Report
of the Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 with the Company’s management and with Deloitte. The Audit Committee has discussed
with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed by the applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”)
and the SEC. The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Deloitte pursuant to applicable PCAOB requirements
regarding its communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and the Audit Committee has discussed with Deloitte its
independence. Based on the foregoing, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2022 for filing with the SEC.
This report is provided by the following directors, who serve on
the Audit Committee:
Jorge Beristain (Chair)
Michael Bless
Claude Demby
The Board recommends a vote “For” the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP
to serve as our independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2023. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
46 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
Proposal three:
Approval of, on an Advisory Basis, the Compensation of Our Named
Executive Officers |
Background
Section 14A of the Exchange Act, requires that stockholders have the opportunity
to cast an advisory (non-binding) vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers (the “say-on-pay vote”).
The say-on-pay vote is a non-binding vote on the compensation of
our “named executive officers,” as described in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” the tabular disclosure
regarding such compensation and the accompanying narrative disclosure, set forth in this Proxy Statement. The say-on-pay vote is not a
vote on our general compensation policies (including as they relate to risk management), compensation of our Board, our pay ratio or our
pay versus performance table and related disclosures.
Our philosophy in setting policies for executive compensation is to ensure
our compensation program is strongly aligned with stockholder interests, reflects market-best practices, continues to support our long-term
business objectives and supports talent retention. The “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section provides a more detailed
discussion of our executive compensation program and our compensation approach.
The vote under this Proposal 3 is advisory and therefore not binding
on us, the Board or our Leadership and Compensation Committee. However, our Board, including our Leadership and Compensation Committee,
values the opinions of our stockholders and, to the extent there is any significant vote against this proposal, we will consider our stockholders’
concerns and evaluate what actions, if any, may be appropriate to address those concerns. We are required to hold the say-on-pay vote
at least once every three years, and we have determined to hold a say-on-pay vote every year. Unless the Board modifies its policy on
the frequency of holding say-on-pay advisory votes, the next say-on-pay vote will occur in 2024.
The
Board recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of, on an advisory basis,
the compensation of our named executive officers. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
47 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
Proposal four:
Approval of the Grant of Stock Options to Mr. Keith Phillips |
Proposal 4 seeks stockholder approval, in accordance with ASX Listing
Rule 10.14, for the grant of up to 29,890 stock options to Mr. Phillips as a director under the 2021 Plan.
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant the stock
options to Mr. Phillips, subject to stockholder approval. The Board considers that this grant of stock options to Mr. Phillips would be
a cost effective and efficient reward for the Company to make to appropriately incentivize his continued performance and is consistent
with the strategic goals and targets of the Company.
Refer to Schedule 1 for a summary of the terms and conditions of
the 2021 Plan and Schedule 2 for a summary of the terms and conditions of the stock options.
The stock options have been granted, subject to stockholder approval,
to Mr. Phillips with an exercise price of $67.50, which represents an approximately 10% premium to the closing price of our common
stock on the day prior to the Board’s approval. The stock options will vest and become exercisable on December 31, 2025, so long
as Mr. Phillips’ employment with the Company has not terminated prior to such date, except as described below.
ASX Listing Rule 10.14
ASX Listing Rule 10.14 provides that a listed company must not permit
any of the following persons (including related parties) to acquire equity securities under an employee incentive scheme unless it obtains
the approval of its stockholders in accordance with applicable ASX Listing Rules:
|
1. |
a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1); |
|
2. |
an associate of a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.2); or |
|
3. |
a person whose relationship with the company or a person referred to in ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 or 10.14.2 is such that, in ASX’s opinion, the acquisition should be
approved by its shareholders (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.3). |
The grant of stock options to Mr. Phillips falls within 10.14.1
above and, therefore, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting
under ASX Listing Rule 10.14.
If Proposal 4 is passed, the Company will be able to proceed with
the grant of stock options to Mr. Phillips. Approval pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 (i.e., a separate rule that requires approval
of certain changes in capital and new issuance) will not be required as approval is being obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14 (Exception
14 under ASX Listing Rule 7.2). Accordingly, the grant of stock options will not be included in the Company’s 15% limit on issuing
equity securities without stockholder approval under ASX Listing Rule 7.1.
If Proposal 4 is not passed, the Company will not be able to proceed
with the grant of stock options to Mr. Phillips. The Company will need to find alternative measures to appropriately incentivize his
performance.
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
48 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
Specific Information
Required by ASX Listing Rule 10.15
The following information is provided as required by ASX Listing
Rule 10.15:
|
1. |
The stock options will be granted to Mr. Phillips. |
|
2. |
Mr. Phillips falls within ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 – Mr. Phillips is a related party of the Company because he is a director. |
|
3. |
The maximum number of stock options that may be granted to Mr. Phillips is 29,890. |
|
4. |
Details of the remuneration package for Mr. Phillips for the year ended December
31, 2022, which is also Mr. Phillips’ remuneration package for the current financial year, is summarized above under the section
titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and an overall summary table for 2022, the Stub, and the 2021 and 2020 fiscal
years is in the section titled “Summary Compensation Table.” |
|
5. |
Since the 2021 Plan’s adoption, the Company has previously granted the following securities to Mr. Keith Phillips under the Company’s 2021
Plan: |
Type of Security |
Number of Shares |
Exercise Price |
Options |
60,000(1) |
$18.75 |
Options |
60,000(1) |
$12.38 |
Options |
10,786(2) |
$65.00 |
Options |
36,276(3) |
$55.00 |
Options |
22,674(4) |
$55.00 |
PSU |
7,500(5) |
N/A |
PSU |
7,500(6) |
N/A |
RSU |
5,344(7) |
N/A |
PSU |
10,348(8) |
N/A |
|
(1) |
These stock options have fully vested and been exercised. |
|
(2) |
3,595 options vested on each of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 3,596
options will vest on December 31, 2023. |
|
(3) |
Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, these shares vest on December 31, 2024. |
|
(4) |
7,558 options vested on December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 7,558 options will vest on each of
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024. |
|
(5) |
These PSUs have fully vested and been settled. |
|
(6) |
These PSUs were cancelled on December 31, 2022 because the applicable performance condition was not satisfied. |
|
(7) |
1,781 shares vested on each of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 1,782
shares will vest on December 31, 2023. |
|
(8) |
The PSUs will vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance goals, none of which have been met as of December 31, 2022; thus, such PSUs
have not vested. |
|
6. |
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant the stock options to Mr. Phillips, subject to stockholder approval. The material
terms of the stock options are: |
|
a. |
the stock options have been granted, subject to stockholder approval; |
|
b. |
the stock options have an exercise price of $67.50 and an expiry date of March 7, 2033; |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
49 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
c. |
the stock options will vest and become exercisable on December 31, 2025, so long as Mr. Phillips’ employment with the Company has not
terminated prior to such date. However, if Mr. Phillips’ employment is terminated by reason of a Qualifying Termination, then a pro-rata portion will become vested and exercisable on the date of such termination of employment. Further, if his
termination occurs for any reason (other than a termination by the Company for cause) during 2025, then the options will vest on the date of such termination; |
|
d. |
“Qualifying Termination” means: (i) death or disability; (ii) resignation by Mr. Phillips on or after reaching (A) 63 years of age with six
years of service if such resignation occurs during 2023, (B) 61 years of age with seven years of service if such resignation occurs during 2024, or (C) 59 years of age with eight years of service if such resignation occurs during 2025; or
(iii) termination of employment by the Company without cause; |
|
e. |
the stock options are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Schedules 1 and 2; and |
|
f. |
the Company proposes to grant the 29,890 stock options to Mr. Phillips as part of his incentive arrangements. The Company considers the grant
of stock options to be a cost effective way to provide tangible incentives to Mr. Phillips, and it assists to align the interests of stockholders and directors. |
|
7. |
Assuming all of the 29,890 stock options are exercised, the table below shows the value of the stock options as of March 7, 2023 based on a stock price of $67.50 and
using a Black Scholes valuation assuming a risk-free rate of 4.2% and an estimated volatility rate of 40%: |
Award |
Number of stock options |
Total Value |
Stock options |
29,890 |
$775,994 |
|
8. |
The Company will grant the stock options to Mr. Keith Phillips as soon as reasonably practicable after the Annual Meeting, and in any event
within three years after the Annual Meeting. |
|
9. |
The stock options will be granted for zero cash consideration; accordingly, no funds will be raised. |
|
10. |
The Company has established the 2021 Plan, which may be inspected at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours. A summary
of the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan is set out in Schedule 1. |
|
11. |
No loan is made in relation to the grant of the stock options to Mr. Phillips. |
|
12. |
Details of any securities granted under the 2021 Plan will be published in each annual report relating to a period in which securities have been
granted under the 2021 Plan, with a statement that approval for the issuance of the securities was obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
13. |
Any additional persons (to whom ASX Listing Rule 10.14 applies) who become entitled to participate in the 2021 Plan after approval of Proposal 4
and who are not named in this Proxy Statement, will not participate until approval is obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
14. |
A voting exclusion statement in relation to Proposal 4 is included in the Proxy Statement. |
The Board (excluding Mr. Phillips) recommends a vote “For” the
approval of the grant of up to
29,890 stock options to Mr. Keith Phillips.
|
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
50 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
Proposal five:
Approval of the Grant of
Restricted
Stock Units to Mr. Keith Phillips |
Proposal 5 seeks stockholder approval, in accordance with ASX Listing
Rule 10.14, for the grant of up to 13,260 RSUs to Mr. Keith Phillips as a director under the Company’s 2021 Plan.
