SEC Filing | Comfort Systems USA

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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

Comfort Systems USA, 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 the appropriate box):

☒

No fee required.

☐

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5)

Total fee paid:

☐

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

☐

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3)

Filing Party:

(4)

Date Filed:

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Our Vision

To be the leading builder and service provider of mechanical, electrical and plumbing building systems.

Our Values

Our values define, inform and guide the way we operate on a daily basis, both within the company and in the communities where we do business.

Leading Building and Service Provider for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Comfort Systems USA is composed of more than 35 operating companies in approximately 140 locations across the United States. We are a leading building and service provider for mechanical, electrical and plumbing building systems. Our national footprint provides us the ability to meet your objectives to build and maintain safe, comfortable, and efficient facilities.

Across the United States, companies turn to Comfort Systems USA for our unparalleled expertise in mechanical and electrical services, process piping, modular construction, controls, energy efficiency and countless other nonresidential building renovation and service needs. We focus on a long-term approach by emphasizing safety and sustainability in everything we do. You can count on Comfort Systems USA to integrate planning, engineering, and implementation to provide you with a customized approach to all of your complex building needs.

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.
675 Bering Drive, Suite 400
Houston, Texas 77057

Message from Our Chairman and CEO

To Our Stockholders:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time. In light of public health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Annual Meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format only via live audio webcast, which will allow our stockholders to participate from any location. You will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting physically. Supporting the health and well-being of our partners, employees and stockholders remains our upmost priority.

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Information about the meeting is presented on the following pages. At this meeting, you are being asked to elect the ten directors nominated by the board to serve until the next annual meeting; to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as the Company’s auditors for 2021; and to approve, by stockholder non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid by the Company to its named executive officers, commonly referred to as a “Say on Pay” proposal.

Please read the proxy statement, which presents important information about the Company and each of the items being presented for stockholder vote. Whether or not you intend to be present virtually, when you have finished reading the statement, please submit your vote promptly by telephone or internet, which saves the Company money, or by marking, signing, and returning your proxy card in the enclosed envelope so that your shares will be represented.

We hope that many of you will be able to attend the meeting virtually. We look forward to your attendance.

Sincerely yours,

FRANKLIN MYERS
Chairman of the Board

BRIAN E. LANE
President and Chief Executive Officer

April 8, 2021


	Whether or not you intend to be present virtually, please vote as soon as possible so that your shares will be represented.				Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on May 18, 2021
	Please read the proxy statement, which presents important information about the Company and each of the items being presented for stockholder vote.				This proxy statement and the 2020 Annual Report are available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.com

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC. | 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400 | Houston, Texas 77057

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Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held:

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
11:00 a.m. Central Time

Virtual-only meeting
via live audio webcast

Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

ITEMS OF BUSINESS

To elect ten (10) directors nominated by the Board of Directors to serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

■

Darcy G. Anderson

■

Alan P. Krusi

■

Pablo G. Mercado

■

William J. Sandbrook

■

Vance W. Tang

■

Herman E. Bulls

■

Brian E. Lane

■

Franklin Myers

■

Constance E. Skidmore

■

Cindy L. Wallis-Lage

To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as the Company’s auditors for 2021

To approve, by a stockholder non-binding advisory vote, the compensation paid by the Company to its named executive officers, commonly referred to as a “Say on Pay” proposal

To transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

We are not aware of any other business to come before the Annual Meeting. Any action may be taken on any one of the foregoing proposals at the Annual Meeting on the date specified above, or on any date or dates to which the Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. In the event that there are not enough votes for a quorum or to approve or ratify any of the foregoing proposals at the time of the Annual Meeting, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned or postponed in order to permit our further solicitation of proxies.

To be admitted to the Annual Meeting, you must first register for the Annual Meeting at https://viewproxy.com/ ComfortSystemsUSA/2021/. All registrations must be received by 10:59 p.m. Central Time on May 13, 2021. Once registered, you will receive a meeting invitation by e-mail with your unique join link, along with a password, prior to the meeting date. Please be sure to check in by 10:45 a.m. Central Time on the day of the meeting so that any technical difficulties may be addressed before the Annual Meeting begins. If you encounter any technical difficulties during the check-in or meeting time, please email VirtualMeeting@viewproxy.com or call 866-612-8937. Stockholders will be able to listen and vote during the virtual meeting and will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance of the Annual Meeting. Additional details regarding the virtual-only Annual Meeting are included in the “General Meeting Information” section below.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

Laura Howell
Corporate Secretary

Houston, Texas
April 8, 2021

To assure your representation at the meeting, please either follow the directions for phone or internet voting on your proxy card or sign, date and return your proxy as promptly as possible. An envelope, which requires no postage if mailed in the united states, is enclosed for this purpose.

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Table of Contents


	1			PROXY SUMMARY
	1			2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
	2			Governance Overview
	5			Overview of Audit Matters
	6			Compensation Overview

	8			General Meeting Information

	13			Proposal Number 1: Election of Directors
	13			Board of Directors
	13			Information with Respect to Nominees for Director
	19			Meetings of the Board and Committees
	23			Corporate Governance
	25			Director Resignation Policy
	27			Director Compensation for 2020

	29			Proposal Number 2: Ratification of the Selection of Independent Auditors
	30			Relationship with Independent Auditors

	31			Proposal Number 3: Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of the Named Executive Officers

	32			Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

	34			Compensation Discussion and Analysis
	34			Overview
	34			2020 Performance Highlights
	35			Compensation and Governance Practices
	35			Consideration of Stockholder Advisory Vote
	35			Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
	37			Use of Tally Sheets
	37			Chief Executive Officer Compensation
	38			Elements of Compensation
	39			Allocation Among Compensation Elements
	46			Change in Control and Severance Benefits

	46			Stock Ownership Requirements
	47			Executive Compensation Recovery, or “Clawback,” Policy
	47			Anti-Hedging/Pledging Policy
	47			Risk Considerations in our Compensation Policies
	47			Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatment on Compensation

	48			Compensation Committee Report

	49			Summary of Executive Compensation

	51			Grants of Plan-Based Awards

	52			Equity Awards

	53			Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End

	55			Option Exercises and Stock Vested

	56			Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

	59			Equity Compensation Plan Information

	60			Ratio of Chief Executive Officer Compensation to Median Company Employee Compensation

	61			Report of the Audit Committee

	62			Other Information
	62			Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
	62			Householding of Stockholder Materials
	62			Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
	63			Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to Be Acted Upon
	63			Stockholder Proposals for 2022 Annual Meeting
	63			Other Business
	63			Form 10-K and Annual Report to Stockholders

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Proxy Summary

2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
11:00 a.m. Central Time

Virtual-only meeting
via live audio webcast

Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

VOTING MATTERS AND OUR BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION

PROPOSAL		BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION		SEE PAGE
1	To elect ten director nominees for a one-year term		FOR each director nominee	13
2	To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021		FOR	29
3	To approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers		FOR	31

In addition to these matters, stockholders may be asked to vote on such other business as may properly come before our 2021 annual meeting of stockholders.

HOW TO VOTE

Stockholders of record

Beneficial owners

If you are a beneficial owner and your shares are held by a bank, broker or other nominee, you should follow the instructions provided to you by that firm. Although most banks and brokers now offer voting by mail, telephone and on the internet, availability and specific procedures will depend on their voting arrangements.

Have your proxy card available and follow the instructions.

BY TELEPHONE

Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) in the U.S. or 1-718-921-8500 from outside the country

BY INTERNET

Visit, 24/7, www.voteproxy.com

BY MAIL

Complete, date and sign your proxy card and send by mail in the enclosed postage-paid envelope

BY MOBILE DEVICE

Scan the QR code

DURING THE VIRTUAL MEETING

During the virtual meeting, please visit www.fcrvote.com/FIX in order to vote your shares while the polls are open. You will need your virtual control number in order to vote your shares.

The deadline to vote by phone or by internet is 10:59 p.m. Central Time on May 17, 2021. If you vote by phone or electronically, you do not need to return a proxy card.

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA 2021 PROXY STATEMENT | 1

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Proxy Summary

Governance Overview

DIRECTOR NOMINEES

					OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS	COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
NAME AND PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION		AGE	DIRECTOR SINCE	INDEPENDENT	OTHER CURRENT PUBLIC COMPANY BOARDS	AUDIT	COMPENSATION	GOVERNANCE & NOMINATING
	DARCY G. ANDERSON Vice Chairman, Hillwood	64	2008		0
	HERMAN E. BULLS Vice Chairman, Americas and International Director, JLL	65	2001		0
	ALAN P. KRUSI Former President, Strategic Development, AECOM Technology Corporation	66	2008		2	FE
	BRIAN E. LANE President and CEO, Comfort Systems USA	64	2010		1
	PABLO G. MERCADO CFO, Enlink Midstream	44	2018		0	FE
	FRANKLIN MYERS Former CFO, Cameron International CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD SINCE 2014	68	2005		1
	WILLIAM J. SANDBROOK Former Chairman and CEO, U.S. Concrete	63	2018		1	FE
	CONSTANCE E. SKIDMORE Former Managing Partner and Board Member, PwC	69	2012		1	FE
	VANCE W. TANG President, VanTegrity Consulting	54	2012		1	FE
	CINDY L. WALLIS-LAGE President, Water Business, Black & Veatch	58	Nominee(1)	To Be Determined	0

Committee chair

Committee member

Audit Committee financial expert

(1)

Nominee who has yet to be elected to the Board and, thus, is not yet a member of any committees

2 | COMFORT SYSTEMS USA investors.comfortsystemsusa.com

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Proxy Summary

Snapshot of Director Nominees

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COMFORT SYSTEMS USA 2021 PROXY STATEMENT | 3

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Proxy Summary

OUR GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

	CORPORATE GOVERNANCE HIGHLIGHTS
	8 of our 9 continuing directors are independent, including all members of our committees (Ms. Wallis-Lage’s independence is to be certified by the Board following her election) All members of our Audit Committee are considered to be financial experts Annual elections of the Board Our Board balances fresh thinking and new perspectives with institutional knowledge and stability Annual Board self-evaluations to evaluate performance and effectiveness Regular investor outreach and engagement to discuss our performance, governance policies and other topics: during 2020, executive officers held more than 150 meetings, including those held during the course of six virtual conferences			Policy to address the resignation of a director nominee who receives more votes “withheld” than votes “for” his or her election in an uncontested election Active oversight of strategic and risk management issues Stock ownership guidelines for directors and executives Annual review and succession planning No overboarding Focus on creating long-term value for our stockholders New director orientation and ongoing education Mandatory retirement policy following a director’s 72nd birthday

ESG AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY

Our commitment to sustainability

Everyone at Comfort Systems USA shares a responsibility for doing business ethically and in a sustainable manner, preserving our good name. We ensure that this responsibility applies at every level in our organization, and everyone from corporate officers, to members of our Board of Directors, to our field personnel is responsible for overseeing these efforts. We are committed to promoting sustainable business practices.

INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE			OSHA COMPLIANCE
9 CERTIFICATIONS			1.36 ORIR
■ LEED® Accredited ■ Six Sigma Methodology ■ Refrigerant Handling ■ Medical Certification	■ ASSE 6010 Certified Medical Gas Installers ■ Certified Cross Connection Control Testers ■ ASME and NB Accredited	■ ASHE Healthcare Construction ■ Certificate - National Environmental Balancing Bureau	Our OSHA recordable incident rate was 20% better than the most recently published rate for our industry

	SAFETY			HUMAN CAPITAL
	We focus on company-wide accident prevention, not just OSHA compliance. We believe safety has more to do with what is in the minds of our workers and the hearts of our management. Our employees receive comprehensive training and certification in OSHA 10-Hour Safety. Managers and supervisors receive OSHA 30-hour safety training. We also provide our employees with the safety equipment they need to perform their work. Our Think 5 x 5 initiative increases worker awareness and enhances the company culture to “Take 5 seconds and 5 steps back” to think about their surroundings and work area to make sure it is a safe environment. We strictly adhere to all federal, state and local regulations.			We provide opportunities for personal and professional growth and development and invest in leadership training, mentoring and succession planning initiatives to equip our future leaders for generations to come. We have created in-house training courses specific to leadership, communication, relationship management, diversity and inclusion, ethics and conduct in the workplace and many more key competencies for our employees’ development.

4 | COMFORT SYSTEMS USA investors.comfortsystemsusa.com

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Proxy Summary

	ENVIRONMENT			CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
	We believe that the work we perform to optimize and upgrade systems and to enable wise controls allows our customers to reduce their energy use, which in turn reduces our nation’s carbon footprint. Our emphasis on environmental stewardship and improving productivity drives our effort to become more energy efficient. We strive to minimize our environmental impacts through board oversight, regulatory compliance, ongoing improvement investments, local specialists and community group involvement. Our Board of Directors supplies high-level oversight of our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance through the Governance and Nominating Committee, which reviews and advises on updates from our corporate management team on at least a bi-annual basis.			We have invested in the experts, training and internal and external knowledge transfer to ensure that we are properly scaling, achieving true buildability and fundamentally and continuously improving our design capabilities to meet our customers’ evolving requirements. We are improving productivity by increasing use of innovative techniques in prefabrication, project design and planning, as well as in coordination and production methods. Our investments in design and building information modeling enable us to collaborate with our customers to achieve reliable and energy efficient construction outcomes and to eliminate unnecessary waste. We work to identify, develop and implement new materials, products and methods that can achieve greater productivity and more efficient and sustainable outcomes.

	OUR COMMUNITIES			DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
	We believe in making a positive difference in people’s lives and maintaining the health and welfare of the communities where we live and work. We promote, encourage and support a diverse range of corporate social responsibility activities. Our employees’ involvement in the many initiatives we support is integral to the success of our impact in the communities where we operate.			We are an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome and celebrate our teams’ differences, experiences, and beliefs. We expect all employees to be treated with dignity and respect in an environment free from discrimination and harassment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class. We know that diversity is truly a competitive advantage that helps drive growth and innovation, and we have increasingly focused on diversity and inclusion programs within our Company. Diversity and inclusion is among our leadership team’s top priorities, with clearly outlined near-term actions to accelerate progress in outreach, representation, development and advancement of underrepresented groups within our Company. Our Board of Directors and Board committees provide oversight on our diversity and inclusion strategy.

Overview of Audit Matters

On March 10, 2021, the Audit Committee, following a competitive request for proposal process, approved the engagement of Deloitte & Touche LLP, subject to the completion of Deloitte & Touche LLP’s customary client acceptance procedures, as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2021, and dismissed Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, each effective immediately.

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA 2021 PROXY STATEMENT | 5

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Proxy Summary

Compensation Overview

2020 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

$2.86B			$150.1M			$547M			$286.5M
REVENUE			NET INCOME			GROSS PROFIT			OPERATING CASH FLOW

STOCKHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

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COMPENSATION OBJECTIVES

–

Provide competitive base pay consistent with job scope, experience and related skills

–

Link bonus opportunities to the Company’s performance

–

Grant equity compensation at competitive levels, a significant portion of which is performance-based

–

Avoid unnecessary and imprudent risks

–

Attract and motivate talented executive officers and minimize turnover of senior-level Company employees, which contributes to the stability and continuity of senior leadership

COMPENSATION HIGHLIGHTS

	COMPENSATION PRACTICES
	A majority of each Named Executive Officer’s compensation is at-risk (i.e., variable and not fixed)* A majority of each Named Executive Officer’s compensation is tied to the Company’s financial performance and growth in stockholder value* 50% of each Named Executive Officer’s equity awards are subject to the Company achieving specific performance goals over a 3-year time horizon*			Executive officers and directors are subject to stock ownership requirements The Company has adopted a compensation clawback policy and an anti-hedging/pledging policy that apply to all executive officers The Company engages an independent compensation consultant to advise on executive compensation matters

Assuming target performance is achieved, when applicable, and based on grant date values of equity awards.

6 | COMFORT SYSTEMS USA investors.comfortsystemsusa.com

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Proxy Summary

PAY-FOR-PERFORMANCE

Total target compensation mix

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General Meeting Information

Tuesday, May 18, 2021
11:00 a.m. Central Time

Virtual-only meeting
via live audio webcast

Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 19, 2021 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Why am I receiving this proxy statement?

The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Comfort Systems USA, Inc. (the “Company”) for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”), to be voted at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy are first being provided to stockholders on or about April 8, 2021.

When and where is the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders?

The Annual Meeting will be held at 11:00 a.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, and at any reconvened meetings after any adjournments or postponements thereof, in a virtual-only format. The Company has designed the format of the virtual-only Annual Meeting to ensure that stockholders are afforded the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would possess at an in-person annual meeting, using online tools to ensure stockholder access and participation. For additional information regarding accessing and participating in the Annual Meeting, please refer to specific questions regarding the virtual meeting below in this “General Meeting Information” section.

How do I register for the meeting?

Please visit https://viewproxy.com/ComfortSystemsUSA/2021/ to register in order to attend the virtual meeting. ALL REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 10:59 PM CENTRAL TIME ON MAY 13, 2021.

If you hold your shares in your name and have received a Notice of Internet Availability or Proxy Card, please click “Registration for Registered Holders” and enter your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and indicate if you plan to vote at the meeting.

If you hold your shares through a bank or broker, please click “Registration for Beneficial Holders” and enter your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and indicate if you plan to vote at the meeting. Then please upload or email a copy of your legal proxy that you have obtained from your bank or broker to VirtualMeeting@viewproxy.com.

Please note: Beneficial Holders must submit a copy of their legal proxy from their bank or broker if they wish to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting. Beneficial holders that wish to attend the meeting but do not wish to vote their shares at the meeting must still register and provide proof that they hold shares in Comfort Systems USA, Inc.

How do I demonstrate proof of stock ownership?

If you are a registered holder, the proof of your stock ownership is your name and address as it appears on the proxy card or notice you have received. Our team will cross-check this with a list of all registered holders to confirm your ownership.

If you are a beneficial holder and your stock is held by a broker, bank or other nominee (in “street name”), your proof will be the copy of your legal proxy that you obtain from your bank or broker, a copy of your voter instruction form, proxy card, notice of internet availability or a current broker statement. Please upload or e-mail proof of stock ownership to VirtualMeeting@viewproxy.com.

May I ask questions during the virtual meeting?

We would like to ensure (i) that our stockholders have the opportunity to ask questions, and (ii) that we may address each stockholder’s questions during the time allotted for the Annual Meeting. Thus, we are requesting that stockholders submit any questions in advance, rather than during the meeting. Please submit all questions during registration, as no questions will be taken during the Annual Meeting. We will attempt to answer as many previously-submitted questions as possible during the time allotted for the Annual Meeting.

8 | COMFORT SYSTEMS USA investors.comfortsystemsusa.com

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General Meeting Information

I have submitted my registration—what happens now?

A member of our team will review your registration. You will receive an e-mail with a unique link to attend the Annual Meeting. Additionally, you will need a password to attend, which you will receive two days prior to the meeting. If you have indicated that you will be voting at the meeting, you will be provided with a virtual control number in order to vote.

If you are a beneficial holder and want to vote at the meeting, you must upload a copy of your legal proxy, which you will need to obtain from your bank or broker, and then a virtual control number will be e-mailed to you. If you are a beneficial holder and want to attend the meeting without voting, you will need to provide proof of stock ownership (see the “How do I demonstrate proof of stock ownership?” subsection above).

You will need your password to attend the Annual Meeting. Additionally, you will need your virtual control number to vote your shares during the meeting.

How do I attend the meeting?

If you have registered for the Annual Meeting at https://viewproxy.com/ComfortSystemsUSA/2021/, please refer back to your meeting invitation email for your unique join link. Please click that link and use the password that was e-mailed to you two days prior to the meeting. This will give you access to the Comfort Systems USA, Inc. 2021 Virtual Meeting.

Who can vote?

The holders of record of shares of the Company’s common stock, $.01 par value per share (the “Common Stock”), at the close of business on March 19, 2021 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

How do I vote?

If you are a record stockholder, you may vote online during the Annual Meeting or by proxy. You may submit your vote by proxy by providing your voting instructions by internet or telephone or by signing, dating and returning a proxy card. The instructions for each method of voting are on the proxy card. If you wish to vote online during the meeting, please see the “How do I vote during the meeting?” subsection below.

