the SEC’s six factors, and the Company has concluded that Mercer’s work for the Compensation Committee does not raise any conflicts of interest. The Compensation Committee annually reviews its relationship with Mercer and determines whether to renew the engagement. Only the Compensation Committee has the right to approve the services to be provided by, or to terminate the services of, its compensation consultant.
Executive Compensation Peer Group
One of the key objectives of our executive compensation program is to retain and reward the right talent by providing reasonable and competitive compensation. One method that the Compensation Committee utilizes to attain this objective is by establishing a group of peer companies for comparison of executive compensation practices.
The peer group approved by the Compensation Committee based on the recommendations of Mercer consisted of companies in the restaurant, food and consumer services industries in the United States, Greater China and Europe, as these represent the sectors with which the Company
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competes for executive talent. In addition, Mercer suggested that, for purposes of benchmarking compensation levels for NEOs other than the CEO, the peer group data be supplemented with compensation survey data to provide a broader perspective on market practices. References in this CD&A to market data refer to the peer group or survey data, as appropriate.
After considering the advice of Mercer, the Compensation Committee approved a revised peer group in September 2021 for evaluating 2022 compensation decisions for the NEOs, which consisted of the companies below. The Compensation Committee removed four (4) companies and added three (3) companies for reasons
of industry appropriateness and disclosed data availability. The Compensation Committee removed Beyond Meat, Inc., eBay Inc., WH Group Limited and Want Want China Holdings Limited, and added DoorDash, Inc., General Mills, Inc. and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited. These changes were made in order to further align the peer group with the Company’s size and operations. The Founder CEOs at DoorDash Inc. and Haidilao International Holdings Ltd. were excluded from the competitive market review. Our peer group reflects a median market capitalization of $19.4 billion and median annual revenues of $10.6 billion, both as of June 30, 2022, and consists of 17 U.S. and nine non-U.S. companies.
2022 Executive Compensation Peer Group |
Previous Peer Group
New Peer Group for 2022 |
Data from our 2022 peer group was supplemented by data from companies included in three executive compensation surveys conducted by Mercer in China, Hong Kong, and the U.S., size-adjusted to reflect the Company’s revenue. During 2022, the Compensation Committee reviewed a report summarizing compensation levels at the 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of the peer group and, as applicable, of the survey data for positions comparable to our NEOs. The report compared target and actual total cash compensation (base salary and annual incentives) and total direct compensation (base salary plus annual incentives plus long-term incentives) for each of the NEOs against these benchmarks. The Compensation Committee also reviewed detailed tally sheets that captured comprehensive compensation, benefits and stock ownership details, and comparisons of the CEO’s realized
total direct compensation and realizable equity vis-à-vis that of the peer group.
Competitive Positioning and Setting Compensation
At the beginning of 2022, the Compensation Committee considered executive compensation peer group data as a frame of reference for establishing target compensation levels for base salary and annual and long-term incentive awards for each NEO. The Compensation Committee conducted an extensive review of market data and made the decision to position target total direct compensation close to the market median, with variation based on the marketability, performance and potential of each NEO and the criticality of the role on the organization.
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Compensation Policies
Compensation Recovery Policy
Pursuant to the Company’s Compensation Recovery Policy, in the event of any restatement of the Company’s financial statements due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Compensation Committee will recover or cancel any performance awards that were awarded to a current or former executive officer as a result of achieving performance targets that would not have been met under the restated results. The Company’s recovery authority applies to any performance award received by a current or former executive officer during the three most-recently completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which the Company is required to prepare the restatement. Under the terms of the policy, a performance award means any cash or equity-based award that is made, vests or is payable based wholly or in part on the results of a financial reporting measure.
The Company will review and modify the Compensation Recovery Policy as necessary to reflect the final NYSE listing rules adopted to implement the compensation recovery requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Equity-Based Awards Grant Policy
The Company’s Equity-Based Awards Grant Policy provides for certain procedures with respect to the granting of equity awards, including specifying pre-determined dates for annual and off-cycle grants and specifying that the Company will not purposely accelerate or delay the public release of material information in consideration of pending equity grants. Generally, annual equity grants are effective as of the date that is two business days after the Company publicly discloses its results for the previous fiscal year.
Stock Ownership Guidelines and Retention Policy
To align the efforts of our executives with the long-term interests of our stockholders and to reinforce their commitment to the Company’s long-term objectives, the
Compensation Committee established a stock ownership and retention policy that applies to our Section 16 Officers and all members of our Leadership Team. Under the stock ownership and retention policy, the executives have a five-year period from the date of appointment to a covered position to attain the required ownership level. During the five-year phase-in period, the executives must retain, until the required ownership guideline levels have been achieved, at least 50% of the after-tax shares resulting from the vesting or exercise of equity awards, including PSUs. If the guideline is not achieved after such five-year compliance period, the executive officer will be required to retain 100% of after-tax shares resulting from the vesting or exercise of equity awards until the guideline is achieved.
The chart below shows stock ownership requirements as a multiple of annual base salary for our NEOs. As of the record date, each NEO is in compliance with the Company’s stock ownership requirements and retention policy.
NEO | Stock Ownership as a Multiple of Annual Base Salary |
|||
CEO |
6X | |||
CFO |
3X | |||
Chief Legal Officer |
2X | |||
Chief Customer Officer | 2X | |||
Chief People Officer |
2X | |||
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Hedging and Pledging of Company Stock
Under the Company’s Code of Conduct, no employee or director is permitted to engage in securities transactions that would allow such employee or director either to insulate himself or herself from, or profit from, a decline in the Company’s stock price. Similarly, no employee or director may enter into hedging transactions in Company stock. Such transactions include, without limitation, short sales as well as any hedging transactions in derivative securities (e.g., puts, calls, swaps or collars) or other speculative transactions related to the Company’s stock. Pledging of Company stock by executive officers and directors is also prohibited.
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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management.
Based on such review and discussion with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Compensation Committee:
Ruby Lu (Chair)
Edouard Ettedgui
William Wang
Min (Jenny) Zhang
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2022 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table and footnotes summarize the total compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the NEOs for fiscal year 2022 and, to the extent required by SEC executive compensation disclosure rules, fiscal years 2021 and 2020. The Company’s NEOs for the 2022 fiscal year are its CEO, CFO, the three other most highly compensated executive officers.
