UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Washington D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant
to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act
of 1934
Filed
by the Registrant
x
Filed by a Party other than
the Registrant
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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x
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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¨
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Definitive Additional Materials
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¨
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
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ESPEY MFG. & ELECTRONICS
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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Fee Computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
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1)
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2)
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3)
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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4)
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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¨
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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1)
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Amount Previously Paid:
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2)
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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ESPEY MFG. & ELECTRONICS CORP.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO
BE HELD DECEMBER 2, 2016
October 21, 2016
To the Shareholders of
ESPEY MFG. & ELECTRONICS CORP.:
You are cordially
invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp., which will be held at The Courtyard
by Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs, New York, on December 2, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, for the following
purpose:
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1.
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To elect as Class B Directors to serve for a three year term expiring at the 2019 Annual Meeting
or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify, the two nominees named in the attached proxy statement;
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2.
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To approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive
Officers; and,
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3.
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To ratify the appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as the Company’s independent public
accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.
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No other business
may be transacted at the meeting.
The Board of Directors
has fixed the close of business on October 14, 2016, as the record date for the purpose of determining shareholders entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, said meeting or any adjournment thereof. The books for transfer of the Company’s capital stock
will not be closed.
Even if you expect
to attend the meeting in person, it is urged by the Company that you mark, sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy. The proxy
may be revoked at any time before it is voted and shareholders who execute proxies may nevertheless attend the meeting and vote
their shares in person. Every properly signed proxy will be voted as specified unless previously revoked.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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Peggy A. Murphy
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Corporate Secretary
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE
AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD DECEMBER 2, 2016:
This notice of Annual Meeting,
Proxy Statement and accompanying Annual Report to the Shareholders are available at our website at http://www.espey.com.
Please make
your specification and sign and date the enclosed proxy and mail it promptly in the accompanying pre-addressed, postage-free envelope.
ESPEY MFG. & ELECTRONICS CORP.
233 Ballston Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
PROXY STATEMENT
The enclosed proxy
is solicited by the Board of Directors of Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. (the “Company”) for use in voting at the
Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Company to be held at The Courtyard by Marriott, 11 Excelsior Ave., Saratoga Springs,
New York, on December 2, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, and at any postponement or adjournment thereof, for the purposes
set forth in the attached Notice of Meeting. It is anticipated that the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, this Proxy Statement
and the form of proxy will be mailed on or about October 21, 2016.
VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Every properly
dated, executed and returned proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions of the shareholder.
If no specific instructions are given, the shares represented by such proxy will be voted (i) FOR the election of the Class B Directors
nominated by the Board of Directors, for a three year term, and (ii) FOR approval, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the compensation
of the Company’s Named Executive Officers, and (iii) FOR ratification of the appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as the
Company’s independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Any shareholder giving a proxy has the
power to revoke it at any time prior to the voting thereof by voting in person at the Annual Meeting, by giving written notice
to the Secretary prior to the Annual Meeting, or by signing and delivering a new proxy card bearing a later date.
The Company’s
only class of voting securities is its Common Stock, par value $.33-1/3 per share (the “Common Stock”). Each share
of Common Stock outstanding on the record date will be entitled to one vote on all matters. In accordance with the Company’s
By-Laws and applicable state law, the election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders
of shares of Common Stock present and entitled to vote thereon, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. Shares present which
are properly withheld as to voting with respect to any one or more nominees, and shares present with respect to which a broker
indicates that it does not have authority to vote (“broker non-votes”) will not be counted. Cumulative voting in connection
with the election of directors is not permitted.
Please note
that in accordance with rules of the New York State Stock Exchange governing brokers, the election of directors and the approval,
on an advisory (non-binding) basis, of the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers (Proposal No. 1 and Proposal
No. 2) are “non-discretionary” items. Shares which are held in a brokerage account as to which the broker does not
receive instructions on how to vote with respect to this item may not be voted with respect to this proposal and those votes will
be counted as “broker non-votes.”
What are Broker
Non-Votes?
Broker non-votes are shares held in the street name by a broker that the broker has no discretionary authority to
vote. Brokers do not have authority to vote on matters considered to be non-routine unless they have received instructions from
the beneficial owners of the shares.
Shares which are
voted to abstain and broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast on any matter to which they relate.
The By-Laws of
the Company provide that the majority of the shares of the Common Stock of the Company issued and outstanding and entitled to vote,
present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting. Shares, which are voted to abstain, are considered
as present at the Annual Meeting for the purposes of determining a quorum. Broker non-votes are considered as present at the Annual
Meeting for the purposes of determining a quorum.
RECORD DATE AND SHARE OWNERSHIP
Only holders of
Common Stock of record on the books of the Company at the close of business on October 14, 2016, will be entitled to vote at the
meeting. There were outstanding and entitled to vote on October 14, 2016, 2,364,684 shares of Common Stock.
PROPOSAL NO.1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company’s
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides that the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than three nor more than
nine persons with the actual number determined in accordance with the Company’s By-Laws. The Certificate of Incorporation
further provides that there shall be three classes of directors (Class A, Class B and Class C) with overlapping three-year terms
and that all classes shall be as nearly equal in number as possible.
The Board of Directors
fixed the present number of directors at seven. The terms of two Class B Directors expire at the Annual Meeting. There are presently
three Class A Directors, whose terms expire at the 2018 Annual Meeting, and two Class C Directors, whose terms expire at the 2017
Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors
has nominated two persons to stand for election as Class B Directors.
The votes will
be cast pursuant to the enclosed proxy for the election of each of the Class B nominees named unless specification is made withholding
such authority. Each of the nominees is presently a director of the Company. Should any of said nominees become unavailable, which
is not anticipated, the proxies named in the enclosed proxy will vote for the election of such other persons as the Board of Directors
may recommend. Proxies may not be voted for a greater number of persons than the nominees named.
The names and
business experience for the past five years of the two persons who have been nominated by the Board of Directors to stand for election
as directors at the Annual Meeting and the remaining directors whose terms are continuing until the 2017 or 2018 Annual Meeting
appear below.