How do I vote during the meeting?

During the virtual meeting, please visit www.fcrvote.com/FIX in order to vote your shares during the meeting while the polls are open. You will need your virtual control number in order to vote your shares.

If you are a registered or beneficial holder and you indicated that you will be voting at the meeting during the registration process, refer to the e-mail that contained your virtual control number.

Where can I find my Control Number?

If a holder has chosen to vote during the meeting, he or she will receive the virtual control number after registering at: https://viewproxy.com/ComfortSystemsUSA/2021/.

Please note: Beneficial Holders must submit a copy of their legal proxy from their bank or broker if they wish to vote their shares at the Annual Meeting. Beneficial holders that wish to attend the meeting but not vote their shares must still register for the meeting and submit proof of stock ownership.

What if I hold multiple positions and have multiple control numbers, which virtual control number do I use to access the virtual meeting?

You will only need the password to access the meeting; however, you will need to use each virtual control number in order to vote each position.

I am trying to access the meeting, but I cannot get in, why?

Please be sure that you have already registered to attend the Annual Meeting. Please see the “How do I register for the meeting?” subsection above. If your registration has been accepted and you still cannot access the meeting, please e-mail VirtualMeeting@viewproxy.com or call 866-612-8937, and see the “Who do I contact if I have any questions or issues related to the Annual Meeting?” subsection below for further details on the support available.

COMFORT SYSTEMS USA 2021 PROXY STATEMENT | 9

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General Meeting Information

Who do I contact if I have any questions or issues related to the Annual Meeting?

If you have other questions or issues related to the Annual Meeting, please e-mail VirtualMeeting@viewproxy.com.

On the day of the meeting, there will be technicians ready to assist you with any technical difficulties you may have accessing the Annual Meeting live audio webcast. Please be sure to check in by 10:45 a.m. Central Time on May 18, 2021, the day of the meeting, so that any technical difficulties may be addressed before the live audio webcast of the Annual Meeting begins. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the webcast during the check-in or meeting time, please email VirtualMeeting@viewproxy.com or call 866-612-8937.

What are the voting rights of holders of Common Stock?

Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter before the Annual Meeting.

What are my voting choices and what is the required vote?

By giving us your proxy, you authorize the persons named on the proxy card to vote your shares in the manner you indicate at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournments or postponements thereof.

PROPOSAL

VOTING CHOICES

BOARD
RECOMMENDATION

VOTING REQUIREMENT

ABSTENTIONS AND
BROKER NON-VOTES

In the vote on the election of director nominees nominated by the Board of Directors to serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting, stockholders may:

■

vote for all nominees

■

withhold authority from the proxy holders to vote for all nominees

■

vote for all nominees except those specified

FOR all nominees

The Board recommends a vote FOR all nominees. If a quorum is present, the ten nominees for election as directors receiving the greatest number of votes properly cast at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournments or postponements thereof, will be elected. The Company has a policy to address the resignation of an incumbent director who receives more votes “withheld” than votes “for” his or her election. See “Proposal Number 1: Election of Directors—Director Resignation Policy” below.

Votes withheld from any director are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business. Broker non-votes will be counted toward a quorum, but will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the election.

In the vote on whether to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2021, stockholders may:

■

vote for ratification

■

vote against ratification

■

abstain from voting on ratification

FOR

The Board recommends a vote FOR ratification. If the stockholders do not ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain Deloitte & Touche LLP, but still may retain them. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal will be required to ratify the appointment of the independent auditors.

Abstentions will be counted toward a quorum, but will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of this vote.

In the non-binding advisory vote on whether to approve the compensation paid by the Company to its named executive officers, stockholders may:

■

vote for approval

■

vote against approval

■

abstain from voting on the approval

FOR

The Board recommends a vote FOR approval. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on this proposal will constitute the stockholders’ non-binding approval with respect to the Company’s executive compensation program. The Board and the Compensation Committee will review the voting results and take them into consideration when making future decisions regarding executive compensation.

Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted toward a quorum, but will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of this vote.

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General Meeting Information

What constitutes a quorum?

A quorum is the minimum number of shares required to hold a meeting. Consistent with Delaware law and the Company’s Bylaws, the holders of a majority in number of the total outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum as to that matter. As of the Record Date, 36,257,804 shares of Common Stock, representing the same number of votes, were outstanding. Therefore, the presence of holders of Common Stock representing at least 18,128,903 votes will be required to establish a quorum.

What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner of shares held in street name?

If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting was sent directly to you by the Company.

If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization, then you are the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and the Notice of Annual Meeting was forwarded to you by your bank, broker, or other intermediary. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting. As a beneficial owner, you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares held in your account.

What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?

If you are a stockholder of record and you sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, then the proxy holders will vote your shares FOR the nominees listed in Proposal 1, FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s auditors for 2021 in Proposal 2, and FOR approval with respect to the Company’s executive compensation program in Proposal 3.

If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the organization that holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) rules, the organization that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters but cannot vote on non-routine matters (including uncontested director elections and “Say on Pay”). If the organization that holds your shares does not receive instructions from you on how to vote your shares on a non-routine matter (including uncontested director elections and “Say on Pay”), the organization that holds your shares will inform our election inspectors that it does not have the authority to vote on this matter with respect to your shares and your shares will not be voted. This is generally referred to as a “broker non-vote.” When our election inspectors tabulate the votes for any particular matter, broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present but will not otherwise be counted. We encourage you to provide voting instructions to the organization that holds your shares.

Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?

Yes. A proxy may be revoked by a record stockholder at any time before it is voted by (i) returning to the Company another properly signed proxy bearing a later date, (ii) delivering a written revocation to the Secretary of the Company no later than the close of business on May 17, 2021, or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting, or any adjourned session thereof, and voting the shares covered by the proxy during the Annual Meeting. If your stock is held in street name, you must follow the instructions of the broker, bank, or nominee as to how to change your vote.

Who pays to prepare, mail, and solicit the proxies?

The Company will pay the expense of soliciting proxies. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by use of the mails, the Company may use the services of its officers, directors, and regular employees as well as brokerage houses and other stockholders to solicit proxies personally and by mail, telephone, or email communication. The Company will reimburse brokers and other persons for their reasonable charges and expenses in forwarding soliciting materials to their principals. Officers and employees of the Company will receive no compensation in addition to their regular salaries to solicit proxies.

Who tabulates the votes?

Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be counted by two people appointed by the Company to act as election inspectors for the Annual Meeting.

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General Meeting Information

Could other matters be decided at the Annual Meeting?

We do not know of any matters that may be properly presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than Proposals 1, 2, and 3. If other business does properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the proxy intend to act on those matters as they deem advisable. With respect to shares held in street name, the nominee may vote on those matters, subject to the NYSE’s rules on the exercise of discretionary authority.

What happens if the Annual Meeting is postponed or adjourned?

Your proxy may be voted at the postponed or adjourned Annual Meeting. You will still be able to change your proxy until it is voted.

How can I find the Company’s governance documents, such as its corporate Governance Standards, director Independence Guidelines, Code of Conduct, and Board committee charters?

All these documents can be found on our website at http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com under the “Governance” tab. Please note that documents and information on our website are not incorporated into this proxy statement by reference. These documents are also available in print by writing to the Office of the General Counsel, 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77057.

How can I receive a copy of the Annual Report?

The Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, accompanies this proxy statement and may also be accessed through our website—http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com.

Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

We plan to announce the preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and to publish the final results in a current report on Form 8-K, which we will file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and make available on our website—http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com.

When and where will a list of stockholders be available?

A list of stockholders of record will be available for examination at the Company’s headquarters during ordinary business hours for the ten days prior to the Annual Meeting.

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

[MISSING IMAGE: tm2037373d1-ph_proposa14c.jpg]

Board of Directors

Ten directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve for a one-year term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders expected to be held in May 2022.

The nominees for election at the Annual Meeting are:

■

Darcy G. Anderson

■

Alan P. Krusi

■

Pablo G. Mercado

■

William J. Sandbrook

■

Vance W. Tang

■

Herman E. Bulls

■

Brian E. Lane

■

Franklin Myers

■

Constance E. Skidmore

■

Cindy L. Wallis-Lage

(each a “Nominee” and collectively the “Nominees”).

If elected, each Nominee has agreed to serve for a term of one year expiring at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. It is expected that all of the Nominees will be able to serve, but if any Nominee is unable to serve, the proxies reserve discretion to vote, or refrain from voting, for a substitute nominee.

Information with Respect to Nominees for Director

Nominees

Key Information about Our Nominees

COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP

NAME

PRIMARY (OR FORMER) OCCUPATION

AGE

DIRECTOR
SINCE

AUDIT

COMPENSATION

GOVERNANCE &
NOMINATING

Darcy G. Anderson

Vice Chairman of Hillwood

2008

Herman E. Bulls

Vice Chairman, Americas and International Director of JLL

2001

Alan P. Krusi

Former President, Strategic Development of AECOM

2008

Brian E. Lane

President & CEO of Comfort Systems USA

2010

Pablo G. Mercado

CFO of EnLink Midstream

2018

Franklin Myers
CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Former CFO of Cameron International

2005

William J. Sandbrook

Former Chairman & CEO of U.S. Concrete

2018

Constance E. Skidmore

Former Managing Partner and Board Member of PwC

2012

Vance W. Tang

President of VanTegrity Consulting

2012

Cindy L. Wallis-Lage

President, Water Business of Black & Veatch

Nominee(1)

TBD

Committee chair

Committee member

Audit Committee financial expert

Independent director

(1)

Nominee who has yet to be elected to the Board and, thus, is not yet a member of any committees

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

Set forth below are the names, ages as of March 31, 2021, and principal occupations for at least the past five years of each of the Nominees and the names of any other public companies on which each is currently serving, or has served in the past five years, as a director:


	DARCY G. ANDERSON Director ■ Age 64				Darcy G. Anderson has served as a Director of the Company since March 2008. Since April 2009, Mr. Anderson has served as Vice Chairman of Hillwood, a real estate, oil and gas, and investments company. From November 2000 until April 2009, Mr. Anderson served as Chief People Officer and Vice President for Perot Systems Corporation, an information technology services and consulting firm. Prior to joining Perot Systems, Mr. Anderson held various positions at Hillwood Development Corporation beginning in 1987, including Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Anderson also served as president of Hillwood Urban, overseeing all of the operations and development for the company’s Victory project and the new American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas. He also served in various leadership roles for the Perot ‘92 Presidential Campaign. Mr. Anderson joined Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 1983 working in recruiting management. Prior to his employment with EDS, Mr. Anderson completed five years of active duty in the United States Army Corp of Engineers. He is a Member of the Board of the Dallas World Affairs Council and is on the Executive Committee of the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce. He is a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army representing North Texas. Mr. Anderson is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mr. Anderson has significant experience and knowledge of real estate development, human resources and leadership development practices, energy efficiency, corporate facilities management, and information technology services.


	HERMAN E. BULLS Director ■ Age 65				Herman E. Bulls has served as a Director of the Company since February 2001. Mr. Bulls serves as Vice Chairman, Americas and International Director of JLL, an international full-service real estate firm. He is the founder of JLL’s Public Institutions division and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from January 2002 until January 2014. From September 2000 until August 2001, Mr. Bulls served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of one of the nation’s largest Fannie Mae multifamily lenders. From March 1998 to September 2000, Mr. Bulls was a Managing Director for JLL. From 1989 until 1998, he held several positions with the predecessor organization, LaSalle Partners. Prior to his employment with JLL, he served over eleven years of active duty service with the United States Army. Mr. Bulls was the Co-Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Bulls Capital Partners, a commercial mortgage firm. He sold the firm to a Wall Street entity in 2010. Mr. Bulls retired as a Colonel from the Army Reserve. Mr. Bulls is a member of the Board of Directors of the West Point Association of Graduates, serves as a member of the Real Estate Advisory Committee for New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, and serves on the Board of Directors of American Campus Communities, USAA and Collegis Education. Mr. Bulls also currently serves on the Board of Governors for the American Red Cross and the Military Bowl Foundation. Mr. Bulls previously served on the Board of Directors of Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) from 2015 to 2017, Exelis Inc. from 2011 until its 2015 merger with Harris Corporation, Tyco International from 2014 until its 2016 merger with Johnson Controls International PLC and Rasmussen College until its sale to a private equity partner. Mr. Bulls is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and of the Harvard Business School. Mr. Bulls has decades of real estate and finance experience with a particular knowledge of team-building, marketing, and strategic development.

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors


	ALAN P. KRUSI Director ■ Age 66				Alan P. Krusi has served as a Director of the Company since March 2008. Mr. Krusi was President, Strategic Development of AECOM Technology Corporation, a global provider of professional technical and management support services, from October 2011 until his retirement in March 2015. He served as Executive Vice President for Corporate Development of AECOM Technology Corporation from August 2008 until October 2011. From 2003 until 2008, Mr. Krusi served as President of Earth Tech, Inc., an engineering, consulting, and construction services firm owned by Tyco International. From 2002 to 2003, Mr. Krusi served as CEO of RealEnergy, Inc., a company providing onsite cogeneration to commercial and industrial customers. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Krusi served as President of the Construction Services division of URS Corporation, where he oversaw an international construction services business specializing in construction management and program management. Prior to his employment with URS, and over a period of twenty-two years, Mr. Krusi held a number of technical and management positions within the engineering and construction industries. Mr. Krusi currently also serves on the Board of Directors of Granite Construction Incorporated, Lithko Contracting, LLC and SSR Mining. Mr. Krusi served on the Board of Directors of Alacer Gold Corp from September 2014 to September 2020; Boxwood Merger Corp from November 2018 to January 2020; Layne Christensen from January 2016 to June 2018; and Blue Earth, Inc. from September 2014 to June 2016. Mr. Krusi is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and is a Registered Geologist, Certified Engineering Geologist, and Licensed General Contractor in the State of California. Mr. Krusi has over forty years of experience in the construction and engineering industries, including experience in executive management and director positions for public companies.


	BRIAN E. LANE ■ Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer ■ Age 64				Brian E. Lane has served as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company since December 2011 and as a Director since November 2010. Mr. Lane served as the Company’s President and Chief Operating Officer from March 2010 until December 2011. Mr. Lane joined the Company in October 2003 and served as Vice President and then Senior Vice President for Region One of the Company until he was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in January 2009. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lane spent fifteen years at Halliburton, the global service and equipment company devoted to energy, industrial, and government customers. During his tenure at Halliburton, he held various positions in business development, strategy, and project initiatives. He departed as the Regional Director of Europe and Africa. Mr. Lane’s additional experience included serving as a Regional Director of Capstone Turbine Corporation, a distributed power manufacturer. He also was a Vice President of Kvaerner, an international engineering and construction company where he focused on the chemical industry. Mr. Lane is a member of the Board of Directors of Main Street Capital Corporation and previously served as a member of the Board of Directors of Griffin Dewatering Corporation. Mr. Lane earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Notre Dame and his MBA from Boston College. Mr. Lane has more than thirty years of experience in the construction and engineering industries. As the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Lane provides the Board a valuable perspective on the Company’s day-to-day operations and on current trends and developments in the industry.

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors


	PABLO G. MERCADO Director ■ Age 44				Pablo G. Mercado has served as a Director of the Company since November 2018. Mr. Mercado has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of EnLink Midstream, LLC since July 2020. Prior to July 2020, Mr. Mercado served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. (“Forum Energy”) from March 2018 to July 2020. Mr. Mercado also previously held various finance and corporate development positions at Forum Energy since joining in November 2011, including Senior Vice President, Finance from June 2017 to March 2018 and Vice President, Operations Finance from August 2015 to June 2017. Prior to Forum Energy, Mr. Mercado was an investment banker with the Oil and Gas Group of Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC where he worked with oilfield services companies from 2005 to 2011. Between 1998 and 2005, Mr. Mercado was an investment banker at UBS Investment Bank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, working primarily with companies in the oil and gas industry. Mr. Mercado currently serves as director of Energy Infrastructure Council, an industry non-profit. Mr. Mercado holds a B.B.A. from the Cox School of Business, a B.A. in Economics from the Dedman College at Southern Methodist University, and an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Mr. Mercado has extensive public company finance and accounting experience, and he has significant experience in corporate governance, strategy and operations.


	FRANKLIN MYERS Director and Chairman of the Board ■ Age 68				Franklin Myers has served as a Director of the Company since May 2005 and as Chairman of the Board since May 2014. Mr. Myers has been a Senior Advisor and advisory director of Quantum Energy Partners, a private equity firm, since February 2013 and was an operating advisor to Paine and Partners, a private equity firm, from October 2009 until December 2012. From April 2008 until March 2009, Mr. Myers served as Senior Advisor to Cameron International Corporation, a global provider to the oil & gas and process industries. Mr. Myers served as the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Cameron International Corporation from 2003 to 2008. From 1995 to 2003, Mr. Myers served at various times as Senior Vice President and President of a division within Cooper Cameron Corporation as well as General Counsel and Secretary. Prior to joining Cooper Cameron Corporation in 1995, Mr. Myers served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Baker Hughes Incorporated, and an attorney and partner at the law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski, now known as Norton Rose Fulbright. Mr. Myers currently serves on the Board of Directors of HollyFrontier Corporation, and Mr. Myers also serves on the board of WireCo WorldGroup, a privately-owned company. Mr. Myers served on the Board of Directors of Seahawk Drilling Company from 2009 until 2011; Frontier Oil Corporation—a predecessor of HollyFrontier Corporation—from 2009 until its 2011 merger with Holly Corporation; Ion Geophysical Corporation from 2001 to 2019; Forum Energy Technologies from 2011 until March 2018; and NCS Multistage from 2017 to 2020. Mr. Myers holds a Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering, from Mississippi State University and a J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Mississippi. Mr. Myers has several decades of public company experience, with a particular knowledge of operations, financial management, and legal affairs. Additionally, Mr. Myers has significant experience serving on other public company boards and has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas School of Law where he taught a course on mergers and acquisitions.

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors


	WILLIAM J. SANDBROOK Director ■ Age 63				William J. Sandbrook has served as a Director of the Company since April 2018. From August 2011 until his retirement in April 2020, Mr. Sandbrook served as President and Chief Executive Officer of U.S. Concrete, Inc. and as the Chairman of the Board from May 2018 until April 2020. From June 2008 until August 2011, Mr. Sandbrook was Chief Executive Officer of Oldcastle Inc.’s Products and Distribution Group. From 2006 to June 2008, Mr. Sandbrook was Chief Executive Officer of Oldcastle Architectural Product’s Group responsible for Oldcastle’s U.S. and Canadian Operations, as well as CRH plc’s business in South America. From 1996 to 2006, Mr. Sandbrook served in various roles at Oldcastle Materials, including most recently as President of Oldcastle Materials West Division. From 1995 to 1996, Mr. Sandbrook served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Tilcon New York, and as Vice President from 1992 to 1995. Prior to 1992, Mr. Sandbrook spent thirteen years in the U.S. Army. Mr. Sandbrook currently serves on the Board of Directors of U.S. Concrete, Inc. In recognition of his efforts at Ground Zero after the September 11th bombing of the World Trade Center, Mr. Sandbrook was named the Rockland County, New York 2002 Business Leader of the Year, the Dominican College 2002 Man of the Year and the American Red Cross 2003 Man of the Year for Southern New York. In 2017, Mr. Sandbrook was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the New Jersey Concrete and Aggregate Association. In March of 2018, he was awarded the William B. Allen Award from the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association in recognition of his lifetime commitment to the concrete industry. Also in March of 2018, Mr. Sandbrook was inducted into the Pit and Quarry Magazine’s Hall of Fame. From March 2019 through March 2020, Mr. Sandbrook held the position of Chairman of the National Ready Mix Concrete Association. Mr. Sandbrook holds an MBA from Wharton, a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master in Public Policy from the Naval War College, a Master of Arts in International Relations from Salve Regina University, and a Bachelor of Science from the United States Military Academy. Mr. Sandbrook has over twenty-five years of operations experience in the building materials and construction industries, including significant experience as a Chief Executive Officer and experience as a public company board member.


