Financial Officer of the
Company. Mr. Goldin, subject to satisfaction with his job performance by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Board, and specific
criteria that may be established from time to time, as well as approval by the Compensation Committee, also shall receive a target annual bonus of
$50,000, $75,000 and $100,000 in the first, second and third year of the term, respectively, and in such amount as shall be agreed upon during any
extension of the term of the Goldin Employment Agreement. The Goldin Employment Agreement has a three year term and shall automatically be renewed or
extended for additional one-year periods unless, not later than ninety (90) days prior to any such expiration, the Company or Mr. Goldin shall have
notified the other party in writing that such renewal extension shall not take effect. During the term of the Goldin Employment Agreement, Mr. Goldin
is eligible to participate in the Companys medical, dental, life and disability programs as well as the Companys 401(k) savings
plan.
Should Mr. Goldin be terminated
due to his death or disability, as defined in the Goldin Employment Agreement, Mr. Goldin (or, in the event of his death, his estate) shall receive any
accrued or vested compensation, including salary, commission, bonus(es), reimbursement for unpaid and approved business expenses through the date of
termination.
If Mr. Goldin is terminated by
the Company for cause or if Mr. Goldin resigns without good reason, each as defined in the Goldin Employment Agreement, Mr.
Goldin shall be entitled to receive accrued or vested compensation, including salary, commission, and bonus(es), and to be reimbursed for unpaid and
approved business expenses, through the date of termination.
If the Company terminates Mr.
Goldin without cause, or if Mr. Goldin resigns for good reason (which includes, among other things, a change of
control of the Company, as defined in the Goldin Employment Agreement), or upon expiration of the term, and in the event that the Company does
not offer to extend the term of the Goldin Employment Agreement , and the Company and Mr. Goldin do not agree on terms and conditions for continued
employment, the Company, subject to Mr. Goldins execution and delivery of the Companys standard release agreement, shall pay to Mr. Goldin
all accrued or vested compensation, including salary, commission, and bonus(es), and reimburse Mr. Goldin for unpaid and approved business expenses,
through the date of termination, as well as a severance payment equal to the greater of (i) the amount Mr. Goldin would be entitled to under Company
policy applicable to management employees in effect at the time of termination, or (ii) Mr. Goldins base salary plus his target bonus under the
Goldin Employment Agreement (at the rates in effect on the date of termination) for the remainder of the term of the Goldin Employment Agreement, but
in no event less than a 12-month period. In addition, subject to Mr. Goldins execution and delivery of the Companys standard release
agreement, all awards theretofore granted to Mr. Goldin under the Companys incentive plans shall continue to vest (and the restrictions thereon
lapse) on their then existing schedule. These payments shall be paid over the period of time covered thereby on the Companys regularly scheduled
payroll payment dates.
As per the Goldin Employment
Agreement, cause is defined as: (i) upon Mr. Goldins indictment or conviction for the commission of an act or acts constituting a
felony under the laws of the United States or any State thereof; (ii) upon Mr. Goldins commission of fraud, embezzlement or gross negligence;
(iii) upon Mr. Goldins willful or continued failure to perform an act permitted by the Companys rules, policies or procedures, including
without limitation, the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that is within his material duties under the Goldin Employment Agreement
(other than by reason of physical or mental illness or disability) or directives of the Board, or material breach of the terms of the Goldin Employment
Agreement or of his non-disclosure and non-competition conditions, in each case, after written notice has been delivered to Mr. Goldin by the Company,
and Mr. Goldins failure to substantially perform his duties or breach is not cured within fifteen (15) business days after such notice has been
given to Mr. Goldin; (iv) upon any misrepresentation by Mr. Goldin of a material fact to or concealment by Mr. Goldin of a material fact from the
Companys Board, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and/or general counsel; or (v) upon any material violation of the Companys rules,
policies or procedures, including without limitation, the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
As per the Goldin Employment
Agreement, good reason is defined as: upon (i) the Companys failure to perform its material duties under the Goldin Employment
Agreement, which failure has not been cured by the Company within fifteen (15) days of its receipt of written notice thereof from Mr. Goldin; (ii) a
reduction by the Company (without the consent of Mr. Goldin, which consent may be revoked at any time) in Mr. Goldins base salary, or substantial
reduction in the other benefits provided to Mr. Goldin; (iii) the assignment to Mr. Goldin of duties inconsistent with Mr. Goldins status as a
senior executive officer of the Company; (iv) the relocation of Mr. Goldins principal place of employment to a location more than thirty-five
(35) miles from its current Newark, New Jersey location or outside of the New York City metropolitan areas; (v) the assignment of duties inconsistent
with the Companys rules, policies or procedures, including without limitation, the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; (vi) any
purported termination of Mr. Goldin s employment not in accordance with the terms of the Goldin Employment Agreement; or (vii) any Change in
Control of the Company. A Change in Control is defined as: if (A) any person or group (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the rules
and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), other than Howard Jonas, members of his immediate family, his
affiliates, trusts or private foundations established by or on his behalf, and the heirs, executors or administrators of Howard Jonas, shall acquire in
one or a series of transactions, whether through sale of stock or merger, voting securities representing more than 50% of the voting power of all
outstanding voting
19
securities of the Company or
any successor entity of the Company, or (B) the stockholders of the Company shall approve a complete liquidation or dissolution of the
Company.
Potential Post-Employment Payments
Certain of the Companys
executives with employment agreements are entitled under such agreements to payments upon termination.
For Mr. Jonas, the Chairman of
the Companys Board of Directors, if his employment is terminated (i) due to his death or disability, (ii) by the Company with or without cause,
or (iii) by Mr. Jonas for any reason, Mr. Jonas (or his beneficiary) shall be entitled to receive all unpaid amounts (A) of annual base salary, if any,
to which Mr. Jonas was entitled as of the date of termination and (B) to which Mr. Jonas was then entitled under any employee benefits, perquisites or
other reimbursements. In addition, in the event of Mr. Jonas death, or if the Company terminates his employment other than for cause, or if Mr.
Jonas terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Jonas (or, in the event of his death, his estate) shall be paid a lump sum payment equal to his
bonus for the fiscal year preceding his termination.
For Mr. Pupkin, the
Companys Chief Executive Officer, if his employment is terminated due to his death or disability, Mr. Pupkin (or, in the event of his death, his
estate) shall be entitled to receive any accrued or vested compensation, including salary, commission, bonus(es), reimbursement for unpaid and approved
business expenses through the date of termination, plus his base salary (at the rate in effect at the time of his death) for the greater of (i) the six
month period following Mr. Pupkins death or (ii) the remainder of the term of the Pupkin Employment Agreement, not to exceed one year. If Mr.