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(1) |
Option/ Awards ($)(2) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3) |
All Other Compensation ($)(4) |
Total ($)(5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joey Wat |
2022 | 1,418,750 | — | 6,035,116 | 3,250,011 | 4,788,000 | 401,002 | 15,892,879 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
2021 | 1,341,667 | — | 5,703,920 | 3,000,004 | 3,607,246 | 2,902,835 | 16,555,672 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 1,151,083 | — | 14,500,084 | 2,500,003 | 2,502,664 | 517,744 | 21,171,578 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Andy Yeung |
2022 | 836,667 | — | 1,458,490 | 790,010 | 1,411,200 | 198,795 | 4,695,162 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Financial Officer |
2021 | 791,512 | — | 2,401,075 | 750,014 | 1,032,164 | 135,769 | 5,110,534 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 643,333 | — | 2,600,068 | 600,013 | 701,865 | 149,144 | 4,694,423 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Joseph Chan |
2022 | 627,500 | — | 1,045,708 | 600,004 | 483,840 | 172,256 | 2,929,308 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Legal Officer |
2021 | 595,000 | — | 2,100,748 | 562,502 | 619,967 | 177,468 | 4,055,685 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Johnson Huang |
2022 | 760,350 | — | 1,333,522 | 665,014 | 970,896 | 305,908 | 4,035,690 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Customer Officer |
2021 | 740,000 | — | 667,558 | 625,000 | 847,441 | 320,245 | 3,200,244 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 516,814 | — | 2,600,068 | 600,013 | 251,021 | 209,701 | 4,177,617 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Aiken Yuen |
2022 | 621,063 | — | 737,151 | 375,004 | 661,500 | 253,560 | 2,648,278 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief People Officer |
2021 | 595,236 | — | 373,881 | 350,011 | 547,906 | 596,068 | 2,463,102 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 | 517,413 | 100,566 | 1,825,078 | 325,011 | 461,599 | 542,754 | 3,772,421 |
(1) | The amounts reported in this column for 2022 represent the grant date fair value of the 2022 Annual PSU Awards, RSU awards granted to each Named Executive Officer, as well as the incremental fair value associated with the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs, as described in the CD&A, calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (“ASC 718”), Compensation—Stock Compensation. The grant date fair value for the RSU awards was calculated by multiplying the number of RSUs granted by the closing price of a share of Company common stock on the date of grant. The per share fair value of the 2022 Annual PSU Awards was calculated using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. Under ASC 718, the rTSR vesting condition related to the 2022 Annual PSU Awards is considered a market-based condition and not a performance-based condition. Accordingly, there is no maximum performance, and no grant date fair value below or in excess of the amount reflected in the table above for the 2022 Annual PSU Awards that could be calculated and disclosed. See Note 15 to the Audited Financial Statements for further discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating these amounts. For 2022, the amounts reported in this column also includes the incremental fair value of the 2020 Annual PSUs due to the modifications approved by the Compensation Committee in December 2022, as follows: Ms. Wat, $2,785,040; Mr. Yeung, $668,425; Mr. Chan, $445,649; Mr. Huang, $668,425; and Mr. Yuen, $362,095. See “CD&A—Recent Compensation Highlights—Modification of 2020 Annual PSUs,” “CD&A—Elements of the Executive Compensation Program—Long Term Equity Incentives—2020 Annual PSUs.” As of the grant date, the achievement of the performance-based vesting conditions and the occurrence of a liquidity event with respect to the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants were not considered probable, and therefore no associated expenses was recognized for accounting purposes that can be included for the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants in this column. Assuming the liquidity event and the performance conditions for the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants were achieved, the grant date fair value for the awards would be as follows: Ms. Wat, $1,000,000; Mr. Yeung, $200,000; Mr. Chan, $200,000; Mr. Huang, $200,000; and Mr. Yuen, $200,000. |
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(2) | The amounts reported in this column for 2022 represent the grant date fair value of the SAR awards granted to each of the NEOs, calculated in accordance with ASC 718. See Note 15 to the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for further discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating these amounts. |
(3) | Amounts in this column reflect the annual incentive awards earned for the applicable fiscal year performance periods under the annual bonus program, which is described further in our CD&A under the heading “Annual Performance-Based Cash Bonuses.” |
(4) | The amounts in this column for 2022 are detailed in the 2022 All Other Compensation Table and footnotes to that table, which follow. |
(5) | Certain compensation included in the All Other Compensation column was denominated in Chinese Renminbi, which was converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 6.72. Mr. Yuen’s 2022 salary and annual incentive was denominated in Hong Kong dollars, which was converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 7.83. |
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2022 ALL OTHER COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table and footnotes summarize the compensation and benefits included under the “All Other Compensation” column in the 2022 Summary Compensation Table that were awarded to, earned by or paid to the Company’s NEOs for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Name |
Perquisites and ($)(1) |
Tax Reimbursements ($)(2) |
Retirement Scheme Contributions ($)(3) |
Other ($)(4) |
Total ($) |
|||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | |||||||||||||||
Ms. Wat |
174,177 | — | 141,897 | 84,928 | 401,002 | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Yeung |
91,292 | — | 41,840 | 65,663 | 198,795 | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Chan |
97,222 | — | 31,380 | 43,654 | 172,256 | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Huang |
96,250 | 100,030 | 76,046 | 33,582 | 305,908 | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Yuen |
81,487 | 84,781 | 62,107 | 25,185 | 253,560 | |||||||||||||||
(1) | Amounts in this column represent: for Ms. Wat, an education reimbursement ($33,279) and housing cost subsidy ($140,898); and for Messrs. Yeung, Chan, Huang and Yuen, a housing cost subsidy. Such amounts are valued based on the amounts paid directly to the NEOs or the service providers, as applicable. |
(2) | Amounts in this column for Messrs. Huang and Yuen represent legacy tax reimbursements for gains realized in 2022 on equity awards granted before 2018, and do not represent any new benefits but rather the settlement of existing contractual agreements. |
(3) | This column represents contributions to the BSRCHLRS for all of our NEOs. |
(4) | This column reports the total amount of other benefits provided. Such amounts, which are reflective of market practice for similarly situated global executives working in international companies based in mainland China, are paid directly to the NEOs or service providers, as applicable. Other than for certain benefits described below, none of the other benefits individually exceeded the greater of $25,000 or 10% of the total amount of these other benefits and the perquisites and other personal benefits shown in column (b) for the NEO. These other benefits consist of amounts paid for utilities, home leave expenses, transportation allowances, and executive physicals. In 2022, Ms. Wat received home leave reimbursement of $49,801, and Mr. Yeung received home leave reimbursement of $34,700. |
76 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
2022 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table provides information on the annual incentive program that the Company’s NEOs participated in during 2022, including the SARs, 2022 Annual PSU Awards and RSUs granted under the Company’s long term incentive plan adopted in 2016 (the “2016 LTIP”) in 2022 and the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants granted under the JV Equity Plans to the Company’s NEOs. In addition, the table below includes the 2020 Annual PSUs due to the modification of such PSUs in 2022, as further disclosed in the CD&A.
