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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. )
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Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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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 under §240.14a-12
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GSI Technology, Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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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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(1)
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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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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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Total fee paid:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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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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Date Filed:
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July 19, 2019
Dear
Stockholder:
This
year's annual meeting of stockholders will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. local time, at the offices of DLA Piper LLP (US), 2000 University
Avenue, East Palo Alto, California 94303. You are cordially invited to attend.
The
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and a Proxy Statement, which describe the formal business to be conducted at the meeting, follow this letter. A copy of GSI Technology's
Annual Report to Stockholders is also enclosed for your information.
After
reading the Proxy Statement, please promptly mark, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying prepaid envelope. Alternatively, you may vote your shares via
the Internet or by telephone. Instructions regarding these methods of voting are provided on the proxy card.
Whether
or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, we urge you to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or vote via the Internet or by telephone at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting.
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Sincerely yours,
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Lee-Lean Shu
President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
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1213 Elko Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held August 29, 2019
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
Notice
is hereby given that the annual meeting of the stockholders of GSI Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation, will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019, at
2:00 p.m. local time, at the offices of DLA
Piper LLP (US) located at 2000 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, California 94303, for the following purposes:
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1.
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To
elect seven persons to serve on our Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and
qualified;
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2.
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To
ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020;
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3.
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To
vote on an advisory (non-binding) resolution regarding the fiscal 2019 compensation of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table included in
the proxy statement for the annual meeting; and
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4.
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To
transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting.
These
business items are described more fully in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice.
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR all of the nominees proposed by our Board of Directors, and FOR Proposals No. 2 and
3.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on July 8, 2019 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
For ten days prior to the meeting, a complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting will be available for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose relating to the meeting, during
ordinary business hours at our principal offices located at 1213 Elko Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089.
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Robert Yau
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Secretary
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Sunnyvale,
California
July 19, 2019
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IMPORTANT:
Please vote your shares via the Internet or by telephone, in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying materials, or by dating and signing the proxy card and returning
it in the accompanying postage-paid envelope to ensure that your shares are represented at the meeting. If you attend the meeting, you may choose to vote in person even if you have previously sent in
your proxy card or submitted your proxy via the Internet.
IMPORTANT
NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 29, 2019: Our proxy statement is enclosed. Financial and other information
concerning GSI Technology, Inc. is contained in our annual report to stockholders for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. A complete set of proxy materials relating to our annual
meeting is available on the Internet. These materials, consisting of the notice of annual meeting, proxy statement, proxy card and annual report to stockholders, may be viewed and downloaded at:
http://ir.gsitechnology.com/proxy-materials.
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GSI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
1213 Elko Drive
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held August 29, 2019
The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of GSI Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation, for use at its annual meeting of
stockholders to be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. This
proxy statement and the enclosed proxy are being mailed to stockholders on or about July 19, 2019. References in this proxy statement to the "Company," "we," "our," "us" and "GSI Technology"
are to GSI Technology, Inc., and references to the "annual meeting" are to the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. When we refer to the Company's fiscal year, we mean
the annual period ending on March 31. This proxy statement covers our fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 ("fiscal 2019").
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
Why am I receiving these proxy materials?
We sent you this proxy statement and proxy card because your Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy to vote at the annual meeting. This
proxy statement contains important information that is intended to assist you in making informed decisions regarding your vote.
What items of business will be voted on at the annual meeting?
Stockholders will vote on three proposals at the annual meeting:
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to elect seven persons to serve on our Board of Directors until the 2020 annual meeting (Proposal No. 1);
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to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2020 (Proposal No. 2); and
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to vote on an advisory (non-binding) resolution to approve the fiscal 2019 compensation of our named executive officers (as defined in this
proxy statement) (Proposal No. 3).
We
will also consider any other business that properly come before the annual meeting.
What is a proxy?
A proxy is your designation of another person or persons to vote your shares on your behalf. By properly signing and returning the enclosed
proxy card, or by voting via the Internet or by telephone, you give the persons designated as proxies by our Board of Directors the authority to vote your shares in the manner that you specify.
How does the Board recommend that I vote my shares?
Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote your shares:
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FOR
all of the Board's nominees for director, as listed and described under Proposal
No. 1;
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FOR
ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020; and
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FOR
approval of the advisory (non-binding) resolution approving the fiscal 2019 compensation of
our named Executive Officers.
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Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting?
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 8, 2019 (the "Record Date") are entitled to vote at the annual meeting. As
of the Record Date, 22,898,188 shares of our common stock were outstanding.
How many shares must be present to hold the annual meeting?
The presence of the holders of a majority of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote, whether in person or represented by proxy, will
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. If a quorum is not present, the annual meeting will be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.
How many votes do I have?
Each stockholder is entitled to cast one vote for each share of our common stock held on the Record Date.
If I am a stockholder of record, how do I vote?
If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, you are considered to be the stockholder of record with respect to
those shares, and these proxy materials have been sent directly to you. If you are a stockholder of record, there are four ways to vote your shares:
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by completing, signing and dating your proxy card and returning it in the envelope provided;
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via the Internet by following the instructions on the proxy card you received;
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by telephone by following the instructions on the proxy card; or
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by attending the annual meeting and voting in person.
If I am a beneficial owner of shares, how do I vote?
If your shares are held for you in an account with a broker, bank or similar organization, you are considered the "beneficial owner" of those
shares, which are generally referred to as being held in "street name," and you should have received these proxy materials from that organization. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in
street name, there are several ways to vote your shares:
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by completing, signing and dating the voting instruction form provided by the organization that holds your shares and returning the form to
that organization, which will vote your shares in accordance with your instructions;
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if your broker, bank or other nominee permits you to provide voting instructions via the Internet or by telephone, you may vote that way
as well; or
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by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. However, in order to vote in person, you must obtain a legal proxy from the organization
that holds your shares. Follow the instructions from the broker, bank or other organization holding your shares to obtain such a proxy.
In
order that your shares are properly voted, we encourage you to provide specific voting instructions with respect to each proposal to any organization that holds your shares in street
name by carefully following the organization's voting instructions.
What happens if I do not provide specific voting instructions?
If you are a stockholder of record and you return a signed and dated proxy card without providing specific voting instructions, the persons
named as proxy holders will vote your shares in the manner recommended by the Board of Directors on all of the proposals described in this proxy statement. If
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any
other matter is properly presented at the meeting, the proxy holders will vote your shares as they may determine in their discretion.
If
you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide specific voting instructions to the organization that holds your shares, the organization may generally
vote your shares at their discretion on "routine matters" but cannot vote on "non-routine" matters. "Non-routine" matters would include the election of directors (Proposal No. 1) and the
advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation (Proposal No. 3), while "routine" matters would include the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting
firm (Proposal No. 2).
How many votes are needed to elect directors?
Members of the GSI Technology Board of Directors are elected by plurality vote. Accordingly, the seven persons duly nominated at the annual
meeting who receive the highest number of
FOR
votes will be elected as directors.
How many votes are needed to approve proposals Nos. 2 and 3?
The appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal No. 2) and approval of the advisory
(non-binding) vote regarding fiscal 2019 executive officer compensation (Proposal No. 3) each require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares represented and voting at the annual
meeting.
How are broker non-votes and abstentions treated?
A "broker non-vote" occurs when a broker, bank or other nominee holds shares in street name for the beneficial owner but, with respect to a
particular proposal, does not have discretionary authority to vote the shares (i.e., it is a "non-routine" matter) and has not received timely voting instructions from the beneficial owner.
Broker
non-votes and abstentions are counted as present for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting.
Votes
withheld and broker non-votes will have no effect on the election of directors (Proposal No. 1). Proposals Nos. 2 and 3 each requires the affirmative vote of a
majority of shares represented and voting at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will reduce the number of shares voting as well as the number of shares in favor of the proposal and,
therefore, will have no impact on the results of voting.
Can I revoke my proxy or change my vote?
Yes. You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the polls close at the annual meeting.
If
you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote in any of the following ways:
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by signing and returning a proxy card with a later date;
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by voting again via the Internet or by telephone prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on Wednesday, August 28, 2019;
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by voting in person at the annual meeting; or
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by giving written notice of revocation to the Company's Corporate Secretary.
Please
note that attendance at the annual meeting, in and of itself, will not revoke your proxy.
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If
you are the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may revoke your proxy and change your vote in any of the following ways:
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by signing and returning an instruction form with a later date;
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by voting again via the Internet or by telephone (if such voting is allowed by your broker, bank or other nominee) prior to 11:59 p.m.,
Eastern Time, on Wednesday, August 28, 2019; or
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by voting in person at the annual meeting (although, as noted above, in order to vote at the annual meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from
the bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares).
How will the votes be counted?
Votes taken at the annual meeting will be counted by an independent inspector of election appointed by the Company.
How can I find out the results of the voting?
Preliminary voting results will be announced at the annual meeting. Final voting results will be tabulated by the inspector of election. We will
publish voting results known to us in a Form 8-K report to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within four business days after the annual meeting. If final results are not
available to use at the time of such filing, we will file an amendment to the Form 8-K report to publish the final results within four business days after they are known to us.
Who will solicit proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors?
Proxies may be solicited by directors and officers of the Company, without additional compensation. Solicitation of proxies by mail may be
supplemented by telephone, facsimile, e-mail or personal solicitation. None of the participants will receive additional compensation for assisting with the solicitation.
You
may also be solicited by press releases issued by us and postings on our corporate website. Unless expressly indicated otherwise, information contained on our corporate website is
not part of this proxy statement.
Who will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies?
We will pay for the entire cost of soliciting proxies on behalf of GSI Technology. We will also reimburse brokerage firms, banks and other
agents, upon their request, for the costs of forwarding our proxy materials to beneficial owners of stock held in their name.
How can I attend the annual meeting?
You are entitled to attend the annual meeting only if you are a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock as of
the close of business on the Record Date, or you hold a valid proxy for the annual meeting. Stockholders who plan to attend the meeting must present valid photo identification. If you hold your shares
in street name, please also bring proof of your share ownership, such as a broker's statement showing that you owned shares of the Company's common stock on the Record Date. As noted above, a legal
proxy is required if you hold your shares in a street name and you plan to vote in person at the annual meeting. Stockholders of record will be verified against an official list available at the
annual meeting. The Company reserves the right to deny admittance to anyone who cannot adequately show proof of ownership as of the Record Date.
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PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
We have a Board of Directors consisting of seven directors who will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their
respective successors are duly elected and qualified.