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant RSUs to
Mr. Keith Phillips, subject to stockholder approval. The Board considers that this grant of RSUs to Mr. Keith Phillips would be a cost
effective and efficient reward for the Company to make to appropriately incentivize his continued performance and is consistent with the
strategic goals and targets of the Company.
Refer to Schedule 1 for a summary of the terms and conditions of
the 2021 Plan and Schedule 3 for a summary of the terms and conditions of the RSUs.
The RSUs have been granted, subject to stockholder approval. One
third of the total RSUs will vest on each of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2025, so long as Mr. Phillips’
employment with the Company has not terminated prior to each applicable vesting date, except as described below.
ASX Listing Rule 10.14
ASX Listing Rule 10.14 provides that a listed company must not permit
any of the following persons (including related parties) to acquire equity securities under an employee incentive scheme unless it obtains
the approval of its stockholders in accordance with applicable ASX Listing Rules:
|
1. |
a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1); |
|
2. |
an associate of a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.2); or |
|
3. |
a person whose relationship with the company or a person referred to in ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 or 10.14.2 is such that, in ASX’s opinion, the acquisition should be
approved by its shareholders (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.3). |
The grant of RSUs to Mr. Phillips falls within 10.14.1 above
and, therefore, requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting under
ASX Listing Rule 10.14.
If Proposal 5 is passed, the Company will be able to proceed with
the grant of RSUs to Mr. Phillips. Approval pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 (i.e., a separate rule that requires approval of certain
changes in capital and new issuance) will not be required as approval is being obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14 (Exception 14 under
ASX Listing Rule 7.2). Accordingly, the grant of the RSUs will not be included in the Company’s 15% limit on issuing equity securities
without stockholder approval under ASX Listing
Rule 7.1.
If Proposal 5 is not passed, the Company will not be able to proceed
with the grant of RSUs to Mr. Phillips. The Company will need to find alternative measures to appropriately incentivize his performance.
Specific Information
Required by ASX Listing Rule 10.15
The following information is provided as required by ASX Listing
Rule 10.15:
|
1. |
The RSUs will be granted to Mr. Phillips. |
|
2. |
Mr. Phillips falls within ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 – Mr. Phillips is a related party of the Company because he is a director. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
51 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
3. |
The maximum number of RSUs that may be granted to Mr. Phillips is 13,260. |
|
4. |
Details of the remuneration package for Mr. Phillips for the year ending December
31, 2022, which is also Mr. Phillips’ remuneration package for the current financial year, is summarized above under the section
titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and an overall summary table for the fiscal years 2022, Stub, 2021, and 2020
is in the above section titled “Summary Compensation Table.” |
|
5. |
Since the 2021 Plan’s adoption, the Company has previously granted the following securities to Mr. Keith Phillips under the Company’s 2021 Plan: |
Type of Security |
Number of Shares |
|
Exercise Price |
Options |
60,000(1) |
|
$18.75 |
Options |
60,000(1) |
|
$12.38 |
Options |
10,786(2) |
|
$65.00 |
Options |
36,276(3) |
|
$55.00 |
Options |
22,674(4) |
|
$55.00 |
PSU |
7,500(5) |
|
N/A |
PSU |
7,500(6) |
|
N/A |
RSU |
5,344(7) |
|
N/A |
PSU |
10,348(8) |
|
N/A |
|
(1) |
These stock options have fully vested and been exercised. |
|
(2) |
3,595 options vested on each of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 3,596
options will vest on December 31, 2023. |
|
(3) |
Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, these shares vest on December 31, 2024. |
|
(4) |
7,558 options vested on December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 7,558 options will vest on each of
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024. |
|
(5) |
These PSUs have fully vested and been settled. |
|
(6) |
These PSUs were cancelled on December 31, 2022 because the applicable performance condition was not satisfied. |
|
(7) |
1,781 shares vested on each of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 1,782
shares will vest on December 31, 2023. |
|
(8) |
The PSUs will vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance goals, none of which have been met as of December 31, 2022; thus, such PSUs have
not vested. |
|
6. |
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant RSUs to Mr. Phillips, subject to stockholder approval. The material terms of the RSUs are: |
|
a. |
the RSUs have been granted, subject to shareholder approval; |
|
b. |
one third of the total RSUs will vest on each of December 31, 2023, December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2025 so long as Mr. Phillips’ employment
with the Company has not terminated prior to each applicable vesting date. However, if Mr. Phillips’ employment is terminated by reason of a Qualifying Termination, then a pro-rata portion will become vested on the date of such termination of
employment. Further, if his termination occurs for any reason (other than a termination by the Company for cause) during 2025, then the remaining unvested RSUs will vest on the date of such termination; |
|
c. |
“Qualifying Termination” means: (i) death or disability; (ii) resignation by Mr. Phillips on or after reaching (A) 63 years of age with six years
of service if such resignation occurs during 2023, (B) 61 years of age with seven years of service if such resignation occurs during 2024, or (C) 59 years of age with eight years of service if such resignation occurs during 2025; or (iii)
termination of employment by the Company without cause; |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
52 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
d. |
The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Schedules 1 and 3; and |
|
e. |
The Company proposes to grant the 13,260 RSUs to Mr. Keith Phillips as part of his incentive arrangements. The Company considers the grant of
RSUs to be a cost effective way to provide tangible incentives to Mr. Phillips, and it assists to align the interests of stockholders and directors. |
|
7. |
Based on a stock price of $65.9989 (i.e., the 20-day VWAP ending on March 6, 2023), which was the date the Board used when approving the grants on March 7, 2023, the
table below shows the value of the RSUs: |
Award |
Number of RSUs |
Total Value |
RSUs |
13,260 |
$875,145.41 |
|
8. |
The Company will grant the RSUs to Mr. Keith Phillips as soon as reasonably practicable after the Annual Meeting, and in any event within
three years after the Annual Meeting. |
|
9. |
The RSUs will be granted for zero cash consideration; accordingly, no funds will be raised. |
|
10. |
The Company has established the 2021 Plan, which may be inspected at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours. A
summary of the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan is set out in Schedule 1. |
|
11. |
No loan is made in relation to the grant of the RSUs to Mr. Phillips. |
|
12. |
Details of any securities granted under the 2021 Plan will be published in each annual report relating to a period in which securities have
been granted under the 2021 Plan, with a statement that approval for the issuance of the securities was obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
13. |
Any additional persons (to whom ASX Listing Rule 10.14 applies) who become entitled to participate in the 2021 Plan after approval of Proposal
5 and who are not named in this Proxy Statement, will not participate until approval is obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
14. |
A voting exclusion statement in relation to Proposal 5 is included in the Proxy Statement. |
The Board (excluding Mr. Phillips) recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the
grant of up to
13,260 restricted stock units to Mr. Keith Phillips. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
53 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
Proposal six:
Approval of the Grant of Performance Stock Units to Mr. Keith Phillips |
Proposal 6 seeks stockholder approval, in accordance with ASX Listing
Rule 10.14, for the grant of PSUs to Mr. Keith Phillips as a director under the Company’s 2021 Plan. The Company is proposing to
grant up to 53,034 PSUs, which represent 200% of the 26,517 target PSUs, to Mr. Phillips.
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant the PSUs
to Mr. Keith Phillips, subject to stockholder approval. The Board considers that the grant of PSUs would be a cost effective and efficient
reward for the Company to make to appropriately incentivize Mr. Phillips’ continued performance and is consistent with the strategic
goals and targets of the Company.
Refer to Schedule 1 for a summary of the terms and conditions of
the 2021 Plan and Schedule 4 for a summary of the terms and conditions of the PSUs. The PSUs represent the right for Mr. Phillips to receive
shares of Company common stock in an amount from 0% to 200% of the 26,517 target PSUs. The PSUs will vest and become earned and nonforfeitable
upon (i) Mr. Phillip’s satisfaction of the Service Requirement (defined below); and (ii) the Leadership and Compensation Committee’s
certification of the final level of achievement of the Company’s relative total stockholder return (“Relative TSR”)
performance. The target PSUs are divided into three equal tranches, referred to as the Tranche 1 PSUs, Tranche 2 PSUs and Tranche 3 PSUs.
“Service Requirement” means that Mr. Phillips’
employment with the Company is not terminated before December 31, 2023 (with respect to the Tranche 1 PSUs), December 31, 2024 (with respect
to the Tranche 2 PSUs) and December 31, 2025 (with respect to the Tranche 3 PSUs) (each date, a “Vesting Date”), except as
described below.
Subject to satisfaction of the Service Requirement, the Tranche
1 PSUs will be eligible to become earned PSUs based on the Company’s Relative TSR performance during the performance period beginning
January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2023.
Subject to satisfaction of the Service Requirement, the Tranche
2 PSUs will be eligible to become earned PSUs based on the Company’s Relative TSR performance during the performance period beginning
January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2024.
Subject to satisfaction of the Service Requirement, the Tranche
3 PSUs will be eligible to become earned PSUs based on the Company’s Relative TSR performance during the performance period beginning
January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2025.