Name | Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive |
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards |
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(2) |
All Other Option/ SAR Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Options (#) (3) |
Exercise or Base Price of Option/ SAR Awards ($/Sh)(4) |
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock, Option and SAR ($)(5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant Date |
Threshold ($) |
Target ($) |
Maximum ($) |
Threshold (#) |
Target (#) |
Maximum (#) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | (k) | (l) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ms. Wat |
— | — | 2,850,000 | 8,550,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 208,969 | 50.16 | 3,250,011 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25,918 | — | — | 1,300,047 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (6) | — | — | — | 11,439 | 28,597 | 57,194 | — | — | — | 1,950,029 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (7) | — | — | — | 250,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/30/2022 | (8) | — | — | — | — | 50,961 | — | — | — | — | 2,785,040 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Yeung |
— | — | 840,000 | 2,520,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50,796 | 50.16 | 790,010 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6,300 | — | — | 316,008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (6) | — | — | — | 2,781 | 6,952 | 13,904 | — | — | — | 474,057 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (7) | — | — | — | 50,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/30/2022 | (6) | — | — | — | — | 12,231 | — | — | — | — | 668,425 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Chan |
— | — | 504,000 | 1,512,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 38,579 | 50.16 | 600,004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4,785 | — | — | 240,016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (6) | — | — | — | 2,112 | 5,280 | 10,560 | — | — | — | 360,043 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (7) | — | — | 50,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/30/2022 | (8) | — | — | — | 8,155 | — | — | — | — | 445,649 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Huang |
— | — | 762,200 | 2,286,600 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/202 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 42,759 | 50.16 | 665,014 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 5,304 | — | — | 266,049 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (6) | — | — | — | 2,341 | 5,852 | 11,704 | — | — | — | 399,048 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (7) | — | — | 50,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/30/2022 | (8) | — | — | — | 12,231 | — | — | — | — | 668,425 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Yuen |
— | — | 441,000 | 1,323,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 24,112 | 50.16 | 375,004 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/202 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2,991 | — | — | 150,029 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (6) | — | — | — | 1,320 | 3,300 | 6,600 | — | — | — | 225,027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | (7) | — | — | 50,000 | 200,000 | 200,000 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12/30/2022 | (8) | — | — | — | 6,626 | — | — | — | — | 362,095 |
(1) | Amounts in columns (c), (d) and (e) provide the minimum, target and maximum amounts payable as annual incentive compensation to each NEO based on team and individual performance during 2022. The actual amounts of annual incentive compensation awards paid for 2022 performance are shown in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the 2022 Summary Compensation Table. The performance measurements, performance targets and target bonus percentages are described in the CD&A, beginning under the heading “Annual Performance-Based Cash Bonuses.” |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 77 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
(2) | Amounts in column (i) represent the number of RSUs awarded to each NEO. RSUs vest in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. During the vesting period, the RSUs will be adjusted to reflect the accrual of dividend equivalents, which will be distributed as additional Company shares at the same time and to the extent the underlying shares vest. |
(3) | SARs allow the grantee to receive the number of shares of the underlying common stock that is equal in value to the appreciation in the underlying common stock with respect to the number of SARs granted from the date of grant to the date of exercise. SARs become exercisable in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the recipient’s continued employment through the applicable vesting date. |
(4) | The exercise price of the SARs equals the closing price of the underlying common stock on the grant date under the 2016 LTIP. |
(5) | The amounts reported in this column for 2022 represent the grant date fair value of the SAR awards, the 2022 Annual PSU Awards, and RSU awards granted to each of the NEOs, calculated in accordance with ASC 718. The grant date fair value of the 2022 Annual PSU Awards with market-based conditions has been determined based on the outcome of a Monte-Carlo simulation model. The grant date fair value of the RSU awards was determined based on the closing price of Company common stock on the date of grant. In addition, the amounts reported in this column include the incremental fair value associated with the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs. As of the grant date, the achievement of the performance-based vesting conditions and the occurrence of a liquidity event with respect to the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants were not considered probable, and therefore no associated expenses was recognized for accounting purposes that can be included for the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants in this column. Assuming the liquidity event and the performance conditions for the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants were achieved, the grant date fair value for the awards would be as follows: Ms. Wat, $1,000,000; Mr. Yeung, $200,000; Mr. Chan, $200,000; Mr. Huang, $200,000; and Mr. Yuen, $200,000. See Note 15 to the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for further discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value for the SAR, RSU and PSU awards. |
(6) | Amounts reported in this row and associated with columns (f), (g) and (h) provide the threshold, target and maximum numbers of shares of common stock that may be received by the grantee upon vesting of the 2022 Annual PSU Awards. The 2022 Annual PSU Awards granted to each of the NEOs on February 10, 2022 will be settled in shares of common stock, subject to the achievement of performance goals relating to rTSR during the performance period beginning on January 1, 2022 and ending on December 31, 2024, and the NEO’s continued employment through the last day of the performance period. Amounts reported in the “Threshold” column represent payout of 40% of target PSUs awarded, and amounts reported in the “Maximum” column represent payout of 200% of the target PSUs awarded. |
(7) | Amounts reported in this row and associated with columns (f), (g) and (h) provide the number of ordinary shares of Lavazza Joint Venture that may be received upon vesting of the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants granted to each of the NEOs on February 10, 2022. The 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants granted to the NEOs are subject to both performance-based vesting conditions and the occurrence of a liquidity event, including an initial public offering of the Lavazza Joint Venture, which must occur within seven years of the grant date. |
(8) | Amounts reported in this row and associated with column (g) represent the number of shares subject to the 2020 Annual PSUs that were impacted by the modification to the underlying performance measures and the associated incremental fair value related to the modification of the 2020 Annual PSUs, computed in accordance with ASC 718, and does not reflect a new equity grant. |
78 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2022 YEAR-END
The following table shows the number of Company shares covered by exercisable and unexercisable SARs, unvested RSUs and unvested PSUs held by the Company’s NEOs on December 31, 2022. This table excludes any YUM shares received by the NEOs upon conversion of their outstanding YUM equity awards in connection with the spin-off. The 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants are separately reported in Outstanding 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants at 2022 Year-End table below.