The
Board of Directors' nominees for election at the annual meeting are Jack A. Bradley, E. Thomas Hart, Haydn Hsieh, Ruey L. Lu, Lee-Lean Shu, Arthur O. Whipple and Robert Yau,
all of whom currently serve on the Board of Directors. If elected, the seven nominees will serve as directors until our annual meeting of stockholders in 2020 and until their successors are duly
elected and qualified. If any of the nominees declines to serve or becomes unavailable for any reason, or if a vacancy occurs
before the election (although we know of no reason to anticipate that this will occur), the proxies may be voted for such substitute nominees as we may designate.
These
seven nominees represent a balance of directors with a history of service on the Board and newer directors with a strong mix of relevant experience. Our Nominating and Governance
Committee and Board of Directors have evaluated each of our nominees against the factors and principles we use to select nominees for director, which are described elsewhere in this proxy statement.
Based on this evaluation, our Nominating and Governance Committee and Board of Directors concluded that it is in the best interests of GSI Technology and its stockholders for each of the seven
nominees named above to serve as a member of the Board of Directors.
If
a quorum is present and voting, the seven nominees for director receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. A
WITHHOLD
vote
will have no effect on the vote. Our Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any nominee named herein will be unable or unwilling to serve.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the nominees named above.
The
following table sets forth information regarding our current directors, each of whom is a nominee for election at the annual meeting, as of June 30, 2019:
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Nominee's Name
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Principal Occupation
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Age
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Director
Since
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Jack A. Bradley
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Partner, David Powell Financial Services
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70
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2015
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E. Thomas Hart
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Non-executive Chairman of the Board of QuickLogic Corporation
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77
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2015
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Haydn Hsieh
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Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of Wistron NeWeb Corp.
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64
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2008
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Ruey L. Lu
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President of eMPIA Technology
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63
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2000
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Lee-Lean Shu
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President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of GSI Technology
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64
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1995
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Arthur O. Whipple
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President of ABBYY USA Software, Inc.
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71
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2007
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Robert Yau
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Vice President, Engineering and Secretary of GSI Technology
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66
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1995
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Business Experience of Director Nominees
Set forth below is a description of the business experience of each director nominee, including a discussion of the specific experience,
qualifications, attributes and skills that led our Nominating and Governance Committee and our Board of Directors to conclude that those individuals should serve as directors.
Jack A. Bradley
has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2015. Mr. Bradley has been a partner in David Powell
Financial Services, an advisor to early stage companies, since September 2014. From February 2006 through March 2013, Mr. Bradley served as Chief Executive Officer of Packet Design, Inc.
("PDI"), a venture capital-funded company that developed and marketed analytic management systems for data communications. From March 2001 to February 2006, Mr. Bradley served as Chief
Financial Officer of Packet Design, LLC, a developer of networking
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infrastructure
software that spun off several networking companies, including PDI. Prior to joining Packet Design, LLC, Mr. Bradley held senior operational and financial management
positions with several networking and communications companies, including Cisco Systems, Inc. (General Manager of Video Internet Services Business Unit), Network Computing Devices, Inc.
(Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer), 3Com Corporation (Vice President and General Manager, International Division), and Bridge Communications, Inc. (Chief Financial
Officer). Mr. Bradley holds a B.S. degree in Accounting from the University of San Francisco. Mr. Bradley brings over 30 years' experience in executive management positions with
public and private companies engaged in the software, systems and semiconductor industries. In particular, his extensive experience in the networking and communications industries, including his
operational experience with providing integrated hardware and software solutions to customers, enables him to provide advice and guidance as we develop our new in-place associative computing products.
E. Thomas Hart
has served as a member of our Board of Directors since March 2015. Mr. Hart currently serves as non-executive
Chairman of the Board of QuickLogic Corporation, a Nasdaq-listed fabless semiconductor company that designs, markets and supports semiconductor and software algorithm solutions primarily for
manufacturers of mobile, consumer and enterprise communication products. Mr. Hart previously served as QuickLogic's President and Chief Executive Officer from June 1994 to March 2009, its
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from March 2009 to January 2011 and its Executive Chairman from January 2011 to January 2014. Prior to joining QuickLogic, Mr. Hart held senior management
positions in operations, engineering, sales and marketing with several
semiconductor companies, including National Semiconductor Corporation and Motorola, Inc. Mr. Hart is a Board Leadership Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors.
Mr. Hart is a retired Captain in the U.S. Navy, having served 37 years on active and reserve duty. Mr. Hart holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of
Washington. Mr. Hart's many years of executive leadership in the semiconductor industry, and particularly, his experience as chief executive officer and chairman of a Nasdaq-listed fabless
semiconductor company, enable him to make valuable contributions as the Board guides GSI Technology.
Haydn Hsieh
has served as a member of our Board of Directors since August 2008. Mr. Hsieh has served as the Chief Strategy Officer
of Wistron NeWeb Corp., a manufacturer of wireless communications products, since December 2017, its Chief Executive Officer from June 2000 through December 2017, its Vice Chairman from June 2000
through June 2014, and its Chairman since June 2014. From February 1981 through June 2000, Mr. Hsieh served in various management capacities at several divisions of Acer Group, a manufacturer
of personal computers and related products, including President of the Mobile Computing Business Unit and Senior Vice President of Acer Inc. Mr. Hsieh holds a B.S. degree in Electrical
Engineering from Tatung Institute of Technology and participated in the Executive Program at the Graduate School of Business Administration of National Chengchi University in Taiwan.
Mr. Hsieh's broad management background provides relevant experience in a number of strategic and operational areas, including his management experience with the application and manufacturing
of systems and modules, enables him to provide advice and guidance as we develop our new in-place associative computing products. Moreover, his management experience with, and service as an outside
board member to, companies headquartered in Taiwan provides him with relevant insight into that country, where GSI Technology has significant operations, as well as a valuable perspective on global
business operations.
Ruey L. Lu
has served as a member of our Board of Directors since October 2000. Mr. Lu is the President of eMPIA Technology Corp.,
a semiconductor solutions company, which he founded in January 2002. From March 1993 to December 2000, Mr. Lu served as President of ARK Logic, a storage device and software applications
company, which he founded. From October 1989 to February 1993, Mr. Lu served as Director of Engineering in the Imaging Product Division of Western Digital Corporation, an information storage
company. Mr. Lu holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering
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from
Taipei Institute of Technology and an M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Missouri. Mr. Lu's experience as President of eMPIA Technology and in executive roles at
ARK Logic and Western Digital has provided him with broad industry and executive experience, including the co-design of hardware and software platforms like our new in-place associative computing
products. Moreover, his management experience with a company headquartered in Taiwan provides him with relevant insight into that country, where GSI Technology has significant operations, as well as a
valuable perspective on global business operations.
Lee-Lean Shu
co-founded our company in March 1995 and has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board
of Directors since our inception. In October 2000, Mr. Shu became Chairman of our Board. From January 1995 to March 1995, Mr. Shu was Director, SRAM Design at Sony Microelectronics
Corporation, a semiconductor company and a subsidiary of Sony Corporation, and from July 1990 to January 1995, he was a design manager at Sony Microelectronics Corporation. Mr. Shu holds a B.S.
degree in Electrical Engineering from Tatung Institute of Technology and an M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. It is our policy that our Chief
Executive Officer should serve on our Board. In addition, Mr. Shu's role as a co-founder of our company and his day-to-day involvement in the management of our business has provided him with
extensive knowledge and understanding of GSI Technology and its industry. As Chief Executive Officer, he is in a unique position to provide our Board with insight and information related to our
business and operations and to participate in the ongoing review of strategic issues.
Arthur O. Whipple
has served as a member of our Board of Directors since August 2007, and was appointed lead director in June 2010.
Mr. Whipple has served as President of ABBYY USA Software, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of ABBYY PLC, a privately-held software developer headquartered in Cyprus, since August
2016 and served as the Executive Vice President of Global Services of ABBYY PLC, from January 2018 to March 2019. Mr. Whipple served as Chief Financial Officer of ABBYY USA Software
House, Inc., from April 2015 through August 2016, initially in a consulting capacity and since June 2015 as an employee. From August 2014 to January 2015, Mr. Whipple was Director of
Finance of Avago Technologies, a provider of analog, digital, mixed signal and optoelectronics components and subsystems. Mr. Whipple served as Chief Financial Officer of PLX
Technology, Inc., a semiconductor device manufacturer, from February 2007 until its acquisition by Avago in August 2014. From March 2005 to February 2007, Mr. Whipple was employed by
Silicon Storage Technology, Inc., a storage semiconductor manufacturer, where his last position was Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. From April 1998 to March 2005,
Mr. Whipple was employed by QuickLogic Corporation, where he served in several management capacities, including Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Vice President and General
Manager, Logic Products, and Vice President, Business Development. In 2004 and 2005, Mr. Whipple also served as a financial consultant to Technovus, Inc., a privately-held fabless
semiconductor manufacturer. Mr. Whipple holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington and an M.B.A. from Santa Clara University. Mr. Whipple's
experience as a chief financial officer and in other finance roles has provided him with broad experience in finance including accounting, financial reporting and compliance with U.S. federal
securities laws. He also brings strong leadership skills and knowledge of engineering and operations, gained through his years of financial and operational management at companies engaged in various
segments of the semiconductor industry.
Robert Yau
co-founded our company in March 1995 and has served as our Vice President, Engineering and as a member of our Board of
Directors since our inception. From December 1993 to February 1995, Mr. Yau was design manager for specialty memory devices at Sony Microelectronics Corporation. From 1990 to 1993,
Mr. Yau was design manager at MOSEL/VITELIC, a semiconductor company. Mr. Yau holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and an M.S. degree
in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. As a co-founder, our Vice President, Engineering, and an expert in SRAM technology, Mr. Yau is able to provide the Board
with an understanding of our technology and our product development strategy as well as expert perspective on industry trends and opportunities.
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has determined that, other than Lee-Lean Shu and Robert Yau, each of the members of the Board is an "independent
director" for purposes of the Nasdaq Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as the term relates to membership on the Board and the various
Board committees. There are no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers.
Board of Directors Leadership Structure
Lee-Lean Shu serves as both our Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of our Board of Directors. The Board believes that combining the role
of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer is appropriate in the case of Mr. Shu, given his role in founding GSI Technology and his significant ownership stake and also because Mr. Shu is
the Board member who is most familiar with our business strategy and most knowledgeable regarding our industry. The Board also believes that the combined role of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
facilitates the flow of information between the Board and management, improves the Board's ability to focus on key policy and operational issues and helps the Board operate in the long-term interests
of our stockholders.