The number of PSUs earned is calculated by multiplying the Tranche
1 PSUs, Tranche 2 PSUs or Tranche 3 PSUs (as applicable) by the applicable payout percentage determined in accordance with the below schedule
(with straight line interpolation for any attained percentile between two of the levels specified below). The Leadership and Compensation
Committee will first rank each member of the rTSR Peer Group (with the members of the peer group identified in the award agreement) from
highest to lowest TSR (as defined below) without inclusion of the Company. The Leadership and Compensation Committee will then compare
the Company’s TSR with the ranked list of the members of the rTSR Peer Group to determine the Company’s percentile rank.
Relative TSR Peer Company Percentile Rank |
Payout Percentage |
≥ 75th Percentile |
200% |
50th Percentile |
100% |
25th Percentile |
50% |
< 25th Percentile |
0% |
“TSR” is equal to (i) the Ending Stock Price less the
Beginning Stock Price plus Reinvested Dividend, divided by (ii) the Beginning Stock Price. For purposes of calculating TSR, (a) “Beginning
Stock Price” is the volume weighted average trading price per share of the issuer’s common stock for the 20 consecutive
trading days immediately preceding the commencement of the performance
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
54 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
period, (b) “Ending Stock Price” is the average daily
closing price per share of the issuer’s common stock for the 20 consecutive trading days ending with the applicable Vesting Date,
and (c) “Reinvested Dividends” is calculated by multiplying (i) the aggregate number of shares (including fractional shares)
that could have been purchased during the applicable portion of the performance period had each cash dividend paid on a single share during
that period been immediately reinvested in additional shares (or fractional shares) at the closing selling price per share of the issuer’s
common stock on the applicable dividend payment date by (ii) the Ending Stock Price.
ASX Listing Rule 10.14
ASX Listing Rule 10.14 provides that a listed company must not permit
any of the following persons (including related parties) to acquire equity securities under an employee incentive scheme unless it obtains
the approval of its stockholders in accordance with applicable ASX Listing Rules:
|
1. |
a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1); |
|
2. |
an associate of a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.2); or |
|
3. |
a person whose relationship with the company or a person referred to in ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 or 10.14.2 is such that, in ASX’s opinion, the acquisition should be
approved by its shareholders (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.3). |
The grant of PSUs to Mr. Phillips falls within 10.14.1 above
and therefore requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting under
ASX Listing Rule 10.14.
If Proposal 6 is passed, the Company will be able to proceed with
the grant of PSUs to Mr. Phillips. Approval pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 (i.e., a separate rule that requires approval of certain
changes in capital and new issuance) will not be required as approval is being obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14 (Exception 14 under
ASX Listing Rule 7.2). Accordingly, the grant of PSUs will not be included in the Company’s 15% limit on issuing equity securities
without stockholder approval under ASX Listing Rule 7.1.
If Proposal 6 is not passed, the Company will not be able to proceed
with the grant of PSUs to Mr. Phillips and the Company will need to find alternative measures to appropriately incentivize his performance.
Specific information
required by ASX Listing Rule 10.15
The following information is provided as required by ASX Listing
Rule 10.15:
|
1. |
The PSUs will be granted to Mr. Phillips. |
|
2. |
Mr. Phillips falls within ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 – Mr. Phillips is a related party of the Company because he is a director of the Company. |
|
3. |
The maximum number of PSUs that may be granted to Mr. Phillips is 53,034. |
|
4. |
Details of the remuneration package for Mr. Phillips for the year ending December
31, 2022, which is also Mr. Phillips’ remuneration package for the current financial year, is summarized above under the section
titled “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” and an overall summary table for the fiscal years 2022, Stub, 2021, and 2020
is in the above section titled “Summary Compensation Table.” |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
55 |
2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
5. |
Since the 2021 Plan’s adoption, the Company has previously granted the following securities to Mr. Keith Phillips under the Company’s 2021 Plan: |
Type of Security |
Number of Shares |
|
Exercise Price |
Options |
60,000(1) |
|
$18.75 |
Options |
60,000(1) |
|
$12.38 |
Options |
10,786(2) |
|
$65.00 |
Options |
36,276(3) |
|
$55.00 |
Options |
22,674(4) |
|
$55.00 |
PSU |
7,500(5) |
|
N/A |
PSU |
7,500(6) |
|
N/A |
RSU |
5,344(7) |
|
N/A |
PSU |
10,348(8) |
|
N/A |
|
(1) |
These stock options have fully vested and been exercised. |
|
(2) |
3,595 options vested on each of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 3,596
options will vest on December 31, 2023. |
|
(3) |
Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, these shares vest on December 31, 2024. |
|
(4) |
7,558 options vested on December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 7,558 options will vest on each of
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2024. |
|
(5) |
These PSUs have fully vested and been settled. |
|
(6) |
These PSUs were cancelled on December 31, 2022 because the applicable performance condition was not satisfied. |
|
(7) |
1,781 shares vested on each of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. Subject to Mr. Phillips’ continuous service with the Company, 1,782
shares will vest on December 31, 2023. |
|
(8) |
The PSUs will vest upon the satisfaction of certain performance goals, none of which have been met as of December 31, 2022; thus, such PSUs have
not vested. |
|
6. |
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant PSUs to Mr. Phillips, subject to stockholder approval. The material terms of the PSUs are: |
|
a. |
the PSUs have been granted, subject to shareholder approval; |
|
b. |
the PSUs will vest and become earned and nonforfeitable upon (i) Mr. Phillip’s satisfaction of the Service Requirement; and (ii) the
Leadership and Compensation Committee’s certification of the final level of achievement of the Relative TSR. However, if Mr. Phillips’ employment is terminated by reason of a Qualifying Termination, then a pro-rata portion (based on target
performance) will become vested on the date of such termination of employment. Further, if his termination occurs for any reason (other than a termination by the Company for cause) during 2025 in which the final Vesting Date is scheduled to
occur, then the Tranche 3 PSUs will vest assuming target performance on the date of such termination; |
|
c. |
“Qualifying Termination” means: (i) death or disability; (ii) resignation by Mr. Phillips on or after reaching (A) 63 years of age with six
years of service if such resignation occurs during 2023, (B) 61 years of age with seven years of service if such resignation occurs during 2024, or (C) 59 years of age with eight years of service if such resignation occurs during 2025; or
(iii) termination of employment by the Company without cause; |
|
d. |
the PSUs are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Schedules 1 and 4; and |
|
e. |
the Company proposes to grant up to a maximum number of 53,034 PSUs to Mr. Keith Phillips as part of his incentive arrangements. The Company considers the grant of PSUs
to be a cost effective way to provide tangible incentives to Mr. Phillips, and it assists to align the interests of stockholders and directors. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
7. |
Based on a stock price of $65.9989 (i.e., a 20-Day VWAP ending on March 6, 2023), which was the date the Board used when approving the grants on March 7, 2023, the table
below shows the value of the PSUs under different vesting scenarios: |
Percentage of Target PSUs Vested |
50% |
100% |
200% |
Value of PSUs |
$875,079 |
$1,750,093 |
$3,500,186 |
|
8. |
The Company will grant the PSUs to Mr. Phillips as soon as reasonably practicable after the Annual Meeting, and in any event within three
years after the Annual Meeting. |
|
9. |
The PSUs will be granted for zero cash consideration; accordingly, no funds will be raised. |
|
10. |
The Company has established the 2021 Plan, which may be inspected at the registered office of the Company during normal business hours. A
summary of the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan is set out in Schedule 1. |
|
11. |
No loan is made in relation to the grant of the PSUs to Mr. Phillips. |
|
12. |
Details of any securities granted under the 2021 Plan will be published in each annual report relating to a period in which securities have
been granted under the 2021 Plan, with a statement that approval for the issuance of the securities was obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
13. |
Any additional persons (to whom ASX Listing Rule 10.14 applies) who become entitled to participate in the 2021 Plan after approval of Proposal
6 and who are not named in this Proxy Statement, will not participate until approval is obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
14. |
A voting exclusion statement in relation to Proposal 6 is included in the Proxy Statement. |
The Board (excluding Mr. Phillips) recommends a vote “For” the approval of the grant of up to
53,034 performance stock units to Mr. Keith Phillips. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
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Proposals seven - ELEVEN:
Approval
of
the Grants of Restricted Stock Units to the Non-Executive Directors
Proposals 7-11 seek
stockholder approval, in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 10.14, for the grants of restricted stock units to the non-executive directors of the Company under the 2021 Plan.
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant the restricted stock units to the non-executive directors, subject to stockholder approval. The Board considers that these grants of restricted stock units to
non-executive directors would be a cost effective way to provide compensation benefits to directors and assist to align stockholder and director interests. The Company is proposing to grant up to:
|
a. |
2,879 restricted stock units to Mr. Jeff Armstrong (Proposal 7); |
|
b. |
1,591 restricted stock units to Ms. Christina Alvord (Proposal 8); |
|
c. |
1,591 restricted stock units to Mr. Jorge Beristain (Proposal 9); |
|
d. |
1,591 restricted stock units to Mr. Michael Bless (Proposal 10); and |
|
e. |
1,591 restricted stock units to Mr. Claude Demby (Proposal 11). |
The number of RSUs granted to
non-executive directors were determined based on a 20-Day VWAP. Shares were rounded up to the nearest whole share. The Board considers the grants of restricted stock units would be an effective and efficient reward for the Company to make as part
of its non-executive director compensation arrangements.