Option/SAR Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Date |
Number of (#) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options/ SARs (#) Unexercisable(1) |
Option/ ($) |
Option/ SAR Expiration Date |
Number of Shares |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(3) |
Equity That Have |
Equity That Have |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ms. Wat |
2/6/2015 | 27,063 | — | 22.32 | 2/6/2025 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3/25/2015 | 32,309 | — | 23.90 | 3/25/2025 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2016 | 41,316 | — | 21.06 | 2/5/2026 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11/11/2016 | 48,846 | — | 26.98 | 11/11/2026 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2017 | 111,774 | — | 26.56 | 2/10/2027 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/9/2018 | 186,151 | — | 40.29 | 2/9/2028 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/7/2019 | 139,575 | 46,525 | (i) | 41.66 | 2/7/2029 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/7/2020 | 93,531 | 93,532 | (ii) | 42.71 | 2/7/2030 | — | — | 156,333 | (i) | 8,543,599 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2021 | 42,997 | 128,992 | (iii) | 57.39 | 2/5/2031 | 44,380 | (i) | 2,425,373 | 10,262 | (ii) | 560,791 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5/25/2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13,069 | (ii) | 714,194 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | 208,969 | (iv) | 50.16 | 2/10/2032 | 26,183 | (ii) | 1,430,889 | 57,194 | (iii) | 3,125,652 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Yeung |
2/7/2020 | 22,448 | 22,448 | (ii) | 42.71 | 2/7/2030 | — | — | 26,056 | (i) | 1,423,960 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2021 | 10,749 | 32,249 | (iii) | 57.39 | 2/5/2031 | 28,404 | (i) | 1,552,257 | 2,566 | (ii) | 140,205 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5/25/2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3,268 | (ii) | 178,569 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | 50,796 | (iv) | 50.16 | 2/10/2032 | 6,364 | (ii) | 347,812 | 13,904 | (iii) | 759,854 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Chan |
2/7/2020 | 14,965 | 14,966 | (ii) | 42.71 | 2/7/2030 | — | — | 19,542 | (i) | 1,067,970 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2021 | 8,062 | 24,186 | (iii) | 57.39 | 2/5/2031 | 26,628 | (i) | 1,455,213 | 1,924 | (ii) | 105,147 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5/25/2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2,451 | (ii) | 133,920 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | 38,579 | (iv) | 50.16 | 2/10/2032 | 4,834 | (ii) | 264,172 | 10,560 | (iii) | 577,104 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Huang |
2/5/2014 | 6,797 | — | 21.30 | 2/5/2024 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2014 | 9,516 | — | 21.30 | 2/5/2024 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/6/2015 | 10,149 | — | 22.32 | 2/6/2025 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2016 | 13,772 | — | 21.06 | 2/5/2026 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11/11/2016 | 24,423 | — | 26.98 | 11/11/2026 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2017 | 37,258 | — | 26.56 | 2/10/2027 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/9/2018 | 32,543 | — | 40.29 | 2/9/2028 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/7/2019 | 24,565 | 8,189 | (i) | 41.66 | 2/7/2029 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/7/2020 | 22,448 | 22,448 | (ii) | 42.71 | 2/7/2030 | — | — | 26,056 | (i) | 1,423,960 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2021 | 8,957 | 26,874 | (iii) | 57.39 | 2/5/2031 | — | — | 2,138 | (ii) | 116,842 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5/25/2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2,723 | (ii) | 148,812 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | 42,759 | (iv) | 50.16 | 2/10/2032 | 5,358 | (ii) | 292,825 | 11,704 | (iii) | 639,624 |
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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
Option/SAR Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Grant Date |
Number of (#) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options/ SARs (#) Unexercisable(1) |
Option/ ($) |
Option/ SAR Expiration Date |
Number of Shares |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(3) |
Equity That Have |
Equity That Have |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | (f) | (g) | (h) | (i) | (j) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mr. Yuen |
2/5/2014 | 3,602 | — | 21.30 | 2/5/2024 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/6/2015 | 4,060 | — | 22.32 | 2/6/2025 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/6/2015 | 4,060 | — | 22.32 | 2/6/2025 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2016 | 4,614 | — | 21.06 | 2/5/2026 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2017 | 11,364 | — | 26.56 | 2/10/2027 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/9/2018 | 16,863 | — | 40.29 | 2/9/2028 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/7/2019 | 12,729 | 4,244 | (i) | 41.66 | 2/7/2029 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/7/2020 | 12,159 | 12,160 | (ii) | 42.71 | 2/7/2030 | — | — | 19,542 | (i) | 1,067,970 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/5/2021 | 5,016 | 15,050 | (iii) | 57.39 | 2/5/2031 | — | — | 1,198 | (ii) | 65,443 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5/25/2021 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,525 | (ii) | 83,341 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2/10/2022 | — | 24,112 | (iv) | 50.16 | 2/10/2032 | 3,022 | (ii) | 165,128 | 6,600 | (iii) | 360,690 |
(1) | The actual vesting dates for unexercisable SARs are as follows: |
(i) | Remainder of the unexercisable award vested on February 7, 2023. |
(ii) | One-half of the unexercisable award vested or will vest on each of February 7, 2023 and 2024. |
(iii) | One-third of the unexercisable award vested or will vest on each of February 5, 2023, 2024 and 2025. |
(iv) | One-fourth of the unexercisable award vested or will vest on each of February 10, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. |
(2) | The RSUs reported in this column include additional RSUs received with respect to dividend equivalents, which remain subject to the same underlying vesting conditions. The actual vesting dates for unvested RSUs are as follows: |
(i) | The RSUs will vest in full on February 5, 2024. |
(ii) | One-fourth of the RSUs vested or will vest on each of February 10, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. |
(3) | The market value of each award is calculated by multiplying the number of shares covered by the award by $54.65, the closing price of the Company’s stock on the NYSE on December 30, 2022. |
(4) | The awards reported in this column represent PSU awards granted to the NEOs with the following vesting terms: |
(i) | The 2020 Partner PSU Awards that are scheduled to vest based on the absolute Company stock price hurdles, adjusted total revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA growth and transformational objectives, over the January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2023 performance period, subject to the NEO’s continued employment through the last day of the performance period except as otherwise provided for in the underlying equity award agreement upon a qualifying termination of employment. The 2020 Partner PSU Awards are subject to different goals with different levels of projected performance and the amount reported for this award is reported assuming threshold payout. Based on performance, these PSUs will vest in full on December 31, 2023. |
80 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
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(ii) | PSU awards that are scheduled to vest based on the Company’s achievement of rTSR performance goals and the Company’s adjusted total revenue growth and adjusted diluted EPS growth, over the January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2023 performance period, subject to the NEO’s continued employment through the last day of the performance period except as otherwise provided for in the underlying equity award agreement upon a qualifying termination of employment. In accordance with SEC disclosure rules, the amount reported for this award is reported assuming threshold payout. Based on performance, these PSUs will vest in full on December 31, 2023. |
(iii) | PSU awards that are scheduled to vest based on the Company’s achievement of the rTSR performance goal over the January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024 performance period, subject to the NEO’s continued employment through the last day of the performance period except as otherwise provided for in the underlying equity award agreement upon a qualifying termination of employment. In accordance with SEC disclosure rules, the amount reported for this award is reported assuming maximum payout. Based on performance, these PSUs will vest in full on December 31, 2024. |
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OUTSTANDING 2022 LAVAZZA ESOP GRANTS AT 2022 YEAR-END
The following table shows the number of the shares of the Lavazza Joint Venture covered by the unvested 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants held by the Company’s NEOs on December 31, 2022.
