UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy
Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant ☒
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12
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AKOUSTIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its
Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement,
if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Total fee paid:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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Amount Previously Paid:
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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Filing Party:
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Date Filed:
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Akoustis Technologies, Inc.
9805 Northcross Center Court, Suite A
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 997-5735
September 18, 2020
To the Stockholders of Akoustis Technologies, Inc.:
We are pleased to invite
you to attend the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Akoustis Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”).
The Annual Meeting will be held at the offices of K&L Gates LLP, 300 South Tryon Street, Suite 1000, Charlotte, North Carolina
28202, on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 10:00 a.m., local time. While we intend to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we are actively
monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are sensitive to the public health and travel concerns our shareholders may
have and the protocols that federal, state and local governments may impose. In the event that it is not possible or advisable
to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will publicly announce a determination to hold the Annual Meeting virtually in a press
release available at www.akoustis.com and in a filing of additional proxy materials with
the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable before the meeting. In that event, the Annual Meeting would be conducted
solely virtually, on the above date and time, via live audio webcast. If we decide to hold the Annual Meeting virtually, details
on how to participate will be set forth in the press release described above.
Details of the business
to be conducted at the Annual Meeting are provided in the enclosed Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement,
each of which we urge you to read carefully. In addition, enclosed are a proxy card and a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
We sincerely hope that
you can attend the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to review these proxy materials
and submit your voting instructions in advance of the Annual Meeting by Internet, by telephone, or by mail. Instructions regarding
submitting a proxy by Internet and telephone are included on the proxy card. If you choose to submit a proxy by mail, please mark,
sign and date the proxy card and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting and desire to
revoke your proxy and vote in person, you may do so. You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised as explained
in the Proxy Statement.
If you have any questions
or need assistance voting your shares, please contact Andrew Wright, the Company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary,
at (704) 997-5735.
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Sincerely,
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/s/ Andrew Wright
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Andrew Wright
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General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
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Akoustis Technologies, Inc.
9805 Northcross Center Court, Suite A
Huntersville, NC 28078
(704) 997-5735
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 2020 AT 10:00 A.M.
The 2020 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Akoustis Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at the
offices of K&L Gates LLP, 300 South Tryon Street, Suite 1000, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 on Thursday, October 29, 2020
at 10:00 a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
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1.
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to elect seven directors of the Company to serve one-year terms expiring at the 2021 annual meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal;
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2.
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to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation paid to our named executive officers;
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to ratify the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021; and
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to transact such other business, if any,
as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Board of Directors is not aware
of any other business to come before the Annual Meeting.
In the event that it
is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will publicly announce a determination
to hold the Annual Meeting virtually in a press release available at www.akoustis.com and
in a filing of additional proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable before the meeting.
In that event, the Annual Meeting would be conducted solely virtually, on the above date and time, via live audio webcast. If we
decide to hold the Annual Meeting virtually, details on how to participate will be set forth in the press release described above.
We have fixed September
3, 2020 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only
holders of record of the Company’s common stock at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and to
vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
You are cordially invited
to attend the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, your vote is important, and we encourage you
to review these proxy materials and submit your voting instructions in advance of the Annual Meeting by Internet, telephone, or
mail, as described on the enclosed proxy card. You may also vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting. To obtain directions
to the Annual Meeting, please call (704) 997-5735.
The Board of Directors
recommends that stockholders vote “FOR” each of the director nominees, “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding,
advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers, and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment
of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
You may revoke your
proxy at any time prior to or at the Annual Meeting by written notice to the Company, by executing a proxy bearing a later date,
or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
Important Notice
Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be held on October 29, 2020: the Proxy Statement and the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.proxyvote.com.
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By order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Andrew Wright
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Andrew Wright
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General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Huntersville, North Carolina
September 18, 2020
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September 18, 2020
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE 2020 ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 2020
The Board of Directors
(the “Board of Directors” or “Board”) of Akoustis Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) is furnishing
you this proxy statement to solicit, on its behalf, proxies to be voted at the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the offices of K&L
Gates LLP, 300 South Tryon Street, Suite 1000, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202, and at any adjournment or postponements thereof.
In the event that it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will publicly
announce a determination to hold the Annual Meeting virtually in a press release available at www.akoustis.com
and in a filing of additional proxy materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission as soon as practicable before the meeting.
In that event, the Annual Meeting would be conducted solely virtually, on the above date and time, via live audio webcast. If we
decide to hold the Annual Meeting virtually, details on how to participate will be set forth in the press release described above.
