Leidos Holdings, Inc.
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 17, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
What shareholders are asked to vote on at a company's meeting. It is where to find what directors and top executives are paid, and who owns the most shares.
Dec 31, 2024 · Filed Mar 17, 2025
Contents
Cover page
Show cover page
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
| ☑ | Filed by the Registrant | ☐ | Filed by a party other than the Registrant |
|---|
| CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX: | |
|---|---|
| ☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| ☑ | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| ☐ | Definitive Additional Materials |
| ☐ | Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12 |
Leidos Holdings, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
| PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (CHECK ALL BOXES THAT APPLY): | |
|---|---|
| ☑ | No fee required |
| ☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
| ☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11 |
Letter to Our Stockholders
DEAR FELLOW STOCKHOLDERS,Thanks to the dedication of our 48,000 teammates worldwide, I am proud to report that Leidos achieved outstanding success throughout fiscal year 2024. Not only did we increase revenues by 7.9% to a record $16.7 billion and deliver strong bottom line and cash performance, but we also exceeded the ambitious three-year financial goals we set in 2021. On top of that, 2024 was our best growth year since 2020, with an overall book-to-bill ratio of 1.4 and year-over-year backlog growth of 18% to $43.6 billion. This excellent multi-year performance now gives us the financial flexibility to deploy capital in support of our growth initiatives and shareholder value going forward. Building on our 2024 momentum, we expect 2025 to be another exciting year as we implement our new NorthStar 2030 growth strategy, the outcome of the year of deep strategic thinking which I foreshadowed in my previous letter. Grounded in careful evaluation of our portfolio against our 10-year Leidos Proprietary Hypothesis of the Future, our strategy keys on a select group of specific “growth pillars” where we know customer needs are growing, market profitability is robust, and Leidos differentiation is evident and accelerating. The new U.S. administration’s emphasis on driving efficiency across government operations only increases our confidence in our new strategy. The domestic and geopolitical megatrends that we predicted would occur over the next decade are now coming true at an even faster pace than expected. And because of our work last year, we are well prepared. NorthStar 2030 positions us well now, and in the future, because it is grounded in one unifying theme: Leidos exists to make our customer outcomes smarter and more efficient. Everything we do—for every one of our customers—is linked to this statement. Leidos was created to leverage innovation for our customers to meet the immense and enduring national security challenges faced by America and its allies—whether it be deterring and winning battles abroad, protecting the homeland, or driving government efficiencies to expand economic strength and fuel the future. That is exactly what the new U.S. administration is focused on, too. We view its priorities as tremendous opportunities for Leidos, and we are moving at pace to seed the field with ideas for better, faster, and cheaper government solutions, underpinned by our Promises Made, Promises Kept culture and Making Smart Smarter mindset. As always, we recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success. That is why we have made significant investments to enhance employee benefits, expand technical upskilling initiatives, and raise our stature as an employer of choice where the best and brightest can Break Limits throughout their careers. By supporting employee growth, we strengthen our ability to deliver smarter digital and mission innovations to our customers.
“These are exciting times indeed. With our NorthStar 2030 strategy to guide us, I am confident that our past success is just prologue to an awesome future ahead.”
