UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
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RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 7, 2019
To the Shareholders of Retractable Technologies, Inc.:
You are cordially invited to attend Retractable Technologies, Inc.s 2019 Annual Meeting of shareholders. The Annual Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m. Central time on May 7, 2019 at the Little Elm Town Hall located at 100 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, Texas 75068.
Further information regarding the Annual Meeting is set forth in the attached Proxy Statement, which was first delivered to security holders on March 28, 2019.
At this years Annual Meeting, you will be asked to vote on the following: 1) the election of three Class 1 Directors; 2) an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and 3) an advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation.
We hope you will be able to attend the Annual Meeting, but if you cannot do so, it is important that your shares be represented. We urge you to read the Proxy Statement carefully and to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendations by telephone or Internet, or by signing, dating, and returning the enclosed proxy card in the postage-paid envelope provided, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.
Thank you for your continued support.
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Sincerely, |
THOMAS J. SHAW |
RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 7, 2019
Retractable Technologies, Inc.
511 Lobo Lane
Little Elm, TX 75068-5295
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 7, 2019
The Board of Directors of Retractable Technologies, Inc. solicits the enclosed proxy for the Annual Meeting to be held at the Little Elm Town Hall located at 100 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, Texas 75068 on the 7th day of May, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Central time and for any adjournment thereof.
A Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and other appropriate proxy materials (to those requesting paper copies) were mailed to shareholders on March 28, 2019.
The Board of Directors is asking you to vote on: 1) the election of three Class 1 Directors; 2) an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and 3) an advisory vote on the frequency of executive compensation advisory votes.
How do I vote?
You may vote your shares in any of the following four ways:
Vote in Person
At the meeting, you may deliver your ballot to the Inspector of Elections. To obtain directions, please call the Company at (888) 806-2626.
Vote by Internet
To vote now by internet, go to www.proxyvote.com. Have your 16-digit control number available and follow the instructions.
Vote by Mail
You can vote by mail by requesting a paper copy of the materials, which will include a proxy card.
Vote by Phone
You can vote by phone by calling 1-800-690-6903. Have your 16-digit control number available and follow the instructions.
Your 16-digit control number is located in a box with an arrow pointing to it on the enclosed proxy card or the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. If you received more than one Notice or proxy card, this means you, or persons with whom you share an address, have more than one account. If you do not plan to vote in person, we encourage you to vote using all your proxy cards and/or control numbers.
Who may vote?
All shareholders of record of Common Stock on March 7, 2019, the record date, are entitled to vote.
May I change my vote?
You may change your vote even after you have submitted your proxy by (1) voting again by Internet or telephone; (2) sending a written statement revoking your proxy to the Secretary of the Company; (3) submitting a properly signed proxy with a later date; or (4) voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
How does the Board recommend I vote?
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote:
· For All in the election of Class 1 Directors;
· For the proposal regarding an advisory vote to approve executive compensation; and
· Every 3 years for the proposal regarding an advisory vote on the frequency of executive compensation advisory votes.
If appointed by you, the proxy holders will vote your shares as you direct with regard to the matters described in this Proxy Statement. In the absence of your direction, they will vote your shares as recommended by the Board of Directors. Unless you indicate otherwise, the proxy holders are also authorized to vote your shares on any matters that are not known by the Board of Directors as of the date of this Proxy Statement and that may be properly presented for action at the Annual Meeting.
What if I do not provide voting instructions to my broker?
If you are a beneficial owner and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, your broker will not be permitted to vote on your behalf for the election of directors. For your vote to be counted, you need to communicate your voting decisions to your broker, bank, or other financial institution as soon as possible and before May 7, 2019.
How many votes are required?
For the election of Directors, a plurality is required for the election of each nominee.
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of all the outstanding shares of Common Stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder to one (1) vote per share. On March 7, 2019, there were 32,666,454 outstanding shares of Common Stock.
Abstentions will be considered present for purposes of calculating the vote but will not be considered to have been voted in favor of the matters voted upon, and broker non-votes will not be considered present for purposes of calculating the votes.
Are there any special attendance requirements for attending the meeting in person?
If you are a record owner of Common Stock or a beneficial owner of Common Stock with a legal proxy, there are no special attendance requirements to attend the meeting in person. If you are a beneficial owner of Common Stock, you may contact your broker or other person holding your shares to request a legal proxy.
Who pays the expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies?
The Company will pay the cost of soliciting proxies. In addition to the use of the U.S. mail, proxies may be solicited by the Directors, Officers, and employees of the Company without additional compensation, by personal interview, telephone, or other means of electronic communication. Arrangements also may be made with brokerage firms and other custodians, dealers, banks, and trustees, or their nominees who hold the voting securities of record, for sending proxy materials to beneficial owners. Upon request, the Company will reimburse the brokers, custodians, dealers, banks, or their nominees for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Who may I contact with questions?
Shareholders with questions (including regarding directions) are encouraged to contact Michele M. Larios, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, at 511 Lobo Lane, Little Elm, Texas 75068, or by telephone at (888) 806-2626.
THE ELECTION OF THREE CLASS 1 DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has determined that the Board shall be comprised of six members. Currently, the Board is divided into two classes currently consisting of three Class 1 members and three Class 2 members. The Board of Directors has nominated Marco Laterza, Darren E. Findley, and Amy Mack to serve as Class 1 Directors. All nominees currently serve as Class 1 Directors. Generally, Directors serve for two year terms. If the nominees are elected, the Class 1 Director nominees will hold office until the 2021 annual meeting, when their respective successors are elected and qualified, or upon their earlier retirement, resignation, or removal. Mr. Douglas W. Cowan retired effective March 31, 2019 and the Board of Directors elected John W. Fort III to serve as a Class 2 Director effective April 1, 2019.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR ALL IN THE ELECTION OF CLASS 1 DIRECTORS.
The biographies below describe the qualifications, experience, attributes, and skills that led the Board to determine that it is appropriate for each person to serve as a Director.
THOMAS J. SHAW
Class 2 Director
Founder, Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Class 2 Director
Director since our inception
Age 68
Thomas J. Shaw, our Founder, has served as Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director since our inception. We believe it is appropriate for Mr. Shaw to continue to serve as a Director and as the Chairman of the Board because of his deep knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of our products (as their primary inventor) and of the Company (as its Founder). Further, his strategic knowledge of the Company and its competitive environment arising from his ongoing services as its CEO is vital to the successful supervision of the Company by the Board of Directors. Finally, Mr. Shaws educational background in both Engineering and Accounting is helpful to Board deliberations. In addition to his duties overseeing our Management, he continues to lead our design team in product development of other medical safety devices that utilize, among other things, his unique patented friction ring technology. Mr. Shaw has extensive experience in industrial product design and has developed several solutions to complicated mechanical engineering challenges.