	CONSTANCE E. SKIDMORE Director ■ Age 69				Constance E. Skidmore has served as a Director of the Company since December 2012. Ms. Skidmore retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers, a public accounting firm, in 2009 after serving for more than two decades as a partner, including a term on its governing board. Ms. Skidmore serves on the Board of Directors and chairs the Audit Committee of Sensata Technologies (NYSE: ST) and on the boards of several other privately-held and non-profit companies: Proterra, Inc., The V Foundation for Cancer Research and Viz Kinect. Ms. Skidmore previously served on the Board of Directors and Audit Committee of Shortel, Inc. (NASDAQ: SHOR) from 2014 until 2017 when it was acquired by Mitel Networks Corporation. Ms. Skidmore is a graduate of Florida State University and earned a Master of Science in Taxation from Golden Gate University. Ms. Skidmore has more than thirty years of experience in accounting and finance, including in the construction industry, and significant experience and knowledge in talent management and strategic planning.

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors


	VANCE W. TANG Director ■ Age 54				Vance W. Tang has served as a Director of the Company since December 2012. Mr. Tang has been President and Owner of VanTegrity Consulting, a strategy and leadership consulting services and executive coaching provider, since August 2012. Mr. Tang previously owned a wealth management business, VanTegrity Financial, LLC, from February 2012 to December 2016. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. subsidiary of KONE OY, a public company and a leading global provider of elevators and escalators, and Executive Vice President of KONE Corporation from February 2007 until August 2012. In this role, he led the organization through a major transformation around customer focus and profitable growth. Prior to joining KONE, he was Vice President and General Manager at Honeywell Building Control Systems. Previously, he spent over fourteen years at Trane, a supplier of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to both the residential and commercial markets. He serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of American Woodmark Corporation (NASDAQ:AMWD) and previously on the Board of Governors of the Center for Creative Leadership. Mr. Tang has a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and an MBA degree from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Tang has deep operations experience in the building construction and service industries, including experience as a Chief Executive Officer, and he also has experience serving on other public company boards. Additionally, Mr. Tang is currently serving as our Board Liaison for Cybersecurity, leveraging his engineering background and business leadership experience.


	CINDY L. WALLIS-LAGE Director Nominee ■ Age 58				Cindy L. Wallis-Lage is nominated to serve as a Director of the Company, commencing following the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Ms. Wallis-Lage has served as President, Water Business at Black & Veatch from January 2012 to present. Previously, during her 34 years of experience at Black & Veatch, Ms. Wallis-Lage served in various roles, including Executive Managing Director of Technical Solutions from January 2010 to January 2012, Chief of Water Technology Group from February 2006 to January 2010, and Director of Wastewater Treatment Technology from March 2003 to February 2006. She joined the Black & Veatch Board of Directors in March 2012 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Water Alliance and on the Leadership Council for Water For People. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri. Ms. Wallis-Lage earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University and her Master’s Degree in Environmental Health Engineering from the University of Kansas. Ms. Wallis-Lage has a background in engineering as well as experience in areas such as senior leadership, corporate governance, and sustainability. She also has experience serving as a board member.

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

Board Qualifications Matrix

The following matrix (1) summarizes desired qualifications, skills and experience, which we believe are appropriate for consideration as we propose leaders to advance our strategy and provide proper oversight, and (2) illustrates the number of Nominees to whom each qualification applies:

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the Directors listed above in Proposal Number 1.

Meetings of the Board and Committees

During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Board held five regular meetings and four special meetings. At each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board, the non-employee directors, each of whom is independent, met separately from management in executive session under the direction of Mr. Myers, the Chairman of the Board. Members of the Board are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting and all members of the Board attended the Annual Meeting in 2020. Additional information regarding the determination of director independence is set forth below under “Corporate Governance—Independence.” Each director has attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and the Board committees of which he or she was or is a member that took place during his or her term of office.

The Board has several committees. Each of these committees and their members are described below. The Board has adopted a written charter for each of these committees (with the exception of the Executive Committee), which, together with the Company’s corporate Governance Standards and Independence Guidelines, are available:

	ON OUR CORPORATE WEBSITE				BY WRITING TO
	http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com under the “Governance” tab				Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Attention: Office of the General Counsel 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77057

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

AUDIT COMMITTEE

CONSTANCE E. SKIDMORE

ALAN P.
KRUSI

PABLO G. MERCADO

WILLIAM J. SANDBROOK

JAMES H.
SCHULTZ

VANCE W.
TANG

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Audit Committee:

■

reviews with management and the independent auditors the Company’s quarterly and annual financial statements, the scope of the audit, any comments made by the independent auditors and such other matters as the committee deems appropriate;

■

annually reviews the enterprise risk management matrix, which addresses a wide variety of risks including key environmental and social risks affecting, or potentially affecting, the Company;

■

reviews the performance and retention of the Company’s independent auditors;

■

reviews with management those matters relating to compliance with corporate policies, as the committee deems appropriate; and

■

reviews and reassesses the adequacy of its charter every year, and has done so for 2021.

QUALIFICATIONS AND UPDATES

■

Effective following the Annual Meeting, Mr. Mercado will commence serving as the Audit Committee Chair.

■

The Board has determined that the Audit Committee consists entirely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE’s listing standards, the Board’s Independence Guidelines (discussed below at “Corporate Governance—Independence”) and the rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

■

No member is or has been an executive officer or employee of the Company at any time.

■

The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is financially literate and, based on accounting or related financial management expertise, that each member is an audit committee financial expert.

MEETINGS IN 2020

■

8 regular

■

no special

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

ALAN P.
KRUSI

DARCY G. ANDERSON

HERMAN E. BULLS

FRANKLIN MYERS

WILLIAM J. SANDBROOK

VANCE W.
TANG

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Compensation Committee:

■

establishes and administers the Company’s executive compensation program;

■

reviews and advises the Board with respect to significant organizational changes, leadership development and leadership succession, other than the succession of the Chief Executive Officer, which is overseen by the Governance and Nominating Committee; and

■

establishes and regularly reviews the compensation levels of executive officers and other key managers and approves incentive awards.

In addition, the Compensation Committee:

■

may delegate any of its responsibilities to a subcommittee thereof and has the authority to hire a professional consultant to review and analyze the Company’s compensation programs.

ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMPENSATION CONSULTANT AND MANAGEMENT

■

In 2020, the committee retained Compensation Advisory Partners to advise the committee during its review of the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs and to provide a

comprehensive analysis of executive compensation survey data and market trends, particularly with respect to compensation-related actions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

■

The committee’s work with Compensation Advisory Partners is described in greater detail below in the subsection titled “Independent Compensation Consultant.”

■

Further, as discussed below in the section titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the Compensation Committee consults with management in developing compensation plans for the Company.

QUALIFICATIONS

■

The Board has determined that the Compensation Committee consists entirely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards, the Board’s Independence Guidelines and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act.

■

No member is or has been an executive officer or employee of the Company at any time.

MEETINGS IN 2020

■

5 regular

■

1 special

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Proposal 1—Election of Directors

GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE

VANCE W.
TANG

DARCY G.
ANDERSON

HERMAN E. BULLS

PABLO G. MERCADO

JAMES H. SCHULTZ

CONSTANCE E. SKIDMORE

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Governance and Nominating Committee:

■

evaluates the structure and membership of the Board;

■

evaluates candidates for nomination to the Board, as appropriate, with an emphasis on diversity of viewpoint and professional experience;

■

reviews the compensation structure for the non-employee directors and the frequency and content of meetings;

■

establishes and reviews the Company’s succession plan for its Chief Executive Officer;

■

discusses and evaluates environmental and social matters affecting the Company at least bi-annually; and

■

makes recommendations to the Board on all such matters.

COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION OF CANDIDATES

■

The committee’s diversity policy values diversity in its broadest sense, reflecting, but not limited to, an individual’s profession, geography, gender, ethnicity, race, skills, background and experience, and endeavors to include candidates who are diverse, including in terms of race and gender, in the qualified pool from which Board candidates are chosen.

■

The committee periodically examines the composition of the Board to ensure that the Board, taken as a whole, has the necessary skills and experience to steer the

Company toward its stated objectives, as well as the necessary skills and experience to set the Company’s future strategies.

■

Directors are nominated or elected by the Board, and stockholders may nominate directors as described further in “Corporate Governance—Director Nomination by Stockholders.”

■

The committee identifies Board candidates through a variety of formal and informal channels. The committee has the authority to hire a professional search firm to help identify candidates with specific qualifications, and the committee retained Egon Zehnder to identify director candidates this year, which led to the nomination of Cindy Wallis-Lage to replace James Schultz, who was not eligible for reelection due to the Company’s age requirements. The committee previously worked with a third-party search firm in 2017 and again in 2018 to identify a potential new director.

QUALIFICATIONS

■

The Board has determined that the Governance and Nominating Committee consists entirely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the NYSE listing standards, the Board’s Independence Guidelines and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act.

MEETINGS IN 2020

■

2 regular

■

3 special

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Executive Committee:

■

was formed in August 2019 and held no meetings during 2020;

■

was established to act in place of the Board, and to exercise the authority and powers of the Board, while the Board is not in session; and

■

operates pursuant to authority that is specifically delegated to it by the Board through the Company’s Grants of Authority, which authority may be revoked or modified by the Board and which is subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, as amended.

MEMBERSHIP

■

The committee’s membership is subject to change and is comprised of no less than three and no more than eight

directors, including the Chair of the Board or Lead Director, the Chief Executive Officer and at least one other member of the Board who shall be nominated by the chair of the committee as an interim member of the committee based on:

(i)

the circumstances under which the committee must take action,

(ii)

the member’s relevant experience and skills,

(iii)

the member’s availability when a meeting is necessary, and

(iv)

any other factor the chair reasonably considers to be relevant and proper.

■

The chair of the committee shall be the Chair of the Board, or the Lead Director if the Chair of the Board is also the Chief Executive Officer, or another director designated by the Chair of the Board or Lead Director.

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Corporate Governance

The Board believes the purpose of corporate governance is to maximize stockholder value in a manner consistent with legal requirements and the highest standards of integrity. The Board has adopted and adheres to corporate governance practices that the Board believes promote this purpose, are sound practices and represent best practices. The Board continually reviews these governance practices, Delaware law (the state in which the Company is incorporated), the rules and listing standards of the NYSE and SEC regulations, and best practices suggested by recognized governance authorities.

The corporate Governance Standards are available:

	ON OUR CORPORATE WEBSITE				BY WRITING TO
	http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com under the “Governance” tab				Comfort Systems USA, Inc. Attention: Office of the General Counsel 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400 Houston, Texas 77057

Our corporate governance documents include:


■ COMMITTEE CHARTERS	■ CODE OF CONDUCT [ENGLISH]	■ CODE OF CONDUCT [SPANISH]

■ INDEPENDENCE GUIDELINES	■ GOVERNANCE STANDARDS	■ DIRECTOR RESIGNATION POLICY

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Company adopted a Compliance Policy in 1997, the year the Company was founded. That policy, with subsequent amendments discussed, approved and adopted by the Board, including a recent amendment to change the title of the policy to our “Code of Conduct,” remains in effect and applies to the Company’s directors, officers and employees who are subject to disciplinary action, including termination, for violations of the code. The code forms the basis of the Company’s ethics and compliance program and covers a wide range of areas. Many Company policies are summarized in the Code of Conduct, including conflict of interest, insider trading, confidentiality, human rights, and compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to the conduct of the Company’s business. The Code of Conduct is regularly reinforced to the Company’s employees and management through periodic ethics, equal opportunity employment, and anti-corruption trainings. Any amendments to the Code of Conduct or the grant of a waiver from a provision of the policy requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules will be disclosed to the public. The Code of Conduct is posted under the “Governance” tab of the Company’s website at http://investors. comfortsystemsusa.com and is also available upon request to Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Office of the General Counsel, 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77057.

INDEPENDENCE

The Board has adopted Independence Guidelines to assist the Board in making independence determinations relating to members of the Board. The criteria are consistent with the NYSE listing standards regarding director independence. For a director to be considered independent, the Board must determine that the director does not have a material relationship, directly or indirectly, with the Company. The Independence Guidelines are published on our website, http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com under the “Governance” tab, and are also available by written request to Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Office of the General Counsel, 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77057.

The Board has considered the independence of its members in light of the Independence Guidelines and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act and NYSE, including each director’s affiliations and relationships, and has determined that Ms. Skidmore and Messrs. Anderson, Bulls, Krusi, Mercado, Myers, Sandbrook, Schultz and Tang, who together constitute a majority of the Board, qualify as independent directors of the Company.

RETIREMENT POLICY

Under the Company’s corporate Governance Standards, a director shall not be a candidate for reelection after his or her seventy-second birthday.

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DIRECTOR NOMINATION BY STOCKHOLDERS

The Board will consider director candidates recommended by stockholders for inclusion on the slate of directors nominated by the Board. Any stockholder may submit a candidate or candidates for consideration in conformity with the Bylaws and as set forth hereafter under the caption “Stockholder Proposals.” Stockholders desiring to recommend a candidate must submit the recommendation to the Governance and Nominating Committee c/o the Corporate Secretary, Comfort Systems USA, Inc., 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77057. If a nominating stockholder is not a record holder, the stockholder must provide the same evidence of eligibility as set forth in Exchange Act Rule 14a-8(b)(2).

At the time the nominating stockholder submits the recommendation, the candidate must submit all personal information that the Company would be required to disclose in a proxy statement in accordance with Exchange Act rules. In addition, at that time the candidate must:

■

Certify that he or she meets the requirements to be: (a) independent under the NYSE’s listing standards and the Board’s Independence Guidelines, and (b) a non-employee director under Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act;

■

Consent to serve on the Board, if nominated and elected; and

■

Agree to complete, upon request, a customary director’s questionnaire.

The Governance and Nominating Committee will evaluate any candidate recommended by a stockholder to determine whether he or she is highly qualified. The committee evaluates candidates recommended by stockholders in the same way it evaluates candidates proposed from other sources. In selecting nominees, particular consideration is given to those individuals who have substantial achievement in their personal and professional pursuits and whose talents, experience, and integrity would be expected to contribute to the best interests of the Company and to long-term stockholder value. In evaluating candidates, the committee considers various qualities and skills that it believes will benefit the Board and the stockholders, including, without limitation, general management experience, specialization in the Company’s principal business activities or finance, significant experience in issues encountered by public companies, and contribution to the diversity of the Board.

STOCKHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Throughout the year, we meet regularly with investors and actively seek their input on topics related to our performance and governance policies, as well as a wide variety of other topics on which they may have feedback, so that we may address any questions or concerns of our stockholders. During 2020, executive officers held more than 150 meetings, including those held during the course of six virtual conferences. This process is led by Brian Lane, President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board, and William George, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In addition, as appropriate, we work to clarify and expand our disclosures as we prepare our next proxy statement based on such discussions. We value our stockholders’ input and welcome feedback through our ongoing engagement practices.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD

Stockholders and other interested parties may communicate directly with the Board by writing to Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Board of Directors, 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77057. The Chair of the Board will review these communications and will determine appropriate steps to address them. A stockholder wishing to communicate directly with the non-employee members of the Board may address the communication to “Non-Employee Directors, c/o Board of Directors” at the address listed above. These communications will be handled by the Chair of the Board, who is currently designated to preside at meetings of non-employee directors. Finally, communications can be sent directly to individual directors by addressing letters to their individual name, c/o the Board of Directors, at the address listed above. All communications received by the Company are sent directly to the Board or appropriate director.

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND SELF-EVALUATION
PROCESS

The Board does not have a formal policy regarding whether the position of Chair of the Board may be filled by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Instead, the Board has adopted a fluid approach to the Board’s leadership structure that allows for variations depending on the circumstances and changing needs of the Company over time.

Mr. Myers has served as a director since 2005 and has served as the Company’s Chairman of the Board since May 2014. The Board has determined that Mr. Myers meets the independence requirements of the NYSE listing

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standards, the Board’s Independence Guidelines, and the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act. The Board has carefully considered its leadership structure and determined that currently it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the roles of Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer to be filled by different individuals. This structure allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus on the Company’s day-to-day operations.

Since the Company has an independent, non-executive Chair of the Board, the Company has determined that the role of a Lead Director is not currently necessary. The Board may appoint a Lead Director to coordinate the activities of the independent directors in the future at its discretion.

Pursuant to the Board’s policy, the Board conducts an annual self-evaluation process as follows: (i) each director evaluates the Board as a whole; (ii) each member of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates the respective committee(s) on which he or she serves; and (iii) each director prepares an individual performance-related self-evaluation of himself or herself. In connection with this annual self-evaluation, the Board considers whether the current leadership structure continues to be appropriate for the Company. The Board believes that directors should be responsive to the Company’s evolving circumstances and objectives, and that the Board’s leadership structure should adapt when necessary.

THE BOARD’S ROLE IN RISK OVERSIGHT

The Company’s full Board is actively involved in overseeing the Company’s risk management process and the Company’s risk appetite. These activities are aligned with the Company’s strategy. During 2020, the Board devoted significant time and attention to risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including those related to the health and safety of the Company’s employees and customers, operational risks and risks related to business disruptions and regulatory developments. Additionally, the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Governance and Nominating Committee consider risks that fall within their respective areas of responsibilities. For example, the Governance and Nominating Committee is formally scheduled to review environmental and social matters relevant to the Company and its operations bi-annually, and the Audit Committee reviews the enterprise risk management matrix, which addresses environmental and social risks, annually. Further, in recognition of the importance of maintaining the confidence of all Company stakeholders, the Board considers information technology and data security risk, specifically cybersecurity risk, a premier area of focus. The Company’s Vice President of Information Security (“VPIS”) works and reports separately from the Information Technology department, an arrangement meant to allow the VPIS to advise the Company most effectively on cybersecurity and related risks, and reports directly to our executive management team. The Board oversees information technology, data security and cybersecurity risk management through regular reports and presentations from the VPIS and other management members. Vance Tang, Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, serves as the Board Liaison for Cybersecurity and has completed extensive training on cybersecurity risk mitigation. In addition, a group of the Company’s executive officers serve on a committee (the “Risk Committee”) that is directly responsible for the Company’s risk management process. The Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, a member of the Board, serves on the Risk Committee; however, the Risk Committee is a committee of management, not of the Board. The Risk Committee meets at least annually to define and improve the risk-mapping process and considers any appropriate updates at least quarterly. All members of the Risk Committee attended at least 75% of the quarterly meetings held in 2020. Any risks that are identified through the Company’s compliance and ethics program are included in the Risk Committee’s processes, along with operational, financial, environmental, cybersecurity, social, governance and strategic risks. The Risk Committee presents comprehensive reports directly to the Board at least annually through the enterprise risk management matrix, which, as explained above, is reviewed by the Audit Committee.

Director Resignation Policy

Effective March 8, 2017, the Board adopted a Director Resignation Policy to address the situation in which a nominee for director in an uncontested election to the Board receives more votes “withheld” than votes “for” his or her election. The policy provides that any incumbent nominee for director in an uncontested election who receives a greater number of votes affirmatively “withheld” with respect to his or her election than votes “for” such election (a “majority withhold vote”) shall promptly tender his or her resignation to the Chair of the Board following certification of the stockholder vote. The Governance and Nominating Committee will promptly consider the tendered resignation and recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation or take other action, such as rejecting the tendered resignation and addressing the apparent underlying causes of the majority withheld vote. In making its recommendation, the committee will consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, (i) the underlying reasons why stockholders withheld their votes (if ascertainable), (ii) the length of service and qualifications of the director whose resignation has been tendered, (iii) the director’s contributions to the Board and the Company, (iv) the overall composition of the Board and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, governing documents, and stock exchange listing standards, (v) the availability of other qualified candidates, and (vi) whether accepting the resignation is in the best interests of stockholders and the Company. The Board will act on the committee’s recommendation no later than its first regularly scheduled meeting following certification of the stockholder vote, but in no case later

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than 120 days following the vote certification. Following the committee’s recommendation and the Board’s decision, the Company will promptly publicly disclose its decision whether to accept or reject such tendered resignation in a periodic or current report filed or furnished in accordance with SEC rules.