Pupkins employment is terminated without cause or should he resign for good reason, Mr. Pupkin shall be entitled to receive a severance payment
equal to the greater of $850,000 or his annual base salary (at the rate in effect on the date of termination) for the remainder of the term of the
Pupkin Employment Agreement, and all awards theretofore granted to the Mr. Pupkin under the Companys incentive plans shall immediately vest. If
Mr. Pupkins employment is not renewed under the Pupkin Employment Agreement, (A) Mr. Pupkin shall be entitled to receive, (1) all accrued or
vested compensation, including salary, commission, and bonus(es) through the date of termination, (2) unpaid and approved business expenses through the
date of termination, and (3) a severance payment in the amount of Mr. Pupkins base salary (at the rate in effect on the date of termination) plus
$250,000, which will be paid one-half within five business days of the effective date of Mr. Pupkins execution of a release agreement, and
one-half in equal payments over the 12-month period following such date of the execution of the release agreement, and (B) and all awards theretofore
granted to the Mr. Pupkin under the Companys incentive plans shall immediately vest.
For Mr. Goldin, the
Companys Chief Financial Officer, if his employment is terminated due to his death or disability, Mr. Goldin (or, in the event of his death, his
estate) shall be entitled to receive any accrued or vested compensation, including salary, commission, bonus(es), reimbursement for unpaid and approved
business expenses through the date of termination. If Mr. Goldin is terminated by the Company for cause or if Mr. Goldin resigns without good reason,
Mr. Goldin shall be entitled to receive accrued or vested compensation, including salary, commission, and bonus(es), and to be reimbursed for unpaid
and approved business expenses, through the date of termination. If the Company terminates Mr. Goldin without cause, if Mr. Goldin resigns for good
reason, or if the Company does extend the term of the Goldin Employment Agreement, (i) Mr. Goldin shall be paid all accrued or vested compensation,
including salary, commission, and bonus(es), and shall be reimbursed for unpaid and approved business expenses, through the date of termination, as
well as a severance payment equal to the greater of (i) the amount Mr. Goldin would be entitled to under Company policy applicable to management
employees in effect at the time of termination, or (ii) Mr. Goldins base salary plus his target bonus under the Goldin Employment Agreement (at
the rates in effect on the date of termination) for the remainder of the term of the Goldin Employment Agreement, but in no event less than a 12-month
period, and (ii) all awards theretofore granted to Mr. Goldin under the Companys incentive plans shall continue to vest (and the restrictions
thereon lapse) on their then existing schedule. These payments shall be paid over the period of time covered thereby on the Companys regularly
scheduled payroll payment dates.
Please see the section above
entitled Employment Agreements for more details on these payments and the employment agreements of these executive officers,
generally.
The following table and related
footnotes describe and quantify the amount of post termination payments that would be payable to each of the Named Executive Officers of the Company
who have employment agreements in the event of termination of such Named Executive Officers employment as of December 31, 2011 under various
employment-related scenarios pursuant to the employment Agreements entered into with each of the Named Executive Officers set forth in the table below
utilizing a per share stock price of $7.93, the closing market price of the Companys common stock on December 30, 2011, the last trading day of
the Interim Period. Due to the number of factors that affect the nature and amount of any benefits provided upon the events discussed below, any actual
amounts paid or distributed may be different from those presented in the following table. Factors that could
20
affect these amounts include
the timing during the year of any such event, the Companys stock price and the Named Executive Officers age.
|
|
Name
|
|
|
|
Benefit ($)
|
|
Death ($)
|
|
Disability ($)
|
|
By Company w/o Cause ($)
|
|
By Company w/ Cause ($)(1)
|
|
By NEO w/o Good Reason ($)
|
|
By NEO w/ Good Reason ($)
|
Howard S.
Jonas |
|
|
|
Accrued Unpaid Salary and Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance |
|
|
375,000 |
|
|
|
375,000 |
|
|
|
375,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
375,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Claude
Pupkin |
|
|
|
Accrued Unpaid Salary and Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance |
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,700,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
725,302 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
725,302 |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,970 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
156,970 |
|
|
Avi
Goldin |
|
|
|
Accrued Unpaid Salary and Benefits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
475,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
475,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted Stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES
The table below summarizes the
total compensation paid or awarded to our Named Executive Officers by IDT or the Company during Fiscal 2011 and the Interim Period, which is from
August 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. Prior to the spin-off, all of the Named Executive Officers were employees of IDT and all compensation for periods
prior to the spin-off disclosed in the table below was paid by IDT for services provided by the Named Executive Officers to our business segments and
other units of IDT. In the Interim Period, the Named Executive Officers were awarded bonuses by the Company based on certain accomplishments during
Fiscal 2011 as more fully described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section above.
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
|
|
Fiscal Year/Interim Period
|
|
Salary ($)
|
|
Bonus ($)
|
|
Stock Awards ($)(1)(2)
|
|
Option Awards ($)(1)
|
|
All other Compensation ($)
|
|
Total ($)
|
Howard S.
Jonas Chairman of the Board(3) |
|
|
|
Interim Period
|
|
$ |
14,807 |
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
376,750 |
(4) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
791,557 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2011 |
|
$ |
36,004 |
(5) |
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
350 |
(6) |
|
$ |
436,394 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2010 |
|
$ |
35,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
350,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
385,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2009 |
|
$ |
347,740 |
(7) |
|
$ |
925,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,743,002 |
(8) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,217 |
(9) |
|
$ |
5,016,959 |
|
|
Claude
Pupkin Chief Executive Officer(10) |
|
|
|
Interim Period
|
|
$ |
222,885 |
|
|
$ |
325,000 |
|
|
$ |
256,622 |
(11) |
|
$ |
155,471 |
(12) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
959,978 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2011 |
|
$ |
485,000 |
|
|
$ |
225,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,514,160 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,450 |
(13) |
|
$ |
2,226,610 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2010 |
|
$ |
485,000 |
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
685,000 |
|
|
Geoffrey
Rochwarger Vice Chairman(14) |
|
|
|
Interim Period
|
|
$ |
226,311 |
|
|
$ |
464,872 |
|
|
$ |
256,622 |
|
|
$ |
155,471 |
(15) |
|
$ |
12,515 |
(16) |
|
$ |
1,115,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2011 |
|
$ |
528,650 |
|
|
$ |
517,675 |
|
|
$ |
1,514,160 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
14,500 |
(16) |
|
$ |
2,574,985 |
|
|
Avi
Goldin Chief Financial Officer |
|
|
|
Interim Period
|
|
$ |
86,385 |
|
|
$ |
26,250 |
|
|
$ |
82,488 |
(17) |
|
$ |
49,974 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
245,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fiscal 2011 |
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
140,200 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
335,200 |
|
(1) |
|
The amounts shown in this column reflect the aggregate grant
date fair value of stock option and restricted stock awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. In valuing such awards, Genie made certain
assumptions. For a discussion of those assumptions, please see Note 5 to Genies Consolidated Financial Statements included in Genies
Transition Report on Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2011. |
21
(2) |
|
Mr. Jonas received grants of stock in lieu of base compensation
for certain periods including Fiscal 2011. Because such grant was made prior to Fiscal 2011, its value is not reflected in the table for that year.