| LEIDOS | 1 |
|---|
LETTER TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
These are exciting times indeed. With our NorthStar 2030 strategy to guide us, I am confident that our past success is just prologue to an awesome future ahead. For now, I invite you to carefully review the attached Proxy Statement and vote in a way that supports the continued success of Leidos, in line with our Board’s recommendations.On behalf of our Leidos teammates, our leadership team, and our Board of Directors, thank you for your trust and investment in Leidos. Your unwavering support fuels our drive and our success—for that, I am deeply grateful.THOMAS A. BELLChief Executive Officer
| 2 | 2025 PROXY STATEMENT |
Letter to Our Stockholders
DEAR FELLOW STOCKHOLDERS,The Leidos Board of Directors greatly appreciates your ongoing investment and interest in our Company. We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication to our mission of serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. In fiscal 2024, we achieved exceptional financial performance, including a revenue growth of 8% and an increase in non-GAAP earnings per share of 40%. We also increased our quarterly dividend and continued our share repurchase program, returning a total of $906 million to our stockholders. These results reflect the steadfast commitment of our 48,000 employees toward our goals and sustainable growth strategy, as well as the trust our customers place in us. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey.As your Board of Directors, we remain committed to maintaining strong governance practices and upholding our core values of integrity, innovation, agility, collaboration, commitment, and inclusion. We have maintained active oversight of the business, ensuring that our strategic objectives are met and that we continue to deliver value to our stockholders. With the addition of a new member over the past year and the retirement of three esteemed members, the Board will consist of nine independent members plus Tom Bell, the Leidos CEO, after the annual meeting. Our Board encompasses a mix of fresh perspectives and seasoned experience. This diversity equips us to navigate risks and seize strategic opportunities in an evolving world.We are pleased to welcome Tina W. Jonas to our Board. Tina brings a wealth of experience from both government and private sectors. As the former Undersecretary of Defense (Comptroller) of the Department of Defense, she managed one of the world’s largest budgets, overseeing over $400 billion in defense spending annually. Her strategic financial management and commitment to fiscal responsibility significantly support operational efficiency and accountability. Tina’s expertise in financial management, risk assessment, and strategic planning will be invaluable to Leidos as we continue to grow and navigate an increasingly complex global environment.We would like to take a moment to honor the outstanding contributions of our retiring members.Bob Kovarik has been instrumental in strengthening our financial oversight and governance. With exceptional expertise in finance and auditing, Bob has significantly enhanced the integrity and transparency of our financial practices. His deep understanding of risk management and analytical prowess has ensured that Leidos maintains the highest standards of financial integrity. Bob’s commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes have contributed immensely to our sustainable growth.
“We remain committed to maintaining strong governance practices and upholding our core values of integrity, innovation, agility, collaboration, commitment, and inclusion. We have maintained active oversight of the business, ensuring that our strategic objectives are met and that we continue to deliver value to our stockholders.”
| LEIDOS | 3 |
|---|
LETTER TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS
Surya Mohapatra has provided invaluable insights through his visionary leadership and profound knowledge of the healthcare industry. His strategic acumen and innovative thinking have been catalysts for our growth strategies and innovation initiatives. Surya’s dedication to advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes has expanded our impact in this critical sector. His perspectives on industry trends and technological advancements have been a driving force in our pursuit of excellence and leadership in innovation.Susan Stalnecker has offered exceptional guidance rooted in her deep expertise in corporate governance and risk management. Her strategic mindset, financial acumen, and commitment to ethical business practices along with her adeptness at navigating complex organizational challenges have strengthened our Company’s foundation. Her insightful perspectives and unwavering dedication have greatly enhanced our Board's effectiveness and have been instrumental in steering Leidos toward continued success.In 2024, the Company and the Board engaged in a year of deep strategic thinking, actively discussing the Company's future strategy and providing guidance and oversight. We will share these developments with our stockholders at our Investor Day. The Board is enthusiastic about our NorthStar 2030 strategy, which paints a bold vision of who we aim to be, guiding us like the steadfast North Star. Under Tom Bell’s leadership as our Chief Executive Officer, we believe Leidos will continue to thrive, and we are confident that Tom’s guidance will drive us toward sustained success.We remain committed to proactive engagement with our stockholders. Throughout fiscal 2024, senior management engaged with shareholders who collectively own the majority of our shares. Our discussions covered various topics, from board composition and human capital management to supply chain and corporate strategy. The feedback we received has been instrumental in shaping our practices and focusing our attention on critical issues.We deeply appreciate the trust you have placed in us and your continued investment in Leidos’ future. It is our privilege to serve you and Leidos in our roles as directors. Sincerely,ROBERT S. SHAPARDIndependent Chair