Any director who tenders his or her resignation under the Director Resignation Policy will not participate in the committee recommendation or Board consideration of the resignation. However, such director will otherwise remain as an active Board member unless and until the resignation becomes effective. If a majority of the Governance and Nominating Committee members receive a majority withhold vote at the same election, then the independent directors who did not receive a majority withhold vote will appoint a committee amongst themselves to consider the tendered resignations. If the only directors who did not receive a majority withhold vote in the same election constitute fewer directors than a majority of the Board, then all the independent directors may participate in the Board consideration of the tendered resignations, except that no director will participate in the vote on his or her own resignation.

While this summary reflects the current terms of the Director Resignation Policy, the Board retains the power to amend and administer the policy as the Board, in its sole discretion, determines is appropriate. The Director Resignation Policy is published under the “Governance” tab on our website, http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com, and is also available by written request to Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Office of the General Counsel, 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, TX 77057.

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Director Compensation for 2020

In 2020, each director who was not an employee of the Company or one of its subsidiaries received, in equal quarterly installments, an annual cash fee for his or her service as follows: $60,000 for service on the Board; an additional $30,000 for service as the chair of the Audit Committee; an additional $20,000 for service as the chair of the Compensation Committee or the Governance and Nominating Committee; and, effective following the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, an additional $75,000 for service as the chair of the Board, which was increased from $60,000 and, for 2020, was blended based on those two rates. The Board approved this increase upon the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, which had based its recommendation on an analysis of several factors, including this committee’s review of survey and peer group data prepared by Compensation Advisory Partners, which indicated that the increased amount was more consistent with the market median, and the Board’s historical non-employee director compensation practices. Directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with attending meetings.

Each non-employee director who continues in office or is elected at an annual stockholder meeting receives an award of fully-vested shares of Common Stock having a fair market value on the grant date equal to approximately $160,000. Pursuant to the Company’s 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, the maximum grant date fair value of awards granted to an individual non-employee director in any calendar year may not exceed $400,000. The Board has adopted stock ownership requirements, pursuant to which each non-employee director must own shares of Common Stock (or share equivalents) having a value equal to ten times the director’s annual cash fees for service on the Board (excluding any additional fees for service as the chair of the Board or any committee of the Board and any other compensation or expense reimbursement received by the director) within five years of being elected or appointed to the Board. The Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates each director’s stock ownership level on an annual basis. At the time of such evaluation, the value of the stock owned by each director is determined by reference to the higher of: (i) the original share (or share equivalent) purchase or issuance price, and (ii) the value of the share (or share equivalent) price at the time of determining compliance with these stock ownership requirements. The Governance and Nominating Committee may modify these stock ownership requirements in its reasonable discretion and is authorized to make exceptions to these stock ownership requirements when special circumstances arise. All non-employee directors are currently in compliance with these ownership requirements.

Directors who are employees of the Company or one of its subsidiaries receive no additional compensation for serving as directors. The following table discloses the compensation earned by, or paid or awarded to, as the case may be, each of the Company’s non-employee directors for 2020.

NAME(1)	FEES EARNED OR PAID IN CASH ($)		STOCK AWARDS(2) ($)		ALL OTHER COMPENSATION(3) ($)		TOTAL ($)
Darcy G. Anderson		60,000		159,967		0		219,967
Herman E Bulls		60,000		159,967		0		219,967
Alan P. Krusi		80,000		159,967		0		239,967
Pablo G. Mercado		60,000		159,967		0		219,967
Franklin Myers		129,231		159,967		0		289,198
William J. Sandbrook		60,000		159,967		0		219,967
James H. Schultz		60,000		159,967		0		219,967
Constance E. Skidmore		90,000		159,967		0		249,967
Vance W. Tang		80,000		159,967		0		239,967

(1)

Mr. Lane also served as a member of the Board during 2020 but was an employee of the Company in 2020 and received no additional compensation for his service on the Board. Mr. Lane’s compensation for his service as an employee for 2020 is disclosed in the “Summary Compensation Table” included elsewhere in this proxy statement.

(2)

Represents grants of 4,788 fully-vested shares of Common Stock. The aggregate grant date fair value of the shares was computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and is equal to the number of shares granted multiplied by the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.

(3)

The Company maintains a visiting director’s office for all members of the Board at its headquarters in Houston, Texas. The office is available on a first-come-first-served basis for all directors. In accordance with SEC regulations, perquisites that in the aggregate total less than $10,000 are not required to be disclosed. No amount is included in the table above with respect to the availability and use of this office.

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In March 2021, upon the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, which was based on analysis of several factors, including survey and peer group data prepared by Compensation Advisory Partners and the Board’s historical non-employee director compensation practices, the Board approved the following increase to non-employee director compensation. This change will take effect following the Annual Meeting:

■

The annual fee for service as the chair of the Board will increase from $75,000 to $100,000.

■

All other fees for service on the Board will remain unchanged.

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Proposal 2—Ratification of the Selection of Independent Auditors

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Ernst & Young LLP’s audit reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the subsequent interim periods through March 10, 2021, there were (i) no disagreements (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) between the Company and Ernst & Young LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which, if not resolved to Ernst & Young LLP’s satisfaction, would have caused Ernst & Young LLP to make reference thereto in their reports on the financial statements for such years, and (ii) no “reportable events” within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the subsequent interim periods through March 10, 2021, neither the Company nor anyone acting on its behalf has consulted with Deloitte & Touche LLP regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements or the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that Deloitte & Touche LLP concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or (iii) any reportable event within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

We have previously provided Ernst & Young LLP with a copy of the foregoing disclosure and requested that Ernst & Young LLP furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not Ernst & Young LLP agrees with the above statements and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of the letter, dated March 15, 2021, furnished by Ernst & Young LLP in response to that request, was filed as Exhibit 16.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated March 15, 2021, and such letter stated that Ernst & Young LLP had agreed with the statements concerning Ernst & Young LLP contained therein.

We expect that representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP and Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions, and they will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire.

The affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock voted at the Annual Meeting is required to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for 2021. If the stockholders fail to ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider its selection, but it still may decide to retain Deloitte & Touche LLP. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if the committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

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Proposal 2—Ratification of the Selection of Independent Auditors

Relationship with Independent Auditors

The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors for the Company for the year ending December 31, 2021.

Ernst & Young LLP acted as independent auditors for the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020. Fees to the Company and its subsidiaries for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP during 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

Description	2020			2019
Audit Fees		$	2,307,950		$	2,587,004
Audit-Related Fees		$	0		$	0
Tax Fees		$	0		$	0
All Other Fees		$	0		$	0

The amount of audit fees for 2020 is based on a fees estimate determined with input from Ernst & Young LLP for audit services provided to us by Ernst & Young LLP in connection with the audit of our 2020 financial statements. The final audit fees for those services may be more or less than the amount reflected on this table.

The Audit Committee has established pre-approval policies and procedures applicable to all services provided by the Company’s independent auditors to the Company, pursuant to which the committee reviews for approval each service expected to be provided by the independent auditors, and is provided with sufficient detailed information so that it can make well-reasoned assessments of the impact of the services on the independence of the auditors. In 2020, all of the fees paid to the Company’s auditors were approved by the Audit Committee. Pre-approvals include pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts (or a range of cost levels or budgeted amounts). Any proposed service that would exceed pre-approved cost levels or budgeted amounts also requires pre-approval. Substantive changes in terms, conditions, or fees resulting from changes in the scope, structure or other items regarding pre-approved services will also be pre-approved if necessary. The pre-approvals may include services in categories of audit services (including consultation to support such audits), audit-related services (items reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the financial statements), tax services (tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice), and other services (services permissible under the SEC’s auditor independence rules, typically routine and recurring type services that would not impair the independence of the auditor).

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR Proposal Number 2.

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Proposal 3—Advisory Vote to Approve the Compensation of the Named Executive Officers

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The Board recognizes that executive compensation is an important matter for our stockholders. As described in detail in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” (the “CD&A”) section elsewhere in this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee is tasked with the implementation of our executive compensation philosophy, and the core of that philosophy has been and continues to be to pay the Company’s named executive officers based on Company performance. In particular, the Compensation Committee strives to attract, retain and motivate exceptional executive officers, to reward past performance as measured against established goals, to provide incentives for future performance, and to align executive officers’ long-term interests with the interests of our stockholders. To do so, the Compensation Committee uses a combination of short- and long-term incentive compensation to reward near-term performance and to encourage our executive officers’ commitment to our long-range strategic business goals. It is the intention of the Compensation Committee that our executive officers be compensated competitively and consistently with our business goals and strategy, sound corporate governance principles, and stockholder interests and concerns. As discussed further in the CD&A, the Compensation Committee retains a compensation consultant and reviews survey and peer group data to ensure that compensation for key positions is properly aligned with market practices. The Company’s commitment to aligning pay with performance is evidenced by the compensation paid to or earned by the Company’s named executive officers for 2020 (the “Named Executive Officers”).

As described in the CD&A, we believe that our executive compensation program is effective, appropriate, and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders and that the compensation provided to the Named Executive Officers (including potential payouts upon a termination of employment or change in control) is reasonable and not excessive. As you consider this Proposal Number 3, we urge you to read the CD&A section of this proxy statement for additional details on our executive compensation program, including more detailed information about our compensation philosophy and objectives and the compensation paid or awarded to the Named Executive Officers, and to review the tabular disclosures regarding Named Executive Officer compensation together with the accompanying narrative disclosures in the “Summary of Executive Compensation” section of this proxy statement.

Congress has enacted the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), which requires a non-binding advisory “Say on Pay” vote and gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of the Named Executive Officers. We value the opportunity to have our stockholders provide us with such a vote on executive compensation at the Annual Meeting.

As an advisory vote and as prescribed by Dodd-Frank, Proposal Number 3 is not binding on the Board or the Compensation Committee, will not overrule any decisions made by the Board or the Compensation Committee, and will not require the Board or the Compensation Committee to take any action. Although the vote is non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinions of our stockholders and will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for the named executive officers. In particular, if there are a significant number of votes against the Named Executive Officers’ compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, we will consider our stockholders’ concerns, and the Board and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns. Unless the Board modifies its policy on the frequency of “Say on Pay” votes, the next “Say on Pay” vote will be held in 2022.

The Board of Directors is asking that stockholders cast a non-binding, advisory vote FOR the following resolution:

“RESOLVED, that the compensation paid or awarded to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion, is hereby APPROVED on an advisory basis.”

The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR Proposal Number 3.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information about the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock as of March 1, 2021: (i) individually by the Chief Executive Officer, each of the other Named Executive Officers, and current directors and nominees for director of the Company, (ii) by all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group, and (iii) each person known to the Company as reported on schedules filed with the SEC to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company.

Except as noted below, each of the persons listed has sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares indicated.

	Common Stock Beneficially Owned
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(s)(1)	Shares Owned as of March 1, 2021		Shares Subject to Options Which Are or Will Become Exercisable Prior to April 30, 2021		Total Beneficial Ownership		% of Class(2)
Brian Lane		247,491(3)		100,815(4)		348,306		*
Franklin Myers		276,288		0		276,288		*
William George		44,562(5)		106,148(6)		150,710		*
James Schultz		88,914		0		88,914		*
Herman Bulls		64,861		0		64,861		*
Darcy Anderson		53,855		0		53,855		*
Julie Shaeff		29,622(7)		18,792(8)		48,414		*
Constance Skidmore		38,914		0		38,914		*
Alan Krusi		32,914(9)		0		32,914		*
Vance Tang		32,859(10)		0		32,859		*
William Sandbrook		21,503		0		21,503		*
Pablo Mercado		10,665		0		10,665		*
Laura Howell		4,816(11)		0		4,816		*
Terrence Young		4,391(12)		0		4,391		*
Cindy Wallis-Lage		0		0		0		*
All executive officers and directors as a group (15 persons)		951,655		225,755		1,177,410		3.25%
BlackRock, Inc. 55 East 52nd Street New York, New York 10055						5,445,294(13)		15.0%
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 100 Vanguard Blvd. Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355						3,540,501(14)		9.73%

Less than 1%.

(1)

Except as noted, the address of each person is c/o Comfort Systems USA, Inc., 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77057.

(2)

Calculated using total outstanding shares as of March 1, 2021, which was 36,185,179 (excluding 4,938,186 shares held in treasury).

(3)

Includes 37,852 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to restricted stock grants that remain subject to tenure vesting.

(4)

Includes 14,547 options with an exercise price of $19.67; 27,407 options with an exercise price of $30.36; 25,988 options with an exercise price of $36.25; and 32,873 options with an exercise price of $42.50.

(5)

Includes 14,561 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to restricted stock grants that remain subject to tenure vesting.

(6)

Includes 12,000 options with an exercise price of $13.86; 26,786 options with an exercise price of $16.15; 21,055 options with an exercise price of $19.67; 16,371 options with an exercise price of $30.36; 15,422 options with an exercise price of $36.25; and 14,514 options with an exercise price of $42.50.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN

BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

(7)

Includes 4,936 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to restricted stock grants that remain subject to tenure vesting.

(8)

Includes 519 options with an exercise price of $11.21; 1,424 options with an exercise price of $13.86; 2,067 options with an exercise price of $16.15; 2,030 options with an exercise price of $19.67; 4,420 options with an exercise price of $30.36; 3,393 options with an exercise price of $36.25; and 4,939 options with an exercise price of $42.50.

(9)

Includes 32,914 shares of Common Stock held in The Krusi Family Trust for which Mr. Krusi and his spouse are trustees.

(10)

Includes 32,859 shares of Common Stock held in The Tang Living Trust, dated October 3, 2014, for which Mr. Tang and his spouse are trustees.

(11)

Includes 2,948 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to restricted stock grants that remain subject to tenure vesting.

(12)

Includes 3,491 shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to restricted stock grants that remain subject to tenure vesting.

(13)

As reported by BlackRock, Inc. in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 26, 2021. The Schedule 13G/A states that BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 5,391,821 shares of Common Stock and sole dispositive power with respect to 5,445,294 shares of Common Stock.

(14)

As reported by The Vanguard Group, Inc. in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 10, 2021. The Schedule 13G/A states that The Vanguard Group, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 0 shares of Common Stock, shared voting power with respect to 52,099 shares of Common Stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 3,458,370 shares of Common Stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 82,131 shares of Common Stock.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Overview

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (the “CD&A”) provides:

■

an overview and analysis of the Company’s executive compensation program,

■

the material decisions made with respect to 2020 compensation for the Named Executive Officers, and

■

the material factors considered in making those decisions.

The CD&A focuses on the compensation paid or awarded to the Named Executive Officers unless noted otherwise.

2020 Named Executive Officers

BRIAN LANE

WILLIAM GEORGE

JULIE SHAEFF

TERRENCE YOUNG

LAURA HOWELL

President and
Chief Executive
Officer
since December 2011

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
since May 2005

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
since May 2005

Senior Vice President of
Service
since January 2019

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
since January 2019

The Board has delegated to the Compensation Committee (referred to in this CD&A simply as the “Committee”) the duty of designing and overseeing the Company’s executive compensation program. The Committee is comprised entirely of independent (pursuant to NYSE and SEC rules, and the Company’s own Independence Guidelines) members of the Board.

The Company’s executive compensation program is designed to:

–

Provide competitive base pay consistent with job scope, experience and related skills

–

Link bonus opportunities to the Company’s performance

–

Grant equity compensation at competitive levels, a significant portion of which is performance-based

–

Avoid unnecessary and imprudent risks

–

Attract and motivate talented executive officers and minimize turnover of senior-level Company employees, which contributes to the stability and continuity of senior leadership

2020 Performance Highlights

Like many other businesses, the Company faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of the pandemic, the Company implemented work-from-home procedures for office-based employees and detailed safety procedures for field-based employees. Even with these challenges, the Company’s financial performance was exceptional. To put the Company’s 2020 compensation decisions in context, the following summarizes the Company’s key financial and business results for 2020:

$2.86B			$150.1M			$547M			$286.5M
REVENUE			NET INCOME			GROSS PROFIT			OPERATING CASH FLOW

■

Revenue increased to $2.86 billion in 2020, as compared to $2.62 billion in 2019.

■

Net income increased to $150.1 million, or $4.09 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to $114.3 million, or $3.08 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December31, 2019.

■

Gross profit increased by $45.1 million to $547.0 million in 2020, as compared to $501.9 million in 2019.

■

Operating cash flow increased to $286.5 million in 2020, as compared to $142.0 million in 2019.

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As a result of this performance, the Named Executive Officers each received the maximum of 150% of their target awards under the corporate financial incentive portion of the Company’s 2020 annual incentive plan, consisting of their earnings-per-share (“EPS”) target awards and their free cash flow (“FCF”) target awards respectively, as further described below.

Compensation and Governance Practices

Below we highlight certain of our practices that we consider good governance features of our executive compensation program.

COMPENSATION PRACTICES
	A majority of each Named Executive Officer’s compensation is at-risk (i.e., variable and not fixed)*	Executive officers and directors are subject to stock ownership requirements
	A majority of each Named Executive Officer’s compensation is tied to the Company’s financial performance and growth in stockholder value*	The Company has adopted a compensation clawback policy and an anti-hedging/pledging policy that apply to all executive officers
	50% of each Named Executive Officer’s equity awards are subject to the Company achieving specific performance goals over a 3-year time horizon*	The Committee engages an independent compensation consultant to advise on executive compensation matters

Assuming target performance is achieved, when applicable, and based on grant date values of equity awards.

Consideration of Stockholder Advisory Vote

In designing the Company’s overall executive compensation program, the Committee also values and considers stockholder input. While evaluating the Company’s 2020 executive compensation program, the Committee considered the stockholder advisory vote on the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers that was taken in 2020.

The Committee viewed the outcome of that advisory vote—approval by more than 98% of the shares voted—as indicating that the Company’s stockholders support the Company’s overall approach to executive compensation and made no changes to our executive compensation program as a direct result of the vote.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Committee evaluates each element of the overall executive compensation program to ensure that it supports the Committee’s objectives of:

OUR COMPENSATION OBJECTIVES
	providing competitive base pay consistent with job scope, experience and related skills;	avoiding unnecessary and imprudent risks; and
	linking bonus opportunities to the Company’s performance;	attracting and motivating talented executive officers and minimizing turnover of senior-level Company employees, which contributes to the stability and continuity of senior leadership.
	granting equity compensation at competitive levels, a significant portion of which is performance-based;

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Against that backdrop, the Company’s executive compensation program is designed to:

OUR COMPENSATION PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO
	pay competitive levels of salary and total compensation;	align the interests of the Company’s executive officers with the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders; and
	link executive pay to Company performance by making a significant portion of pay variable and not fixed;	reward long-term results.

To achieve these objectives, in addition to the objectives referenced in the “Elements of Compensation” section below, the Committee implements a “pay-for-performance” philosophy using the guiding principles that:

compensation should be incentive-driven, with a balanced short-term and long-term focus;

a significant portion of pay for executive officers should be “at-risk”;

a significant portion of annual incentive compensation should be tied to the overall performance of the Company; and

a portion of annual incentive compensation should be tied to individual performance.

Role of the Chief Executive Officer

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer at least annually makes recommendations to the Committee regarding the compensation arrangements of the Company’s executive officers (except that he makes no recommendation with respect to his own compensation arrangement). The Committee considers the recommendations during its regularly-scheduled meetings, and may choose to adopt the recommendations, in whole or in part, at the Committee’s sole discretion. The Committee is responsible for making all decisions regarding executive compensation.