MARCO LATERZA
Nominee for Class 1 Director
Director since 2005
Age 71
Marco Laterza joined us as a Director effective as of March 22, 2005. We believe it is appropriate Mr. Laterza continue to serve as a Director because of his skills as a CPA as well as his decades of experience in advising individuals and entities with regard to corporate planning and financial issues. Such skills and experience provide a valuable contribution in his role as the designated financial expert on the Audit Committee as well as provide valuable independent accounting advice to the Board. Since 2015, Mr. Laterza has owned and operated an accounting practice and income tax consulting practice. From 1988 through 2014, Mr. Laterza owned and operated a public accounting practice. His practice included corporate, partnership and individual taxation, compilation/review of financial statements, financial planning, business consulting, and trusts and estates. Formerly, Mr. Laterza was employed in a number of positions from 1977 to 1985 with El Paso Natural Gas Company eventually serving as its Director of Accounting.
AMY MACK
Nominee for Class 1 Director
Director since 2007
Age 51
Amy Mack joined us as a Director on November 19, 2007. We believe it is appropriate that Ms. Mack continue as a Board member due both to her experience as a nurse (the primary retail user of our products) as well as her experience in running her own company. Since April of 2000, she has been the Secretary of EmergiStaff & Associates, a nursing agency, and she served as the Chief Nursing Officer of EmergiStaff & Associates from 2000 to 2010. From 2003 to 2010, she was the owner and Aesthetics Nurse Specialist for Spa O2 & Medical Aesthetics. Ms. Mack has served as an emergency room nurse in various emergency rooms throughout her career as a nurse.
WALTER O. BIGBY, JR.
Class 2 Director
Director since 2012
Age 54
Walter O. Bigby, Jr. has served on our Board of Directors since July 2012. We believe it is appropriate for Mr. Bigby to continue to serve as a Director due to his experience in owning and operating healthcare-related businesses. Mr. Bigbys experience includes ownership of several small businesses, including hospitals, nursing homes, commercial real estate, and office equipment providers. Mr. Bigby has owned and operated Bastrop Rehabilitation Hospital, a rehabilitation hospital in Louisiana, since 2001. He is currently a minority interest owner in a nursing home in Louisiana. In 1995, Mr. Bigby sold his home health agency to Columbia HCA and remained a contract employee of the company (Hayden Health, Inc.) for three years developing other home health markets. Mr. Bigby has over a decade of experience operating healthcare businesses heavily regulated by Federal agencies and has experience with Medicare and Medicaid.
DARREN E. FINDLEY
Nominee for Class 1 Director
Director since 2017
Age 55
Darren E. Findley has served on our Board of Directors since September 2017. He has over thirty years of experience in recruiting, talent, and engagement solutions experience. He is President of Engage2Excel, where he leads the recruitment solutions team. Mr. Findley worked at AMN Healthcare from May 2015 to May 2016, as vice president and general manager of recruitment process outsourcing. In this role, his primary focus was growing the business segment and delivering top talent into healthcare facilities. Prior to AMN Healthcare, his roles included vice president and managing director of recruitment solutions at IBM/Kenexa from July 1999 to May of 2015, where he managed a $35 million portfolio and led global recruitment-outsourcing programs for clients, including UnitedHealth Group, US Steel, Flowserve, Allstate Insurance, Express Scripts and Sprint PCS. He holds a BBA from Harding University. We believe it is appropriate for Mr. Findley to continue to serve as a Director because he has nearly thirty years of management experience and brings a unique perspective to the Board with experience in recruitment and staffing for healthcare and other industries.
JOHN W. FORT III
Class 2 Director effective April 1, 2019
Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2019
Age 50
Effective April 1, 2019, John W. Fort was elected Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer and was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Board of Directors for a Class 2 Director after the retirement of Douglas W. Cowan. Mr. Fort joined us in March of 2000 as a Financial Analyst and served as our Director of Accounting from October of 2002 until April 1, 2019. His primary responsibilities in his role as Director of Accounting included managing the day-to-day operations of the Accounting and Finance Department and coordination of the annual audits, and interim reviews by our independent accountants, as well as our cost accounting and forecasting functions. Mr. Fort will be responsible for our financial, accounting, investor relations, information technology, risk management,
and forecasting functions. We believe it is appropriate for Mr. Fort to serve as a Director because of his role at the Company.
Non-Director Executive Officers
RUSSELL B. KUHLMAN
Vice President, Sales Development
Age 65
Russell B. Kuhlman joined us in February 1997 and is our Vice President, Sales Development. Mr. Kuhlman is responsible for development of national and international customers, and liaison with GPOs and product training for our sales organization, as well as distribution. Mr. Kuhlmans efforts with us have resulted in bringing onboard Specialty Distributors, influencing legislation, and educating influential healthcare representatives about the benefits of our product line. Mr. Kuhlman is respected throughout the industry and is a main contributor to the safety effort in this country.
MICHELE M. LARIOS
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary
Age 52
Michele M. Larios joined us in February 1998 and currently serves as our Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary. Ms. Larios is responsible for our legal and legislative, human resource, and regulatory functions. In addition to working on all legal matters, both internally and with outside counsel, Ms. Larios oversees work on any pertinent legislative issues and all relevant regulatory matters.
There are no family relationships among the above persons.
No Directors hold Directorships in other reporting companies.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our Directors, executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initial reports of beneficial ownership (Form 3) and reports of changes in beneficial ownership (Forms 4 and 5) of our Common Stock and our other equity securities. Officers, Directors, and greater than 10% shareholders are required by the SECs regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based on our review of the forms submitted to us during and with respect to our most recent fiscal year, all of our executive officers filed all reports timely.
The Board of Directors has the responsibility for establishing corporate policies and for our overall performance, although it is not involved in day-to-day operations. Currently, over half of the Directors serving on our Board of Directors are independent as defined in Section 803 of the Company Guide of the NYSE American LLC (NYSE American). Our current independent Directors are Marco Laterza, Amy Mack, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., and Darren E. Findley.
The Board of Directors meets quarterly throughout the year to review significant developments affecting the Company and to act upon matters requiring its approval. It also holds special meetings as required from time to time when important matters arise requiring Board action between scheduled meetings. During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors met seven times. No incumbent director attended fewer than 75% of the aggregate of meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees on which he or she served in 2018. The Board of Directors has established standing Audit, Compensation and Benefits, and Nominating Committees. Each Committee has a written charter, which is available on our website, www.retractable.com.
We have a policy encouraging Board members attendance at Annual Meetings. All members of the Board attended the 2018 Annual Meeting.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our leadership structure combines the roles of the Chairman of the Board (Chairman) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). We believe it is in the shareholders best interests for Thomas J. Shaw to serve in this dual role as CEO and Chairman. This structure fosters an important unity of leadership between the Board and Management and enables the Board to organize its functions and conduct its business in the most efficient and effective manner. As founder of the Company and primary inventor of our products, Thomas J. Shaw has a unique understanding of our operations and the anticompetitive environment in which we operate, which understanding is necessary to perform the dual role of CEO and Chairman.
We have no lead independent director due to the small size of the Board and due to the fact that the independent directors currently carry out their responsibilities effectively.