Name |
Grant Date | Number of Lavazza Joint (#)(1) |
Fair Value of Lavazza Joint ($)(2) |
|||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | |||||||||||||
Ms. Wat |
2/10/2022 | 1,000,000 | $ | 1,010,000 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Yeung |
2/10/2022 | 200,000 | $ | 202,000 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Chan |
2/10/2022 | 200,000 | $ | 202,000 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Huang |
2/10/2022 | 200,000 | $ | 202,000 | ||||||||||||
Mr. Yuen |
2/10/2022 | 200,000 | $ | 202,000 |
(1) | The 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants granted to the NEOs are subject to both performance-based vesting conditions and the occurrence of a liquidity event, including an initial public offering of the Lavazza Joint Venture which must occur within seven years of the grant date. |
(2) | The per share fair value of the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants are based on an external valuation of the total enterprise value of Lavazza Joint Venture as at December 31, 2022 and determined on a diluted basis, taking into account of potential shares to be issued under the Lavazza Equity Plans. |
82 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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2022 OPTION/SAR EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED
The table below shows the number of Company shares acquired during 2022 upon the exercise of Company SAR awards and the vesting of Company stock awards and before payment of applicable withholding taxes and broker commissions. This table does not include any shares acquired upon the exercise or vesting of outstanding YUM equity awards.
Option/SAR Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||
Name |
Number of Shares (#) |
Value Realized on Exercise ($) |
Number of Shares (#) |
Value ($) |
||||||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | ||||||||||||||||
Ms. Wat |
— | — | 52,166 | 2,850,872 | (1) | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Yeung |
— | — | 20,922 | 1,046,027 | (1) | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Chan |
— | — | 11,946 | 628,244 | (1) | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Huang |
6,317 | 347,472 | 23,338 | 1,182,626 | (1) | |||||||||||||||
Mr. Yuen |
2,298 | 121,376 | 12,387 | 628,900 | (1) |
(1) | This amount includes the number of shares acquired upon the vesting of the 2020 Annual PSUs based on performance during the 2020-2022 performance period, with the value realized on vesting determined based on the closing price of our common stock on December 30, 2022. For all NEOs other than Ms. Wat, this amount also includes the number of shares acquired upon vesting of RSU awards, with the value realized on vesting determined based on the closing price of our common stock on the applicable vesting date. |
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 83 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
2022 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION TABLE
Name |
Executive Contributions in Last Fiscal ($) |
Registrant Contributions in Last Fiscal ($)(1) |
Aggregate Earnings in Last Fiscal ($)(2) |
Aggregate Withdrawals/ Distributions ($) |
Aggregate Balance at Last ($)(3) |
|||||||||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | ||||||||||||||||
Ms. Wat |
— | 141,897 | — | — | 720,206 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Yeung |
— | 41,840 | — | — | 125,114 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Chan |
— | 31,380 | — | — | 102,094 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Huang |
— | 76,046 | — | — | 571,977 | (4) | ||||||||||||||
Mr. Yuen |
— | 62,107 | — | — | 407,461 | (4) |
(1) | Amounts in this column reflect registrant contributions to the BSRCHLRS for the NEOs and which are reflected in the 2022 Summary Compensation Table. |
(2) | Under the Hong Kong Data Privacy Act, the administrator of the BSRCHLRS is restricted from disclosing individual account balances under the BSRCHLRS, and accordingly, the Company is unable to compile earnings information with respect to the BSRCHLRS. Under the terms of the BSRCHLRS, participants may elect a variety of mutual funds in which to invest their account balances under the BSRCHLRS. |
(3) | The amounts reflected in this column are the estimated year-end balances for the NEOs under the BSRCHLRS. Amounts in this column include the following amounts that were previously reported in the Summary Compensation Table in 2021 and 2020: Ms. Wat, $582,608 in 2021, $444,920 in 2020; Mr. Yeung, $83,893 in 2021, $43,972 in 2020; Mr. Chan, $71,240 in 2021; Mr. Huang, $499,617 in 2021, $422,252 in 2020; and Mr. Yuen, $347,921 in 2021, $286,095 in 2020. |
(4) | This amount represents the aggregate amount of Company contributions, excluding investment returns. See note (3) to this table for further information regarding investment returns with respect to the BSRCHLRS. This amount was denominated in Hong Kong dollars and was converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate of 7.83 Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars for disclosure purposes. |
Potential Payments upon a Termination or a Change in Control
84 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
covenants, including covenants relating to non-competition as further described below and (ii) the sum of the participant’s monthly base salary plus 1/12 of the participant’s target annual bonus, multiplied by a severance multiple of 24, in the case of the CEO, and 12 for all other participants; |
• | Any accrued, but unpaid as of the date of the Executive Severance Plan Qualifying Termination, annual cash bonus for any completed fiscal year preceding an Executive Severance Plan Qualifying Termination; and |
• | If the Executive Severance Plan Qualifying Termination occurs on or after June 30, a pro-rated annual bonus for the year of the Executive Severance Plan Qualifying Termination based on actual performance and pro-rated for the employment period during the year. |
In the event of a participant’s material breach of a material obligation to the Company pursuant to any award or agreement between the participant and the Company, including a material breach of the restrictive covenants set forth in any offer letter, restrictive covenant or other agreement entered into by the participant with the Company or a determination that an event constituting “cause” has occurred, then the Compensation Committee may (i) terminate the participant’s right to receive payments under the Executive Severance Plan and (ii) seek the recoupment of any payments previously made to the participant under the Executive Severance Plan, including through exercising rights of set-off, forfeiture or cancellation, to the full extent permitted by law, with respect to any other awards, benefits or payments otherwise due to the participant from the Company or any of its affiliates.
