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OMB APPROVAL |
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OMB Number:
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3235-0059 |
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Expires:
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January 31, 2008 |
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Estimated average burden hours per
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14.75 |
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. 1)
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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þ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Advanced Environmental Recycling
Technologies, 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):
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þ No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11. |
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1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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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): |
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o 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. |
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1) Amount Previously Paid: |
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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SEC 1913 (11-01) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
914 N Jefferson Street (72764)
Post Office Box 1237
Springdale, Arkansas 72765
(479) 756-7400
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held Thursday, June 8, 2006
To our Stockholders:
The annual meeting of stockholders of Advanced Environmental
Recycling Technologies, Inc. will be held at the Northwest
Arkansas Holiday Inn Convention Center, Springdale, Arkansas at
7:00 p.m., local time, Thursday, June 8, 2006, to
consider and act upon the following matters, all as more fully
described in the accompanying proxy statement which is
incorporated herein by this reference:
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1. To elect eleven members to the eleven-person board of
directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders
and until their respective successors shall be elected and
qualify. |
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2. To ratify the appointment of Tullius Taylor
Sartain & Sartain LLP as independent public accountants
of the company for the year ending December 31,
2006; and |
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3. To transact such other business and to consider and take
action upon any and all matters that may properly come before
the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
The board of directors has fixed the close of business on
April 12, 2006, as the record date for the determination of
the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual
meeting and any adjournment thereof.
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Sincerely, |
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Marjorie S. Brooks |
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Secretary |
April 28, 2006
A proxy card and annual report of the company for the year ended
December 31, 2005, are enclosed. It is important that your
shares be represented whether or not you attend the meeting.
Registered stockholders can vote their shares via the Internet
or by using a toll-free telephone number. Instructions for using
these convenient services appear on the proxy card. You can also
vote your shares by marking your votes on the proxy card,
signing and dating it and mailing it promptly using the envelope
provided. Proxy votes are tabulated by an independent agent and
reported at the annual meeting. The tabulating agent maintains
the confidentiality of the proxies throughout the voting
process. We hope that you can attend this meeting in person, but
if you cannot do so please vote your proxy now.
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
914 N Jefferson Street (72764)
Post Office Box 1237
Springdale, Arkansas 72765
(479) 756-7400
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
June 8, 2006
PROXY STATEMENT
SOLICITATION AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the board of
directors of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), for use
at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held at the
Northwest Arkansas Holiday Inn Convention Center, Springdale,
Arkansas, at 7:00 p.m. local time, Thursday, June 8,
2006, and at any adjournments thereof. The notice of meeting,
proxy statement, and form of proxy are being mailed to
stockholders on or about May 1, 2006.
A proxy may be revoked by delivering a written notice of
revocation to the principal office of the Company or in person
at the meeting at any time prior to the voting thereof.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
At April 12, 2006, the record date, there were
38,237,812 shares of Class A common stock and
1,465,530 shares of Class B common stock issued and
outstanding. Each outstanding share of Class A common stock
entitles the holder thereof to one vote on matters submitted to
the stockholders and each share of Class B common stock
entitles the holder thereof to five votes on matters submitted
to the stockholders. As of April 12, 2006, the holders of
the Class B common stock are entitled to an aggregate of
7,327,650 votes. The holders of record of the Class A
common stock and Class B common stock outstanding on
April 12, 2006, will vote together as a single class on all
matters submitted to stockholders and such other matters as may
properly come before the annual meeting and any adjournments.
The enclosed form of proxy provides a method for stockholders to
withhold authority to vote for any one or more nominees (See
Election of Directors for the method of withholding
authority to vote for directors). By withholding authority,
shares will not be voted either for or against a particular
matter but will be counted for quorum purposes. Abstentions and
brokers non-votes, if any, are counted for
purposes of determining a quorum but will have no effect on the
election of directors or other matters intended to be submitted
to a vote of the stockholders.
As of the record date, the Companys executive officers and
directors beneficially owned approximately 37.5% of the
currently outstanding shares of Class A common stock and
93.9% of the shares of Class B common stock, and
collectively beneficially owned shares representing
approximately 44.8% of the votes entitled to be cast upon
matters submitted at the annual meeting. As of the record date,
Marjorie S. Brooks and corporations controlled by her
beneficially owned shares representing approximately 31.1% of
the votes entitled to be cast and may be in a position to
control the Company.
The following table sets forth, as of April 12, 2006,
certain information with regard to the beneficial ownership of
the Companys capital stock by each holder of 5% or more of
the outstanding stock, by each named executive officer and
director of the Company, and by all officers and directors as a
group:
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Name and Address |
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Title of |
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Number of Shares of |
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Percentage of Class |
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Percentage of Total |
of Beneficial Owner |
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Class(1) |
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Common Stock(2) |
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Outstanding(2)(17) |
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Voting Power(2)(18) |
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Marjorie S. Brooks
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Class A |
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12,186,833 |
(3) |
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26.9 |
% |
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31.1 |
% |
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Class B |
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837,588 |
(4) |
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57.2 |
% |
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Joe G. Brooks
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Class A |
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896,772 |
(5) |
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2.3 |
% |
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5.1 |
% |
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Class B |
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284,396 |
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19.4 |
% |
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J. Douglas Brooks
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Class A |
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919,065 |
(6) |
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2.4 |
% |
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3.4 |
% |
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Class B |
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131,051 |
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8.9 |
% |
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Jerry B. Burkett
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Class A |
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325,848 |
(7) |
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* |
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1.1 |
% |
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Class B |
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33,311 |
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2.3 |
% |
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Sal Miwa
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Class A |
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489,811 |
(8) |
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1.3 |
% |
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1.1 |
% |
Stephen W. Brooks
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Class A |
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821,112 |
(9) |
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2.1 |
% |
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2.8 |
% |
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Class B |
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89,311 |
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6.1 |
% |
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Jim Robason
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Class A |
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221,142 |
(10) |
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* |
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* |
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Melinda Davis
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Class A |
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257,326 |
(11) |
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* |
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* |
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Michael M. Tull
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Class A |
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1,028,362 |
(12) |
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2.6 |
% |
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2.2 |
% |
Samuel L. Milbank
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Class A |
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578,165 |
(13) |
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1.5 |
% |
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1.3 |
% |
Tim W. Kizer
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Class A |
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26,278 |
(14) |
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* |
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* |
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Edward P. Carda
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Class A |
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26,278 |
(14) |
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* |
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* |
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Robert A. Thayer
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Class A |
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150,000 |
(8) |
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* |
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* |
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Jim Precht
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Class A |
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407,700 |
(15) |
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1.1 |
% |
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* |
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Alford Drinkwater
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Class A |
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10,000 |
(16) |
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* |
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* |
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Officers and directors
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as a group (fifteen persons) |
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Class A |
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18,344,692 |
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37.5 |
% |
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44.8 |
% |
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P. O. Box 1237 |
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Class B |
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1,375,657 |
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93.9 |
% |
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Springdale, Arkansas 72765 |
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(1) |
The Class B common stock is substantially identical to the
Class A common stock, except that each share of
Class B common stock has five votes per share and each
share of Class A common stock has one vote per share. Each
share of Class B common stock is convertible into one share
of Class A common stock. |
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(2) |
Beneficial ownership of shares was determined in accordance with
Rule 13d-3(d)(1)
of the Exchange Act and included shares underlying outstanding
warrants and options which the named individual had the right to
acquire within sixty days (June 11, 2006) of April 12,
2006. |
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(3) |
Includes 4,042,323 shares owned directly, 1,121,457 in
trusts or corporations controlled by Mrs. Brooks,
35,848 shares issuable pursuant to restricted stock awards,
425,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options,
3,974,080 shares issuable upon exercise of Class F and
Class G Warrants issued in connection with a private
placement of Class A common stock in May of 1994,
1,771,792 shares issuable upon exercise of Class H
Warrants, 323,000 shares issuable upon exercise of
Series X and Y warrants owned directly and
493,333 shares issuable upon exercise of Series X and
Series Y Warrants owned indirectly through two corporations
controlled by Mrs. Brooks (Razorback Farms, Inc. and Brooks
Investment Company). |
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(4) |
Includes 403,946 shares owned directly by Mrs. Brooks
and 433,642 shares owned by two corporations controlled by
Mrs. Brooks. (Razorback Farms, Inc. is the record owner of
312,320 shares and Southern Mineral and Fibers, Inc. is the
record owner of 121,322 shares, representing approximately
21.3% and 8.3%, respectively, of the Class B common stock).