| 4 | 2025 PROXY STATEMENT |
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
| DATE AND TIME:Friday, May 2, 2025,09:00 A.M. Eastern Time | LOCATION:1750 Presidents Street,Reston, Virginia 20190 | RECORD DATE:March 5, 2025 |
| ITEMS OF BUSINESS | YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! |
|---|
| PROPOSALS | VOTE RECOMMENDATIONS | FOR FURTHER DETAILS | VOTING METHODS | |
| 1 | Election of 10 directors | “FOR”each nominee | See page 17 | |
| INTERNETwww.proxyvote.com | ||||
| 2 | Advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers | “FOR” | See page 43 | |
| 3 | Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 2, 2026 | “FOR” | See page 79 | |
| 4 | Approval of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Clarify Rights of Stockholders to Call a Special Meeting | “FOR” | See page 82 | |
| 5 | Approval of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Limit Liability of Officers as Permitted by Law | “FOR” | See page 84 | |
| MAILMark, sign, date and promptly mail the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope | ||||
| Stockholders will also transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments, postponements, or continuations of the meeting.This proxy statement is being furnished to the stockholders of Leidos Holdings, Inc. in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors for use at our annual meeting of stockholders to be held at the Company’s office at 1750 Presidents Street, Reston, Virginia, on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time and at any and all adjournments, postponements or continuations of the meeting. This proxy statement is first being sent or made available to our stockholders on or about March 17, 2025.Due to space limitations, attendance is limited to stockholders and one guest each. Admission to the meeting is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Valid government-issued picture identification and proof of stock ownership as of the record date must be presented to attend the meeting. If you hold shares of Leidos common stock through a broker, bank, trust, or other nominee, you must bring a copy of a statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date, follow any instructions provided by them in order to attend the annual meeting of stockholders, and present a legal proxy from your bank, broker, trust or other nominee in order to vote. Cameras, recording devices, and other large electronic devices such as tablets or laptops, as well as backpacks or other large bags or packages, are not permitted in the meeting. If you require special assistance at the meeting because of a disability, please contact the Corporate Secretary at 1750 Presidents Street, Reston, VA 20190. By Order of the Board of Directors,BRIAN Z. LISSCorporate Secretary March 17, 2025 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IN PERSONAttend the meeting in Reston, Virginia | ||||
If you hold your shares of Leidos common stock in street name, you should follow any instructions provided by your broker, bank, trust, or other nominee.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 2, 2025. The proxy statement and the annual report are available atwww.proxyvote.com.
| LEIDOS | 5 |
|---|
Table of Contents
| Letter to Our Stockholders | 1 |
|---|---|
| Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders | 5 |
| Our Company | 7 |
| Proxy Summary | 9 |
| Proposal 1: Election of Directors | 17 |
| Board Overview | 19 |
| Retirement Age and Board Refreshment | 19 |
| Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors | 19 |
| Majority Voting Standard in Uncontested Director Elections | 25 |
| Limitations on Other Board Service | 25 |
| Director Independence | 25 |
| Director Nomination Process | 26 |
| Stockholder Recommendations and Nominations of Director Candidates | 26 |
| Corporate Governance | 27 |
| Corporate Governance Highlights | 27 |
| Corporate Governance Guidelines | 27 |
| Board and Committee Structure | 28 |
| The Board’s Role in Corporate Oversight | 33 |
| Other Governance Policies and Practices | 39 |
| Director Compensation | 40 |
| Stock Ownership Guidelines and Policies | 41 |
| Proposal 2: Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation | 43 |
| Compensation Discussion & Analysis | 45 |
| Human Resources and Compensation Committee Report | 65 |
| Executive Compensation | 66 |
| Pay Ratio Disclosure | 74 |
| Pay versus Performance Disclosure | 75 |
| Proposal 3: Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 79 |
|---|---|
| Evaluation of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 79 |
| Audit and Non-Audit Fees | 80 |
| Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures | 80 |
| Audit and Finance Committee Report | 80 |
| Proposal 4: Approval of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Clarify Rights of Stockholders to Call a Special Meeting | 82 |
| Proposal 5: Approval of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Limit Liability of Officers as Permitted by Law | 84 |
| Ownership of Voting Securities | 86 |
| Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners | 86 |
| Stock Ownership of Directors and Officers | 86 |
| Section 16(a) Compliance | 87 |
| Frequently Asked Questions | 88 |
| Other Matters | 92 |
| Stockholder Proposals for the 2026 Annual Meeting | 92 |
| Internet Availability of Proxy Materials | 92 |
Certain statements in this proxy statement and letters to our stockholders, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this report. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
| 6 | 2025 PROXY STATEMENT |
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.