Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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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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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
(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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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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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
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NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
2050 DIPLOMAT DRIVE
DALLAS, TEXAS 75234
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 30, 2008
To the Stockholders of Natural Health Trends Corp.:
The 2008 annual meeting of stockholders of Natural Health Trends Corp. (the Company) will be
held on December 30, 2008 at 2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas 75234 at 9:00 a.m. local time. At
the meeting, the holders of the Companys outstanding common stock will act on the following
matters:
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Election of three (3) directors to the Board of Directors of the Company to
serve until the next annual meeting of the Companys stockholders; |
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Approval of the potential issuance of shares of Common Stock exceeding 19.99% of
the number of shares outstanding on October 19, 2007, which shares of Common Stock
underlie the variable rate convertible debentures and warrants issued in connection
with a private placement financing, for the purpose of complying with applicable NASDAQ
Marketplace Rules and the Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 relating
to such private placement financing; |
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Approval of the increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of common
stock available for issuance under the Natural Health Trends Corp. 2007 Equity
Incentive Plan by 500,000 shares; and |
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Ratification of the appointment of Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2008. |
All holders of record of shares of the Companys common stock at the close of business on
November 12, 2008 are entitled to vote at the meeting and any postponements or adjournments of the
meeting.
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By Order Of The Board Of Directors,
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/s/ Gary C. Wallace
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November 25, 2008 |
Gary C. Wallace |
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Secretary |
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WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED FORM OF
PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO OUR TRANSFER AGENT. THIS PROXY STATEMENT
AND PROXY CARD ARE BEING MAILED TO THE COMPANYS STOCKHOLDERS ON
OR ABOUT DECEMBER 2, 2008.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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ii
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas 75234
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement contains information related to the annual meeting of stockholders of
Natural Health Trends Corp. (the Company) to be held on December 30, 2008, beginning at 9:00
a.m., at the Companys executive offices, 2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas 75234, and at any
postponements or adjournments thereof. This proxy statement is being mailed to stockholders on or
about December 2, 2008.
ABOUT THE MEETING
What is the purpose of the meeting?
At the annual meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Stockholders included with this proxy statement.
Who is entitled to vote at the meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on November 12, 2008, the record date for
the meeting, are entitled to receive notice of and to participate in the annual meeting. If you
were a stockholder of record on that date, you will be entitled to vote all of the shares that you
held on that date at the meeting, or any postponements or adjournments of the meeting.
What are the voting rights of the holders of the Companys common stock?
Each outstanding share of the Companys common stock will be entitled to one vote on each
matter considered at the meeting. Cumulative voting in the election of directors is prohibited by
the Companys certificate of incorporation.
Who can attend the meeting?
All stockholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the
meeting.
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
aggregate voting power of the stock outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum,
permitting the stockholders to act upon the matters outlined in the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders. As of the record date, 10,343,582 shares of common stock, representing the same
number of votes, were outstanding. Thus, the presence of the holders of common stock representing
at least 5,171,792 shares of common stock will be required to establish a quorum.
Proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the
calculation of the number of votes considered to be present at the meeting.
How do I vote?
If you complete and properly sign the accompanying form of proxy and return it to the Company,
it will be voted as you direct. If you are a registered stockholder and attend the meeting, you
may deliver your completed proxy in person.
Can I revoke my proxy after I return it?
Proxies given by stockholders of record for use at the annual meeting may be revoked at any
time prior to the exercise of the powers conferred. In addition to revocation in any other manner
permitted by law, stockholders of record giving a proxy may revoke the proxy by an instrument in
writing, executed by the stockholder or his attorney authorized in writing or, if the stockholder
is a corporation, under its corporate seal, by an officer or attorney thereof duly authorized, and
deposited either at the corporate headquarters of the Company at any time up to and including the
last business day preceding the day of the annual meeting, or any adjournment thereof, at which
the proxy is to be used, or with the chairman of the annual meeting on the day of the annual
meeting or adjournment thereof, and upon either of such deposits the proxy is revoked.
1
What are the Board of Directors recommendations?
Unless you give other instructions on your returned proxy, the persons named as proxy holders
on the proxy will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors recommendations are set forth together with the description of each item in this
proxy statement. In summary, the Board of Directors recommends a vote:
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for election of the nominated slate of Directors (see Item One); |
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for the approval of the potential issuance of shares of common stock
exceeding 19.99% of the number of shares outstanding on October 19, 2007, which
shares of common stock underlie the variable rate convertible debentures and
warrants issued in connection with a private placement financing, for the purpose of
complying with applicable NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and the Securities Purchase
Agreement dated October 19, 2007 relating to such private placement financing (see
Item Two); |
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for the approval of the increase in the maximum aggregate number of
shares of common stock available for issuance under the Natural Health Trends Corp.
2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) by 500,000 shares (see Item Three); and |
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for ratification of the appointment of Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2008 (see Item Four). |
With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting, the proxy holders
will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given, in their own
discretion.
What vote is required to approve each item?
Election of Directors. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting
is required for the election of Directors. A properly executed proxy marked Withhold Authority
with respect to the election of all Directors will not be voted with respect to the Directors,
although it will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
Approval of the Potential Issuance of Common Stock Exceeding 19.99% of the Number of Shares
Outstanding on October 19, 2007. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total
votes cast on the matter at the meeting is required for the approval of the potential issuance of
shares of common stock exceeding 19.99% of the number of shares outstanding on October 19, 2007,
which shares of common stock underlie the variable rate convertible debentures and warrants issued
in connection with a private placement financing, for the purpose of complying with applicable
NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and the Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 relating to
such private placement financing. Abstentions, withholds and non-votes will have no effect on the
outcome of this proposal (Item Two).
Approval of the Increase in the Maximum Aggregate Number of Shares of Common Stock Available
for Issuance under the 2007 Plan by 500,000 Shares. The affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the total votes cast on the matter at the meeting will be required for the approval of
the increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under
the Natural Health Trends Corp. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan by 500,000 shares to a total of
2,050,000 shares. Abstentions, withholds and non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of this
proposal (Item Three).
2
Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. For the ratification of the
appointment of Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 (Item Four), the affirmative vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on
the item at the annual meeting will be required for approval. A properly executed proxy marked
Abstain with respect to Item Four will not be voted, although it will be counted for
purposes of determining whether there is a quorum. Accordingly, an abstention will have the
effect of a negative vote for such Item.
Broker non-votes will count in determining if a quorum is present at the annual meeting. A
broker non-vote occurs if a broker or other nominee attending the annual meeting in person or
submitting a proxy does not have discretionary authority to vote on a particular item and has not
received voting instructions with respect to that item.
What types of expenses will the Company incur?
The expense of preparing, printing and mailing this proxy statement and notice, exhibits and
the proxies solicited hereby will be borne by the Company. In addition to the use of the mails,
proxies may be solicited by officers and directors and regular employees of the Company, without
additional remuneration, by personal interviews, telephone, telegraph or facsimile transmission.
The Company may elect to engage a proxy solicitation firm to solicit stockholders to vote or grant
a proxy with respect to the proposals contained in this proxy statement. The Company will request
brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward proxy materials to the beneficial
owners of shares of common stock held of record and will provide reimbursements for the cost of
forwarding the material in accordance with customary charges.
3
STOCK OWNERSHIP
Who are the owners of the Companys stock?
The following table shows the amount of the Companys common stock beneficially owned (unless
otherwise indicated) as of November 12, 2008 by (i) each stockholder we know is the beneficial
owner of more than 5% of the Companys common stock, (ii) each director or director nominee,
(iii) each of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table set forth under
Compensation of Named Executive Officers and (iv) all executive officers and directors as a
group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes those persons who have voting or
investment power with respect to the securities. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to
applicable community property laws, the persons named in the table have sole voting and investment
power with respect to all shares of the Companys common stock beneficially owned by them.
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Amount and |
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Nature of |
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Beneficial |
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Percent of |
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Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1) |
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Ownership(2) |
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Class(2) |
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Officers, Directors and Director Nominee (Current and Former): |
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Chris T. Sharng |
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186,295 |
(3) |
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1.8 |
% |
Curtis E. Broome(5) |
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5,666 |
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John F. Cavanaugh |
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328,945 |
(4) |
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3.1 |
% |
Stephanie S. Hayano(6)
220 Morsehill Road
Millerton, NY 12546 |
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Randall A. Mason |
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192,183 |
(7) |
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1.9 |
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Stefan W. Zuckut |
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48,563 |
(8) |
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George Broady |
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817,149 |
(9) |
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7.9 |
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Current Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (7 persons) |
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1,681,776 |
(10) |
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16.1 |
% |
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5% or More Stockholders: |
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Big Rich International Ltd.
4010 Gloucester Tower, The Landmark
11 Pedder Street
Central
Hong Kong |
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941,171 |
(11) |
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8.3 |
% |
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Indicates beneficial ownership of less than 1% |
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Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each beneficial owner is c/o Natural
Health Trends Corp., 2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas 75234. |
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Any securities not outstanding that are subject to options or conversion privileges
exercisable within 60 days of November 12, 2008 are deemed outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage of outstanding securities of the class owned by any person holding
such securities, but are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of
the class owned by any other person in accordance with Item 403 of Regulation S-K of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and Rules 13(d)-3 of the Securities Exchange Act, and based
upon 10,343,582 shares of common stock outstanding (excluding treasury shares) as of November
12, 2008. |
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Includes (i) 1,984 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants
held by Mr. Sharng and (ii) 110,520 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting. Mr. Sharng
shares voting and investment power over 11,500 of the shares with his wife. |
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Includes (i) 1,984 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants
held by Mr. Cavanaugh and (ii) 121,338 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting. |
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Mr. Broome is a former executive officer of the Company. |
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Ms. Hayano is a former director of the Company and the former Chief Executive
Officer of the Company. |
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Includes (i) 10,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options
held by Mr. Mason, (ii) 27,399 shares owned by Marden Rehabilitation Associates, Inc., an
entity controlled by Mr. Mason, and (iii) 35,000 shares of restricted stock subject to
vesting. |
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Includes 39,376 shares of restricted stock subject to vesting. |
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Includes 61,693 shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of shares of the
Companys Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 61,693 shares of common stock issuable upon
the exercise of warrants held by Mr. Broady. |
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Includes (i) 65,661 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding
warrants that currently are exercisable by our directors and executive officers, (ii) 378,151 shares of
restricted stock subject to vesting that are beneficially owned by our directors and executive
officers, (iii) 15,000 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options held by
our directors and executive officers and (iv) 61,693 shares of common stock issuable upon the
conversion of shares of the Companys Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. Does not include
any shares held by Mr. Broome or Ms. Hayano because neither is any longer a director or an
executive officer of the Company. |
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Includes 941,171 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of warrants held
by Big Rich International, Ltd., a limited partnership organized under the laws of the British
Virgin Islands (Big Rich). Xiaoli Duan is the general partner of Big Rich and as such may
be deemed to be the beneficial owner of such shares. |
4
What is the status of Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance?
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Companys directors and executive officers, and
persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of a registered class of the Companys equity
securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the
Company. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC
regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To the
Companys knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of such reports furnished to the
Company during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were
satisfied, except that Mr. Zuckut filed a Form 3 late and Mr. Cavanaugh filed two Form 4s reporting
four transactions late.
GOVERNANCE OF THE COMPANY
Who are the current members of the Board of Directors?
The members of the Board of Directors on the date of this proxy statement and the committees
of the Board of Directors on which they currently serve are identified below.
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Audit |
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Compensation |
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Nominating |
Director |
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Committee |
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Committee |
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Committee |
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Randall A. Mason
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Stefan Zuckut
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47
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George Broady
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70
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M
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M = Member
C = Chair
Who is the Chairman of the Board of Directors?
Mr. Mason has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 2006. The Chairman of
the Board of Directors organizes the work of the Board of Directors and ensures that the Board of
Directors has access to sufficient information to enable the Board of Directors to carry out its
functions, including monitoring the Companys performance and the performance of management. In
carrying out this role, the Chairman, among other things, presides over all meetings of the Board
of Directors and stockholders, including executive sessions of the Board of Directors in which
management directors and other members of management do not participate, establishes the annual
agenda of the Board of Directors and agendas of each meeting in consultation with the President and
oversees the distribution of information to directors.
5
Which directors are considered independent?
The Board of Directors has adopted the requirements in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200(a)(15) as
its standard in determining the independence of members of its Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors has determined that each of the following individuals, who served as a director of the
Company during all or a portion of 2007 or are otherwise nominated for election as a director,
qualifies as an independent director under these standards:
Anthony B. Martino
Terrence M. Morris
Colin J. OBrien
Sir Brian Wolfson
Randall A. Mason
Stefan W. Zuckut
George Broady
Messrs. Morris and OBrien resigned as directors in February 2007, Sir Brian Wolfson passed
away in May 2007, Mr. Zuckut was elected as a director in May 2007 and Mr. Martino resigned as a
director in October 2007. On October 17, 2008, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Broady to fill
the vacancy on the Board created by the resignation of Mr. Martino. Messrs. Mason, Zuckut and
Broady are the only current members of the Board of Directors of the Company, and each of them
serves as a member of the Companys Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Mr. Zuckut is
currently the Chairman and only member of the Nominating Committee.
How often did the Board of Directors meet during fiscal 2007?
The Board of Directors met or acted by unanimous written consent a total of 23 times during
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and each director attended at least seventy-five percent
(75%) of these meetings and the meetings of the committees of the Board of Directors on which such
director served.
What is the role of the Board of Directors committees?
The Board of Directors has standing Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees.
Audit Committee. Mr. Zuckut serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Messrs. Mason and
Broady also serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors has determined that
each of Messrs. Zuckut, Mason and Broady is independent and satisfies the other criteria set forth
in the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules for service on the Audit Committee. Finally, the Board of
Directors has determined that Mr. Zuckut meets the SEC criteria of an audit committee financial
expert and that Mr. Mason meets the requirements of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350 relating to
financial oversight responsibility. In 2007, the Audit Committee met seven times.
The functions of the Audit Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter as approved
by the Board of Directors and as posted on our website at www.naturalhealthtrendscorp.com.
In general, these responsibilities include meeting with the internal financial staff of the Company
and the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by the Company to review (i) the
scope and findings of the annual audit, (ii) quarterly financial statements, (iii) accounting
policies and procedures and (iv) the internal controls employed by the Company.
The Audit Committee is also directly and solely responsible for the appointment, retention,
compensation, oversight and termination of the Companys independent registered public accounting
firm. In addition, the Audit
Committee will also function as the Companys Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the
QLCC). The purpose of a QLCC is to receive, retain and investigate reports made directly, or
otherwise made known, of evidence of material violations of any United States federal or state law,
including any breach of fiduciary duty by the Company, its officers, directors, employees or
agents, and if the QLCC believes appropriate, to recommend courses of action to the Company.
The Audit Committees findings and recommendations are reported to management and the Board of
Directors for appropriate action.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by
the Board of Directors, a copy of which is posted on our website at
www.naturalhealthtrendscorp.com. The members of our Compensation Committee are Randall A.
Mason, Stefan Zuckut and George Broady, with Mr. Zuckut serving as Chairman of the Compensation
Committee. Each of the members of the Compensation Committee qualifies as an independent
director within the meaning of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. The Compensation Committee is
charged with responsibility to oversee our compensation policies and programs, including developing
compensation, providing oversight of the implementation of the policies, and specifically
addressing the compensation of our executive officers and directors, including the negotiation of
employment agreements with executive officers. The Compensation Committee is not authorized to
delegate to another body or person any of its responsibilities, although it may seek
compensation-related input from the Companys management, consultants and other third parties. The
Compensation Committee met five times in 2007.
6
For example, in 2005 management conducted studies of peer companies, with an emphasis towards
determining whether the named executive officers received an appropriate amount of cash and equity
compensation. The conclusions of this study were updated and presented to the Compensation
Committee, which in 2006 retained Sibson Consulting, a division of the Segal Company (Sibson), to
conduct a compensation survey and provide recommendations with respect to the compensation of the
Company proposed new CEO and also that of our executive officers generally. Sibson has not
performed any other work, other than continuing compensation consulting which ended in 2007, for
the Company. The data presented by management and by Sibson was reviewed for general comparative
purposes to confirm that our compensation levels are not substantially different from norms of
companies that are considered our peers, and informed the Compensation Committees judgment
regarding appropriate compensation levels. However, no specific benchmarks from the data were
considered dispositive or were used as the basis of a formulaic determination.
Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a charter approved by our
Board of Directors, a copy of which is posted on our website at
www.naturalhealthtrendscorp.com. The sole member of the Nominating Committee is Mr.
Zuckut, who is considered independent for purposes of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. The Nominating
Committee considers and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the size
and composition of the Board of Directors and identifies potential candidates to serve as
directors. The Nominating Committee identifies candidates to the Board of Directors by
introduction from management, members of the Board of Directors, employees or other sources and
stockholders that satisfy the Companys policy regarding stockholder recommended candidates. The
Nominating Committee does not evaluate director candidates recommended by stockholders differently
than director candidates recommended by other sources. The Nominating Committee met two times
during 2007.
Stockholders wishing to submit recommendations for the 2009 annual meeting should write to the
General Counsel c/o Natural Health Trends Corp., 2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas 75234. Any
such stockholder must meet and evidence the minimum eligibility requirements specified in Exchange
Act Rule 14a-8 and submit, within the same timeframe for submitting a stockholder proposal required
by Rule 14a-8: (i) evidence in accordance with Rule 14a-8 of compliance with the stockholder
eligibility requirements, (ii) the written consent of the candidate(s) for nomination as a
director, (iii) a resume or other written statement of the qualifications of the candidate(s) for
nomination as a director, and (iv) all information regarding the candidate(s) and the submitting
stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement filed with the SEC if the
candidate(s) were nominated for election to the Board of Directors.
In considering Board of Directors candidates, the Nominating Committee takes into
consideration the Companys Board Candidate Guidelines (as set forth in the charter of the
Nominating Committee), the Companys policy regarding stockholder recommended director candidates,
as set forth above, and all other factors that they deem appropriate, including, but not limited
to, the individuals character, education, experience, knowledge and skills.
To date, the Nominating Committee has not received a candidate recommendation from any
stockholder (or group of stockholders) that beneficially owns more than five percent of the
Companys common stock.
How are directors compensated?
Employee directors do not receive compensation for their services as directors. Information
with respect to the compensation of the non-employee members of our Board of Directors is set forth
below under the caption Director Compensation.
How do stockholders communicate with the Board of Directors?