The Board
has determined that all of the Board members with the exception of Howard Pinsley and Patrick T. Enright, Jr. are independent in
accordance with the listing standards of the NYSE MKT and the By-Laws of the Company.
The independent
members of the Board met incidental to each regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting and one additional time during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2016, with no members of management present.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES FOR CLASS B DIRECTORS.
Name
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Age
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Offices
and
Positions
Held With
Company
|
Principal Occupation or Employment
|
Period to
Date
Served as
Director
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Patrick T. Enright Jr.
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55
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President and CEO
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Prior to his employment with the Company Mr. Enright was employed by DRS Technologies from May, 2010 until January, 2015 and last held the position of Vice President of Strategic Planning. He previously held other senior positions in the power electronics and ship building industry for over 25 years at Northrup Grumman, Newport News Shipbuilding, Henschel Corporation and Vessel Management Group. Mr. Enright served in the United States Merchant Marines from June, 1983 to June, 1990.
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2015
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Barry Pinsley(1)
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75
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Certified Public Accountant who for five years acted as a consultant to the Company prior to his election as a Vice President Special Projects on March 25, 1994. On December 6, 1997, Mr. Pinsley was elected to the position of Vice President-Investor Relations and Human Resources, from which he resigned on June 9, 1998. He continued as a non-executive officer through December 31, 2005. Mr. Pinsley was a practicing Certified Public Accountant in Saratoga Springs, New York from 1975, and is currently retired.
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1999
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CONTINUING CLASS C DIRECTORS –
SERVING FOR A THREE YEAR TERM
EXPIRING AT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING.
Name
|
Age
|
Offices
and
Positions
Held With
Company
|
Principal Occupation or Employment
|
Period to
Date
Served as
Director
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Paul J. Corr
|
72
|
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Certified Public Accountant who has been a Principal at Capital Financial Advisors of New York, LLC, Clifton Park, NY since 2003. Mr. Corr is currently Visiting Professor of Management and Business at Skidmore College where he teaches financial accounting theory and financial analysis. In May 2007, he had retired from Skidmore College where he had taught since 1981. Mr. Corr was also a shareholder in the Clifton Park, NY accounting firm of Rutnik & Corr, P.C. from July 1999 through August 2011, and he had practiced as a certified public accountant for many years prior to 1999.
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1992
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Michael Wool
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70
|
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Attorney engaged in private practice of law and senior partner since 1982 in the law firm of Langrock, Sperry & Wool, with offices in Burlington, VT and Middlebury, VT. Mr. Wool also serves on the board of the New England Board of Higher Education as Chair and as a Director Emeritus of the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington, VT.
|
1990
|
CONTINUING CLASS A DIRECTORS –
SERVING FOR A THREE YEAR TERM
EXPIRING AT THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING.
Name
|
Age
|
Offices
and
Positions
Held With
Company
|
Principal Occupation or Employment
|
Period to
Date
Served as
Director
|
Carl Helmetag
|
68
|
|
An independent business consultant working for profit and non-profit entities. Mr. Helmetag was Vice President Sales of AlphaMicron Inc., Kent, Ohio from 2009 - 2011; President and CEO of UVEX Sports Inc. in Cranston, R.I. from 1999 - 2009; President and CEO of HEAD USA Inc. 1996 - 1999; Vice President and then President at Dynastar Inc. from 1978 - 1996. He has a MBA from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Economics from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Helmetag is a trustee and the Treasurer of the Newport Art Museum.
|
1999
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Howard Pinsley (1)
|
76
|
|
Howard Pinsley spent his entire career with the Company. He served as Program Director prior to being elected Vice President-Special Power Supplies on April 3, 1992. On December 6, 1996, Mr. Pinsley was elected to the position of Executive Vice President. On June 9, 1998 he was elected to the positions of Chief Operating Officer and President. Subsequently he became Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. On February 28, 2010 Mr. Pinsley retired from the position of President and Chief Executive Officer.
|
1992
|
Alvin O. Sabo
|
73
|
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Attorney engaged in private practice of law and Of Counsel to the law firm of Donohue, Sabo, Varley & Huttner, LLP in Albany, NY. He was a partner with a predecessor firm beginning in 1980. Prior to that position, he was Assistant Attorney General, State of New York, Department of Law for eleven years and an associate with the intellectual property firm of Kenyon and Kenyon for two years.
|
1999
|
|
(1)
|
Barry Pinsley and Howard Pinsley are cousins.
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None of the directors
holds a directorship in any other company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1933 or any company registered as an Investment
Company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
QUALIFICATIONS
The Board of Directors
believes that with respect to current Board members, a demonstration of dedicated commitment to the responsibilities of a director
is a leading criteria for assessing such person’s qualifications for continued service on the Board. The Board will also
consider a nominee’s relationship to the Company and the following skill sets and experience in evaluating Board candidates:
industry experience, corporate management experience, financial acumen, experience in international sales, mergers and acquisition
experience and corporate governance experience.
The specific experiences, qualifications,
attributes and skills of each of the nominees for director and the individuals continuing as directors are as follows:
Mr. Enright is
the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and through his day-to-day involvement in all aspects of the Company’s
operations provides a vital link between junior and senior management personnel and the general oversight and policy setting responsibilities
of the Board. Among the reasons Mr. Enright was hired in 2015 was his extensive experience in various executive capacities in the
defense and shipbuilding industries, with responsibilities in strategic planning, business unit leadership, program management,
and systems and solutions implementation. This provides a major asset to the Board in its oversight of customer retention, new
business development and expansion of the Company’s core business in defense and industrial power electronics.
Mr. Barry Pinsley
was associated with the Company in various consulting and employment capacities for more than thirty-five years and assists the
Board with his knowledge regarding the Company’s product lines, operations and corporate culture as a small public company
that evolved from a family-owned firm. In addition, his experience as a certified public accountant is an asset to the Board in
its consideration of financial matters.
Mr. Corr’s
experience as a certified public accountant, investment advisor and professor of management and business at Skidmore College teaching
accounting theory, finance, and taxation, brings strong financial skills to the Board and qualifies him as the Audit Committee
financial expert and the person on the Board responsible for risk assessment oversight.