The
Board has determined that, at any time the office of Chairman is filled by our Chief Executive Officer or another employee of GSI Technology, a non-employee director, recommended by
the
Nominating and Governance Committee, shall be designated to serve as lead director. Arthur O. Whipple currently serves in that position. The lead director serves as the principal liaison between the
independent directors and the Chairman. In that capacity, the lead director presides over executive sessions of the independent directors, chairs Board meetings in the Chairman's absence, and
collaborates with the Chairman on agendas, schedules and materials for Board meetings. The Board believes that this leadership structure provides the appropriate balance of management and
non-management oversight. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically evaluates our leadership structure to ensure that we maintain a structure that is beneficial to us and our
stockholders, and will recommend any appropriate changes to the Board.
The Board of Directors' Role in Risk Oversight
Risk is inherent with every business, and how well a business manages risk can ultimately determine its success. We face a number of risks,
including general economic risks, operational risks, financial risks, competitive risks and reputational risks. Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of the risks that we face, while
the Board of Directors, as a whole and through its committees, has responsibility for the oversight of risk management. In its risk oversight role, the Board has the responsibility to satisfy itself
that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed. In addition, the Board is responsible for matters relating to management and Board
succession planning.
While
the full Board of Directors is charged with ultimate oversight responsibility for risk management, committees of the Board also have responsibilities with respect to various
aspects of risk management oversight. In particular, the Audit Committee plays a significant role in monitoring and assessing our financial and operational risks. The Audit Committee is also
responsible for establishing and administering our code of conduct and reviewing transactions between the Company and any related parties. The Compensation Committee monitors and assesses risks
associated with our compensation policies and consults with management and the Board concerning the development of incentives that encourage a level of risk-taking consistent with our overall
strategy, as further discussed under the heading "Compensation Discussion and Analysis." The Nominating and Governance Committee has oversight responsibility for corporate governance risks, including
risks associated with
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director
independence. Our executive management meets regularly to discuss our strategy and the risks that we face. Senior officers regularly attend Board meetings where they are available to address
questions or concerns raised by the Board regarding risk management related matters.
Executive Sessions
Non-management directors generally meet in executive session without the presence of management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our
Vice President, Engineering, at each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board. Mr. Whipple, in his capacity as lead director, acts as the presiding director for these executive sessions.
Committees and Meeting Attendance
The Board of Directors has three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Governance Committee.
The Board of Directors held five meetings during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. During fiscal 2019, no director attended fewer than 81% of the total number of meetings of the Board and
all of the committees of the Board on which such director served that were held during that period.
Our
Nominating and Governance Committee, as part of its governance review, evaluates the composition of each of our Board committees to ensure that we maintain a structure that is
beneficial to us and our stockholders, and recommends any appropriate changes to our Board of Directors.
The
following table sets forth the current members of each of our Board's standing committees as of the date of this proxy statement:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Committee Member
|
|
Audit
|
|
Compensation
|
|
Nominating
and Governance
|
|
Jack A. Bradley
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Chair
|
|
E. Thomas Hart
|
|
|
|
Chair
|
|
X
|
|
Haydn Hsieh
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
|
|
Ruey L. Lu
|
|
|
|
X
|
|
X
|
|
Arthur O. Whipple
|
|
Chair
|
|
|
|
X
|
The members of the Audit Committee during fiscal 2019 were Messrs. Bradley, Hsieh and Whipple (Chair). The Audit Committee held nine
meetings during fiscal 2019. Each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent for purposes of the Nasdaq Listing Rules as they apply to audit committee members. Messrs. Whipple and
Bradley have been designated as "audit committee financial experts," as the term is defined in applicable SEC rules. The Audit Committee operates under a charter that is available on our website at
www.gsitechnology.com
. The functions of the Audit Committee include oversight, review and evaluation of our financial statements, accounting and
financial reporting processes, internal control functions and the audits of our financial statements. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of
our independent registered public accounting firm. Additional information regarding the Audit Committee is set forth in the Report of the Audit Committee immediately following Proposal No. 2.
The members of the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2019 were Messrs. Hart (Chair), Hsieh and Lu. The Compensation Committee held six
meetings during fiscal 2019. Each of the members of the Compensation Committee is independent for purposes of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Compensation Committee operates under a charter that is
available on our website at
9
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www.gsitechnology.com
. The purpose of the Compensation Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in carrying out its responsibilities with respect to: (i) overseeing
our compensation policies and practices; and (ii) reviewing and approving compensation and compensation procedures for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee's responsibilities
include: periodically reviewing and advising the Board of Directors concerning overall compensation philosophy, policies and plans, including reviewing both regional and industry compensation
practices and trends; identifying any peer group of companies to be used for comparison purposes; reviewing and approving all performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of all
executive officers and assessing the achievement of such goals and objectives; determining and approving all compensation for our executive officers (including salary and incentive-based compensation
and awards); making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the establishment and terms of incentive compensation plans, and administering such plans; and approving grants of options and
other equity awards to all executive officers and other eligible individuals under our equity compensation plans. Other responsibilities of the Compensation Committee include: reviewing and approving
compensation-related matters outside the ordinary course of business, including but not limited to employment contracts, change-in-control provisions, severance arrangements, and material amendments
thereto; preparing an annual report on executive compensation, including a Compensation Discussion and Analysis, for inclusion in the proxy statement for our annual meeting of stockholders; monitoring
and assessing risks associated with our compensation policies and consulting with management regarding such risks; and reporting to the Board of Directors on the Compensation Committee's activities on
a regular basis. Regarding most compensation matters, including executive compensation, our management provides recommendations to the Compensation Committee. Additional information regarding the
Compensation Committee and its activities is set forth under the heading "Executive Compensation" in this proxy statement.
The members of the Nominating and Governance Committee during fiscal 2019 were Messrs. Bradley (Chair), Hart, Lu and Whipple. The
Nominating and Governance Committee held five meetings during fiscal 2019. Each of the members of the Nominating and Governance Committee is independent for purposes of the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The
Nominating and Governance Committee operates under a charter that is available on our website at
www.gsitechnology.com
. The Nominating and Governance
Committee identifies prospective Board candidates, recommends nominees for election to our Board of Directors, develops and recommends Board member selection criteria, considers committee member
qualification, reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding Board and committee compensation, recommends corporate governance principles to the Board of Directors, and
provides oversight in the evaluation of the Board of Directors and each committee.
Director Nominations
The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for, among other things, the selection and recommendation to the Board of Directors of
nominees for election as directors. When considering the nomination of directors for election at an annual meeting, the Nominating and Governance Committee reviews the needs of the Board of Directors
for various skills, background and experience. When reviewing potential nominees, including incumbents, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers the perceived needs of the Board of Directors,
the candidate's relevant background, experience and skills and his or her expected contributions to the Board of Directors. The Nominating and Governance Committee also seeks appropriate input from
the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers in assessing the needs of the Board of Directors for relevant background, experience and skills of its members.
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The
Nominating and Governance Committee's goal is to assemble a Board of Directors that brings to GSI Technology a diversity of experience at policy-making levels in business and
technology, and in areas that are relevant to GSI Technology's global activities. Directors should possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values and be committed to
representing the long-term interests of our stockholders. They must have an inquisitive and objective outlook and mature
judgment. They must also have experience in positions with a high degree of responsibility and be leaders in the companies or institutions with which they are, or have been, affiliated. Director
candidates must have sufficient time available, in the judgment of the Nominating and Governance Committee, to perform all Board and committee responsibilities that will be expected of them. Members
of the Board of Directors are expected to rigorously prepare for, attend and participate in all meetings of the Board of Directors and applicable committees. While we do not have a specific policy
regarding diversity, when considering the nomination of directors, the Nominating and Governance Committee does consider the diversity of its directors and nominees in terms of knowledge, experience,
background, skills, expertise and other demographic factors. Other than the foregoing, there are no specific minimum criteria for director nominees, although the Nominating and Governance Committee
believes that it is preferable that a majority of the Board of Directors meet the definition of "independent director" set forth in Nasdaq and SEC rules. The Nominating and Governance Committee also
believes it appropriate for one or more key members of the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer, to serve on the Board of Directors.
The
Nominating and Governance Committee will consider candidates for director proposed by directors or management, and will evaluate any such candidates against the criteria and pursuant
to the policies and procedures set forth above. If the Nominating and Governance Committee believes that the Board of Directors requires additional candidates for nomination, the Nominating and
Governance Committee may engage, as appropriate, a third party search firm to assist in identifying qualified candidates. The nominating process may also include interviews and additional background
and reference checks for non-incumbent nominees, at the discretion of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
The
Nominating and Governance Committee will also consider candidates for director recommended by a stockholder, provided that any such recommendation is sent in writing to the Board of
Directors, c/o Corporate Secretary at the address noted below, at least 120 days prior to the anniversary of the date definitive proxy materials were mailed to stockholders in connection with
the prior year's annual meeting of stockholders and contains the following information:
-
•
-
the candidate's name, age, contact information and present principal occupation or employment; and
-
•
-
a description of the candidate's qualifications, skills, background and business experience during at least the last five years, including his
or her principal occupation and employment and the name and principal business of any company or other organization where the candidate has been employed or has served as a director.
The
Nominating and Governance Committee will evaluate any candidates recommended by stockholders against the same criteria and pursuant to the same policies and procedures applicable to the evaluation
of candidates proposed by directors or management.
In
addition, stockholders may make direct nominations of directors for election at an annual meeting, provided the advance notice requirements set forth in our bylaws have been met.
Under our bylaws, written notice of such nomination, including certain information and representations specified in the bylaws, must be delivered to our principal executive offices, addressed to the
Corporate Secretary, at least 120 days prior to the anniversary of the date definitive proxy materials were mailed to stockholders in connection with the prior year's annual meeting of
stockholders, except that if no annual meeting was held in the previous year or the date of the annual meeting has been advanced by
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more
than 30 days from the date contemplated at the time of the previous year's proxy statement, such notice must be received not later than the close of business on the 10th day
following the day on which the public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
Communications with Directors
Stockholders may send any communications to the Board of Directors or any individual director at the following address. All communications
received are reported to the Board or the individual directors:
Board
of Directors (or name of individual director(s))
c/o Secretary
GSI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
1213 Elko Drive
Sunnyvale, California, 94089
Our
Secretary will forward all such communications to the Board of Directors, or the individual director or directors, except for spam, junk mail, mass mailings, product complaints or
inquiries, job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations, advertisements, or patently offensive or otherwise inappropriate material. Our Secretary may forward certain correspondence, such as
product-related inquiries, elsewhere within GSI Technology for review and possible response.