Prior to the entry into of an Amended Employment Agreement between IDT Corporation and Mr. Jonas, Mr. Jonas annual base compensation was set by
IDTs Board of Directors and Compensation Committee at $865,000, although prior to effectiveness of that agreement, Mr. Jonas had only accepted
payment of base compensation at an annual rate of $750,000. The Amended Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Jonas compensation for all periods
not covered by the equity grant was to be $1 million per annum. |
(3) |
|
Mr. Jonas has served as Chief Executive Officer of IDT since
October 22, 2009. Mr. Jonas did not receive compensation for his role as a director of IDT nor will he be compensated by the Company for his role as
the Companys director. |
(4) |
|
Does not include 2,059,760 shares of Restricted Stock (with a
grant date value of $18,640,828) granted to Mr. Jonas upon the spin-off of the Company from IDT in respect of IDT Corporation Restricted Stock then
held by Mr. Jonas. Such IDT Restricted Stock is reflected as compensation in prior periods and there was no additional value granted to Mr. Jonas in
respect thereof upon the spin-off. |
(5) |
|
Amounts listed as base salary for Mr. Jonas in fiscal 2010 and
2011 were amounts paid in order to facilitate the provision of employee benefits to Mr. Jonas and allow for salary deductions to pay the employee
portion of the costs thereof by Mr. Jonas under Company policy. Such amounts were deducted from Mr. Jonas bonus compensation and the amounts
shown under Bonus compensation are the amounts actually received for the periods, when the amounts determined for Mr. Jonas were actually higher by the
cash salary amounts. |
(6) |
|
IDT Corporations matching contribution to Mr. Jonas
IDT stock account established under the IDT 401(k) plan. |
(7) |
|
Consists of cash compensation from August 1, 2008 through
December 31, 2008 pursuant to Mr. Jonas Amended Employment Agreement with IDT, which sets forth an annual base salary of $856,000 through October
31, 2008, an annual base salary of $750,000 from November 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008 and an annual base salary of $1 million for all other
periods not covered by the stock grant described in this note. Mr. Jonas salary from January 1, 2009 to July 31, 2009 was paid in the form of
restricted IDT common stock and restricted IDT Class B common stock as reflected in the Stock Awards column above. |
(8) |
|
Grant of 1,176,427 shares of IDT Class B common stock and
883,333 shares of IDT common stock in connection with Mr. Jonas IDT employment agreement. |
(9) |
|
Represents $1,492 paid for life insurance premiums, and a $1,725
matching contribution to Mr. Jonas IDT stock account established under the IDT Corporation 401(k) plan and invested in IDTs
stock. |
(10) |
|
Mr. Pupkin also served as the Companys Chief Financial
Officer from inception to August 2011. |
(11) |
|
Does not include 54,000 shares of Restricted Stock (with a grant
date value of $488,700) granted to Mr. Pupkin upon the spin-off of the Company from IDT in respect of IDT Corporation Restricted Stock then held by Mr.
Pupkin. Such IDT Restricted Stock is reflected as compensation in prior periods and there was no additional value granted to Mr. Pupkin in respect
thereof upon the spin-off. |
(12) |
|
Does not include options in the amount of $11,497 granted to Mr.
Pupkin by virtue of Mr. Pupkins ownership of IDT options in connection with IDT Corporations pro-rata spin-off of the Company. |
(13) |
|
IDT Corporations matching contribution to Mr.
Pupkins IDT stock account established under the IDT 401(k) plan. |
(14) |
|
Mr. Rochwarger served as the Companys Chief Executive
Officer from inception to August 2011. |
(15) |
|
Does not include options in the amount of $11,873 granted to Mr.
Rochwarger by virtue of Mr. Rochwargers ownership of IDT options in connection with IDT Corporations pro-rata spin-off of the
Company. |
(16) |
|
Car, fuel, phone and internet expenses paid by the Company on
behalf of Mr. Rochwarger. |
(17) |
|
Does not include 5,000 shares of Restricted Stock (with a grant
date value of $45,250) granted to Mr. Goldin upon the spin-off of the Company from IDT in respect of IDT Corporation Restricted Stock then held by Mr.
Goldin. Such IDT Restricted Stock is reflected as compensation in prior periods and there was no additional value granted to Mr. Goldin in respect
thereof upon the spin-off. |
22
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table provides
information on grants of awards made to our Named Executive Officers in Fiscal 2011 and the Interim Period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name (a)
|
|
|
|
Grant Date (b)
|
|
All Other Stock Awards: Number of Shares
of Stock or Units (#) (i)
|
|
All Other Option Awards: Number of
Securities Underlying Options (#) (j)
|
|
Exercise or Base Price of Option
Awards ($/Sh) (k)
|
|
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and
Option Awards ($) (1)
|
Claude
Pupkin |
|
|
|
|
10/28/11 |
|
|
|
54,000 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
488,700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
37,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
256,622 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,463 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
155,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,963 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
11,497 |
|
Avi
Goldin |
|
|
|
|
10/28/11 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
12,042 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,488 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,042 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
49,974 |
|
Howard
Jonas |
|
|
|
|
10/28/11 |
|
|
|
2,059,760 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,640,828 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
376,750 |
|
Geoffrey
Rochwarger |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
37,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
256,622 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,463 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
155,471 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,885 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
11,873 |
|
(1) |
|
The amounts shown reflect the Restricted Stock granted to the
Named Executive Officers in respect to the IDT Corporation Restricted Stock granted in Fiscal 2011 and do not constitute compensation in the Interim
Period. |
(2) |
|
The amounts shown reflect the Restricted Stock granted to the
Named Executive Officer in respect to the IDT Corporation Restricted Stock granted in prior periods and do not constitute compensation in the Interim
Period. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2011 Fiscal
Year-End
The following table provides
information on the current holdings of stock options and unvested restricted stock and DSUs by our Named Executive Officers at December 31,
2011.
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
|
|
Option Grant Date
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable(2)
|
|
Number of Securities Underlying
Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable(3)
|
|
Option Exercise Price ($)
|
|
Option Expiration Date
|
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have
Not Vested (#)
|
|
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock
That Have Not Vested(1) ($)
|
Claude
Pupkin |
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
2,074 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
11/06/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
4/23/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,463 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
11/02/21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,463 |
(4) |
|
|
725,302 |
|
Geoffrey
Rochwarger |
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
04/15/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
2,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
04/23/17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,463 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
11/02/21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,463 |
(5) |
|
|
725,302 |
|
Howard
Jonas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,114,760 |
(6) |
|
|
16,770,047 |
|
Avi
Goldin |
|
|
|
11/3/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,042 |
|
|
|
6.85 |
|
|
|
11/02/21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,042 |
(7) |
|
|
135,143 |
|
(1) |
|
The market value of unvested Class B restricted stock (and for
Mr. Rochwarger, Deferred Stock Units) is calculated by multiplying the number of unvested stock and DSUs held by the applicable named executive officer
by the closing price of our Class B common stock on December 30, 2011 (the last trading day of the Interim Period), which was $7.93. |
(2) |
|
All options listed in this column of the table that were granted
by virtue of options held to purchase IDT Corporation Class B common stock in connection with IDT Corporations pro-rata spin-off of the Company
are fully vested. |
23
(3) |
|
All options listed in this column of the table will vest as
follows: one-third each on November 3, 2012, November 3, 2013 and November 3, 2014. |
(4) |
|
18,000 shares vested on January 5, 2012, 18,000 shares will vest
on each of January 5, 2013 and 2014, 12,487 shares will vest on November 3, 2012 and 12,488 shares will vest on each of November 3, 2013 and
2014. |
(5) |
|
12,487 shares will vest on November 3, 2012 and 12,488 shares
will vest on each of November 3, 2013 and 2014. |
(6) |
|
568,181 shares vested on January 15, 2012, 1,491,579 shares will
vest on December 31, 2013, 18,333 shares will vest on each of November 3, 2012 and 2013 and 18,334 shares will vest on November 3, 2014. |
(7) |
|
1,667 shares vested on January 5, 2012, 1,667 shares will vest
on January 5, 2013, 1,666 shares will vest on January 5, 2014 and 4,014 shares will vest on each of November 3, 2012, 2013 and 2014. |
Except as provided for in
agreements that the Company may enter into with its executive officers, any bonus compensation to executive officers will be determined by our
Compensation Committee based on factors it deems appropriate, including the achievement of specific performance targets and our financial and business
performance.