Compensation to non-executive directors via restricted stock units is a standard approach to compensating non-executive directors for United States publicly-listed companies.
Refer to Schedule 1 for a summary of the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan and Schedule 3 for a summary of the terms and conditions of the restricted stock units.
The restricted stock units will be granted and vest immediately upon approval by the stockholders as the approval would constitute a vesting event. The shares issuable upon vesting of the restricted stock units will
be restricted from sale during the directors’ tenure, provided that directors may sell a portion of such shares to cover withholding taxes.
ASX
Listing Rule 10.14
ASX Listing Rule 10.14 provides that a listed company must not permit any of the following persons (including related parties) to acquire equity securities under an employee incentive scheme unless it obtains the
approval of its stockholders in accordance with applicable ASX Listing Rules:
|
1. |
a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1); |
|
a. |
an associate of a director of the company (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.2); or |
|
b. |
person whose relationship with the company or a person referred to in ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 or 10.14.2 is such that, in
ASX’s opinion, the acquisition should be approved by its shareholders (ASX Listing Rule 10.14.3). |
The grants of restricted
stock units to Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord fall within 10.14.1 above and therefore requires the affirmative vote of a majority of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting under ASX Listing
Rule 10.14.
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2023 Proxy Statement
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If Proposals 7-11 are passed,
the Company will be able to proceed with the grant of restricted stock units to Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby, and Bless and Ms. Alvord. Approval pursuant to ASX Listing Rule 7.1 (i.e., a separate rule that requires approval of certain
changes in capital and new issuance) will not be required as approval is being obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14 (Exception 14 under ASX Listing Rule 7.2). Accordingly, the grants of restricted stock units will not be included in the Company’s
15% limit on issuing equity securities without stockholder approval under ASX Listing Rule 7.1.
If Proposals 7-11 are not passed, the Company will not be able to proceed with the grants of RSUs to Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord as part of its non-executive director compensation
arrangements and the Company will need to find alternative measures to compensate its non-executive directors.
Specific
information required by ASX Listing Rule 10.15
The following information is provided as required by ASX Listing Rule 10.15:
|
1. |
The RSUs will be granted to: |
|
a. |
Mr. Armstrong (Proposal 7); |
|
b. |
Ms. Alvord (Proposal 8); |
|
c. |
Mr. Beristain (Proposal 9); |
|
d. |
Mr. Bless (Proposal 10); and |
|
e. |
Mr. Demby (Proposal 11). |
|
2. |
Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord fall within ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 – Messrs. Armstrong,
Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord are related parties of the Company because they are directors. |
|
3. |
The maximum number of restricted stock units that may be granted to: |
|
a. |
Mr. Armstrong is 2,879; |
|
b. |
Ms. Alvord is 1,591; |
|
c. |
Mr. Beristain is 1,591; |
|
d. |
Mr. Bless is 1,591; and |
|
e. |
Mr. Demby is 1,591. |
|
4. |
Details
of the remuneration package for each of the non-executive directors for the fiscal year 2022, which is also the remuneration package
of the non-executive directors for the current financial year, are summarized above under the section titled “Director Compensation.” |
|
5. |
Since the adoption of the Company’s 2021 Plan, the Company has previously granted the following securities to
Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord under the Company’s 2021 Plan: |
Name of Director |
Type of Security |
Number of
Shares |
Exercise
Price |
Jeff Armstrong |
RSUs |
3,969 |
N/A |
Christina Alvord |
None |
None |
N/A |
Michael Bless |
None |
None |
N/A |
Jorge Beristain |
RSUs |
2,646 |
N/A |
Claude Demby |
RSUs |
2,646 |
N/A |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
6. |
The Board passed a resolution on March 7, 2023 to grant restricted stock units to Messrs. Armstrong,
Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord, subject to stockholder approval. The material terms of the restricted stock units are: |
|
a. |
all restricted stock units will vest immediately upon stockholder approval;
provided, however, the restricted stock units are restricted from sale during the director’s tenure as a Board member of the Company, except that the director will be permitted to sell up to a number of shares equal in value to the income
taxes owed by the director in respect to the grant and vesting of the restricted stock units; and |
|
b. |
a summary of the restricted stock unit terms and conditions set forth in Schedules
1 and 3. |
|
7. |
The Company proposes to grant the restricted stock units to Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord as
part of their non-executive director compensation arrangements. The Company considers the grants of restricted stock units to be a cost effective way to provide compensation benefits to directors, and it assists to align the interests of
stockholders and directors. |
|
8. |
Based on a stock price of $65.9989 (i.e., a 20-Day VWAP ending on March 6, 2023), which was the date the Board used when
approving the grants on March 7, 2023, the table below shows the value of the restricted stock units: |
Director |
Number of RSUs |
Total |
Jeff Armstrong |
2,879 |
$190,011 |
Christina Alvord |
1,591 |
$105,004 |
Michael Bless |
1,591 |
$105,004 |
Jorge Beristain |
1,591 |
$105,004 |
Claude Demby |
1,591 |
$105,004 |
|
9. |
The Company will grant the restricted stock units to Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and Ms. Alvord as soon as reasonably
practicable after the Annual Meeting, and in any event within three years after the Annual Meeting. |
|
10. |
The restricted stock units will be granted for zero cash consideration; accordingly, no funds will be raised. |
|
11. |
The Company has established the 2021 Plan, which may be inspected at the registered office of the Company during normal
business hours. A summary of the terms and conditions of the 2021 Plan is set out in Schedule 1. |
|
12. |
No loan is made in relation to the grant of the restricted stock units to Messrs. Armstrong, Beristain, Demby and Bless and
Ms. Alvord. |
|
13. |
Details of any securities granted under the 2021 Plan will be published in each annual report relating to a period in which
securities have been granted under the 2021 Plan, with a statement that approval for the issuance of the securities was obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
14. |
Any additional persons (to whom ASX Listing Rule 10.14 applies) who become entitled to participate in the 2021 Plan after
approval of Proposals 7-11 and who are not named in this Proxy Statement, will not participate until approval is obtained under ASX Listing Rule 10.14. |
|
15. |
A voting exclusion statement in relation to Proposals 7-11 is included in the Proxy Statement. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
The
Board (excluding Mr. Armstrong) recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the grant of up to 2,879 restricted
stock units to Mr. Jeff Armstrong.
The
Board
(excluding Ms. Alvord) recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the grant of up to 1,591 restricted
stock units to
Ms. Christina Alvord.
The
Board
(excluding Mr. Beristain) recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the grant of up to 1,591 restricted
stock units to
Mr. Jorge Beristain.
The
Board
(excluding Mr. Bless) recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the grant of up to 1,591 restricted
stock units to Mr.
Michael Bless.
The
Board
(excluding Mr. Demby) recommends a vote “FOR” the approval of the grant of up to 1,591 restricted
stock units to Mr.
Claude Demby.
|
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
Questions
and Answers about the Proxy Materials and Voting
What
Is
the Purpose of These Proxy Materials?
We are making these proxy materials available to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Piedmont Lithium Inc. (“we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company”) for use at the
2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held virtually on June 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time, or at any other time following adjournment or postponement thereof. You are invited to participate in the Annual Meeting and
to vote on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. The proxy materials are first being made available to our stockholders on or about April 28, 2023.
Why
Did I Receive a Notice of Internet Availability?
Pursuant to SEC rules, we are furnishing the proxy materials to our stockholders primarily via the Internet instead of mailing printed copies. This process allows us to expedite our stockholders’ receipt of proxy
materials, lower the costs of printing and mailing the proxy materials and reduce the environmental impact of our Annual Meeting. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”), you will not receive a printed
copy of the proxy materials unless you request one. The Notice provides instructions on how to access the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting via the Internet, how to request a printed set of proxy materials and how to vote your shares.
Why
Are We Holding a Virtual Annual Meeting?
We have adopted a virtual meeting format for the Annual Meeting to provide a consistent experience to all stockholders regardless of geographic location. We believe this expands stockholder access, improves
communications and lowers our costs while reducing the environmental impact of the meeting. In structuring our virtual Annual Meeting, our goal is to enhance rather than constrain stockholder participation in the meeting, and we have designed the
meeting to provide stockholders with the same rights and opportunities to participate as they would have at an in-person meeting.
Who
Can Vote?
Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on April 18, 2023 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of, and to
vote on, the proposals described in this Proxy Statement at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on the Record
Date, 19,183,313 shares of our common stock, including our CDIs on an as-converted basis, were issued and
outstanding.
Holders of CDIs as of the Record Date are entitled to notice of and to attend the meeting and may also instruct CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd. (“CDN”) to vote the shares underlying their CDIs by following the
instructions on the CDI Voting Instruction Form. CDN will vote the applicable shares on behalf of each applicable CDI holder at the Annual Meeting, in accordance with the instructions received via the CDI Voting Instruction Form. If you are a CDI
holder, your vote must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 6, 2023 (being 7:00 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on June 7, 2023). CDI holders who wish to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at the Annual Meeting virtually
should refer to the section below under “—How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?”