Stockholders or other interested parties wishing to communicate with the Board of Directors,
the independent directors as a group, or any individual director may do so in writing by sending an
e-mail to the attention of Randall A. Mason, Chairman of the Board of Directors, at
chairman@nhtglobal.com. Accounting controls and other financial matters will be referred to our
Audit Committee chairperson. Other matters will be referred to the Board of Directors, the
independent directors, or individual directors as appropriate, provided that advertisements,
solicitations for periodical or other subscriptions, and similar communications generally are not
forwarded. None of the three then serving members of the Board of Directors attended the Companys
2007 annual meeting of stockholders.
7
Does the Company have a Code of Ethics?
The Company has a Code of Business Conduct and a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers
(collectively, the Codes) that apply to our employees, officers (including our principal
executive officer and principal financial officer) and directors. The Codes are intended to
establish standards necessary to deter wrongdoing and to promote compliance with applicable
governmental laws, rules and regulations and honest and ethical conduct. The Codes cover all areas
of professional conduct, including conflicts of interest, fair dealing, financial reporting and
disclosure, protection of Company assets and confidentiality. Employees have an obligation to
promptly report any known or suspected violation of the Codes without fear of retaliation. Waiver
of any provision of the Codes for executive officers and directors may only be granted by the Board
of Directors or one of its committees and any such waiver or modification of the Codes relating to
such individuals will be disclosed by the Company.
Certain Relationships and Related TransactionsWhat related person transactions involved directors,
executive officers or significant stockholders?
On March 21, 2007, the Company entered into a temporary week-to-week agreement with Mr.
Terry LaCore, who was then a stockholder owning more than 5% of the Companys outstanding common
stock, to administer certain distributor positions at the top of the Companys distribution
network tree and commissions accrued and payable to those positions for periods beginning on and
after February 12, 2007. Under the temporary agreement, Mr. LaCore was expected to provide certain
master distributor services and provide leadership and support to the Companys other distributors,
all of whom are down-lines of the positions temporarily administered by Mr. LaCore. In return,
the Company agreed to pay the commissions generated by these positions under the Companys
distributor compensation plan to Mr. LaCore, who in turn agreed to pay some or all of the
commissions to other distributors downlines. The amount of gross commissions paid to Mr. LaCore
for temporary administration of these positions during 2007 was $741,000. The Company terminated
the week-to-week agreement with Mr. LaCore on October 26, 2007.
On May 4, 2007, the Company consummated a private equity placement generating gross proceeds
of approximately $3.0 million. The May 2007 financing consisted of the sale of 1,759,307 shares of
the Companys Series A convertible preferred stock and the sale of warrants evidencing the right to
purchase 1,759,307 shares of the Companys common stock. Mr. George Broady participated as an
investor in this financing, purchasing 76,400 shares of the Companys Series A convertible
preferred stock and warrants evidencing the right to purchase 76,400 shares of the Companys common
stock for an aggregate purchase price of $130,000. Mr. Broady was subsequently elected as a
director of the Company on October 17, 2008.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Certain information concerning executive officers of the Company is set forth below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position(s) with the Company |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chris Sharng
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy S. Davidson
|
|
|
37 |
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gary C. Wallace
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
General Counsel, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer and Secretary |
8
Chris Sharng. Mr. Sharng has served as President of the Company since February 2007. He
previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from
August 2004 to February 2007, although Mr. Sharng also performed the functions of the principal
executive officer of the Company from April 2006 to August 2006. From March 2006 to August 2006,
Mr. Sharng also served as a member of the Companys Executive Management Committee, which was
charged with managing the Companys day-to-day operations while a search was conducted for a new
chief executive officer for the Company. From March 2004 through July 2004, Mr. Sharng was the
Chief Financial Officer of NorthPole Limited, a privately held Hong Kong-based manufacturer and
distributor of outdoor recreational equipment. From October 2000 through February 2004, Mr. Sharng
was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ultrak Inc., which changed its name to
American Building Control Inc. in 2002, a Texas-based, publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ
that designed and manufactured security systems and products. From March 1989 through July 2000,
Mr. Sharng worked at Mattel, Inc., most recently as the Vice President of International Finance.
Mr. Sharng has an MBA from Columbia University and received his bachelor degree from National
Taiwan University.
Timothy
S. Davidson. Mr. Davidson has served as the Companys Chief Financial Officer and
Senior Vice President since February 2007. He previously served as the Companys Chief Accounting
Officer from September 2004 to February 2007. From February 2000 to February 2001, Mr. Davidson
was Manager of Financial Reporting for a Dallas-based telecommunications company, IP
Communications, Inc. From March 2001 to September 2004, Mr. Davidson was Corporate Controller for
another telecommunications company, Celion Networks, Inc., located in Richardson, Texas. From
December 1994 through January 2000, Mr. Davidson was employed by Arthur Andersen, LLP, most
recently as an Audit Manager. Mr. Davidson has a master degree in professional accounting from the
University of Texas at Austin and received his bachelor degree from Texas A&M University at
Commerce.
Gary C. Wallace. Mr. Wallace has served as the Companys General Counsel, Chief Ethics and
Compliance Officer and Secretary since January 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Wallace was a shareholder
in the Dallas, Texas law firm of de la Garza & Wallace, PC since March 2001. Mr. Wallace has
practiced business and corporate law in Dallas, Texas since 1982. Mr. Wallace received his law
degree and bachelor degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and shall not
be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other Company filing under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent the
Company specifically incorporates this Report of the Audit Committee by reference therein.
We have reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements of the Company set forth
at Item 8 of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 with
management of the Company and Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. (Lane Gorman).
We have discussed with Lane Gorman the matters to be discussed by Statement on Auditing
Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, Statement on Auditing Standards No. 99,
Consideration of Fraud in a Financial Statement Audit, and Securities and Exchange Commission
rules regarding auditor independence.
We have received the written disclosures and the letter from Lane Gorman required by
applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent
accountants communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and have also
discussed with Lane Gorman that firms independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that Lane
Gormans services provided to the Company are compatible with Lane Gormans independence.
9
Based on our review and discussions with management of the Company and Lane Gorman referred to
above, we recommended to the Board of Directors that the consolidated financial statements of the
Company be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2007.
It is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the
Companys consolidated financial statements are complete and accurate and in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles; that is the responsibility of management and the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm. In giving its recommendation to the Board
of Directors, the Audit Committee has relied on (i) managements representation that such financial
statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles and (ii) the reports of the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm with respect to such financial statements.
Members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Stefan Zuckut (Chairman)
Randall A. Mason
George Broady joined the Companys Audit Committee on October 17, 2008, subsequent to the
filing of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and he is not therefore a signatory
to the foregoing Report of the Audit Committee.
COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Summary Named Executive Officer Compensation Information
The following table provides information concerning the compensation for the years ended
December 31, 2006 and 2007, for our principal executive officer, our former principal executive
officer and the two other most highly compensated executive officers during 2007 (collectively, the
named executive officers):
Summary Compensation Table
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
|
Option |
|
|
All Other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
|
Bonus |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Awards |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Total |
|
Name
and Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($)(1) |
|
|
($)(2) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
($) |
|
|
Chris T.
Sharng, President |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
139,427 |
|
|
$ |
9,900 |
(3) |
|
$ |
399,327 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
193,792 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,125 |
(3) |
|
|
453,917 |
|
|
Curtis E. Broome,
former |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,895 |
|
|
|
112,000 |
(7) |
|
|
497,895 |
|
Worldwide
President of NHT Global |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
64,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
161,507 |
(7) |
|
|
475,802 |
|
|
John F. Cavanaugh,
President of |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
193,462 |
|
|
|
89,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,025 |
|
|
|
9,900 |
(3) |
|
|
309,587 |
|
MarketVision |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
211,032 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,533 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,496 |
(3) |
|
|
280,061 |
|
|
Stephanie S.
Hayano, former
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
126,923 |
|
|
|
92,500 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,804 |
(5) |
|
|
41,448 |
(6) |
|
|
298,675 |
|
Chief Executive
Officer and President |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
49,482 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
271,716 |
(6) |
|
|
321,198 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The amounts appearing in the Stock Awards column represent the SFAS No. 123(R)
compensation expense, prior to any estimated forfeitures, recognized during fiscal 2007 for stock
awards granted and for stock options exchanged for stock awards during fiscal 2007. See Note 9 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2007, and Named Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements below. |
|
(2) |
|
The amounts appearing in the Option Awards column represent the SFAS No. 123(R)
compensation expense, prior to any estimated forfeitures, recognized during fiscal 2006. See Note
9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Companys Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, and Named Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements
below. |
10
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Represents employer matching contributions under the Companys defined contribution
plan. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes a $30,000 signing bonus and a $62,500 guaranteed bonus for fiscal 2006. |
|
(5) |
|
Ms. Hayanos employment with us terminated before any of these options vested, so
they were all forfeited. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes a housing allowance of $27,500 and personal travel expenses of $13,948
during fiscal 2006, and severance payments of $253,846, a housing allowance of $5,000 and vacation
compensation of $12,870 during fiscal 2007. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes an annual housing and living allowance equal to $112,000 per annum. Year
2007 also includes $31,507 for unused vacation through December 31, 2007, $12,179 for tax
preparation services and $5821 for relocation expenses. |
The following table summarizes all outstanding equity awards held by our named executive
officers as of December 31, 2007:
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
Number |
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
of Shares |
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
or Units |
|
|
Shares or |
|
|
|
of Stock |
|
|
Units of |
|
|
|
That |
|
|
Stock That |
|
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
Have Not |
|
|
|
Vested |
|
|
Vested |
|
Name |
|
(#) |
|
|
($)(1) |
|
|
Chris T. Sharng |
|
|
107,033 |
(2) |
|
$ |
129,510 |
|
|
|
|
30,000 |
(3) |
|
|
36,300 |
|
|
Curtis E. Broome |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John F. Cavanaugh |
|
|
140,758 |
(2) |
|
|
170,317 |
|
|
|
|
20,000 |
(3) |
|
|
24,200 |
|
|
Stephanie S. Hayano |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Market value is computed by multiplying the closing market price of the Companys
stock as of December 31, 2007 of $1.21 per share by the number of shares of stock that have not
vested. |
|
(2) |
|
One-twelfth of the shares will vest quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15,
and December 15 of each year through March 15, 2010. |
|
(3) |
|
Two-twelfths of the shares will vest on June 15, 2008, and one-twelfth of the
shares will vest quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15 of each year
thereafter through December 15, 2010. |
Named Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements
Chris T. Sharng. We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Sharng as our Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in August 2004. The agreement provided for the payment
to Mr. Sharng of a base salary of $250,000 in 2006. We entered into a new employment agreement
with Mr. Sharng on April 23, 2007, which provides for a base salary of $250,000 in 2007. The base
salary for Mr. Sharng is subject to a minimum 3% annual increase each January 1st. Mr. Sharng is
also entitled to participate in our annual incentive plan, equity incentive plan and other standard
U.S. employee benefit programs.
11
Curtis E. Broome. We entered into an employment letter agreement with Mr. Broome on July 18,
2006. The agreement provided for the payment to Mr. Broome of an annual base salary of $250,000
for 2006. The agreement also provided for the payment to Mr. Broome of a signing bonus of $50,000
and an annual housing and living allowance equal to $80,000 per annum (as Mr. Broome was based in
Hong Kong), and entitled Mr. Broome to participate in our standard benefits program available to
our United States employees. His annual housing and living allowance was subsequently increased to
$112,000, effective as of January 1, 2006. These compensation terms were included in a new
employment agreement that we entered into with Mr. Broome in April 2007. His employment was
terminated on December 31, 2007.
John F. Cavanaugh. In connection with our acquisition of MarketVision Communications
Corporation (MarketVision) in March 2004, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr.
Cavanaugh for a term of three years providing for an annual salary of $193,000. On December 8,
2006, we, MarketVision and Mr. Cavanaugh entered into a new employment agreement that replaced and
superseded the previous agreement in its entirety. The new agreement has a three year term and
provides that Mr. Cavanaugh will continue to serve as President of MarketVision. The employment
agreement provides Mr. Cavanaugh with a retention bonus of $89,200 along with an annual salary of
$205,000 through December 31, 2006. Commencing on January 1, 2007 and on each January 1st
thereafter during the term of the agreement, Mr. Cavanaughs salary will increase by 3% if his
performance is satisfactory. Mr. Cavanaugh is also entitled to participate in our annual incentive
plan, equity incentive plan and other standard U.S. employee benefit programs.
Stephanie S. Hayano. Under our original agreement with Ms. Hayano, we agreed to pay Ms.
Hayano an annual base salary of $300,000 plus an annual bonus equal to 50% of her base salary if
certain of our annual performance goals are achieved. For fiscal 2006, the Compensation Committee
agreed to pay Ms. Hayano a guaranteed cash bonus equal to $62,500 and a signing bonus equal to
$30,000. In addition, we agreed to pay a temporary living allowance equal to $5,000 per month
through January 31, 2007, or until she relocated to the Dallas metropolitan area, whichever is
sooner. Ms. Hayano was also granted options to purchase 150,000 shares of our common stock at an
exercise price of $2.79 per share. The options were to vest in equal annual installments over a
three year period commencing on July 31, 2007 and expire on July 31, 2011. Because of Ms. Hayanos
severance from the Company, these options never vested. Effective February 21, 2007, Ms. Hayano
resigned as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board of Directors. In
exchange for a general release of all claims against us, we agreed to (a) continue to pay Ms.
Hayanos salary for a period of 12 months, less any amounts paid, due or promised to her as
compensation from third parties during that period and pay her health insurance premiums in the
amount of $8,627, (b) pay her the $62,500 guaranteed cash bonus for fiscal year 2006 due to her
under the employment agreement with us, and (c) give her a release of claims arising from or
related to facts within the knowledge of our Board of Directors, executive management, or general
counsel.
Stock Option Grants. On June 24, 2004, the Company granted 34,124 stock options to Mr.
Sharng. On October 31, 2005, the Company granted 15,000 and 12,500 stock options to Messrs. Sharng
and Broome, respectively, and on November 25, 2005, the Company granted 12,500, 25,000 and 7,500
stock options to Messrs. Sharng, Broome and Cavanaugh, respectively. Additionally, on November 17,
2006, the Company granted 28,000 stock options to Mr. Broome. Except for the grant to Mr. Broome
on November 17, 2006, each of these grants was cancelled in exchange for shares of restricted stock
in June 2007. The grant to Mr. Broome on November 17, 2006, was forfeited when Mr. Broomes
employment terminated as of December 31, 2007.
2007 Restricted Stock Grants. On April 21, 2007, the Company awarded 111,900, 84,400 and
99,400 shares of restricted stock to Messrs. Sharng, Broome and Cavanaugh, respectively, and on
December 31, 2007, the Company awarded 30,000 and 20,000 shares of restricted stock to Messrs.
Sharng and Cavanaugh, respectively, under the Companys 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. The awards of
restricted stock vest quarterly on a pro rata basis over a three-year period. 63,301 shares of the
restricted stock awarded to Mr. Broome were forfeited when Mr. Broomes employment terminated as of
December 31, 2007.
2007 Exchange of Restricted Stock for Stock Options. On May 25, 2007, the Company filed a
Schedule TO with the Securities and Exchange Commission offering eligible option holders the
opportunity to exchange outstanding stock options with an exercise price greater than $9.00 per
share, which were originally granted under the Companys 2002 Stock Option Plan, for shares of
restricted stock that would be awarded under the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan upon the terms and
subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Exchange. The number of restricted stock
awards that the Company offered in exchange for each eligible stock option was determined by an
exchange ratio established for that specific stock option. The exchange ratio was determined based
on a number of factors, including the value of outstanding eligible stock options based on the
Black-Scholes option pricing model. The aggregate value of the restricted stock awards that were
offered was roughly comparable to the aggregate Black-Scholes value of the eligible options
surrendered for exchange. The offering period expired on June 25, 2007, and pursuant to the Offer
to Exchange, the Company accepted for cancellation stock options to purchase an aggregate of
499,124 shares of common stock in exchange for 197,896 shares of restricted stock. Messrs. Sharng,
Broome and Cavanaugh surrendered 61,624, 37,500 and 261,080 options, respectively, and received
30,812, 18,750 and 88,277 shares of restricted stock, respectively, pursuant to the Offer to
Exchange. All restricted stock awards issued in exchange for eligible stock options vest quarterly
on a pro rata basis over a three-year period. 14,062 shares of restricted stock awarded to Mr.
Broome were forfeited when Mr. Broomes employment terminated as of December 31, 2007.
12
Severance and Post-Termination Payment Arrangements
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers. Under
certain of these agreements, we are required to provide compensation to these officers in the event
of the termination of the executives employment. Details for each named executive officer are set
forth below.
Chris T. Sharng. Our current employment agreement with Mr. Sharng that was entered into on
April 23, 2007 provides that if Mr. Sharngs employment with us is terminated voluntarily by him
for good reason that has not been cured by us within 30 days of such notice, or is terminated by
us without cause, other than in connection with a change of control, then Mr. Sharng will be
entitled to the continuation of the payment of his salary, plus health and medical insurance
coverage, for a period of up to one year following the termination date, or until the earlier date
upon which he becomes engaged in any competitive activity or breaches the terms of his
Non-Competition Agreement with us.
If Mr. Sharngs employment with us is terminated by us without cause during the period
commencing on the date that is 30 days prior to a change of control through and including a date
that is 18 months following the change of control, he is entitled to the continuation of the
payment of his salary, plus health and medical insurance coverage for a period of up to two years,
plus health and medical insurance coverage for the same two year period following the termination
date. This payment is due in a lump sum 30 days after the termination date.
In order to be entitled to receive the severance amount in either of the above scenarios, Mr.
Sharng must execute a full general release of all claims against us and our affiliates.
A change of control is defined as: (i) When any person as defined in Section 3(a)(9) of
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as used in Section 13(d) and 14(d) thereof
including a group as defined in Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act, but excluding the Company or
any subsidiary or any affiliate of the Company or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained
by the Company or any subsidiary of the Company (including any trustee of such plan acting as
trustee), becomes the beneficial owner (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of
securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined voting power of the Companys
then outstanding securities; or (ii) when, during any period of 24 consecutive months, the
individuals who, at the beginning of such period constituted the Board of Directors (the Incumbent
Directors) cease for any reason other than death to constitute at least a majority thereof,
provided, however, that a director who was not a director at the beginning of such 24-month period
shall be deemed to have satisfied such 24-month requirement (and be an Incumbent Director) if such
director was elected by, or on the recommendation of or with the approval of, at
least two-thirds of the directors who then qualified as Incumbent Directors either actually
(because they were directors at the beginning of such 24 month period) or through the operation of
this provision; or (iii) the occurrence of a transaction requiring stockholder approval under
applicable state law for the acquisition of the Company by an entity other than the Company or a
subsidiary or an affiliated company of the Company through purchase of assets, or by merger, or
otherwise; provided however, that none of the foregoing shall constitute a change of control if
such transaction, event or occurrence is approved by, or consented to, by Mr. Sharng.