Independent Compensation Consultant; Use of Market Data

In 2020, the Committee retained a compensation consultant, Compensation Advisory Partners, to advise the Committee on the design and administration of the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs and to provide a comprehensive analysis of executive compensation survey data and market trends. The Committee reviewed the services provided by Compensation Advisory Partners and believes that Compensation Advisory Partners was independent in providing executive compensation consulting services to the Committee and director compensation consulting services to the Governance and Nominating Committee. In making this determination, the Committee noted that during 2020:

■

Compensation Advisory Partners did not provide any services to the Company or management other than services requested by or with the approval of the Committee, and its services were limited to advising on executive and director compensation-related matters. Specifically, Compensation Advisory Partners did not provide, directly or indirectly through any affiliates, any non-executive employee compensation services, such as pension consulting or human resource outsourcing;

■

Compensation Advisory Partners maintained a conflicts policy, which was provided to the Committee, with specific policies and procedures designed to ensure independence;

■

Fees paid to Compensation Advisory Partners by the Company during 2020 were less than 1% of their total revenue;

■

None of the Compensation Advisory Partners consultants working on Company matters had any business or personal relationship with Committee members;

■

None of the Compensation Advisory Partners consultants working on Company matters had any business or personal relationship with any executive officer of the Company; and

■

None of the Compensation Advisory Partners consultants working on Company matters owned Company stock.

The Committee monitors the independence of its outside consultants on a periodic basis.

During 2020, the Committee consulted with Compensation Advisory Partners regarding the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs, which included a comprehensive analysis regarding market trends and executive compensation peer group and other survey data, as described below. Compensation Advisory Partners has provided the Committee with detailed analysis and recommendations on the structure of the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs in terms of design, metrics, and payout opportunities,

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and the Committee intends to continue to periodically refine the Company’s short-term and long-term incentive compensation programs based on a number of factors, including its compensation consultant’s recommendations, market trends in the Company’s industry and general economic conditions.

Peer Group and the Benchmarking Process

The Committee reviews executive compensation levels annually using peer group and other survey data provided by its compensation consultant. The Committee does not attempt to set executive compensation at a pre-defined percentile of the market, but the Committee does use comparative data in an effort to be better informed in its executive compensation-related decisions.

The Committee believes that, due to the Company’s unique position in its industry, there are no directly comparable companies in the broader market for the purpose of determining appropriate compensation comparators for the compensation of its executive officers and, for this reason, does not depend solely on a “peer group” to determine executive officer compensation. It does, however, review executive compensation against compensation paid to executive officers holding similar positions in certain select “peer group” companies. For purposes of making 2020 compensation decisions, this peer group was as follows:

2020 Peer Group
■ Quanta Services, Inc.	■ EMCOR Group, Inc.	■ MasTec, Inc.
■ ABM Industries Incorporated	■ Tutor Perini Corporation	■ KBR, Inc.
■ Granite Construction Incorporated	■ Dycom Industries, Inc.	■ Valmont Industries, Inc.
■ Primoris Services Corporation	■ Tetra Tech, Inc.	■ MYR Group Inc.
■ Aegion Corporation	■ Sterling Construction Company, Inc.	■ IES Holdings, Inc.
■ Ameresco, Inc.	■ Argan, Inc.	■ Limbach Holdings, Inc.

In determining the appropriateness of the foregoing companies, the Committee and Compensation Advisory Partners considered factors such as historical revenue, the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), and total shareholder return in addition to the primary industry, enterprise value, and market capitalization of each company. In 2020, this peer group was further refined by the Compensation Committee, in consultation with Compensation Advisory Partners and considering these same factors, for purposes of setting 2021 compensation to remove Argan, Inc. because it no longer fit the parameters set by the Committee and the compensation consultant for inclusion in the peer group.

The Committee uses a combination of the peer group and survey data from certain other industry companies to provide a general market review of the reasonableness of total compensation levels for the Named Executive Officers; however, the Committee does not use the peer group or survey data for any other purpose or otherwise formally benchmark the compensation of the Named Executive Officers.

Use of Tally Sheets

The Committee routinely uses tally sheets to assist it in analyzing the Named Executive Officers’ total compensation. Tally sheets provide the Committee with information about the following components of compensation paid or granted over the preceding three-year period: cash compensation, including salary and annual incentive compensation, and long-term incentive compensation. These tally sheets also provide an estimate of amounts payable in the event of a voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, including by reason of death, disability, or a change in control resulting in termination of employment. The Committee also reviews information regarding long-term incentive awards, including statistics on share usage, analysis of current “in-the-money” values of outstanding option grants and current values of time-vesting restricted stock unit (“RSU”) and performance-vesting restricted stock unit (“PSU”) awards, and a summary of current and past performance results.

Chief Executive Officer Compensation

Each year, the Committee meets in executive session (i.e., separately from management) to evaluate the Chief Executive Officer’s performance and determine his total compensation. The Committee conducts an assessment of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance as well as an assessment of other relevant factors, such as the Company’s performance, individual tenure, and position tenure, and sets the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation for each year based on the Committee’s assessment of these factors. Although the Committee does not attempt to target the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation at any specific percentile of compensation at peer group companies, the Committee does use peer group and other survey data as context in reviewing the Chief Executive Officer’s overall

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compensation levels and approving compensation actions, as described above. Based on this data, the Committee believes that the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation was below the market median in 2020.

Elements of Compensation

The Company’s executive compensation program consists of four basic elements:

Compensation Element	Objective	Key Characteristics
Base Salary	■ Provide a fixed level of cash compensation for performing day-to-day functions ■ Attract and retain strong executive talent	■ Levels are evaluated annually by the Committee ■ For 2020, base salaries were established based on a number of factors, including each executive’s performance and time in his or her role, advice from the Committee’s compensation consultant and analysis of peer group and survey data and economic conditions
Annual Incentive Plan	■ Reward annual financial and individual performance	■ Target awards are established as a percentage of base salary ■ The majority of each award’s target opportunity is based on the achievement of objective, pre-established goals related to the Company’s EPS and FCF performance against target
Long-term Incentive Awards	■ Reward long-term Company performance ■ Encourage focus on growing stockholder value ■ Align management’s interests with stockholders’ interests ■ Encourage retention of key management employees, stability, and continuity of leadership	■ Awards are provided through a combination of time-vesting RSUs and dollar-denominated PSUs ■ Dollar-denominated PSUs are earned based on the achievement of objective, pre-established performance goals, including total shareholder return relative to certain comparable companies and the Company’s EPS performance against target ■ RSUs are subject to a three-year vesting schedule; dollar-denominated PSUs that are earned based on performance cliff vest following the end of a three-year performance period
Benefits	■ Attract and retain strong executive talent ■ Provide basic financial stability	■ Participation in health, welfare, and retirement benefit plans, generally on the same terms as all other full-time employees of the Company

While base salaries, together with health, welfare and retirement benefits, are designed to provide basic compensation and financial stability to the Named Executive Officers, the purpose of annual incentive compensation is primarily to encourage the Named Executive Officers to focus on the execution of the Company’s business strategy and plan for the current year. Long-term incentives, granted in the form of RSUs and PSUs, are designed to:

■

align Named Executive Officers’ interests with those of stockholders,

■

incentivize them to attain longer-term Company performance goals and

■

encourage them to remain with the Company.

Unlike annual incentive compensation, which, as discussed below, tends to focus on more current Company and individual performance, long-term incentives focus on sustained results and growing stockholder value.

Relative Size of Major Compensation Elements

The combination of base salary, annual incentive awards, and long-term incentive awards is referred to as the “total direct compensation” for the Named Executive Officers. In setting executive officer compensation, the Committee considers the aggregate compensation payable to the executive, assuming target performance is achieved, as well as the weighting of each compensation component. The Committee seeks to achieve the appropriate balance between short- and long-term cash compensation and incentives for the achievement of both annual and long-term financial and non-financial objectives.

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Allocation Among Compensation Elements

For 2020, the portion of the Chief Executive Officer’s and the average of each of the other Named Executive Officers’ total direct compensation (for annual incentive awards, assuming target performance was achieved, and, for equity awards, based on grant date values at target) that was variable and at-risk is illustrated as follows:

Target Compensation Mix

[MISSING IMAGE: tm2037373d1-pc_neo4c.jpg]

based on an average of the respective compensation of Messrs. George and Young and Mses. Shaeff and Howell.

Because the value that a Named Executive Officer may receive with respect to RSUs will depend on the performance of the Company’s Common Stock, and therefore is variable, we have included these awards as an element of “Variable Pay” in the charts above.

Base Salary

The Committee determines base salary for our executive officers after considering several factors, including the executive’s individual experience, performance and individual skills. Only after weighing these factors does the Committee consider peer group and/or survey data. The Committee uses executive officers’ performance assessments, Company performance, peer group and other survey data, as described above, and its own analysis of the executive officer’s individual performance to determine each executive’s base salary at least annually. Based on the factors described above, on December 11, 2019, the Committee approved an increase in each Named Executive Officer’s base salary as set forth in the table below, effective January 1, 2020.

Named Executive Officer	2019 Base Salary			2020 Base Salary
Brian Lane		$	740,000		$	765,000
William George		$	468,500		$	483,000
Julie Shaeff		$	297,500		$	307,000
Terrence Young		$	250,000		$	258,000
Laura Howell		$	240,000		$	265,000

Annual Incentive Plan

The Named Executive Officers are eligible to participate in a cash-based annual incentive plan and receive incentive bonuses based on actual performance against key business and individual goals. For 2020, each of the Named Executive Officers was eligible to participate in the annual incentive plan on the terms described below.

The annual incentive plan consists of two distinct components: a corporate financial performance component and an individual performance component. In 2020, consistent with previous years, the corporate financial performance component of the annual incentive plan rewarded the achievement of EPS and FCF goals (collectively, the “Corporate

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Financial Incentive”). The Committee believes that EPS remains an important metric for the Company because it encourages a focus on profitability. The Committee continued the use of FCF as a metric under the annual incentive plan because it incentivizes management’s focus on increasing the Company’s cash flow. The second, smaller, component of the annual incentive plan rewarded the achievement of certain individual performance goals (the “Individual Performance Incentive”). Target annual incentive opportunities for 2020 are summarized in the table below:

	Target Annual Incentive Opportunity as a Percent of Base Salary
Named Executive Officer	Target Corporate Financial Incentive		Target Individual Performance Incentive		Total Target Incentive Opportunity
Brian Lane		110%		10%		120%
William George		90%		10%		100%
Julie Shaeff		65%		10%		75%
Terrence Young		65%		10%		75%
Laura Howell		40%		10%		50%

Corporate Financial Incentive Criteria

At the beginning of each year, the Committee sets a threshold, target and maximum performance level for each of EPS and FCF for purposes of the Corporate Financial Incentive component of the annual incentive plan. For each of the Named Executive Officers, the EPS portion of the Corporate Financial Incentive represents 70% of the total Corporate Financial Incentive, and the FCF portion of the Corporate Financial Incentive represents 30% of the total Corporate Financial Incentive. If both the EPS and FCF thresholds are not met, no portion of the Corporate Financial Incentive is paid. If only one of the EPS or FCF thresholds is met, then only that portion of the Corporate Financial Incentive is paid. The threshold, target and maximum performance levels for each of the corporate goals for 2020 bonuses were:

2020 Corporate Financial Incentive Goals

EPS	Threshold	$1.75
	Target	$3.18
	Max	$4.00

FCF	Threshold	$64.0M
	Target	$116.2M
	Max	$150.0M

The Committee established short-term incentive levels for the Named Executive Officers by assigning certain base salary percentages to each EPS and FCF performance level (for 2020, as described in the table below). Although the Committee annually reserves the right to adjust base salary percentages and/or performance levels if it believes that an adjustment is appropriate, to date, the Committee has never adjusted the assigned base salary percentages or FCF levels during the year and has only once adjusted the EPS levels during the year. For purposes of the annual incentive plan, (i) EPS is calculated from the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 in accordance with GAAP, except that it does not take into account: (A) goodwill impairment; (B) write-off of debt costs; (C) restructuring charges; (D) any cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles; or (E) any other unusual or non-recurring items as determined by the Committee (although no unusual or non-recurring items were excluded for 2020); and (ii) FCF is calculated by excluding certain items related to acquisitions or sales of businesses, including less customary capital expenditures plus the proceeds from asset sales. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Committee determined that it was appropriate to exclude the deferred payroll taxes resulting from certain provisions of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act that increased actual cash flow in 2020 from the FCF attainment calculation in 2020 and that such deferred payroll taxes would be added back to actual FCF results for short-term incentive plan attainment when and to the extent they are actually paid to the Internal Revenue Service in 2021 and 2022. For a further discussion of how we calculate EPS and FCF, see the “Liquidity and Capital Resources” section and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

For 2020, the base salary percentages for each portion of the Corporate Financial Incentive are set forth in the table below. For performance between threshold, target and maximum performance levels, the amount that is earned is determined on a straight-line basis. To determine the assigned base salary percentages for each Named Executive

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Officer, in addition to historical and projected Company financial performance, the Committee considers the Named Executive Officer’s historical annual incentive levels and the degree to which a Named Executive Officer’s efforts and job function are expected to influence and contribute to the Company’s financial performance. After assigning threshold, target and maximum base salary percentages for each Named Executive Officer, the Committee then uses peer group and other survey data, as described above, to assess the reasonableness of such assigned levels. For 2020, following its review of these factors, the Committee approved the following adjustments: Mr. Lane’s Corporate Financial Incentive, as a percentage of his base salary, increased from 100% to 110% (for a total target annual incentive opportunity of 120%); Ms. Shaeff’s Corporate Financial Incentive, as a percentage of her base salary, increased from 55% to 65% (for a total target annual incentive opportunity of 75%); and Ms. Howell’s Corporate Financial Incentive, as a percentage of her base salary, increased from 30% to 40% (for a total target annual incentive opportunity of 50%).

2020 Corporate Financial Incentive Levels

Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			EPS Incentive Award Levels (as a % of Base Salary)						FCF Incentive Award Levels (as a % of Base Salary)
Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			Threshold		Target		Maximum		Threshold		Target		Maximum
Brian Lane		$	765,000		15.4%		77%		115.5%		6.6%		33%		49.5%
William George		$	483,000		12.6%		63%		94.5%		5.4%		27%		40.5%
Julie Shaeff		$	307,000		9.1%		45.5%		68.25%		3.9%		19.5%		29.25%
Terrence Young		$	258,000		9.1%		45.5%		68.25%		3.9%		19.5%		29.25%
Laura Howell		$	265,000		5.6%		28%		42%		2.4%		12%		18%

In setting the EPS and FCF threshold, target and maximum performance levels, the Committee reviews management’s recommendations and then considers the Company’s historical financial performance as well as projections for the industry and industry historical financial performance and projections. The Committee sets EPS and FCF at levels that it considers aggressive but attainable with the intention that the Named Executive Officers will be encouraged to strive for continued improvement in Company performance, ultimately benefiting the Company’s stockholders, and to continue those efforts even after the EPS and/or FCF threshold performance levels have been achieved. The Committee believes that the added value that results from the Company’s achievement of EPS and/or FCF goals above the threshold performance levels to the Company and its stockholders is sufficient to justify the proportionate increases in amounts paid to the Named Executive Officers for achievement above threshold performance levels.

The Company’s EPS and FCF for calculating incentive compensation achievement levels for 2020 were $4.09 and $232.6 million, respectively. The amounts earned by each of the Named Executive Officers in respect of the Corporate Financial Incentives under the annual incentive plan for 2020 are set forth in the table below.

2020 Corporate Financial Incentive Achievement Levels

Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			EPS Incentive Award Achievement					FCF Incentive Award Achievement					Corporate Financial Incentive Awarded
Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			(as a % of Base Salary)		(in dollars)			(as a % of Base Salary)		(in dollars)			(as a % of Base Salary)		(in dollars)
Brian Lane		$	765,000		115.5%		$	883,575		49.5%		$	378,675		165.0%		$	1,262,250
William George		$	483,000		94.5%		$	456,435		40.5%		$	195,615		135.0%		$	652,050
Julie Shaeff		$	307,000		68.3%		$	209,528		29.3%		$	89,798		97.5%		$	299,325
Terrence Young		$	258,000		68.3%		$	176,085		29.3%		$	75,465		97.5%		$	251,550
Laura Howell		$	265,000		42.0%		$	111,300		18.0%		$	47,700		60.0%		$	159,000

Individual Performance Incentive

In addition to and independent from the Corporate Financial Incentive portion of the annual incentive plan, each Named Executive Officer is eligible to receive annual incentive compensation based on the executive’s achievement of individual performance goals related to the Company’s business and strategy (the Individual Performance Incentive).

At the beginning of each year, each Named Executive Officer, including the Chief Executive Officer, identifies individual performance goals for the upcoming year. Each Named Executive Officer’s individual performance goals are discussed and identified in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, in the case of Messrs. George and Young

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and Ms. Howell, with the Chief Financial Officer, in the case of Ms. Shaeff, and with the Compensation Committee, in the case of Mr. Lane. These goals vary depending on the roles and responsibilities for each Named Executive Officer. For 2020, specific goals for each Named Executive Officer included:

Executive	2020 Individual Performance Goals
Brian Lane		Grow acquired revenue
		Advance strategic service growth initiatives
		Improve Company-wide employee safety measure(1)
William George		Grow acquired revenue
		Improve Company-wide employee safety measure(1)
Julie Shaeff		Achieve certain personnel-related strategic goals
		Complete 2020 target implementations for ERP strategy
		Improve Company-wide employee safety measure(1)
Terrence Young		Ensure success of service personnel initiatives
		Advance strategic service growth initiatives
		Improve Company-wide employee safety measure(1)
Laura Howell		Expand training program based on key Company initiatives
		Accomplish certain professional training goals
		Improve Company-wide employee safety measure(1)

(1)

The Company-wide employee safety measure tracks the OSHA Recordable Incident Rate (“ORIR”), which is a nationally-recognized metric that tracks the number of employees per 100 full-time employees that have been involved in a recordable work-related injury or illness. In addition to the ORIR performance metric, the Named Executive Officers are required to attend safety training classes on an annual basis. No amount is payable to the Named Executive Officers in respect of this safety measure if there is a work-related fatality of a Company employee during the year or if a Named Executive Officer does not attend the required safety classes.

Each of the Named Executive Officers’ individual performance goals is quantifiable and is generally composed of four levels of attainment: Minimum (25% attainment), Meets (50% attainment), Exceeds (75% attainment) and Significantly Exceeds (100% attainment). The goals are measured on a scale of 0-200% and are weighted to reflect each goal’s strategic importance. Commencing in 2021, 10% of each named executive officer’s Individual Performance Incentive will be comprised of a diversity and inclusion component.

The Chief Executive Officer and/or the General Counsel present a summary evaluation of the level of achievement of these goals for each Named Executive Officer (other than himself or herself) to the Committee following the end of the year. In addition, each Named Executive Officer (other than Mr. Lane) receives performance feedback from his or her direct supervisor throughout the year and a formal performance review at the end of each year, at which time the Named Executive Officer and his or her direct supervisor will evaluate the Named Executive Officer’s satisfaction of his or her individual performance goals.

In executive session, the Committee reviews and discusses its evaluation of Mr. Lane’s performance over the past year and the performance summaries for each other Named Executive Officer. The Committee also considers significant individual contributions beyond the pre-established goals and each executive’s overall effectiveness. For 2020, these individual contributions included the exceptional leadership capabilities and resilience demonstrated by our Named Executive Officers in the face of the pandemic to help the Company achieve exceptional financial results as well as to lead our employees and organization in an extraordinary time. In the Committee’s sole discretion, based on its evaluation of these factors, the Committee then determines the Named Executive Officer’s individual performance score. For 2020, the individual performance scores and the Individual Performance Incentive for each of the Named Executive Officers are set forth below:

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

2020 Individual Performance Incentive Determination

Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			Individual Performance Incentive Opportunity (as a % of Base Salary)						Individual Performance Score		Individual Performance Incentive
Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			Threshold		Target		Maximum		Individual Performance Score		(as a % of Base Salary)		(in dollars)
Brian Lane		$	765,000		1%		10%		20%		140.0%		14.0%		$	107,100
William George		$	483,000		1%		10%		20%		200.0%		20.0%		$	96,600
Julie Shaeff		$	307,000		1%		10%		20%		155.0%		15.5%		$	47,585
Terrence Young		$	258,000		1%		10%		20%		95.8%		9.6%		$	24,704
Laura Howell		$	265,000		1%		10%		20%		177.5%		17.8%		$	47,038

The Committee believes that corporate financial measures such as EPS and FCF, when taken together with an additional component to reflect individual achievement, are appropriate measures for determining annual incentive compensation. This two-part framework provides the Named Executive Officers with incentives to both achieve key Company financial goals and sustain long-term growth for the Company and also maintains the Committee’s flexibility to reward outstanding individual performance.