Excludes additional shares owned by adult children |
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of Mrs. Brooks, including Joe G. Brooks, Stephen W. Brooks
and J. Douglas Brooks, as to which she disclaims a beneficial
interest. |
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(5) |
Includes 607,400 shares owned directly, 4,500 shares
owned as custodian for Joe G. Brooks minor child,
38,205 shares owned as custodian for Brooks
Childrens Trust and 246,667 shares issuable upon
exercise of stock options. |
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(6) |
Includes 434,324 shares owned directly, 84,741 shares
owned indirectly and 400,000 shares issuable upon exercise
of stock options. |
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(7) |
Includes 63,000 shares owned directly, 2,000 shares
owned by Mr. Burkett as custodian for his minor child,
10,000 shares owned by a partnership controlled by
Mr. Burkett, 35,848 shares issuable pursuant to
restricted stock awards, and 215,000 shares issuable upon
exercise of stock options. |
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(8) |
Includes 35,848 shares issuable pursuant to restricted
stock awards and 453,496 shares issuable upon exercise of
stock options. |
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(9) |
Includes 296,112 shares owned directly and
525,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options. |
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(10) |
Includes 99,494 shares owned directly, 35,848 shares
issuable pursuant to restricted stock awards, 60,800 shares
issuable upon exercise of Series X and Series Y
warrants, and 25,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock
options. |
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(11) |
Represents 19,012 shares owned directly, 66,666 shares
in a trust controlled by Ms. Davis, 35,848 shares
issuable pursuant to restricted stock awards, 75,000 shares
issuable upon exercise of stock options, and 60,800 shares
issuable upon exercise of Series X and Series Y
warrants. |
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(12) |
Includes 449,181 shares owned directly, 35,848 shares
issuable pursuant to restricted stock awards,
100,000 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, and
443,333 shares issuable upon exercise of Series X and
Series Y warrants. |
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(13) |
Includes 281,130 shares owned directly, 35,848 shares
issuable pursuant to restricted stock awards,
112,697 shares issuable upon exercise of Series X
Warrants, 41,604 shares issuable upon exercise of
Series Y Warrants, 31,886 shares issuable upon
exercise of Class I Warrants, and 75,000 shares
issuable upon exercise of stock options. |
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(14) |
Includes shares issuable pursuant to restricted stock awards. |
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(15) |
Includes 7,700 shares owned directly and
400,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options. |
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(16) |
Includes shares owned directly. |
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(17) |
Class A common stock beneficial ownership was calculated by
dividing the beneficial ownership of each individual by the sum
of: (i) the total shares of Class A common stock
outstanding at April 12, 2006, and (ii) the total
shares underlying outstanding warrants and options which the
named individual had the right to acquire within 60 days
(June 11, 2006) of April 12, 2006. Class B common
stock beneficial ownership is calculated based on
1,465,530 shares outstanding on April 12, 2006. |
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(18) |
Calculated by dividing the voting rights of the beneficial
ownership of each individual by the sum of: (i) the total
votes available to be cast at April 12, 2006, and
(ii) in footnote (16) above. |
At April 12, 2006, there were 38,237,812 shares of
Class A common stock and 1,465,530 shares of
Class B common stock issued and outstanding. The previous
table indicates that those directors, officers and 5%
shareholders, as a group, beneficially owned shares representing
approximately 44.8% of the votes entitled to be cast upon
matters submitted to a vote of the Companys stockholders,
and Marjorie S. Brooks and corporations controlled by her
beneficially owned shares representing approximately 31.1% of
the votes entitled to be cast and may be in a position to
control the Company.
3
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The directors and executive officers of the Company as of
April 12, 2006, are as follows:
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Name |
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Age | |
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Position |
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Joe G. Brooks
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50 |
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Chairman of the board of directors, co-chief executive officer
and president |
Sal Miwa
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49 |
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Vice-chairman of the board of directors |
Stephen W. Brooks
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49 |
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Co-chief executive officer and director |
Marjorie S. Brooks
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70 |
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Secretary, treasurer and director |
J. Douglas Brooks
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46 |
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Senior vice-president raw materials |
Alford Drinkwater
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54 |
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Senior vice president plastic operations |
Jim Precht
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60 |
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Senior vice-president sales and marketing |
Robert A. Thayer
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54 |
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Senior vice-president and chief financial officer |
Eric E. Barnes
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32 |
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Controller and chief accounting officer |
Jerry B. Burkett
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49 |
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Director |
Edward P. Carda
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65 |
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Director |
Melinda Davis
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63 |
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Director |
Tim W. Kizer
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40 |
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Director |
Samuel L. Milbank
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65 |
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Director |
Jim Robason
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68 |
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Director |
Michael M. Tull
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51 |
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Director |
The Companys board of directors elected Joe G. Brooks
as its chairman and the Companys co-chief executive
officer in December 1998, and he has served as president since
February 2000. Mr. Brooks has served as president or in
other executive office capacities and has been a director since
the Companys inception in December 1988, including service
as chairman and CEO from inception until August 1993. He was a
member of Clean Texas 2000, appointed by then Governor George W.
Bush in 1995.
Sal Miwa has been an outside director of the Company
since January 1994. He served as chairman of the board between
December 1995 and December 1998, and as vice chairman from
December 1998 through July 2005. From January 2005 to present,
Mr. Miwa has been CEO and chairman of Greenstone Holdings,
Inc. (OTC GSHG), a chemical technology company
located in New York City primarily serving the building and
construction industry. From July 2004 to December 2005, he was
CEO of Greenstone Inc. of Delaware, a predecessor of Greenstone
Holdings, Inc. From April 2000 to June 2004, he was COO and
director of RealRead Inc., an online document service company.
For more than 20 years Mr. Miwa has been engaged in
various international businesses and serves on boards of several
closely held family businesses around the world. He received his
masters degree in Aerospace Engineering from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981.
The Companys board of directors elected Stephen W.
Brooks as co-chief executive officer in December 1998.
Mr. Brooks has served as its chief executive officer and
has been a director since January 1996. Mr. Brooks has
served as CEO and chairman of the board of Razorback Farms, Inc.
from January 1996 to the present. Razorback Farms is a
Springdale, Arkansas based firm that specializes in vegetables
processing. Mr. Brooks also serves on the board of the
Ozark Food Processors Association.