Mr. Sharng will be subject to a covenant not to compete for six months following his
termination and thereafter as long as his severance payments continue (other than severance in
connection with a change of control).
Curtis E. Broome. Our employment agreement with Mr. Broome that was entered into on April 23,
2007, contains the same severance, change of control, and non-competition provisions as those set
out in our agreement with Mr. Sharng dated April 23, 2007. In addition to the severance benefits
to which to Mr. Broome is entitled under the terms of his employment agreement, in connection with
the termination of Mr. Broomes employment as of December 31, 2007, the Company paid the estimated
cost of relocating his household items back to Dallas, Texas from Hong Kong.
13
John F. Cavanaugh. Our employment agreement with Mr. Cavanaugh provides that if his
employment with us is terminated without cause or terminated voluntarily by him for good
reason, he is entitled to the continuation of the payment of his salary, plus health and medical
insurance coverage for a period of up to two years following the termination date, or until the
earlier date upon which he becomes engaged in any competitive activity or breaches the terms of
his Non-Competition Agreement with us.
If Mr. Cavanaughs employment with us is terminated by us without cause or by him for good
reason during the period commencing on the date that is 30 days prior to a change of control
through and including the date that is 18 months following a change of control, he is entitled to
the continuation of the payment of his salary, plus health and medical insurance coverage for a
period of up to three years following the termination date, or until the earlier date upon which he
becomes engaged in any competitive activity or breaches the terms of his Non-Competition Agreement
with us.
Stephanie S. Hayano. Under our employment agreement with Ms. Hayano, if she had relocated
permanently to Dallas, she would have been entitled to certain severance payments. If she had
relocated and her employment with us were terminated without cause or terminated voluntarily by
her for good reason, she would have been entitled to the continuation of the payment of her
salary, plus health and medical insurance coverage for a period of up to two years following the
termination date, or until the earlier date upon which she became engaged in any competitive
activity or breached the terms of her Non-Competition Agreement with us. Ms. Hayano did not
relocate to Dallas, so she was not entitled to any severance payments under the terms of her
original employment agreement.
If Ms. Hayano had relocated to the Dallas area, and her employment with us had been terminated
without cause or by her for good reason during the period commencing on the date that is 30
days prior to a change of control through and including the date that is 18 months following a
change of control, she would have been entitled to the continuation of the payment of her salary,
plus health and medical insurance coverage for a period of up to three years following the
termination date, or until the earlier date upon which she became engaged in any competitive
activity or breached the terms of her Non-Competition Agreement with us. Ms. Hayano did not
relocate to Dallas, so she was not entitled to any change of control payments under the terms of
her original employment agreement.
For a description of the payments we made to Ms. Hayano upon the actual termination of her
employment, please see Named Executive Officer Compensation Arrangements.
Director Compensation
Each non-employee member of our Board of Directors receives a cash retainer, plus the
reimbursement of their respective out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the
performance of their duties as directors, and a discretionary restricted stock award. A cash
retainer was paid in 2007 to each director monthly, with each of Messrs. Martino, Morris, OBrien
and Zuckut receiving a monthly retainer of $3,333, Sir Brian Wolfson receiving a monthly retainer
of $4,167 and Mr. Mason receiving a monthly retainer of $5,333. Messrs. Martino and Zuckut
received an additional payment of $2,000 per month for services rendered as Chairman of the Audit
Committee. Mr. Morris also received an additional payment of $3,333 per month under a consulting
engagement to assist with general business matters in 2007 following his resignation as a director.
On April 21, 2007, the Company awarded 37,500, 30,000 and 30,000 shares of restricted stock to
Messrs. Mason, Martino, and Wolfson, respectively. These restricted stock awards vested
immediately on the date of grant. In addition, in connection with the election of Mr. Zuckut to
the Board of Directors on May 23, 2007, the Company awarded 8,750 shares of restricted stock to Mr.
Zuckut, which vest quarterly on a pro rata basis over a three-year period. On December 31, 2007,
the Company awarded 30,000 shares of restricted stock to each of Messrs. Mason and Zuckut, of which
2/12 vest on June 15, 2008, and 1/12 vest quarterly thereafter.
On July 23, 2007, the Company accepted for cancellation from Messrs. Mason and Martino stock
options to purchase 67,500 and 7,500 shares of common stock, respectively, in exchange for 44,184
and 3,750 shares of restricted stock, respectively, issued under the Companys 2007 Equity
Incentive Plan. These restricted stock awards issued in exchange for eligible stock options vested
immediately upon issuance. The number of restricted stock awards that the Company offered in
exchange for each eligible stock option was determined by an exchange ratio established for that
specific stock option. The exchange ratio for options that had an exercise price greater than
$10.00 per share was determined based on a number of factors, including the value of outstanding
eligible stock options based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model. For these options, which
were issued under the Companys 2002 Stock Option Plan, the aggregate value of the restricted stock
awards that were offered is roughly comparable to the aggregate Black-Scholes value of the eligible
options surrendered for exchange. For options that had an exercise price of $2.00 per share or less
(which were granted in 2002 before the adoption of the 2002 Stock Option Plan), the exchange ratio
was determined by multiplying the number of shares for which the options could be exercised by the
difference between the closing price per share on the last trading day preceding the exchange and
the exercise price per share of the options, and then dividing that product by the closing price
per share on the last trading day preceding the exchange.
14
The following table shows the 2007 compensation earned by each non-employee member of the
Companys Board of Directors:
2007 Director Compensation
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
Fees Earned |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid in |
|
|
Stock Awards |
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|
All Other |
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|
|
|
Name |
|
Cash ($) |
|
|
($)(5) |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
Total ($) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony B. Martino(1) |
|
$ |
48,000 |
|
|
$ |
63,600 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
111,600 |
|
Randall A. Mason |
|
|
64,000 |
|
|
|
85,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
149,501 |
|
Terrence M. Morris(2) |
|
|
6,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,997 |
(6) |
|
|
36,664 |
|
Colin J. OBrien(2) |
|
|
6,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,667 |
|
Sir Brian Wolfson(3) |
|
|
18,011 |
|
|
|
63,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
81,611 |
|
Stefan W. Zuckut(4) |
|
|
28,194 |
|
|
|
5,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,159 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Martino resigned as a director in October 2007. |
|
(2) |
|
Messrs. Morris and OBrien resigned as directors in February 2007. |
|
(3) |
|
Sir Brian Wolfson passed away in May 2007. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Zuckut was elected as a director in May 2007. |
|
(5) |
|
The amounts appearing in the Stock Awards column represent the SFAS No. 123(R)
compensation expense, prior to any estimated forfeitures, recognized during fiscal 2007 for
stock awards granted and for stock options exchanged for stock awards during fiscal 2007. See
Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Companys Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. |
|
(6) |
|
Represents consulting fees paid to Mr. Morris for consulting services performed
following his resignation as a director. |
ITEM ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Under the Companys bylaws, the number of directors shall not be less than three nor more than
eleven, with the exact number fixed from time to time by action of the stockholders or of the
directors. Officers are elected annually by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
The Companys Board of Directors presently consists of three directors whose terms expire at
the annual meeting. The Nomination Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors the
nomination of these three current directors.
Biographical summaries of the three persons who have been nominated to stand for election at
the annual meeting are provided below for your information. The Board of Directors recommends that
these persons be elected at the annual meeting to serve until the next annual meeting of
stockholders. Proxies will be voted for the election of the three nominees listed below as
directors of the Company unless otherwise specified on the proxy. A plurality of the votes cast by
holders of Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy at the annual meeting will be
necessary to elect the directors listed below. If, for any reason, any of the nominees shall be
unable or unwilling to serve, the proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee who will be
designated by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting. Stockholders may withhold authority
from voting for one or more nominees by marking the appropriate boxes on the enclosed proxy card.
Withheld votes shall be counted separately and shall be used for purposes of calculating whether a
quorum is present at the meeting.
15
Biographical Summaries of Nominees for the Board of Directors
Randall A. Mason. Mr. Mason has been a director of the Company since May 2003 and has served
as Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 2006. Mr. Mason founded and has served as Chief
Executive Officer of Marden Rehabilitation Associates, Inc. since 1989. Marden Rehabilitation
Associates, Inc. is a private, Midwest U.S. ancillary provider of rehabilitative therapy services
and home healthcare. Mr. Mason has a bachelor degree in chemical engineering from the University
of Pittsburgh.
Stefan W. Zuckut. Mr. Zuckut has served as a director of the Company since May 2007. Mr.
Zuckut has since November 2005 served as Vice President, Corporate Development with Blade Network
Technologies, Inc., a computer networking company. He was a partner of Top Sight Capital, a hedge
fund, from January 2005 to May 2005, and served as an analyst for Bowman Capital, a hedge fund,
from July 2003 to December 2004. From October 1999 to April 2003, he served as Manager, Corporate
Development, for Agilent Technologies, Inc., which provides electronic and chemical measurement
solutions to various industries. Prior to that, he worked in various professional positions at
Atlantic Richfield Co., Mattel Inc. and McKinsey & Co. Mr. Zuckut has a Ph.D. degree from the
University of Cologne, a master in business administration degree (MBA) from University of
Chicago and a master degree in science from the Darmstadt Institute of Technology in Germany.
George Broady. Mr. Broady has served as a director of the Company since October 2008. He has
been active in business for more than 40 years, and he is currently the principal owner and
chairman of several privately held companies in the fields of telecommunications, enterprise
software applications for time & attendance and security access control. Previously, he founded
Network Security Corporation, Interactive Technologies Inc. and Ultrak Inc., and brought each of
them public on The NASDAQ Stock Market. He was chairman of all three organizations and CEO of both
Network Security and Ultrak. All three companies were involved in electronic security, including
CCTV and access control. Earlier in his career, Mr. Broady was an investment analyst with both a
private investment firm, Campbell Henderson & Co., and with the First National Bank in Dallas.
Mr. Broady served twice in the U.S Army and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Iowa State
University.
The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR each of the persons nominated by the
Board of Directors. Unless otherwise instructed or unless authority to vote is withheld, the
enclosed proxy will be voted FOR the election of the above listed nominees and AGAINST any other
nominees.
ITEM TWO
APPROVAL OF THE POTENTIAL ISSUANCE OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
EXCEEDING 19.99% OF THE COMMON STOCK OUTSTANDING ON OCTOBER 19, 2007, WHICH
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK UNDERLIE
CERTAIN DEBENTURES AND WARRANTS
Private Placement
On October 19, 2007, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (Securities Purchase
Agreement) with certain institutional investors (the Investors) pursuant to which the Investors
provided to us an aggregate of approximately $3,740,000 in financing in a private placement
(Private Placement) of variable rate convertible Debentures (Debentures) having an aggregate
face amount of $4,250,000, seven-year warrants to purchase 1,495,952 shares of our common stock,
and one-year warrants to purchase 1,495,952 shares of our common stock. In connection with such
Private Placement, Dawson James Securities, Inc. (Dawson James) acted as our placement agent, to
whom we paid a cash fee and issued five-year warrants to purchase 149,600 shares of our common
stock (such five-year warrants, together with the seven-year warrants and one-year warrants issued
in the Private Placement, are herein referred to as the Warrants). Other than their five-year
term, the terms of the Warrants issued to Dawson James are identical to those issued in the Private
Placement.
The Companys common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol BHIP.
Consequently, the Company is subject to the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules (the Marketplace Rules).
Although the issuance of the Debentures and Warrants did not require stockholder approval under
Delaware law, the Companys certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or the Marketplace Rules,
Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(D) requires NASDAQ-listed issuers to obtain stockholder approval prior
to any issuance or potential issuance of securities representing 20% or more of the outstanding
common stock or voting power of the issuer (on an as-converted or as-exercised basis) under certain
circumstances.
16
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Securities Purchase Agreement,
the Debentures and the Warrants. These summaries are not complete and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the full text of such documents, each of which is attached as an exhibit
to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on October 22, 2007. Readers should review those agreements for a complete understanding of the
terms and conditions associated with the Private Placement.
Securities Purchase Agreement
As noted above, the Securities Purchase Agreement provided for the issuance and sale to the
Investors of the Debentures and the Warrants for an aggregate purchase price of approximately
$3,740,000. Other significant provisions of the Securities Purchase Agreement include, among
others:
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until the one year anniversary of the closing of the sale of the Debentures, we will
offer to the Investors the opportunity to participate in any subsequent securities
offerings we make (up to 100% of such offerings), subject to certain exceptions for, among
other things, strategic investments; |
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|
until such time as none of the Investors holds any of the Debentures or Warrants, we
are prohibited from effecting or entering into an agreement to effect any financing
involving (a) the issuance or sale of common stock or equivalent securities with an
effective price or number of underlying shares that floats or resets or otherwise varies or
is subject to adjustment based upon trading prices of or quotations for shares of common
stock, the market for the common stock, or our business or (b) any agreement to sell
securities at a future determined price; |
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until the earlier of the date that stockholder approval is obtained or the Debentures
and Warrants are no longer outstanding, neither we nor any of our subsidiaries may issue
common stock or equivalent securities at an effective price that is less than $3.52; |
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until March 17, 2009, we shall not undertake a reverse or forward stock split or
reclassification of the common stock without the prior written consent of the Investors
holding a majority in principal amount outstanding of the Debentures; and |
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|
our agreement to seek stockholder approval of the issuance of all of the shares of
common stock underlying the Debentures and Warrants no later than the date of our 2008
annual stockholder meeting. |
Debentures
The Debentures have an aggregate principal amount of $4,250,000, and they are convertible by
their holders into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $2.50. This conversion price
is subject to adjustment under certain circumstances, including without limitation, stock splits,
stock dividends, rights offerings, and the issuance of shares of common stock or common stock
equivalents at a price less than the conversion price.
After one year, we can force conversion of the Debentures at the conversion price if the daily
volume weighted average price (VWAP) of the common stock for each of the 20 trading days prior to
the forced conversion date exceeds $7.50 per share, subject to adjustment, provided that a
registration statement covering the stock is then effective and certain trading volume requirements
and other conditions are met.
The Debentures bear interest at the greater of (i) LIBOR plus 4% and (ii) 10% per annum.
Interest is payable quarterly beginning on January 1, 2008. 50% of the original principal amount of
the Debentures is payable in 12 equal monthly installments beginning on November 1, 2008, and the
balance is payable on October 19, 2009, unless extended by the holders of the Debentures to October
19, 2012 (the extended maturity date). Payments of principal and interest may be made in cash or,
at our option if certain conditions are met, in shares of registered common stock.
17
If interest is paid in shares of common stock, the conversion price per share will be set at
90% of the VWAP for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the applicable payment
date or, if less, the average of the VWAPs for the 20 consecutive trading days immediately prior to
the date the applicable shares are issued and delivered if such delivery is after the payment date.
If principal is paid in shares of common stock during a specified period immediately prior to
the extended maturity date, the conversion price shall be equal to 90% of the average of the VWAPs
for the 20 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day that is immediately prior to the
applicable payment date.
The Debentures contain certain limitations on optional and mandatory conversion and payment in
shares of common stock, including that, absent stockholder approval, (a) we may not issue shares of
common stock in payment of interest on the Debentures that, when aggregated with prior issuances of
shares in payment of principal or interest (excluding payments of principal and interest with
shares not in excess of the number of shares issuable at the conversion price) exceed 5% of our
outstanding shares on the trading day immediately preceding the date of the Securities Purchase
Agreement and (b) we may not issue shares of common stock upon conversion of or payment of interest
or liquidated damages on the Debentures that, in the aggregate, exceed 19.99% of our outstanding
shares on the trading day immediately preceding the date of Securities Purchase Agreement.
Moreover, neither we nor the holders may effect any conversion of a Debenture to the extent that it
would result in the holder and its affiliates owning more than 4.99% of our outstanding common
stock, unless this limitation is increased or decreased by the holder (increased up to a maximum of
9.99%) of our outstanding common stock upon not less than 61 days prior notice.
We may, under certain circumstances, redeem the Debentures for cash equal to 115% of the
aggregate outstanding principal amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
The Debentures contain certain negative covenants that, among other things, for so long as any
Debentures remain outstanding, prohibit us and our subsidiaries from incurring indebtedness for
borrowed money, creating or suffering liens other than certain permitted liens, amending charter
documents to materially adversely harm the Debenture holders, repurchasing shares of our common
stock (with certain exceptions), repaying certain indebtedness before its due date, paying cash
dividends on stock other than our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, and entering into certain
transactions with affiliates.
Events of default under the Debentures include, among others, payment defaults not timely
cured, failure to perform other covenants not timely cured, cross-defaults not timely cured having
a material adverse effect on us, representations or warranties are untrue when made, certain
bankruptcy-type events involving us or any significant subsidiary, acceleration of more than
$150,000 in indebtedness for borrowed money or under a long-term leasing or factoring agreement,
our common stock is no longer listed on an eligible market, we are subject to certain changes in
control or sell or dispose of more than 40% of our assets a single or series of related
transactions, a registration
statement covering the shares of common stock underlying the Debentures and Warrants is not
declared effective for more than 270 days after the closing of the Private Placement, the
effectiveness of such registration statement lapses beyond a specified period, failure to timely
deliver certificates for converted shares, and a judgment in excess of $250,000 against us, any
subsidiary or our respective assets that is not timely vacated, bonded or stayed. Upon an event of
default, the holders may elect to require us to repurchase all or any portion of the outstanding
principal amount of the Debentures for a purchase price equal to 115% of such outstanding principal
amount, plus all accrued but unpaid interest.
We intend, and have a reasonable basis to believe, that we will have the financial ability to
make all payments provided for in the Debentures as they come due.
Warrants
We issued in the Private Placement Warrants to purchase 1,495,952 shares of our common stock
having a seven-year term and Warrants to purchase 1,495,952 shares of our common stock having a
one-year term, each with an exercise period beginning six months and one day after their respective
issuance. We also issued to Dawson James, our placement agent in the Private Placement, Warrants
to purchase 149,600 shares of our common stock having a five-year term and with an exercise period
beginning six months and one day after their issuance. All of the Warrants have an exercise price
of $3.52 per share and otherwise have identical terms.