CDI holders should also read
references in the Proxy Statement to “beneficial owner” as CDI holders will be treated as beneficial owners.
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
What
Is the Difference between Holding Shares of Common Stock as a Registered Stockholder and as a Beneficial Owner?
Registered Stockholder: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name
If
your shares of common stock are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, Computershare Limited, you are considered
to be, with respect to those shares of common stock, the registered stockholder, and the Notice and/or these proxy materials are
being sent directly to you by us.
Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian
If
your shares of common stock are held by a broker, fiduciary or custodian, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares of
common stock held in “street name,” and the Notice and/or these proxy materials are being forwarded to you from your
broker, fiduciary or custodian.
How
Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?
Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting. To participate in the Annual Meeting, including to vote and ask questions,
stockholders of record should go to the meeting website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/PLL2023, enter the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card or Notice and follow the instructions on the website. If your shares are held in street name and your voting instruction form or Notice indicates that you may
vote those shares through www.proxyvote.com, then you may access,
participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting with the 16-digit access code indicated on that voting instruction form or Notice. Otherwise, stockholders who hold their shares in street name should contact their bank, broker or other nominee
(preferably at least five days before the Annual Meeting) and obtain a “legal proxy” in order to be able to attend, participate in or vote at the Annual Meeting.
Separately, CDI holders who wish to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at the Annual Meeting virtually must contact the Company’s Secretary at voting@piedmontlithium.com by no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June
6, 2023 (being 7:00 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time on June 7, 2023) in order to obtain a unique control number for the Annual Meeting. CDI holders who wish to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at the Annual Meeting virtually must provide
evidence of CDI ownership to the Company’s Secretary as of the Record Date, such as an account statement, letter from the stockholder of record (i.e., your broker, bank or other nominee) or a copy of your voting instruction form.
We will endeavor to answer as many stockholder-submitted questions as time permits that comply with the Annual Meeting rules of conduct. We reserve the right to edit profanity or other inappropriate language and exclude
questions regarding topics that are not pertinent to meeting matters or Company business. If we receive substantially similar questions, we may group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition.
The meeting webcast will begin promptly at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Online check-in will begin approximately 15 minutes before then, and we encourage you to allow ample time for check-in procedures. If you experience
technical difficulties during the check-in process or during the meeting, please call the number listed on the meeting website for technical support. Additional information regarding the rules and procedures for participating in the Annual Meeting
will be set forth in our meeting rules of conduct, which stockholders can view during the meeting at the meeting website. Regardless of whether you plan to participate in the Annual Meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted
at the Annual Meeting. Accordingly, we encourage you to vote in advance of the Annual Meeting.
What
Am I Voting On?
The proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are as follows:
1 |
Election of the two Class III director nominees
named in this Proxy Statement to serve until the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
2 |
Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP
as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023; |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
3 |
Approval of, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers; |
4 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 29,890 stock options to
Mr. Keith Phillips under the Company's 2021 Plan; |
5 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 13,260 restricted stock
units to Mr. Keith Phillips under the Company's 2021 Plan; |
6 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 53,034 performance stock
units to Mr. Keith Phillips under the Company's 2021 Plan; |
7 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 2,879 restricted stock
units to Mr. Jeff Armstrong under the Company's 2021 Plan; |
8 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 1,591 restricted stock
units to Ms. Christina Alvord under the Company's 2021 Plan; |
9 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 1,591 restricted stock
units to Mr. Jorge Beristain under the Company's 2021 Plan; |
10 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 1,591 restricted stock
units to Mr. Michael Bless under the Company's 2021 Plan; and |
11 |
That
for the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 10.14 and for all other purposes, stockholders approve the grant of up to 1,591 restricted stock
units to Mr. Claude Demby under the Company's 2021 Plan. |
Are
Any Stockholders Excluded from Voting?
The Company will disregard any votes cast in favor of Proposals 4 through 11 by or on behalf of all persons referred to in ASX Listing Rule 10.14.1 (i.e., directors of the Company), Rule 10.14.2 (i.e., any associate of
any director of the Company) or Rule 10.14.3 (i.e., any person whose relationship with the entity or a person referred to in Rules 10.14.1 or 10.14.2 is, in ASX’s opinion, such that approval should be obtained) who are eligible to participate in
the 2021 Plan and any associate of such persons.
However, this does not apply to a vote cast in favor of the proposal by:
|
(a) |
a person as proxy or attorney for a person who is entitled to vote on the proposal, in accordance with directions given to the proxy or
attorney to vote on the proposal that way; |
|
(b) |
the Chairman of the Annual Meeting as proxy or attorney for a person who is entitled to vote on the proposal, in accordance
with a direction given to the Chairman to vote on the proposal as the Chairman decides; or |
|
(c) |
a holder acting solely in a nominee, trustee, custodial or other fiduciary capacity on behalf of a beneficiary provided the
following conditions are met: |
|
(i) |
the beneficiary provides written confirmation to the holder that the beneficiary is not excluded from voting, and is not an associate of a
person excluded from voting, on the proposal; and |
|
(ii) |
the holder votes on the proposal in accordance with directions given by the beneficiary to the holder to vote in that way. |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
How
Does the Board Recommend That I Vote?
The Board recommends that you vote your shares of common stock as follows:
|
• |
“FOR”
each of the two Class III director nominees named
in Proposal 1; and |
|
• |
“FOR”
each of Proposals 2 through 11. |
What
If Another Matter Is Properly Brought before the Annual Meeting?
As of the date of filing this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it
is the intention of the persons named as proxies in the proxy card to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
How
Many Votes Do I Have?
Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each proposal to be voted on at the Annual Meeting.
What
Does It Mean If I Receive More Than One Set of Proxy Materials?
If you receive more than one set of proxy materials, your shares of common stock may be registered in more than one name or held in different accounts. Please cast your vote with respect to each set of proxy materials
that you receive to ensure that all of your shares of common stock are voted.
How
Do I Vote?
Registered Stockholder: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name
|
Vote
by Internet
You
may vote by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting by Internet (at www.proxyvote.com)
|
|
|
Vote by Telephone
You can vote by telephone (at 800-690-6903), in accordance with instructions on your proxy card.
|
|
|
Vote
by Mail
If
you requested paper copies of the proxy materials, You can vote by completing and mailing a proxy card.
|
|
|
Vote
at the Virtual Annual Meeting
You may vote
your shares online during the virtual Annual Meeting
|
If
you are the registered stockholder, you may vote your shares online during the virtual Annual Meeting (see “How Can I
Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?” above) or by proxy in advance of the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the
Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your vote in advance so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to,
or are unable to, virtually attend the Annual Meeting.
Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian
If you are the beneficial owner, you may vote your shares online during the virtual Annual Meeting (see “How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?” above) or you may direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian
how to vote in advance of the Annual Meeting by following the instructions they provide.
How
Do I Vote If I Hold CDIs?
If you are a CDI holder and you intend to vote, you must take one of the following actions in order to vote at the Annual Meeting:
|
1. |
Instruct
CDN to vote the shares underlying your CDIs pursuant to your instructions in the CDI Voting Instruction Form; |
|
2. |
Contact
the Company’s Secretary at voting@piedmontlithium.com by no later than 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on June 6, 2023 (being 7:00 a.m.
Australian Eastern Standard Time on June 7, 2023) in order to obtain a unique control number for the Annual Meeting. CDI holders who
wish to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at the Annual Meeting virtually must provide |
Piedmont Lithium, Inc. |
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2023 Proxy Statement
|
|
|
evidence of CDI ownership to the Company’s Secretary as of the Record Date, such as an account statement, letter from the stockholder
of record (i.e., your broker, bank or other nominee) or a copy of your voting instruction form; or |
|
3. |
Convert
your CDIs into shares of common stock and voting these at the Annual Meeting. The conversion must be done prior to the Record Date. Please
contact Computershare Investor Services Pty Ltd. for further information in relation to the conversion process. |
For
purposes of number (2) above, CDI holders who wish to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at the Annual Meeting virtually must
contact Computershare at 1300-850-505 (within Australia) or at +61-3-9415-4000 (outside Australia) to obtain a legal proxy
form, which you would need to complete in order to be able to obtain a control number to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at the
Annual Meeting.
What
Happens If I Do Not Vote?
Registered Stockholder: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name
If you are the registered stockholder and do not vote by attending the Annual Meeting virtually, vote by proxy using the proxy card or vote by proxy via telephone or the Internet, your shares of common stock will not be
voted at the Annual Meeting and will not be counted toward the quorum requirement.
Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian
If you are the beneficial owner and do not direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian how to vote your shares of common stock, your broker, fiduciary or custodian will only be able (but is not required) to vote your
shares with respect to proposals considered to be “routine.” Your broker, fiduciary or custodian is not entitled to vote your shares with respect to “non-routine” proposals, which we refer to as a “broker non-vote.” Whether a proposal is considered
routine or non-routine is subject to stock exchange rules and final determination by the stock exchange. Even with respect to routine matters, some brokers are choosing not to exercise discretionary voting authority. As a result, we urge you to
direct your broker, fiduciary or custodian how to vote your shares on all proposals to ensure that your vote is counted.
What
If I Sign and Return a Proxy Card or Otherwise Vote but Do Not Indicate Specific Choices?