Long-term Incentives

In 2020, long-term incentive (“LTI”) grants made to the Named Executive Officers consisted of RSUs and PSUs, which are denominated in dollar amounts but, once earned, are settled in shares of Common Stock based on the market value of the Common Stock following the end of the applicable performance period. The Committee designs the components and weightings of LTI awards to encourage the achievement of key performance goals and retention and also to balance the performance metrics utilized among the Company’s performance relative to certain comparable companies, the Company’s ongoing profitability, and the performance of the Common Stock. The Committee believes that these awards promote a long-term view and further align the executive officers’ interests with those of our stockholders.

From 2012 through 2018, the Company’s executive officers were generally granted PSUs, RSUs and stock options on an annual basis. The Committee modified the structure for LTI awards in March 2019 by removing stock options from annual LTI grants and rebalancing the awards so that 50% of the LTI grant was in the form of RSUs and 50% was in the form of PSUs, based on grant date value and, for PSUs, assuming target performance is achieved. This decision was based, in part, on input from Compensation Advisory Partners, and was the first significant structural change since the previous LTI structure was adopted in 2012. The Committee believed that removing stock options and allocating more value to the PSU and RSU awards better aligned the Company’s compensation program with peer and broader market practices. The mix provides a balanced approach to long-term retention through the use of RSU awards while still including a heavy emphasis on performance-based awards through the use of PSUs. The Company’s annual LTI grants for the Named Executive Officers in March 2020 followed this 50% RSU and 50% PSU structure.

Award Type	Description	Alignment with and Key Benefits to Stockholders
RSUs	■ 50% of total LTI grant value ■ Vest ratably over three years	■ Value dependent upon stock price performance ■ Enhances retention of executive talent ■ Encourages long-term stock ownership
PSUs	■ 50% of total LTI grant value (assuming target performance) ■ Vest following the end of a three-year performance period, contingent upon achievement of specified levels of performance measured for each year during such period ■ Dollar-denominated awards ■ Settled in shares based upon stock price following the end of the performance period ■ Performance based upon: EPS performance (50%) and TSR (defined below) performance against peers (50%)	■ Performance-based ■ EPS performance goals reward focus on sustainable year-over-year profitability ■ TSR performance goals reward focus on producing stockholder returns in excess of those produced by comparable companies

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

[MISSING IMAGE: tm2037373d1-pc_ltiplanbw.jpg]

The Committee believes that LTI compensation should be correlated with salary and short-term incentive compensation. As such, the Committee uses a percentage of each Named Executive Officer’s base salary to determine the total dollar amount of the LTI compensation award to be granted to that Named Executive Officer each year, based on grant date values and, for PSUs, assuming target performance is achieved. The Committee determines these percentage levels by analyzing each Named Executive Officer’s tenure, responsibilities and professional experience, recommendations from its compensation consultant based on peer group and other survey data, as described above, and the Named Executive Officer’s historical annual LTI compensation levels. For 2020, the following percentage of base salary was used for the Named Executive Officers to determine the grant date value of LTI awards: Mr. Lane, 250% of base salary; Mr. George, 150% of base salary; Ms. Shaeff, 80% of base salary; Mr. Young, 75% of base salary; and Ms. Howell, 60% of base salary. For 2020, the grant date value of Ms. Howell’s LTI awards, as a percentage of her base salary, was increased from 50% of base salary to 60% of base salary, following the Committee’s review of the factors described above.

Once each Named Executive Officer’s total grant date value is determined, the number of RSUs and the value of PSUs is determined. The number of RSUs granted is determined by dividing the total dollar amount of the RSUs to be granted by the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. PSUs are denominated in dollars.

As an illustration, Mr. Lane’s 2020 award of LTI compensation was calculated as follows:

Total Amount of Award: 250% of base salary of $765,000 equals $1,912,500.

RSUs Awarded: 50% of $1,912,500 equals $956,250 in value of RSUs. $956,250 divided by $42.24 (the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of grant) equals 22,638 RSUs.

PSUs Awarded: 50% of $1,912,500 equals $956,250 in value of PSUs.

The table below sets forth the 2020 LTI awards for each of the Named Executive Officers:

Named Executive Officer	Base Salary			Salary Percentage for Calculating Plan Awards		Number of RSUs Awarded		Dollar Value of PSUs Awarded (at target)			Value of Awards under Plan (at target)
Brian Lane		$	765,000		250%		22,638		$	956,250		$	1,912,500
William George		$	483,000		150%		8,575		$	362,250		$	724,500
Julie Shaeff		$	307,000		80%		2,907		$	122,800		$	245,600
Terrence Young		$	258,000		75%		2,290		$	96,750		$	193,500
Laura Howell		$	265,000		60%		1,882		$	79,500		$	159,000

PSU Design

Upon vesting, PSUs will be settled in shares of Common Stock, with the number of such shares determined by dividing the dollar value of vested PSUs (which may be up to 200% of the original dollar value of such PSUs) by the market value of the Common Stock following the end of the applicable three-year performance period. PSUs are earned based on the level of achievement of the two goals set forth in the table below, both of which are measured on an annual basis over a three-year performance period, and earned PSUs vest in full upon determination of the level of achievement of the performance metrics by the Committee following the end of the applicable three-year performance period, generally subject to continued employment through the end of the three-year performance period:

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Performance Measure	Measurement	Percentage of Performance Award Subject to Measure
Earnings Per Share	■ Company’s actual EPS performance relative to pre-established EPS performance goals	■ 50%
Relative Total Shareholder Return	■ Company’s performance relative to comparable companies*	■ 50%

For purposes of measuring the Company’s relative total shareholder return for awards granted in 2020, the identified group of comparable companies consists of: Matrix Service Company; Primoris Services Corporation; Tutor Perini Corporation; Stantec Inc.; Dycom Industries Inc.; MasTec, Inc.; Sterling Construction, Inc.; EMCOR Group Inc.; MYR Group, Inc.; Quanta Services, Inc.; Tetra Tech Inc.; Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation; Granite Construction Incorporated; Limbach Holdings, Inc.; and Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc. (formerly known as NCI Building Systems Inc.). Based on industry analysis and conversations with financial analysts, the Company believes these companies are the most likely to compete with the Company for investment by institutional investors. This group of comparable companies is not used for benchmarking the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.

EPS: The EPS measure compares the Company’s actual EPS performance against its pre-established EPS performance goals over a three-year performance period. For this purpose, EPS is determined and calculated as described under “Annual Incentive Plan” above. For each year in the performance period, the Company’s actual EPS performance is compared against these EPS goals and expressed as a percentage. The EPS percentages for each of the three years in the performance period are then averaged together to determine the final level of EPS achievement upon which the payout, if any, will be earned.

Relative Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”): The relative TSR measure compares the Company’s TSR to the TSR of a specified group of comparable companies, and payouts are determined by the Company’s rank relative to others in the group. For each year in the three-year performance period, TSR is calculated by determining the difference between the average closing price of a company’s common stock during the first 30 consecutive days of the year and the last 30 consecutive days of the year. The calculation assumes that dividends are reinvested in additional shares. The Company’s TSR is then compared against the TSR for other companies in the group and assigned a percentile ranking. The Company’s TSR percentile ranking for each of the three years in the performance period are then averaged together to determine the final percentile ranking upon which the payout, if any, will be earned.

The following chart shows the range of potential settlement of the PSUs based on the two performance measures, as a percentage of the target amount. The number of PSUs that may be earned ranges from 0% to 200% of the target award amount.

Relative TSR

EPS

Performance
Level

Percentage of
Target Earned

Performance
Measure

Percentage of
Target Earned

Performance
Measure

Maximum

200%

75th Percentile or Above

200%

Over 120% of Target

Target

100%

50th Percentile

100%

100% of Target

Threshold

50%

25th Percentile

25%

70% of Target

Below Threshold

Below 25th Percentile

Below 70% of Target

PSU Awards with Performance Period Ending in 2020

PSU awards granted in 2018 with a 2018-2020 performance period were settled in early 2021. The following table shows the EPS and TSR levels achieved over such awards’ three-year performance period and the payout factor for these awards.

	2018		2019		2020		3 Year Average		Payout factor (% of target)
EPS		129%		97%		129%		118%		191%
TSR		86%		36%		50%		57%		129%

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Rule of 75

The “Rule of 75” provides that if an executive retires from the Company at a time when the sum of his or her age and his or her years of service at the Company is greater than or equal to 75, then upon the executive’s retirement, the executive will have been deemed to have satisfied the continuous employment requirement for any equity award to vest. Pursuant to the Rule of 75, all performance-based equity awards will continue to be earned only if the applicable performance measures are satisfied and only up to a maximum of target value, but the requirement that the executive be employed by the Company at the time of vesting based on performance will be deemed to be satisfied. As of December 31, 2020, Messrs. Lane and George and Ms. Shaeff satisfied the Rule of 75.

Health and Retirement Benefits

The Company’s health and retirement plans include medical, dental, life, disability and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and eligibility to participate in the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan. The Company’s benefit programs are designed to be competitive with those of other similarly-sized and -situated companies. The plans offered to the Named Executive Officers are broad-based plans available to all full-time employees. Under the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan, the Company matches an employee’s pre-tax contributions to the plan at a rate of 50% of up to 5% of an employee’s eligible pay or up to the maximum allowed contribution pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

Perquisites

The Company generally does not provide perquisites to the Named Executive Officers that are not provided to other employees. However, the Named Executive Officers are beneficiaries of increased levels of disability and life insurance coverage that are only available to executive officers of the Company. The Company pays these increased premiums on behalf of the executive officers.

Change in Control and Severance Benefits

The Named Executive Officers and other members of senior management serve as at-will employees of the Company without any guaranteed period of employment. However, the Committee believes that an executive severance policy paired with change in control agreements provide appropriate protections to attract and retain qualified and talented individuals to serve as the Company’s executive officers, permit the Company’s executive officers to focus fully on improving the Company’s operations and long-term success, and protect stockholder value by providing continuity of management during any transition period. The severance and change in control benefits are intended to be set at market-competitive levels and help ensure that the Company can attract and retain talented executive officers. These benefits also help ensure that executive officers remain focused on maximizing stockholder value in the context of an actual or potential transaction that might result in the loss or the diminution of their current positions. The Company believes that these benefits are reasonable and ultimately benefit stockholders. The executive severance policy and change in control agreements are more fully described below under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Stock Ownership Requirements

The Company’s stock ownership requirements provide that within three years of being appointed as an executive officer, or being promoted to such a position, an executive is required to beneficially own Common Stock, taking into account all outstanding vested and unvested stock options, RSUs, PSUs and shares of stock, having a market value or cost basis, whichever is higher, equal to at least the following multiple of his or her base salary (for purposes of calculating this multiple, the actual compensation expense incurred by the Company related to the equity award is used only if it is greater than the current market value of the Common Stock subject to the equity award):

[MISSING IMAGE: tm2037373d1-tbl_basesall4c.jpg]

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

As of December 31, 2020, each of our executive officers was in compliance with the stock ownership requirements.

Executive Compensation Recovery, or “Clawback,” Policy

The Company’s executive compensation recovery, or “clawback,” policy provides that, to the extent permitted by applicable law, the Board may seek to recoup—or “claw back”—any cash compensation paid to executive officers and certain other employees identified by the Board where the payment was predicated upon the achievement of certain financial results that were satisfied based upon such individual’s intentional, fraudulent or illegal conduct. The Board has the sole discretion to determine whether an individual’s conduct has or has not met any particular standard of conduct. The Board may, in its sole discretion after considering the best interests of the Company, determine not to recover such payment. In the event that a restatement of the Company’s financial statements is required, the Company will seek to recover any compensation received by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer that is required to be recovered by Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Anti-Hedging/Pledging Policy

Our Insider Trading Window Policy prohibits our directors, executive officers and other employees from, among other things, engaging in hedging or monetization transactions, including through the use of financial instruments such as prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds that may permit them to continue to own Company stock, but without the full risks and rewards of ownership. No categories of hedging transactions are specifically permitted by this policy. Our Insider Trading Window Policy also prohibits our directors, executive officers and other employees from holding Company securities in a margin account or otherwise pledging Company securities as collateral for a loan.

Risk Considerations in our Compensation Policies

The Committee regularly reviews our various compensation programs and has concluded that they do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company or our stockholders. In reaching this conclusion, the Committee considered the following: (i) the use of balanced performance targets; (ii) the Company’s “clawback” policy; (iii) the Company’s stock ownership requirements; (iv) the use of EPS performance metrics that are uniformly applied to all executive officers; (v) a three-year vesting period for LTI compensation; and (vi) the Company’s anti-hedging/pledging policy.

Impact of Accounting and Tax Treatment on Compensation

Section 162(m) of the Code (“Section 162(m)”) generally disallows a tax deduction for any publicly-held corporation for individual compensation exceeding $1 million in any taxable year payable to certain executive officers, subject to certain grandfathering rules for compensation arrangements in effect on November 2, 2017 and not materially modified thereafter. The Committee believes that its primary responsibility is to provide a compensation program that attracts, retains and rewards the executive officers and other key employees that are important to the Company’s success. Accordingly, the Committee has authorized and will continue to authorize compensation payments that are limited, in full or in part, as to tax deductibility.

The Committee regularly considers the accounting implications of significant compensation decisions, especially in connection with decisions that relate to our equity plans and programs. If accounting standards change, the Company may revise certain programs to appropriately align accounting expenses of our equity awards with our overall executive compensation philosophy and objectives.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on its review and discussions, the committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Directors the inclusion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in the Company’s 2021 proxy statement. This report is provided by the following independent directors, who comprise the Compensation Committee.

Members of the Compensation Committee

Alan P. Krusi (Chair)
Darcy G. Anderson
Herman E. Bulls
Franklin Myers
William J. Sandbrook
Vance W. Tang

The preceding “Compensation Committee Report” shall not be deemed soliciting material or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall any information in this report be incorporated by reference into any past or future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company incorporates it by reference into such filing.

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SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table includes information regarding the compensation paid or awarded to, or earned by, the Named Executive Officers for each of 2020, 2019 and 2018 or for such shorter period for which disclosure is required under SEC rules. For more information about the components of total compensation for 2020, please refer to the following subsections of the CD&A:

■

“Base Salary” for information about salary;

■

“Annual Incentive Plan” for information about short-term incentives;

■

“Long-term Incentives” for information about equity grants; and

■

“Health and Retirement Benefits” and “Perquisites” for information about other compensation.

Mr. Young was promoted from Regional Service Vice President to Senior Vice President of Service effective on January 1, 2019, and Ms. Howell was promoted from Associate General Counsel to Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary effective on January 1, 2019. As a result, the Summary Compensation Table only includes compensation for Mr. Young and Ms. Howell for 2019 and 2020.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal Position	Year		Salary ($)			Stock Awards ($)(1)			Option Awards ($)(2)			Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3)			All Other Compensation ($)(4)			Total ($)
Brian Lane,		2020		$	765,000		$	1,912,479		$	0		$	1,369,350		$	13,173		$	4,060,002
President and Chief		2019		$	740,000		$	1,849,959		$	0		$	819,702		$	13,142		$	3,422,803
Executive Officer		2018		$	715,000		$	1,000,995		$	428,993		$	1,179,750		$	12,816		$	3,337,554
William George,		2020		$	483,000		$	724,458		$	0		$	748,650		$	9,577		$	1,965,685
Executive Vice President		2019		$	468,500		$	702,749		$	0		$	505,476		$	8,396		$	1,685,121
and Chief Financial Officer		2018		$	451,000		$	441,940		$	189,408		$	690,030		$	8,656		$	1,781,034
Julie Shaeff,		2020		$	307,000		$	245,592		$	0		$	346,910		$	8,397		$	907,898
Senior Vice President and		2019		$	297,500		$	237,963		$	0		$	203,592		$	8,122		$	747,177
Chief Accounting Officer		2018		$	286,500		$	150,380		$	64,454		$	281,486		$	8,143		$	790,963
Terrence Young,		2020		$	258,000		$	193,480		$	0		$	276,254		$	7,310		$	735,043
Senior Vice President of Service		2019		$	250,000		$	187,474		$	0		$	184,831		$	7,858		$	630,163
Laura Howell,		2020		$	265,000		$	158,996		$	0		$	206,038		$	7,213		$	637,246
Vice President and General Counsel		2019		$	240,000		$	119,950		$	0		$	115,114		$	7,378		$	482,442

(1)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of PSUs and RSUs granted to the Named Executive Officers in the applicable year. The aggregate grant date fair value of these awards was computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019, as applicable, and see Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the value of these awards. For these purposes, the grant date fair value of the PSUs is computed based on performance at the target level, the probable outcome of the performance conditions as of the date of grant. The aggregate grant date fair value will likely vary from the actual amount the Named Executive Officers receive in respect of the PSUs and RSUs, based on a number of factors, including stock price fluctuations and variances from valuation assumptions.

The PSUs are denominated in dollars and, to the extent they are earned and vest, will be settled in Common Stock based on the market value of the Common Stock following the applicable performance period. PSUs are earned if, and to the degree that, the Company meets certain objective, pre-established performance goals relating to total shareholder return compared to a specified group of comparable companies and EPS performance each year over a three-year performance period and generally vest only if the Named Executive Officer remains employed by the Company through such performance period. The aggregate grant date fair value of the PSUs granted during 2020, assuming achievement of the highest level of performance, was $1,912,500 for Mr. Lane, $724,500 for Mr. George, $245,600 for Ms. Shaeff, $193,500 for Mr. Young, and $159,000 for Ms. Howell. The aggregate grant date fair value of the PSUs granted during 2019, assuming achievement of the highest level of performance, was $1,850,000 for Mr. Lane, $702,750 for Mr. George, $238,000 for Ms. Shaeff, $187,500 for Mr. Young, and $120,000 for Ms. Howell. The aggregate grant date fair value of the PSUs granted during 2018, assuming achievement of the highest level of performance, was $1,144,000 for Mr. Lane, $505,120 for Mr. George, and $171,900 for Ms. Shaeff.

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SUMMARY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The RSUs are scheduled to vest over three years, generally subject to the Named Executive Officer’s continued employment with the Company on the applicable vesting date.

(2)

Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to the Named Executive Officers in 2018, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 for a discussion of the relevant assumptions made in calculating the value of these awards. The aggregate grant date fair value will likely vary from the actual amount the Named Executive Officers receive in respect of the stock options, based on a number of factors, including stock price fluctuations, timing of sale, and variances from valuation assumptions.

(3)

Reflects annual incentive plan awards earned in the applicable year based upon the satisfaction of specified performance goals. For more information on the annual incentive compensation paid to Named Executive Officers for 2020, see the subsection of the CD&A titled “Annual Incentive Plan.”

(4)

Reflects the following amounts for 2020:

	401(k) Match			Executive Disability & Group Term Life(1)			Fitness(2)
Brian Lane		$	7,000		$	5,933		$	240
William George		$	7,000		$	2,337		$	240
Julie Shaeff		$	7,000		$	1,397		$	0
Terrence Young		$	6,181		$	1,129		$	0
Laura Howell		$	6,990		$	224		$	0

(1)

Reflects group term life insurance and disability premiums paid by the Company on behalf of each of the Named Executive Officers.

(2)

Reflects reimbursement of health-club dues pursuant to a wellness plan available to all employees in the Company’s corporate headquarters.

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GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The following table provides information concerning awards granted under the Company’s annual incentive plan and equity incentive plan during 2020 for the Named Executive Officers. For further information related to grants of plan-based awards, see the section of the CD&A titled “Annual Incentive Plan” and the section of the CD&A titled “Long-term Incentives.”