Marjorie S. Brooks has been secretary, treasurer and a
director since the Companys inception in December 1988.
Mrs. Brooks has served as secretary and treasurer of Brooks
Investment Co., a holding company for the Brooks family
investments, for more than thirty years.
J. Douglas Brooks has served as senior
vice-president from inception to September 2003, has been in
charge of raw material sourcing and strategic relationships
since 1998, and has been a senior vice president since September
2003. Mr. Brooks was vice-president of plastics from 1995
through 1998, was previously
4
project manager for AERTs polyethylene recycling program
with The Dow Chemical Company, and is a joint inventor on
several of AERTs process patents for recycling
polyethylene film for composites.
Robert A. Thayer was named by the board of directors to
succeed Edward J. Lysen as chief financial officer and senior
vice-president in September 2005. Since October 2002,
Mr. Thayer has served as the assistant to AERT chairman Joe
G. Brooks, during which time he has had executive assignments in
all aspects of AERTs business including finance,
operations, and administration. From January 1997 to October
2002, Mr. Thayer was a principal at Madison Research,
Denison, Texas where he conducted independent financial research
under contract to banks and financial publishers. From January
2001 to July 2002 he also served as Vice President of Finance
for Asia Teletech Company, Ltd., a Thailand headquartered
voice-over-internet company where he was responsible for raising
the companys startup capital. Prior to 1997,
Mr. Thayer spent twenty-one years in the software and
investment banking industries with financial, systems and
executive responsibilities. He received a BA in Economics from
the University of Colorado and studied graduate economics at the
University of Wisconsin, Madison. Mr. Thayer is a Chartered
Financial Analyst.
Alford Drinkwater has served as senior vice president of
logistics, laboratories, and plastic operations since September
2003. Prior to joining the Company in May 2000,
Mr. Drinkwater had been the Assistant Director for the
Established Industries Division of the Arkansas Department of
Economic Development and was on the Advocacy Team from November
1988 until January 2000. From September 1986 until July 1988, he
owned and operated Town and Country Waste Services, Inc. a waste
services company engaging in the development of waste recycling,
energy recovery, and disposal systems. From April 1981 until
January 1987, Mr. Drinkwater was the Resource Recovery
Manager for Metropolitan Trust Company, and was primarily
involved in
waste-to-energy systems
development. From July 1974 until April 1981,
Mr. Drinkwater worked for the State of Arkansas as
Assistant to the Chief of the Solid Waste Control Division of
the Arkansas Department of Pollution Control & Ecology
and as the Manager of the Biomass and Resource Recovery Program
of the Arkansas Department of Energy.
Jim Precht has served as senior vice-president of sales
and marketing for the Company since February 2001, and senior
vice president since September 2003. Mr. Precht was
formerly general manager of Weyerhaeuser Building
Materials Pittsburgh Customer Service Center with
32-years of industry
experience.
Eric E. Barnes was appointed by the board of directors as
chief accounting officer in September 2005. Mr. Barnes
joined AERTs accounting department in November 1997 after
graduating from the University of Arkansas with a BS in
Accounting and an MA in Economics. He was named AERTs
controller in January 2000. Mr. Barnes is a Certified
Public Accountant.
Jerry B. Burkett has served on the board of directors of
the Company since May 1993. Mr. Burkett has been a rice and
grain farmer since 1979 and has been a principal in other
closely held businesses. He is the past president of the
Arkansas County Farm Bureau. In April 2002, Mr. Burkett was
elected to serve as a director of the Ag Heritage Farm Credit
Services board.
Edward P. Carda was elected to the board of directors in
July 2005. Mr. Carda began his
37-year business career
with Weyerhaeuser Company in June 1967, ending with his
retirement in December 2003. While at Weyerhaeuser, he served in
various management positions, including statutory reporting,
heading large accounting departments, interacting with external
and internal auditors and all types of management.
Mr. Carda spent the last 10 years of his career as the
business controller for the distribution business of
Weyerhaeuser. While in this capacity, he received many awards
for his performance for profit and working capital improvement
initiatives. Mr. Carda attended the University of Montana
and graduated with a degree in accounting. He has served for
25 years on the board of directors of the Woodstone Credit
Union in Federal Way, Washington and is currently its Vice
Chairman. He also serves on the credit unions audit
committee.
Melinda Davis has served on the board of directors since
July 2001. From December 2000 to the present, Ms. Davis has
provided professional consulting services in the areas of
financial management and cost accounting for manufacturing
operations. Ms. Davis retired as senior vice-president and
treasurer from Allen Canning Co. in December 2000, after serving
for 39 years in various accounting and financial management
positions.
5
Tim W. Kizer was elected to the board of directors in
July 2005. Since December 2004, Mr. Kizer has served as
president and partner of Bentonville Global Associates, a global
consultancy firm specializing in collaborative commerce.
Mr. Kizer is executive director of the Doing Business in
Bentonville Series seminar level program series
in Bentonville Arkansas. From April 2001 to December 2004,
Mr. Kizer was director of the Center for Management and
Executive Development and the Donald W. Reynolds Center for
Enterprise Development, Sam M. Walton College of Business,
University of Arkansas. From January 2000 to April 2001,
Mr. Kizer was managing director of Information Technology
Research Center, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University
of Arkansas. Mr. Kizer was a business and industry
specialist for the Division of Continuing Education at the
University of Arkansas from October 1996 until January 2000. He
has a BA from the University of Louisville and is a member of
the Board of Advisors of RFID Global Solution in Bentonville,
Arkansas.
Samuel L. Milbank has served on the board of directors
since July 2000. Mr. Milbank is a co-founder and owner of
Milbank Roy and Co., LLC, an investment bank founded in February
2005 and focused on M&A, advisory as well as funding of
middle market companies. Prior to that, from April 1997 to
February 2005, Mr. Milbank was a managing director of
Zanett Securities Corporation, a company also focusing on
investment banking services to the middle market. From February
1992 to January 1996, Mr. Milbank was a senior
vice-president and sales manager with Lehman Brothers, Inc. in
New York, where he managed a team that provided interest rate
and currency risk management for central banks and other
official institutions. From March 1973 to February 1992,
Mr. Milbank worked with Salomon Brothers, Inc. as a
director and manager of the international department. Since
January 1990, Mr. Milbank has served as chairman of Milbank
Memorial Fund, a private operating foundation (established in
1905), concerned with environmental and public health issues. He
has a BS from Columbia University and a MBA in Finance from The
Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College.
Jim Robason has served on the board of directors since
July 2003. Since January 2005, Mr. Robason has been a
consultant to and supervisor of the Companys plant
operations on an interim basis. Mr. Robason joined Allen
Canning Co. in 1967. Mr. Robason served as senior
vice-president operations of Allen Canning Co. from
1974 until his retirement in 2002. As senior vice-president of
operations with Allen Canning Co., he was responsible for the
operation of twelve plants with plant managers and raw product
procurement managers, as well as special projects engineering,
reporting to him. He has a vast amount of knowledge in all
phases of manufacturing including infrastructure, building,
equipment, and engineering; with a focus on the full production
arena from product procurement through the production process.
Mr. Robason is a graduate of West Texas State University.