Evaluation of the Board of Directors and Committees
Approximately once a year, the members of the Board of Directors and each Board committee hold a special meeting to conduct a confidential oral
assessment of their performance and effectiveness. This process is coordinated by the lead director and the chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee. As part of the evaluation process, the
Board and each Committee reviews its overall composition, including director tenure, board leadership structure, diversity and individual skill sets, to ensure it serves the best interests of
stockholders and positions the Company for future success. After the evaluations, the Board and management work to improve upon any issues or focus points disclosed during the evaluation process.
Director Attendance at Annual Meetings
We attempt to schedule our annual meeting of stockholders at a time and date to accommodate attendance by directors, taking into account the
directors' schedules. Directors are encouraged to attend our annual meeting of stockholders, but the Board has not adopted a formal policy with respect to such attendance. Five of the seven directors
then serving on the Board attended last year's annual meeting of stockholders.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; Corporate Governance Guidelines
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors. The Board of Directors, upon
the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, has also adopted a series of Corporate Governance
Guidelines. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Corporate Governance Guidelines are available on our website at
www.gsitechnology.com
. If we
make any substantive amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or grant any waiver from a provision of the Code to any executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature
of the amendment or waiver on our website, as well as via any other means then required by Nasdaq Listing Rules or applicable law.
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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the Compensation Committee are or have been an officer or employee of GSI Technology. During fiscal 2019, no member of
the Compensation Committee had any relationship with GSI Technology requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. During fiscal 2019, none of GSI Technology's executive officers
served on the compensation committee (or its equivalent) or board of directors of another entity any of whose executive officers served on GSI Technology's Compensation Committee or Board of
Directors.
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PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of GSI Technology has selected BDO USA, LLP as its independent registered public accounting
firm to audit the consolidated financial statements of GSI Technology for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. BDO USA, LLP has acted in such capacity since its appointment in
September 2017. A representative of BDO USA, LLP is expected to be present at the 2019 Annual Meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if the representative desires to do so, and is
expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions. At the 2019 Annual Meeting, the shareholders are being asked to ratify the selection of BDO USA, LLP as the Company's independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.
Prior
to hiring BDO USA, LLP, the Company's independent registered public accounting firm was PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. On September 12, 2017, the Company, with
the approval of the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors, dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as its principal accountant and appointed BDO USA, LLP as the Company's new
independent registered public accounting firm for its fiscal year ending March 31, 2018. The decision to change the Company's independent registered public accounting firm was the result of a
comprehensive, competitive process conducted by the Audit Committee to select an independent registered public accounting firm. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's dismissal as the Company's
independent registered public accounting firm was effective as of September 12, 2017. The reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on the Company's consolidated financial statements for the
fiscal years ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016 did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or
accounting principles.
In
connection with the audit of the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, and in the subsequent interim period through
September 12, 2017, there were no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedures, which, if not resolved to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's satisfaction, would have caused PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to make reference to the matter in its report.
During
the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017, and the subsequent interim period from April 1, 2017 through the date of BDO USA, LLP's engagement, the Company has not,
nor has anyone acting on its behalf, consulted with BDO USA, LLP regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit
opinion that might be rendered with respect to the Company's financial statements.
The
following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed to GSI Technology for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 by BDO USA, LLP:
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Fiscal 2019
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Fiscal 2018
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Audit fees(1)
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$
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558,693
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|
$
|
574,087
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|
Tax fees(2)
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24,260
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|
|
5,000
|
|
|
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|
|
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Total fees
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$
|
582,953
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$
|
579,087
|
|
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-
(1)
-
Audit
fees consist of fees for professional services rendered for the integrated audit of GSI Technology's annual consolidated financial statements and internal
control framework, the review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings.
-
(2)
-
Tax
fees consist of fees for consultation on various tax matters and compliance with federal and state income tax filing requirements.
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The
Audit Committee has determined that all services performed by BDO USA are compatible with maintaining the independence of BDO USA, LLP. The Audit Committee's policy is to
pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services
and other services. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services. The independent registered public
accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm in accordance
with this pre-approval.
Vote Required and Board of Directors Recommendation
Approval of this proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and voting on the matter.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not have any effect on the outcome of the vote.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public
accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020.
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Table of Contents
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee oversees GSI Technology's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary
responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the design and maintenance of our internal control systems. Our independent registered public accounting firm, BDO
USA, LLP, is responsible for expressing an opinion as to the conformity of our audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and the effectiveness of our internal
control over financial reporting. BDO USA, LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since its appointment in September 2017.
The
Audit Committee currently consists of three directors, two of which have been designated as "audit committee financial experts." Each member of the Committee, in the judgment of the
Board of Directors, is an "independent director" as defined in the Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter that has been adopted by the Board of Directors. The
charter provides, among other things, that the Audit Committee is to review the qualifications, independence and performance, and approve the terms of engagement, including the fees payable, for our
independent auditor, review the performance of our internal audit function and oversee the preparation of any reports required of the Audit Committee under rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission. A copy of this charter is available on our website at
www.gsitechnology.com
.
The
Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management GSI Technology's audited financial statements and the results of management's assessment of the effectiveness of GSI
Technology's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2019. The Audit Committee has discussed and reviewed with our independent registered public accounting firm all matters
required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA,
Professional Standards
, Vol. 1. AU section 380), as
adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee has met with BDO USA, LLP, with and without management present, to discuss the overall scope
of BDO's audit, the results of its examinations, and the overall quality of GSI Technology's financial reporting and internal control over financial reporting.
The
Audit Committee has received from our independent registered public accounting firm a formal written statement describing all relationships between the independent registered public
accounting firm and GSI Technology that might bear on the independent registered public accounting firm's independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence
Discussions with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3600T, discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm any relationships
that may impact their objectivity and independence, and satisfied itself as to the independent registered public accounting firm's independence.
Based
on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that GSI Technology's audited financial statements be included in GSI
Technology's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.
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THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
|
|
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Arthur O. Whipple (Chair)
Jack A. Bradley
Haydn Hsieh
|
The foregoing Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing of GSI Technology under the Securities Act of 1933 or the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that GSI Technology specifically incorporates such information by reference.
16
Table of Contents
PROPOSAL NO. 3
ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (SAY-ON-PAY)
Background
In accordance with the requirements of Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the related rules of the SEC, we provide
our stockholders the opportunity to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote on executive compensation, commonly referred to as a "Say-on-Pay" vote. At our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, our
stockholders voted in favor of holding future "Say-on-Pay" votes on an annual basis. The Board subsequently determined that such advisory votes shall be held annually at the annual meeting of
stockholders. The vote is advisory, which means that it is not binding on the Board of Directors, the Compensation Committee or GSI Technology in any way. However, the Compensation Committee will
review the outcome of the vote and take it into consideration when considering future executive compensation policies and decisions.
At
our 2016, 2017 and 2018 annual meetings, 91%, 99% and 99%, respectively, of the votes cast were voted in favor of the Company's executive compensation program for the previous fiscal
year. Partially as a result of this positive stockholder feedback, our Compensation Committee has adopted compensation packages having similar basic structures in subsequent years.
As
described in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis included elsewhere in this proxy statement, we seek to closely align the interests of our executive officers with the interests
of our stockholders, and attract and retain superior executive talent. Our compensation programs are designed to reward our executive officers for the achievement of our short-term and long-term
strategic and operational goals and the achievement of increased total stockholder return, while avoiding the encouragement of unnecessary or excessive risk-taking. Please read the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis section for a more detailed discussion of our compensation philosophy and our executive compensation program.
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 Chief
Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer and our three other most highly-compensated executive officers, who are collectively referred to as our "named executive officers," which is disclosed
and discussed elsewhere in this proxy statement. Furthermore, because this non-binding, advisory resolution primarily relates to the compensation of our named executive officers that has already been
paid or contractually committed, there is generally no opportunity for us to revisit these decisions.
Stockholders
will be asked at the annual meeting to approve the following resolution pursuant to this Proposal No. 3:
"RESOLVED,
that the stockholders of GSI Technology, Inc. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2019, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in the Company's definitive proxy statement for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders."
Vote Required and Board of Directors Recommendation
Approval of this resolution requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy and voting on the matter.
Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining a quorum but will not have any effect on the outcome of the vote.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote "FOR" approval of the foregoing resolution.
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis explains our philosophy and objectives with respect to the compensation of our executive officers and
our compensation-setting process and provides more detailed information regarding the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our other three most
highly-compensated executive officers, determined as of March 31, 2019. We refer to these individuals as our "named executive officers." This discussion focuses on the information contained in
the tables and related footnotes and narrative included below, primarily for our 2019 fiscal year.
Our fundamental compensation philosophy is to align the compensation of our senior management with our annual and long-term business objectives,
performance against those objectives and creation of stockholder value, as well as to offer compensation that will enable us to attract, retain, and appropriately reward executive officers whose
contributions are necessary for our long-term success. We seek to reward our executive officers' contributions to achieving revenue growth, increasing operating profits and controlling costs. We
operate in a very competitive environment for executive talent, and it is our belief that our compensation packages should be competitive when compared to our peers and should also be aligned with our
stockholders' interests.
The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors oversees the design and administration of our executive compensation program. The principal elements of the program are base salary,
variable incentive cash compensation programs, long-term equity-based incentive compensation and broad-based benefits programs. The policy of the Compensation Committee is that the total compensation
of the executive officers should generally be comparable to the median compensation paid by the Company's peer companies to officers performing comparable functions. However, it has not been the
Compensation Committee's policy to adopt a rigid formula or benchmark system related to peer company compensation practices.
Generally, the Compensation Committee reviews the compensation of our executive officers in the early part of each fiscal year and takes action
at that time to set base salaries
and variable compensation for the current year. In setting our executive officers' total compensation, the Compensation Committee considers individual and company performance, as well as compensation
surveys and other market information regarding compensation paid by comparable companies, including our industry peers. The Compensation Committee considers the grant of equity awards to all of our
executive and non-executive officers at the same time, once a year, usually in July or August.
In
its annual review of compensation for GSI Technology's executive officers, the Compensation Committee has considered compensation data and analyses assembled and prepared by the
Committee and our Human Resources staff. The Chief Executive Officer provides the Compensation Committee with a review of each of the other executive officer's individual performance and contributions
over the past year and makes recommendations regarding their compensation, which the Compensation Committee considers. In making compensation decisions, our Chief Executive Officer and our
Compensation Committee have considered the Company's financial performance as well as the experience level and contributions of the individual executive officer, the role and responsibilities of the
executive officer and market factors.