The exercise price and the number of shares underlying the Warrants are subject to adjustment
for stock dividends and splits, combinations, and reclassifications, certain rights offerings and
distributions to common stockholders, and mergers, consolidations, sales of all or substantially
all assets, tender offers, exchange offers, reclassifications or compulsory share exchanges. In
addition, subject to certain exceptions, the exercise price and number of shares underlying both
types of Warrants are subject to anti-dilution adjustments from time to time if we issue our common
stock or equivalent securities at below the exercise price for the Warrants; provided that the
exercise price cannot be adjusted lower than $3.52 prior to stockholder approval.
18
If, at any time after the earlier of October 19, 2008 and the completion of the then
applicable holding period under Rule 144, we are required to have effective a registration
statement for the shares of common stock underlying Warrants but no such registration statement is
effective, the Warrants may be exercised by means of a cashless exercise.
Registration Rights Agreement
We and the Investors also entered into a registration rights agreement pursuant to which we
agreed to file an initial registration statement with the Commission on or prior to November 18,
2007 and to use our best efforts to have such Registration Statement declared effective with the
Commission within 120 calendar days of the date of the registration rights agreement (or 150 days
in the event of a full review by the Commission). We satisfied this requirement, but because all
of the shares of common stock underlying the Debentures and Warrants issued in the Private
Placement could not be included in such registration statement (the Registration Statement),
under certain circumstances we are required to timely file subsequent registration statements or
otherwise include such shares in other registration statements on a piggy-back basis. If such
registration statements are not timely filed or declared effective, we are required to pay the
Investors a cash fee of 2% per month of the purchase price paid with respect to the unregistered
shares of common stock until one year after the closing of the Private Placement, and 1% per month
thereafter for the following 12-month period.
Dollar Value of Common Stock Underlying Debentures
The total dollar value of the shares of common stock underlying the Debentures that we
registered for resale (using the number of underlying shares of common stock that we registered for
resale pursuant to the Registration Statement and the market price per share for those shares of
common stock on October 19, 2007) is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of common stock underlying Debentures registered for resale: |
|
|
1,700,000 |
|
Closing market price per share of common stock on October 19, 2007: |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
Dollar value of underlying shares of common stock: |
|
$ |
6,120,000 |
|
Payments Made in Connection with Private Placement
The following table discloses the dollar amount of each payment (including the value of any
payments to be made in common stock) relating to the Private Placement that we have made or may be
required to make to any Investor, any affiliate of an Investor, or any person with whom any
Investor has a contractual relationship regarding the Private Placement (including any interest
payments, liquidated damages, payments made to finders or placement agents, and any other
payments or potential payments). The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Debentures
and the total possible payments to all Investors and any of their affiliates in the first year
following the sale of the Debentures are also provided.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Type of |
|
Amount of |
|
Payee |
|
Payment |
|
Payment |
|
Payments Made to Investors Contracting Parties |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Feldman Weinstein & Smith LLP |
|
Cash |
|
$ |
50,000 |
(1) |
Possible Future Payments to Investors and their Affiliates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debenture holders (Interest) |
|
Cash |
|
$ |
403,750 |
(2) |
Debenture holders (Liquidated Damages) |
|
Cash |
|
$ |
598,381 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total possible payments to Investors and related parties in first year: |
|
|
|
$ |
1,052,131 |
|
Minimum net proceeds from Private Placement: (4) |
|
|
|
$ |
2,687,749 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Feldman Weinstein & Smith LLP served as counsel to one of the Investors in
connection with the Private Placement. |
|
(2) |
|
This represents the total interest payable under the terms of the Debentures during
the first year following the sale of the Debentures, based upon an assumed annual interest
rate of 10%. The actual annual interest applicable to the Debentures is the greater of (i) 10%
or (ii) LIBOR for the applicable period plus 4%. This amount does not include any late fees
that we could be required to pay if payments of interest are not made in a timely manner. |
19
|
|
|
(3) |
|
This represents the maximum amount of liquidated damages that we could have been
required to pay to the Investors if the Registration Statement had not been declared effective
on or prior to March 17, 2008 (150 days after the sale of the Debentures). This amount does
not include any interest that we could have been required to pay if payments of liquidated
damages were not made in a timely manner. |
|
(4) |
|
Based on the total gross proceeds from the sale of the Debentures, less the total
possible payments to all Investors, their affiliates and their contracting parties in the
first year following the sale of the Debentures as set forth in this table. |
Potential Profits from Conversion of Debentures
The following table shows the total possible profit that the Investors could realize as a
result of both the conversion discount for the shares of common stock underlying the Debentures
and the purchase price discount to the face value of such Debentures issued in the Private
Placement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price per |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined |
|
|
Combined |
|
|
Purchase |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Market |
|
|
Conversion |
|
|
Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Possible |
|
|
Price of |
|
|
Price of |
|
|
Discount |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
to Face |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Date of |
|
|
Conversion |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Value of |
|
|
Possible |
|
Investor |
|
Sale |
|
|
Price(1) |
|
|
Debentures |
|
|
Debentures |
|
|
Debentures |
|
|
Debentures |
|
|
Discount |
|
Rockmore Investment
Master Fund Ltd. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,440,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
120,028 |
|
|
$ |
560,028 |
|
Iroquois Master Fund Ltd. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,440,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,000,000 |
|
|
$ |
120,028 |
|
|
$ |
560,028 |
|
Portside Growth and
Opportunity Fund |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
720,000 |
|
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
60,014 |
|
|
$ |
280,014 |
|
Hudson Bay Fund LP |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
172,000 |
|
|
$ |
619,200 |
|
|
$ |
430,000 |
|
|
$ |
51,613 |
|
|
$ |
240,813 |
|
Hudson Bay Overseas Fund
LTD |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
228,000 |
|
|
$ |
820,800 |
|
|
$ |
570,000 |
|
|
$ |
68,416 |
|
|
$ |
319,216 |
|
Gemini Master Fund, Ltd. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
360,000 |
|
|
$ |
250,000 |
|
|
$ |
30,007 |
|
|
$ |
140,007 |
|
Cranshire Capital, L.P. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
2.50 |
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
$ |
720,000 |
|
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
$ |
60,014 |
|
|
$ |
280,014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,700,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,120,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,250,000 |
|
|
$ |
510,120 |
|
|
$ |
2,380,120 |
|
(1) |
|
The conversion price of the Debentures is subject to adjustment under certain
circumstances, including without limitation, stock splits, stock dividends, rights offerings,
and the issuance of shares of common stock or common stock equivalents at a price less than
the conversion price. We have agreed not to issue any shares of our common stock or common
stock equivalents at a purchase price below $3.52 per share (subject to adjustment for stock
splits, dividends and the like) without prior stockholder approval. The conversion price is
not subject to adjustment based solely on fluctuations in the market price of our common
stock. |
20
Potential Profits from Exercise of Warrants
The following table shows the total possible profit that the Investors could realize as a
result of the exercise discounts for shares of common stock underlying both the one-year Warrants
representing the right to purchase 1,495,952 shares of our common stock, and the seven-year
Warrants representing the right to purchase an additional 1,495,952 shares of our common stock,
which Warrants were issued as part of the Private Placement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Price per |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined |
|
|
Combined |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
Market |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Possible |
|
|
Price of |
|
|
Price of |
|
|
Possible |
|
|
|
Stock on |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Discount to |
|
|
|
Date of |
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Underlying |
|
|
Market |
|
Investor |
|
Sale |
|
|
Price* |
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
Warrants |
|
|
Price |
|
Rockmore Investment
Master Fund Ltd. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
703,978 |
|
|
$ |
2,534,321 |
|
|
$ |
2,478,003 |
|
|
$ |
56,318 |
|
Iroquois Master Fund Ltd. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
703,978 |
|
|
$ |
2,534,321 |
|
|
$ |
2,478,003 |
|
|
$ |
56,318 |
|
Portside Growth and
Opportunity Fund |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
351,988 |
|
|
$ |
1,267,157 |
|
|
$ |
1,238,998 |
|
|
$ |
28,159 |
|
Hudson Bay Fund LP |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
302,710 |
|
|
$ |
1,089,756 |
|
|
$ |
1,065,539 |
|
|
$ |
24,217 |
|
Hudson Bay Overseas Fund
LTD |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
401,268 |
|
|
$ |
1,444,565 |
|
|
$ |
1,412,463 |
|
|
$ |
32,102 |
|
Gemini Master Fund, Ltd. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
175,994 |
|
|
$ |
633,578 |
|
|
$ |
619,499 |
|
|
$ |
14,079 |
|
Cranshire Capital, L.P. |
|
$ |
3.60 |
|
|
$ |
3.52 |
|
|
|
351,988 |
|
|
$ |
1,267,157 |
|
|
$ |
1,238,998 |
|
|
$ |
28,159 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,991,904 |
|
|
$ |
10,770,855 |
|
|
$ |
10,531,503 |
|
|
$ |
239,352 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
The exercise price of the Warrants is subject to adjustment under certain
circumstances, including without limitation, stock splits, stock dividends, rights offerings,
and the issuance of shares of common stock or common stock equivalents at a price less than
the exercise price. We have agreed not to issue any shares of our common stock or common stock
equivalents at a purchase price below $3.52 per share (subject to adjustment for stock splits,
dividends and the like) without prior stockholder approval. The exercise price is not subject
to adjustment based solely on fluctuations in the market price of our common stock. |
Comparison of Company Net Proceeds to Potential Investor Profit from Private Placement
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from Private Placement: |
|
|
|
|
Gross Proceeds from Private Placement |
|
$ |
3,739,880 |
|
Less payments made or required to be made to Investors and related parties(1) |
|
$ |
(1,052,131 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Resulting net proceeds |
|
$ |
2,687,749 |
|
Combined total possible discount |
|
|
|
|
Debentures(2) |
|
$ |
2,380,120 |
|
Warrants(2) |
|
$ |
239,352 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
2,619,472 |
|
(Payments made or required to be made to Investors + combined total possible discount)/Net
proceeds from Private Placement: |
|
|
136.6 |
% |
Percentage averaged over term of the Debentures (2 years) |
|
|
68.3 |
% |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Please see the table and related footnote disclosure set forth above under the
caption -Payments Made in Connection with Private Placement for further explanation and
certain assumptions made in determining this amount. |
|
(2) |
|
Please see the tables and related footnote disclosure set forth above under the
captions -Potential Profits from Conversion of Debentures and -Potential Profits from
Exercise of Warrants for further explanation and certain assumptions made in determining
these amounts. |
21
NASDAQ Stockholder Approval Requirements
The Companys common stock is traded on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol BHIP.
Consequently, the Company is subject to the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules, including Marketplace Rule
4350(i)(1)(D). This rule requires NASDAQ-listed issuers to obtain stockholder approval prior to
any issuance or potential issuance of securities representing 20% or more of the outstanding common
stock or voting power of the issuer (on an as-converted or as-exercised basis) before such issuance
for a price less than the greater of the book or market value of the issuers common stock. For
purposes of Rule 4350(i)(1)(D), (i) the outstanding common stock or voting power of the issuer is
determined as of a date the issuer enters into a binding agreement with respect to such issuance or
potential issuance and (ii) the market value of the issuers common stock is deemed to be the
closing bid price of the issuers common stock immediately prior to entering into such binding
agreement.
Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(D) is applicable to the Private Placement because of some terms
and provisions contained within the Debentures and Warrants. The closing bid price per share of the
common stock on the date the Private Placement was closed was $3.52, which price was greater than
the then book value of the common stock. The conversion price of the Debentures is lower than such
closing bid price per share of the common stock, and although the exercise price of the Warrants is
equal to such closing bid price, both the conversion price of the Debentures and the exercise price
of the Warrants are subject to anti-dilution adjustment provisions that could reduce the effective
conversion prices or exercise prices of the Debentures and Warrants, respectively. The aggregate
number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures at a conversion price
of $2.50 and upon exercise of the Warrants is 4,841,504 (without any adjustment to the related
conversion prices or exercise prices and without regard to certain current restrictions on
conversion or exercise of the Debentures and Warrants), which represents 48.0% of the number of
outstanding shares of the Companys common stock on October 19, 2007. Furthermore, the Company
could also be deemed to issue its common stock at less than market value in violation of
Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(D) if the Company issues common stock in the future in payment of
principal or interest or liquidated damages under the Debentures, as permitted by the Debentures.
In light of the foregoing, as a result of the Private Placement the Company could potentially issue
shares of common stock representing greater than 20% of the Companys outstanding common stock and
voting power for a price less than the greater of book or market value of the common stock.
Accordingly, in order to comply with Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(D), the Company must obtain
stockholder approval before issuing shares of common stock underlying the Debentures or Warrants in
excess of 19.99% of the common stock outstanding on October 19, 2007.
To comply with Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(D), the Company agreed in the Securities Purchase
Agreement that it would hold a meeting of stockholders no later than the date of its 2008 annual
meeting for the purpose of obtaining stockholder approval authorizing the issuance of shares in
excess of 19.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on October 19, 2007. The
Debentures and Warrants provide that if the Company has not obtained stockholder approval
authorizing the issuance of shares in excess of 19.99% of the number of shares of common stock
outstanding on October 19, 2007, then the Company may not issue an aggregate amount of shares in
excess of 19.99% under the Debentures and Warrants.
Effect of Stockholder Approval of Item Two
If the stockholders approve this Item Two, then (i) the Company shall have obtained
stockholder approval in satisfaction of Marketplace Rule 4350(i)(1)(D); and (ii) the Companys
stockholders shall have authorized the potential issuance under the Debentures and Warrants of
shares of common stock in excess of 19.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding on
October 19, 2007.
Conversion of the Debentures benefits the Company and its stockholders because, to the extent
the outstanding principal amount of the Debentures is converted into shares of common stock, the
Company is no longer obligated to pay the principal or related interest otherwise due thereon, and
the Companys outstanding debt and interest expense will be reduced. In addition, under some
circumstances the Company is entitled under the terms of the Debentures to effect the payment of
interest and liquidated damages due thereunder in shares of common stock rather than cash.
Exercise of the Warrants may also benefit the Company and its stockholders because, unless the
Warrant holders are eligible and elect to effect a cashless exercise of the Warrants, upon such
exercise the Company will receive the exercise price per share of common stock issued. If the
Warrants are exercised in full at the initial exercise price, then the exercise proceeds to the
Company would be approximately $11.1 million. Even if the stockholders approve this Item Two, the
decision to convert the Debentures or to exercise the Warrants will remain
with the holders thereof, and such holders may determine not to convert the Debentures or
exercise the Warrants for any reason.
22
The 4,841,504 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Debentures at a
conversion price of $2.50 and exercise of the Warrants (without regard to additional shares which
may become issuable due to certain adjustments) represent approximately 46.8% of the shares of
common stock outstanding as of the record date for this annual meeting and, assuming such shares of
common stock are issued, represent a significant dilution of the interests of existing
stockholders. The issuance of shares of common stock pursuant to the Debentures and the Warrants
will also have a dilutive effect on earnings per share and may adversely affect the market price of
the common stock.
In addition, if the Company sells or otherwise disposes of shares of common stock or common
stock equivalents, the conversion price of the Debentures and exercise price of the Warrants would
be adjusted downward if the price of the securities issued in such transaction is less than the
current conversion price of the Debentures or exercise price of the Warrants, respectively. In such
event, the issuance of common stock upon a future conversion of the Debentures or exercise of the
Warrants could potentially result in additional dilution to the interests of the Companys existing
stockholders.
The issuance of shares of common stock in connection with the Private Placement could have an
anti-takeover effect because such issuance would make it more difficult for, or discourage an
attempt by, a party to obtain control of the Company by tender offer or other means. The issuance
of common stock upon conversion of the Debentures or exercise of the Warrants will increase the
number of shares entitled to vote, increase the number of votes required to approve a change of
control of the Company, and dilute the interest of a party attempting to obtain control of the
Company. Item Two is not part of a plan by the Board of Directors to adopt a series of
anti-takeover measures. The Board of Directors does not have any current knowledge of any effort by
any person to accumulate the Companys securities or obtain control of the Company by any means.
Effect of Failure to Obtain Stockholder Approval of Item Two
If the stockholders do not approve this Item Two, then the Debentures and Warrants would
remain outstanding. However, the Company could not issue shares of common stock in connection with
the conversion of the Debentures or the payment of principal, interest or liquidated damages
thereunder, in excess of 2,014,862 shares of common stock (19.99% of the number of shares of common
stock outstanding on October 19, 2007). The Company is entitled to redeem the Debentures for
shares of common stock and, under some circumstances, force the conversion of the Debentures, so
this limitation on the number of shares that can be issued could restrict the Companys ability to
effect such redemptions or a forced conversion. Also, if the stockholders do not approve this Item
Two, then we may not issue shares of common stock in payment of interest on the Debentures that,
when aggregated with prior issuances of shares in payment of principal or interest (excluding share
payments of principal and interest not in excess of the number issuable at the conversion price),
would exceed 503,967 shares of common stock (five percent (5%) of our outstanding shares of common
stock on October 19, 2007). In addition, under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement,
neither we nor any of our subsidiaries may sell to a third party shares of common stock or
equivalent securities at an effective price that is less than $3.52 per share, unless and until the
earlier of the date that stockholder approval is obtained or the Debentures and Warrants held by
the Investors are no longer outstanding.
As a consequence of the foregoing, until stockholder approval is obtained, the Companys
ability to redeem the Debentures for shares of common stock or to force a conversion of the
Debentures could be restricted because the related redemption or conversion ratio could require the
issuance of more shares of common stock than would be permitted. In addition, the Companys
ability to make payments of interest on the Debentures utilizing shares of common stock rather than
cash will be limited. Having to effect all or part of a Debenture redemption in cash, or to make
interest payments on the Debentures in cash where it would otherwise be better for the Company to
satisfy these obligations with the delivery of shares of common stock, could leave the Company with
limited working capital to operate its business. Further, until stockholder approval is obtained,
the companys inability to sell shares of common stock or equivalent securities at an effective
price per share of less than $3.52 could severely limit the Companys equity financing options and
therefore its ability to obtain adequate working capital to operate its business. Any lack of
necessary working capital funds resulting from the payment of principal or interest on the
Debentures in cash, or the Companys inability to raise equity financing could negatively impact
the Companys future results of operations and financial condition.
23
If this Item Two is not approved, any amount of the Debentures that the Company is unable to
redeem or to force a conversion, or the Investors are unable to convert, in excess of the 19.99%
threshold will remain a cash liability due and payable in accordance with the terms of the
Debentures. In that event, the Company may be required to raise additional funds in order to meet
this obligation. The Company may not be able to raise sufficient funds at that time, and, even if
the Company is able to raise sufficient funds, the terms of such financing may not be favorable to
the Company. If the Company is unable to obtain such financing, the Company may not be able to
repay its obligations under the Debentures, which would result in a default under the terms of the
Debentures.