The Company is party to Restrictive Covenant Letter Agreements with each NEO. The Restrictive Covenant Letter Agreements include restrictive covenants relating to non-disclosure, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement, as well as cooperation in investigations and litigation clauses. As consideration for the restrictive covenants, the Company is obligated to pay an amount equivalent to five times the NEO’s average monthly salary upon a termination of employment, other than in the case of a change-in-control-related termination or the NEO’s death. Such amount would be offset by amounts otherwise owed under any other termination-related agreement between the employee and the Company (including the Executive Severance Plan) so that there is no duplication of payments.
The Company’s equity awards provide for pro-rata vesting for terminations due to death, retirement (age 55 and ten years of service or age 65 and five years of service) or involuntary termination by the Company without cause, with PSUs determined based on actual performance. Outstanding equity awards are forfeited upon a termination for cause. If the NEOs’ employment had terminated as of December 31, 2022 without cause or due to death or retirement, they would have been entitled to pro-rata vesting of their outstanding RSUs, SARs and PSUs as follows: Ms. Wat, $18,533,042; Mr. Yeung, $3,993,474; Mr. Chan, $3,173,260; Mr. Huang, $2,986,041 and Mr. Yuen, $2,082,191, assuming target performance for purposes of this disclosure. As of December 31, 2022, Messrs. Huang and Yuen were retirement eligible.
The below table shows the maximum amount of payments and other benefits that each NEO would have received upon a qualifying termination under the Executive Severance Plan on December 31, 2022 and the Company’s equity award agreements, excluding the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants, assuming target performance of the PSUs for purposes of this disclosure.
|
Wat $ |
|
|
Yeung $ |
|
|
Chan $ |
|
|
Huang $ |
|
|
Yuen $ |
| ||||||
Cash Severance |
8,550,000 | 1,680,000 | 1,134,000 | 1,524,400 | 1,071,000 | |||||||||||||||
Release Payment |
1,488 | 1,488 | 1,488 | 1,488 | 1,488 | |||||||||||||||
Pro-rata Vesting of SARs |
1,280,870 | 175,114 | 121,595 | 264,351 | 141,891 | |||||||||||||||
Pro-rata Vesting of RSUs |
1,877,460 | 1,071,440 | 990,280 | 67,088 | 37,850 | |||||||||||||||
Pro-rata Vesting of PSUs |
15,374,712 | 2,746,920 | 2,061,386 | 2,654,602 | 1,902,449 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
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TOTAL |
27,084,530 | 5,674,962 | 4,308,749 | 4,511,929 | 3,154,678 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 85 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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86 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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The below table shows the maximum amount of payments and other benefits that each NEO would have received upon a change in control and qualifying termination on December 31, 2022 under the terms of the change in control severance plan and the Company’s equity award agreements, excluding the Lavazza ESOP Grants, assuming target performance of the PSUs for purposes of this disclosure.
|
Wat $ |
|
|
Yeung $ |
|
|
Chan $ |
|
|
Huang $ |
|
|
Yuen $ |
| ||||||
Cash Severance |
12,580,615 | 3,744,328 | 2,499,934 | 3,219,282 | 2,355,812 | |||||||||||||||
Continued Health Insurance Coverage |
18,123 | 11,053 | 17,053 | 11,053 | 12,943 | |||||||||||||||
Outplacement Services |
25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | |||||||||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of SARs |
2,659,403 | 496,103 | 351,914 | 566,392 | 308,583 | |||||||||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of RSUs |
3,856,262 | 1,900,069 | 1,719,385 | 292,825 | 165,128 | |||||||||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of PSUs |
21,665,049 | 3,947,875 | 2,964,522 | 3,779,033 | 2,671,460 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
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TOTAL |
40,804,452 | 10,124,428 | 7,577,808 | 7,893,585 | 5,538,926 | |||||||||||||||
|
|
2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants
As noted in the CD&A, during 2022, the NEOs received one-time PSUs under the Lavazza JV Equity Plan. Under the terms of the award agreements, in the event the NEO’s employment is terminated following the achievement of the underlying performance goals but prior to the occurrence of a liquidity event, which includes the occurrence of an initial public offering, with respect to the Lavazza Joint Venture by reason of death, disability, retirement, or termination without cause, then the portion of the award
associated with the achieved performance goals would remain outstanding and would vest in the event a liquidity event, which includes the occurrence of an initial public offering, with respect to the Lavazza Joint Venture occurs within seven years of the grant date. Assuming that the underlying performance goals and a liquidity event with respect to the Lavazza Joint Venture occurred as of December 31, 2022, the estimated value of the 2022 Lavazza ESOP Grants was as follows: Ms. Wat, $1,010,000; Mr. Yeung, $202,000; Mr. Chan, $202,000; Mr. Huang, $202,000; and Mr. Yuen, $202,000.
PAY RATIO DISCLOSURE
As required by Section 953(b) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Company is providing the following disclosure about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees to the annual total compensation of Ms. Wat.
Identification of Median Pay Employee
The Company had more than 400,000 employees as of year-end 2022, and substantially all of them are based in China. Given the nature of its operations, approximately 89% of the Company’s employees were restaurant crewmembers. Approximately 72% of the 364,000 crewmembers worked part-time, approximately 37% of whom attended university at the same time, and were paid on an hourly basis. Our wage rates for crewmembers are determined based on a number of factors, including but not limited to cost of living, labor supply and demand, and
competitive market pay rates in the city in which the crewmember works.
We selected December 31, 2022, as the date on which to determine our median employee. For purposes of identifying the median employee from the employee population base (excluding Ms. Wat), we considered the total compensation of all of our employees, as compiled from our payroll records. In addition, we measured compensation for purposes of determining the median employee using December 2022 payroll records. Compensation paid in foreign currencies was converted to U.S. dollars based on a weighted average exchange rate for the relevant period.