We adopted our 2011 Stock
Incentive Plan to provide equity compensation to our Board of Directors, our management and our employees and consultants. Except as described in this
paragraph and the grants set forth in the table above, we have not committed to make any grants under such plan. We have entered into an agreement with
Liore Alroy, who serves as our Deputy Chairman in a non-executive strategic advisor capacity, pursuant to which, he was granted options, to purchase
227,183 shares of our Class B common stock. We have also agreed with Jeff Hendler, IDT Energys Chief Commercial Officer, pursuant to which, he
was granted 22,000 shares of restricted Class B common stock and options to purchase 22,000 shares of Class B common stock. In conjunction with the
spin-off, approximately 2.4 million shares of our Class B common stock were distributed to holders of unvested restricted shares of Class B common
stock of IDT, which are similarly restricted. In addition, we issued options to purchase 50,000 shares of our Class B common stock in respect of
outstanding options to purchase shares of Class B common stock of IDT. Such restricted shares and options were issued under the plan.
In addition, following the end of
the Interim Period, certain subsidiaries of the Company adopted equity compensation plans to incentivize key personnel at those specific subsidiaries
and reward such individuals for the success of those operations. The Company grants equity interest in certain of its subsidiaries in order to further
align the interests of officers with the Companys stockholders in those areas of our businesses where they play a direct role in
performance.
24
PROPOSALS REQUIRING YOUR VOTE
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the Companys
Amended By-Laws, the authorized number of directors on the Board of Directors is between three and seventeen, with the actual number to be set, up to
that limit, by the Board of Directors from time to time. The Board of Directors has set the number of directors on the Board of Directors at six. There
are currently six directors on the Board of Directors. The current terms of all of the directors expire at the Annual Meeting. All six directors are
standing for re-election at the Annual Meeting.
The nominees to the Board of
Directors are Howard S. Jonas, James A. Courter, W. Wesley Perry, Allan Sass, Alan Rosenthal and Irwin Katsof, each of whom has consented to be named
in this proxy statement and to serve if elected. Each of the nominees is currently serving as a director of the Company. Brief biographical information
about the nominees for directors is furnished below.
Each of these director nominees
is standing for election for a term of one year until the 2013 Annual Meeting, or until his successor is duly elected and qualified or until his
earlier resignation or removal. A majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting shall elect each director. Stockholders may not vote for more than
six persons, which is the number of nominees identified herein. The following pages contain biographical information and other information about the
nominees. Following each nominees biographical information, we have provided information concerning particular experience, qualifications,
attributes and/or skills that the Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors considered when determining that each nominee should serve as a
director.
Howard S. Jonas has
served as Chairman of Genie since January, 2011 and Co-Vice Chairman of Genie Energy International Corporation since September 2009. Mr. Jonas founded
IDT in August 1990, and has served as Chairman of IDTs Board of Directors since its inception. Mr. Jonas has served as Chief Executive Officer of
IDT since October 2009 and from December 1991 until July 2001. Mr. Jonas served as President of IDT from December 1991 through September 1996, and as
Treasurer of IDT from inception through 2002. Mr. Jonas has served as the Chairman of the Board of CTM Media Holdings, Inc. since August 2009. Mr.
Jonas has also served as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of IDT Telecom from December 1999 to April 2008, as Co-Chairman since April 2008,
and as a director of IDT Capital since September 2004. Mr. Jonas served as Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors of IDT Entertainment from November
2004 until August 2006. From August 2006 until August 2011, Mr. Jonas served as a director of Starz Media Holdings, LLC, Starz Media, LLC and Starz
Foreign Holdings, LLC, each of which is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation. In addition, Mr. Jonas has been a director of IDT Energy since June
2007 and a director of American Shale Oil Corporation since January 2008. Mr. Jonas is also the founder and has been President of Jonas Media Group
(f/k/a Jonas Publishing) since its inception in 1979. Mr. Jonas was the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Net2Phone from October 2001 to October
2004, the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Net2Phone from October 2004 to June 2006, and has served as the Chairman of Net2Phone since June
2006. Mr. Jonas received a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University.
Key Attributes, Experience and
Skills:
As founder of the Company and
Chairman of the Board since its inception, Mr. Jonas brings extensive and detailed knowledge of all aspects of our Company and each industry it is
involved in to the Board. In addition, having Mr. Jonas on the Board provides our Company with effective leadership.
James A. Courter
has served as Vice Chairman of the Board and director of Genie since August 2011. Mr. Courter served as President of IDT from October 1996 until July
2001, and as Chief Executive Officer from August 2001 to October 2009. Mr. Courter served as a director of IDT from March 1996 to October 2011and
served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of IDT from March 1999 to October 2011. Mr. Courter has served as Co-Vice Chairman of the board of
directors of Genie Energy International Corporation since September 2009. In addition, from December 1999 to October 2009, Mr. Courter served as a
director of IDT Telecom and as a director of Net2Phone, and served as a director of IDT Capital from September 2004 to October 2009. Mr. Courter served
as the Vice Chairman of IDT Entertainment from November 2003 to August 2006. Mr. Courter has been a senior partner in the New Jersey law firm of
Courter, Kobert & Cohen since 1972. He was also a partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm of Verner, Liipfert, Bernhard, McPherson & Hand from
January 1994 to September 1996. Mr. Courter was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years, retiring in January 1991. From 1991 to
1994, Mr. Courter was Chairman of the Presidents Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission. Mr. Courter also serves as a director of The
Berkeley School. He received a B.A. from Colgate University and a J.D. from Duke University Law School.
25
Key Attributes, Experience and
Skills:
Mr. Courters experience as
a U.S. Congressman for twelve years positions him to provide guidance in government relations. Moreover, Mr. Courters fourteen year tenure with
IDT (eight of which was as Chief Executive Officer) affords him extensive knowledge of our various businesses, and experience running of a company with
diverse holdings and operations. Mr. Courter also brings leadership oversight to the Board.