He has served on Allen Cannings executive committee and
profit sharing/retirement plan committee in addition to his
operations responsibilities.
Michael M. Tull has served on the board of directors of
the Company since December 1998. Mr. Tull has served since
1990 as the president and majority owner of Tull Sales
Corporation, a manufacturers representative company, which
professionally represents eight manufacturing companies and is
responsible for the sales and marketing of those companies
window and door related components in the southeastern United
States. Mr. Tull serves on boards of several closely held
family businesses and is the chairman and a board of director
member of the National Wild Turkey Federation, which is one of
the largest North American conservation organizations.
Joe G. Brooks, Stephen W. Brooks, and J. Douglas Brooks are
brothers and sons of Marjorie S. Brooks. There are no other
familial relationships between the current directors and
executive officers.
Each of the Companys directors has been elected to serve
until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their
successors are elected and qualified. Officers serve at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
6
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Independence of Directors
The board of directors has determined that Jerry B. Burkett,
Edward P. Carda, Melinda Davis, Tim W. Kizer, Samuel L. Milbank,
and Sal Miwa are independent under the NASDAQ Stock
Markets (NASDAQ) corporate governance listing
standards, and that Marjorie S. Brooks, secretary and treasurer,
Joe G. Brooks, chairman, co-ceo and president, Stephen W.
Brooks, co-ceo, Michael M. Tull and Jim Robason are not
independent under such listing standards.
During fiscal 2005, the Company held four executive sessions of
the board of directors in which only independent members of the
board were present. The chairpersons of the audit committee,
compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance
committee each presided over the meetings on a rotating basis.
The Company encourages, but does not require, directors to
attend annual meetings of stockholders. All members of the board
attended the Companys 2005 stockholder meeting.
Board Meeting and Certain Committees Reports and Meetings
During the Companys fiscal year ended December 31,
2005, the board of directors held eight meetings. All directors
attended 75% or more of the total number of meetings of the
board of directors and its committees on which he or she served.
From January 1, 2005 through July 28, 2005, the audit
committee of the board of directors consisted of three
independent directors under NASDAQs director and audit
committee independence standards: Jerry B. Burkett, Melinda
Davis (chairperson), and Sal Miwa. On July 28, 2005, Edward
P. Carda, also an independent director, was elected to the board
of directors and joined the audit committee. The composition of
the audit committee has not changed since July 28, 2005.
The audit committee is directly responsible for the engagement
of the Companys independent accountants and is responsible
for approving the services performed by the Companys
independent accountants and for reviewing and evaluating the
Companys accounting principles and its system of internal
accounting controls. The audit committee met four times in 2005.
Melinda Davis serves as the financial expert of the audit
committee.
From January 1, 2005 through July 28, 2005, the
compensation committee consisted of Samuel L. Milbank
(chairperson), Sal Miwa and Jim Robason. On July 28, 2005,
Edward P. Carda joined the committee and Jim Robason left the
committee. The compensation committee establishes and
administers the Companys compensation plans on behalf of
the board of directors and makes recommendations to the board of
directors as to stock options, restricted stock awards or other
awards granted thereunder and other compensation matters. The
compensation committee met five times in 2005.
From January 1, 2005 through July 28, 2005, the
nominating and corporate governance committee consisted of Jerry
B. Burkett (chairperson), Melinda Davis, and Jim Robason. On
June 21, 2005, the nominating and corporate governance
committee was revised to consist of Jerry B. Burkett
(chairperson) and Melinda Davis. On July 28, 2005, Tim
W. Kizer joined the committee. The nominating and corporate
governance committee evaluates the efforts of AERT and its board
of directors to maintain effective corporate governance
practices and identifies candidates for election to the board of
directors. The nominating and corporate governance committee met
two times in 2005.
The nominating and corporate governance committee believes that
candidates for director should have certain minimum
qualifications, including being able to read and understand
basic financial statements and having the highest personal
integrity and ethics. The committee also considers such factors
as relevant expertise and experience, ability to devote
sufficient time to the affairs of the Company, demonstrated
excellence in his or her field, the ability to exercise sound
business judgment and the commitment to rigorously represent the
long-term interests of the Companys stockholders.
Candidates for director will be reviewed in the context of the
current composition of the board, the operating requirements of
the Company and the long-term interests of stockholders.
7
The nominating and corporate governance committee does not have
a formal process for identifying and evaluating nominees for
directors. Instead, it uses its network of contacts to identify
potential candidates. The committee will conduct any appropriate
and necessary inquiries into the backgrounds and qualifications
of possible candidates after considering the function and needs
of the board. The committee will meet to discuss and consider
such candidates qualifications and then select a nominee
for recommendation to the board by majority vote.
Although the nominating and corporate governance committee has
not established procedures for considering nominees recommended
by stockholders, the committee will consider director candidates
recommended by stockholders, and those candidates will receive
substantially the same consideration that candidates recommended
by the nominating and corporate governance committee receive.
Stockholders wishing to recommend director candidates for
consideration by the committee may do so in writing to the
corporate secretary at least 180 days in advance of the
annual meeting, giving the recommended nominees name,
biographical data, and qualifications, accompanied by the
written consent of the recommended nominee.
The charters of the audit, compensation, and nominating and
corporate governance committees are available on the corporate
website at www.aertinc.com. The Company has implemented a
Corporate Hotline through which the audit committee,
the board of directors, and the corporate compliance officer may
be contacted, as appropriate. This service and number is
available on our corporate website.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The following report of the audit committee for fiscal year
2005 does not constitute soliciting material and should not be
deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company
filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company
specifically incorporates this report by reference therein.
The audit committee of the Company is composed of four
non-employee directors, and each member of the committee is
independent in accordance with the policy of the National
Association of Security Dealers applicable to NASDAQ listed
companies. The committee operates under a written charter
adopted by the board of directors.
Management is responsible for the Companys internal
controls and the financial reporting process. The independent
auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of
the Companys financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards and to issue a report
thereon. The committees responsibility is to engage
independent public accountants for the Company and to monitor
and oversee the Companys financial reporting process and
report its findings to the board of directors.
The committee fulfills its responsibilities through periodic
meetings with management and independent auditors. The committee
reviewed and discussed with management and independent auditors
the audited financial statements in the Companys annual
report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005. The committee also discussed
with the independent auditors matters required to be discussed
by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61. In addition, the
committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and
the letter from the independent auditors required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees, and has discussed with the
auditors the auditors independence.
On the basis of these reviews and discussions, the audit
committee recommended to the board of directors that the board
approve the inclusion of the Companys audited financial
statements in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005, for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
8
The audit committee has also considered whether the provision of
non-audit services by the independent registered public
accounting firm, Tullius Taylor Sartain & Sartain LLP
(TTS&S), is compatible with maintaining auditor
independence. TTS&S performed tax preparation services for
the Company during 2005. No other non-audit related services
were provided by TTS&S during 2005.
Submitted by the audit committee,
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Jerry B. Burkett |
Edward P. Carda |
Melinda Davis, chairperson |
Sal Miwa |
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The following report of the compensation committee for fiscal
year 2005 does not constitute soliciting material and should not
be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other
Company filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates this report by reference
therein.
The compensation committee of the board of directors is
responsible for administering incentive plans and reviewing and
making recommendations to the board of directors with respect to
the compensation of AERT executive officers and key executives.