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Table of Contents
The
Compensation Committee has the authority to engage its own consultants and advisors to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities. In February 2013, the Compensation Committee
determined that it would periodically retain compensation consultants in connection with its annual review of executive officer compensation and, in accordance with such policy, engaged the services
of Compensia, Inc. ("Compensia"), an independent national compensation consulting firm, to assist it in connection with its annual review and determination of executive officer compensation for
fiscal 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020. The Compensation Committee assessed the independence of Compensia pursuant to applicable SEC rules and concluded that no conflicts of interest existed that would
affect Compensia's independence in providing services and advice to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee did not retain the services of compensation consultants in connection with
its annual review and determination of executive officer compensation for fiscal 2015, 2017 or 2019.
At
our annual meetings of stockholders, we provide our stockholders the opportunity to vote to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers for the
previous fiscal year, as disclosed in the proxy statement for the meeting (commonly referred to as a "Say-on-Pay" vote). These stockholder advisory votes are held after the Compensation Committee has
determined the compensation to be paid to our executive officers for the fiscal year in question. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee cannot take such results into account in determining executive
compensation for that year. However, in its annual review of executive compensation, the Compensation Committee considers, among other things, the results of the stockholder Say-on-Pay vote for
previous years.
In order to align executive compensation with our compensation philosophy, our executive compensation package contains three principal
components: (i) base salary, (ii) variable cash compensation and (iii) long-term stock-based incentive awards. Each component of our executive compensation program is designed to
reward a different aspect of performance. The base salaries of our executive officers are initially set based on negotiation with the individual officers at the time of their recruitment. Once set,
these base salaries are subject to annual review. Our variable cash compensation plans are intended to motivate and reward performance over the current fiscal year. Our equity award program is
designed to provide long-term retention incentives through the use of options subject to time-based vesting. We also provide our executive officers a variety of benefits that are available generally
to all salaried employees. The basic elements of our executive compensation package are generally the same among our named executive officers.
The base salaries of our executive officers are initially negotiated with the individual executive officer at the time of his or her recruitment
or promotion and with reference to their experience, expected contribution, geographical location and market factors. Historically, the base salaries of our executive officers generally have been
adjusted concurrently with our annual company-wide compensation review.
During
the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Compensation Committee conducted its annual review of executive compensation. In connection with its fiscal 2019 review, the Compensation
Committee, with the assistance of our Chief Financial Officer, compiled data on the same group of peer companies identified with the assistance of Compensia in connection with the fiscal 2018 review,
with the exception of two companies that were no longer public reporting companies (the "Fiscal 2019 Peer
19
Table of Contents
Companies").
The Fiscal 2019 Peer Companies include industry peers and similarly-sized companies in our broader industry group. The Fiscal 2019 Peer Companies were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adesto Technologies Corp.
|
|
Emcore Corporation
|
|
Kopin Corporation
|
|
Amtech Systems, Inc.
|
|
Immersion Corporation
|
|
Pixelworks, Inc.
|
|
AXT, Inc.
|
|
Intermolecular, Inc.
|
|
Quantenna Communications
|
|
CEVA, Inc.
|
|
inTEST Corporation
|
|
QuickLogic Corporation
|
|
DSP Group, Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
In
its annual review of executive compensation for fiscal 2019, the Compensation Committee took into account its general compensation philosophy and objectives, as described above, and
various other considerations, including:
-
•
-
available compensation data for the Fiscal 2019 Peer Companies and other analyses prepared by our Chief Financial Officer, which included
updating data from Compensia's fiscal 2018 report;
-
•
-
the Company's financial performance during fiscal 2018, including declines in net revenues from the prior year and continuing net losses due
primarily to a particularly challenging market for its products;
-
•
-
the current outlook for the Company's fiscal 2019 financial performance;
-
•
-
management's recommendation that, in light of the Company's fiscal 2018 financial performance, increases in officers' base salaries should be
limited to the percentage increases recently granted to the Company's non-officer employees, which averaged approximately three percent over fiscal 2018 levels; and
-
•
-
specific contributions of individual officers.
The
Committee also noted that, by positive votes at the last three annual meetings of stockholders, our stockholders had approved the compensation of our named executive officers.
Partially in recognition of this positive stockholder feedback, the Committee adopted a compensation package for fiscal 2019 having the same basic structure as the compensation packages that had been
adopted for previous years.
On
the basis of its review, on May 1, 2018, the Compensation Committee concluded that executive officer base salaries should be increased at the same rate as the salaries of the
Company's non-officer employees and approved increases in the base salaries of our executive officers, effective April 1, 2018, by 3% over fiscal 2018 base salaries. The fiscal 2019 base
salaries of the named executive officers were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Title
|
|
Fiscal 2019
Base Salary
|
|
Percentage Increase over
Fiscal 2018 Base Salary
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
$
|
419,333
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
$
|
297,663
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
Vice President, Sales
|
|
$
|
313,313
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
Vice President, Engineering
|
|
$
|
283,040
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
Vice President, U.S. Operations
|
|
$
|
267,041
|
|
|
3
|
%
|
Under our compensation policy, a significant component of each executive officer's potential annual compensation takes the form of a
performance-based cash bonus. On May 29, 2018, the Compensation Committee adopted the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan, which was similar in structure to previous variable compensation plans for
the Company's executive officers. The 2019 Variable Compensation Plan was designed to encourage performance and retention of eligible
20
Table of Contents
employees
by providing cash bonus awards based on our financial performance, achievement of specified Rad Hard net revenue and our success in completing specified milestones in the development of our
new in-place associative computing products during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019. Each of our executive officers was eligible to participate in the 2019 Plan. Certain non-executive
officers were also eligible to participate.
Under
the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan, each participant had a designated target bonus, which was set at the same level as their target bonus under the 2018 Variable Compensation
Plan. The target bonus for Lee-Lean Shu, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, was $250,000, and the target bonus for each of our other executive officers was $125,000. If the target
financial goals were exceeded, actual bonus awards payable to participants in the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan could have been up to two times their target bonuses. There was no threshold or
minimum amount payable under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan. The Compensation Committee considered the critical role of Mr. Shu, our President and Chief Executive Officer, in our long-term
success when determining his target bonus amount. The use of the same target bonus amount for each of our other named executive officers reflected the Compensation Committee's desire to encourage a
team approach by treating our executive officers equally with respect to bonus opportunities. The actual bonus awards were computed on the basis of our fiscal 2019 operating results, the achievement
of specified Rad Hard net revenue and the completion of specified milestones in the development of our new in-place associative computing products, with 15% of each award based on the achievement of
targeted net revenues, 25% based on the achievement of targeted operating income, as adjusted to exclude certain specified categories of expenses, 20% based on achievement of meeting specified Rad
Hard net revenues and 40% based on the completion of the development milestones. The percentage allocation between these four targets reflected a balance between the Compensation Committee's desire to
make the target bonus achievable given the comparatively greater ability of our executive officers to increase revenues, while still focusing the attention of our executive officers on our
profitability, which it believes to be the more important factor in improving stockholder value, and the importance of completing our new in-place associative computing products on time or ahead of
schedule.
For
fiscal 2019, our net revenues were 112.2% of the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan target, our adjusted operating income exceeded the maximum required to earn 200% of the operating
income portion of the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan bonus award, our Rad Hard shipments were below the minimum required to earn the Rad Hard portion of the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan bonus
award and the development milestones achieved were 200% of the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan target. Net revenues exceeded the plan targets due to strong sales of our SigmaQuad products primarily in
the networking and telecommunications market, including strong sales to our largest customer. Adjusted operating income reflected changes in the mix of products sold and the customers that purchased
our products, as we sold more higher density, higher average selling price products in fiscal 2019 compared to the prior fiscal year.
Based
on these operating results, the lack of achievement of the Rad Hard net revenue target, and the achievement of development milestones, bonuses earned under the 2019 Variable
Compensation Plan were 160.9% of the net revenue target bonus, 200% of the adjusted operating income target bonus, 0% of the Rad Hard target bonus and 200% of the development milestones target.
Original target bonus amounts for each of the named executive officers under the 2019 Variable Compensation
21
Table of Contents
Plan
and the bonuses actually earned under the plan for their services during fiscal 2019 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fiscal 2019
Target Bonus
|
|
Fiscal 2019
Bonus Earned
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
$
|
385,334
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
$
|
125,000
|
|
$
|
192,667
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
$
|
125,000
|
|
$
|
192,667
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
$
|
125,000
|
|
$
|
192,667
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
$
|
125,000
|
|
$
|
192,667
|
|
Bonus
awards paid under the 2019 Plan are subject to vesting based on the participant's continued employment with the Company, with 60% becoming vested and payable on the last business
day in April 2019 and 20% becoming vested and payable on the last business day in April of each of the succeeding two years.
The total cash compensation of each of our named executive officers for fiscal 2019 was:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Principal Position
|
|
Fiscal 2019
Base Salary
|
|
Fiscal 2019
Total Cash
Compensation
Earned
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
$
|
419,333
|
|
|
|
$
|
804,667
|
(1)
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
$
|
297,663
|
|
|
|
$
|
490,330
|
(2)
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
Vice President, Sales
|
|
|
$
|
313,313
|
|
|
|
$
|
511,380
|
(3)
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
Vice President, Engineering
|
|
|
$
|
283,040
|
|
|
|
$
|
475,707
|
(2)
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
Vice President, U.S. Operations
|
|
|
$
|
267,041
|
|
|
|
$
|
459,708
|
(2)
|
|
-
(1)
-
Includes
incentive compensation of $385,334 earned under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan.
-
(2)
-
Includes
incentive compensation of $192,667 earned under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan.
-
(3)
-
Includes
incentive compensation of $192,667 earned under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan and an annual car allowance of $5,400.
We utilize stock option awards as a primary component of compensation for our executive officers, with the objective of strengthening the
mutuality of interests between the executive officers and our stockholders. These grants are designed to provide each executive with a significant incentive to manage from the perspective of an owner
with an equity stake in our company. All stock options granted to our employees, including named executive officers, and to our directors have exercise prices equal to the fair market value of our
common stock on the grant date. Our policies and procedures for the grant of stock-based awards provide that all options and other stock-based awards are generally to be granted by the Compensation
Committee and, except in special circumstances, all grants are to be made at regular quarterly meetings of the Compensation Committee. Accordingly, option grants to new employees hired since the
previous quarterly meeting and annual grants to continuing employees with anniversary dates subsequent to the previous meeting are made each quarter. The effective date of each quarterly grant is the
later of the second trading day following the public announcement of our financial results for the preceding quarter or the date of the meeting at which the grant is approved.