These proxy materials
are first being mailed or made available to stockholders on or about September 18, 2020. The entire cost of soliciting these
proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to the delivery of the proxy materials by mail, the Company may request banks,
brokers, and other record holders, or a proxy solicitor acting on its behalf, to send proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial
owners of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Common Stock”), and to secure the voting instructions
of such beneficial owners. The Company will reimburse any such banks, brokers, other record holders, or proxy solicitors acting
on its behalf for their reasonable expenses in so doing. The Company has not engaged a proxy solicitor to solicit proxies from
stockholders; however, the Company retains the right to do so if it deems such solicitation necessary. Furthermore, the Company
may also use one or more of its current employees, who will not be specially compensated, to solicit proxies from stockholders
in person, by telephone, by e-mail, or by special letter.
The Annual Meeting
will be held for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following:
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1.
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to elect seven directors of the Company to serve one-year terms expiring at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal;
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2.
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to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation paid to our named executive officers;
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3.
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to ratify the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021; and
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to transact such other business, if any,
as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Board is not aware of any other
business to come before the Annual Meeting.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL INFORMATION CONCERNING VOTING
Date, Time, and Place
The Company will hold
its Annual Meeting at the offices of K&L Gates LLP, 300 South Tryon Street, Suite 1000, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 at
10:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, October 29, 2020.
Purpose of the Annual Meeting
At the Annual Meeting,
the Company’s stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following:
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1.
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to elect seven directors of the Company to serve one-year terms expiring at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified, or until their earlier resignation or removal;
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2.
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to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation paid to our named executive officers;
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3.
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to ratify the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021; and
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to transact such other business, if any,
as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The Board is not aware of any other
business to come before the Annual Meeting.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors
has determined that each of the proposals is advisable and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and recommends
that the Company’s stockholders vote “FOR” each of the director nominees, “FOR” the approval, on
a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers, and “FOR” ratification of
the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June
30, 2021.
Who May Vote
Stockholders of record
of the Company’s Common Stock as of the close of business on September 3, 2020, the record date established by the Board
of Directors (the “Record Date”), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments
thereof, either in person or by proxy. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on each matter expected to be presented
at the Annual Meeting, including the election of directors. On the Record Date, there were 38,257,934 shares of Common Stock outstanding
and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights.
Voting Methods
You may vote at the
Annual Meeting in person, by submitting a proxy by mailing the enclosed proxy card or by submitting voting instructions by telephone
or on the Internet. Instructions regarding submitting your proxy or voting instructions by telephone and on the Internet are included
on the proxy card. You may not submit your voting instructions by telephone or on the Internet after 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on
Wednesday, October 28, 2020. If you choose to submit a proxy by mail, please mark, sign, and date the proxy card and return it
in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If a bank, broker, or other nominee (“broker”) holds your shares, you will receive
voting instructions directly from the broker.
If you decide to attend
the Annual Meeting in person, upon your arrival you will need to register as a visitor with the security desk in the lobby of 300
South Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28202. Please be sure to have state or government issued photo identification with
you at the time of registration. After a determination that you are a registered holder of Common Stock, you will receive a security
pass that will allow you to attend the Annual Meeting. If you are not a registered holder, please be sure that you bring your state
or government issued photo identification as well as either (i) a proxy issued to you in your name by your brokerage firm, bank
or other nominee, or (ii) a brokerage statement showing your beneficial ownership of Common Stock as of the Record Date (and a
legal proxy from your brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee if you wish to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting) to present
at the time of registration.
Possibility of Virtual Meeting
We intend to hold the
Annual Meeting in person; however, we are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are sensitive to the public
health and travel concerns our shareholders may have and the protocols that federal, state and local governments may impose. In
the event that it is not possible or advisable to hold the Annual Meeting in person, we will publicly announce a determination
to hold the Annual Meeting virtually in a press release available at www.akoustis.com as soon as practicable before the meeting.
In that event, the Annual Meeting would be conducted solely virtually, on the above date and time, via live audio webcast. If we
decide to hold the Annual Meeting virtually, the press release and filing of additional proxy materials described above will include
detailed instructions on how to access the virtual meeting, including information on how you can vote your shares if you elect
not to do so in advance of the Annual Meeting.