The primary responsibility for the identification, assessment, and management of the various risks that we face belongs with Management. The Board oversees these risks. For instance, at every meeting, the Board reviews the principal factors influencing our operating results, including the competitive environment and ongoing litigation, and discusses with our executive officers the major events, activities, and changes affecting the Company. The oversight of risks also occurs at the committee level. For instance, pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee is charged with reviewing and discussing financial risk exposures with Management and the measures Management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. Our Chairman, because of his dual role as CEO, is able to ensure that risks facing the Company are appropriately brought to the Board and/or its committees for their review.
Audit Committee
We have a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee represents and assists the Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to the accounting, reporting, and financial practices and legal compliance of the Company. The Audit Committee has general responsibility for oversight of the accounting and financial processes of the Company, including oversight of: (1) the integrity of the Companys financial statements and its financial reporting and disclosure practices, (2) the Companys compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and (3) the qualification and independence of the Companys auditors and the performance of the annual audit and interim reviews of the Companys financial statements by the independent auditors. The Audit Committee also provides an open avenue of communication among the independent auditors, financial and senior management, and the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee met a total of five times in 2018. The members of the Audit Committee are independent as defined by the listing standards of the NYSE American. The Audit Committee currently consists of Marco Laterza, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., and Darren E. Findley. Marco Laterza currently serves as its designated Audit Committee Financial Expert.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with Management. The Audit Committee discussed with Moss Adams LLP the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vol. 1, AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from Moss Adams LLP required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountants communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountants independence. Based on the review and discussions with Moss Adams LLP, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended 2018 for filing with the SEC.
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MARCO LATERZA |
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WALTER O. BIGBY, JR. |
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DARREN E. FINDLEY |
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee assists the Board of Directors by identifying qualified candidates for Director positions, recommending Director nominees for the annual meetings, recommending candidates for election by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies on the Board, and recommending Director nominees for Committees upon request of the Board. The Nominating Committee met two times in 2018. The Nominating Committee currently consists of Marco Laterza, Amy Mack, Darren E. Findley, and Walter O. Bigby, Jr. All members of our Nominating Committee are independent as defined by the NYSE Americans listing standards.
Director Nomination Policies
It is the policy of the Nominating Committee to consider all bona fide candidates recommended by shareholders for nomination for election to the Board. The Committee considers such candidates using the same screening criteria as are applied to all other potential nominees for election, provided that the shareholder nominations are submitted in a timely and complete manner.
Nominees properly submitted by any shareholder will be considered for recommendation by the Nominating Committee to the Board of Directors and for recommendation by the Board to the shareholders in our Proxy Statement. The procedure to be followed by shareholders in submitting such recommendations for the next Annual Meeting is set forth in detail herein in the section entitled 2020 ANNUAL MEETING.
We establish, through our Nominating Committee, selection criteria that identifies desirable skills and experience for prospective Board members, including those properly nominated by shareholders. The Nominating Committee has no formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying nominees for director. The Nominating Committee and Board broadly define diversity to include diversity of professional experience and viewpoint, as well as diversity of race, gender, nationality, and ethnicity. The Board, with the assistance of the Nominating Committee, selects potential new Board members using the criteria and priorities established from time to time based upon the needs of the Company. The composition, skills, and needs of the Board change over time and will be considered in establishing the desirable profile of candidates for any specific opening on the Board of Directors.
At a minimum, recommended nominees by the Nominating Committee for service on the Board must be well regarded and experienced participants in their field(s) of specialty, familiar at the time of their appointment with our business, willing to devote the time and attention necessary to deepen and refine their understanding of the Company and the issues facing it, and must have an understanding of the demands and responsibilities of service on a public company board of directors. The Nominating Committee will also consider such qualities as independence from the Company. Each nominee will be considered both on his or her individual merits and in relation to existing or other potential members of the Board, with a view to establishing a well-rounded, diverse, knowledgeable, and experienced Board.
The Nominating Committee considers nominees recommended by Board members, Management, and the shareholders. It is further empowered, when necessary in its judgment, to retain and compensate third party search firms to assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees.
The Class 1 Director nominees herein were recommended by the Nominating Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
Compensation and Benefits Committee
The Compensation and Benefits Committee has authority over the following responsibilities: discharging the Board of Directors responsibilities relating to the compensation of our executive officers and Directors; preparing, if necessary, an annual report on compensation and such other reports that may be required; and administering our equity and other incentive compensation plans, if any. Changes in the amount and/or form of compensation to executive officers are not generally pursued unless first proposed by Management. The committees authority may not be delegated except back to the full Board of Directors. No compensation consultants were engaged during 2018.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee met two times during 2018. The Compensation and Benefits Committee currently consists of Marco Laterza, Amy Mack, Walter O. Bigby, Jr., and Darren E. Findley. All members of our Compensation and Benefits Committee are independent as defined by the NYSE American listing standards.
Code of Ethics
Effective as of March 9, 2004, we adopted a code of ethics that applies to all employees, including, but not limited to, our principal executive and financial officers. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
1. Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interests between personal and professional relationships;
2. Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in our other public communications;
3. Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations;
4. The prompt, internal reporting of violations of the code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the code; and
5. Accountability for adherence to the code.
A copy of the code is posted on our website at www.retractable.com. Please follow the link to Investors then click Governance then click Charters, then select RVP Corporate Code of Conduct. Any amendment to this code or waiver of its application to the principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller or similar person shall be disclosed to investors by means of a Form 8-K filing with the SEC.
Communications with the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has established a Disclosure Representative Policy and a standing Disclosure Representative position. It is our policy that the Disclosure Representative serves as the primary contact for shareholders and others desiring to communicate directly with the Board of Directors. It is further our policy that all communications addressed to the Board of Directors or the Disclosure Representative are sent to all Board members. The current Disclosure Representative is Mr. Marco Laterza. Communications intended for the Board of Directors should be in writing, addressed to the attention of the Disclosure Representative or Mr. Marco Laterza, and sent to 511 Lobo Lane, Little Elm, Texas 75068-5295.
Shareholders may also contact Michele M. Larios, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company, who will respond to questions individually unless the question is directed to the full Board of Directors or the Disclosure Representative.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
We believe that all of the transactions set forth below were made on terms no less favorable to us than could have been obtained from unaffiliated third parties. In accordance with our Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee has reviewed and approved all related party transactions. In particular, the Audit Committee reviews all proposed transactions where the amount involved meets or exceeds $120,000.
In 1995, Thomas J. Shaw, President, Chief Executive Officer, and shareholder holding more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock, was paid a licensing fee of $500,000 (amortized over 17 years) by us for the exclusive worldwide licensing rights to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute retractable medical safety products. A royalty of 5% of gross sales of all licensed products sold to customers over the life of the Technology Licensing Agreement is paid. Royalties of $2,968,268 and $2,730,142 were paid to Thomas J. Shaw in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Royalties of $450,000 were paid to Mr. Shaw from January 1, 2019 through March 7, 2019.
In 2016, the Company granted a right to three of our executive officers to purchase shares directly from the Company. Thomas J. Shaw exercised such right on January 12, 2017, buying two million shares at market price for an aggregate purchase price of $1.78 million and purchased one million shares at market price on August 23, 2017 for an aggregate purchase price of $570,100. The other officers, Mr. Cowan and Ms. Larios, did not exercise their rights to purchase shares before expiration.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our capital stock as of March 7, 2019, for each person known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of the voting capital stock. Except pursuant to applicable community property laws, each shareholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to his or her shares, except as noted below.