Furthermore, if Item Two is not approved by the stockholders at the annual meeting, the
Company is required under the terms of the Securities Purchase Agreement to seek approval of the
proposal set forth in this Item Two at each subsequent stockholders meeting until this proposal is
approved or the Debentures are no longer outstanding.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the potential issuance of
common stock exceeding 19.99% of the common stock outstanding on October 19, 2007, which shares of
common stock underlie the Debentures and Warrants. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted
FOR this proposal unless instructions to the contrary are given.
ITEM THREE
APPROVAL OF THE INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM AGGREGATE NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE UNDER THE 2007 PLAN BY 500,000 SHARES
Overview
The 2007 Plan was approved by the Compensation Committee of the Companys Board of Directors
on August 18, 2006 and by the stockholders of the Company on November 17, 2006. On November 13,
2008, the Compensation Committee of the Companys Board of Directors approved, subject to
stockholder approval, the increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock
available for issuance under the 2007 Plan by 500,000 shares, from
1,550,000 shares to 2,050,000
shares. At that time, the Compensation Committee also approved an
amendment to the 2007 Plan to eliminate the dedication of
155,000 shares under the 2007 Plan exclusively to the grant of
incentive stock options, making such shares available for any type of award under the 2007 Plan.
There are currently 1,403,353 shares of common stock underlying outstanding stock options and
restricted stock grants under the 2007 Plan, and 146,647 shares remain available for grant under
the 2007 Plan. The limited number of remaining available shares under the 2007 Plan restricts the
Companys ability to (a) provide incentive compensation to its employees, (b) attract new
employees, (c) provide incentive compensation to its directors, and (d) provide compensation to its
consultants and advisors. It is anticipated that the additional 500,000 shares proposed to be
authorized under the 2007 Plan, together with the shares remaining, will enable the Company to
provide sufficient grants of awards for the foreseeable future.
The Company is seeking stockholder approval for this increase in order to continue to provide
incentive compensation to eligible employees and others through shareholder-approved plans.
Description of the 2007 Plan
Purpose. The purposes of the 2007 Plan are to enable the Company to attract and retain
employees, officers, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary, each as defined in the 2007 Plan, thereof to provide an incentive for them to assist
the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof in achieving long-range performance goals, and to
enable them to participate in the long-term growth of the Company. The text of the 2007 Plan, as
proposed for amendment, is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A. The following is
a summary of the 2007 Plan and should be read together with the full 2007 Plan text. In the event
of a conflict between the terms of this summary and the terms of the 2007 Plan text, the terms of
the 2007 Plan text shall prevail.
Awards Under the 2007 Plan. Under the 2007 Plan, the Company will be permitted to grant
(i) incentive stock options intended to qualify under Section 422 of the Code, (ii) nonqualified
stock options, (iii) restricted stock, (iv) restricted stock units, (v) stock appreciation rights
either in tandem with an option or alone and unrelated to an
option, or SARs, (vi) performance shares, (vii) award shares, or (viii) stock awards. The
closing market price for the Companys common stock as of November 12, 2008 was $ 0.40 per share.
24
Eligible Participants. All employees, and in the case of awards other than incentive stock
options, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof
capable of contributing significantly to the successful performance of the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary thereof are eligible to participate in the 2007 Plan. There are currently approximately
135 employees and three directors of the Company who are eligible to receive awards under the
2007 Plan, as well as consultants or advisors who may be eligible to receive awards under the
2007 Plan.
Administration. The 2007 Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee of the
Companys Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company
will have the authority to adopt, alter and repeal administrative rules, guidelines and practices
governing the operation of the 2007 Plan and to interpret provisions of the 2007 Plan.
New 2007 Plan Benefits. Awards to be received by individual participants are not determinable
because the Compensation Committee determines the amount and nature of any award under the 2007
Plan in its sole discretion at the time of the grant, and during fiscal year 2008 (through November
13, 2008) the 2007 Plan generally had available a sufficient number of available awards. As a
result, participants receiving discretionary grants under the 2007 Plan would not have received any
determinable benefit had the proposal to increase the number of shares available under the 2007
Plan already been approved. During the 2008 fiscal year (through November 13, 2008), under the
2007 Plan directors were awarded 105,000 shares of restricted stock, executive officers were
awarded 232,450 shares of restricted stock, and non-executive officer employees were awarded 99,900 shares of restricted stock.
Securities to be Offered. So far, the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock
available for issuance under the 2007 Plan is 1,550,000 shares. The adoption of this proposal would
increase such number to 2,050,000 shares. The shares of common stock available for issuance under
the 2007 Plan are subject to adjustment for any stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split,
stock combination or certain other corporate reorganizations.
Shares issued may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares or treasury
shares. Shares subject to an award that expires or is terminated unexercised or is forfeited for
any reason or settled in a manner that results in fewer shares outstanding than were initially
awarded will again be available for award under the 2007 Plan. The maximum number of shares which
may be granted to an individual in a fiscal year is limited to 150,000 shares.
Nonqualified and Incentive Stock Options. Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Plan, the
Compensation Committee may award incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options and
determine the number of shares to be covered by each option, the option price therefor and the
conditions and limitations applicable to the exercise of the option. Each option shall be
exercisable at such times and subject to such terms and conditions as the Compensation Committee
may specify in the applicable award or thereafter.
The terms and conditions of incentive stock options shall be subject to and comply with
Section 422 of the Code and any regulations thereunder. No incentive stock option granted under the
2007 Plan may be granted more than ten years after August 18, 2006 and no such grant (or grant of a
nonqualified stock option) may be exercisable more than ten years from the date of grant (five
years after the date of grant for incentive stock options granted to holders of more than ten
percent of the common stock). Incentive stock options shall be granted only to employees of the
Company or any Parent or Subsidiary thereof and shall be transferable by the optionee only by the
laws of descent and distribution, and shall be exercisable only by the employee during his or her
lifetime.
The exercise price of options granted under the 2007 Plan may not be less than the fair market
value of the common stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options may be granted to holders
of more than 10% of the Companys outstanding voting capital stock only at an exercise price of at
least 110% of the fair market value of such stock on the date of grant.
Restricted Stock. Subject to provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Compensation Committee may
grant shares of restricted stock to participants, with such restricted periods and other conditions
as the Compensation Committee may determine and for no cash consideration or such minimum
consideration as may be required by applicable law. During the restricted period, unless otherwise
determined by the Compensation Committee, stock certificates evidencing the restricted shares will
be held by the Company and may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered,
except as permitted by the Compensation Committee. At the expiration of the restricted period, the
Company will deliver such certificates to the participant or, if the participant has died, to the
beneficiary designed by the participant.
25
Restricted Stock Units. Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Compensation
Committee may grant restricted stock unit awards. A restricted stock unit is a contractual promise
to issue shares at a specified future date, subject to fulfillment of vesting conditions specified
by the Compensation Committee. A restricted stock unit award carries no voting or dividend rights
or other rights associated with stock ownership. A restricted stock unit award may be settled in
common stock, cash, or in any combination of common stock and/or cash; provided, however, that a
determination to settle a restricted stock unit award in whole or in part in cash shall be made by
the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion.
Stock Appreciation Rights. Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Compensation
Committee may award SARs in tandem with an option (at or after the award of the option) or alone
and unrelated to an option. A SAR entitles the holder to receive from the Company stock with a fair
market value equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common stock over the
reference price. SARs granted in tandem with an option will terminate to the extent that the
related option is exercised, and the related option will terminate to the extent that the tandem
SARs are exercised.
Performance Shares. Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Compensation Committee
may grant performance shares to participants in the form of grants of shares of common stock.
Performance shares are earned over a period of time (a performance cycle) selected by the
Compensation Committee from time to time. There may be more than one performance cycle in existence
at any one time and the duration of the performance cycles may differ from each other. Unless
otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, the payment value of the performance shares
will be equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date the performance shares are
earned or on the date the Compensation Committee determines that the performance shares have been
earned. The Compensation Committee shall establish performance goals for each cycle for the purpose
of determining the extent to which performance shares awarded for such cycle are earned. As soon as
practicable after the end of a performance cycle, the Compensation Committee shall determine the
number of performance shares which have been earned on the basis of performance in relation to the
established performance goals. Payment values (stock certificates) of earned performance shares are
distributed to the participant or, if the participant has died, to the beneficiary designated by
the participant.
Stock Awards. Subject to the provisions of the 2007 Plan, the Compensation Committee may
award stock awards, which may be designated as award shares by the Compensation Committee, subject
to such terms, restrictions, conditions, performance criteria, vesting requirements and payment
needs, if any, as the Compensation Committee shall determine. Shares of common stock or other
rights awarded in connection with a stock award shall be issued for no cash consideration or such
minimum consideration as may be required by law.
General Provisions. Each award shall be evidenced by a written document delivered to the
participant specifying the terms and conditions thereof and containing such other terms and
conditions not inconsistent with the provisions of the 2007 Plan as the Compensation Committee
considers necessary or advisable. Each type of award may be made alone, in addition to, or in
relation to any other type of award. The terms of each type of award need not be identical and the
Compensation Committee need not treat participants uniformly. The Compensation Committee may amend,
modify or terminate any outstanding award, including substituting therefor another award, changing
the date of exercise or realization and converting an incentive stock option to a nonqualified
stock option, provided that the participants consent to such action shall be required unless the
Compensation Committee determines that the action would not materially and adversely affect the
participant.
The Compensation Committee will determine whether awards granted pursuant to the 2007 Plan are
settled in whole or in part in cash, common stock, other securities of the Company, other property
or such other methods as the Compensation Committee may deem appropriate. In the Compensation
Committees discretion, tax obligations required to be withheld in respect of an award may be paid
in whole or in part in shares of common stock, including shares retained from such award. The
Compensation Committee will determine the effect on an award of the death, disability, retirement
or other termination of employment of a participant and the extent to which and period during which
the participants legal representative, guardian or designated beneficiary may receive payment of
an award or exercise rights thereunder. Except as otherwise provided by the Compensation Committee,
awards under the 2007 Plan will not be transferable other than as designated by the participant by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
26
The Compensation Committee in its discretion may take certain actions in order to preserve a
participants rights under an award in the event of a change in control of the Company, including
(i) providing for the acceleration of any time period relating to the exercise or realization of
the award, (ii) providing for the repurchase
of the award for an amount of cash or other property that could have been received upon the
exercise or realization of the award had the award been currently exercisable or payable,
(iii) adjusting the terms of the award in order to reflect the change in control, (iv) causing the
award to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefor, by another entity, or (v) making such
other provision as the Compensation Committee may consider equitable and in the best interest of
the Company, provided that, in the case of an action taken with respect to an outstanding award,
the participants consent to such action shall be required unless the Compensation Committee
determines that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and
adversely affect the participant.
The Compensation Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the 2007 Plan or any portion
thereof at any time after its adoption; provided that no amendment shall be made without
stockholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any applicable law, rules or
regulations.
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following general discussion of the Federal income tax consequences of the issuance and
exercise of options granted under the 2007 Plan is based upon the provisions of the Code as in
effect on the date hereof, current regulations thereunder and existing administrative rulings of
the Internal Revenue Service. This discussion is not intended to be a complete discussion of all of
the Federal income tax consequences of the 2007 Plan or of all of the requirements that must be met
in order to qualify for the tax treatment described herein. Changes in the law and regulations may
modify the discussion, and in some cases the changes may be retroactive. No information is provided
as to state tax laws. In addition, because tax consequences may vary, and certain exceptions to the
general rules discussed herein may be applicable, depending upon the personal circumstances of
individual holders of securities, each holder of an award should consider his personal situation
and consult with his tax advisor with respect to the specific tax consequences applicable to him.
The 2007 Plan is not qualified under Section 401 of the Code, nor is it subject to the provisions
of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. The tax treatment of each kind
of award under the 2007 Plan is as follows:
Incentive Stock Options. Incentive stock options to be granted under the 2007 Plan are
intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code.
A participant generally will not recognize taxable income upon the grant or exercise of an
incentive stock option. Under certain circumstances, however, there may be alternative minimum tax
or other tax consequences, as described below. If an option holder does not make a disqualifying
disposition (as defined below), then the option holder will not recognize any taxable income until
shares are sold or exchanged, and any gain recognized upon disposition of shares will be taxable as
long-term capital gain. A disqualifying disposition means any disposition of shares acquired on
the exercise of an incentive stock option where such disposition occurs within two years of the
date the option was granted or within one year of the date the shares were transferred to the
option holder. The use of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option
to pay the option exercise price under another stock option is treated as a disposition for this
purpose.
In general, if the option holder makes a disqualifying disposition, then the excess of (a) the
lesser of (i) the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise or (ii) the amount
realized upon disposition of the shares over (b) the option exercise price will be taxable to the
option holder as ordinary income. In the case of a gift or certain other transfers, the amount of
taxable ordinary income is not limited to the gain that would have resulted from a sale. Instead,
it is equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the
option exercise price. In the case of a disqualifying disposition, if the amount realized on
disposition of the shares exceeds the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, the
excess will be taxed as either long-term or short-term capital gain depending on the option
holders holding period for the shares. The holding period for the shares generally would begin on
the date the shares were acquired and would not include the period of time during which the option
was held.
In general, the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise, less the exercise
price, will be included in the option holders alternative minimum taxable income in the year the
option is exercised. Because of the many adjustments that apply to the computation of the
alternative minimum tax, it is not possible to predict the application of such tax to any
particular option holder. An option holder may owe alternative minimum tax even though he has not
disposed of the shares or otherwise received any cash with which to pay the tax.
The Company will not be entitled to any deduction with respect to the grant or exercise of
incentive stock options. In addition, no deduction will be allowed to the Company upon the
disposition of stock acquired upon the
exercise of an incentive stock option, unless the disposition is a disqualifying disposition.
In the case of a disqualifying disposition, the Company generally will be entitled to a deduction
equal to the amount of compensation income that is recognized by the employee as a result of the
disqualifying disposition.
27
Nonqualified Stock Options. A recipient of a nonqualified stock option generally will not
recognize any income for federal tax purposes with respect to the option until the option is
exercised. At that time, subject to certain limited exceptions, the recipient will recognize
ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date
acquired over the option exercise price.
When an option recipient recognizes income, the Company will generally be entitled to a
compensation deduction for federal income tax purposes in an amount equal to the taxable income
recognized by the recipient, provided that the Company reports the income on a timely provided and
filed Form W-2 or 1099, whichever is applicable.
Upon a subsequent sale of shares acquired by the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, a
recipient generally will recognize capital gain (or loss) equal to the amount by which the selling
price of the shares exceeds (or is exceeded by) their fair market value on the date of exercise.
The capital gain or loss will be short-term or long-term depending upon how long the shares were
held. Any capital gain or loss would be long-term if the holding period for the shares was more
than twelve months. The holding period for the shares generally would begin on the date the shares
were acquired, and would not include the period of time during which the option was held.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A recipient of a SAR will not be considered to receive any income
at the time a SAR is granted, nor will the Company be entitled to a deduction at that time. Upon
the exercise of a SAR, the holder will have ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the
common stock received upon the exercise. At that time, the Company will be entitled to a tax
deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income realized by the holder.
Restricted Stock Awards. A recipient generally does not recognize taxable income on the grant
of shares of restricted stock, but does recognize ordinary income on the vesting date, or the date
the recipients interest in the stock is freely transferable or is no longer subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture, in an amount equal to the fair market value of the shares on that
date. Any dividends paid on the shares of restricted stock before the vesting date are also
taxable as compensation income upon receipt.
However, a recipient may elect to recognize income upon the grant of shares of restricted
stock, rather than when the recipients interest is freely transferable and no longer subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture, equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date of the
award. If the recipient makes this election, dividends paid with respect to the restricted shares
that are paid currently (rather than held subject to forfeiture) will not be treated as
compensation, but rather as dividend income, and the recipient will not recognize additional income
when the restrictions applicable to the shares of restricted stock lapse. The recipient will not
be entitled to any deduction if, after making this election, he or she forfeits any of the shares
of restricted stock. If shares of restricted stock are forfeited after this election is made, the
recipient will not be entitled to a refund of the ordinary income tax paid on the shares. The
recipient may, however, be entitled to receive a capital loss deduction upon forfeiture.
The Company will ordinarily be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same
amounts as the compensation income recognized by the recipient of a grant of shares restricted
stock, subject to the limitations of Section 162(m).
Performance Share Awards. A recipient does not recognize taxable income on the grant of
performance share awards, but does recognize ordinary income, to the extent that the designated
performance measures are satisfied, when the cash or shares of common stock are delivered. The
amount of this ordinary income will be the fair market value of the shares on the date of delivery,
plus the amount of cash payable or paid, as applicable. Any dividends paid on performance share
awards are also taxable as compensation income upon payment.
The Company will ordinarily be entitled to a deduction at the same time and in the same
amounts as the compensation income recognized by the recipient of a grant of performance share
awards, subject to the limitations of Section 162(m).
Restricted Stock Unit Awards. The grant of a restricted stock unit award will not result in
income for the grantee or in a deduction for the Company. Upon the lapse of the restrictions of a
restricted stock unit, the grantee will recognize ordinary income and the Company will be entitled
to a deduction measured by the fair market value of the shares plus any cash received.
28
Stock Awards. A person who receives a stock award that includes common stock will be treated,
with regard to such common stock, in the same manner as a person who has exercised a nonqualified
stock option, as described above. In general, this means that the holder will have taxable income
at the time the shares are received if they are not subject to restrictions, or as described in the
preceding paragraph for restricted stock, if they are subject to restrictions. The tax treatment of
a stock award that consists of other rights will depend on the provisions of the award. It may be
immediately taxable if there are no restrictions on the receipt of the cash or other property that
the stock award represents, or the tax consequences may be deferred if the receipt of cash or other
property for the stock award is restricted, or subject to vesting or performance goals. In those
situations in which a participant receives property subject to restrictions, the participant may
wish to make a Section 83(b) election, as described above. At the time that the holder of the stock
award has ordinary income, the Company will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount of
ordinary income realized by the holder.