Mr. Wool is a business
and tax lawyer with over forty years of experience advising a broad range of clients in a broad spectrum of business, tax, governmental,
commercial, employment and transactional matters. He provides valuable insight to the Espey Board in its deliberations and consideration
of strategic initiatives including potential business combinations and acquisitions, employee and executive compensation matters,
corporate governance matters and other legal issues.
Mr. Helmetag has
a very strong business leadership, financial management and strategic planning background through his long career as a senior executive
in several corporations. His personal experience in business development, economic conditions and financial issues is an invaluable
resource for the Board on a myriad of matters it must consider from time to time.
Mr. Howard Pinsley’s
affiliation with the Company for his entire professional career and his long-term service as a senior executive officer provides
him with intimate knowledge of every aspect of the Company’s operations. His personal role in the development of the Company’s
product line and his personal contacts with relationship persons at the Company’s domestic and international customers provides
the Board with a vital resource in drawing upon the Company’s historic strengths while considering initiatives for future
growth and development of the Company’s business.
Mr. Sabo’s
experience through his long career as a commercial, government contracts and personal injury litigation lawyer is an asset to the
Audit Committee and the full Board in its evaluation of legal, operational and employment-related risks. His educational background
in electrical engineering, his experience in patent and intellectual property law and his experience in insurance coverage matters
is valuable to the Board’s consideration of numerous issues pertaining to the Company’s business.
OTHER EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS
The only individuals
currently considered executive officers of the Company not previously identified are:
David A. O’Neil,
51, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since January 4, 2000. Mr. O’Neil is a Certified Public Accountant who, prior to
joining the Company, was a Senior Manager at the accounting firm of KPMG LLP. Mr. O’Neil served as Interim President and
CEO from June 2, 2014 until January 31, 2015.
Katrina L. Sparano,
46, Assistant Treasurer and Principal Accounting Officer of the Company since November 12, 2004. Ms. Sparano is a Certified Public
Accountant. Prior to joining the Company on July 29, 2004, she was the Assistant Controller for Cambridge Heart, Inc. Ms. Sparano
served as Interim Principal Financial Officer from June 2, 2014 until January 31, 2015.
Peggy A. Murphy,
58, Secretary of the Company since December 11, 1998. She has been employed by the Company as Director of Human Resources and Facility
Security Officer since October 1998.
The terms of office
of all executive officers are until the next Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors unless successors are sooner appointed by
the Board of Directors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES
During the Company’s
fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, the Board of Directors held a total of five meetings, and each director then in office attended
at least 75% of such meetings. Under the policies of the Board, Directors are expected to attend regular Board meetings, Board
committee meetings, as applicable, and the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
The Board has a
standing Audit Committee whose members are Paul J. Corr, Chairman, Alvin O. Sabo and Carl Helmetag. The functions of this Committee
include reviewing the engagement of the independent accountants, the scope and timing of the audit and any non-audit services to
be rendered by the independent accountants, reviewing with the independent accountants and management the Company’s policies
and procedures with respect to internal auditing, accounting and financial controls, and reviewing the report of the independent
accountants upon completion of its audit. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, the Audit Committee held four meetings, and
each Committee member attended at least 75% of such meetings.
The Board has a
standing Nominating Committee whose members are Carl Helmetag, Chairman, Michael Wool, Alvin O. Sabo, and Paul J. Corr. The function
of this Committee is to identify and recommend to the Board individuals for nomination to fill vacancies in, and for renomination
to, positions as Directors of the Corporation. During fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, the Nominating Committee held one meeting
and each Committee member attended the meeting.
The
Board of Directors has a standing Compensation Committee whose members are Michael Wool, Chairman, Carl Helmetag and Barry Pinsley.
The functions of this Committee include recommending to the full Board all compensation programs applicable to executive officers
including salaries paid to executive officers,
the compensation paid to non-employee directors
and the grant of all forms of bonuses and stock-based compensation including to whom, and the time or times at which, options will
be granted, the number of shares of common stock that underlie each option and the exercise price and vesting schedule for options
granted pursuant to the Company’s 2007 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016,
the Compensation Committee held three meetings and each Committee member attended such meeting.
The Board also
has a Succession Committee, members of which are Paul J. Corr, Howard Pinsley, Alvin O. Sabo, Michael Wool and Patrick T. Enright,
Jr., and a Mergers and Acquisition Committee, members of which are Howard Pinsley, Barry Pinsley, Michael Wool and Patrick T. Enright,
Jr.
Board Independence
- The Board has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee meet the independence criteria
for audit committee and nominating committee members as set forth in the listing standards of the NYSE MKT. The Board has further
determined that Mr. Corr qualifies as an audit committee financial expert in accordance with the rules of the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
Board Leadership
- The Board of Directors has not designated an individual as the lead independent director. Rather, the Board will designate one
of its independent directors to act as a lead director on an ad hoc basis. For example, the Succession Committee
was responsible
for overseeing the process of identifying a new Chief Executive Officer resulting in the hiring of Mr. Enright effective February
1, 2015. Mr. Sabo was designated as the lead independent director for this project.
Risk Oversight
- The Board oversees the Company’s processes to manage risk and has delegated the primary responsibility for reviewing
policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management to the Audit Committee. Management is responsible for the development,
implementation and maintenance of the risk management processes and is requested to report to the Audit Committee or the full Board
periodically on its assessment of operational, financial and accounting, competitive, reputational and legal risks to the Company.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Company employees
who also serve on the Company’s Board of Directors do not receive director’s fees. The non-employee Directors receive
an annual fee of $52,200 for being a member of the Board of Directors. Each Director who also serves as a member of the Audit Committee
is compensated an additional annual fee of $2,500 with the exception of the Chairman who is compensated an additional annual fee
of $5,000. Each Director who serves as a member of the Succession Committee, Compensation Committee or the Mergers and Acquisition
Committee is compensated an additional $2,500 for each committee. These fees are paid in monthly installments to the Directors.