Title of Class |
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
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Amount and |
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Percent of |
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Common Stock |
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Thomas J. Shaw(2) 511 Lobo Lane Little Elm, TX 75068 |
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18,272,014 |
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55.9 |
% |
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Suzanne M. August(3) 340 North Julia Circle St. Petersburg, FL 33706 |
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2,800,000 |
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8.6 |
% |
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BML Investment Partners, L.P. and Braden M. Leonard(4) 65 E Cedar - Suite 2 Zionsville, IN 46077 |
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2,352,330 |
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7.2 |
% |
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Lillian E. Salerno(5) 777 7th Avenue Unit 308 Washington DC 20001 |
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1,646,000 |
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5.0 |
% |
(1) The Percent of Class is calculated for the Common Stock class by dividing each beneficial owners Amount of Beneficial Ownership, as shown in the table above, by the sum of the total outstanding Common Stock (32,666,454 shares) plus that beneficial owners stock equivalents (options), if any.
(2) 2,800,000 of the shares are owned by the August Gifting Trust and August 2010 Family Trust (see footnote 3) but are controlled by Mr. Shaw pursuant to a Voting Agreement. These shares are permanently controlled by Mr. Shaw until such time as they are sold. The shares owned by the August 2010 Family Trust are included in the share amounts and percentages for both Mr. Shaw and Ms. August in the above table. Mr. Shaw has investment power over another 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock as Trustee pursuant to trust agreements for the benefit of family members. Ms. August has voting control over 1,000,000 of such shares as Special Trustee (see footnote 3). These shares are included in the share amounts and percentages for both Mr. Shaw and Ms. August in the above table.
(3) 1,800,000 shares of these shares are controlled by Mr. Thomas J. Shaw pursuant to a Voting Agreement and are held by the August 2010 Family Trust, for which Ms. August serves as Trustee. These shares are included in the share amounts and percentages for both Mr. Shaw and Ms. August in the above table. Ms. August has voting control over 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock as Special Trustee pursuant to trust agreements for the benefit of family members. Mr. Shaw has investment power over such 1,000,000 shares as Trustee. These shares are included in the share amounts and percentages for both Mr. Shaw and Ms. August in the above table.
(4) 2,217,930 shares are held by BML Investment Partners, L.P. and an additional 134,400 are held by Braden M. Leonard, according to a Schedule 13G filed on February 6, 2019. Braden M. Leonard is the managing member of the general partner of BML Investment Partners, L.P.
(5) 25,000 shares identified as Common Stock are shares which are obtainable by the exercise of a stock option. 500,000 shares identified as Common Stock are owned by a trust for which Ms. Salerno serves as trustee.
Security Ownership of Management and Directors
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our capital stock as of March 7, 2019, for each Named Executive Officer specified by Item 402 of Regulation S-K (i.e., our CEO, CFO, and three other highest paid officers) and Director of the Company. Except pursuant to applicable community property laws or as otherwise discussed below, each shareholder identified in the table possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to his or her shares.
Title of Class |
|
Name of |
|
Amount and Nature of |
|
Percent |
|
Common Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a Group |
|
Named Executive Officers and Directors |
|
19,301,892 |
|
58.0 |
% |
As Individuals |
|
Thomas J. Shaw(2) |
|
18,272,014 |
|
55.9 |
% |
|
|
Michele M. Larios(3) |
|
513,950 |
|
1.6 |
% |
|
|
Douglas W. Cowan(4) |
|
148,000 |
|
<1 |
% |
|
|
Russell B. Kuhlman(5) |
|
59,100 |
|
<1 |
% |
|
|
Marco Laterza(6) |
|
110,000 |
|
<1 |
% |
|
|
Walter O. Bigby, Jr.(7) |
|
105,000 |
|
<1 |
% |
|
|
Amy Mack(8) |
|
93,828 |
|
<1 |
% |
(1) The Percent of Class is calculated for the individuals holding Common Stock by dividing each beneficial owners Amount of Beneficial Ownership, as shown in the table above, by the sum of the total outstanding Common Stock (32,666,454 shares) plus that beneficial owners stock equivalents (options), if any. The Percent of Class is calculated for the As a Group row by totaling all of the Percent of Class percentages appearing in the chart.
(2) 2,800,000 of the shares are owned by the August 2010 Family Trust and the August Gifting Trust but are controlled by Mr. Shaw pursuant to a Voting Agreement. These shares are permanently controlled by Mr. Shaw until such time as they are sold. Mr. Shaw has investment power over 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock as Trustee pursuant to trust agreements for the benefit of family members.
(3) 202,950 of these shares are acquirable by the exercise of stock options. 1,000 of these shares are owned by Ms. Larios children. 300,000 of these shares are owned by trusts for the benefit of non-family members for which Ms. Larios serves as trustee.
(4) These shares are acquirable by the exercise of stock options.
(5) 13,100 of these shares are acquirable by the exercise of stock options.
(6) 65,000 of these shares are acquirable by the exercise of stock options.
(7) 100,000 of these shares are acquirable by the exercise of stock options.
(8) These shares are acquirable by the exercise of stock options.
Darren E. Findley, elected to the Board of Directors in September 2017, owns no shares of the Company.
John W. Fort, who was elected as an executive officer and appointed to the Board of Directors effective April 1, 2019, owns options for the purchase of 24,275 shares of Common Stock.
There are no arrangements, the operation of which would result in a change of control of the Company, other than:
1. The 2,800,000 shares owned by the August 2010 Family Trust and August Gifting Trust shall cease to be controlled by Mr. Shaw under the Voting Agreement upon their sale to a third party for value; and
2. Mr. Shaw has voting control over 16,772,014 shares of the currently outstanding shares of the Common Stock (51.3%) and investment power over 15,472,014 shares (47.4%) and total beneficial ownership of 55.9% of the currently outstanding shares of the Common Stock. Assuming the exercise of all vested options and conversion of all outstanding preferred shares, Mr. Shaw would have beneficial ownership of 52.6% of the Common Stock.
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Compensation Consultant Reports
On October 13, 2016, the Companys Compensation and Benefits Committee retained Longnecker Investment Group Inc., d/b/a Longnecker & Associates, a compensation consulting company. Consistent with its report, the Compensation and Benefits Committee granted stock options for the purchase of 50,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Cowan, Ms. Larios, and all three independent directors on December 27, 2016. Additionally, in accordance with a separate Longnecker & Associates report, the Compensation and Benefits Committee issued to Mr. Cowan and Ms. Larios a special cash bonus of $250,000 each in February 2017. Additional information regarding these reports may be found in our annual report and proxy statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2017. Except as identified therein, we have not otherwise benchmarked our compensation in recent years.
The Objectives of Our Compensation Plan
Our executive officer compensation program (the Compensation Program) is based on the belief that competitive compensation is essential to attract, retain, motivate, and reward highly qualified and industrious executive officers. Our Compensation Program is intended to accomplish the following:
· attract and retain highly talented and productive executive officers;
· provide incentives and rewards for superior performance by the executive officers; and
· align the interests of executive officers with the interests of our stockholders.