Registered Stockholder: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name
The shares of common stock represented by each signed and returned proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting by the persons named as proxies in the proxy card in accordance with the instructions indicated on the proxy
card. However, if you are the registered stockholder and sign and return your proxy card without giving specific instructions, the persons named as proxies in the proxy card will vote your shares in accordance with the recommendations of the Board.
Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian
If you are the beneficial owner
and sign and return your voting instruction form without giving specific instructions, your broker, fiduciary or custodian will only be able (but is not required) to vote your shares with respect to proposals considered to be “routine.” Your
broker, fiduciary or custodian is not entitled to vote your shares of common stock with respect to “non-routine” proposals, resulting in a broker non-vote with respect to such proposals. Whether a proposal is considered routine or non-routine is
subject to stock exchange rules and final determination by the stock exchange. Even with respect to routine matters, some brokers are choosing not to exercise discretionary voting authority. As a result, we urge you to direct your broker, fiduciary
or custodian how to vote your shares on all proposals to ensure that your vote is counted.
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Can
I Change My Vote after I Submit My Proxy?
Registered Stockholder: Shares of Common Stock Registered in Your Name
If you are the registered stockholder, you may revoke your proxy at any time before the final vote at the Annual Meeting in any one of the following ways:
|
1. |
You
may complete and submit a new proxy card, but it must bear a later date than the original proxy card; |
|
2. |
You
may submit new proxy instructions via telephone or the Internet; |
|
3. |
You
may send a timely written notice that you are revoking your proxy to our Secretary at the address set forth on the first page
of this Proxy Statement; or |
|
4. |
You
may vote by attending the Annual Meeting virtually. However, your virtual attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke
your proxy. |
Your last submitted vote is the one that will be counted.
Beneficial Owner: Shares of Common Stock Registered in the Name of a Broker, Fiduciary or Custodian
If you are the beneficial owner, you must follow the instructions you receive from your broker, fiduciary or custodian with respect to changing your vote. CDI holders who wish to attend, vote at and/or ask questions at
the Annual Meeting virtually should refer to the section described above under “—How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?”
What
Is the Quorum Requirement?
The holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting must be present at the Annual Meeting, either virtually or represented by proxy, to
constitute a quorum. A quorum is required to transact business at the Annual Meeting.
Your
shares will be counted toward the quorum only if you submit a valid proxy (or a valid proxy is submitted on your behalf by your
broker, fiduciary or custodian) or if you attend the Annual Meeting virtually and vote. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any,
will be counted toward the quorum requirement. If there is no quorum, the meeting chair or the holders of a majority
of shares of common stock virtually present at the Annual Meeting, either personally or by proxy, may adjourn the Annual Meeting to
another time or date.
How
Many Votes Are Required to Approve Each Proposal and How Are Votes Counted?
Votes will be counted by Broadridge Financial Solutions, the Inspector of Elections appointed for the Annual Meeting.
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
A nominee will be elected as a director at the Annual Meeting if the nominee receives a plurality of the votes cast “FOR” his or her election. “Plurality” means that the individuals who receive the highest number of
votes cast “FOR” are elected as directors. Broker non-votes, if any, and votes that are withheld will not be counted as votes cast on the proposal and have no effect on the outcome of the election. We do not have cumulative voting rights for the
election of directors.
ASX Listing Rule 14.2.1 Waiver
Under ASX Listing Rule 14.2.1, a
proxy form must allow stockholders to vote
for a resolution, against a resolution or to abstain from voting on a resolution. However, ASX granted the Company a waiver from ASX Listing
Rule 14.2.1 to the extent necessary to permit the Company not to provide in its proxy form an option for stockholders or holders of CDIs
to vote against a resolution to elect a director. The terms of the waiver are that (i) the Company complies with the relevant Delaware
laws as to the content of the proxy forms applicable to resolutions for the election or re-election of directors; (ii) the notice given
by the Company to stockholders and CDI holders under ASX Settlement Operating Rule 13.8.9 makes it clear that security holders are only
able to vote for the resolutions or abstain from voting, and the reasons why this is the case; (iii) the terms of the waiver are set out
in the Proxy Statement provided to all holders of CDIs; and (iv) the waiver from ASX Listing Rule 14.2.1 only applies for so long as the
relevant Delaware laws prevent the Company from permitting security holders to vote against a resolution to elect a director.
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Proposal
2: Ratification of the Appointment of the Independent Auditor
The
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting
and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche
LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2023. Abstentions will have the same
effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. We do not expect there to be any broker non-votes with respect to this
proposal; otherwise, they would have no impact on the outcome of this proposal.
Proposal 3: Approval of, on an Advisory Basis, the Compensation of our Named Executive Officers
The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of shares
of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for the approval of, on
an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST”
the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.
Proposal
4: Approval of the Grant of Stock Options to Mr. Keith Phillips
The
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting
and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for the approval of the grant of stock options to Mr. Keith Phillips. Abstentions
will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the outcome
of the proposal.
Proposal
5: Approval of the Grant of Restricted Stock Units to Mr. Keith Phillips
The
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting
and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for the approval of the grant of restricted stock units to Mr. Keith Phillips.
Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on
the outcome of the proposal.
Proposal
6: Approval of the Grant of Performance Stock Units to Mr. Keith Phillips
The
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting
and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for the approval of the grant of performance stock units to Mr. Keith Phillips.
Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. Broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on
the outcome of the proposal.
Proposals
7-11: Approval of the Grants of Restricted Stock Units to the Non-Executive Directors
The
affirmative vote of at least a majority of the voting power of shares of common stock present or represented at the Annual Meeting
and entitled to vote on the proposal is required for the approval of the grants of restricted stock units to the non-executive
directors of the Company. Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the proposal. Broker non-votes, if
any, will have no effect on the outcome of the proposal.
Who
Is Paying for This Proxy Solicitation?
We will pay the costs associated with the solicitation of proxies, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of the proxy materials. We may also reimburse brokers, fiduciaries or custodians for the cost
of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of common stock held in “street name.”
We have retained Morrow Sodali to solicit proxies for a fee of $85,000, plus a reasonable amount to cover expenses. Our employees, officers and directors may solicit proxies in person or via telephone or the Internet.
We will not pay additional compensation to our employees, officers or directors for any of these services.
How
Can I Find Out the Voting Results?
We expect to announce preliminary
voting results at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.
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Stockholder
Proposals and Director Nominations for Next Year’s Annual Meeting
Pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, stockholders who wish
to submit proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must send such proposals to our Secretary
at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement. Such proposals must be received by us as of the close of business
(6:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on December 30, 2023 and must comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. Such proposals may or may not be included
in the proxy statement.
As set forth in our Bylaws, if a stockholder intends to make a nomination
for director election or present a proposal for other business (other than pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) at the 2024 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders, the stockholder’s notice must be received by our Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of
this Proxy Statement no earlier than the 120th day and no later than the 90th day before the anniversary of the last annual meeting; provided,
however, that if the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, the stockholder’s
notice must be delivered not earlier than the close of business on the 120th day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close
of business on the later of the 90th day prior to such annual meeting or the 10th day following the date on which the first public announcement
of the date of such annual meeting is made by the Company. Therefore, unless the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is more than 30 days
before or more than 60 days after the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, notice of proposed nominations or proposals (other than pursuant
to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act) must be received by our Secretary no earlier than February 14, 2024 and no later than the close of
business on March 15, 2024. Any such director nomination or stockholder proposal must be a proper matter for stockholder action and must
comply with the terms and conditions set forth in our Bylaws (including the Rule 14a-19 requirements). If a stockholder fails to meet
these deadlines and fails to satisfy the requirements of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act, we may exercise discretionary voting authority
under proxies we solicit to vote on any such proposal as we determine appropriate.
Delivery
of Documents to Stockholders Sharing an Address
A number of brokerage firms have adopted a
procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure, certain stockholders who have the same
address and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials will receive only one copy of the proxy materials,
including this Proxy Statement, the Notice and our Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A, until such time as one or more of these stockholders notifies us
that they wish to receive individual copies. This procedure helps to reduce duplicate mailings and save printing costs and postage
fees, as well as natural resources. If you received a “householding” mailing this year and would like to have additional
copies of the proxy materials mailed to you, please send a written request to our Secretary at the address set forth on the first
page of this Proxy Statement, or call (704) 461-8000, and we will promptly deliver the proxy materials to you. Please contact your
broker if you received multiple copies of the proxy materials and would prefer to receive a single copy in the future, or if you
would like to opt out of “householding” for future mailings.
Availability
of Additional Information
We will provide, free
of charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A, including exhibits, on the written or oral request of any stockholder of the Company. Please
send a written request to our Secretary at the address set forth on the first page of this Proxy Statement or call (704)
461-8000.
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Schedule 1 – Summary of 2021 Plan |
The purpose of the 2021 Plan is to assist the Company in securing
and retaining the services of eligible award recipients to provide incentives to employees, directors and consultants and promote the
long-term financial success of the Company and thereby increase stockholder value. The 2021 Plan permits the grant of stock options, stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs and incentive bonuses.
Subject to adjustment provisions in the 2021 Plan, the maximum aggregate
number of shares authorized for issuance under the 2021 Plan is 3,000,000 shares of common stock of the Company (the Share Reserve), and
such shares will consist of authorized but unissued or reacquired shares or any combination thereof.