The following is the compensation committees report to
shareholders on the Companys executive compensation
policies with respect to compensation reported for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2005.
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
Key compensation-related responsibilities of the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors:
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To establish and periodically review AERTs compensation
philosophy and the adequacy of compensation plans and programs
for directors, executive officers and other AERT employees and
make recommendations to the board of directors with respect
thereto; |
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To establish compensation arrangements and incentive goals for
executive officers and to administer compensation plans and make
recommendations to the board of directors with respect thereto; |
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To review the performance of the executive officers and award
incentive compensation and adjust compensation arrangements as
appropriate based upon performance; |
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To review and monitor management development and succession
plans and activities; and |
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To prepare the report on executive compensation for inclusion in
AERTs annual proxy statement in accordance with Securities
Exchange Commission rules and regulations. |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the
Committees activity focused on the key elements of the
total direct compensation program for executive officers, which
included base pay, quarterly incentive awards, discretionary
incentive awards, and long-term incentives. Elements reviewed as
part of the long-term incentives to executive officers included
type and level of award distribution.
The Companys executive compensation program is designed to:
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Attract, motivate and retain executive officers who can make
significant contributions to the Companys long-term
success; |
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Align the interests of executive officers with those of
shareholders; and |
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Place a significant portion of an executive officers total
compensation at risk by tying it to the Companys financial
performance. |
9
The primary components of the Companys executive
compensation programs are: base salary, quarterly incentive
awards, discretionary awards, and long-term incentive awards:
Base Salary
Base salaries are generally targeted at the middle of the
competitive marketplace (the median).
The market rate for an executive position is
determined through an assessment by the Companys human
resources personnel under the guidance and supervision of the
compensation committee. This assessment considers relevant
industry salary practices, the positions complexity, and
level of responsibility, its importance to the Company in
relation to other executive positions, and the competitiveness
of an executives total compensation.
Subject to the Committees approval, the level of an
executive officers base pay is determined on the basis of:
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Relevant comparative compensation data; and |
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The Chief Executive Officers assessment of the
executives performance, experience, demonstrated
leadership, job knowledge and management skills. |
Quarterly Incentive Awards
These awards were discontinued on October 1, 2005. The
awards were intended to provide a linkage among executive
performance, quarterly performance measures, and long-term
shareholder value.
During 2005, quarterly incentive awards were earned as the
Company met specific objectives for cash flow and net income.
The quarterly incentive awards were designed to reward executive
performance with cash incentive awards comparable to those found
in the marketplace in which the Company competes for executive
talent.
Discretionary Awards
The compensation committee may, at its discretion, authorize
periodic cash awards to executives. Discretionary awards are
designed to give the compensation committee the flexibility to
provide incentives that are comparable to those found in the
marketplace in which the Company competes for executive talent.
In determining the extent and nature of discretionary awards,
the compensation committee considers the Companys cash
flow, net income, progress toward short and long-term business
objectives, and competitive compensation programs.
When considering discretionary awards, the compensation
committee identifies the employees who are eligible to
participate and computes and certifies the size of the
discretionary pool based on financial information supplied by
the Companys officers. The award made to each eligible
participant is based on the opportunity level assigned to the
participant and an assessment of his or her performance and the
performance of their business unit versus corporate objectives.
Long-Term Incentive Awards
Long-term executive incentives are designed to promote the
interests of AERT and its shareholders by attracting and
retaining eligible directors, executives and other key employees.
The compensation committee has the authority to determine the
participants to whom awards shall be granted. The awards under
prior Company plans could be made in the form of stock options,
restricted stock units, performance awards and other stock-based
awards. Consistent with the views of the board of directors and
compensation committee that the interests of employees and
directors are more likely to be aligned with stockholders to the
extent that such employees and directors are stockholders of the
Company, the Company has determined for the foreseeable future
to provide incentive equity compensation in the form of
restricted stock awards rather than options or other forms of
equity compensation. The 2005 Key Associate and
10
Management Equity Incentive Plan and the 2005 Non-Employee
Director Equity Incentive Plan are reflective of this shift in
compensation policy.
2005 Awards
Chief Executive Officer compensation
In determining CEO compensation, the Committee considered:
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The Companys financial performance and peer group
compensation data; and |
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CEO leadership, decision-making skills, experience, knowledge,
communication with the Board and strategic recommendations, as
well as the Companys positioning for future performance. |
The Committee considered many factors and did not place any
particular relative weight on one over another, but the
Companys financial performance is generally given the most
weight.
The Committees recommendations regarding CEO compensation
and other related matters are reported to the Board and, in the
case of each specific recommendation during 2005, were approved
by the Board.
For fiscal year ended December 31, 2005, the
Committees decisions regarding CEO compensation included
the following:
Co-ceo Joe G. Brooks was awarded cash bonuses totaling $45,000
under the quarterly incentive plan.
During 2005, Co-ceo Joe G. Brooks took overall responsibility
for planning and execution of the Companys strategic
direction. He was awarded a cash bonus of $125,000 under the
Discretionary Awards plan. Co-ceo Stephen W. Brooks undertook
primary responsibility for
day-to-day operations
at the Company and he was awarded a $75,000 cash bonus under the
Discretionary Awards plan.
Before arriving at its final decision regarding the amount of
CEO annual incentive award, the Committee confirmed that the
Companys compensation program is consistent with
marketplace practices linking pay for performance.
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Deductibility of Compensation: |
Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, AERT may
not deduct compensation in excess of $1,000,000 paid to
AERTs Chief Executive Officer or to each of the named
executive officers unless the compensation meets specific
criteria for performance-based compensation. Awards under the
short-term incentive compensation plan do not meet the criteria
of being performance-based awards under Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and, therefore,
would not qualify as a deduction to the extent in excess of
Section 162(m) limits. Certain awards under the long-term
incentive plan, such as stock options or restricted stock awards
could satisfy the criteria of being performance based under
Section 162(m) to qualify as deductible under the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Companys historical
levels of compensation have not presented issues of
deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986. The compensation committee reserves the right to
approve non-deductible compensation if the Committee believes it
is in the best interests of the shareholders.
2005 Key Associate and Management Equity Incentive Plan
The compensation committee has reviewed and approved a
compensation plan for the Companys management and
associates that is designed to reward focus on increasing
throughputs, reducing costs, and increasing efficiencies. The
Key Associate and Management Equity Incentive plan, which is
administered by the committee, gives the Company flexibility to
provide incentives that are comparable to those found in the
marketplace in which the Company competes for management and
associate talent. In determining the extent and nature of
awards, the compensation committee considers the Companys
cash flow, net income, progress toward short and long term
business objectives, and competitive compensation programs.
11
Conclusion Regarding Executive Compensation:
Based upon its review of the Companys executive
compensation program, the Committee has concluded that the
programs basic structure is appropriate, competitive, and
effective to serve the purposes for which it was established.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE:
Edward P. Carda
Samuel L. Milbank, chairperson
Sal Miwa
Employment Agreements
The Company has no written employment agreements with its key
executives.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors who are also employees of the Company are not entitled
to any additional compensation by virtue of service as a
director, except for reimbursement of any specific expenses
attributable to such service. Non-employee directors receive
annual compensation for board service of $15,000 in cash plus
annual restricted stock awards of shares with a market value of
$30,000 measured on an average closing sale price basis over a
50-business day period preceding the award. Newly elected
directors are initially granted restricted stock equal to a
prorated portion of the yearly $30,000 award based on their
period of service in their initial fiscal year as a director.