The
Compensation Committee considers the grant of equity awards to all of our executive and non-executive officers at the same time, once a year, usually in July or August. During fiscal
2019, the
22
Table of Contents
Compensation
Committee approved grants to our named executive officers of options to purchase the following number of shares of our common stock:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
Unlike
options granted to our non-officer employees, which vest in four annual installments, options granted to our executive and non-executive officers vest in their entirety four years
after the anniversary date of the officer's commencement of employment that is closest to the date of grant, subject to the officer's continued service. Each of these option grants provides a return
to the officer only if he remains employed by us during the respective vesting period, and then only if the market price of the shares appreciates over the option term. The Compensation Committee
believes the four-year vesting schedule deters risk taking and further focuses management on building long-term stockholder value. The value of the shares subject to the fiscal 2019 option grants to
executive officers are reflected in the "Summary Compensation Table" below, and further information about these grants is contained in the "Fiscal 2019 Grants of Plan-Based Awards" table below.
On September 30, 2014, the Compensation Committee adopted the Executive Retention and Severance Plan (the "Retention Plan") and on
August 29, 2017 extended the term of the Plan by an additional three years such that the Retention Plan will expire on September 30, 2020. The purpose of the Retention Plan is to
mitigate some of the risk that exists for executives working in an environment where GSI Technology could be acquired or the subject of another transaction that would result in a change in its
control. The severance benefits provided by the Retention Plan are intended to encourage the continued dedication of our executive officers and key employees during a period of unrest, notwithstanding
a possible change in control. The change in control arrangements are also intended to mitigate potential disincentives to the consideration of a transaction that would result in a change in control,
particularly where the services of the participants may not be required by a potential acquirer.
The
Retention Plan and amounts potentially payable thereunder are described in more detail below under "Potential Payments Upon Change of Control."
The Compensation Committee has adopted a policy that the aggregate compensation of our executive officers (composed of base compensation,
variable cash compensation and equity awards) should approximate the median aggregate compensation paid by our peer companies to officers performing comparable functions. Except for this policy, the
various components of our executive officers' compensation generally are not inter-related. Adjustments to our executive officers' base compensation are primarily based on our financial performance,
our annual company-wide compensation survey and review of peer company compensation levels. As we have relied on long-term equity incentives for a portion of our total compensation package, option
grants for our executive officers are generally considered each year. If the value of options that are granted in one year is reduced due to a reduction in the value of the underlying common stock,
the size of the option grants for the next year are not affected. Similarly, if the value of previously granted options increases significantly, the amount of compensation to be awarded for the next
year is not affected. While the Compensation Committee has discretion to make exceptions to existing compensation arrangements, it has not approved any exceptions to such arrangements with regard to
any named executive officers.
23
Table of Contents
Our executive officers are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as our medical, dental, vision, group life,
disability, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance and our simplified employee pension plan, in each case on the same basis as our other employees. Aside from a $5,400 car allowance provided
to Mr. Lasserre, there were no special benefits or perquisites provided to any named executive officer in fiscal 2019.
We account for equity compensation paid to our employees under authorization guidance for stock based compensation which requires us to measure
and record an expense over the service period of the award. Accounting rules also require us to record cash compensation as an expense at the time the obligation is incurred.
We intend to consider the impact of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code in determining the mix of elements of future executive
compensation. This section limits the deductibility of non-performance based compensation paid to each of our named executive officers (other than our Chief Financial Officer) to $1 million
annually. The stock options granted to our executive officers have been intended to qualify as performance-based compensation exempt from the limitation on deductibility. As a result of changes in
December 2017 to federal tax laws, we expect that stock options granted or other compensation provided under arrangements entered into or materially modified after November 2, 2017 generally
will not be deductible to the extent they result in compensation to certain executive officers that exceeds $1 million in any one year for any such officer. Due to uncertainties as to the
application and interpretation of Section 162(m), including the scope of
the transition relief under the legislation repealing the exemption the Section 162(m) deduction limit, no assurance can be given that compensation intended to satisfy the requirements for
exemption in fact will do so. Salaries and bonuses do not qualify as performance-based compensation for purposes of Section 162(m).
Our insider trading policy applies to shares of our common stock held by our directors, officers and other employees, including shares issued
pursuant to equity-based awards. The policy prohibits our directors, executive officers and other employees from, among other things:
-
•
-
engaging in short sales of our stock;
-
•
-
engaging in transactions in derivative securities involving our stock;
-
•
-
hedging their ownership position in our stock; and
-
•
-
holding our stock in a margin account or pledging our stock as collateral for a loan.
Compensation Committee Report
We, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of GSI Technology, Inc., have reviewed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis
contained in this proxy statement and discussed it with management. Based on such review and discussions, we have recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be
included in this proxy statement and in GSI Technology, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
|
|
|
|
E. Thomas Hart (Chair)
Haydn Hsieh
Ruey L. Lu
|
24
Table of Contents
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation earned during the fiscal years ended March 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
by our Chief Executive Officer, our Chief Financial Officer, and our three other most highly-compensated executive officers, determined as of March 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($)
|
|
Option
Awards
($)(1)
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
419,333
|
|
|
241,830
|
|
|
385,334
|
(2)
|
|
—
|
|
|
1,046,497
|
|
|
President and Chief
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
407,119
|
|
|
252,780
|
|
|
37,938
|
(3)
|
|
—
|
|
|
697,837
|
|
|
Executive Officer
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
395,261
|
|
|
157,340
|
|
|
361,521
|
(4)
|
|
—
|
|
|
914,122
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
297,663
|
|
|
96,732
|
|
|
192,667
|
(5)
|
|
—
|
|
|
587,062
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
288,993
|
|
|
101,112
|
|
|
18,969
|
(6)
|
|
—
|
|
|
409,074
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
280,576
|
|
|
62,936
|
|
|
180,761
|
(7)
|
|
—
|
|
|
524,273
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
313,313
|
|
|
96,732
|
|
|
192,667
|
(5)
|
|
5,400
|
(8)
|
|
608,112
|
|
|
Vice President, Sales
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
304,187
|
|
|
75,834
|
|
|
18,969
|
(6)
|
|
5,400
|
(8)
|
|
404,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
295,327
|
|
|
47,202
|
|
|
180,761
|
(7)
|
|
5,400
|
(8)
|
|
528,690
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
283,040
|
|
|
96,732
|
|
|
192,667
|
(5)
|
|
—
|
|
|
572,439
|
|
|
Vice President, Engineering
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
274,796
|
|
|
101,112
|
|
|
18,969
|
(6)
|
|
—
|
|
|
394,877
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
266,792
|
|
|
62,936
|
|
|
180,761
|
(7)
|
|
—
|
|
|
510,489
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
267,041
|
|
|
72,549
|
|
|
192,667
|
(5)
|
|
—
|
|
|
532,257
|
|
|
Vice President, US Operations
|
|
|
2018
|
|
|
259,263
|
|
|
75,834
|
|
|
18,969
|
(6)
|
|
—
|
|
|
354,066
|
|
|
|
|
|
2017
|
|
|
251,711
|
|
|
47,202
|
|
|
180,761
|
(7)
|
|
—
|
|
|
479,674
|
|
-
(1)
-
As
required by SEC rules, amounts shown in the column entitled "Option Awards" present the aggregate grant date fair value of option grants made each year computed
in accordance with authoritative guidance. These amounts do not reflect whether the recipient has actually realized or will realize a financial benefit from the option award. The assumptions used with
respect to the valuation of option grants are set forth in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2019. Under generally accepted accounting principles, compensation expense with respect to option awards granted to our employees and directors is generally recognized over the
vesting periods applicable to the awards.
-
(2)
-
Earned
under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan, of which $231,200 was paid in May 2019 and $77,067 will be vested and payable on the last day of April 2020 and
April 2021.
-
(3)
-
Earned
under the 2018 Variable Compensation Plan, of which $22,762 was paid in May 2018, $7,588 was paid in May 2019 and $7,588 will be vested and payable on the
last day of April 2020.
-
(4)
-
Earned
under the 2017 Variable Compensation Plan, of which $216,913 was paid in May 2017, $72,304 was paid in May 2018 and $72,304 was paid in May 2019.
-
(5)
-
Earned
under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan, of which $115,601 was paid in May 2019 and $38,533 will be vested and payable on the last day of April 2020 and
April 2021.
-
(6)
-
Earned
under the 2018 Variable Compensation Plan, of which $11,381 was paid in May 2018, $3,794 was paid in May 2019 and $3,794 will be vested and payable on the
last day of April 2020.
25
Table of Contents
-
(7)
-
Earned
under the 2017 Variable Compensation Plan, of which $108,457 was paid in May 2017, $36,152 was paid in May 2018 and $36,152 was paid in May 2019.
-
(8)
-
Represents
Mr. Lasserre's car allowance of $5,400.
Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to plan-based awards granted during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019
to our named executive officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(1)
|
|
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Grant Date
Fair Value
of Option
Awards
($)(2)
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Grant
Date
|
|
Threshold
($)
|
|
Target
($)
|
|
Maximum
($)
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
|
7/30/18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
100,000
|
(3)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
241,830
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
|
7/30/18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
40,000
|
(4)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
96,732
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
|
7/30/18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
40,000
|
(5)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
96,732
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
7/30/18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
40,000
|
(6)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
96,732
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
|
7/30/18
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
30,000
|
(7)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
72,549
|
|
-
(1)
-
Represents
the range of potential cash bonuses payable under the 2019 Variable Compensation Plan, as more fully described above under "Compensation Discussion and
Analysis—2019 Variable Compensation Plan." There was no threshold or minimum amount payable under the Plan.
-
(2)
-
Reflects
the grant date fair value of each equity award in accordance with authoritative guidance. The assumptions used in the calculation of this amount are
included in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2019.
-
(3)
-
Option
granted pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. This option vests 100% on April 13, 2022.
-
(4)
-
Option
granted pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. This option vests 100% on June 3, 2022.
-
(5)
-
Option
granted pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. This option vests 100% on May 3, 2022.
-
(6)
-
Option
granted pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. This option vests 100% on April 13, 2022.
-
(7)
-
Option
granted pursuant to the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. This option vests 100% on June 5, 2022.