Deductibility of Awards. Section 162(m) of the Code places a $1 million annual limit on the
compensation deductible by the Company paid to certain of its executives. The limit, however, does
not apply to performance-based compensation. The Company believes that awards of stock options and
rights under the 2007 Plan will qualify for the performance-based compensation exception to the
deductibility limit.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information regarding all compensation plans under which
Company equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average |
|
|
future issuance under |
|
|
|
Number of Securities to |
|
|
exercise price of |
|
|
equity compensation |
|
|
|
be issued upon exercise of |
|
|
outstanding |
|
|
plans (excluding |
|
|
|
outstanding options, |
|
|
options, warrants |
|
|
securities reflected in left |
|
Plan Category |
|
warrants and rights |
|
|
and rights |
|
|
column) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
|
|
70,500 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
|
460,824 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security holders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
70,500 |
|
|
$ |
1.80 |
|
|
|
460,824 |
|
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the increase in the maximum
aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Natural Health Trends
Corp. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan by 500,000 shares. Proxies solicited by the Board will be voted
FOR this proposal unless instructions to the contrary are given.
ITEM FOUR
APPOINTMENT OF LANE GORMAN TRUBITT, L.L.P. AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE COMPANY FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008
The Audit Committee has appointed Lane Gorman as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. Representatives of Lane Gorman are
expected (i) to be present at the annual meeting to respond to questions and (ii) to have the
opportunity to make a statement should they so desire; and (iii) to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the meeting
and entitled to vote is required for the ratification of the appointment of Lane Gorman as the
Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is directly
responsible for the appointment and retention of the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm. Although ratification by stockholders is not required by the Companys
organizational documents or applicable law, the Audit Committee has determined that requesting
ratification by stockholders of its appointment of Lane Gorman as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm is a matter of good corporate practice. If the Companys
stockholders do not ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to
retain Lane Gorman, but may still determine to retain them. Even if the selection is ratified, the
Audit Committee, in its discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year if it
determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders.
Reportable Event Occurring Prior to Change in Accountants
The Company changed its independent registered public accounting firm as of September 7, 2006
from BDO Seidman, LLP (BDO) to Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. (Lane Gorman). In July 2006, the
Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors issued a request for proposals to four
(4) independent registered public accounting firms, including BDO. On September 7, 2006, the Audit
Committee with the approval of the Companys Board of Directors selected Lane Gorman as its
independent registered public accounting firm.
The reports of BDO on the combined consolidated financial statements of the Company for the
Companys fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer
of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting
principle. However, the opinion did contain an emphasis of a matter.
29
During the Companys fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, and through September 7,
2006, there were no disagreements with BDO 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 BDO, would have caused BDO to make reference thereto in its reports
on the Companys financial statements for such years.
There were no reportable events described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K
(Regulation S-K) during the Companys fiscal years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, and through
September 7, 2006, except for the existence of certain previously reported material weaknesses in
the Companys internal control over financial reporting which are described below.
A material weakness is a control deficiency or a combination of control deficiencies that
results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim
consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected. In connection with BDOs
audits of the Companys consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2005, the following material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting were
reported in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission on May 8, 2006:
|
|
|
We did not maintain an effective control environment because (1) we lack an effective
anti-fraud program to detect and prevent fraud, for example, relating to the previous top two
executive officers of the Company, Mark Woodburn and Terry LaCore, in terms of (i) conflicts of
interests related to executive officers, especially their financial dealings with independent
distributors and other vendors, and (ii) proper supervision of the executives conduct separating
their executive duties from personal financial interests outside the Company, (2) we failed to
perform background checks consistently on personnel being placed into positions of responsibility,
(3) an adequate tone was not set from the top as control measures in place were ignored by the
previous top two executives and the importance of controls was not properly emphasized and
communicated throughout the Company and (4) we did not effectively address the control deficiencies
noted in the fiscal year 2004 external audit; |
|
|
|
We did not maintain effective monitoring controls over financial reporting because (1) our
policies regarding review, supervision and monitoring of our accounting operations throughout the
Company were not fully designed, in place, or operating effectively and (2) we do not have an
internal audit function; |
|
|
|
We did not maintain effective control over period-end financial close and reporting because
(1) we lacked sufficient complement of personnel with an appropriate level of accounting knowledge,
experience and training in the application of GAAP commensurate with our financial reporting
requirements to prepare, review and approve account reconciliations and supporting schedules, and
(2) our legacy accounting systems do not facilitate the appropriate review and approval over the
recording of journal entries to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the journal entries
recorded; |
|
|
|
We did not maintain effective controls over the disbursement function since we (1) lacked
adequate segregation of duties and (2) lacked appropriate review, approval, and supporting
documentation; |
|
|
|
We did not maintain effective controls over the payroll function since we (1) lacked
adequate segregation of duties and (2) lacked appropriate review, approval, and supporting
documentation; |
|
|
|
We did not maintain effective controls over the inventory function since we (1) did not
maintain restricted access to the inventory detail schedule used to support the general ledger
balances and (2) used the periodic inventory system and performed monthly inventory counts using
physical inventory count sheets lacking reviewer documentation; |
|
|
|
We lacked documentation with respect to certain related party transactions, subsidiary
operations and expense reimbursement procedures. In addition, sufficient policies regarding loans
to employees and third parties had not been adopted or implemented, and policies related to
independent distributor relationships were inadequate; |
|
|
|
We lacked timely resolution of identified accounting and legal issues, and as a result, did
not timely complete period-end financial statements and reporting; and |
|
|
|
We do not have all material contracts in writing and approved by all parties. |
The Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors discussed the material weaknesses
described above with BDO, and the Company has authorized BDO to respond fully to the inquiries of
its successor
independent registered public accounting firm, Lane Gorman, concerning the subject matter of
the material weaknesses described above.
30
BDO has furnished a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
SEC) stating that BDO agrees with the statements made by the Company set forth above.
On September 7, 2006, the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors engaged Lane
Gorman as the Companys new independent registered public accounting firm. The Company did not
consult with Lane Gorman on any matter described in Item 304(a)(2) of Regulation S-K during the
Companys fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, and through September 7, 2006.
As noted in detail under the caption Controls and Procedures of the Companys Form 10-Ks for
the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, the Company has instituted, and will continue to
institute, internal control improvements. The implementation of some of these improvements has
already had the effect of eliminating most of the material weaknesses identified above, although
some material weaknesses continue to exist.
Audit and Other Professional Fees
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, approximate fees billed to the
Company for services provided by Lane Gorman were as follows:
Audit Fees. Fees billed to the Company by Lane Gorman for the audit of our annual
financial statements and review of our quarterly financial statements for the years ended December
31, 2006 and 2007 totaled approximately $352,700 and $379,108, respectively. In 2006 and 2007,
audit fees included fees for professional services rendered for the audit, filing of Registration
Statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3, and quarterly reviews of the Companys financial statements
for the applicable fiscal years.
Audit-Related Fees. No audit-related fees were billed to the Company by Lane Gorman for
services rendered during the year ended December 31, 2006 or 2007.
Tax Fees. There were no fees billed to the Company by Lane Gorman for services rendered in
connection with tax compliance, planning and advice during the year ended December 31, 2006 or
2007.
All Other Fees. There were no fees billed by Lane Gorman for services other than
audit fees, audit-related fees or tax fees during the year ended December 31, 2006 or 2007.
Pre-approval Policies and Procedures for Audit and Non-Audit Services
Consistent with the Audit Committees responsibility for engaging our independent auditors,
all audit and permitted non-audit services require pre-approval by the Audit Committee. All audit
and permitted non-audit services performed by Lane Gorman during 2006 and 2007 were pre-approved.
The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment
of Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. as independent registered public accountants for the Company for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. Unless marked to the contrary, proxies received from
stockholders will be voted FOR the ratification of the appointment of Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P.
as independent registered public accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2008.
OTHER MATTERS
At the date of this proxy statement, the Company has no knowledge of any business other than
that described above that will be presented at the annual meeting. If any other matter is properly
brought before the meeting for action by stockholders, proxies in the enclosed form returned to the
Company will be voted in accordance with the recommendation of the Board of Directors or, in the
absence of such a recommendation, in accordance with the judgment of the proxy holder.
31
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Stockholder Proposals for the 2009 Annual Meeting and Other Stockholder Communications
If any stockholder wishes to present a proposal for inclusion in the 2009 proxy materials to
be solicited by the Companys Board of Directors with respect to the 2009 annual meeting of
stockholders, that proposal must be presented to the Companys General Counsel prior to
July 27, 2009. Stockholder communications to the Board of Directors, including any such
communications relating to director nominees, may also be addressed to the Companys General
Counsel at the Companys address. The Board of Directors believes that no more detailed process
for these communications is appropriate, due to the variety in form, content and timing of these
communications. The Companys General Counsel will forward the substance of meaningful stockholder
communications, including those relating to director candidates, to the Board of Directors or the
appropriate committee upon receipt.
If a stockholder is permitted to present a proposal at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders
but the proposal was not included in the 2009 proxy materials, the Company believes that its proxy
holders would have the discretionary authority granted by the proxy card (as permitted under SEC
rules) to vote on the proposal if the proposal was received after the date that is 45 calendar days
prior to the anniversary of the mailing of this proxy statement.
Annual Report
Our Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes our consolidated financial statements as of
and for the year ended December 31, 2007, is being mailed to you along with this proxy statement.
Upon the written or oral request by any stockholder, the Company undertakes to deliver, without
charge to the requesting stockholder, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended.
Requests should be directed to the Companys General Counsel at 2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas
75234.
HOUSEHOLDING INFORMATION
Unless the Company has received contrary instructions, the Company may send a single copy of
its annual report to stockholders (including this proxy statement and notice of annual meeting) to
any household at which two or more stockholders reside if the Company believes the stockholders are
members of the same family. Each stockholder in the household will continue to receive a separate
proxy card. This process, known as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information
received at any one household and helps to reduce the Companys expenses. However, if stockholders
prefer to receive multiple sets of the Companys disclosure documents at the same address this year
or in future years, the stockholders should follow the instructions described below. Similarly, if
an address is shared with another stockholder and together both of the stockholders would like to
receive only a single set of the Companys disclosure documents, the stockholders should follow
these instructions:
If the shares are registered in the name of the stockholder, the stockholder should contact
the Company at its offices at 2050 Diplomat Drive, Dallas, Texas 75234, Attention: General Counsel,
or by telephone at 972-241-4080, to inform the Company of their request. If a bank, broker or other
nominee holds the shares, the stockholder should contact the bank, broker or other nominee
directly.
|
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|
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
|
/s/ Gary C. Wallace
|
|
November 25, 2008 |
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP. |
|
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Gary C. Wallace
Secretary |
|
|
32
Appendix A
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
2007 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Proposed for Amendment and Restatement)
1. Purpose and Eligibility. The purpose of this 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan) of
Natural Health Trends Corp., a Delaware corporation (the Company) is to provide stock options,
stock issuances and other equity interests in the Company (each, an Award) to (a) Employees,
officers, directors, consultants and advisors of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary thereof,
and (b) any other Person who is determined by the Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company (the Board) to have made (or is expected to make) contributions to the Company or any
Parent or Subsidiary thereof. Any person to whom an Award has been granted under the Plan is called
a Participant. Additional definitions are contained in Section 3 and certain other Sections of
the Plan.
2. Restatement and Effective Date. This Plan replaces in its entirety the Natural Health
Trends Corp. 2002 Stock Option Plan (the 2002 Plan). As of the date this Plan is approved by the
Companys stockholders, the 2002 Plan shall be deemed terminated; provided, however, that, after
such date of termination, and for the period of time thereafter during which this Plan or any
successor thereto remains in existence, all Stock Options, as defined in the 2002 Plan, and
vested stock issuances with respect thereto, shall be subject to the terms of the 2002 Plan and the
applicable grant agreement executed thereunder, and not to the terms of this Plan, except to the
extent that (a) there is no conflict between the terms of the 2002 Plan and the terms of this Plan
with respect to such Stock Options and vested stock issuances or (b) the recipient of such Stock
Options and vested stock issuances consents to the applicability of this Plan. In the event of the
applicability of (a) or (b) of the immediately preceding sentence, the Committee shall take such
actions as are consistent with Section 14j of this Plan and applicable law to apply the provisions
of this Plan to Stock Options and vested stock issuances with respect thereto.
3. Certain Definitions.
|
a. |
|
Base Salary shall mean a Participants rate of annual compensation for
services performed for the Company, Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable, in effect on
the first day of an applicable Performance Period. In computing Base Salary, only such
compensation as would be includable in the Participants gross income for United States
federal income tax purposes shall be included (including amounts excludable under
Section 911 of the Code) or which would have been so includable if the Participant had
been a United States citizen or resident; provided, however, that a Participants
pre-tax elective or salary reduction contributions to a cafeteria plan, cash or
deferred arrangement, qualified transportation fringe benefit plan, tax-sheltered
annuity, and the amounts credited to a Participant under a non-qualified deferred
compensation plan, each within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.280G-1, Q&A
21(a) shall be taken into account. For purposes of this definition, Parent and
Subsidiary shall be defined by applying the applicable statutory references in
Section 3n and 3s, respectively, by replacing more than 50% with at least 80% where
the former term appears. |
|
i. |
|
cause or words of similar import contained in the
Participants written employment agreement, if any, with the Company; and |
|
ii. |
|
conduct, as determined by the Committee, involving one or more
of the following: |
|
(A) |
|
gross misconduct or inadequate performance by
the Participant which is injurious to the Company; |
|
(B) |
|
the commission of an act of embezzlement, fraud
or theft, which results in economic loss, damage or injury to the
Company; |
|
(C) |
|
the unauthorized disclosure of any trade secret
or confidential information of the Company (or any client, customer,
supplier or other third party who has a business relationship with the
Company) or the violation of any non-competition or non-solicitation
covenant or assignment of inventions obligation with the Company; |
33
|
(D) |
|
the commission of an act which constitutes
unfair competition with the Company or which induces any customer or
prospective customer of the Company to breach a contract with the
Company or to decline to do business with the Company; |
|
(E) |
|
the indictment of the Participant for a felony
or serious misdemeanor offense, either in connection with the
performance of his or her obligations to the Company or which shall
adversely affect the Participants ability to perform such obligations; |
|
(F) |
|
the commission of an act of fraud or breach of
fiduciary duty which results in loss, damage or injury to the Company;
or |
|
(G) |
|
the failure of the Participant to perform in a
material respect his or her employment, consulting or advisory
obligations without proper cause. |
For purposes of this definition, Company shall be deemed to include any Parent or
Subsidiary.
|
c. |
|
Change in Control shall mean |
|
i. |
|
The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the Exchange Act)) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of
Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the then
outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company (the Voting Stock);
provided, however, that any acquisition by the Company or its subsidiaries, or
any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or its subsidiaries
of 50% or more of Voting Stock shall not constitute a Change in Control; and
provided, further, that any acquisition by a corporation with respect to which,
following such acquisition, more than 50% of the then outstanding shares of
common stock of such corporation, is then beneficially owned, directly or
indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who
were the beneficial owners of the Voting Stock immediately prior to such
acquisition in substantially the same proportion as their ownership,
immediately prior to such acquisition, of the Voting Stock, shall not
constitute a Change in Control; |
|
ii. |
|
Individuals who, as of the Effective Date, constitute the Board
(the Incumbent Directors) cease for any reason (other than malfeasance) to
constitute a majority of the members of the Board; provided that any individual
who becomes a director after the Effective Date whose election or nomination
for election by the Companys stockholders was approved by a majority of the
members of the Incumbent Directors (other than an election or nomination of an
individual whose initial assumption of office is in connection with an actual
or threatened election contest relating to the election of the Directors of
the Company (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 under the Exchange Act),
tender offer (as such term is used in Section 14(d) of the Exchange Act) or a
proposed Merger (as defined below) shall be deemed to be members of the
Incumbent Directors; or |
|
iii. |
|
The consummation of (A) a reorganization, merger or
consolidation (any of the foregoing, a Merger), in each case, with respect to
which all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the
beneficial owners of the Voting Stock immediately prior to such Merger do not,
following such Merger, beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50%
of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting
from Merger, (B) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company or (C)
the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company, excluding a sale or other disposition of assets to a Subsidiary of the
Company. |
|
d. |
|
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any regulations
promulgated thereunder. |
|
e. |
|
Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board or such other
committee designated by the Board that satisfies any then applicable requirements of
the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, or such other principal national stock exchange on
which the Common Stock is then traded, and which consists of two or more members of the
Board, each of whom may be an
outside director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, in the case of any Award granted to any Participant who is a covered
employee within the meaning of Section 162(m), the Committee shall consist of two
or more members of the Board who are outside directors within the meaning of such
Section. |
34
|
f. |
|
Common Stock shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value of $.01
per share. |
|
g. |
|
Company, for purposes of Awards other than Incentive Stock Options, shall
include any other business venture in which the Company has a direct or indirect
significant interest, as determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. |
|
h. |
|
Designated Beneficiary shall mean the beneficiary designated by a
Participant, in accordance with Section 16g hereof, to receive amounts due or exercise
rights of the Participant in the event of the Participants death. In the absence of an
effective designation by a Participant, Designated Beneficiary shall mean the
Participants estate. |
|
i. |
|
Determination Period shall mean, with respect to any Performance Period, a
period commencing on or before the first day of the Performance Period and ending not
later than the earlier of (i) 90 days after the commencement of the Performance Period
and (ii) the date on which twenty-five percent (25%) of the Performance Period has been
completed. Any action required to be taken within a Determination Period may be taken
at a later date if permissible under Section 162(m) of the Code or regulations
promulgated thereunder, as they may be amended from time to time. |
|
j. |
|
Disability shall mean the inability of the Participant to engage in any
substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental
impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a
continuous period of not less than 12 months. |
|
k. |
|
Effective Date shall mean January 1, 2007. |
|
l. |
|
Employee shall mean an employee of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary
thereof, but only if the employee is reported as such on the payroll records of such
entity. For purposes of eligibility under the Plan, an Employee shall include any
person to whom an offer of employment has been extended by the Company or any Parent or
Subsidiary. |
|
m. |
|
ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended. |
|
n. |
|
Good Reason shall mean the occurrence of any one or more of the following
events: |
|
i. |
|
a material breach by the Company of its obligation under this
Agreement; |
|
ii. |
|
a material diminution in the Participants position or job
duties, as set forth in the Participants written employment agreement with the
Company, Parent or Subsidiary, as applicable, or other written documentation;
or |
|
iii. |
|
any reduction in the Participants Base Salary by more than 80
percent (80%), either in one step or a series of steps, within a Performance
Period; |
provided, however, that a Good Reason shall not exist involving any of the above
until the Company, in the case of (i) above, or the Company, Parent or Subsidiary,
as applicable, in the case of (ii) or (iii) above, has first failed to cure such
breach, diminution of position or job duties or reduction in Base Salary, as
applicable, within thirty (30) days of having been given written notice of the same
by the Participant.