The Board has adopted
a Retired Director Compensation Program for the Directors of the Corporation. Under the plan, directors who have attained the age
of 76 are required to retire from the Board, provided that retirement may be delayed until the end of the director’s term.
Directors who have retired shall be eligible to become a “director emeritus” for a maximum period of four (4) years.
The actual term of a director emeritus shall be calculated on the basis of one quarter of a year for each year of service as a
Board member. A director emeritus will have no vote, but will be expected to participate in meetings of the Board. If the director
emeritus participates in at least 75% of the Board meetings during a calendar year, in person or by telephone, the director emeritus
will be entitled to receive remuneration in the amount of the base annual director fee at the time of his or her retirement. In
addition, a director emeritus will be entitled to participate in the Corporation’s insurance programs offered to its employees.
An individual who
has retired as a director but is an employee of the Corporation, or is otherwise receiving compensation from the Corporation under
a severance contract or program will not be eligible for payment.
Pursuant to agreements
between the Company and each of the non-executive Directors the benefit of the Retirement Program may not be modified without an
individual Director’s consent.
The following table
sets forth the compensation of the Company’s non-employee Directors for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016:
|
Fees Earned or
|
Option
|
All Other
|
|
Name
|
Paid in Cash
|
Awards (2)
|
Compensation (1)
|
Total
|
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
$
|
Paul J Corr
|
$56,100
|
-
|
-
|
$56,100
|
Carl Helmetag
|
$53,600
|
-
|
$8,538
|
$62,138
|
Barry Pinsley
|
$53,600
|
-
|
$4,268
|
$57,868
|
Howard Pinsley
|
$53,600
|
-
|
$8,538
|
$62,138
|
Alvin O. Sabo
|
$53,600
|
-
|
-
|
$53,600
|
Michael Wool
|
$56,100
|
-
|
$8,538
|
$64,638
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Represents the dollar amount contributed for Director’s health insurance for fiscal year
ended June 30, 2016.
|
|
(2)
|
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value dollar amount computed in accordance with ASC Topic
718. For information concerning the assumptions made in the valuation of awards, see Note 11 of the Company’s financial statements
for fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.
|
The non-employee Directors held the
following unexercised options at June 30, 2016:
|
Number of Securities
|
Number of Securities
|
Option
|
Option
|
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
Exercise
|
Expiration
|
Name
|
Options Exercisable
|
Options Unexercisable (a)
|
Price $
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paul J. Corr
|
2,000
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
2,000
|
|
$17.09
|
2/20/2019
|
|
1,600
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
1,600
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
1,600
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carl Helmetag
|
1,400
|
|
$18.29
|
2/21/2017
|
|
1,400
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
1,400
|
|
$17.09
|
2/20/2019
|
|
1,600
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
1,600
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
1,600
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barry Pinsley
|
1,400
|
|
$18.29
|
2/21/2017
|
|
1,400
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
1,400
|
|
$17.09
|
2/20/2019
|
|
1,600
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
1,600
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
1,600
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Howard Pinsley
|
4,000
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
1,600
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
1,600
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
1,600
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
Alvin O. Sabo
|
1,400
|
|
$18.29
|
2/21/2017
|
|
1,400
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
1,400
|
|
$17.09
|
2/20/2019
|
|
1,600
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
1,600
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
1,800
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
Number of Securities
|
Option
|
Option
|
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
Exercise
|
Expiration
|
Name
|
Options Exercisable
|
Options Unexercisable (a)
|
Price $
|
Date
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Wool
|
1,600
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
1,600
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
1,600
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
1,600
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
1,600
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
(a) Unexercisable
options vest as follows: (i) Options with an expiration date of June 12, 2025 vest on June 12, 2017.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table
summarizes the annual compensation for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015 received by the Company’s
two most highly compensated executive officers who received over $100,000 in total compensation for the fiscal year ended June
30, 2016 (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
TABLE
Name and
|
|
|
|
Option (4)
|
All Other (5)
|
|
Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary $
|
Bonus $ (3)
|
Awards $
|
Compensation $
|
Total $
|
Patrick T. Enright Jr. (1)
|
2016
|
$245,769
|
$63,226
|
-
|
$23,096
|
$332,091
|
President and Chief
|
2015
|
$99,231
|
$25,000
|
$7,736
|
$6,450
|
$138,417
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David O'Neil (2)
|
2016
|
$162,836
|
$75,000
|
-
|
$18,821
|
$256,657
|
CFO/Treasurer
|
2015
|
$193,382
|
$20,000
|
$3,343
|
$19,586
|
$236,311
|
|
(1)
|
The information for Mr. Enright for 2015 is for the period February 1, 2015, the effective date
of his employment, through June 30, 2015.
|
|
(2)
|
Mr. O’Neil served as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from July 2, 2014 through
January 31, 2015. During such period his salary was increased by $36,923.
|
|
(3)
|
In the case of Mr. Enright, (i) the bonus amount listed for 2015 is an amount earned, but not actually
paid during the fiscal year, and (ii) the bonus amount for fiscal year 2016 is the unutilized portion of a relocation expense allowance
payable as a bonus, in accordance with his Executive Employment Agreement.
|
|
(4)
|
Represents the aggregate grant date fair value dollar amount computed in accordance with ASC Topic
718. For information concerning the assumptions made in the valuation of awards, see Note 11 of the Company’s financial statements
for fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.
|
|
(5)
|
All other compensation includes (i) the value of shares of the Company's common stock allocated
to the Named Executive Officers' accounts in the Company's ESOP and (ii) the Company matching contributions to the Company 401(k)
Plan, as set forth below. Dividends are paid on allocated shares in the Company’s ESOP at the same time and rate and in the
same form as dividends paid on common shares generally. ESOP shares allocated to the Named Executive Officers' accounts vest in
accordance with the terms of the plan. At June 30, 2016, Mr. Enright and Mr. O'Neil were 0% and 100% vested, respectively. In the
case of Mr. Enright for fiscal 2015, due to his date of hire Mr. Enright did not have an ESOP account and he did not receive the
benefit of a 401(k) matching contribution. All other compensation for the year is represented solely by the reimbursement of relocation
expenses. For fiscal year 2016, all other compensation for Mr. Enright includes an additional $2,886 reimbursement for relocation
expenses.