Using this methodology, our median employee was identified as a part-time crewmember located in a second-tier city in China.
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 87 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
|
88 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
PAY VERSUS PERFORMANCE |
Year (1) |
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO ($) (2) |
Compensation Actually Paid (CAP) to PEO ($) (3) |
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs ($) (2) |
Average Compensation Actually (CAP) Paid to Non-PEO NEOs ($) (3) |
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on: (4) |
Net Income ($ in millions) |
R-TSR against Constituents of MSCI China Index (%) (6) |
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Total Shareholder Return ($) |
MSCI China Consumer Discretionary Index Total Shareholder Return ($) (5) |
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(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(g) |
(h) |
(i) |
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2022 |
% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2021 |
% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
% |
(1) |
As required by Section 953 (a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402 (v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive compensation actually paid and certain financial performance of the Company. For further information concerning the Company’s variable pay-for-performance fficer (“ PEO ”) for the entirety of 202 0, 2021 and 2022 and the Company’s other NEOs for the applicable years were as follows: |
– |
– |
– |
(2) |
Amounts reported in this column represent (i) the total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year in the case of Ms. Wat and (ii) the average of the total compensation reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year for the Company’s NEOs reported for the applicable year other than Ms. Wat. |
(3) |
To calculate compensation actually paid, adjustments were made to the amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the applicable year. The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to Ms. Wat during the applicable year, nor the actual average amount of compensation earned by or paid to the NEOs as a group (excluding Ms. Wat) during the applicable year. A reconciliation of the adjustments for Ms. Wat and for the average of the other NEOs is set forth following the footnotes to this table. |
(4) |
For each fiscal year, the amount included in the table is the cumulative total shareholder return as of the end of that year, assuming that the value of the investment in our common stock and peer group was $100 on December 31, 2019 and that all dividends were reinvested. Historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance. |
(5) |
(6) |
As noted in the CD&A, for 2022, our r-TSR percentile ranking against the constituents of the MSCI China Index was utilized as a component in both the 2022 annual performance-based cash bonus plan and the 2022 Annual PSU Awards, and is viewed as the most important measure by the Company to link pay and performance. |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
8 9 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Compensation Actually Paid Adjustments (a) |
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Year |
Summary Compensation Table (SCT) Total ($) (b) |
Minus Value of Stock Option/ SAR and Stock Awards Reported in SCT ($) (c) |
Plus Fair Value at Fiscal Year-End of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Option/SAR and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year ($) (d) |
Plus/(Minus) Change in Fair Value of Outstanding and Unvested Stock Option/SAR and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years ($) (e) |
Plus Fair Value at Vesting of Stock Option/ SAR and Stock Awards Granted in Fiscal Year that Vested During Fiscal Year ($) (f) |
Plus/(Minus) Change in Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Stock Option/SAR and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years for which Applicable Vesting Conditions Were Satisfied During Fiscal Year ($) (g) |
Minus Fair Value as of Prior Fiscal Year-End of Stock Option/ SAR and Stock Awards Granted in Prior Fiscal Years that Failed to Meet Applicable Vesting Conditions During Fiscal Year ($) (h) |
Equals Compensation Actually Paid ($) |
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Joey Wat |
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2022 |
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2021 |
( |
) | ( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
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Other NEOs (i) |
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2022 |
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2021 |
( |
) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2020 |
( |
) |
(a) |
This table excludes any YUM shares received by the NEOs upon conversion of their outstanding YUM equity awards in connection with the spin-off. |
(b) |
Represents Total Compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table for the indicated fiscal year. With respect to the other NEOs, amounts shown represent averages. |
(c) |
Represents the grant date fair value of the stock option/SAR awards and stock awards granted during the indicated fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC 718. See Note 15 to the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for further discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating these amounts. For 2022, the amount also includes the fair value of the 2020 Annual PSUs as of the date of its modifications by the Compensation Committee in December 2022. |
(d) |
Represents the fair value as of the indicated fiscal year-end of the outstanding and unvested stock option/SAR awards and stock awards granted during such fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC 718 and, for awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, based on the probable outcome of such performance-based vesting conditions as of the last day of the fiscal year. Methodology adopted in calculating the fair value as of the indicated fiscal year-end is consistent with those used in calculating the grant date fair value and the relevant assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates based on historical data existing on each valuation date. |
(e) |
Represents the change in fair value during the indicated fiscal year of each stock option/SAR award and stock award that was granted in prior fiscal years and that remained outstanding and unvested as of the last day of the indicated fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC 718 and, for awards subject to performance-based vesting conditions, based on the probable outcome of such performance-based vesting conditions as of the last day of the fiscal year. Methodology adopted in calculating the fair value as of the indicated fiscal year-end is consistent with those used in calculating the grant date fair value and the relevant assumptions reflect the Company’s estimates based on historical data existing on each valuation date. |
9 0 |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
(f) |
Represents the fair value at vesting of the stock option/SAR awards and stock awards that were granted and vested during the indicated fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC 718. See Note 15 to the Company’s Audited Financial Statements for further discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating these amounts. |
(g) |
Represents the change in fair value, measured from the prior fiscal year-end to the vesting date, of each stock option/SAR award and stock award that was granted in prior fiscal years and which vested during the indicated fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC 718. For 2022, the amount also includes the fair value of the 2020 Annual PSUs as of the date of its modifications by the Compensation Committee in December 2022. |
(h) |
Represents the fair value as of the last day of the prior fiscal year of the stock option/SAR awards and stock awards that were granted in prior fiscal years which failed to meet the applicable vesting conditions in the indicated fiscal year, computed in accordance with ASC 718. |
(i) |
See footnote 1 above for the non-PEO NEOs included in the average for each fiscal year. |
• |
The following graph demonstrates the relationship between compensation actually paid over the period to the PEO and other NEOs, and each of the Company cumulative TSR and Peer Group cumulative TSR. |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
9 1 |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
• |
The following graph demonstrates the relationship between compensation actually paid over the period to the PEO and other NEOs and rTSR percentile ranking against the constituents of the MSCI China Index. |
• |
The following graph demonstrates the relationship between compensation actually paid over the period to the PEO and other NEOs and Net Income. |
9 2 |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
Most Important Financial Performance Measures | ||
● |
R-TSR against the constituents of the MSCI China Index | |
● |
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● |
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● |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
9 3 |
2022 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
|
The table below summarizes cash compensation earned by and stock retainers granted to each non-employee director during 2022.