			Estimated Future Payouts Under Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)									Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)									All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares of Stock or Units (#)(3)		Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(4)
Name	Grant Date		Threshold ($)			Target ($)			Maximum ($)			Threshold ($)			Target ($)			Maximum ($)					Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards ($)(4)
Brian Lane				$	175,950		$	918,000		$	1,415,250			—			—			—		—			—
		3/5/20			—			—			—		$	119,531		$	956,250		$	1,912,500		—		$	956,250
		3/5/20			—			—			—			—			—			—		22,638		$	956,229
William George				$	91,770		$	483,000		$	748,650			—			—			—		—			—
		3/5/20			—			—			—		$	45,281		$	362,250		$	724,500		—		$	362,250
		3/5/20			—			—			—			—			—			—		8,575		$	362,208
Julie Shaeff				$	42,980		$	230,250		$	360,725			—			—			—		—			—
		3/5/20			—			—			—		$	15,350		$	122,800		$	245,600		—		$	122,800
		3/5/20			—			—			—			—			—			—		2,907		$	122,792
Terrence Young				$	36,120		$	193,500		$	303,150			—			—			—		—			—
		3/5/20			—			—			—		$	12,094		$	96,750		$	193,500		—		$	96,750
		3/5/20			—			—			—			—			—			—		2,290		$	96,730
Laura Howell				$	23,850		$	132,500		$	212,000			—			—			—		—			—
		3/5/20			—			—			—		$	9,938		$	79,500		$	159,000		—		$	79,500
		3/5/20			—			—			—			—			—			—		1,882		$	79,496

(1)

Reflects amounts payable under 2020 annual incentive plan awards based on individual and Company performance for 2020, which are described in greater detail in the subsection of the CD&A titled “Annual Incentive Plan.” Goals under the Individual Performance Incentive component of annual incentive plan awards are measured on a scale of 0%-200% and do not have a threshold payment level. For purposes of this table, it is assumed that each executive officer realizes 10% of the Individual Performance Incentive at threshold, 100% at target, and 200% at maximum.

(2)

Reflects amounts payable under dollar-denominated PSUs granted as part of each Named Executive Officer’s 2020 LTI awards based on the satisfaction of Company performance goals applicable to the PSUs. The threshold amount is calculated based on the minimum amount that an executive officer could earn with respect to the PSUs, calculated as if the EPS performance goal were achieved at the minimum level of performance that would result in a portion of the PSUs being earned and as if the minimum level of performance to earn PSUs based on the relative TSR performance goal was not achieved. For additional information about the PSU awards, see footnote 1 of the Summary Compensation Table and the subsection of the CD&A titled “Long-term Incentives.”

(3)

Reflects RSUs granted as part of each Named Executive Officer’s 2020 LTI awards. For additional information about the RSU awards, see footnote 1 of the Summary Compensation Table and the subsection of the CD&A titled “Long-term Incentives.”

(4)

Reflects the grant date fair value of LTI awards, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures. For the PSUs, the value is determined as the value at the grant date based on the probable outcome of the performance conditions. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and for the maximum value of these awards at grant, see footnote 1 to the Summary Compensation Table above.

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EQUITY AWARDS

As discussed in further detail above, each of the Named Executive Officers was granted RSUs and PSUs in 2020. The RSUs granted to the Named Executive Officers vest ratably in equal annual installments over three years and dollar-denominated PSUs are earned based on the achievement of relative TSR and EPS performance goals and, to the extent earned, cliff vest after three years, in each case, generally subject to the Named Executive Officer’s continued employment with the Company.

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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT YEAR-END

The following table provides information concerning unexercised stock options, unvested RSUs and unvested dollar-denominated PSUs held by the Named Executive Officers on December 31, 2020.

	Option Awards									Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#)(2)		Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested ($)(3)			Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested (#)(4)		Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested($)(5)
Name	Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable(1)		Option Exercise Price ($)			Option Expiration Date
Brian Lane		14,547				$	19.67		3/25/2025
		27,407				$	30.36		3/23/2026
		25,988				$	36.25		3/08/2027
		21,915		10,958		$	42.50		3/07/2028
											37,852		$	1,993,286
											17,367		$	914,568
																35,131		$	1,850,000
																36,317		$	1,912,500
William George		12,000				$	13.86		3/20/2023
		26,786				$	16.15		3/19/2024
		21,055				$	19.67		3/25/2025
		16,371				$	30.36		3/23/2026
		15,422				$	36.25		3/08/2027
		9,676		4,838		$	42.50		3/07/2028
											14,561		$	766,782
											7,668		$	403,817
																13,345		$	702,750
																13,758		$	724,500
Julie Shaeff		519				$	11.21		3/26/2022
		1,424				$	13.86		3/20/2023
		2,067				$	16.15		3/19/2024
		2,030				$	19.67		3/25/2025
		4,420				$	30.36		3/23/2026
		3,393				$	36.25		3/08/2027
		3,293		1,646		$	42.50		3/07/2028
											4,936		$	259,930
											2,609		$	137,425
																4,519		$	238,000
																4,663		$	245,600
Terrence Young		—		—			—		—
											3,491		$	183,836
											—		$	—
																3,560		$	187,500
																3,674		$	193,500
Laura Howell		—		—			—		—
											2,948		$	155,242
											—		$	—
																2,278		$	120,000
																3,019		$	159,000

(1)

All unexercisable options are scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2021, generally subject to the Named Executive Officer’s continued employment with the Company through this date.

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(2)

Mr. Lane’s 37,852 unvested RSUs consist of 16,835 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2021, 13,471 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2022, and 7,546 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2023, in each case, generally subject to his continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.

Mr. George’s 14,561 unvested RSUs consist of 6,593 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2021, 5,110 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2022, and 2,858 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2023, in each case, generally subject to his continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.

Ms. Shaeff’s 4,936 unvested RSUs consist of 2,236 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2021, 1,731 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2022, and 969 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2023, in each case, generally subject to her continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.

Mr. Young’s 3,491 unvested RSUs consist of 1,364 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2021, 1,364 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2022, and 763 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2023, in each case, generally subject to his continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.

Ms. Howell’s 2,948 unvested RSUs consist of 1,309 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2021, 1,012 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2022, and 627 RSUs scheduled to vest on April 1st of 2023, in each case, generally subject to her continued employment with the Company through the applicable vesting date.

The number of units in the bottom most row of this column for each Named Executive Officer relates to the PSU awards granted for the 2018-2020 performance period. The three-year average performance payout factor for the EPS component of these awards was 191%. The three-year average performance payout factor for the TSR component of these awards was 129%. For purposes of this table, the number of units has been determined by dividing the cash value of the portion of the awards earned based on actual performance by $52.66, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on December 31, 2020. The actual number of shares that were delivered in respect of these awards was determined by dividing the cash value of the awards earned based on actual performance by $74.70, the closing price of a share of Common Stock on March 10, 2021, the date on which the performance was determined by the Compensation Committee.

(3)

The market value is based on the closing price of a share of Common Stock as of December 31, 2020 ($52.66) for unvested RSUs, and is based on the actual dollar amount earned under the PSU awards for the 2018-2020 performance period, given that these awards are dollar-denominated awards.

(4)

The number of shares in this column relates to outstanding PSU awards for the 2019-2021 and 2020-2022 performance periods, with the PSU awards for the 2020-2022 performance period in the bottom most row of this column for each Named Executive Officer. The number of shares underlying PSU awards is determined by calculating the market value of shares of Common Stock underlying such PSU awards assuming maximum performance is achieved, as described in more detail in footnote 5 below, divided by the closing price of a share of Common Stock on December 31, 2020 ($52.66). The actual number of shares that will be delivered in respect of outstanding PSU awards will depend on the performance achieved for the relevant performance periods and the market value of shares of Common Stock on the date of delivery.

(5)

PSU awards are denominated in dollar amounts and are settled by delivery of shares of Common Stock following the end of the applicable performance period. PSU awards are subject to both time-based and performance-based vesting and vest only to the extent that the relevant performance metrics are achieved during the applicable performance period. Thus, at any time prior to the end of the applicable performance period, the exact number of shares of Common Stock underlying unvested PSU awards is not readily identifiable. Instead, the Company has included the dollar value that a Named Executive Officer would earn under outstanding PSU awards for each of the 2019-2021 and 2020-2022 performance periods assuming achievement of maximum performance.

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OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

The following table provides information on option exercises and stock vested in 2020 related to the Named Executive Officers and the resulting value realized.

	Option Awards					RSU Awards					PSU Awards
Name	Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)		Value Realized on Exercise ($)(1)			Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)		Value Realized on Vesting ($)(2)			Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)		Value Realized on Vesting ($)(3)
Brian Lane		79,337		$	2,555,534		12,061		$	421,351		14,948		$	631,404
William George		7,500		$	138,778		5,382		$	188,020		8,870		$	374,669
Julie Shaeff		5,916		$	195,728		1,843		$	64,385		3,102		$	131,028
Terrence Young		—		$	—		600		$	20,961		—		$	—
Laura Howell		—		$	—		994		$	34,725		—		$	—

(1)

The value realized on the exercise of stock options is the difference between the closing price of the Common Stock on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the option.

(2)

The value realized on the vesting of RSU awards is determined based on the closing price of the Common Stock on the vesting date.

(3)

Represents PSUs that were earned with respect to the 2017-2019 performance period and that were settled in early 2020. The value realized on the vesting of PSU awards is calculated based on the closing price of the Common Stock on March 5, 2020, the date on which the performance was determined by the Compensation Committee.

Pension Benefits

We currently have no defined benefit pension plans.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

We currently have no defined contribution plans which provide for the deferral of compensation on a basis that is not tax-qualified.

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

The Company maintains an Executive Severance Policy that covers the Named Executive Officers and other key employees and has entered into change in control agreements with each Named Executive Officer, as described below. Under the Executive Severance Policy, in addition to providing outplacement assistance of up to $50,000 and reimbursing former executive officers’ insurance premiums for continuing COBRA coverage under the Company’s policies for up to 12 months if they do not have insurance coverage available through another employer, the Company will pay the following lump-sum amount if an executive officer’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, and not due to death or disability:

■

Two times the sum of current base salary plus bonus (the greater of the average annual incentive plan bonus paid during the last three years or the annual incentive plan bonus for the year of termination of employment, determined following completion of the applicable performance period pursuant to the goals established for such bonus) for the Chief Executive Officer or the President;

■

One and one-half times such amounts for the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or an Executive Vice President;

■

One times such amounts for the Chief Accounting Officer, Chief Legal Officer or General Counsel, and certain specified Senior Vice Presidents; and

■

One-half times such amounts for any other employees who have been subject to reporting under Section 16 of the Exchange Act while employed by the Company or who have been otherwise designated by the Compensation Committee to participate in the plan, but not at a different participation level.

In the case of death or disability, the Executive Severance Policy provides for the Company’s payment of a one-time lump-sum amount equal to the executive’s annual base salary reduced by any benefits payable under Company-paid life or disability insurance policies. No amounts are paid under the policy on a voluntary termination of employment or a termination of employment by the Company for cause.

The change in control agreements with the Named Executive Officers provide severance benefits in connection with certain qualifying terminations following a change in control. Severance benefits under the change in control agreements are triggered in case of a termination of employment by the Company (or its successor) without cause or by the executive for good reason, in each case, within 12 months following the change in control event. The current change in control agreements with Messrs. Lane and George and Ms. Shaeff also provide for severance benefits if the executive resigns from the Company (with or without good reason) within 90 days following the change in control event. As we have previously disclosed, new change in control agreements entered into after February 2014 do not include this feature, and, as such, it is not included in either Mr. Young’s or Ms. Howell’s change in control agreement. These agreements provide for the Company’s payment of the following lump-sum amount to the Named Executive Officers upon a qualifying termination of employment within 12 months following a change in control event:

■

Two times the sum of current base salary plus bonus (the greater of the average bonus paid during the last three years or annual incentive plan bonus for the year of termination of employment, determined following completion of the applicable performance period pursuant to the goals established for such bonus) for Messrs. Lane and George; and

■

One times such amounts for Mses. Shaeff and Howell and Mr. Young.

Under the change in control agreements, Messrs. Lane and George and Ms. Shaeff may be entitled to so-called golden parachute excise tax gross ups in connection with change in control payments in certain circumstances. The Company eliminated the practice of providing for gross-up payments in change in control or other agreements on a going-forward basis, starting in 2013.

Under the change in control agreements, unvested equity awards held by the Named Executive Officers vest in full upon a change in control, with PSUs vesting at target levels.

Regardless of the reason for termination, the Named Executive Officers must execute a release of claims and are subject to a one-year non-compete agreement in order to receive any severance benefits under the change in control agreements or Executive Severance Policy.

As described above, holders of outstanding equity awards who meet the age and service requirements under the “Rule of 75” will, upon the holder’s retirement, be deemed to have satisfied the continuous employment requirement for any equity awards held by them to vest. Pursuant to the Rule of 75, all performance-based equity awards will continue to be earned only if the applicable performance measures are satisfied and only up to a maximum of target

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

value, but the requirement that the executive be employed by the Company at the time of vesting based on performance will be deemed to have been satisfied. As of December 31, 2020, Messrs. Lane and George and Ms. Shaeff satisfied the Rule of 75.

If Mr. Lane had retired on December 31, 2020, he would be deemed to have satisfied the continuous employment requirement for purposes of vesting in: (1) 37,852 RSUs, 16,835 of which would vest on April 1, 2021, 13,471 of which would vest on April 1, 2022, and 7,546 of which would vest on April 1, 2023; (2) 10,958 stock options, all of which would vest on April 1, 2021 (with an exercise price of $42.50); and (3) if applicable performance measures are satisfied, PSUs granted in 2018 with a target value of $572,000, PSUs granted in 2019 with a target value of $925,000, and PSUs granted in 2020 with a target value of $956,250, each of which would vest in the year following the performance period, to the extent earned based on performance and only up to target value, on the date on which the performance is determined by the Compensation Committee.

If Mr. George had retired on December 31, 2020, he would be deemed to have satisfied the continuous employment requirement for purposes of vesting in: (1) 14,561 RSUs, 6,593 of which would vest on April 1, 2021, 5,110 of which would vest on April 1, 2022, and 2,858 of which would vest on April 1, 2023; (2) 4,838 stock options, all of which would vest on April 1, 2021 (with an exercise price of $42.50); and (3) if applicable performance measures are satisfied, PSUs granted in 2018 with a target value of $252,560, PSUs granted in 2019 with a target value of $351,375, and PSUs granted in 2020 with a target value of $362,250, each of which would vest in the year following the performance period, to the extent earned based on performance and only up to target value, on the date on which the performance is determined by the Compensation Committee.

If Ms. Shaeff had retired on December 31, 2020, she would be deemed to have satisfied the continuous employment requirement for purposes of vesting in: (1) 4,936 RSUs, 2,236 of which would vest on April 1, 2021, 1,731 of which would vest on April 1, 2022, and 969 of which would vest on April 1, 2023; (2) 1,646 stock options, all of which would vest on April 1, 2021 (with an exercise price of $42.50); and (3) if applicable performance measures are satisfied, PSUs granted in 2018 with a target value of $85,950, PSUs granted in 2019 with a target value of $119,000, and PSUs granted in 2020 with a target value of $122,800, each of which would vest in the year following the performance period, to the extent earned based on performance and only up to target value, on the date on which the performance is determined by the Compensation Committee.

Summary of Potential Payments

The following table provides the lump-sum payments that would have been made to each Named Executive Officer if his or her employment had been terminated on December 31, 2020 by the Company without cause, or by reason of the Named Executive Officer’s death or disability, in each case, other than in connection with a change in control.

	For Cause			Death(1)			Disability(2)			Without Cause(3)
Brian Lane		$	0		$	765,000		$	765,000		$	4,311,811
William George		$	0		$	483,000		$	483,000		$	1,892,121
Julie Shaeff		$	0		$	307,000		$	307,000		$	693,574
Terrence Young		$	0		$	258,000		$	258,000		$	306,156
Laura Howell		$	0		$	265,000		$	265,000		$	502,008

(1)

The Company maintains life insurance for each of the Named Executive Officers in an amount equal to the Named Executive Officer’s annual base salary, up to a maximum of $500,000. The death benefit contained in the Executive Severance Policy is paid net of insurance proceeds.

(2)

The Company maintains disability insurance for each of the Named Executive Officers in an amount equal to the Named Executive Officer’s annual base salary, up to a maximum of $500,000. The disability benefit contained in the Executive Severance Policy is paid net of insurance proceeds.

(3)

Consists of two times the sum of current base salary plus bonus (the greater of the average annual incentive plan bonus paid during the last three years or the annual incentive plan bonus for the year of termination of employment, determined following completion of the applicable performance period pursuant to the goals and objectives established for such bonus) for Mr. Lane; one and one-half times such amounts for Mr. George; one times such amounts for Mses. Shaeff and Howell; and one-half times such amounts for Mr. Young. In addition, the following amounts are included in the total for each executive as an estimate of one year of COBRA premium reimbursements payable by the Company to the Named Executive Officer over the 12-month period following termination: Mr. Lane—$18,110.70; Mr. George—$19,646.48; Ms. Shaeff—$14,664.02; Mr. Young—$14,029.71; and Ms. Howell—$5,970.48. These COBRA reimbursements would be made by the Company to the Named Executive Officer, and they would cease if the Named Executive Officer obtained other insurance coverage. In no event would these COBRA premium reimbursements be paid for more than 12 months. The total amount also reflects an estimate of $25,000 for outplacement services, which services are provided for in the Executive Severance Policy in an amount not to exceed $50,000.

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POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

The following table provides the value of the accelerated vesting of equity awards that would have been received by each Named Executive Officer in connection with a change in control, and the amount of the lump-sum payout to each Named Executive Officer if his or her employment had been terminated in a qualifying termination, as described above, in connection with a change in control, assuming such change in control and qualifying termination occurred on December 31, 2020.

	Cash(1)			Value of Early Vesting Equity(2)			Excise Tax Gross Up(3)			Total Value
Brian Lane		$	4,286,811		$	4,557,870		$	0		$	8,844,680
William George		$	2,482,946		$	1,782,121		$	0		$	4,265,068
Julie Shaeff		$	668,574		$	604,403		$	0		$	1,272,977
Terrence Young		$	548,283		$	374,336		$	0		$	922,619
Laura Howell		$	477,008		$	294,742		$	0		$	771,750

(1)

Consists of two times the sum of current base salary plus bonus (the greater of the average incentive plan bonus paid during the last three years or the current annual incentive plan bonus for 2020) for Messrs. Lane and George and one times such amounts for Mses. Shaeff and Howell and Mr. Young. The amount listed also includes payments made as reimbursements for COBRA premiums for a one-year period after the change in control event; these payments would be made as reimbursements by the Company to the Named Executive Officer, and would cease if the Named Executive Officer obtained other insurance coverage.

(2)

The value of the acceleration of unvested stock options is determined based on the difference between the exercise price of the stock options and the closing price of a share of Common Stock on December 31, 2020 ($52.66). The value of the acceleration of unvested time-based RSUs is determined by multiplying the number of shares underlying the award by the closing price of a share of Common Stock on December 31, 2020. The value of PSUs for the 2018-2020, 2019-2021, and 2020-2022 performance periods has been determined by assuming that the awards vest and are paid out at target levels of performance.

(3)

Reflects the estimated amount of the gross-up for excise taxes imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.

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EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table sets forth information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020.

Plan Category	Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a)		Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b)			Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		790,646(1)		$	30.53(2)		2,016,489
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		—			—		—
Total		790,646					2,016,489(3)

(1)

Includes 268,592 stock options and 240,238 shares of time-vested restricted stock units that have been granted but remain unvested as of December 31, 2020, determined by treating each share underlying a stock option as one share and each share underlying such time-vested restricted stock unit awards as two shares. Additionally, 281,816 shares of Common Stock may be issued upon the achievement of certain performance conditions under outstanding PSU awards. The PSU awards are dollar-denominated and paid in shares based on the market value of the shares following the end of the performance period for such awards; for purposes of this table, the number of shares underlying outstanding PSU awards has been estimated based on current estimated achievement of the performance conditions applicable to the awards and the closing market price of the Company’s stock on December 31, 2020. The Company has no other securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, or rights.

(2)

Restricted stock units and PSUs are not factored into this average.

(3)

Reflects shares that are part of a fungible share plan, which means that each share granted that is not an option or a SAR is counted against the plan as two (2.0) shares.