26
Table of Contents
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the value of all unexercised options previously awarded to our named
executive officers as of March 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Exercisable
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Unexercisable
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.43
|
|
|
6/4/19
|
(17)
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.00
|
|
|
5/10/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.54
|
|
|
5/9/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.17
|
|
|
5/7/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.76
|
|
|
5/6/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.86
|
|
|
7/29/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.23
|
|
|
8/11/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
100,000
|
(1)
|
|
4.98
|
|
|
8/3/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
100,000
|
(2)
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
8/1/26
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
100,000
|
(3)
|
|
7.26
|
|
|
7/31/27
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
100,000
|
(4)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
7/30/28
|
|
|
Douglas Schirle
|
|
|
2,625
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.00
|
|
|
8/3/19
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
7.00
|
|
|
8/2/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.28
|
|
|
8/1/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.81
|
|
|
7/30/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.86
|
|
|
7/29/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.23
|
|
|
8/11/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(5)
|
|
4.98
|
|
|
8/3/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(6)
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
8/1/26
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(7)
|
|
7.26
|
|
|
7/31/27
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(8)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
7/30/28
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
|
20,625
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.43
|
|
|
2/8/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
9.20
|
|
|
1/31/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.92
|
|
|
1/30/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.45
|
|
|
2/4/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.86
|
|
|
7/29/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.23
|
|
|
8/11/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
(9)
|
|
4.98
|
|
|
8/3/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
(10)
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
8/1/26
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
(11)
|
|
7.26
|
|
|
7/31/27
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(12)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
7/30/28
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
10,625
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.38
|
|
|
5/11/19
|
(18)
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.00
|
|
|
5/10/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.54
|
|
|
5/9/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.17
|
|
|
5/7/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.76
|
|
|
5/6/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.86
|
|
|
7/29/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.23
|
|
|
8/11/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(1)
|
|
4.98
|
|
|
8/3/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(2)
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
8/1/26
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(3)
|
|
7.26
|
|
|
7/31/27
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
40,000
|
(4)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
7/30/28
|
|
27
Table of Contents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Exercisable
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Unexercisable
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
|
20,625
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
3.43
|
|
|
11/2/19
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.82
|
|
|
11/1/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
4.90
|
|
|
10/31/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.59
|
|
|
10/31/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
6.86
|
|
|
7/29/23
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
5.23
|
|
|
8/11/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
(13)
|
|
4.98
|
|
|
8/3/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
(14)
|
|
4.99
|
|
|
8/1/26
|
|
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,000
|
(15)
|
|
7.26
|
|
|
7/31/27
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(16)
|
|
6.70
|
|
|
7/30/28
|
|
-
(1)
-
Option
vested 100% on April 13, 2019.
-
(2)
-
Option
vests 100% on April 13, 2020.
-
(3)
-
Option
vests 100% on April 13, 2021.
-
(4)
-
Option
vests 100% on April 13, 2022.
-
(5)
-
Option
vested 100% on June 3, 2019.
-
(6)
-
Option
vests 100% on June 3, 2020.
-
(7)
-
Option
vests 100% on June 3, 2021.
-
(8)
-
Option
vests 100% on June 3, 2022.
-
(9)
-
Option
vested 100% on May 3, 2019.
-
(10)
-
Option
vests 100% on May 3, 2020.
-
(11)
-
Option
vests 100% on May 3, 2021.
-
(12)
-
Option
vests 100% on May 3, 2022.
-
(13)
-
Option
vested 100% on June 5, 2019.
-
(14)
-
Option
vests 100% on June 5, 2020.
-
(15)
-
Option
vests 100% on June 5, 2021.
-
(16)
-
Option
vests 100% on June 5, 2022.
-
(17)
-
Option
was exercised by Mr. Shu on May 14, 2019.
-
(18)
-
Option
was exercised by Mr. Yau on May 3, 2019.
28
Table of Contents
Option Exercises and Stock Vested During Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth information regarding options exercised by our named executive officers during the fiscal year ended
March 31, 2019.
Fiscal 2019 Option Exercises
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise (#)
|
|
Value Realized on
Exercise ($)(1)
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
330,000
|
|
|
Douglas Schirle
|
|
|
28,625
|
|
|
102,245
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
|
20,625
|
|
|
108,061
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
48,160
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
|
20,625
|
|
|
73,838
|
|
-
(1)
-
The
value realized on exercise represents the difference between the exercise price and the sale price of the shares on the date of exercise, if the shares were
sold, or the difference between the exercise price and the closing price on the day of exercise for shares exercised and held.
We
have not made any direct grants of stock awards to any of our employees. Accordingly, there was no vesting of restricted stock held by any named executive officers during the fiscal
year ended March 31, 2019.
Potential Payments Upon Change of Control
Our executive officers, including our named executive officers, are eligible to participate in our Executive Retention and Severance Plan (the
"Retention Plan"). Participants in the Retention Plan are entitled to receive severance benefits upon an "involuntary termination" of their employment other than for "cause" or a voluntary termination
for "good reason" during a period beginning two months prior to and ending two years following a "change in control," as such terms are defined in the Retention Plan.
Benefits
payable under the Retention Plan consist of the following (in addition to all other compensation and benefits accrued at the time of the participant's
termination):
-
•
-
A lump sum cash payment equal to: (i) the greater of 18 months of base salary or one month's salary for each full or partial year
of service for the Chief Executive Officer; (ii) the greater of 12 months of base salary or one month's salary for each full or partial year of service for other executive officers; and
(iii) 12 months of base salary or such lesser amount as the Compensation Committee may specify for other participants;
-
•
-
a lump sum cash payment of all bonuses earned by the participant in prior fiscal years but not vested and payable at the time of termination;
-
•
-
a lump sum cash payment of the pro rata portion of the participant's bonus or anticipated bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination
occurs (calculated as provided in the Plan) and 150% of such amount in the case of the Chief Executive Officer;
-
•
-
Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits for the same period covered by the participant's base salary benefit; and
-
•
-
100% acceleration of the participant's equity awards assumed by an acquirer in connection with a change in control, effective upon termination
(100% acceleration effective upon the change in control for awards not assumed).
29
Table of Contents
Benefits
under the Retention Plan are subject to withholding of applicable income and employment taxes. Participants are not entitled to any tax "gross up" in respect of excise taxes, if
any, that might arise under the "parachute payment" provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and may be subject to a reduction in benefits if any such excise tax were applicable and the reduced benefit
would maximize the net after-tax payment to the participant.
No
severance or change of control payments were made to any of our executive officers in fiscal 2019.
The
following table summarizes amounts that would have been payable to our named executive officers upon a termination of their employment qualifying for benefits under the Retention
Plan, assuming that such termination had occurred on March 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Severance
Payment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Based on
Salary
|
|
Based on
Bonus
|
|
Continued Health
Benefits(1)
|
|
Acceleration of
Stock
Options(2)
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu
|
|
$
|
873,610
|
|
$
|
665,480
|
|
$
|
49,184
|
|
$
|
715,000
|
|
$
|
2,303,274
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle
|
|
|
496,105
|
|
|
236,406
|
|
|
55,238
|
|
|
286,000
|
|
|
1,073,749
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre
|
|
|
574,407
|
|
|
236,406
|
|
|
60,762
|
|
|
225,200
|
|
|
1,096,775
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
589,667
|
|
|
236,406
|
|
|
49,184
|
|
|
286,000
|
|
|
1,161,257
|
|
|
Ping Wu
|
|
|
445,069
|
|
|
236,406
|
|
|
55,238
|
|
|
214,500
|
|
|
951,213
|
|
-
(1)
-
Represents
the aggregate premium payments required to provide continued health insurance coverage under COBRA, based on the officer's health insurance coverage in
effect as of March 31, 2019.
-
(2)
-
The
value of the acceleration of stock options is calculated by multiplying (x) the number of shares subject to acceleration by (y) the difference
between the fair market value of a share of our common stock on March 29, 2019 ($7.77) and the per share exercise price of the unvested shares subject to acceleration.
CEO Compensation Pay Ratio
We believe our executive compensation program must be internally consistent and equitable to motivate our employees to create stockholder value.
We monitor the relationship between the compensation of our executive officers and the compensation of our non-managerial employees. For the year ended March 31, 2019, the total compensation of
Lee-Lean Shu, our President and Chief Executive Officer, of $1,046,497, as shown in the Summary Compensation Table above, was approximately 9.1 times the total compensation of the median employee
calculated in the same manner of $114,655.
Our
CEO to median employee pay ratio is calculated in accordance with SEC's rules pursuant to Item 402(u) of Regulation S-K. We identified the median employee by examining
the 2019 total compensation for all of our employees, excluding our CEO, who were employed by us on March 31, 2019, the last day of our payroll year. We included all employees, whether employed
on a full-time or part-time basis. We did not make any assumptions, adjustments, or estimates with respect to total compensation. We annualized the compensation for any full-time employees that were
not employed by us for all of 2019.
30
Table of Contents
Compensation of Directors
Our policy for the compensation of non-employee directors provides that non-employee directors are entitled to receive annual cash retainers as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Board
|
|
$
|
40,000
|
|
|
Lead Director
|
|
$
|
20,000
|
|
|
Audit Committee:
|
|
|
|
|
|
•
Chair
|
|
$
|
20,000
|
|
|
•
Other Members
|
|
$
|
7,500
|
|
|
Compensation Committee:
|
|
|
|
|
|
•
Chair
|
|
$
|
10,000
|
|
|
•
Other Members
|
|
$
|
5,000
|
|
|
Nominating and Governance Committee:
|
|
|
|
|
|
•
Chair
|
|
$
|
7,500
|
|
|
•
Other Members
|
|
$
|
3,000
|
|
Pursuant
to the terms of our option grant policy, each non-employee director receives an option to purchase a number of shares of our common stock having a fair market value equal to the
aggregate amount of the annual cash retainer payable to such director for service on the Board and its committees.
The
table below summarizes the compensation we paid to our non-employee directors for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash ($)
|
|
Option Awards
($)(1)(2)(3)
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
|
Jack A. Bradley
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
20,133
|
|
|
75,133
|
|
|
E. Thomas Hart
|
|
|
53,000
|
|
|
19,399
|
|
|
72,399
|
|
|
Haydn Hsieh
|
|
|
52,500
|
|
|
19,217
|
|
|
71,717
|
|
|
Ruey L. Lu
|
|
|
48,000
|
|
|
17,569
|
|
|
65,569
|
|
|
Arthur O. Whipple
|
|
|
83,000
|
|
|
30,381
|
|
|
113,381
|
|
-
(1)
-
Valuation
based on the dollar amount recognized during fiscal 2019 for financial statement reporting purposes pursuant to authoritative guidance, giving effect to
service-based vesting conditions, but disregarding the estimate of forfeitures related to such vesting conditions. These amounts do not reflect whether the recipient has actually realized or will
realize a financial benefit from the option award. The assumptions used with respect to the valuation of option grants are set forth in Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019.