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash($) |
Stock Awards ($)(3) |
All Other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
||||||||||||
(a) |
(b) | (c) | (d) | (e) | ||||||||||||
Peter A. Bassi |
137,500 | (1) | 167,500 | 25,000 | (4) | 330,000 | ||||||||||
Edouard Ettedgui |
— | 275,000 | — | 275,000 | ||||||||||||
Cyril Han |
— | 275,000 | — | 275,000 | ||||||||||||
Louis T. Hsieh |
137,500 | (1) | 137,500 | — | 275,000 | |||||||||||
Fred Hu |
225,000 | (2) | 290,000 | — | 515,000 | |||||||||||
Ruby Lu |
— | 295,000 | — | 295,000 | ||||||||||||
Zili Shao |
— | 290,000 | — | 290,000 | ||||||||||||
William Wang |
— | 275,000 | — | 275,000 | ||||||||||||
Min (Jenny) Zhang |
137,500 | (1) | 137,500 | — | 275,000 |
(1) | Represents the portion of the annual retainer that Messrs. Bassi and Hsieh and Ms. Zhang elected to receive in cash rather than equity. |
(2) | Represents the annual cash retainer paid to Dr. Hu as Chairman of the Board. |
94 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
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(3) | Represents the grant date fair value for annual stock retainer awards granted in 2022. Each director received shares of Company common stock determined by dividing the applicable annual retainer by the closing market price of a share of Company common stock on the date of grant, with any fractional shares paid in cash rather than equity. |
(4) | Represents an award in the amount of $25,000 for Mr. Bassi’s contribution to a project in 2022 at the request of the Board, payable in 2023. |
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 95 |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS INFORMATION
|
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2022, the equity compensation we may issue to our directors, officers, employees and other persons under (i) the Company’s 2016 LTIP, which was approved by YUM as the Company’s sole stockholder prior to the Company’s spin-off from YUM; and (ii) the Company’s 2022 Long Term Incentive Plan approved by its stockholders in 2022 (the “2022 LTIP”).
Plan Category |
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Weighted- Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Number of Securities Remaining Available For Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) |
|||||||||
(a) | (b) | (c) | ||||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
11,730,923 | (1) | 34.71 | (2) | 30,706,464 | (3) | ||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
— | — | — | |||||||||
|
|
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TOTAL |
11,730,923 | 30,706,464 | ||||||||||
|
|
(1) | Includes 2,126,112 shares issuable in respect of RSUs and PSUs. |
(2) | RSUs and PSUs do not have an exercise price. Accordingly, this amount represents the weighted-average exercise price of outstanding SARs and stock options. |
(3) | While certain equity awards remain outstanding under the Company’s 2016 LTIP, no future equity awards may be granted under such plan. The number represents the number of Company common stock remaining available for future grants under the 2022 LTIP only. Full value awards granted to the Company’s employees under the 2022 LTIP, including RSUs and PSUs, will reduce the number of shares available for issuance by two shares. SARs granted to the Company’s employees under the 2022 LTIP will reduce the number of shares available for issuance only by one share. |
96 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
|
Who serves on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors?
What document governs the activities of the Audit Committee?
What are the responsibilities of the Audit Committee?
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 97 |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
|
What matters have members of the Audit Committee discussed with management and the independent auditors?
Has the Audit Committee made a recommendation regarding the audited financial statements for fiscal 2022?
98 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
|
Who prepared this report?
This report has been furnished by the members of the Audit Committee:
Peter A. Bassi, Chair
Cyril Han
Louis T. Hsieh
Zili Shao
Min (Jenny) Zhang
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 99 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
Who pays the expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies?
How may I elect to receive stockholder materials?
100 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
I share an address with another stockholder, and we received only one paper copy of the proxy materials. How may I obtain an additional copy of the proxy materials?
May I propose actions for consideration at next year’s annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders or nominate individuals to serve as directors?
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 101 |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
Is any other business expected to be conducted at the Annual Meeting?
Forward-Looking Statements
102 | YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
|
YUM CHINA – 2023 Proxy Statement | 103 |
SCAN TO YUM CHINA HOLDINGS, INC. VIEW MATERIALS & VOTE w 101 EAST PARK BOULEVARD, SUITE 805 PLANO, TX 75074 VOTE BY INTERNET Go to www.proxyvote.com or scan the QR Barcode above Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 a.m. on May 24, 2023 Beijing/Hong Kong time / 11:59 p.m. on May 23, 2023 U.S. Eastern time. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the website and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 a.m. on May 24, 2023 Beijing/Hong Kong time / 11:59 p.m. on May 23, 2023 U.S. Eastern time. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: V05307-P91490 THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY YUM CHINA HOLDINGS, INC. The Board of Directors recommends the following: Election of Directors Nominees: 1a. Fred Hu 1b. Joey Wat 1c. Peter A. Bassi 1d. Edouard Ettedgui 1e. Ruby Lu 1f. Zili Shao 1g. William Wang 1h. Min (Jenny) Zhang 1i. Christina Xiaojing Zhu you vote FOR For Against Abstain ! ! ! The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR For Against Abstain proposals 2 and 3. ! ! ! 2. Approval and Ratification of the Appointment of ! ! ! KPMG Huazhen LLP and KPMG as the Company’s Independent Auditors for 2023 ! ! ! 3. Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation ! ! ! ! ! ! The Board of Directors recommends you vote 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain 1 YEAR on the following proposal: ! ! ! 4. Advisory Vote on Executive Vote on the Compensation Frequency of the Advisory ! ! ! ! ! ! ! The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR For Against Abstain proposals 5 and 6. ! ! ! 5. Vote to Authorize the Board of Directors to Issue Shares ! ! ! up to 20% of Outstanding Shares ! ! ! 6. Vote to Authorize the Board of Directors to Repurchase ! ! ! Shares up to 10% of Outstanding Shares ! ! ! NOTE: The proxies are authorized to vote in their discretion upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Notice and Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com. V05308-P91490 YUM CHINA HOLDINGS, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders May 25, 2023 8:00 a.m. (local time) This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors The undersigned stockholder(s) hereby appoint(s) Andy Yeung and Joseph Chan, or either of them, as proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, revoking all proxies previously given, and hereby authorize(s) them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy, all of the shares of common stock of Yum China Holdings, Inc. that the stockholder(s) is/are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 8:00 a.m. local time, on May 25, 2023, at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. Continued and to be signed on reverse side