If an award granted under the 2021 Plan expires or becomes unexercisable
without having been exercised in full, or, with respect to restricted stock or RSUs, is forfeited to or repurchased by us due to the failure
to vest, the unpurchased shares (or for awards other than options or stock appreciation rights the forfeited or repurchased shares) which
were subject thereto will become available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan (unless the 2021 Plan has been terminated). With
respect to stock appreciation rights, only shares actually issued pursuant thereto will cease to be available under the 2021 Plan; all
remaining shares under stock appreciation rights will remain available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan (unless the 2021 Plan
has been terminated). Shares that have actually been issued under the 2021 Plan under any award will not be returned to the 2021 Plan
and will not become available for future distribution under the 2021 Plan; provided, however, that if shares issued pursuant to awards
of restricted stock or RSUs are repurchased by us or are forfeited to us due to the failure to vest, such shares will become available
for future grant under the 2021 Plan. Shares used to pay the exercise price of an award or to satisfy the tax withholding obligations
related to an award will become available for future grant or sale under the 2021 Plan. To the extent an award under the 2021 Plan is
paid out in cash rather than shares, such cash payment will not result in reducing the number of shares available for issuance under the
2021 Plan.
In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in
the form of cash, shares, other securities, or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or exchange of shares of common stock or other securities, or other change
in corporate structure affecting the common stock of the Company occurs, the administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement
of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be made available under the 2021 Plan, will adjust the number and class of shares that
may be delivered under the 2021 Plan and/or the number, class, and price of shares covered by each outstanding award. In the event of
a proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the administrator will notify each participant as soon as practicable prior to the
effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an award will terminate immediately prior
to the consummation of such proposed action.
To comply with applicable tax rules, the 2021 Plan limits the number
of shares that may be issued upon the exercise of incentive stock options granted under the 2021 Plan to 3,000,000.
The 2021 Plan is administered by the Leadership and Compensation
Committee of Piedmont (or another committee designated by the Board to administer the 2021 Plan) (the “Committee”). The Committee’s
authority includes the powers to, in its discretion: (i) to
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prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
2021 Plan and to define terms not otherwise defined therein; (ii) determine the employees, directors and consultants to whom awards may
be granted; (iii) prescribe and amend the terms of the award agreements, to grant awards and determine the terms and conditions thereof;
(iv) establish and verify the extent of satisfaction of any performance goals or other conditions applicable to the grant, issuance, retention,
vesting, exercisability or settlement of any award; (v) prescribe and amend the terms of or form of any document or notice required to
be delivered to the Company by participants under the 2021 Plan; (vi) determine the extent to which adjustments are required pursuant
to the 2021 Plan; (vii) interpret and construe the 2021 Plan, any rules and regulations under the 2021 Plan and the terms and conditions
of any award, and to make exceptions to any such provisions if the Committee, in good faith, determines that it is appropriate to do so;
(viii) approve corrections in the documentation or administration of any award; and (ix) make all other determinations deemed necessary
or advisable for administration of the 2021 Plan. The Committee’s decisions, determinations and interpretations are final and binding
on all participants and any other holders of awards under the 2021 Plan.
Awards may be granted to employees, directors and other service
providers of Piedmont or any present or future parent or subsidiary corporation or other affiliated entity of the Company. Incentive stock
options may be granted only to employees who, as of the time of grant, are employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation
of Piedmont.
A stock option may be granted as an incentive stock option or a
nonqualified stock option. The option exercise price for an incentive stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the stock
subject to the option on the date the option is granted (or less than 110% of the fair market value if the recipient owns stock possessing
more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any affiliate, (a “Ten Percent Stockholder”)).
Options will not be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant (or five years, in the case of an incentive stock
option issued to a Ten Percent Stockholder). Each award agreement will set forth the number of shares subject to each option, the vesting
terms and the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an option, including the method of payment. As the Committee determines,
such consideration may consist entirely of cash, check, promissory note, to the extent permitted by applicable laws, shares of common
stock, cashless exercise, net exercise, such other consideration and method of payment to the extent permitted by applicable laws or any
combination of the foregoing.
(i) |
Stock Appreciation Rights |
A stock appreciation right, or SAR, is a right that entitles the
participant to receive, in cash or shares of common stock or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, value equal to or
otherwise based on the excess of: (i) the fair market value of a specified number of shares at the time of exercise; or (ii) the exercise
price of the right, as established by the Committee on the date of grant. Upon exercising a SAR, a participant is entitled to receive
the amount by which the fair market value of the common stock at the time of exercise exceeds the exercise price of the SAR. SARs will
not be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of grant. Each award agreement will set forth the number of shares
subject to the SAR. The vesting schedule applicable to any SAR, including any performance conditions, and other terms and conditions of
any SAR will be as set forth in the award agreement.
(j) |
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units |
Restricted shares are awards of shares, the grant, issuance, retention,
vesting and/or transferability of which is subject during specified periods of time to such conditions (including continued employment)
and terms as the administrator deems appropriate. RSUs are an award denominated in units under which the issuance of shares (or cash payment
in lieu thereof) is subject to such conditions (including continued employment) and terms as the administrator deems appropriate. Each
award document evidencing a grant of restricted stock or RSUs will set forth the terms and conditions of each award, including vesting
and forfeiture provisions, transferability and, if applicable, right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents. Generally, unless the
administrator provides otherwise, holders of restricted stock will be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with
respect to such shares, provided that if any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares, the shares will be subject to the same
restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the shares of restricted stock with respect to which they were paid.
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Incentive bonuses are awards payable in cash or shares, the grant,
issuance, retention, vesting and/or transferability of which is subject during specified periods of time to such conditions (including
continued employment) and terms as the Committee deems appropriate. Each award document evidencing a grant of an incentive bonus will
set forth the terms and conditions of each award, including vesting and forfeiture provisions, transferability and, if applicable, the
right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents.
The Committee may establish performance criteria and level of achievement
versus such criteria that will determine the number of shares of common stock, RSUs, or cash to be granted, retained, vested, issued or
issuable under or in settlement of or the amount payable pursuant to an award under the 2021 Plan. A performance award may be identified
as “performance share,” “performance equity,” “performance unit” or other such term as chosen by the
Committee.
(m) |
Transferability of Awards |
Unless determined otherwise by the Committee, awards may not be
sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, or otherwise transferred in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution,
and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the participant only by the participant.
Unless provided otherwise in an award agreement or other written
agreement between a participant and the Company or an affiliate or by the Board of the Company at the time of grant of an award, in the
event of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2021 Plan) the following will occur:
|
(i) |
the vesting of all options and stock appreciation rights will accelerate; |
|
(ii) |
in the case of any award subject to performance-based vesting or criteria, all conditions to the grant, issuance, retention, vesting or
transferability of, or any other restrictions applicable to, such award will immediately lapse and the participant will have the right to receive a payment based on target level achievement or actual performance through a date determined by
the Committee; and |
|
(iii) |
the vesting of all restricted stock and RSUs will accelerate and all restrictions to which such award are subject will lapse. |
Prior to the delivery of any shares or cash pursuant to an award,
the Company will have the power and right to deduct or withhold from any and all payments made under the 2021 Plan, or to require the
participant to remit to the Company an amount sufficient to satisfy federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes (including the participant’s
Federal Insurance Contributions Act obligations), if any, required by law to be withheld by the Company with respect to an award or the
shares acquired pursuant thereto.
(p) |
Termination and Amendment, Term |
The Board of the Company may at any time amend, alter, suspend or
terminate the 2021 Plan, provided that stockholder approval will be obtained for any 2021 Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable
to comply with applicable laws. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the 2021 Plan will impair the rights of any participant,
unless mutually agreed otherwise between the participant and the administrator. Termination of the 2021 Plan will not affect the rights
and obligations of the participants and the Company arising under awards theretofore granted. The 2021 Plan became effective upon its
adoption by the Board of the Company and, unless sooner terminated, will continue in effect until March 31, 2031.
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Schedule 2 – Summary of Nonqualified
Stock Options |
Each vested option of the Company’s stock entitles the participant
holding the option to subscribe for, or to be transferred, one common share of the Company’s stock on payment of the exercise price.
The exercise period and expiry date for stock options will be as
determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion.
(c) |
Conditions for Vesting and Exercise |
The Committee will determine prior to an offer being made and specify
in the offer any vesting conditions attaching to any stock options. Options will only vest and be exercisable if the applicable vesting
conditions (if any) have been satisfied, waived by the Committee, or are deemed to have been satisfied under the 2021 Plan.
Following the vesting of an option or any portion thereof, the option
is exercisable by the participant within the exercise period specified by the Committee in the offer, subject to the participant delivering
to the registered office of the Company or such other address as determined by the Committee:
|
(i) |
a notice of exercise; and |
|
(ii) |
subject to the cashless exercise option, a cheque or cash or such other form of payment determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion as satisfactory
for the amount of the exercise price (if any). |
(e) |
No Issue Unless Cleared Funds |
Where a cheque is presented as payment of the exercise price on
the exercise of an option, the Company will not, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, allot and issue or transfer any shares
of the Company until after any cheque delivered in payment of the exercise price has been cleared by the banking system.