|
|
|
|
Value of
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allocated
|
Company
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
Contributions
|
|
|
|
|
in Company
|
to 401(k)
|
|
Name
|
|
Year
|
ESOP ($)
|
Plan ($)
|
Total
|
Patrick T. Enright Jr.
|
|
2016
|
$16,698
|
$3,512
|
$20,210
|
|
|
2015
|
$0
|
$0
|
$0
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David O’Neil
|
|
2016
|
$16,698
|
$2,123
|
$18,821
|
|
|
2015
|
$18,651
|
$935
|
$19,586
|
The following table sets forth information
concerning outstanding equity awards held by the Company’s Named Executive Officers at fiscal year-end June 30, 2017:
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL
YEAR END
|
Number of Securities
|
Number of Securities
|
Option
|
Option
|
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
Underlying Unexercised
|
Exercise
|
Expiration
|
Name
|
Options Exercisable
|
Options Unexercisable (a)
|
Price $
|
Date
|
Patrick T. Enright Jr.
|
|
10,000
|
$26.53
|
2/02/2025
|
|
|
4,000
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
David O’Neil
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
$18.29
|
2/21/2017
|
|
2,000
|
|
$21.54
|
5/23/2018
|
|
2,000
|
|
$17.09
|
2/20/2019
|
|
2,000
|
|
$19.20
|
8/19/2020
|
|
2,000
|
|
$25.10
|
8/26/2021
|
|
2,000
|
|
$25.18
|
6/01/2022
|
|
2,000
|
|
$27.22
|
8/23/2023
|
|
|
2,000
|
$26.09
|
6/12/2025
|
(a) Unexercisable
options vest as follows: Options with an expiration date of February 02, 2025, vest on February 02, 2017, options with an expiration
date of June 12, 2025, vest on June 12, 2017.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE
UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
The following table
sets forth information as of June 30, 2016 with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company may
be issued:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
Number of securities to
|
Weighted-average
|
Number of Securities remaining
|
|
be issued upon exercise
|
exercise price of
|
available for future issuance under
|
|
of outstanding options,
|
outstanding options,
|
equity compensation plan (excluding
|
Plan Category
|
warrants and rights
|
warrants and rights
|
securities reflected in column (a)
|
|
(a)
|
(b)
|
(c)
|
Equity compensation
|
|
|
|
plans approved by
|
|
|
|
security holders
|
170,450
|
$23.84
|
193,600
|
Equity compensation
|
|
|
|
plans not approved
|
|
|
|
by security holders
|
-0-
|
|
-0-
|
|
170,450
|
|
193,600
|
|
|
|
|
INSURANCE
The executive officers
and directors of the Company can elect to be covered under the company-sponsored health plans, which do not discriminate in favor
of the officers, or directors of the Company and which are available generally to all employees. In addition, the executive officers
are covered under a group life plan, which does not discriminate, and is available to all employees.
The Company maintains
insurance coverage, as authorized by Section 726 of the New York Business Corporation Law, providing for (a) reimbursement of the
Company for payments it makes to indemnify officers and directors of the Company, and (b) payment on behalf of officers and directors
of the Company for losses, costs and expenses incurred by such individuals in any actions.
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT
PLAN AND TRUST
Under the Company’s
ESOP, approved by the Board of Directors on June 2, 1989, effective July 1, 1988, all non-union employees of the Company, including
the Company’s executive officers and non-executive officers are eligible to participate. The ESOP is a non-contributory plan,
which is designed to invest primarily in shares of common stock of the Company. Certain technical amendments not considered material
were adopted effective as of June 10, 1994, July 1, 2003, July 1, 2005, and July 1, 2016.
Of the 441,095
shares of common stock of the Company allocated to participants of the ESOP as of June 30, 2016, 642 shares were allocated to Mr.
Enright and 13,641 shares were allocated to Mr. O’Neil. Messrs. Enright and O'Neil were 0% and 100% vested, respectively,
in their account as of June 30, 2016.
The ESOP’s
purchase of common stock from the Company has been financed by loans from the Company to the ESOP. Each year the Company makes
contributions to the ESOP, which are used to make loan interest and principal payments to the Company. Following each payment of
principal on the loan, a portion of the unallocated shares held by the ESOP is allocated to participants.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
AND TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
The Company has
an Executive Employment agreement with Patrick T. Enright Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer. The agreement was effective
February 1, 2015 and expires January 31, 2018, but will automatically renew for additional one year periods unless either the Company
or the employee gives at least 60 days’ notice to the contrary. The agreement provides for the payment of base compensation,
relocation expense reimbursement and bonus compensation. Mr. Enright is entitled to an annual performance-based cash bonus currently
comprised of three components, with the maximum aggregate amount payable not to exceed his annual base salary. The first component
is discretionary, based upon an annual performance assessment and may not exceed $100,000. The second component is based on the
increase in sales plus backlog (i) over fiscal year 2015 in the case of fiscal year 2016, (ii) over the average of fiscal years
2015 and 2016 in the case of fiscal 2017, and (iii) over the average of the prior three fiscal years thereafter, and may not exceed
$100,000. The third component is based on the increase in operating earnings (i) over fiscal year 2015 in the case of fiscal year
2016, (ii) over the average of fiscal years 2015 and 2016 in the case of fiscal year 2017, and (iii) over the average of the prior
three fiscal years thereafter, and
may not exceed $100,000. In calculating components two and three, adjustments are made in the
case of a specific customer contract. In order to be eligible for the bonus compensation for a fiscal year ending June 30, Mr.
Enright must be employed on December 31 following such fiscal year end. Mr. Enright had a special bonus plan for fiscal year 2015,
during which his employment with the Company commenced. If Mr. Enright is terminated without "cause" he is entitled to
six months' severance pay of his then current base salary, any amount of bonus to which he may be entitled based upon the non-discretionary
components and health benefits.