Such restricted stock awards vest over a three-year period, with
20% of a particular award vesting on the first anniversary
thereof, an additional 30% of such award (50% cumulatively)
vesting on the second anniversary of the award, and the 50%
balance of the award vesting on the third anniversary of the
award. In addition, non-employee board committee members receive
annual cash compensation as follows: audit committee: $8,000
(chairperson) and $3,000 (other members); compensation
committee: $5,000 (chairperson) and $3,000 (other members);
and nominating committee: $4,000 (chairperson) and $2,000
(other members). Directors are also reimbursed for
out-of-pocket expenses
in connection with their attendance at meetings.
12
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the aggregate compensation paid
by the Company during the three years ended December 31,
2005, to the co-chief
executive officers and to each of the next four most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company whose aggregate
annual salary and bonus in 2005 exceeded $100,000.
Summary Compensation Table
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Annual Compensation | |
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(e) | |
(a) |
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(b) | |
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(c) | |
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(d) | |
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Other Annual | |
Name and Principal Position |
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Year | |
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Salary($) | |
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Bonus($) | |
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Compensation($)(1) | |
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Stephen W. Brooks
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2005 |
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76,423 |
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75,000 |
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Co-ceo
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2004 |
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52,000 |
(2) |
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0 |
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2003 |
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52,000 |
(2) |
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0 |
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Joe G. Brooks
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2005 |
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165,625 |
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170,000 |
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12,786 |
(8) |
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Co-ceo
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2004 |
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157,500 |
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193,500 |
(3) |
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48,775 |
(4) |
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2003 |
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157,500 |
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15,000 |
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Robert A. Thayer
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2005 |
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132,500 |
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85,000 |
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Senior-vice president |
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2004 |
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124,423 |
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30,000 |
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and chief financial officer |
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2003 |
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119,123 |
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25,000 |
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Jim Precht
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2005 |
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122,500 |
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70,000 |
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18,697 |
(9) |
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Senior-vice president |
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2004 |
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102,521 |
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30,000 |
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20,188 |
(6) |
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- sales and marketing |
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2003 |
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73,750 |
(5) |
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10,000 |
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16,590 |
(7) |
J. Douglas Brooks
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2005 |
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102,500 |
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15,000 |
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Senior-vice president |
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2004 |
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87,288 |
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16,570 |
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- raw materials |
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2003 |
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84,000 |
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5,000 |
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Alford Drinkwater
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2005 |
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100,000 |
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7,000 |
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Senior-vice president |
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2004 |
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81,731 |
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16,570 |
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- administration |
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2003 |
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75,000 |
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5,000 |
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(1) |
Excludes perquisites less than $50,000 and that do not exceed
10% of salary and bonus. |
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(2) |
Paid pursuant to a non-employee consulting agreement with the
Company. |
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(3) |
Includes $130,000 awarded to Mr. Brooks by the Board of
Directors and $63,500 awarded in quarterly performance
incentives which Mr. Brooks voluntarily did not take until
2004. |
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(4) |
Includes 48 months of $1,000 for a non-accountable expense
allowance which Mr. Brooks voluntarily did not take until
2004. |
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(5) |
In the first six months of 2003 there was an agreement between
AERT and Weyerhaeuser where each paid one-half of
Mr. Prechts salary. The amounts above account for
AERTs portion of the annual salary. |
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(6) |
Includes $14,000 for a non-accountable expense allowance and
$6,188 for the value of a company-provided vehicle. |
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(7) |
Includes $12,000 for a non-accountable expense allowance and
$4,590 for the value of a company-provided vehicle. |
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(8) |
Includes $12,000 for a non-accountable expense allowance. |
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(9) |
Includes $12,000 for a non-accountable expense allowance and
$6,697 for the value of a company-provided vehicle. |
13
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
and FY-End Option/SAR Values
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Number of Securities | |
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Value of Unexercised | |
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Underlying Unexercised | |
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In-the-Money | |
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Options/SAR at | |
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Options/SAR at | |
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Shares | |
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December 31, 2005(#) | |
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December 31, 2005($) | |
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Acquired on | |
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Value | |
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Name |
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Exercise(#) | |
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Realized($) | |
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Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
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Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
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Stephen W. Brooks
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0 |
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0 |
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525,000/0 |
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589,050/0 |
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Joe G. Brooks
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0 |
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0 |
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246,667/0 |
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287,425/0 |
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Robert A. Thayer
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0 |
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0 |
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150,000/50,000 |
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|
|
90,000/30,000 |
|
Jim Precht
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
400,000/0 |
|
|
|
46,000/0 |
|
J. Douglas Brooks
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
104,100 |
|
|
|
400,000/0 |
|
|
|
487,125/0 |
|
Alford Drinkwater
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
0/0 |
|
|
|
0/0 |
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31,
2005, regarding shares outstanding and available for issuance
under the Companys existing stock option plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
to Be Issued | |
|
Weighted-Average | |
|
Number of | |
|
|
Upon Exercise of | |
|
Exercise Price of | |
|
Securities | |
|
|
Outstanding Options, | |
|
Outstanding Options, | |
|
Remaining Available | |
|
|
Warrants and Rights | |
|
Warrants and Rights | |
|
for Future Issuance | |
Plan Category |
|
(a) | |
|
(b) | |
|
(c) | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
3,688,130 |
|
|
$ |
1.01 |
|
|
|
2,026,045 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
3,688,130 |
|
|
$ |
1.01 |
|
|
|
2,026,045 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
The board of directors, as a whole, reviews, and acts upon
personnel policies and executive compensation matters, based
upon recommendations of the compensation committee. Joe G.
Brooks and Stephen W. Brooks serve as executive officers of the
Company; however, such individuals do not participate in
compensation decisions or in forming compensation policies in
which they have a personal interest or in any deliberations of
the board of directors concerning such matters, nor do they vote
on any such matters, although Messrs Joe G. and Stephen W.
Brooks did participate in compensation deliberations and
decisions with respect to other executive officers.
Limited Liability of Officers and Directors
The Delaware Supreme Court has held that a directors duty
of care to a corporation and its stockholders requires the
exercise of an informed business judgment. Having become
informed of all material information reasonably available to
them, directors must act with requisite care in the discharge of
their duties. The Delaware general corporation law permits a
corporation through its certificate of incorporation to
exonerate its directors from personal liability to the
corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of the fiduciary duty of care as a director, with certain
exceptions. The exceptions include a breach of the
directors duty of loyalty, acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing
violations of law, improper declarations of dividends and
transactions from which the directors derived an improper
personal benefit. The Companys certificate of
incorporation exonerates its directors, acting in such capacity,
from monetary liability to the extent permitted by this
statutory provision. The limitation of liability provision does
not eliminate a stockholders right to seek non-monetary,
equitable remedies such as injunction
14
or rescission to redress an action taken by directors. However,
as a practical matter, equitable remedies may not be available
in all situations and there may be instances in which no
effective remedy is available.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING
COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
requires AERTs executive officers and directors, and
persons who own more than ten-percent of a registered class of
the Companys securities to file reports of ownership and
changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and National Association of Securities Dealers. Officers,
directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required
by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all
forms filed pursuant to Section 16(a). Based on a review of
the copies of such forms received by it and written
representations from certain reporting persons that no
Forms 4 or Forms 5 were required for those persons,
the Company believes that during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005; all Section 16(a) filing
requirements were met, except as described below. Marjorie
Brooks, director, filed two late Form 4 reports for two
transactions related to a stock option exercise and an issuance
of common stock in payment of the yearly premium on preferred
stock. Melinda Davis, director, filed one late Form 4
report for one transaction related to an issuance of common
stock in payment of the yearly premium on preferred stock.