(f) |
Cashless Exercise of Piedmont Options |
Subject to the below paragraph, a participant may elect to pay the
exercise price for each option by setting off the total exercise price against the number of shares of the Company which they are entitled
to receive upon exercise (a “Cashless Exercise Facility”). By using the Cashless Exercise Facility, the holder will receive
common shares of the Company’s stock equal to the value of the surplus after the exercise price has been set off.
If the participant elects to use the Cashless Exercise Facility,
the participant will only be issued that number of common shares (rounded down to the nearest whole number) as is equal in value to the
difference between the total exercise price otherwise payable for the options on the options being exercised and the then market value
of the shares at the time of exercise calculated in accordance with the following formula:
S = O x (MSP - EP) MSP
Where:
S = Number of common shares of Company stock to be issued
on exercise of the option
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O = Number of options being exercised
MSP = |
Market value of the shares calculated using the volume weighted average of the common shares of the Company’s stock on Nasdaq for the 5 trading days
immediately prior to (and excluding) the date of the notice of exercise |
EP = Exercise Price
If the difference between the total exercise price otherwise payable
for the options on the options being exercised and the then market value of the shares at the time of exercise (calculated in accordance
with the formula above) is zero or negative, then a participant will not be entitled to use the Cashless Exercise Facility.
The Committee may also make available a Cashless Exercise Facility
pursuant to which the exercise price is paid through an irrevocable commitment by a broker to pay over such amount from a sale of the
shares the participant is entitled to receive upon exercise.
Options must be exercised in multiples of 100 unless fewer than
100 Piedmont options are held by a participant or the Committee otherwise agrees.
To the extent applicable, Piedmont will have the right to withhold
from the participant’s compensation or to require the participant to remit sufficient funds to satisfy applicable withholding tax
obligations upon the exercise of the options. A participant may, in order to fulfill the withholding obligation, make payment in any manner
permitted under the 2021 Plan. The Company will be authorized to take any such action as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations for
payment of such taxes and will not issue any shares upon exercise of the options until any required tax withholding is satisfied.
(i) |
Participant in New Issues and Other Rights |
A participant who holds options is
not entitled to:
|
(i) |
notice of, or to vote or attend, a meeting of the Company’s shareholders; |
|
(ii) |
receive any dividends declared by the Company; or |
|
(iii) |
participate in any new issues of securities offered to the Company’s shareholders during the term of the options, unless and until the
options are exercised and the participant holds shares in the Company. |
(j) |
Adjustment for Reorganization |
If there is any reorganization of the issued share capital of the
Company, the terms of any options and the rights of the participant who holds such options will be varied, including an adjustment to
the number of options and/or the exercise price applicable to options, in accordance with the 2021 Plan and the listing rules that apply
to the reorganization at the time of the reorganization.
(k) |
No Transfer of Options |
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in accordance with
the 2021 Plan, the options cannot be transferred to or vest in any person other than the participant.
(l) |
Options to be Recorded |
Options will be recorded in the appropriate register of the Company.
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Options are issued under and in accordance with the 2021 Plan and
the terms and conditions of the options are subject to the 2021 Plan. The options and the shares received upon exercise will be subject
to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy adopted by the Company. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy
will be an event giving rise to a right to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar
term) under any agreement with the Company.
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Schedule 3 – Summary of Restricted
Stock Units |
The Committee may offer RSUs to any participant in its sole discretion.
Each RSU confers an entitlement to be provided with one share of common stock of the Company, credited as fully paid, at no cost, upon
the full satisfaction of the vesting condition specified in the award agreement in relation to that RSU.
The Committee will determine prior to an offer being made and specify
in the award agreement the vesting condition attaching to the RSU. RSUs will only vest and entitle the participant to be issued shares
if the applicable vesting condition have been satisfied, waived by the Committee, or are deemed to have been satisfied under the 2021
Plan. In the event of a change in control, the Committee, in its absolute discretion, may waive any vesting condition in respect of some
or all RSUs held by a participant and settle any vested RSUs within 30 days of such change in control.
(c) |
Satisfaction of Vesting Condition |
Within 30 days after the calendar year in which the applicable vesting
condition is satisfied, the Company will issue the number of shares for which the participant is entitled to acquire for the relevant
number of RSUs, subject to the participant’s satisfaction of any tax withholding obligations.
The Company will have the right to withhold from the participant’s
compensation or to require the participant to remit sufficient funds to satisfy applicable withholding tax obligations upon the settlement
of the RSUs. A participant may, in order to fulfill the withholding obligation, make payment in any manner permitted under the 2021 Plan.
The Company will be authorized to take any such action as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations for payment of such taxes and will
not issue any shares upon settlement of the RSUs until any required tax withholding is satisfied.
Shares issued on the satisfaction of the vesting condition attaching
to the RSUs rank equally with all existing shares of the Company, including those shares issued directly under the 2021 Plan.
If there is any reorganization of the issued share capital of the
Company, the terms of the RSUs and the rights of the participant who holds such RSUs will be varied, including an adjustment to the number
of RSUs, in accordance with the 2021 Plan and the listing rules that apply to the reorganization at the time of the reorganization.
A participant who holds RSUs is not entitled to:
|
(i) |
notice of, or to vote or attend, a meeting of the Company’s shareholders; |
|
(ii) |
receive any dividends declared by the Company or any dividend equivalents; |
|
(iii) |
participate in any new issues of securities offered to shareholders during the performance period; or |
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|
(iv) |
cash for the RSUs or any right to participate in surplus assets of profits of the Company on winding up, unless and until the RSUs
are settled and the participant holds shares. |
A participant’s RSUs are personal contractual rights granted
to the participant only and do not constitute any form of property.
(i) |
No Transfer of RSUs and No Quotation |
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in accordance with
the 2021 Plan, RSUs cannot be transferred to or vest in any person other than the participant. The RSUs will not be quoted on Nasdaq or
any other established stock exchange, system or market.
The RSUs are issued under and in accordance with the 2021 Plan and
the terms and conditions of the RSUs are subject to the 2021 Plan. The RSUs and any shares of common stock received upon settlement of
the RSUs will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy adopted by the Company. No recovery of compensation under
such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination”
(or similar term) under any agreement with the Company.
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Schedule 4 – Summary of Performance
Stock Units |
The Committee may offer PSUs to any participant in its sole discretion.
Each PSU confers an entitlement to be provided with one share of common stock of the Company, credited as fully paid, at no cost, upon
the full satisfaction of the performance criteria specified in the award agreement in relation to that PSU.
The Committee will determine prior to an offer being made and specify
in the award agreement any performance criteria, performance period or expiry date attaching to the PSU.
PSUs will only vest and entitle the participant to be issued shares
if the applicable performance criteria have been satisfied prior to the end of the performance period, waived by the Committee, or are
deemed to have been satisfied under the 2021 Plan. In the event of a change in control, the Committee, in its absolute discretion, may
waive any vesting criteria in respect of some or all PSUs held by a participant and settle any earned PSUs within 30 days of such change
in control.
(c) |
Satisfaction of Performance Criteria |
The Committee will determine in its sole discretion whether (and,
where applicable, to what extent) the participant has satisfied the performance criteria applicable to the PSUs at the end of the performance
period. As soon as practicable after making that determination the Company will issue the number of shares for which the participant is
entitled to acquire upon satisfaction of the performance criteria for the relevant number of PSUs, subject to the participant’s
satisfaction of any tax withholding obligations.
Where PSUs have not satisfied the performance criteria within the
performance period, those PSUs will be forfeited.
The Company will have the right to withhold from the participant’s
compensation or to require the participant to remit sufficient funds to satisfy applicable withholding tax obligations upon the settlement
of the PSUs. A participant may, in order to fulfill the withholding obligation, make payment in any manner permitted under the 2021 Plan.
The Company will be authorized to take any such action as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations for payment of such taxes and will
not issue any shares upon settlement of the PSUs until any required tax withholding is satisfied.
If there is any reorganization of the issued share capital of the
Company, the terms of the PSUs and the rights of the participant who holds such PSUs will be varied, including an adjustment to the number
of PSUs, in accordance with the 2021 Plan and the listing rules that apply to the reorganization at the time of the reorganization.
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A participant who holds PSUs is not entitled to:
|
(i) |
notice of, or to vote or attend, a meeting of the Company’s shareholders; |
|
(ii) |
receive any dividends declared by the Company or any dividend equivalents; |
|
(iii) |
participate in any new issues of securities offered to shareholders during the performance period; or |
|
(iv) |
cash for the PSUs or any right to participate in surplus assets of profits of the Company on winding up, unless and until the PSUs are settled
and the participant holds shares. |
A participant’s PSUs are personal contractual rights granted
to the participant only and do not constitute any form of property.
(i) |
No Transfer of PSUs and No Quotation |
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee in accordance with
the 2021 Plan, PSUs cannot be transferred to or vest in any person other than the participant. The PSUs will not be quoted on Nasdaq or
any other established stock exchange, system or market.
The PSUs are issued under and in accordance with the 2021 Plan and
the terms and conditions of the PSUs are subject to the 2021 Plan. The PSUs and any shares of common stock received upon settlement of
the PSUs will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy adopted by the Company. No recovery of compensation under
such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination”
(or similar term) under any agreement with the Company.
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