The Company has
an Executive Employment agreement with David O’Neil, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. The agreement was effective March
1, 2013 and automatically renews for additional one year periods subsequent to June 30, 2016 unless either the Company or Mr. O’Neil
gives at least 60 days’ notice to the contrary. The agreement provides for the payment of base compensation and bonus compensation
as determined by the Board in its discretion. If he is terminated without “cause” or incidental to a change of control
or if he terminates employment for “good reason” he is entitled to nine months’ severance pay of his then current
base salary plus health benefits.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee
of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) is comprised of three independent directors and operates under a written
charter, revised most recently by the Board on September 9, 2016. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Company’s
website at
www.espey.com
under the tab “Investors”.
In fulfilling
its responsibilities, the Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 with management and the independent auditors.
The Committee
has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as
amended (Communication with Audit Committees). In addition, the Committee has received and reviewed the written disclosures and
the letter from the independent auditors required by Independence Standard No.1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees),
and has discussed with the auditors the auditors’ independence.
The Committee
considered and concluded that the provision of non-audit services by the independent auditors was compatible with maintaining
their independence.
In reliance on
the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements
referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.
|
Audit Committee:
|
|
Paul J. Corr, Chairman
|
|
Carl Helmetag
|
|
Alvin O. Sabo
|
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING
COMMITTEE
The Nominating
Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Nominating Committee”) is comprised of three independent directors and operates
under a written charter. A copy of the charter is available on the Company’s website,
www.espey.com
, under the tab
“Investors”.
The Nominating
Committee will review the present needs of the Board and establish criteria as to particular qualifications in terms of background
and experience that could meet such needs. At a minimum, the Nominating Committee believes that nominees for Directors should have
either experience in the industry in which the Company engages or professional, business or academic qualifications that differ
from existing members of the Board and could augment the aggregate expertise possessed by Board members. In addition to industry
experience, the Nominating Committee will consider the following skill sets and experience; corporate management experience, financial
acumen, experience in international sales, mergers and acquisition experience and
corporate governance experience. The Company
further believes that all nominees should be able to make a contribution to the Board that will enhance the development and growth
of the Company’s business and shareholder value; devote adequate time to service as a Director; and work well with other
Board members in a collegial manner.
The Nominating
Committee evaluates prospective nominees identified on its own initiative or referred to it by other Board members, management,
shareholders or external sources and all self-nominated candidates. The Nominating Committee uses the same criteria for evaluating
candidates nominated by shareholders and self-nominated candidates as it does for those proposed by other Board members, management
and search companies.
The Nominating
Committee’s evaluation of existing Board members and prospective new Board members and the implementation of a diversity
policy will be in the context of determinations made regarding the size of the Board of Directors. The Company is a small business
with less than $40 million in sales and operations at only one location. Due to the size of the business and the relatively simple
corporate structure, the Board of Directors has determined not to increase its size. If a determination is made to add Board members,
diversity is a factor that will be considered by the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating
Committee will consider bona fide recommendations by shareholders as to potential Director nominees, who meet the above standards.
A shareholder wishing to submit such a recommendation should send a letter, postmarked no more than 180 days and no later than
120 days prior to the date on which the Company’s Annual Meeting was held during the prior year, to the Secretary of the
Company. In the case of an Annual Meeting that is called for a date that is not within 30 calendar days before or after the first
anniversary date of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the immediately preceding year, any such written proposal of nomination
must be received by the Secretary not less than five days after the Corporation shall have issued a press release, filed a periodic
report with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise publicly disseminated notice that an Annual Meeting of Shareholders
will be held. The letter must identify its writer as a shareholder of the Company, provide evidence of the writer’s stock
ownership and provide:
|
·
|
The name, address, telephone number and social security number of the candidate to be considered;
|
|
·
|
A description of understandings, contractual, business or familial relationships between the shareholder
and the candidate, if any, and an unexecuted written consent of the candidate to serve as a director of the Company, if nominated
and elected;
|
|
·
|
The candidate’s resume and at least three references;
|
|
·
|
A statement of the candidate’s qualifications to serve on the Board of Directors and specified
Board committees which shall include an explanation as to how elements of the candidate’s background and experience would
be a benefit to the Company and its business.
|
All candidates
recommended to the Nominating Committee must meet the independence standards of the NYSE MKT and the definition of “independent
director” in the Company’s By-Laws.
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
The Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) is comprised of three independent directors and operates under
a written charter, adopted on February 20, 2009. A copy of the charter is available on the Company’s website, www.espey.com
,
under the tab “Investors”.
The objectives
of the compensation program are designed to align performance with the interests of shareholders, reward performance, retain and
recruit qualified and effective talent.
The Committee will
consult with senior management to establish, review and evaluate the long-term strategy of executive compensation and the types
of stock and other compensation plans utilized by the Company. The Committee will also assist the Board in the establishment of
annual goals and objectives for the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as well as consulting with the Chief Executive Officer
to establish goals and objectives for other members of senior management. The Committee will assist the Board in establishing plans
for executive officer development. The Committee has not engaged a compensation consultant in connection with the discharge of
its responsibilities.
The Committee is
responsible for recommending to the Board all grants and awards under the Corporation’s stock option plans and other equity-based
plans. It is not intended that the authority of the Board under the 2007 Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan be delegated to
the Committee, but rather that the Committee serve in an advisory capacity. The Committee will also consult with the Chief Executive
Officer for senior management grants and awards.
The Committee will
review compensation paid to non-employee directors and make recommendations to the Board for any adjustments.
The Committee will
review and approve, in consultation with the Chief Executive Officer, any severance or similar termination payments proposed to
be made to any current or former executive officer of the Corporation (other than the current Chief Executive Officer), and review
and recommend to the Board any severance or similar termination payments proposed to be made to the current Chief Executive Officer.
SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
Mail can be addressed
to Directors in care of the Office of the Secretary, Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp., 233 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs,
New York 12866. At the direction of the Board of Directors, all mail received will be opened and screened for security purposes.