Our Compensation Program is designed to reward both superior long-term performance by our executive officers and their loyalty.
Elements of Compensation
To achieve these objectives, the Compensation and Benefits Committee has approved an executive officer compensation program that consists of three basic components:
· base salary;
· short-term incentive compensation in the form of cash bonuses; and
· medical, life, and benefit programs (which are generally available to all employees).
Historically, the Company also offered periodic long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock options. Our 2008 Stock Option Plan expired on July 25, 2018 and we have no other plan in effect so we cannot offer additional stock options at this time.
Executive compensation is not based on the individuals contribution to specific, quantitative corporate objectives due to the fact that we compete in a market environment where significant achievement or performance is not always correlated with corporate results.
Additionally, in 2016, we granted a right to three of our executive officers to purchase shares of Common Stock directly from the Company at market prices. Thomas J. Shaw, CEO, exercised his purchase rights on January 12, 2017, buying two million shares at market price for an aggregate purchase price of $1.78 million, and he exercised the remainder of his purchase rights on August 23, 2017 by purchasing one million shares at market price for aggregate consideration of $570,100. The other officers, Mr. Cowan and Ms. Larios, did not exercise their rights to purchase shares before expiration.
Base Salary
We choose to pay a significant component of our compensation in base salary due to the fact that our ability to grow has been constrained by larger market players. Until such time as we believe that we have access to the market, we believe that it is appropriate to weigh our Compensation Program heavily in favor of base salaries rather than incentive compensation.
Management establishes the initial recommendations regarding compensation for all employees. Executive compensation remains the same until there is a review of such compensation by the Compensation and Benefits Committee. Additionally, the Compensation and Benefits Committee sets the compensation for new officers, such as John W. Fort, who will assume the office of Vice President, Treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer effective April 1, 2019. Compensation, other than that of the Chief Executive Officer, has generally not been reviewed annually. Under the terms of Mr. Shaws employment agreement, his compensation is reviewed annually.
The base salary for each of our executive officers is subjectively determined primarily on the basis of the following factors: experience, individual performance, contribution to our performance, level of responsibility, duties and functions, salary levels in effect for comparable positions within and without our industry, and internal base salary comparability considerations. However, salaries can also be affected by our long-term needs.
Cash Bonuses
From time to time and when our cash reserves allow, we grant cash bonuses in order to reward significant efforts or the accomplishment of short term goals. The bonuses, when paid, are paid on a discretionary basis as determined by the Compensation and Benefits Committee. In February of 2017, Mr. Cowan and Ms. Larios were each granted cash bonuses of $250,000 which amount was supported by the compensation consultant report referenced above. Prior to 2017, the bonuses were last granted in 2010.
Long-Term Incentives: Stock Options
Our 2008 Stock Option Plan expired on July 25, 2018 and we have no other plan in effect so we cannot offer stock options at this time. The expiration of the stock option plan does not affect the currently outstanding stock options.
In the past, long-term incentives were provided through grants of stock options. The grants were designed to align the interests of executive officers with those of stockholders and to provide each executive officer with a significant incentive to manage from the perspective of an owner with an equity stake in the Company. As set forth elsewhere herein, our principal executive officers presently have an equity stake in the Company notwithstanding the fact that the Company has no effective equity plan in place at this time.
Effective September 9, 2016, we granted options for the purchase of 500,400 shares of Common Stock to our employees. Effective December 27, 2016, we granted options for the purchase of a total of 250,000 shares (50,000 shares each) to our chief financial officer, general counsel, and our three independent directors serving at the time.
Generally, option awards to executive officers were granted by the Compensation and Benefits Committee and for others are granted at the discretion of the Board after recommendation of the Compensation and Benefits Committee or on the committees own initiative. No awards were granted if the Compensation and Benefits
Committee did not support a recommendation. The Committee would consider, among other factors, our financial condition and the expected expense of the grants.
Each stock option grant to employees allows the employee to acquire shares of Common Stock at a fixed price per share (never less than the closing stock price of the Common Stock on the date of grant or the prior trading day, as applicable) for a fixed period (usually ten years). Options granted in 2016 vested in one year for employees and vested immediately for the independent directors receiving options. Accordingly, stock option grants provide a return to the employee only if the employee remained employed by us during the vesting period, and then only if the market price of the underlying Common Stock appreciates.
Generally, stock options terminate three (3) months after an employees termination without cause and immediately upon termination with cause. Stock options expire ten (10) years after the grant date. Therefore, notwithstanding the expiration of the stock option plan, many employees still have outstanding stock options which may be exercised in the future.
Awards were granted on the basis of historical performance. There is no discretion to change the awards once granted.
Shareholder Advisory Votes
This annual meeting will be our shareholders third opportunity to advise us with respect to executive compensation by casting an advisory vote on the compensation paid to our named executive officers. A majority of the votes cast in 2013 and 2016 on the executive compensation proposals were voted in favor of the proposals.
This annual meeting will be our shareholders second opportunity to advise us with respect to the frequency of shareholder advisory votes. A majority of the votes cast in 2013 voted in favor of the proposal to conduct the compensation advisory votes every three years.
The Compensation and Benefits Committee will continue to take into account the outcome of these advisory votes when making compensation decisions for the named executive officers.
Factors We Consider in Determining to Change Compensation Materially
We consider our cash position, current liquidity trends, and the short-term and long-term needs for cash reserves when evaluating whether we can change compensation materially at a given time. On an individual-by-individual basis, we also consider the value of past option compensation, the competitiveness of that individuals base salary, and that individuals contribution to our goals.
The Impact of the Accounting and Tax Treatments
Stock options granted to executives and other employees have been expensed for accounting purposes under the Stock Compensation Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification. We have expensed all of our option costs. Stock option expense is not recognized for tax purposes, except in the case of non-qualified stock options. For non-qualified stock options, the intrinsic value of the option is recognized when the option is exercised.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code is not a material concern since our executives are not compensated over $1 million.
Compensation Pursuant to Employment Agreement
We have an Employment Agreement with Mr. Thomas J. Shaw (the Employment Agreement). No other executives or Directors are compensated pursuant to employment agreements.
The Employment Agreement provides for an initial period of three years which ended December 31, 2010 and automatically and continuously renews for consecutive two-year periods. The Employment Agreement is
terminable either by us or Mr. Shaw upon 30 days written notice or upon Mr. Shaws death. The Employment Agreement details a variety of causes for termination and payments owed to Mr. Shaw in each case.
The Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2008 provides for an annual salary of at least $416,400 with an annual salary increase equal to no less than the percentage increase in the CPI over the prior year. The Employment Agreement requires that Mr. Shaws salary be reviewed by the Compensation and Benefits Committee annually, which shall make such increases as it considers appropriate. Accordingly, the Compensation and Benefits Committee increased his 2019 salary by $9,315 (1.9%) over his 2018 salary in accordance with the percentage increase in the CPI over the prior year.