W. Wesley Perry has
served as a director of the Company since October 2011. He has also served as a director of GEIC since September 2009. Mr. Perry served as a director
of IDT Corporation from September 2010 to October 2011. Mr. Perry owns and operates S.E.S. Investments, Ltd., an oil and gas investment company since
1993. He has served as CEO of E.G.L. Resources, Inc. since July 2008 and served as its President from 2003 to July 2008. Mr. Perry has served as
Chairman of the board of directors of Genie Energy International Corporation since September 2009. Mr. Perry has been a director of United Trust Group
(OTC:UTGN) since June 2001 and has served on its Audit Committee since June 2002. He has served as a director of American Capitol Insurance Company and
Texas Imperial Life Insurance Company since 2006. He served as a director of Western National Bank from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Perry served as an at-large
councilperson on the Midland City Council from 2002 to 2008. He is currently the Mayor of Midland, Texas, first elected in November 2007. He is the
President of the Milagros Foundation and a board member of the Abel-Hangar Foundation. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from
University of Oklahoma.
Key Attributes, Experience and
Skills:
Mr. Perrys history in the
oil and gas industry demonstrates his significant experience in and knowledge of our unconventional oil and gas business. Mr. Perrys strong
financial background, including his service as chairman of the audit committee of United Trust Group, also provides financial expertise to the Board,
including an understanding of financial statements, corporate finance and accounting.
Allan Sass, PhD has
served as a director of the Company since October 2011. Mr. Sass is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Occidental Oil Shale
Corporation, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the technical journal, In-Situ. Mr. Sass has a Bachelor of
Science in Chemical Engineering from Cooper Union and a Master of Science and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Yale University.
Key Attributes, Experience and
Skills:
Mr. Sass history in the oil
shale industry demonstrates his significant experience in and knowledge of our unconventional oil and gas business. His extensive scientific background
and significant experience in the oil shale industry provides assistance in the oversight of the Companys oil shale business, in particular the
Companys research and development efforts.
Alan B. Rosenthal
has served as a director of the Company since October 2011. Dr. Rosenthal is the founding and managing partner of ABR Capital Financial Group LLC, an
investment fund, founding partner and owner of NorthStar Travel, founding partner of Alaska Business Monthly and founding partner and owner of Master
Dental Alliance. Dr. Rosenthal is an assistant clinical professor of Micro-Neurosurgical Treatment of Oral Pathology at New York University. Dr.
Rosenthal is a board member of Yeshiva University and served on the board of directors of IDT Corporation from 19941996. He has a Bachelors of
Science from Rutgers University and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania.
Key Attributes, Experience and
Skills:
Dr. Rosenthals strong
financial background as founding partner and owner of various businesses and provides financial expertise to the Board, including an understanding of
financial statements, corporate finance and accounting.
Irwin Katsof has
been director of the Company since March 2012. Mr. Katsof has been a director of CTM Media Holdings, Inc. since October 2010. In 2012, Mr. Katsof
founded and currently serves as the managing partner of Katsof Energy Consultants. From 2006 to 2011, Mr. Katsof was a partner at Doheny Global Group,
a company actively developing renewable energy and real estate projects throughout Central and Eastern Europe. In 2011, Mr. Katsof was appointed by the
United States Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Ambassador Ron Kirk, the United States Trade Representative to be part of a select group of energy
executives to serve on the United States Commerce Department Trade Advisory Board (ITAC 6) to advise the United States Government on International
Energy Trade Policy. Since 2009, Mr. Katsof has been associated in various capacities, with New Biomass Energy LLC, an entity that manufactures
torrefied wood, a renewable biomass alternative to coal in the United States and Europe. Mr. Katsof is also the Founder, President and past CEO of
Global Capital Associates where he developed business and marketing strategy for the company, which provides business development and networking
services. From January 2007 to December 2007, Mr. Katsof was the Founder and Chairman of World Congress of Christians, Jews and Muslims International
foundation. From January 2004 to December 2006, Mr. Katsof was Founder, Chairman and President of Global Foundation for
26
Democracy International
foundation. From January 2001 to December 2005, Mr. Katsof was the Founder and Executive Officer for Words Can Heal International. Mr. Katsof was also
Founder and Executive Director of The Jerusalem Fund from April 1995 to December 2005. Mr. Katsof received his BA in Psychology and Organizational
Development from Loyola College Concordia University, Montreal and his Rabbinical Ordination from Yeshivat Aish Hatorah, Jerusalem. Mr. Katsof
also completed his Series 7 exams.
Key Attributes, Experience and
Skills:
Mr. Katsofs qualifications
to serve on our Board include his leadership, motivational and entrepreneurial skills as the founder of his own companies and co-leader of numerous
missions with the United States Department of Commerce to various countries discussing alternative energy, as well as his experience developing global
business strategies and experience in the alternative energy industry.
The Board of Directors has no
reason to believe that any of the persons named above will be unable or unwilling to serve as a director, if elected.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.
27
Directors, Director Nominees, Executive Officers and Key
Personnel
The executive officers,
directors, director nominees and certain key personnel of the Company are as follows:
Name
|
|
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
Howard S.
Jonas |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director, Director Nominee and Named Executive Officer |
Claude
Pupkin |
|
|
|
50 |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Named Executive Officer |
Avi
Goldin |
|
|
|
34 |
|
Chief Financial Officer and Named Executive Officer |
Geoffrey
Rochwarger |
|
|
|
41 |
|
Vice Chairman and Named Executive Officer |
Ira
Greenstein |
|
|
|
51 |
|
President |
James A.
Courter |
|
|
|
70 |
|
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Director and Director Nominee |
W. Wesley
Perry |
|
|
|
55 |
|
Director and Director Nominee |
Allan Sass
|
|
|
|
72 |
|
Director and Director Nominee |
Alan B.
Rosenthal |
|
|
|
58 |
|
Director and Director Nominee |
Irwin
Katsof |
|
|
|
57 |
|
Director and Director Nominee |
Liore
Alroy |
|
|
|
44 |
|
Deputy Chairman |
Alan K.
Burnham |
|
|
|
61 |
|
Chief Technology Officer, AMSO, LLC |
Harold
Vinegar |
|
|
|
62 |
|
Chief Scientist, IEI |
Set forth below
is biographical information with respect to the Companys current executive officers and key personnel except Howard S. Jonas, whose information
is set forth above under Proposal No. 1:
Claude Pupkin has
served as Chief Executive Officer of Genie since August 2011 and served as Executive Vice President of IDT Corporation from December 2008 through
October 2011. He has also served as Chief Financial Officer of Genie Energy International Corporation since September 2009 and as President, Treasurer
and Secretary of AMSO LLC since April 2008. Mr. Pupkin joined IDT in January 2003 and has held several positions with IDT and its affiliates.