The mail will then be logged in. All mail, other than trivial or obscene items, will be forwarded. Trivial items will be delivered
to the Directors at the next scheduled Board meeting. Mail addressed to a particular Director will be forwarded or delivered to
that Director. Mail addressed to “Outside Directors” or “Non-Management Directors” will be forwarded or
delivered to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Mail addressed to the “Board of Directors” will be forwarded or delivered
to the Chairman of the Board.
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following
table sets forth information regarding ownership of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock as of October 14, 2016, by each
person or group who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Common
Stock:
Title
|
Name and Address of
|
Amount and Nature
|
Percent
|
Class
|
Beneficial Owner
|
of Beneficial Ownership of Class
|
|
Common Stock
|
Wellington Trust Company,
|
181,771 - Direct (1)
|
7.7%
|
|
Wellington Management Group LLP,
|
|
|
|
National Association Multiple Common Trust Funds Trust
|
|
|
|
Micro Cap Equity Portfolio
|
|
|
|
c/o Wellington Trust Company
|
|
|
|
280 Congress Street
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02210
|
|
|
|
Stanley Kesselman
|
120,170 - Direct (2)
|
5.1%
|
|
c/o Maxim Group
|
|
|
|
405 Lexington Ave., 2
nd
Floor
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10174
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The information is from Schedules 13G dated February 12, 2015 filed with the SEC by each of (i)
Wellington Trust Company, NA, as investment advisor (the “Investment Advisor”) to Wellington Trust Company, National
Association Multiple Common Trust Funds Trust, Micro Cap Equity Portfolio (the “Fund”); (ii) Wellington Trust Company,
NA, as investment advisor; and (iii) Wellington Management Group LLP (“Wellington LLP”). Wellington LLP reports the
ownership of 161,888 shares by the Fund and the ownership of 181,771 shares by clients of the Investment Advisor, but with no client
of the Investment Advisor having the power to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from
the sale of, such securities, other than the Fund.
|
|
(2)
|
The information is from Schedule 13G dated November 11, 2015 filed with the SEC by Mr. Kesselman.
|
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following information
is furnished as of October 14, 2016 (unless otherwise indicated), as to each class of equity securities of the Company beneficially
owned by all Directors and Executive Officers and by Directors and Executive Officers of the Company as a Group:
Title Class
|
Name of
Beneficial Owner
|
Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership
|
Percent
of Class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Paul Corr
|
22,839 -
|
Direct (1)
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Patrick T. Enright, Jr.
|
1,835 -
|
Direct
|
*
|
|
|
642 -
|
Indirect
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Carl Helmetag
|
29,273 -
|
Direct (1)
|
1.2%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Peggy Murphy
|
9,500 -
|
Direct (1)
|
*
|
|
|
10,765 -
|
Indirect (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
David O’Neil
|
24,000 -
|
Direct (1)
|
1.5%
|
|
|
13,642 -
|
Indirect (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Barry Pinsley
|
64,562 -
|
Direct (1)
|
2.7%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Howard Pinsley
|
79,413 -
|
Direct (1)
|
4.4%
|
|
|
25,504 -
|
Indirect (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Alvin Sabo
|
25,000 -
|
Direct (1)
|
1%
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Katrina Sparano
|
8,845 -
|
Direct (1)
|
*
|
|
|
4,329 -
|
Indirect (2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
Michael Wool
|
20,300-
|
Direct (1)
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Officers and Directors
|
285,567-
|
Direct (1)
|
13.9%
|
|
as a Group (10 persons)
|
54,882-
|
Indirect (2)
|
|
* Less than one percent
|
1)
|
Direct shares include options to acquire shares, which are exercisable within 60 days as follows:
|
Name of
|
Exercisable
|
Name of
|
Exercisable
|
Beneficial
|
Options
|
Beneficial
|
Options
|
Owner
|
|
Owner
|
|
Paul Corr
|
10,400
|
Howard Pinsley
|
10,400
|
Carl Helmetag
|
10,600
|
Alvin Sabo
|
10,600
|
Peggy Murphy
|
9,500
|
Katrina Sparano
|
8,500
|
David O’Neil
|
14,000
|
Michael Wool
|
8,000
|
Barry Pinsley
|
10,600
|
|
|
|
2)
|
Includes shares allocated to named officer as of June 30, 2016, as a participant in the Company’s ESOP and may reflect
dispositions that have occurred since the date of the person’s last ownership report on Form 4. Each such person has the
right to direct the manner in which such shares allocated to him or her are to be voted by the ESOP Trustee.
|
There are no arrangements
known to the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date, result in change of control of the Company.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company had adopted a Code of Ethics
which is available on the Company’s website at
www.espey.com
under the tab “Investors.”
PROPOSAL NO. 2
ADVISORY VOTE ON
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank
Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires that shareholders have the opportunity
to cast a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay” vote.
This advisory vote
can be conducted every year, every two years, or every three years. In 2013 we conducted a “say-on-pay” vote to approve,
on an advisory basis, the 2013 compensation which we paid to our Named Executive Officers. We also asked the shareholders in a
separate advisory vote how frequently we should conduct the “say-on-pay” vote. We recommended every three years and
every three years received the most votes of our shareholders. Accordingly, we are holding the “say-on-pay” vote, on
an advisory basis, on the 2016 compensation which we paid to our Named Executive Officers.
At present, we
have two Named Executive Officers. We believe that their base compensation is reasonable based upon their experience, the size
of the Company and the Company’s annual revenues. As described under the heading “Employment Contracts and Termination
of Employment”, our Chief Executive Officer is entitled to bonus compensation, in addition to his base compensation which
is, in part, derived from formulae applied to our financial performance and, in part, discretionary. Bonus compensation for our
other Named Executive Officer and our other executive officers is purely discretionary with the Board of Directors and will be
awarded based upon the Company’s performance and the individual’s contribution to such performance.
We do not have
separate retirement plans or benefits for our Named Executive Officers. They are participants in the Company’s ESOP and may
participate in our 401(k) plan. In addition, they receive periodic awards of stock options. Our Named Executive Officers also participate
in Company-sponsored group benefit plans available to all employees. The details are under the heading “Compensation of Executive
Officers.”