Submitting a Proxy
The form of proxy solicited
by the Board of Directors permits you to specify a choice among “for all” nominees, “withhold all” nominees,
and “for all except” designated nominees, and a choice among “for,” “against,” and “abstain”
with respect to the proposals regarding approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive
officers and regarding auditor ratification. All shares represented by valid proxies that the Company receives through this solicitation,
and that are not validly revoked, will be voted according to your instructions on the proxy card or as instructed by phone or via
the Internet. If you properly submit a proxy without giving specific voting instructions, your shares will be voted in accordance
with the Board of Directors’ recommendations. If other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons appointed
to vote the proxies will vote on these matters in accordance with their best judgment. The proxies also have discretionary authority
to vote to adjourn the Annual Meeting, including for the purpose of soliciting proxies to vote in accordance with the Board of
Directors’ recommendations. The Board of Directors has selected Jeffrey B. Shealy and Andrew Wright to act as proxies with
full power of substitution at the Annual Meeting. Either of them is authorized to vote, on behalf of the Board, all proxies to
vote shares of Common Stock at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof granted by stockholders of the Company.
The enclosed proxy with respect to the Annual Meeting is solicited by the Board of Directors.
Revocability of Proxies
Even if you execute
a proxy or submit a proxy by telephone or over the internet, you have the right to revoke it and change your vote by notifying
us at any time before your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting. You may revoke a proxy at any time by submitting written notice
of revocation to Andrew Wright, the Company’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, before the shares are voted, by submitting
a proxy having a later date, or by appearing at the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Unless so revoked, the shares of Common
Stock represented by the valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation will be voted in accordance with the specifications
given therein. Attendance at the Annual Meeting, without voting, will not serve to revoke a previously submitted proxy.
Quorum and Vote Necessary for Action
Quorum. The
presence of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Common Stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, present
in person or represented by proxy, is necessary to constitute a quorum.
Required Vote.
Directors are elected (Proposal 1) by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote in the election, which means
that the seven director nominees who receive the greatest number of “for” votes will be elected. You may vote “for
all,” “withhold all” or “for all except” with respect to the election of directors. Approval, on
a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation paid to our named executive officers (Proposal 2) and ratification of the appointment
of our independent registered accounting firm (Proposal 3) requires the affirmative vote of the stockholders present in person
or represented by proxy holding shares representing at least a majority of the votes so present or represented by proxy and entitled
to be cast thereon. You may vote “for,” “against,” or “abstain” with respect to Proposals 2
and 3.
Broker Non-Votes.
A broker holding shares in “street name” for a beneficial owner has discretion (but is not required) to vote the client’s
shares with respect to “routine” matters if the client does not provide voting instructions. The broker, however, is
not permitted to vote the client’s shares with respect to “non-routine” matters without voting instructions.
A “broker non-vote” occurs when your broker submits a proxy for your shares but does not vote on a particular proposal
because the broker does not have discretionary voting power for that item and has not received instructions from you. Broker non-votes,
if any, will be counted for purposes of determining a quorum. Broker non-votes will not be treated as votes cast on Proposal 1
and will not be treated as votes entitled to be cast on Proposal 2 and, therefore, will have no effect on the vote required for
the approval of Proposal 1 or 2.
“Routine”
and “Non-routine” Matters. Approval of the ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021 (Proposal 3) is considered a routine matter.
Therefore, even if your broker does not receive voting instructions from you, your broker is entitled (but not required) to vote
your shares on this proposal. The election of directors (Proposal 1) and approval, on a non-binding advisory basis, of the compensation
paid to our named executive officers (Proposal 2) are considered non-routine matters under applicable stock exchange rules, and
your broker is not entitled to vote your shares on these proposals without your instructions.
Abstentions and
Withheld Votes. If you abstain from voting or withhold your vote on a particular matter, your shares will be counted for purposes
of determining whether a quorum is present but will not be treated as cast either for or against Proposal 1. Abstentions will have
the same effect as votes cast against Proposals 2 and 3.
There are no dissenters’
rights of appraisal with respect to the matters to be acted upon at the meeting.
REFERENCES TO OUR WEBSITE ADDRESS
References to our website
address throughout this proxy statement and the accompanying materials are for informational purposes only, or to fulfill specific
disclosure requirements of the SEC’s rules. These references are not intended to, and do not, incorporate the contents of
our website by reference into this proxy statement or the accompanying materials.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Beneficial ownership
is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities.
In accordance with SEC rules, shares of our Common Stock that may be acquired upon exercise of stock options or warrants that are
exercisable or that become exercisable within 60 days after the Record Date are deemed beneficially owned by the holders of such
options and warrants and are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of such person, but are
not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of ownership of any other person.
The following table
sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of the Record Date by (i) each stockholder
known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our Common Stock (our only class of voting securities); (ii) each of
our directors and named executive officers; and (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. To the best of our
knowledge, except as otherwise indicated, each of the persons named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect
to the shares of our Common Stock beneficially owned by such person, except to the extent such power may be shared with a spouse.