Previously, Mr. Pupkin served as IDTs Senior Vice President of Corporate Development. Before joining the parent company, Mr. Pupkin was the
Executive Vice President of Finance and Corporate Development for Net2Phone, which was a publicly-traded affiliate of IDT that was fully acquired by
IDT in March 2006. In that role, Mr. Pupkin led a follow-on public equity offering for Net2Phone in 2003. Prior to joining Net2Phone, Mr. Pupkins
career included more than 17 years of finance, investment banking and accounting experience. Immediately prior to joining Net2Phone, Mr. Pupkin led JP
Morgan Chases Latin America Telecommunications, Media and Technology Investment Banking business. He also worked for several years at Morgan
Stanley & Co. and Citibank as an investment banker, assisting companies in raising capital from the debt and equity markets and executing strategic
transactions. He began his professional career as a CPA with Ernst & Young (formerly Ernst & Whinney). Mr. Pupkin holds an MBA from The Wharton
School of the University of Pennsylvania, an MA in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from
the University of Maryland, College Park where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. Mr. Pupkin is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
Avi Goldin has
served as Chief Financial Officer of Genie since August 2011 and served as Vice President of Corporate Development of IDT Corporation from May 2009
through October 2011. Mr. Goldin originally joined IDT in January 2004 and held several positions within IDT and its affiliates before leaving to join
CayComm Media Holdings, a privately backed telecommunications acquisition fund, where he served as Vice President, Finance. Mr. Goldin rejoined IDT in
May 2009 as Vice President of Corporate Development. Prior to joining IDT, Mr. Goldin served as an Investment Analyst at Dreman Value Management, a $7
billion asset management firm and an Associate in the Satellite Communications group at Morgan Stanley & Co. Mr. Goldin holds an MBA from the Stern
School of Business of New York University, a BA in Finance from the Syms School of Business of Yeshiva University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst
(CFA).
Geoffrey Rochwarger
has served as Vice Chairman of Genie since August 2011, and has served as Chief Executive Officer of IDT Energy since January 2007 and as Chairman of
IDT Energy since June 2007. From 2004 to 2009, Mr. Rochwarger served as President and Director of IDT Capital, Inc., the then business incubator for
IDT. Prior to 2004, Mr. Rochwarger has held various executive officer positions at IDT Corporation and its affiliates. Mr. Rochwarger received a B.A.
in Economics and Psychology at Yeshiva University in 1992. Mr. Rochwarger is not a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Ira Greenstein has
served as President of Genie since December 2011. Mr. Greenstein currently also serves as Counsel to the Chairman of IDT Corporation and had served as
the President of IDT from August 2001 until December 2011. He also was a Director of IDT from December 2003 until December 2006. Prior to joining IDT,
Mr. Greenstein was a partner in the law firm of Morrison & Foerster LLP from February 1997 to November 1999, where he served as the Chairman of
that firms New York
28
Offices Business
Department. Concurrently, Mr. Greenstein was General Counsel and Secretary of Net2Phone from January 1999 to November 1999. Prior to 1997, Mr.
Greenstein was an associate in the New York and Toronto offices of the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Mr. Greenstein also
served on the Securities Advisory Committee and as secondment counsel to the Ontario Securities Commission. Mr. Greenstein serves on the Boards of
Directors of Document Security Systems, Inc. (AMEX:DSS), Ohr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC:OHRP.OB), NanoVibronix, Inc. and Regal Bank of New Jersey. Mr.
Greenstein received a B.S. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Columbia University Law School.
Liore Alroy has
served as our Deputy Chairman since October 2011. Mr. Alroy has also served as Deputy Chairman of IDT Corporation since October 2011. Mr. Alroy served
as an Executive Vice President of IDT from December 2007 to October 2011. Mr. Alroy has served as the Chief Executive Officer, President and
Co-Chairman of IDT Telecom from April 2008 to October 2011. From October 2004 through October 2011, he served as the Chief Executive Officer and a
Director of Net2Phone, which was an affiliate of IDT that was fully acquired by IDT in March 2006. Mr. Alroy joined IDT in 2001 and served in various
capacities with IDT and its affiliates, including as a Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. He is a graduate of Cornell University and
Columbia University Law School. Mr. Alroy is not a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Alan K. Burnham,
PhD has served as Chief Technology Officer, American Shale Oil, LLC since March 2008. Prior to his position as CTO of AMSO, LLC, Dr. Burnham
was employed at the Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the areas of oil shale processing, petroleum geochemistry, laser fusion targets and large
optics for the National Ignition Facility, and energetic materials. Dr. Burnham has published three patents and approximately 250 journal articles,
conference proceedings, and publicly available LLNL technical reports. He has been active in numerous professional societies and won a Federal
Laboratory Consortium award for excellence in technology transfer in 1990. Dr. Burnham received his BS in Chemistry from Iowa State University and a
PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
Harold Vinegar, PhD
has served as Chief Scientist of IEI since December 2008. Prior to his position as Chief Scientist of IEI, Dr. Vinegar was Chief Scientist, Physics, of
Royal Dutch Shell. Dr. Vinegar spent 32 years at Shells Bellaire Technology Center in Texas working on novel hydrocarbon exploration and
production technologies. Dr. Vinegar has spent almost 30 years in developing novel thermal recovery processes to unconventional resources. Dr. Vinegar
is a co-inventor of Shells In situ Conversion and In situ Upgrading Processes (ICP and IUP) that have been piloted successfully in Colorado oil
shale and Alberta tar sands. Dr. Vinegar was elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society in 1999, cited for contributions to the science
and technology of oil exploration and environmental remediation, particularly thermal methods for extracting hydrocarbons from the ground and for
applications of NMR methods to well logging. In addition, Dr. Vinegar has published over 270 patents and 50 publications in fields such as the
complex conductivity of shaly sands; Xray CT, NMR spectroscopy and NMR imaging of cores; NMR well logging; microseismic imaging of hydraulic fractures;
and wireless power and communications for intelligent wells. In 2005, Dr. Vinegar was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. Dr. Vinegar
received his BA in Physics from Columbia University and his MA and PhD degrees in physics from Harvard University.
29
PROPOSAL NO. 2
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION
As required by Section 14A of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are asking our stockholders to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of the Named Executive
Officers identified in the 2011 Summary Compensation Table in the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement. This vote
is advisory and not binding on the Company; however, it will provide feedback concerning our executive compensation program.
As noted in the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis, or CD&A, included in the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement, the Compensation
Committee believes that our executive compensation program implements and achieves the goals of our executive compensation philosophy. That philosophy,
which is set by the Compensation Committee, is designed to attract and retain qualified and motivated personnel and align their interests with the
short-term and long-term goals of the Company and with the best interests of our stockholders. Our compensation philosophy is to provide compensation
to attract the individuals necessary for our current needs and growth initiatives, and provide them with the proper incentives to motivate those
individuals to achieve our long-term plans.