|
o. |
|
Parent shall mean a parent corporation, within the meaning of Section
424(e) of the Code, with respect to the Company. |
|
p. |
|
Performance Period shall mean a two or more-consecutive fiscal or calendar
year period for which performance or other goals are established herein with respect to
an Award. |
|
q. |
|
Person shall mean a person within Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act. |
|
r. |
|
Plan shall mean the Natural Health Trends Corp. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan,
as set forth herein, as it may be amended from time to time. |
35
|
s. |
|
Retirement shall mean the voluntary termination of the Participant at any
time on or after attaining age 65. |
|
t. |
|
Subsidiary shall mean a subsidiary corporation, within the meaning of
Section 424(f) of the Code, with respect to the Company. |
|
a. |
|
General. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The
Committee, in its sole discretion, shall have the authority to grant and amend Awards,
to adopt, amend and repeal rules relating to the Plan and to interpret and correct the
provisions of the Plan and any Award. |
|
b. |
|
Powers and Responsibilities. Subject to the express limitation of the
Plan, the Committee shall have the following discretionary powers, rights and
responsibilities, in addition to those described in Section 4a.: |
|
i. |
|
to construe and determine the respective Stock Option
Agreements, other Agreements, Awards and the Plan; |
|
ii. |
|
to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating
to the Plan and any Awards; |
|
iii. |
|
to determine the extent to which Award vesting schedules shall
be accelerated or Award payments made to, or forfeited by, a Participant in the
event of (A) the Participants termination of employment with the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary thereof due to Disability, Retirement, death, Good
Reason, Cause or other reason, or (B) a Change in Control of the Company; |
|
iv. |
|
to determine the terms and provisions of the respective Stock
Option Agreements, other Agreements and Awards, which need not be identical; |
|
v. |
|
to reduce or eliminate, as of the end of any applicable
Performance Period, based upon objective or subjective measures, the minimum or
maximum amount to be paid to a Participant under any Award who has qualified
for such minimum or maximum amount, provided, that such reduction does not
result in an increase in the amount payable to another Participant under
another Award; |
|
vi. |
|
to grant Awards to Participants who are not covered employees
within the meaning of Section 162(m) based upon the attainment of performance
goals that do not constitute objective performance goals within the
meaning of Section 162(m); and |
|
vii. |
|
to make all other determinations in the judgment of the
Committee necessary or desirable for the administration and interpretation of
the Plan. |
The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any
inconsistency in the Plan or in any Stock Option Agreement, other Agreement or Award
in the manner and to the extent it shall deem expedient to carry the Plan, any Stock
Option Agreement, other Agreement or Award into effect and it shall be the sole and
final judge of such expediency. All decisions by the Committee shall be final and
binding on all interested persons. Neither the Company nor any member of the
Committee shall be liable for any action or determination relating to the Plan.
|
c. |
|
Delegation of Power. The Committee may delegate some or all of its
power and authority hereunder to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company or other executive officer of the Company as the Committee deems appropriate.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any person who is a covered employee
within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code or who, in the Committees judgment,
is likely to be a covered employee at any time during the applicable Performance
Period, only the Committee shall be permitted to (i) designate such person to
participate in the Plan for such Performance Period, (ii) establish performance goals
and Individual Award Opportunities for such person, and (iii) certify the achievement
of such performance goals. For purposes of the immediately preceding sentence,
Committee shall mean
two or more members of the Board who are outside directors within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Code. |
36
5. |
Performance Goals and Other Criteria. |
|
a. |
|
Role of Committee. The Committee shall establish within the
Determination Period of each Performance Period (i) one or more objective performance
goals for each Participant or for any group of Participants (or both), provided that
the outcome of each goal is substantially uncertain at the time the Committee
establishes such goal and/or (ii) other criteria, including, but not limited to,
performance criteria that do not satisfy the requirements of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(2) or time vesting criteria, the satisfaction of which
is required for the payment of an Incentive Award Opportunity. |
|
b. |
|
Performance Factors. Performance goals shall be based exclusively on
one or more of the following objective Company (including any division or operating
unit thereof) or individual measures, stated in either absolute terms or relative
terms, such as rates of growth or improvement, the attainment by a share of Common
Stock of a specified fair market value for a specified period of time, earnings per
share, earnings per share excluding non-recurring, special or extraordinary items,
return to stockholders (including dividends), return on capital, return on total
capital deployed, return on assets, return on equity, earnings of the Company before or
after taxes and/or interest, revenues, revenue increase, distributor count, new
distributor count, growth in distributor count, distributor retention rate, distributor
attrition rate, repeat purchase rate, recurring revenue, recurring revenue increase,
market share, cash flow or cost reduction goals, cash flow provided by operations, net
cash flow, short-term or long-term cash flow return on investment, interest expense
after taxes, return on investment, return on investment capital, economic value
created, operating margin, gross profit margin, net profit margin, pre-tax income
margin, net income margin, net income before or after taxes, pretax earnings before
interest, depreciation and amortization, pre-tax operating earnings after interest
expense and before incentives, and/or extraordinary or special items, operating
earnings, net cash provided by operations, and strategic business criteria, consisting
of one or more objectives based on meeting specified market penetration, geographic
business expansion goals, cost targets, customer satisfaction, reductions in errors and
omissions, reductions in lost business, management of employment practices and employee
benefits, supervision of litigation and information technology, quality and quality
audit scores, productivity, efficiency, and goals relating to acquisitions or
divestitures, or any combination of the foregoing. |
|
c. |
|
Participants Who Are Covered Employees. With respect to Participants
who are covered employees within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code or who, in
the Committees judgment, are likely to be covered employees at any time during the
applicable Performance Period, an Individual Award Opportunity may be based only on
performance factors that are compliant with the requirements of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(2). For this purpose, the factors listed in
Section 4.1(b) shall be deemed to be compliant with the requirements of such Treasury
Regulation. |
|
d. |
|
Participants Who Are Not Covered Employees. Notwithstanding any
provision of this Plan to the contrary, with respect to Participants who are not
covered employees within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and who, in the
Committees judgment, are not likely to be covered employees at any time during the
applicable Performance Period, the performance or other goals established for the
Performance Period may consist of any objective Company (including any division or
operating unit thereof) or individual measures, whether or not listed in (b) above or
whether or not compliant with the requirements of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.162-27(e)(2), and the Committee may grant Awards without regard to
the need for satisfaction of any performance goals whatsoever and/or without reference
to any particular Performance Period. Without in any way limiting the generality of the
foregoing, such performance goals may include subjective goals, the satisfaction of
which shall be determined by the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, and
the Committee may grant Awards subject only to the requirement of time vesting.
Performance or other goals with respect to an Award shall be subject to such other
special rules and conditions as the Committee may establish at any time within the
Determination Period. |
37
|
e. |
|
Applicability of Section Rule 16b-3. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary in the foregoing if, or at such time as, the Common Stock is or becomes
registered under Section 12 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act), or any successor statute, the Plan shall be administered
in a manner consistent with Rule 16b-3 promulgated thereunder, as it may be amended
from time to time, or any successor rules (Rule 16b-3), such that all subsequent
grants of Awards hereunder to Reporting Persons, as hereinafter defined, shall be
exempt under such rule. Those provisions of the Plan which make express reference to
Rule 16b-3 or which are required in order for certain option transactions to qualify
for exemption under Rule 16b-3 shall apply only to such persons as are required to file
reports under Section 16 (a) of the Exchange Act (a Reporting Person). |
|
f. |
|
Applicability of Section 162(m). Notwithstanding any provisions in
this Plan to the contrary, whenever the Committee is authorized to exercise its
discretion in the administration or amendment of this Plan or any Award hereunder or
otherwise, the Committee may not exercise such discretion in a manner that would cause
any outstanding Award that would otherwise qualify as performance-based compensation
under Section 162 (m) Code and the regulations thereunder (Section 162 (m)) to fail
to so qualify under Section 162 (m). To the extent necessary for an Award granted
hereunder to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m), such Award
shall be made pursuant to preestablished objective performance criteria. In furtherance
thereof, performance goals shall be based exclusively on one or more of the objective
Company (including any division or operating unit thereof) or individual measures set
forth in Section 5b. hereof. |
6. |
Stock Available for Awards. |
|
a. |
|
Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment under Section 6c, the
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock of the Company that may be issued pursuant
to the Plan is the Available Shares (as defined on the last page). If any Award
expires, or is terminated, surrendered or forfeited, in whole or in part, the unissued
Common Stock covered by such Award shall again be available for the grant of Awards
under the Plan. If an Award granted under the Plan shall expire or terminate for any
reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares subject to such
Award shall again be available for subsequent Awards under the Plan. Shares issued
under the Plan may consist in whole or in part of authorized but unissued shares or
treasury shares. |
|
b. |
|
Per-Participant Limit. Subject to adjustment under Section 6c,
no Participant may be granted Awards during any one fiscal year to purchase more than
150,000 shares of Common Stock. |
|
c. |
|
Adjustment to Common Stock. Subject to Section 14, in the
event of any stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, extraordinary cash
dividend, recapitalization, reorganization, merger, consolidation, combination,
exchange of shares, liquidation, spin-off, split-up, or other similar change in
capitalization or similar event, (i) the number and class of securities available for
Awards under the Plan and the per-Participant share limit and (ii) the number and class
of securities, vesting schedule and exercise price per share subject to each
outstanding Option and Stock Appreciation Right shall be adjusted by the Company (or
substituted Awards may be made if applicable) to the extent the Committee shall
determine, in good faith, that such an adjustment (or substitution) is appropriate. |
|
a. |
|
General. The Committee may grant options to purchase Common Stock
(each, an Option) and determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by
each Option, the exercise price of each Option and the conditions and limitations
applicable to the exercise of each Option and the shares of Common Stock issued upon
the exercise of each Option, including, but not limited to, vesting provisions and
restrictions relating to applicable federal or state securities laws. Each Option will
be evidenced by a Stock Option Agreement, consisting of a Notice of Stock Option Award
and a Stock Option Award Agreement (collectively, a Stock Option Agreement). |
|
b. |
|
Incentive Stock Options. An Option that the Committee intends to be an
incentive stock option (an Incentive Stock Option) as defined in Section 422 of the
Code, as amended, or any
successor statute (Section 422), shall be granted only to an Employee and shall be
subject to and shall be construed consistently with the requirements of Section 422
and regulations thereunder. The Committee, the Board and the Company shall have no
liability if an Option or any part thereof that is intended to be an Incentive Stock
Option does not qualify as such. An Option or any part thereof that does not qualify
as an Incentive Stock Option is referred to herein as a Nonstatutory Stock Option
or Nonqualified Stock Option. |
38
|
c. |
|
Dollar Limitation. For so long as the Code shall so provide, Options
granted to any Employee under the Plan (and any other incentive stock option plans of
the Company) which are intended to qualify as Incentive Stock Options shall not qualify
as Incentive Stock Options to the extent that such Options, in the aggregate, become
exercisable for the first time in any one calendar year for shares of Common Stock with
an aggregate Fair Market Value (as defined below and determined as of the respective
date or dates of grant) of more than $100,000. The amount of Incentive Stock Options
which exceed such $100,000 limitation shall be deemed to be Nonqualified Stock Options.
For the purpose of this limitation, unless otherwise required by the Code or
regulations of the Internal Revenue Service or determined by the Committee, Options
shall be taken into account in the order granted, and the Committee may designate that
portion of any Incentive Stock Option that shall be treated as Nonqualified Option in
the event that the provisions of this paragraph apply to a portion of any Option. The
designation described in the preceding sentence may be made at such time as the
Committee considers appropriate, including after the issuance of the Option or at the
time of its exercise. |
|
d. |
|
Exercise Price. The Committee shall establish the exercise price (or
determine the method by which the exercise price shall be determined) at the time each
Option is granted and specify the exercise price in the applicable Stock Option
Agreement; provided, however, in no event may the per share exercise price be less than
the Fair Market Value (as defined below) of the Common Stock on the date of grant; and
provided, further, however, that, except as may be required under Section 6c,
the Committee may not reduce, directly or indirectly, at any time following the grant
of the Option, the exercise price per share of Common Stock underlying the Option to a
level below the Fair Market Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant. In
the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who, at the time of
grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, then the
exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock
on the date of grant. In the case of a grant of an Incentive Stock Option to any other
Participant, the exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of
the Common Stock on the date of grant. |
|
e. |
|
Term of Options. Each Option shall be exercisable at such times and
subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee may specify in the applicable
Stock Option Agreement; provided, that the term of any Incentive Stock Option may not
be more than ten (10) years from the date of grant. In the case of an Incentive Stock
Option granted to a Participant who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock
representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock of
the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be no longer than
five (5) years from the date of grant. The term of any Nonqualified Stock Option may
not be more than ten (10) years from the date of grant. |
|
f. |
|
Exercise of Option. Options may be exercised only by delivery to the
Company of a written notice of exercise signed by the proper person together with
payment in full as specified in Section 7g and the Stock Option Agreement for
the number of shares for which the Option is exercised. |
|
g. |
|
Payment Upon Exercise. Common Stock purchased upon the exercise of an
Option shall be paid for by one or any combination of the following forms of payment as
permitted by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion: |
|
i. |
|
by check payable to the order of the Company; |
|
ii. |
|
only if the Common Stock is then publicly traded, by delivery
of an irrevocable and unconditional undertaking by a creditworthy broker
(selected by the Participant and
otherwise without the financial involvement of the Company) to deliver
promptly to the Company sufficient funds to pay the exercise price, or
delivery by the Participant to the Company of a copy of irrevocable and
unconditional instructions to a creditworthy broker to deliver promptly to
the Company cash or a check sufficient to pay the exercise price (each, a
Cashless Exercise); |
39
|
iii. |
|
to the extent explicitly provided in the applicable Stock
Option Agreement, by delivery of shares of Common Stock owned by the
Participant valued at Fair Market Value (as determined by the Committee or as
determined pursuant to the applicable Stock Option Agreement); |
|
iv. |
|
payment of such other lawful consideration as the Committee may
determine. |
Except as otherwise expressly set forth in a Stock Option Agreement, the Committee
shall have no obligation to accept consideration other than cash and in particular,
unless the Committee so expressly provides, in no event will the Company accept the
delivery of shares of Common Stock that have not been owned by the Participant at
least six months prior to the exercise or permit a Cashless Exercise if such
Cashless Exercise would contravene any provision of applicable law. The Fair Market
Value of any shares of the Companys Common Stock or other non-cash consideration
which may be delivered upon exercise of an Option shall be determined in such manner
as may be prescribed by the Committee.
|
h. |
|
Acceleration, Extension, Etc. The Committee may, in its sole
discretion, and in all instances subject to any relevant tax and accounting
considerations which may adversely impact or impair the Company, (i) accelerate the
date or dates on which all or any particular Options or Awards granted under the Plan
may be exercised, or (ii) extend the dates during which all or any particular Options
or Awards granted under the Plan may be exercised or vest. |
|
i. |
|
Determination of Fair Market Value. If, at the time an Option is
granted under the Plan, the Companys Common Stock is publicly traded under the
Exchange Act, Fair Market Value shall mean (i) if the Common Stock is listed on any
established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation
the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq Small Cap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market,
its Fair Market Value shall be the last reported sales price for such stock (on that
date) or the closing bid, if no sales were reported as quoted on such exchange or
system as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee
deems reliable; or (ii) the average of the closing bid and asked prices last quoted (on
that date) by an established quotation service for over-the-counter securities, if the
Common Stock is not reported on a national market system. In the absence of an
established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be
determined in good faith by the Committee after taking into consideration all factors
which it deems appropriate. |
8. Restricted Stock Awards. |
|
a. |
|
Grants. The Committee may grant Awards entitling recipients to acquire
shares of Common Stock, subject to (i) restrictions on transfer as set forth in the
applicable Award instrument and (ii) forfeiture unless and until all specified
employment, vesting and/or performance conditions, as set forth in the applicable Award
instrument, are met (such shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock, and each such
Award, a Restricted Stock Award). |
|
b. |
|
Terms and Conditions. The Committee shall determine the terms and
conditions of any such Restricted Stock Award. Any stock certificates issued in respect
of a Restricted Stock Award shall be registered in the name of the Participant and,
unless otherwise determined by the Committee, deposited by the Participant, together
with a stock power endorsed in blank, with the Company (or its designee). Restricted
Stock Awards shall be issued for no cash consideration or such minimum consideration as
may be required by law. After the expiration of the applicable restriction periods, the
Company (or such designee) shall deliver the certificates no longer subject to such
restrictions to the Participant or, if the Participant has died, to the Designated
Beneficiary. |
9. Restricted Stock Unit Awards. |
|
a. |
|
Grant. The Committee may grant Awards entitling recipients to the
right to acquire, at some time in the future, shares of Restricted Stock, subject to
such other conditions as the Committee may prescribe in the applicable Award Agreement
(each such Award, a Restricted Stock Unit Award). Restricted Stock Unit Awards are
subject to forfeiture unless and until all specified Award conditions are met, as
determined by the Committee and set forth in the particular Agreements applicable to
such Awards. |
|
b. |
|
Terms and Conditions. The Committee shall determine the terms and
conditions of any such Restricted Stock Unit Award. No stock certificates shall be
issued in respect of a Restricted Stock Unit Award at the time of grant. However, upon
the lapse of all applicable restrictions, the Company (or the Companys counsel as its
designee) shall deliver stock certificates to the Participant or, if the Participant
has died, to the Designated Beneficiary. |
40
10. Stock Appreciation Right Awards. |
|
a. |
|
Grant. The Committee may grant Awards entitling recipients to the
right to acquire, at some time in the future, upon exercise, one or more shares of
Common Stock, in an amount equal to the product of (i) the excess of (A) the Fair
Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over (B) the exercise
price per share set forth in the applicable Award Agreement and (ii) the number of
shares of Common Stock with respect to which the right is exercised, subject to such
other conditions as the Committee may prescribe in the applicable Award Agreement
(each, a Stock Appreciation Right Award). Stock Appreciation Right Awards are subject
to forfeiture unless and until all specified Award conditions are met, as determined by
the Committee and set forth in the particular Agreements applicable to such Awards. |
|
b. |
|
Terms. The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of any
such Stock Appreciation Right Award. A Stock Appreciation Right Award may be issued
either in tandem with, or by reference to, an Option (each such Award, a Tandem SAR)
or not so issued (each such Award, a Free-Standing SAR). It is the intention of the
Committee that the exercise of Tandem SARs assist the recipient of an Option with the
ability to pay the exercise price of the Option. The exercise price of a Tandem SAR
shall be the exercise price per share of the related Option. The exercise price of a
Free-Standing SAR shall be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion;
provided, however, that exercise price shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market
Value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant; and provided, further, however,
that, except as may be required under Section 6c, the Committee may not reduce,
at any time following the grant of the Free-Standing SAR, the exercise price per share
of Common Stock underlying such Free-Standing SAR to a level below the Fair Market
Value per share of Common Stock on the date of grant. No stock certificates shall be
issued in respect of a Stock Appreciation Right Award, and such Award shall be
reflected merely in book entry form on the Companys books and records. However, upon
exercise, the Company (or the Companys counsel as its designee) shall deliver stock
certificates to the Participant or, if the Participant has died, to the Designated
Beneficiary. |
11. Performance Share Awards. |
|
a. |
|
Grants. The Committee may grant Awards entitling recipients to acquire
shares of Common Stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals within a
specified Performance Period, which shares may or may not be shares of Restricted
Stock, subject to such other conditions as the Committee may prescribe in the
applicable Award (each such share of Common Stock, a Performance Share, and each such
Award, a Performance Share Award). Performance Share Awards are subject to forfeiture
unless and until all specified Award conditions are met, as determined by the Committee
and set forth in the particular Agreements applicable to such Awards. |
|
b. |
|
Terms and Conditions. The Committee shall determine the terms and
conditions of any such Performance Share Award. Unless otherwise determined by the
Committee, the payment value of the Performance Share Awards shall be based upon the
Fair Market Value of the Common Stock underlying such Award on the date the Performance
Shares are earned or on the date the Committee determines that the Performance Shares
have been earned. The Committee shall establish performance goals for each Performance
Period for the purpose of determining the extent
to which Performance Shares awarded for such cycle are earned. As soon as
administratively practicable after the end of a performance cycle, the Committee
shall determine the number of Performance Shares which have been earned in relation
to the established performance goals. No stock certificates shall be issued in
respect of a Performance Share Award at the time of grant unless the Performance
Shares are shares of Restricted Stock, in which case the rules of Section 10b with
respect to the issuance of certificates shall apply. However, upon the lapse of all
applicable restrictions, the Company (or the Companys counsel as its designee)
shall deliver stock certificates to the Participant or, if the Participant has died,
to the Designated Beneficiary. |
41
|
a. |
|
Grants. The Committee may grant Awards entitling recipients to acquire
shares of Common Stock, subject to such terms, restrictions, conditions, performance
criteria, vesting requirements and payment needs, if any, as the Committee shall
determine in the applicable Award Agreement (each such Award, an Award Share.) Award
Shares are subject to forfeiture unless and until all specified Award conditions are
met, as determined by the Committee and set forth in the particular Agreements
applicable to such Awards. |
|
b. |
|
Terms and Conditions. The Committee shall determine the terms and
conditions of any such Award Share. Award Shares shall be issued for no cash
consideration or such minimum consideration as may be required by law. When paid, the
Company (or the Companys counsel as its designee) shall deliver stock certificates for
the Award Shares to the Participant or, if the Participant has died, to the Designated
Beneficiary. |
13. Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee shall have the right to grant other Awards
based upon the Common Stock having such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine,
including, without limitation, the grant of securities convertible into Common Stock and the grant
of phantom stock awards or stock units.