Samuel L. Milbank, director, filed two late Form 4 reports
for six transactions related to an issuance of common stock in
payment of the yearly premium on preferred stock and sales of
common stock. Sal Miwa, director, filed one late Form 4
report for two transactions related to a stock option exercise
and the a sale of common stock. Jim Robason, director, filed one
late Form 4 report for one transaction related to an
issuance of common stock in payment of the yearly premium on
preferred stock. Robert Thayer, senior vice-president and chief
financial officer, failed to file until 2006 one Form 3 to
report his initial ownership of Company securities. Michael
Tull, director, failed to file until 2006 one Form 4 report
for one transaction related to an issuance of common stock in
payment of the yearly premium on preferred stock. The Company
was authorized and given the responsibility by its directors and
officers to file for each of them the necessary Form 3 and
Form 4 reports with the SEC, and the Company was at fault
for the late filings listed above. The Company has put
procedures in place to prevent such late filings in the future.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During 2005 and the first quarter of 2006, the Company had an
agreement with Brooks Investment Co., controlled by Marjorie S.
Brooks, which allowed the Company to transfer as collateral
certain of its trade receivables, which Brooks Investment Co.
deemed acceptable, up to $4.0 million at any one time. Upon
acceptance of a transfer of a receivable, Brooks Investment Co.
remitted to the Company 85% of the receivable, as defined in the
agreement. Upon collection of the receivable, the Company
remitted to Brooks Investment Co. 1.25% of the receivable as a
factoring charge, and the remaining receivable, less interest
costs, which were based on the time period over which the
receivable was outstanding, was remitted to the Company. The
Company indemnified Brooks Investment Co. for any loss arising
out of rejections or returns of any merchandise, or any claims
asserted by the Companys customers.
During 2005, the Company transferred an aggregate of
approximately $89.5 million in receivables under this
agreement, of which $3.0 million remained to be collected
as of December 31, 2005. During 2004 and 2003, the Company
transferred an aggregate of approximately $65.9 million and
$45.0 million, respectively, in receivables under this
agreement, none of which remains to be collected. During 2005,
Brooks Investment Co. provided a rebate of factoring costs in
the amount of $450,000, resulting in total factoring costs of
$669,718, which were included in selling and administrative
costs at December 31, 2005. Cost of $826,248 and $512,233
associated with the factoring agreement were included in selling
and administrative costs at December 31, 2004 and 2003,
respectively. Accounts payable to related parties at
December 31, 2005 and 2004, included $2,450,788 and
$2,097,553, respectively, as a result of this agreement. The
Company terminated this agreement on April 1, 2006, and has
put in its place a $15 million asset-based bank line of
credit.
The Company employs the services of a related party, Tull Sales,
Inc., as an outside sales representative. Tull Sales is owned by
Michael M. Tull, one of our directors. Commissions paid to Tull
Sales were $677,794 in 2005, $643,570 in 2004 and $351,032 in
2003.
15
In addition to the related transactions discussed above, members
of the Brooks family provide the following to the Company
without receiving any financial consideration:
|
|
|
|
|
Marjorie S. Brooks personally guaranteed repayment of up to
$4 million of the 2003 bonds and $15 million of the
bank line of credit; |
|
|
|
Joe G. Brooks personally guarantees repayment of the
Companys American Express account, the outstanding balance
of which is sometimes in excess of $100,000; and, |
|
|
|
Joe G. Brooks personally guarantees repayment of the
Companys automobile loans, which had a balance of $71,068
at December 31, 2005. |
At December 31, 2005, accounts payable-related parties
included the following amounts:
|
|
|
|
|
Advances on factored receivables of approximately
$2.45 million assigned to Brooks Investment Co., |
|
|
|
Sales commissions of approximately $84,000 owed to Tull Sales
Co., which is owned by Michael M. Tull, one of our directors,
and director compensation of $3,750 owed to Mr. Tull, |
|
|
|
Deferred compensation of $90,500 owed to Stephen W. Brooks, one
of our co-ceos, |
|
|
|
Deferred compensation of $169,622 and
out-of-pocket expenses
of $15,000 owed to Joe G. Brooks, our chairman and co-ceo, |
|
|
|
Director compensation of $3,750 and consulting fees of $112,000
owed to Jim Robason, one of our directors, and |
|
|
|
Other items owed to related parties of approximately $77,000. |
16
STOCKHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH
This graph shows the Companys cumulative total stockholder
return during the last five fiscal years ended December 31,
2005, with the cumulative total returns of the Hemscott Industry
Group 63-Materials and Construction and the Nasdaq Market Index.
The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31,
2000 in AERT common stock and in each of the indices shown and
assumes that all of the dividends were reinvested.
COMPARE 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.,
NASDAQ MARKET INDEX AND PEER GROUP INDEX
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED DECEMBER 31, 2000
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
1999 | |
|
2000 | |
|
2001 | |
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
| |
Advanced Environmental
|
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
|
153.33 |
|
|
|
160.00 |
|
|
|
209.33 |
|
|
|
169.33 |
|
|
|
238.67 |
|
Materials and Construction
|
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
|
112.60 |
|
|
|
97.91 |
|
|
|
146.29 |
|
|
|
184.49 |
|
|
|
215.00 |
|
Nasdaq Market Value Index
|
|
$ |
100.00 |
|
|
|
79.71 |
|
|
|
55.60 |
|
|
|
83.60 |
|
|
|
90.63 |
|
|
|
92.62 |
|
17
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Fees
The information below sets forth the fees charged by Tullius
Taylor Sartain & Sartain LLP during 2005 and 2004 for
services provided to the Company in the following categories and
amounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Audit fees
|
|
$ |
119,250 |
|
|
$ |
81,500 |
|
Audit-related fees
|
|
|
24,500 |
|
|
|
8,500 |
|
Tax fees
|
|
|
7,805 |
|
|
|
|
|
All other fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
151,555 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-Approval Policy
All of TTS&Ss fees for 2005 and 2004 were pre-approved
by the audit committee through a formal engagement letter with
TTS&S. The audit committees policy is to pre-approve
all services by AERTs independent accountants.
Item 1: Election of
Directors
The Company currently has eleven directors that are to be
elected by the holders of shares of outstanding Class A and
Class B common stock and Series B preferred stock
voting together as a single class. To be elected, each director
must receive a plurality of the votes cast at the annual
meeting. All directors serve for a term of one year and until
their successors are duly elected and qualified. Each
outstanding share of Class A common stock entitles the
holder thereof to one vote with respect to the election of each
of the eleven director positions to be filled, each outstanding
share of Class B common stock entitles the holder thereof
to five votes with respect to the election of each of the eleven
director positions to be filled.