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RATIO OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION TO MEDIAN COMPANY EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

As required by SEC rules, we are providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer. This pay ratio is a reasonable estimate calculated in a manner consistent with Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K. Because the SEC rules for identifying the median compensated employee and calculating the pay ratio based on that employee’s annual total compensation allow companies to adopt a variety of methodologies, to apply certain exclusions, and to make reasonable estimates and assumptions that reflect their compensation practices, the pay ratio reported by other companies may not be comparable to the pay ratio reported below.

For 2020, our last completed fiscal year:

■

The median of the annual total compensation of all employees of the Company (other than our Chief Executive Officer) was $55,136; and

■

The annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, as reported in the Summary Compensation Table included elsewhere in this proxy statement, was $4,060,002.

Based on this information, for 2020, the ratio of annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer to the median of the annual total compensation of all other employees is estimated to be 73.6 to 1.

To identify the median of the annual total compensation of all our employees, as well as to determine the annual total compensation of our “median employee,” we took the following steps:

■

We determined that, as of December 31, 2020, our employee population consisted of approximately 10,528 individuals, all of whom were located in the United States. This population consisted of all of our full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. This population does not include independent contractors or leased workers who were engaged through an unaffiliated third-party staffing agency. We also excluded approximately 1,013 employees of Starr Electric Company, Incorporated and each of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, TAS Energy Inc. and each of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and Tennessee Electric Company, Inc., which are companies that we acquired during 2020 in transactions that closed on February 1, 2020, April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, respectively.

■

To identify the median employee from our employee population, we used the amount of salary, wages, bonuses, commissions and overtime pay of our employees as reflected in our payroll records as reported to the Internal Revenue Service on Form W-2 for 2020. Because only a small portion of Company employees receive grants of equity awards, when identifying the median employee we did not take into account any amounts reported on the employees’ Forms W-2 for 2020 with respect to stock option exercises or the vesting of equity awards. We also did not annualize the compensation of any individuals who were employed for less than the full calendar year.

■

We identified our median employee using this compensation measure, which was consistently applied to all of our employees who were included in the calculation. Since all of our employees are located in the United States, as is our Chief Executive Officer, we did not make any cost-of-living adjustments in identifying the median employee.

Once we identified our median employee, we combined all of the elements of such employee’s compensation for 2020 in accordance with the requirements of Item 402(c)(2)(x) of Regulation S-K, resulting in annual total compensation of $55,136. The difference between such employee’s salary, wages, bonuses, commissions and overtime pay reflected in such employee’s Form W-2 and the employee’s annual total compensation represents matching contributions by the Company to such employee’s account under the Company’s 401(k) Plan.

With respect to the annual total compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, we used the amount reported in the “Total” column of our 2020 Summary Compensation Table included in this proxy statement.

The Company recognizes that employees are a key asset and are vital to the Company’s continued success. In addition to the Company’s commitment to provide fair and equitable wages and benefits to employees, the Company also periodically conducts formal and informal surveys at all levels of the organization to gauge employee satisfaction and engagement.

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. The committee is made up solely of independent directors, as defined in the applicable NYSE and SEC rules, and it operates under a written charter, amended and effective as of March 2020, reviewed as of March 2021, and approved by the Board of Directors, which is available under the “Governance” tab on the Company’s website at http://investors.comfortsystemsusa.com.

Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the Company’s internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements in the Annual Report with management. The discussion explored the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of each of the key disclosures in the financial statements.

As part of its oversight of the Company’s financial statements, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and with the Company’s independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2020. The committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, who is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, such matters as are required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 16, as amended (Communications with Audit Committees), relating to the conduct of the audit. The Audit Committee also has discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the auditors’ independence from the Company and its management, including the matters in the written disclosures the committee received from the independent auditors, in compliance with applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and the committee has considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the auditors’ independence.

The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s internal and independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The committee meets regularly with the external auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of the Company’s internal controls, and the content and quality of the Company’s financial reporting. Based on the review and discussions above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and for filing with the SEC.

Members of the Audit Committee

Constance E. Skidmore (Chair)
Alan P. Krusi
Pablo G. Mercado
William J. Sandbrook
James H. Schultz
Vance W. Tang

The preceding “Report of the Audit Committee” shall not be deemed soliciting material or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, nor shall any information in this report be incorporated by reference into any past or future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent the Company incorporates it by reference into such filing.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Messrs. Anderson, Bulls, Krusi, Myers, Sandbrook, and Tang, none of whom is or was an officer or employee of the Company or any of our subsidiaries through 2020, served on the Compensation Committee during 2020. None of the Company’s executive officers serve on the board of directors or compensation committee, or any other committee serving an equivalent function, of another company that employs any member of the Board.

Householding of Stockholder Materials

Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of the Company’s proxy statement or Annual Report to Stockholders may have been sent to multiple stockholders in the same household unless the Company has received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. The Company will promptly deliver a separate copy of either document to any stockholder upon written request to the Company at the following address: Comfort Systems USA, Inc., Office of the General Counsel, 675 Bering Drive, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77057 or upon oral request directed to the Company’s Office of the General Counsel at (713) 830-9600. Any stockholder who wants to receive separate copies of the annual report and proxy statement in the future, or who is currently receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for his or her household, should contact the stockholder’s bank, broker, or other nominee record holder, or contact the Company by writing to the above address or by oral request at the above telephone number.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

In March 2011, the Board adopted a written Related Person Transactions Policy that codifies the Company’s policies and procedures regarding the identification, review, consideration, and approval or ratification of “related person transactions.” For purposes of this policy only, a “related party transaction” is a transaction, arrangement, or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which the Company and any “related person” are, were, or will be participants in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000. Transactions involving compensation directly paid to a Named Executive Officer or director for services provided directly to the Company in their role as an employee or director shall not be considered related person transactions under the policy. A “related person” is any executive officer, director, or more than 5% stockholder of the Company, including any immediate family members of such persons, and any entity owned or controlled by such persons.

Under the Company’s Related Person Transactions Policy, where a transaction has been identified as a potential related person transaction, the Company’s management shall present such potential related person transaction to the Audit Committee for review, consideration, and approval or ratification. The presentation shall include all information reasonably necessary for the Committee to determine the benefits of the related-party transaction and whether the related-party transaction is commercially comparable to an otherwise unrelated transaction of similar nature and management’s recommendation related thereto. This process is to be used for both approvals as well as ratifications under the policy.

The Audit Committee, in approving or rejecting the proposed related person transaction, considers all the relevant facts and circumstances deemed relevant by and available to the Audit Committee, including, but not limited to (i) the risks, costs and benefits to the Company, (ii) the impact on a director’s independence in the event the related person is a director, immediate family member of a director, or an entity with which a director is affiliated, (iii) the terms of the transaction, (iv) the availability of other sources for comparable services or products, and (v) the terms available to or from, as the case may be, unrelated third parties or to or from employees generally. The Audit Committee approves only those related-party transactions that, in light of known circumstances, are in, or are not inconsistent with, the Company’s best interests and those of the Company’s stockholders, as the Audit Committee determines in the good faith exercise of its discretion.

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OTHER INFORMATION

From time to time, the Company or its subsidiaries may have employees who are related to our executive officers or directors. Specifically:

(1)

Thomas Marnell, the brother-in-law of Brian Lane, our Chief Executive Officer and one of our directors, was employed by a subsidiary of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, his total compensation did not meet the threshold requiring Audit Committee approval pursuant to our Related Person Transactions Policy or requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules.

(2)

William George, IV, son of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer William George, was employed by a subsidiary of the Company as a part-time employee during the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, his total compensation did not meet the threshold requiring Audit Committee approval pursuant to our Related Person Transactions Policy or requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules.

(3)

Sarah George, daughter of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer William George, was employed by a subsidiary of the Company as an intern during the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, her total compensation did not meet the threshold requiring Audit Committee approval pursuant to our Related Person Transactions Policy or requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules.

(4)

Austin Faust, nephew of member of the Board of Directors Alan Krusi, was employed by a subsidiary of the Company as an intern during the year ended December 31, 2020. In 2020, his total compensation did not meet the threshold requiring Audit Committee approval pursuant to our Related Person Transactions Policy or requiring disclosure under applicable SEC rules.

See the section above titled “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” for other information required to be disclosed here.

Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to Be Acted Upon

The Named Executive Officers and directors of the Company do not have any substantial interest in the matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meetings, other than in their roles as officers or directors of the Company.

Stockholder Proposals for 2022 Annual Meeting

Stockholders who wish to present proposals for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may do so by following the procedures prescribed in Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. To be eligible, the stockholder proposals must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices on or before December 9, 2021.

Under the Company’s current Bylaws, proposals of business and nominations for directors, other than those to be included in the Company’s proxy materials following the procedures described in Rule 14a-8, may be made by stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting if notice is timely given and if the notice contains the information required by the Bylaws. In accordance with the Company’s Bylaws, to be considered timely a proposal or nominations submitted for consideration at the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices no later than the close of business on the 60th day nor earlier than the close of business on the 90th day prior to the first anniversary of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Bylaws also contain procedures for regulation of the order of business and conduct of stockholder meetings, the authority of the presiding officer and attendance at such meetings.

Other Business

The Board knows of no business to be brought before the Annual Meeting that is not referred to in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. Should any such matters be presented, the persons named in the proxy intend to take such action in regard to such matters as in their judgment seems advisable, subject to the NYSE’s rules on the exercise of discretionary authority.

Form 10-K and Annual Report to Stockholders

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes the Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC, accompanies this proxy statement.

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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OFCOMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.May 18, 2021NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:The notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy cardare available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.comPlease sign, date and mailyour proxy card in theenvelope provided as soonas possible.Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give fulltitle as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.To change the address on your account please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note thatchanges to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method.1. ELECTION OF TEN DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE2022 ANNUAL MEETING;O Darcy G. AndersonO Herman E. BullsO Alan P. KrusiO Brian E. LaneO Pablo G. MercadoO Franklin MyersO William J. SandbrookO Constance E. SkidmoreO Vance W. TangO Cindy L. Wallis-Lage2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHELLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR 2021.3. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATIONOF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.You hereby revoke all previous proxies given. You may revoke this proxy at anytime prior to a vote thereon. Receipt of the accompanying proxy statement andthe Annual Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which includes the AnnualReport on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, is herebyacknowledged.PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN THE ENCLOSEDENVELOPE.FOR ALL NOMINEESWITHHOLD AUTHORITYFOR ALL NOMINEESFOR ALL EXCEPT(See instructions below)INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT”and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:NOMINEES:THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES" ON PROPOSAL 1, A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 AND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE xPlease detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ------------------ ----------------21030300000000000000 4 051821FOR AGAINST ABSTAINGO GREENe-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxymaterial, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter andpaper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access.TOPPAN MERRILL • Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please givefull title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.To change the address on your account please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note thatchanges to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method.INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT”and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:JOHN SMITH1234 MAIN STREETAPT. 203NEW YORK, NY 10038ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OFCOMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.May 18, 2021INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and follow the on-screeninstructions or scan the QR code with your smartphone. Have yourproxy card available when you access the web page.TELEPHONE - Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) inthe United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from anytouch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxycard available when you call.Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.MAIL - Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelopeprovided as soon as possible.IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by attendingthe Annual Meeting.GO GREEN - e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. Withe-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statementsand other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutterand paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoyonline access.PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONSPlease detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the Internet.THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES" ON PROPOSAL 1, A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 AND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x------------------ ----------------21030300000000000000 4 051821COMPANY NUMBERACCOUNT NUMBERNOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:The notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy cardare available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.com1. ELECTION OF TEN DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE2022 ANNUAL MEETING;O Darcy G. AndersonO Herman E. BullsO Alan P. KrusiO Brian E. LaneO Pablo G. MercadoO Franklin MyersO William J. SandbrookO Constance E. SkidmoreO Vance W. TangO Cindy L. Wallis-Lage2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHELLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR 2021.3. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATIONOF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.You hereby revoke all previous proxies given. You may revoke this proxy at anytime prior to a vote thereon. Receipt of the accompanying proxy statement andthe Annual Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which includes the AnnualReport on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, is herebyacknowledged.PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN THE ENCLOSEDENVELOPE.FOR ALL NOMINEESWITHHOLD AUTHORITYFOR ALL NOMINEESFOR ALL EXCEPT(See instructions below)NOMINEES:FOR AGAINST ABSTAINTOPPAN MERRILL • ------------------ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ----------------14475COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSSolicited by the Board of Directors of Comfort Systems USA, Inc.The undersigned hereby appoints Brian E. Lane and Laura F. Howell, and each of them individually, asproxies with full power of substitution, to vote, as designated on the reverse, all shares of Common Stockof Comfort Systems USA, Inc. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting ofStockholders thereof to be held on May 18, 2021, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.ALL SHARES WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO SUCH DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED INACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS.(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)1.1TOPPAN MERRILL • ComfortSystems • Comfort Systems USA • 109966US / ComfortSystems / tm2037373-1_def14 / 10-proxycard / Page: 3 / 3 • 03/26/21 @ 3:10 a.m. (es#:31)

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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OFCOMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.May 18, 2021NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:The notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy cardare available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.comPlease sign, date and mailyour proxy card in theenvelope provided as soonas possible.Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give fulltitle as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.To change the address on your account please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note thatchanges to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method.1. ELECTION OF TEN DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE2022 ANNUAL MEETING;O Darcy G. AndersonO Herman E. BullsO Alan P. KrusiO Brian E. LaneO Pablo G. MercadoO Franklin MyersO William J. SandbrookO Constance E. SkidmoreO Vance W. TangO Cindy L. Wallis-Lage2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHELLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR 2021.3. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATIONOF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.You hereby revoke all previous proxies given. You may revoke this proxy at anytime prior to a vote thereon. Receipt of the accompanying proxy statement andthe Annual Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which includes the AnnualReport on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, is herebyacknowledged.PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN THE ENCLOSEDENVELOPE.FOR ALL NOMINEESWITHHOLD AUTHORITYFOR ALL NOMINEESFOR ALL EXCEPT(See instructions below)INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT”and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:NOMINEES:THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES" ON PROPOSAL 1, A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 AND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE xPlease detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ------------------ ----------------21030300000000000000 4 051821FOR AGAINST ABSTAINGO GREENe-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxymaterial, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter andpaper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access.TOPPAN MERRILL Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please givefull title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.To change the address on your account please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note thatchanges to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method.INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT”and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:JOHN SMITH1234 MAIN STREETAPT. 203NEW YORK, NY 10038ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OFCOMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.May 18, 2021INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and follow the on-screeninstructions or scan the QR code with your smartphone. Have yourproxy card available when you access the web page.TELEPHONE - Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) inthe United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from anytouch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxycard available when you call.Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.MAIL - Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelopeprovided as soon as possible.IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by attendingthe Annual Meeting.GO GREEN - e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. Withe-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statementsand other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutterand paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoyonline access.PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONSPlease detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the Internet.THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES" ON PROPOSAL 1, A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 AND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x------------------ ----------------21030300000000000000 4 051821COMPANY NUMBERACCOUNT NUMBERNOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:The notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy cardare available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.com1. ELECTION OF TEN DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE2022 ANNUAL MEETING;O Darcy G. AndersonO Herman E. BullsO Alan P. KrusiO Brian E. LaneO Pablo G. MercadoO Franklin MyersO William J. SandbrookO Constance E. SkidmoreO Vance W. TangO Cindy L. Wallis-Lage2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHELLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR 2021.3. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATIONOF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.You hereby revoke all previous proxies given. You may revoke this proxy at anytime prior to a vote thereon. Receipt of the accompanying proxy statement andthe Annual Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which includes the AnnualReport on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, is herebyacknowledged.PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN THE ENCLOSEDENVELOPE.FOR ALL NOMINEESWITHHOLD AUTHORITYFOR ALL NOMINEESFOR ALL EXCEPT(See instructions below)NOMINEES:FOR AGAINST ABSTAINTOPPAN MERRILL • ------------------ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ----------------14475COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSSolicited by the Board of Directors of Comfort Systems USA, Inc.The undersigned hereby appoints Brian E. Lane and Laura F. Howell, and each of them individually, asproxies with full power of substitution, to vote, as designated on the reverse, all shares of Common Stockof Comfort Systems USA, Inc. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting ofStockholders thereof to be held on May 18, 2021, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.ALL SHARES WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO SUCH DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED INACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS.(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)1.1TOPPAN MERRILL

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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OFCOMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.May 18, 2021NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:The notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy cardare available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.comPlease sign, date and mailyour proxy card in theenvelope provided as soonas possible.Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give fulltitle as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.To change the address on your account please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note thatchanges to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method.1. ELECTION OF TEN DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE2022 ANNUAL MEETING;O Darcy G. AndersonO Herman E. BullsO Alan P. KrusiO Brian E. LaneO Pablo G. MercadoO Franklin MyersO William J. SandbrookO Constance E. SkidmoreO Vance W. TangO Cindy L. Wallis-Lage2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHELLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR 2021.3. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATIONOF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.You hereby revoke all previous proxies given. You may revoke this proxy at anytime prior to a vote thereon. Receipt of the accompanying proxy statement andthe Annual Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which includes the AnnualReport on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, is herebyacknowledged.PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN THE ENCLOSEDENVELOPE.FOR ALL NOMINEESWITHHOLD AUTHORITYFOR ALL NOMINEESFOR ALL EXCEPT(See instructions below)INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT”and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:NOMINEES:THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES" ON PROPOSAL 1, A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 AND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE xPlease detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ------------------ ----------------21030300000000000000 4 051821FOR AGAINST ABSTAINGO GREENe-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxymaterial, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter andpaper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access.TOPPAN MERRILL • ComfortSystems • Comfort Systems USA • 109966US / ComfortSystems / tm2037373-1_def14 / 10-proxycard / Page: 1 / 3 • 03/26/21 @ 3:10 a.m. (es#:31)Signature of Stockholder Date: Signature of Stockholder Date:Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please givefull title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.To change the address on your account please check the box at right andindicate your new address in the address space above. Please note thatchanges to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted viathis method.INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s) mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT”and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:JOHN SMITH1234 MAIN STREETAPT. 203NEW YORK, NY 10038ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OFCOMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.May 18, 2021INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and follow the on-screeninstructions or scan the QR code with your smartphone. Have yourproxy card available when you access the web page.TELEPHONE - Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) inthe United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from anytouch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxycard available when you call.Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.MAIL - Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelopeprovided as soon as possible.IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by attendingthe Annual Meeting.GO GREEN - e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. Withe-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy material, statementsand other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutterand paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoyonline access.PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONSPlease detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the Internet.THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR ALL NOMINEES" ON PROPOSAL 1, A VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2 AND A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 3.PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x------------------ ----------------21030300000000000000 4 051821COMPANY NUMBERACCOUNT NUMBERNOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:The notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy cardare available at http://proxy2021.comfortsystemsusa.com1. ELECTION OF TEN DIRECTORS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE2022 ANNUAL MEETING;O Darcy G. AndersonO Herman E. BullsO Alan P. KrusiO Brian E. LaneO Pablo G. MercadoO Franklin MyersO William J. SandbrookO Constance E. SkidmoreO Vance W. TangO Cindy L. Wallis-Lage2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHELLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTINGFIRM FOR 2021.3. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATIONOF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.You hereby revoke all previous proxies given. You may revoke this proxy at anytime prior to a vote thereon. Receipt of the accompanying proxy statement andthe Annual Report of Comfort Systems USA, Inc., which includes the AnnualReport on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, is herebyacknowledged.PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL IN THE ENCLOSEDENVELOPE.FOR ALL NOMINEESWITHHOLD AUTHORITYFOR ALL NOMINEESFOR ALL EXCEPT(See instructions below)NOMINEES:FOR AGAINST ABSTAINTOPPAN MERRILL •------------------ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ----------------14475COMFORT SYSTEMS USA, INC.ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERSSolicited by the Board of Directors of Comfort Systems USA, Inc.The undersigned hereby appoints Brian E. Lane and Laura F. Howell, and each of them individually, asproxies with full power of substitution, to vote, as designated on the reverse, all shares of Common Stockof Comfort Systems USA, Inc. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting ofStockholders thereof to be held on May 18, 2021, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof.ALL SHARES WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO SUCH DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED INACCORDANCE WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS' RECOMMENDATIONS.(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)1.1