14. |
General Provisions Applicable to Awards. |
|
a. |
|
Transferability of Awards. Except as the Committee may otherwise
determine or provide in an Award, Awards shall not be sold, assigned, transferred,
pledged or otherwise encumbered by the person to whom they are granted, either
voluntarily or by operation of law, except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, and, during the life of the Participant, shall be exercisable only by the
Participant; provided, however, except as the Committee may otherwise determine or
provide in an Award, that Nonstatutory Options and Restricted Stock Awards may be
transferred pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order (as defined in ERISA) or
to a grantor-retained annuity trust or a similar estate-planning vehicle in which the
trust is bound by all provisions of the Stock Option Agreement and Restricted Stock
Award, which are applicable to the Participant. References to a Participant, to the
extent relevant in the context, shall include references to authorized transferees. |
|
b. |
|
Documentation. Each Award under the Plan shall be evidenced by a
written instrument (each, an Agreement) in such form as the Committee shall determine
or as executed by an officer of the Company pursuant to authority delegated by the
Committee or Board. Each Award Agreement may contain terms and conditions in addition
to those set forth in the Plan, provided that such terms and conditions do not
contravene the provisions of the Plan or applicable law. |
|
c. |
|
Committee Discretion. The terms of each type of Award need not be
identical, and the Committee need not treat Participants uniformly. |
|
d. |
|
Additional Award Provisions. The Committee may, in its sole
discretion, include additional provisions in any Stock Option Agreement, Restricted
Stock Award or other Award granted under the Plan, including without limitation
restrictions on transfer, commitments to pay cash bonuses, to make, arrange for or
guaranty loans (subject to compliance with Section 14m) or to transfer other
property to Participants upon exercise of Awards, or transfer other property to
Participants upon exercise of Awards, or such other provisions as shall be determined
by the Committee; provided that such additional provisions shall not be inconsistent
with any other term or condition of the Plan or applicable law. |
|
e. |
|
Termination of Status. The Committee shall determine the effect on an
Award of the Disability, death, Retirement, authorized leave of absence or other change
in the employment or other status of a Participant and the extent to which, and the
period during which, the Participant, or the Participants legal representative,
conservator, guardian or Designated Beneficiary, may exercise rights under the Award,
subject to applicable law and the provisions of the Code related to Incentive Stock
Options. |
42
|
f. |
|
Change in Control of the Company. |
|
i. |
|
Unless otherwise expressly provided in the applicable
Agreement, in connection with the occurrence of a Change in Control, the
Committee shall, in its sole discretion as to any outstanding Award (including
any portion thereof; on the same basis or on different bases, as the Committee
shall specify), take one or any combination of the following actions: |
|
(A) |
|
make appropriate provision for the continuation
of such Award by the Company or the assumption of such Award by the
surviving or acquiring entity and by substituting on an equitable basis
for the shares then subject to such Award either (x) the consideration
payable with respect to the outstanding shares of Common Stock in
connection with the Change in Control, (y) shares of stock of the
surviving or acquiring corporation or (z) such other securities as the
Committee deems appropriate, the fair market value of which (as
determined by the Committee in its sole discretion) shall not
materially differ from the fair market value of the shares of Common
Stock subject to such Award immediately preceding the Change in
Control; |
|
(B) |
|
accelerate the date of exercise or vesting of
such Award; |
|
(C) |
|
permit the exchange of such Award for the right
to participate in any stock option or other employee benefit plan of
any successor corporation; |
|
(D) |
|
provide for the repurchase of the Award for an
amount equal to the difference of (x) the consideration received per
share for the securities underlying the Award in the Change in Control
minus (y) the per share exercise price of such securities. Such amount
shall be payable in cash or the property payable in respect of such
securities in connection with the Change in Control. The value of any
such property shall be determined by the Committee in its discretion;
or |
|
(E) |
|
provide for the termination of such Award
immediately prior to the consummation of the Change in Control;
provided that no such termination will be effective if the Change in
Control is not consummated. |
|
g. |
|
Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution
or liquidation of the Company, the Committee shall notify each Participant as soon as
practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Committee in
its sole discretion may provide for a Participant to have the right to exercise his or
her Award until fifteen (15) days prior to such transaction as to all of the shares of
Common Stock covered by the Option or Award, including shares as to which the Option or
Award would not otherwise be exercisable, which exercise may in the sole discretion of
the Committee, be made subject to and conditioned upon the consummation of such
proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Award will
terminate upon the consummation of such proposed action. |
|
h. |
|
Assumption of Awards Upon Certain Events. In connection with a merger
or consolidation of an entity with the Company or the acquisition by the Company of
property or stock of an entity, the Committee may grant Awards under the Plan in
substitution for stock and stock-based awards issued by such entity or an affiliate
thereof. The substitute Awards shall be granted on such terms and conditions as the
Committee considers appropriate in the circumstances. |
|
i. |
|
Parachute Payments and Parachute Awards. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Section 14f, but subject to any contrary provisions in a
Participants employment agreement with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, if, in
connection with a Change in Control, a tax under Section 4999 of
the Code would be imposed on the Participant (after taking into account the
exceptions set forth in Sections 280G(b)(4) and 280G(b)(5) of the Code), then the
number of Awards which shall become exercisable, realizable or vested as provided in
such Section shall be reduced (or delayed), to the minimum extent necessary, so that
no such tax would be imposed on the Participant (the Awards not becoming so
accelerated, realizable or vested, the Parachute Awards); provided, however, that
if the aggregate present value of the Parachute Awards would exceed the tax that,
but for this sentence, would be imposed on the Participant under Section 4999 of the
Code in connection with the Change in Control, then the Awards shall become
immediately exercisable, realizable and vested without regard to the provisions of
this sentence. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the aggregate present value
of an Award shall be calculated on an after-tax basis (other than taxes imposed by
Section 4999 of the Code) and shall be based on economic principles rather than the
principles set forth under Section 280G of the Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder. All determinations required to be made under this Section 14i
shall be made by the Company or such advisors as the Company shall retain for such
purposes. |
43
|
j. |
|
Amendment of Awards. The Committee may amend, modify or terminate any
outstanding Award including, but not limited to, substituting therefor another Award of
the same or a different type, changing the date of exercise or realization, and
converting an Incentive Stock Option to a Nonstatutory Stock Option, provided that the
Participants consent to such action shall be required unless the Committee determines
that the action, taking into account any related action, would not materially and
adversely affect the Participant. |
|
k. |
|
Conditions on Delivery of Stock. The Company will not be obligated to
deliver any shares of Common Stock pursuant to the Plan or to remove restrictions from
shares previously delivered under the Plan until (i) all conditions of the Award have
been met or removed to the satisfaction of the Company, (ii) in the opinion of the
Companys counsel, all other legal matters in connection with the issuance and delivery
of such shares have been satisfied, including any applicable securities laws and any
applicable stock exchange or stock market rules and regulations, and (iii) the
Participant has executed and delivered to the Company such representations or
agreements as the Company may consider appropriate to satisfy the requirements of any
applicable laws, rules or regulations. |
|
l. |
|
Acceleration. The Committee may at any time provide that any Options
shall become immediately exercisable in full or in part, that any Restricted Stock
Awards shall be free of some or all restrictions, or that any other stock-based Awards
may become exercisable in full or in part or free of some or all restrictions or
conditions, or otherwise realizable in full or in part, as the case may be, despite the
fact that the foregoing actions may (i) cause the application of Sections 280G and 4999
of the Code if a change in control of the Company occurs, or (ii) disqualify all or
part of the Option as an Incentive Stock Option. |
|
m. |
|
Sarbanes-Oxley Act Compliance. Notwithstanding any provision of the
Plan to the contrary, the Committee, in accordance with any applicable rules or
regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and/or
the United States Department of Labor, shall (i) notify in a timely manner each
Participant who is a Reporting Person of any transaction occurring under the Plan that
requires reporting by the Reporting Person on SEC Form 4 or 5 as applicable, each as
revised pursuant to changes to Exchange Act Rule 16a-3, 16a-6 or 16a-8, as applicable,
made by Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, P.L. No. 107-204 (the Act); (ii) otherwise comply
with all notice, disclosure and reporting requirements applicable to the Program
pursuant to such Act; and (iii) prohibit the making or guaranteeing of loans under
Section 8c of this Program to the extent necessary to comply with Section 402 of the
Act. |
15. Taxes/Code 409A. The Company shall have the right to deduct from payments of any kind
otherwise due to the optionee or recipient of an Award any federal, state or local taxes of any
kind required by law to be withheld with respect to any shares issued upon exercise of Options or
other Awards under the Plan, the purchase of shares subject to the Award or the grant of Common
Stock free and clear of any restrictions thereon. Subject to the prior approval of the Company,
which may be withheld by the Company in its sole discretion, the optionee or recipient of an Award
may elect to satisfy such obligation, in whole or in part, (a) by causing the Company to withhold
shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable pursuant to the exercise of an Option or other Award, the
purchase of shares
subject to an Award, or the grant of Common Stock free and clear of any restrictions thereon or
(b) by delivering to the Company shares of Common Stock already owned by the optionee or Award
recipient of an Award. The shares so delivered or withheld shall have a Fair Market Value of the
shares used to satisfy such withholding obligation as shall be determined by the Company as of the
date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. An optionee or recipient of an
Award who has made an election pursuant to this Section may only satisfy his or her withholding
obligation with shares of Common Stock which are not subject to any repurchase, forfeiture,
unfulfilled vesting or other similar requirements. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary,
to the extent a delay in payment or other modification to this Plan or an Agreement is required as
determined in the opinion of Companys tax advisors to prevent the imposition of an additional tax
to the recipient under Section 409A of the Code, then such payment shall not be made until the
first date on which such payment is permitted or other modifications shall be made to comply with
Section 409A and interpretive guidance issued thereunder.
44
|
a. |
|
No Right To Employment or Other Status. No person shall have any claim
or right to be granted an Award, and the grant of an Award shall not be construed as
giving a Participant the right to continued employment or any other relationship with
the Company. The Company expressly reserves the right at any time to dismiss or
otherwise terminate its relationship with a Participant free from any liability or
claim under the Plan. |
|
b. |
|
No Rights As Stockholder. Subject to the provisions of the applicable
Award, no Participant or Designated Beneficiary shall have any rights as a stockholder
with respect to any shares of Common Stock to be distributed with respect to an Award
until becoming the record holder thereof. |
|
c. |
|
Effective Date and Term of Plan. The Plan shall be submitted to the
stockholders of the Company for approval at the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders
and, if approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Common Stock
present in person or represented by proxy at such meeting, shall become effective for
Performance Periods beginning on or after January 1, 2007. No Awards shall be granted
under the Plan after the completion of ten years from the date on which the Plan was
adopted by the Committee, but Awards previously granted may extend beyond that date. |
|
d. |
|
Amendment of Plan. The Committee may amend, suspend or terminate the
Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided, however, that no amendment shall be
made without stockholder approval if such approval is necessary to comply with any
applicable law, rules or regulations. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the
contrary, if the Company has executed a definitive acquisition or similar agreement
pursuant to which a Change in Control will occur upon the closing of the transaction(s)
contemplated thereby, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may treat the execution of
such agreement itself as triggering a Change in Control within the meaning of
Section 3ci, ii or iii, as applicable. |
|
e. |
|
No Trust Fund or ERISA Plan Created. Neither the Plan nor any Award
granted thereunder shall create or be construed as creating a trust or separate fund of
any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company and a Participant, Designated
Beneficiary or any other person. To the extent that any Participant, Designated
Beneficiary or any other person acquires any Award under the Plan, his or her rights
with respect thereto shall be not greater than the rights of any unsecured general
creditor of the Company. The Plan is not intended to constitute any type of plan, fund
or program providing retirement income or resulting in the deferral of income for
periods extending to the termination of employment of beyond, and ERISA shall not apply
to the Plan. No provision of this Plan shall be construed as subjecting any portion of
the Plan to any requirements of ERISA. |
|
f. |
|
Governing Law. The provisions of the Plan and all Awards made
hereunder shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the state
of Delaware, without regard to any applicable conflicts of law. |
|
g. |
|
Designation of Beneficiary. A Participant may file with the Committee
a written designation of one or more persons as such Participants Designated
Beneficiary or Designated Beneficiaries. Each beneficiary designation shall become
effective only when filed in writing with the Committee during the Participants
lifetime on a form prescribed by the Committee. The spouse of
a married Participant domiciled in a community property jurisdiction shall join in
any designation of a beneficiary other than such spouse. The filing with the
Committee of a new beneficiary designation shall cancel all previously filed
beneficiary designations. If a Participant fails to designate a beneficiary, or if
all designated beneficiaries of a Participant predecease the Participant, then each
outstanding award shall be payable to the Participants estate. |
45
2007 Equity Incentive Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
Available Shares: |
|
|
|
|
(1) Awards Originally Available |
|
|
1,550,000 |
* |
(2) Additional Awards Available |
|
|
500,000 |
** |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
2,050,000 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors on
August 18, 2006. Approved by the Stockholders on: November 17, 2006 |
|
** |
|
Adopted by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors on November 13, 2008.
Approved by the Stockholders on: |
46
NATURAL HEALTH TRENDS CORP.
PROXY
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR
THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 30, 2008
The undersigned hereby appoints Chris Sharng or Gary C. Wallace, and each of
them, jointly and severally, as the undersigneds proxy or proxies, with full
power of substitution, to vote all shares of common stock of Natural Health
Trends Corp. (the Company) which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the
annual meeting of the common stockholders to be held at 2050 Diplomat Drive,
Dallas, Texas 75234 on Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 9:00 a.m., Dallas, Texas
time, and any postponements or adjournments thereof, as fully as the
undersigned could if personally present, upon the Items set forth below,
revoking any proxy or proxies heretofore given.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE BELOW, BUT
IF NO CHOICES ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL THE NOMINEES IN
ITEM 1 AND FOR ITEMS 2, 3 AND 4 AND IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXY HOLDER WITH
RESPECT TO ANY OTHER MATTER AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY
POSTPONEMENTS OR ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF.
(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side.)
5 FOLD AND DETACH HERE 5
47
|
|
|
|
|
The board of directors recommend a vote FOR Items 1, 2, 3 and 4.
|
|
Please sign, date
and return promptly
in the enclosed
envelope. Please
mark your vote in
blue or black ink
as shown here:
|
|
X |
1. |
|
The election of the following six directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Companys stockholders and
until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
o FOR ALL NOMINEES
|
|
o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES |
|
|
o FOR ALL EXCEPT |
|
|
|
|
(see instructions below) |
|
|
|
|
(Randall A. Mason, Stefan W. Zuckut, George Broady) |
|
|
|
|
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), strike a line through that nominees name above. |
2. |
|
The approval of the potential issuance of shares of Common Stock exceeding 19.99% of the number of shares outstanding on
October 19, 2007, which shares of Common Stock underlie the variable rate convertible debentures and warrants issued in
connection with a private placement financing, for the purpose of complying with applicable NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and
the Securities Purchase Agreement dated October 19, 2007 relating to such private placement financing. |
FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN o
3. |
|
The approval of the increase in the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the
Natural Health Trends Corp. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan by 500,000 shares. |
FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN o
4. |
|
The ratification of Lane Gorman Trubitt, L.L.P. as the Companys independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December
31, 2008. |
FOR o AGAINST o ABSTAIN o
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IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL
MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENTS OR ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF. |
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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 |
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Signature of Stockholder Date: |
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Signature of Stockholder Date: |
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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 partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ THE REVERSE SIDE
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