-
(2)
-
On
October 30, 2018, Mr. Bradley, Mr. Hart, Mr. Hsieh, Mr. Lu and Mr. Whipple were granted options to purchase 9,306,
8,967, 8,883, 8,121 and 14,043 shares, respectively, that will be fully vested on August 15, 2019. The grant date fair value of each of these options was $20,133, $19,399, $19,217, $17,569 and
$30,381, respectively.
-
(3)
-
As
of March 31, 2019, each non-employee director had the following number of shares underlying outstanding options: Mr. Bradley: 42,739;
Mr. Hart: 41,729; Mr. Hsieh: 60,479; Mr. Lu: 64,208; and Mr. Whipple: 92,861.
31
Table of Contents
Equity Compensation Plan Information
We currently maintain three compensation plans that provide for the issuance of our common stock to officers and other employees, directors and
consultants. These consist of the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2016 Plan") and the 2007 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan"), each of which has been
approved by stockholders. The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding options and shares reserved for future issuance under the foregoing plans as of March 31, 2019:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Category
|
|
Number of shares
to be issued
upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
|
|
Number of shares
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding shares
reflected in column (a))
(c)
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders
|
|
|
8,017,029
|
|
$
|
5.77
|
|
|
5,199,496
|
(1)(2)
|
-
(1)
-
Includes
1,772,948 shares available for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.
-
(2)
-
A
total of 6,000,000 shares of common stock have been authorized and reserved for issuance under the 2016 Plan, of which 3,426,548 were available for grant as of
March 31, 2019. Appropriate adjustments will be made in the number of authorized shares and other numerical limits in the 2016 Plan and in outstanding awards to prevent dilution or enlargement
of participants' rights in the event of a stock split or other change in our capital structure. Shares subject to awards which expire or are cancelled or forfeited will again become available for
issuance under the 2016 Plan. The shares available will not be reduced by awards settled in cash or by shares withheld to satisfy tax withholding obligations. Only the net number of shares issued upon
the exercise of stock appreciation rights or options exercised by means of a net exercise or by tender of previously owned shares will be deducted from the shares available under the 2016 Plan.
RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS
Procedures for Approval of Related Person Transactions
Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Audit Committee Charter, our executive officers, directors, and principal
stockholders, including their immediate family members and affiliates, are prohibited from entering into a related party transaction with us without the prior consent of our Audit Committee which
reviews and approves any related-party transactions.
We
have entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and directors containing provisions that may require us, among other things, to indemnify our officers and directors
against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as officers or directors and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which
they could be indemnified.
Other Transactions
For information regarding the grant of stock options to our directors and executive officers, please see "Executive
Compensation—Compensation of Directors" and "Executive Compensation—Grants of Plan-Based Awards,—Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
and—Potential Payments Upon Change of Control."
32
Table of Contents
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND STOCK OWNERSHIP BY MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth, as of June 30, 2019 certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of GSI Technology's
common stock by (i) each stockholder known by GSI Technology to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of GSI Technology's common stock, (ii) each director of GSI Technology,
(iii) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all directors and executive officers of GSI Technology as a group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficial Owner(1)
|
|
Number of
Shares
Beneficially
Owned(2)
|
|
Percentage
of Shares
Beneficially
Owned(3)
|
|
|
Principal Stockholders:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ariel Investments, LLC(4)
200 E. Randolph Street, Suite 2900
Chicago, IL 60601
|
|
|
1,634,696
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
Jing Rong Tang(5)
c/o HolyStone Enterprises Co., Ltd.
1FL No. 62, Sec 2 Huang Shan Road
Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
|
|
|
1,509,230
|
|
|
6.6
|
|
|
Directors, Named Executive Officers and certain Executive Officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lee-Lean Shu(6)
|
|
|
3,129,302
|
|
|
13.3
|
|
|
Jack A. Bradley(7)
|
|
|
45,739
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
E. Thomas Hart(8)
|
|
|
41,729
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
Haydn Hsieh(9)
|
|
|
72,596
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
Ruey L. Lu(10)
|
|
|
74,208
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
Arthur O. Whipple(11)
|
|
|
122,861
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
Robert Yau(12)
|
|
|
1,284,522
|
|
|
5.5
|
|
|
Didier Lasserre(13)
|
|
|
461,760
|
|
|
2.0
|
|
|
Douglas M. Schirle(14)
|
|
|
290,625
|
|
|
1.3
|
|
|
Ping Wu(15)
|
|
|
320,635
|
|
|
1.4
|
|
|
Bor-Tay Wu(16)
|
|
|
1,162,500
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
All executive officers and directors as a group (15 persons)(17)
|
|
|
8,271,283
|
|
|
35.5
|
|
-
*
-
Less
than 1.0%
-
(1)
-
The
address for those individuals and entities not otherwise indicated is 1213 Elko Drive, Sunnyvale, California 94089. Except as otherwise indicated, the persons
named in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable and to the
information contained in the other footnotes to this table.
-
(2)
-
Under
the rules of the SEC, a person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of shares that can be acquired by such person within 60 days upon the exercise of
options.
-
(3)
-
Calculated
on the basis of 22,898,188 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 30, 2019, provided that any additional shares of common stock that a
stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days after June 30, 2019 are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of calculating that stockholder's percentage beneficial ownership.
-
(4)
-
Based
on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 2019.
-
(5)
-
Based
on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2018. Includes: 66,089 shares held by HolyStone
Enterprises Co., Ltd., of which Mr. Tang is Chief
33
Table of Contents
Executive
Officer; and 443,141 shares held by Koowin Co., Ltd., of which Mr. Tang is a director. Mr. Tang disclaims beneficial ownership of these securities except to the
extent of his pecuniary interest therein.
-
(6)
-
Includes:
625,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019; 13,600 shares held by
Mr. Shu's children; 530,939 shares held by Mr. Shu's spouse; and 77,346 shares issuable upon exercise of options held by his spouse that are exercisable within 60 days of
June 30, 2019.
-
(7)
-
Includes
42,739 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(8)
-
Includes
41,729 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(9)
-
Includes
51,596 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(10)
-
Includes
58,208 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(11)
-
Includes
92,861 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(12)
-
Includes
250,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019 and 4,000 shares held by
Mr. Yau's spouse.
-
(13)
-
Includes
185,625 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(14)
-
Includes
242,625 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(15)
-
Includes
193,125 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(16)
-
Includes
250,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
-
(17)
-
Includes
an aggregate of 2,766,854 shares issuable upon exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days following June 30, 2019.
34
Table of Contents
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires our executive officers and directors and persons who beneficially own more
than 10% of our common stock to file initial reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish us
with copies of all Section 16(a) forms filed by such person.
Based
solely on our review of such forms furnished to us and written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our executive
officers, directors and greater-than-10% stockholders were complied with during fiscal.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED
AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholder proposals may be included in our proxy materials for an annual meeting so long as they are provided to us on a timely basis and
satisfy the other conditions set forth in applicable SEC rules. For a stockholder proposal to be included in our proxy materials for the 2020 annual meeting, the proposal must be received at our
principal executive offices, addressed to the Secretary, not later than March 21, 2020.
Submitting
a stockholder proposal does not guarantee that we will include it in our proxy statement. Our Nominating and Governance Committee reviews all stockholder proposals and makes
recommendations to the board for actions on such proposals. For information on qualifications of director nominees considered by our Nominating and Governance committee, see the "Corporate Governance"
section of this proxy statement.
TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be conducted at the 2019 Annual Meeting other
than as described in this Proxy Statement. If any other matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting, or any adjournment
or postponement of the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxy on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
A copy of our annual report on Form 10-K (without exhibits) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2019 is being distributed along
with this proxy statement. We refer you to such report for financial and other information about us, but such report is not incorporated in this proxy statement and is not deemed to be a part of the
proxy solicitation material. It is also available on our website at
www.gsitechnology.com
. In addition, the report (with exhibits) is available at the
SEC's website at
www.sec.gov
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Yau
|
|
|
|
Secretary
|
July 19,
2019
35
MMMMMMMMMMMM Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q + 1. To elect the following seven (7) persons directors to serve on the Company's Board of Directors and hold office until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified: For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 01 - Lee-Lean Shu, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, GSI Technology, Inc. 04 - Haydn Hsieh, Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer, Wistron NeWeb Corp. 02 - Jack A. Bradley, Partner, David Powell Financial Services 03 - E. Thomas Hart, Non-executive Chairman of the Board, QuickLogic Corporation 05 - Ruey L. Lu, President; EMPIA Technology 06 - Arthur O. Whipple, President, ABBYY USA Software, Inc. 07 - Robert Yau, Vice President, Engineering, GSI Technology, Inc. For Against Abstain ForAgainst Abstain 2. To ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2020. 3. To approve the compensation of the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table, as disclosed in the proxy statement for the annual meeting. 4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, YOU ARE URGED TO SIGN AND PROMPTLY MAIL THIS PROXY IN THE RETURN ENVELOPE SO THAT YOUR STOCK MAY BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. 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. + 1 U P X 4 2 3 4 2 8 033GQB MMMMMMMMM B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below A Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 4. Annual Meeting Proxy Card
q IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. q Proxy for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders To be held on August 29, 2019 Solicited by the Board of Directors The annual meeting of stockholders will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. PDT at DLA Piper US LLP, 2000 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303-2248. The undersigned hereby appoints Lee-Lean Shu and Douglas Schirle, and each of them, with full power of substitution, as proxies and attorneys-in-fact to represent the undersigned and to vote all of the shares of stock in GSI Technology, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held at DLA Piper US LLP, 2000 University Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA 94303-2248 on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. PDT, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof (1) as hereinafter specified upon the proposals listed on the reverse side and as more particularly described in the Proxy Statement of the Company dated July 19, 2019 (the “Proxy Statement”), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and (2) in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting. IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 29, 2019: A complete set of proxy materials relating to our annual meeting is available on the Internet. These materials, consisting of the notice of annual meeting, proxy statement, proxy card and annual report to stockholders, may be viewed at http://ir.gsitechnology.com/proxy-materials. THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, SUCH SHARES SHALL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ON THE REVERSE SIDE FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4. Proxy — GSI TECHNOLOGY, INC.
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