Under the Employment Agreement, we are obligated to provide certain benefits, including, but not limited to, participation in qualified pension plan and profit-sharing plans, participation in the Companys Cafeteria Plan and other such insurance benefits provided to other executives, paid vacation, and sick leave. We are also obligated to furnish him with a cellular telephone and suitable office space as well as reimburse him for any reasonable and necessary out of pocket travel and entertainment expenses incurred by him in carrying out his duties and responsibilities, membership dues to professional organizations, and any business-related seminars and conferences.
Mr. Shaw has the right under this agreement to resign in the event that there is a change of control. A Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred on either of the following dates: (i) the date any one person (other than Mr. Shaw), or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing 30% or more of the total possible voting power of the stock of the Company (assuming the immediate conversion of all then outstanding convertible preferred stock) or (ii) the date a majority of members of the Board of Directors is replaced during any 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Companys Board of Directors before the date of the appointment or election. Mr. Shaw further has the right to resign if there is a change in ownership. A change in ownership is defined to have occurred on the date that any one person (other than Mr. Shaw) or more than one person acting as a group acquires ownership of the Companys stock that, together with the stock previously held by such person or group, constitutes more than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power (assuming the immediate conversion of all then outstanding convertible preferred stock) of the Company. In such event Mr. Shaw is entitled to salary through the date of termination, salary for 24 months, reimbursement of expenses, and applicable benefits.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation and Benefits Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with Management, and, based on the review and discussions referred to in paragraph (e)(5)(i)(A) of Item 407 of Regulation S-K, has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.
|
|
WALTER O. BIGBY, JR. |
|
|
AMY MACK |
|
|
MARCO LATERZA |
|
|
DARREN E. FINDLEY |
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued by us over the past three fiscal years to or for the account of the named executive officers:
Summary Compensation Table for 2016-2018
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
|
Thomas J. Shaw |
|
2016 |
|
469,827 |
|
|
|
|
|
1,355,300 |
(1) |
1,825,127 |
|
President and CEO |
|
2017 |
|
479,694 |
|
|
|
|
|
5,400 |
(4) |
485,094 |
|
(principal executive officer) |
|
2018 |
|
490,247 |
|
|
|
|
|
5,500 |
(4) |
495,747 |
|
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Option |
|
All Other |
|
Total |
|
Michele M. Larios |
|
2016 |
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
36,400 |
(2) |
5,300 |
(4) |
391,700 |
|
Vice President, |
|
2017 |
|
350,000 |
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
5,400 |
(4) |
605,400 |
|
General Counsel |
|
2018 |
|
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
5,500 |
(4) |
355,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglas W. Cowan |
|
2016 |
|
290,000 |
|
|
|
36,400 |
(2) |
4,462 |
(4) |
330,862 |
|
Vice President, CFO |
|
2017 |
|
290,000 |
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
4,908 |
(4) |
544,908 |
|
(principal financial officer, principal accounting officer) |
|
2018 |
|
290,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
5,500 |
(4) |
295,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell B. Kuhlman |
|
2016 |
|
153,522 |
|
|
|
23,357 |
(2) |
2,739 |
(4) |
179,618 |
|
Vice President, Sales |
|
2017 |
|
148,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,968 |
(4) |
151,709 |
|
Development |
|
2018 |
|
148,728 |
|
|
|
|
|
2,857 |
(4) |
151,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathryn M. Duesman(3) |
|
2016 |
|
184,749 |
|
|
|
36,908 |
(2) |
3,225 |
(4) |
224,882 |
|
Executive Director, |
|
2017 |
|
175,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,493 |
(4) |
178,505 |
|
Global Health |
|
2018 |
|
174,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
3,359 |
(4) |
178,358 |
|
(1) 1,350,000 of this amount is the result of Mr. Shaws gain on exercising a portion of his stock option for 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock. This gain had no effect on our financial statements. The expense related to the stock options was recognized in previous years. $5,300 of this amount is the 401(k) matching contribution of the Company.
(2) Assumptions for Ms. Larios and Mr. Cowans stock option awards include: 50,000 underlying shares each, exercise price of $1.05 per share, a ten-year term, a 7.1 year expected life, a risk-free rate of 2.37%, and a volatility factor of 72.5%. These options vested in December 2017.
Mr. Kuhlman was granted an option for 13,100 underlying shares. Ms. Duesman was granted an option for 20,700 underlying shares. Assumptions for Mr. Kuhlmans and Ms. Duesmans stock option awards include: exercise price of $2.75 per share, a ten-year term, a 7.1 year expected life, a risk-free rate of 1.51%, and a volatility factor of 67.16%. These options vested in September 2017.
(3) Ms. Duesman is not an executive officer, but qualifies as a named executive officer by virtue of Item 402(m)(2)(iii) of Regulation S-K.
(4) Represents the 401(k) matching contributions of the Company.
Narrative Disclosure to Summary Compensation Table
Please see Compensation Pursuant to Employment Agreement above and POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL below for terms of our only employment agreement in effect.
Salary represents a substantial portion of the total compensation for all named executive officers. This form of payment had been favored by the Company over equity awards due to the market environment in which the Company operates.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table sets forth information regarding unexercised options held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2018.
Name |
|
Number of |
|
Option |
|
Option |
|
Thomas J. Shaw |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, CEO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(principal executive officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michele M. Larios |
|
50,000 |
|
$1.05 |
|
12/27/2026 |
|
Vice President, |
|
152,950 |
|
$0.81 |
|
07/15/2019 |
|
General Counsel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Douglas W. Cowan |
|
50,000 |
|
$1.05 |
|
12/27/2026 |
|
Vice President, CFO |
|
98,000 |
|
$0.81 |
|
07/15/2019 |
|
(principal financial officer, principal accounting officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Russell B. Kuhlman |
|
13,100 |
|
$2.75 |
|
09/09/2026 |
|
Vice President, Sales Development |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathryn M. Duesman |
|
20,700 |
|
$2.75 |
|
09/09/2026 |
|
Executive Director, Global Health |
|
53,550 |
|
$0.81 |
|
07/15/2019 |
|
401(k) Plan
We do not have a pension plan other than the 401(k) plan which is available to all employees on the first day of the third month following the date of employment.
We implemented an employee savings and retirement plan (the 401(k) Plan) in 2005 that is intended to be a tax-qualified plan covering substantially all employees. Under the terms of the 401(k) Plan, employees may elect to contribute up to 88% of their compensation, or the statutory prescribed limit, if less. We may, at our discretion, match employee contributions. In the first quarter of 2016, we reinstituted a policy of matching. For 2016 and 2017, we matched each participants elective deferrals up to 2% of the participants compensation for the pay period. We made matching contributions of $122,369 in 2016, of which $15,062 were to named executive officers. We made matching contributions of $145,474 in 2017, of which $15,708 were to named executive officers. We made matching contributions of $145,146 in 2018, of which $22,716 were to named executive officers.
Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control
Other than the information set forth below for Mr. Shaw, no other named executive officer has a contract in place for termination or change of control payments.
The following table identifies the types and amounts of payments that shall be made to Thomas J. Shaw, our CEO, in the event of a termination of his employment or a change of control per his Employment Agreement. Such payments shall be made by us and shall be one-time, lump sum payments except as indicated below. In 2018, no other contract existed for payments upon termination or change of control.