The advisory vote
on executive compensation solicited by this proposal is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the
overall compensation of our Named Executive Officers which we believe is appropriate and fair to both the Company and its executives.
As provided by
the “say-on-pay” rules, we are asking you to vote on the adoption of the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that
the shareholders of Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s Named
Executive Officers, as disclosed, pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in the Company’s
proxy statement for the 2016 annual meeting of shareholders.
Proxies will be
voted in favor of the resolution unless shareholders specify otherwise in their proxies and except for broker non-votes. The affirmative
vote of at least a majority of the voting power of the shares present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote (excluding broker
non-votes) is required for approval of the proposal. As an advisory vote, this proposal is non-binding. However, our Compensation
Committee and the Board of Directors will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our Named
Executive Officers.
THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE RESOLUTION.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Audit Committee
has selected Freed Maxick, CPAs, P.C. (“Freed Maxick”) as the Company’s independent public accountants for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.
Unless otherwise
specified by the shareholders, the shares represented by their properly executed proxies will be voted for ratification of the
appointment of Freed Maxick as independent accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. The Company is
advised by said
firm that neither the firm nor any of its members now has, or during the past three years had, any direct financial interest or
material indirect financial interest or any connection with the Company.
A representative
of Freed Maxick is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to
do so and to be available to respond to appropriate questions from the shareholders.
THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF FREED MAXICK CPAS, P.C. AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR
THE COMPANY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2017.
On September 29,
2014 the Company reported that it had been notified by EFP Rotenberg, LLP (“EFPR”), the firm which audited the Company’s
financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014 and prior years, that it would not serve as the Company’s independent
accounting firm for the Company’s fiscal year 2015. The Company understands the basis for such decision as EFPR having made
a strategic decision to serve public companies in roles other than as independent auditor.
EFPR’s reports
on the financial statements of the Company for each of the fiscal years ending June 30, 2014 and June 30, 2013 neither contained
an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, nor were qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During such two fiscal years and the interim period preceding the date on which EFPR notified the Company that it would decline
to stand for re-appointment, there were no disagreements with EFPR 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 EFPR, would have
caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports.
The Audit Committee
selected Freed Maxick as the Company’s independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015 following
the 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Freed Maxick was subsequently selected as the Company's independent auditors for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2016.
The fees billed or expected
to be billed for professional services by Freed Maxick for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 and the aggregate fees billed for
professional services by EFPR and Freed Maxick for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2015 were:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TYPE OF FEES
|
|
2016
|
|
|
2015
|
|
(1) Audit Fees
|
|
$
|
82,750
|
|
|
$
|
86,000
|
|
(2) Audit Related Fees
|
|
$
|
7,500
|
|
|
$
|
7,000
|
|
(3) Tax Fees
|
|
$
|
10,250
|
|
|
$
|
10,500
|
|
(4) All Other Fees
|
|
|
None
|
|
|
|
None
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
100,500
|
|
|
$
|
103,500
|
|
In the above table,
in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees for
professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements included
in Form 10-K and review of financial statements included in Form 10-Qs, and for services that are normally provided by the principal
accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit-related fees” are fees for assurance
and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s
financial statements; “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning rendered by the principal
accountant. 100% of the services set forth in sections (1) through (3) above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance
with its charter.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who own
more than ten percent of a registered class or the Company’s equity securities, to file reports of beneficial ownership and
changes in beneficial ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Based solely upon its review of copies of such reports
received by it, or upon written representations obtained from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that its officers,
directors, and stockholders who own more than ten percent of the Company’s equity securities complied with all Section 16(a)
filing requirements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016.
ANNUAL
REPORTS
The Company’s Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, including financial statements as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission accompanies this Proxy Statement. Such financial statements are not incorporated herein by reference.
A copy
of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (including financial statements and schedules thereto) for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission will be provided without charge upon the written request of shareholders
to Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp., Attention: Investor Relations, 233 Ballston Avenue, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866. The
Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016 can also be viewed electronically through a link at the Company’s
website at
www.espey.com.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder
proposal which may be a proper subject for inclusion in the proxy statement and for consideration at the 2017 Annual Meeting must
be received by the Company at its Principal Executive Office no later than June 23, 2017, if it is to be included in the Company’s
2017 proxy statement and proxy form. In addition, the Company’s By-Laws outline procedures that a shareholder must follow
to nominate directors or to bring other business before an Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Except as required under the Business
Corporation Law of New York, shareholder proposals will not be considered at special meetings.
PROXY SOLICITATION
The solicitation of the enclosed proxy
is being made on behalf of the Board of Directors and the cost of preparing and mailing the Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement
and form of proxy to shareholders is to be borne by the Company.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors,
|
|
Patrick T. Enright Jr.
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
October 21, 2016
Saratoga Springs, New York
.
IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas.
X
Annual Meeting Proxy Card
Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2 and 3.
1. TO ELECT: two Class B Directors Patrick T. Enright Jr. and Barry Pinsley to serve for a three year term expiring at the 2019 annual meeting or until their respective successors are duly elected and qualify.
+
For Withhold For Withhold
01 - Patrick T. Enright Jr.
02 - Barry Pinsley
For Against Abstain
2. The approval on an advisory (non-binding) basis of the compensation of the named executive officers.
For Against Abstain
3. TO RATIFY the appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as the independent public accountants of the Company for fiscal year ending June 30, 2017.
Non-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print new address below.
Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below
Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give
full title.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.
1UPX +
02GA1C
.
IMPORTANT ANNUAL MEETING INFORMATION
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 2, 2016.
THE PROXY STATEMENT AND THE ANNUAL REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT:
www.edocumentview.com
Proxy — ESPEY MFG. & ELECTRONICS CORP.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROXY FOR THE 2016 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS December 2, 2016
The undersigned hereby appoints Alvin O. Sabo and Carl Helmetag as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby authorizes them or any one of them to represent and to vote, as designated below, all the shares of common stock of ESPEY MFG. & ELECTRONICS CORP. which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 2, 2016 or any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE ABOVE SIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2 AND 3.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporation name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE
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