A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

2014 ANNUAL REPORT PROXY STATEMENT & FORM 10-K A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER >PUKZ[YLHTNLULYH[LKZ\IZ[HU[PHSHKQ\Z[LKMY...
Author: Colin Matthews
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2014 ANNUAL REPORT PROXY STATEMENT & FORM 10-K

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

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WINDSTREAM HOLDINGS, INC. NOTICE OF 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND PROXY STATEMENT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2015 10 A.M. ( CENTRAL TIME)

Table of Contents NOTICE OF 2014 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

1

PROXY SUMMARY & VOTING INFORMATION

3

PROXY STATEMENT

8

BOARD AND BOARD COMMITTEE MATTERS

12

PROPOSAL NO. 1 – ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

16

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

21

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

24

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

25

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

38

Summary Compensation Table.............................39 .YHU[ZVM7SHU)HZLK(^HYKZ ..............................40 Outstanding Equity Awards at -PZJHS@LHY,UK .................................................43 Option Exercises and Stock Vested .....................44 7LUZPVU)LULÄ[Z ...................................................45 5VU8\HSPÄLK+LMLYYLK*VTWLUZH[PVU ................47 Potential Payments Upon Termination VY*OHUNLPU*VU[YVS ........................................48 PROPOSAL NO. 2 – ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

53

PROPOSAL NO. 3 – AMENDMENT TO THE WINDSTREAM CERTIFICATE AND WINDSTREAM BYLAWS TO ENABLE STOCKHOLDERS TO CALL SPECIAL MEETINGS 54

PROPOSAL NO. 4 – AMENDMENTS TO THE WINDSTREAM CERTIFICATE AND WINDSTREAM )@3(>:;6,30405(;,:

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