Payment Triggering Event(1) |
|
Salary |
|
Amounts |
|
Reimbursement |
|
Undiscounted |
|
Payment |
|
Value of |
Death |
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disability |
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
980,493 |
|
|
|
980,493 |
Payment Triggering Event(1) |
|
Salary |
|
Amounts |
|
Reimbursement |
|
Undiscounted |
|
Payment |
|
Value of |
Termination With Cause |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination Without Cause |
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
980,493 |
|
|
|
980,493 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resignation (Other Than After a Change of Control) |
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
122,561 |
|
122,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resignation (After a Change of Control) |
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
980,493 |
|
|
|
980,493 |
(1) The above payments would be paid under Mr. Shaws agreement at certain times assuming the termination or change of control occurred December 31, 2018. Any payments arising as a result of disability or resignation would be paid no sooner than six months and one day from the termination date but no later than seven months from the termination date. Any payments arising as a result of death would be paid no later than the 90th day following the death. Payments arising as a result of termination with cause or termination without cause would be paid no later than the 30th day following the date of termination, except that any amount due in excess of an amount equal to the lesser of: i) two times annual compensation or ii) two times the limit on compensation under section 401(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be paid no earlier than six months and one day after the date of termination but in no event later than seven months after the date of termination. Under Mr. Shaws agreement, Mr. Shaw has agreed to a one-year non-compete, not to hire or attempt to hire employees for one year, and not make known our customers or accounts or to call on or solicit our accounts or customers in the event of termination of his employment for one year unless the termination is without cause or pursuant to a change of control. However, it is not clear that the above payments are conditioned on the performance of these contractual obligations.
(2) Mr. Shaw is paid every two weeks. Therefore, the maximum value for this column in the event the triggering event took place immediately prior to a scheduled payment date is two weeks salary ($18,856).
(3) Mr. Shaw participates in our benefit plans which do not discriminate in scope, terms, or operation in favor of executive officers. Such plans are generally available to all salaried employees. Accordingly, the value of such payments is not included in the Value of Payments column.
(4) This value does not include payments under our benefit plans for reasons set forth in footnote 3 above. In addition, this value assumes that the triggering event occurred on December 31, 2018. Authorized payments under the Employment Agreement are also capped to one dollar less than the amount that would cause Mr. Shaw to be the recipient of a parachute payment under Section 280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Compensation of Directors
The following table identifies the types and amounts of compensation earned by our current and former Directors (with the exception of those that are named executive officers as described in footnote 1 to the table) in the last Fiscal Year:
Name(1) |
Fees Earned or |
Total |
|||
Marco Laterza |
2,500 |
|
2,500 |
||
Amy Mack |
2,500 |
|
2,500 |
||
Walter O. Bigby, Jr. |
2,500 |
|
2,500 |
||
Darren E. Findley |
|
2,500 |
|
2,500 |
|
(1) Thomas J. Shaw and Douglas W. Cowan are named executive officers who were also Directors in 2018. Their compensation is reflected in the Summary Compensation and other tables presented earlier.
In 2018, we paid each non-employee Director a fee of $500 per meeting and reimbursed travel expenses, if airfare, hotel, and other reasonable travel-related expenses were incurred to attend Board meetings. In 2019, we set the non-employee Directors compensation as follows: if they do not live in North Texas and travel to attend Board meetings, $1,500 per meeting (plus reimbursed travel expenses) and otherwise, $1,000 per meeting. If they participate in Board meetings by phone, then the compensation is $250 per meeting. We do not pay any additional amounts for committee participation or special assignment.
Generally, employee Directors are compensated on an at-will basis as discussed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis. However, one employee, Mr. Thomas J. Shaw, our President and CEO, is compensated pursuant to an Employment Agreement. Please see Compensation Pursuant to Employment Agreement, set forth above for an in depth summary of the terms of such agreement.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation and Benefits Committee is currently composed of Walter O. Bigby, Jr., Amy Mack, Marco Laterza, and Darren E. Findley. Each of these members of this committee is an independent Board member and none have ever been employees of the Company.
There are no interlocking Directors or executive officers between us and any other company. Accordingly, none of our executive officers or Directors served as a Director or executive officer for another entity whose executive officers or Directors served on our Board of Directors.
Compensation Policies and Practices As They Relate To Risk Management
We do not believe that risk-taking incentives are created by our compensation policies. We do not have business units. We believe that our compensation expense is a reasonable percentage of revenues overall. We have not set specific performance criteria for the award of bonuses. Salaries and bonuses, if any, are awarded based on skill, experience, and our overall revenues. We review our compensation policies and practices as they relate to risk management objectives if compensation amounts are materially amended or if our risk profile changes. No changes to our compensation policies and practices have been implemented as a result of changes to our risk profile.
Pay Ratio Disclosure
The ratio of the Companys median of annual total compensation for employees to the total compensation of the principal executive officer is 1: 11.9. The median of annual total compensation for all employees other than the principal executive officer was $41,357. The total compensation for the principal executive officer was $495,747. We calculated the median of annual total compensation for all employees as of December 31, 2018 using payroll records.
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANYS NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act), as well as Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules promulgated thereunder, we are providing you with the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote on a resolution to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. This vote is not intended to address any specific element of compensation, but instead is intended to address the overall compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.
The Board and its Compensation and Benefits Committee believe the compensation of our named executive officers for 2018 is reasonable and appropriate. As described in greater detail above in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement, our compensation policies reflect our belief that the anti-competitive environment in which we operate means that results will not always be commensurate with performance. We believe that the performance of our executives has been outstanding. You are encouraged to read the entirety of the Compensation section of this proxy statement for more detail about our compensation policies.
Our future compensation will be altered by the change in named executive officers in 2019 due to Mr. Douglas W. Cowans retirement, effective March 31, 2019. The salary for his replacement shall be $200,000 per year.
Effect of the Proposal
Pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the rules of the SEC, the resolution on executive compensation set forth below (i) is advisory and is therefore not binding on the Company, the Board, or the Compensation and Benefits Committee; (ii) is not to be construed as overruling any decisions of the Company, the Board, or the Compensation and Benefits Committee; and (iii) does not create or imply any additional fiduciary duties or changes to fiduciary duties of the Company, the Board, or the Compensation and Benefits Committee. The Board believes that it and its Compensation and Benefits Committee are in the best position to consider the extensive information that from time to time should be taken into consideration in determining named executive officer compensation. Nonetheless, the Company, the Board, and the Compensation and Benefits Committee value your opinions and will take into consideration the outcome of this vote as part of their future deliberations regarding named executive officer compensation.
Text of the Resolution to be Adopted
RESOLVED, that the Shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Companys proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the compensation tables, and any related narrative disclosures.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL REGARDING AN ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ADVISORY VOTES
In accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, as well as Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules promulgated thereunder, we are providing you with the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote on how frequently we should seek an advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers, such as the advisory vote sought pursuant to Proposal 2 above. By voting on this frequency proposal, you may indicate whether you would prefer that the advisory vote on the compensation of our named executive officers occur every one, two, or three years.