The three broad components of our
executive officer compensation are base salary, annual cash incentive bonuses awards, and long term equity-based incentive awards. The Compensation
Committee periodically reviews total compensation levels and the allocation of compensation among these three components for each of the executive
officers in the context of our overall compensation policy. Additionally, the Compensation Committee, in conjunction with our board, reviews the
relationship of executive compensation to corporate performance generally and with respect to specific enumerated goals that are established by the
Compensation Committee early in each fiscal year. The Compensation Committee believes that our current compensation plans are competitive and
reasonable.
Further details concerning how we
implement our philosophy and goals, and how we apply the above principles to our compensation program, are provided in the Compensation, Discussion and
Analysis above. In particular, we discuss how we set compensation targets and other objectives and evaluate performance against those targets and
objectives to assure that performance is appropriately rewarded.
Prior to the spin-off, all of the
Named Executive Officers were employees of IDT Corporation and all compensation for fiscal year 2011 (as well as in the period up to the consummation
of the spin-off on October 28, 2011) disclosed in the summary compensation table was paid by IDT Corporation for services provided by the Named
Executive Officers to our business segments and other units of IDT Corporation.
The pre-spin-off compensation of
Howard Jonas and Claude Pupkin were set by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of IDT Corporation after discussions with management
about the recommended levels and components of compensation for each of the individuals. The historical compensation of Messrs. Rochwarger and Goldin
were set by the management of IDT Corporation. Post spin-off, compensation of all such individuals from the Company was set by our Compensation
Committee.
Stockholders are urged to read
the Compensation, Discussion and Analysis and other information in the Executive Compensation section of this Proxy Statement. The
Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors believe that the information provided in that section demonstrates that our executive compensation
program aligns our executives compensation with Genies short-term and long-term performance and provides the compensation and incentives
needed to attract, motivate and retain key executives who are crucial to Genies long-term success. Accordingly, the following resolution will be
submitted for a stockholder vote at the Annual Meeting:
RESOLVED, that the
stockholders of Genie Energy Ltd. (the Company) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Companys Named Executive
Officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Securities and Exchange Commission Regulation S-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis,
the compensation tables and narrative disclosures.
Although the advisory vote is
non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board of Directors will review the results of the vote. The Compensation Committee will consider
stockholders concerns and take them into account in future determinations concerning our executive compensation program.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANYS NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS STATED IN THE ABOVE
RESOLUTION.
30
PROPOSAL NO. 3
ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In addition to seeking our
stockholders advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers, we are asking our stockholders to express a preference as to how
frequently future advisory votes on executive compensation should take place. As required by Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we are
giving stockholders the opportunity to express a preference to cast such advisory votes annually, every two years or every three years; shareholders
also have the option to abstain from voting on this matter. For the reasons discussed below, the Board of Directors recommends that advisory votes on
executive compensation take place every three years.
The Board believes that a vote
every three years provides adequate assurance that the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee remain accountable for executive compensation
decisions on a frequent basis.
Accordingly, our Board believes
that an advisory vote every three years is preferable, as it would foster a long-term approach to evaluating our executive compensation program while
maintaining accountability for executive compensation decisions. If a plurality of the votes cast on this matter at the Annual Meeting is cast in favor
of advisory votes on executive compensation every three years, the Company would adopt this approach. On this basis, the next advisory vote on
executive compensation, would take place at the Companys 2015 Annual Meeting.
Although the frequency vote is
non-binding, the Compensation Committee and the Board will review the results of the vote. The Board and the Compensation Committee will consider
stockholders views and take them into account in determining the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS SELECT
THREE YEARS ON THE PROPOSAL CONCERNING THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
31
THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL 2012
Zwick and Banyai, PLLC
(Zwick) was the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for Fiscal 2011 and for the Interim Period and has served the
Company as its independent registered public accounting firm since the Companys formation in January 2011. On March 19, 2012, the Company
notified Zwick that the Company was dismissing Zwick as its independent registered public accounting firm, effective immediately. The Audit Committee
approved the dismissal of Zwick as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm on March 19, 2012.
On March 19, 2012, the Company
engaged Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) to serve as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm to audit the
Companys consolidated financial statements for the remainder of calendar year 2012 and to issue a report on our calendar year 2012 financial
statements. The decision to engage Grant Thornton was approved by the Audit Committee. During the Companys two most recent fiscal years, the
Interim Period and the subsequent interim period through March 19, 2012, the Company did not consult Grant Thornton with respect to any of the matters
or events listed in Regulation S-K Item 304(a)(2).The Company therefore is not asking stockholders to ratify at the Annual Meeting the appointment of
Grant Thornton LLP or any other firm as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the Fiscal Year ending December 31,
2012.
Zwicks report on the
Companys consolidated financial statements for the past two fiscal years did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor was
it qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the two most recent fiscal
years, Interim Period and the subsequent period through March 19, 2012, there were no disagreements between the Company and Zwick on any matter of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the
satisfaction of Zwick, would have caused Zwick to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report on the
Companys financial statements for such years.
During the two most recent fiscal
years and the subsequent interim period through March 19, 2012, there were no reportable events, as defined in Regulation S-K Item
304(a)(1)(v).
The Company had previously
provided Zwick with a copy of the above disclosures and requested that Zwick furnish the Company with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange
Commission stating whether it agrees with the foregoing statements and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of the letter
from Zwick was filed as an exhibit to Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by the Company on March 22, 2012.
We expect that representatives
for Grant Thornton will be present at the Annual Meeting, will be available to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make
such statements as they may desire.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees
The following table presents fees
billed for professional services rendered by Zwick and Banyai, PLLC for the Fiscal Year ended July 31, 2011 and the Interim Period.
Fiscal Year Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
Interim Period
|
|
Fiscal 2011
|
Audit
Fees(1) |
|
|
|
$ |
19,550 |
|
|
$ |
38,408 |
|
Audit
Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All
Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,550 |
|
|
$ |
38,408 |
|
(1) |
|
Audit fees for fiscal 2011 were principally for audit work
performed on the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2011. Audit Fees for the Interim Period consist of fees for the
review of the Companys financial statements. |
The Audit
Committee concluded that the provision of the non-audit services listed above is compatible with maintaining the independence of Zwick and
Banyai.
32
Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and
Permissible Non-Audit Services of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Audit Committee is
responsible for appointing, setting compensation for, and overseeing the work of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The
Audit Committee has established a policy regarding pre-approval of all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered
public accounting firm, and all such services were approved by the Audit Committee for the Interim Period following the spin-off.
The Audit Committee assesses
requests for services by the independent registered public accounting firm using several factors. The Audit Committee will consider whether such
services are consistent with the PCAOBs and SECs rules on auditor independence. In addition, the Audit Committee will determine whether the
independent registered public accounting firm is best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service based upon the members
familiarity with the Companys business, people, culture, accounting systems, risk profile and whether the service might enhance the
Companys ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality.