For shares subject to repurchase options, as indicated in the notes to the table below, see “Compensation and Other Information
Concerning Our Executive Officers and Directors — Executive Compensation — Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal 2020
Year-End” below for a description of the repurchase option. To our knowledge, (i) none of the shares listed below are held
under a voting trust or similar agreement, except as noted, and (ii) there is no arrangement, including any pledge by any person
of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the Company.
Name and address of beneficial owner
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Amount and
nature
of beneficial
ownership(1)(2)
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Percent of
class(3)
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Jeffrey B. Shealy, Chief Executive Officer, Director(4)
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2,914,562
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7.6
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%
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Rohan Houlden, Chief Product Officer(5)
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185,377
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*
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David M. Aichele, Executive Vice President of Business Development(6)
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129,671
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*
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Steven P. DenBaars, Director(7)
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332,278
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*
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Arthur E. Geiss, Director, Co-Chairman of the Board(8)
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266,189
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*
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J. Michael McGuire, Director
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--
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*
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Jeffrey K. McMahon, Director(9)
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652,028
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1.7
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%
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Jerry D. Neal, Director, Co-Chairman of the Board(10)
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685,828
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1.8
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%
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Suzanne B. Rudy, Director(11)
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146,272
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*
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All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)
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5,349,205
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13.7
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%
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Nineteen 77 Global Multi-Strategy Alpha Master Limited(12)(13)
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2,872,922
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7.1
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%
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Silverback Asset Management(12)(14)
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2,480,400
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6.1
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%
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(1)
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Unless otherwise indicated in the table or the related notes, the address for each person named in the table is c/o Akoustis Technologies, Inc., 9805 Northcross Center Court, Suite A, Huntersville, NC 28078.
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(2)
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Unless otherwise indicated in the table or the related notes, the shares are held directly by the beneficial owner.
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Applicable percentage ownership is based on 38,257,934 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of the Record Date, together with securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of Common Stock within 60 days after the Record Date for each stockholder.
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(4)
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Includes (i) 7,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of the Record Date; and (ii) 55,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options held directly that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(5)
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Includes 25,000 restricted shares that are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option, 6,250 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of the Record Date, and 42,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(6)
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Includes 3,750 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of the Record Date, and 27,500 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(7)
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Includes 95,480 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(8)
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Includes 1,250 shares
of Common Stock issuable upon the vesting of restricted stock units that vest within 60 days of the Record Date, and 197,214
shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60
days of the Record Date.
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(9)
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Includes 157,916 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(10)
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Includes 40,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(11)
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Includes 88,555 shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options that are presently exercisable or become exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
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(12)
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Includes 2,480,400 shares issuable to each beneficial owner upon the conversion of the principal amount of 6.5% Convertible Senior Secured Notes due 2023 issued by the Company in May 2018, based on a conversion rate of 200 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of $5.00 per share of Common Stock), and upon the conversion of 6.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 issued by the Company in October 2018, based on a conversion rate of 196.08 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes (equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $5.10 per share of Common Stock). The conversion rate of the October 2018 notes is subject to adjustment if certain events occur.
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(13)
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UBS O’Connor LLC (“O’Connor”), the investment manager of Nineteen 77 Global Multi-Strategy Alpha Master Limited, has voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares. Kevin Russell, the Chief Investment Officer of O’Connor, and Andrew Martin, a portfolio manager for O’Connor, each also has voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares. The address for each of the entities or persons listed in this footnote is 1 N. Wacker Drive, Floor 32, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
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(14)
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Silverback Asset Management beneficially owns these shares through Blackwell Capital Partners LLC - Series B, LMAP Kappa Limited and Silverback Opportunities Credit Master Fund Limited, for each of which Silverback Asset Management is trading advisor. Voting and dispositive power with respect to these shares is held by Elliot Bossen, CEO of Silverback Asset Management. The address for each of the entities or persons listed in this footnote is 1414 Raleigh Road, Suite 250, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517.
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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Bylaws provide that
the number of directors shall be fixed from time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors but shall not be less than one.
The number of directors is currently fixed at seven directors. The Board of Directors has nominated Steven P. DenBaars, Arthur
E. Geiss, J. Michael McGuire, Jeffrey K. McMahon, Jerry D. Neal, Suzanne B. Rudy, and Jeffrey B. Shealy, all of whom currently
are directors of the Company, for election by the stockholders. Upon election, each such director will serve until the 2021 annual
meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier resignation or removal.
Each nominee has consented to serve as a director if elected. Although the Board of Directors expects that each of the nominees
will be available for election, if a vacancy in the slate of nominees is caused by death or any other unexpected occurrence, the
persons named as proxies in the accompanying form of proxy may vote for a substitute nominee recommended by the Nominating Committee
and approved by the Board of Directors.