The Board and its Compensation and Benefits Committee believe that the advisory vote on the frequency of executive compensation votes should be conducted every three years to complement our goal of creating a compensation program that avoids undue emphasis on short-term variations and enhances long-term shareholder value.
Effect of the Proposal
Pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the rules of the SEC, (i) this Proposal 3 is advisory and is therefore not binding on the Company, the Board, or the Compensation and Benefits Committee of the Board; and (ii) Shareholder approval of a one, two, or three-year frequency vote will not require us to implement an advisory vote on executive compensation every one, two, or three years, as applicable. Although the vote is non-binding, the Board and the Compensation and Benefits Committee value your opinions and will take into consideration the outcome of the vote when considering the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EVERY 3 YEARS FOR THE PROPOSAL REGARDING AN ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ADVISORY VOTES.
After consideration of the advisory votes, if the Company determines that a three-year frequency is appropriate, then the next executive compensation advisory vote will occur in 2022.
Moss Adams LLP has been selected again as our independent accountants for the year ending December 31, 2019. A representative of Moss Adams LLP will attend the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she so desires. A Moss Adams LLP representative will be available to respond to appropriate shareholder questions at that time.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Moss Adams LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements for 2018 and 2017 and the reviews of the financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q for 2018 and 2017 and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for these periods were $201,245 and $203,232, respectively.
Audit Related Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Moss Adams LLP for professional services rendered for the audit of our 401(k) plan for 2018 and 2017 were $16,750 and $17,000, respectively.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Moss Adams LLP for preparation of federal and state income tax returns and tax consulting costs related to notices from taxing authorities for 2018 and 2017 were $57,100 and $72,755, respectively.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The engagement of the independent accountants was entered into pursuant to the approval policies and procedures of the Audit Committee. Before any independent accountant was engaged to render services, the engagement was approved by the Audit Committee. The engagements for audit and tax services were detailed separately. The Audit Committee implemented its approval procedures, i.e., they were not delegated to any other party. All of the services provided were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
DELIVERY OF SINGLE OR MULTIPLE SETS OF DOCUMENTS TO ONE HOUSEHOLD
We have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called householding. Under this procedure, certain shareholders of record who have the same address and last name and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of our annual report and proxy statement, unless one or more of these shareholders notifies us that they would like to receive individual copies. This reduces our printing costs and postage fees. Shareholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards.
If you and other shareholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of our annual report and/or proxy statement, and you would like to receive only a single copy of the annual report or proxy statement for your household, please contact Michele M. Larios, Secretary and General Counsel of the Corporation, at 511 Lobo Lane, Little Elm, Texas 75068, (888) 806-2626.
If you participate in householding and would like to receive a separate copy of our annual report or this proxy statement, please contact us in the manner described in the immediately preceding paragraph. We will deliver the requested documents to you promptly upon receipt of your request.
Proposals by shareholders that are submitted for inclusion in our proxy statement for our 2020 Annual Meeting must follow the procedures set forth in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and our bylaws. To be timely under Rule 14a-8, they must be received by our Corporate Secretary, Michele Larios, at 511 Lobo Lane, Little Elm, Texas 75068-5295, by November 29, 2019.
If a shareholder does not submit a proposal for inclusion in our proxy statement, but does wish to propose an item of business to be considered at the annual meeting of shareholders (other than director nominations), that shareholder must give advance written notice of such proposal to our Corporate Secretary at least 45 days prior to the anniversary of the mailing date of the most recent annual meeting. For our 2020 Annual Meeting, notice must be given by February 12, 2020, and must comply with certain other requirements contained in our bylaws, as well as all applicable statutes and regulations. Proposals received after this date will be considered untimely and may not, in the Board of Directors discretion, be addressed at the next annual meeting.
We reserve the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these requirements.
A shareholder may nominate a person, on their own initiative, for consideration for recommendation by the Board to the shareholders in our Proxy Statement for the 2020 annual meeting. Such notice must be received by November 29, 2019 and must set forth:
1. The name and address of the shareholder making the nomination and of the person to be nominated;
2. A representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of Common Stock of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting (specifying the number of shares beneficially held) and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting;
3. A description of all arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and the nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination is being made by the shareholder and any material interest of the shareholder in making the nomination;
4. Such other information regarding the nominee proposed by such shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the then current proxy rules of the SEC; and
5. The consent of the nominee to serve as a Director if so recommended by the Board and duly elected at the annual meeting by the shareholders.
We evaluate Director nominees recommended by shareholders in the same manner in which we evaluate other Director nominees.
FORM OF PROXY CARD
RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 511 LOBO LANE LITTLE ELM, TX 75068-5295 |
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by Retractable Technologies, Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access shareholder communications electronically in future years. |
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VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. |
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VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. |
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: |
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS. |
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY. |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. |
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL IN THE ELECTION OF CLASS 1 DIRECTORS |
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1. ELECTION OF THREE CLASS 1 DIRECTORS: Nominees: 01) Marco Laterza 02) Darren E. Findley 03) Amy Mack |
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL |
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2. ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
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THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS YOU VOTE 3 YEARS ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL |
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3. ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ADVISORY VOTES |
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4. IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING | ||||||||||||||||||||
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The undersigned hereby revokes all previous proxies related to the shares covered hereby and confirms all their said proxies and their substitutes may do by virtue hereof. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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PLEASE SIGN, DATE, AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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(NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. All holders must sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name, by authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. |
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It is understood that, when properly executed, the shares represented by this proxy will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. WHERE NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED BY THE SHAREHOLDER, THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND FOR 3 YEARS ON PROPOSAL 3. IF THE PROXY IS EXECUTED IN SUCH A MANNER SO AS NOT TO WITHHOLD AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ANY NOMINEE, IT SHALL BE DEEMED TO GRANT AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR SUCH NOMINEE. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting. |
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To obtain information about voting in person, please call the Company at (888) 806-2626. |
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] |
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ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
MAY 7, 2019
COMMON STOCK
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The proxy materials including the Notice and Proxy Statement and Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.
PLEASE DETACH ALONG PERFORATED LINE AND MAIL IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
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PROXY FOR COMMON STOCK RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 511 Lobo Lane Little Elm, Texas 75068-5295
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Retractable Technologies, Inc. (the Company) to be held on May 7, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., Central time, at the Little Elm Town Hall located at 100 West Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm, Texas 75068 (the Annual Meeting), and the Proxy Statement in connection therewith, and appoints Thomas J. Shaw and Michele Larios, and each of them, individually, as the lawful agents and proxies of the undersigned (with all powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, including full power of substitution), and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of Common Stock of the Company held of record by the undersigned as of the close of business on March 7, 2019, at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
At the Annual Meeting, the following matters will be voted on by the holders of Common Stock:
1. Election Of Three Class 1 Directors 2. Advisory Vote To Approve Executive Compensation 3. Advisory Vote On The Frequency Of Executive Compensation Advisory Votes
The matters to be voted on are not related to or conditioned on the approval of other matters. | ||
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Address Changes/Comments:
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(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)
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