Report of the Audit Committee
The primary purpose of the Audit
Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in its general oversight of the Companys financial reporting process. The Audit Committees
function is more fully described in its charter, which can be found on the Companys website at genie.com/governance.php. The Committee reviews
its charter on an annual basis. The Board of Directors annually reviews the NYSE listing standards definition of independence for Audit Committee
members and has determined that each member of the Committee meets that standard. The Board of Directors has also determined that W. Wesley Perry
qualifies as an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
Management is responsible for the
preparation, presentation, and integrity of the Companys financial statements, accounting and financial reporting principles, internal controls,
and procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws, and regulations. The Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for Fiscal 2011 and for the Interim Period ended December 31, 2011, Zwick and Banyai, PLLC, is responsible for performing
independent audits of the consolidated financial statements for Fiscal 2011 and expressing an opinion on the conformity of those financial statements
with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
The Committee has reviewed and
discussed with the Companys management the financial statements of the Company for the Interim Period ended December 31, 2011, as well as the
effectiveness of the Companys internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, and has discussed with Zwick and Banyai, PLLC
the matters required to be discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards Board Standard No. 61, as amended, Communication with Audit
Committees. In addition, Zwick and Banyai, PLLC has provided the Audit Committee with the written disclosures and the letter required by the
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and the Audit Committee has discussed with
Zwick and Banyai, PLLC its independence.
Based on these reviews and
discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the financial statements be included in the Companys Transition
Report on Form 10-Q for the Interim Period ended December 31, 2011, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS
W. Wesley Perry Chairman
and Financial Expert
Allan Sass
Alan Rosenthal
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in
any of the Companys previous filings under the Act, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as amended, that might incorporate future filings, including
this Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the foregoing report, as well as any charters op policies referenced within this Proxy Statement, shall not
be incorporated by reference into any such filings, nor shall they be deemed to be soliciting material or deemed filed with the SEC under the Act or
under the Exchange Act.
33
OTHER INFORMATION
Submission of Proposals for the 2013 Meeting of
Stockholders
Stockholders who wish to present
proposals for inclusion in the Companys proxy materials in connection with the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders must submit such proposals in
writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 550 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102, which proposals must be received at such address no
later than December 8, 2012. In addition, any stockholder proposal submitted with respect to the Companys 2013 annual meeting of stockholders,
which proposal is submitted outside the requirements of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and, therefore, will not be included in the relevant proxy
materials, will be considered untimely for purposes of Rule 14a-4 and 14a-5 if written notice thereof is received by the Companys Corporate
Secretary after February 20, 2013.
Availability of Transition Report on Form 10-Q and
Additional Historical Financial Information
Additional copies of the
Companys 2011 Transition Report on Form 10-Q and Additional Historical Financial Information may be obtained by contacting Bill Ulrey, Vice
PresidentInvestor Relations and External Affairs, by phone at (973) 438-3838, by mail addressed to Bill Ulrey, Vice PresidentInvestor
Relations and External Affairs, at 550 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102, or may be requested through the Investor Relations section of our website:
http://genie.com/investor_relations.php under the Request Info tab.
Other Matters
The Board of Directors knows of
no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is intended
that proxies granted will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgments of the persons voting the proxies.
It is important that the proxies
be returned promptly and that your shares be represented. Stockholders are urged to fill in, sign and promptly return the accompanying form in the
enclosed envelope.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Joyce Mason
Corporate Secretary
34
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
GENIE ENERGY LTD.
May 16, 2012
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Genie Energy Ltd.
Stockholders Meeting to be Held on May 16, 2012:
The Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, the 2011 Transitional Report and Additional Historical Financial Information are available at:
www.genie.com/ir
Please date, sign and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
¯ Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. ¯
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTES “FOR” THE LISTED NOMINEES, FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND FOR
THREE YEARS ON PROPOSAL 3.
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| FOR
| AGAINST
| ABSTAIN
|
| FOR
| AGAINST
| ABSTAIN
| |
| | | | | | | | |
1.
Election of Directors:
NOMINEES:
| | | |
2.
Advisory vote on executive compensation.
3.
Advisory vote on frequency of future advisory votes on executive
compensation.
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| |
James A. Courter
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
Howard S. Jonas
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| 1 Yr
| 2 Yrs
| 3 Yrs
| ABSTAIN
|
Irwin Katsof
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
|
W. Wesley Perry
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
Alan Rosenthal
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
Allan Sass
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company before the execution of this proxy of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, the 2011 Transitional Report and the Additional Historical Financial Information.
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
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.
| ¨
| MARK “X” HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
| ¨
|
|
|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Signature of
Stockholder
| Date: , 2012
| Signature of
Stockholder
| Date: , 2012
|
Note:
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Electronic Distribution
If you would like to receive future GENIE ENERGY LTD. proxy statements and annual reports electronically, please visit www.amstock.com. Click on Shareholder Account Access to enroll. Please enter your account number and tax identification number to log in, then select Receive Company Mailings via E-Mail and provide your e-mail address.
THIS PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
GENIE ENERGY LTD.
550 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102
(973) 438-3500
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held May 16, 2012
The undersigned appoints Claude Pupkin and Joyce J. Mason, or either one of them, as the proxy of the undersigned with full power of substitution to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) of Genie Energy Ltd. to be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites Newark Riverwalk Hotel, 100 Passaic Ave, Harrison, New Jersey 07029 on May 16, 2012 at 10:30 a.m., and any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting, according to the number of votes the undersigned would be entitled to cast if personally present, for or against any proposal, including the election of members of the Board of Directors, and any and all other business that may come before the Annual Meeting, except as otherwise indicated on the reverse side of this card.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO SUCH DIRECTIONS ARE MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSAL NOS. 2 AND 3 LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE.
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
GENIE ENERGY LTD.
May 16, 2012
PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
| |
MAIL - Date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.
|
|
| |
- OR -
| COMPANY NUMBER
|
| |
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.
| ACCOUNT NUMBER
|
| |
- OR -
|
|
| |
INTERNET - Access www.voteproxy.com and follow the on-screen instructions. Have your control number available when you access the web page.
|
|
You may enter your voting instructions at 1-800-PROXIES or www.voteproxy.com 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 the Internet. ¯
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR
VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x
|
| | | | | | | |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS VOTES “FOR” THE LISTED NOMINEES, “FOR” PROPOSAL 2 AND FOR
“THREE YEARS” ON PROPOSAL 3.
| | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| FOR
| AGAINST
| ABSTAIN
|
| FOR
| AGAINST
| ABSTAIN
| |
| | | | | | | | |
1.
Election of Directors:
NOMINEES:
| | | | 2.
Advisory vote on executive compensation.
3.
Advisory vote on frequency of future advisory votes on executive
compensation.
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| |
James A. Courter
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
Howard S. Jonas
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| 1 Yr
| 2 Yrs
| 3 Yrs
| ABSTAIN
|
Irwin Katsof
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
|
W. Wesley Perry
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
Alan Rosenthal
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
Allan Sass
| ¨
| ¨
| ¨
| | | | |
The undersigned acknowledges receipt from the Company before the execution of this proxy of the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, the 2011 Transitional Report and the Additional Historical Financial Information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
| ¨
| MARK “X” HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.
| ¨
|
|
|
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Signature of
Stockholder
| Date: , 2012
| Signature of
Stockholder
| Date: , 2012
|
Note:
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.