The enclosed form of proxy provides a method for stockholders to
withhold authority to vote for any one or more of the nominees
for director while granting authority to vote for the remaining
nominees. If you wish to grant authority to vote for all
nominees, check the box marked FOR. If you wish to
withhold authority to vote for all nominees, check the box
marked WITHHOLD. If you wish your shares to be voted
for some nominees and not for one or more of the others, check
the box marked FOR and indicate the names(s) of the
nominee(s) for whom you are withholding the authority to vote by
drawing a line through the name(s) of such nominee(s). If you
withhold authority to vote your shares, such vote will be
treated as an abstention and, accordingly, your shares will
neither be voted for or against a director but will be counted
for quorum purposes.
The eleven nominees for director are: Joe G. Brooks, Marjorie S.
Brooks, Stephen W. Brooks, Jerry B. Burkett, Edward P. Carda,
Melinda Davis, Tim W. Kizer, Samuel L. Milbank, Sal Miwa, Jim
Robason and Michael M. Tull. Currently, Joe G. Brooks is
chairman, co-chief executive officer and president, Sal Miwa is
vice-chairman of the board, Stephen W. Brooks is co-chief
executive officer and Marjorie S. Brooks is secretary and
treasurer.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE IN
FAVOR OF THE ELEVEN NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE. PROXY CARDS EXECUTED
AND RETURNED WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS CONTRARY INSTRUCTIONS ARE
INDICATED THEREON.
In the event one or more nominees become unavailable for
election, votes will be cast, pursuant to authority granted by
the enclosed proxy, for such substitute nominees as may be
designated by the board of directors. The board of directors has
no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve,
if elected.
18
Item 2: Ratification of
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
Introduction
Subject to ratification by the stockholders, the boards
audit committee has selected Tullius Taylor Sartain &
Sartain LLP to be AERTs independent registered public
accounting firm for the Companys fiscal year ending
December 31, 2006. TT&S has acted as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm since 2001. The
audit committee may terminate the appointment of TTS&S as
independent registered public accounting firm without
stockholder approval whenever the audit committee deems
necessary or appropriate.
Representatives of TTS&S are expected to attend the annual
meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement if
they desire to do so and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions from stockholders.
Required Vote
Ratification of the appointment of the independent registered
public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of the voting power present (in person or by proxy) and
entitled to vote at the meeting. In the event that the
Companys stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of
TTS&S, the selection of the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm will be submitted to the
Companys audit committee for reconsideration.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM. PROXY CARDS EXECUTED AND RETURNED WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS
CONTRARY INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED THEREON.
COST AND METHOD OF PROXY SOLICITATION
The Company will pay the cost of proxy solicitation. In addition
to solicitation by mail, arrangements will be made with brokers
and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send proxies
and proxy material to their principals and the Company will,
upon request, reimburse them for their reasonable expenses in so
doing. Officers and other regular employees of the Company may,
if necessary, request the return of proxies by mail, telephone,
Internet or in person.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE
Upon written request of any stockholder, the Company will
furnish, without charge, a copy of the Companys 2005
annual report on
Form 10-K, as
filed with the SEC, including the financial statements and
schedules. The written request should be sent to the secretary,
at the Companys executive office. The written request must
state that, as of April 12, 2006, the person making the
request was a beneficial owner of capital stock of the Company.
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and
intermediaries such as brokers to satisfy delivery requirements
for proxy statements with respect to two or more stockholders
sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement
addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly
referred to as householding, potentially provides
extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for
companies. The Company and some brokers household proxy
materials, delivering a single proxy statement to multiple
stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions
have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have
received notice from your broker or the Company that they or the
Company will be householding materials to your address,
householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or
until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer
wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive
a separate proxy statement, please notify your broker if your
shares are held in a brokerage account or the Company if you
hold registered shares. You can notify the Company by sending a
written request to
19
Marjorie S. Brooks, secretary of the Company, Post Office
Box 1237, Springdale, Arkansas 72765, by registered,
certified, or express mail.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING IN 2006
If you want to present a proposal for possible inclusion in the
Companys proxy statement for the annual meeting of
stockholders in 2007, you may do so by following the procedures
described in SEC
Rule 14a-8 by
sending the proposal to Marjorie S. Brooks, secretary of the
Company, Post Office Box 1237, Springdale, Arkansas 72765,
by registered, certified or express mail. Proposals must be
received on or before December 28, 2006. This date is
determined by the board and is based on SEC
Rule 14a-8, which
states proposals for a regularly scheduled annual meeting must
be received at the Companys principal executive offices
not less than 120 calendar days before the release date of the
previous years annual meeting proxy statement.
OTHER MATTERS
The board does not intend to present any items of business other
than those stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. If other matters are properly brought before the
meeting, the persons named in the proxy will vote the shares
represented by it in accordance with their best judgment.
Discretionary authority to vote on other matters is included in
the proxy.
The foregoing Notice and Proxy Statement are sent by order of
the board of directors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joe G. Brooks |
|
Chairman |
Dated: April 28, 2006
20
ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS ON JUNE 8, 2006
The undersigned hereby appoints Joe G. Brooks, as proxy, with full power to appoint his substitute,
and hereby authorizes such proxy to represent and vote, as designated on this proxy, all shares of
common stock of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc. held of record by the
undersigned on the record date April 12, 2006 at the annual meeting of stockholders of the Company
to be held at the Northwest Arkansas Holiday Inn Convention Center, Springdale, Arkansas on
Thursday, June 8, 2006 at 7:00 p.m., local time, and at any adjournment thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction
is made, this proxy will be voted FOR Items 1 and 2. In his discretion, the proxy is authorized to
vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc.
June 8, 2006
PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
MAIL Date, sign and mail your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon as possible.
-OR-
TELEPHONE Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES from
any touch-tone telephone and follow the instructions.
Have your control number and proxy card
available when you call.
-OR-
INTERNET Access www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen instructions.
Have your proxy card available when you access the web page.
You may
enter your voting instructions at 1-800-PROXIES or
www.voteproxy.com up until 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day before the cut-off or meeting date.
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting
via telephone or Internet.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE X
|
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|
|
1. |
|
Election of Directors |
|
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|
|
|
o |
|
FOR ALL NOMINEES |
|
|
|
|
|
o |
|
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
FOR ALL NOMINEES |
|
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|
|
o |
|
FOR ALL EXCEPT
(See Instructions below) |
|
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|
|
|
Nominees: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o
|
|
|
|
Joe G. Brooks |
o
|
|
|
|
Marjorie S. Brooks |
o
|
|
|
|
Stephen W. Brooks |
o
|
|
|
|
Jerry B. Burkett |
o
|
|
|
|
Edward P. Carda |
o
|
|
|
|
Melinda Davis |
o
|
|
|
|
Tim W. Kizer |
o
|
|
|
|
Samuel L. Milbank |
o
|
|
|
|
Sal Miwa |
o
|
|
|
|
Jim Robason |
o
|
|
|
|
Michael M. Tull |
INSTRUCTION: 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: o
2. |
|
Ratification of Tullius Taylor Sartain & Sartain LLP, independent registered public accountants, as the Companys auditors. |
|
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For
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Against
|
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Abstain
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o
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o
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o
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The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the formal notice of such meeting and the 2005 Annual
Report of the Company.
New Address:
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address
in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may
not be submitted via this method. o
Signature: Date: , 2006 Signature:
Date: , 2006
Note: Please sign above exactly as name appears on this proxy. When shares are held by jointly,
each holder should sign. When signing as attorney, administrator, trustee, or guardian, please
give full name 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.