Proxies may not be
voted for a number of persons greater than the number of nominees.
The Board of Directors
recommends a vote “FOR” each of Steven P. DenBaars, Arthur E. Geiss, J. Michael McGuire, Jeffrey K. McMahon, Jerry
D. Neal, Suzanne B. Rudy, and Jeffrey B. Shealy for election as directors of the Company.
Properly submitted
proxies will be voted “FOR” election of each of the nominees identified above unless otherwise specified.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Below are the names
of, and certain information about, our named executive officers, our current executive officers, and our directors, including the
principal occupation and business experience of each such person during the past five years.
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
Date Named to Board of
Directors/as Executive
Officer
|
Jeffrey B. Shealy
|
|
51
|
|
President and Chief Executive Officer; Director
|
|
May 22, 2015
|
Kenneth E. Boller
|
|
49
|
|
Interim Chief Financial Officer
|
|
November 5, 2018
|
Rohan Houlden
|
|
55
|
|
Chief Product Officer
|
|
November 12, 2018
|
David M. Aichele
|
|
54
|
|
Executive Vice President of Business Development
|
|
May 22, 2015
|
Steven P. DenBaars
|
|
58
|
|
Director
|
|
May 22, 2015
|
Arthur E. Geiss
|
|
67
|
|
Co-Chairman of the Board
|
|
May 22, 2015
|
J. Michael McGuire
|
|
61
|
|
Director
|
|
August 28, 2020
|
Jeffrey K. McMahon
|
|
49
|
|
Director
|
|
May 22, 2015
|
Jerry D. Neal
|
|
75
|
|
Co-Chairman of the Board
|
|
May 22, 2015
|
Suzanne B. Rudy
|
|
65
|
|
Director
|
|
July 14, 2017
|
Jeffrey B. Shealy
is our Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as one of our directors. He has over 25 years of experience
in the radio frequency (“RF”)/wireless industry focused on building businesses around solid-state materials and electron
device innovation. He previously held the position of Vice President and General Manager at RF Micro Devices, Inc. (“RFMD”)
(now Qorvo, Inc.) from 2001 until 2014. Mr. Shealy is a Howard Hughes Doctoral Fellow and spent seven years with Hughes Electronics
at Hughes Research Labs (now HRL Labs) and Hughes Network Systems (now Hughes). He previously founded RF Nitro, a GaN-RF Power
Amplifier high-tech venture, which was acquired by RFMD in 2001. Mr. Shealy holds an MBA degree from Wake Forest University, Master
of Science and Doctorate degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from University of California at Santa Barbara (“UCSB”),
and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from North Carolina State University (“NCSU”).
We believe that Mr. Shealy adds value to our Board of Directors based on his intimate knowledge of our business plans and strategies,
his experience with high tech start-up ventures and his years of experience in the RF/Wireless industry.
Kenneth E. Boller
is our Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller. Mr. Boller joined the Company in December 2017 as Corporate
Controller and became Assistant Secretary in February 2018, and Interim CFO in November 2018. Mr. Boller has been responsible for
building and managing the Company’s finance organization, implementing the Company’s SEC financial reporting, and developing
all internal controls and processes for the Company. He has over 25 years of experience in public company financial reporting,
compliance, planning, treasury, tax, and related strategic matters. Mr. Boller’s past work experience includes Regional
Controller and Corporate Director of Accounting for Ecolab, Inc. from 2012 to 2017. Prior to his employment at Ecolab, Inc., Mr.
Boller served as Finance Director for ATI Allvac from 2007 to 2011. He is a Certified Public Accountant (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania)
with his BS in Accounting from Rutgers University.
Rohan Houlden is
Chief Product Officer and brings over 29 years of experience in design engineering, business development and management in the
RF and wireless industry. Previously, he served as the Company’s Vice President of Engineering from September 2016 to November
2018. Prior to joining the Company, he was the General Manager of the Connectivity Business Unit at Qorvo, Inc., responsible for
the CPE WiFi, Smart Energy and Automotive product lines, where he managed the product development and production ramp of custom
Front End Modules (FEMs) and BAW filters to leading enterprise and retail OEMs and automotive suppliers. Prior to the merger of
RF Micro Devices, Inc. (“RFMD”) and TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. (forming Qorvo, Inc.), he was General Manager of the
Wireless Connectivity Business Unit at RFMD for seven years, responsible for Wi-Fi and Smart Energy product lines. In addition,
he also managed the product development and production ramp of custom Front End Modules (FEMs) to all leading wireless OEMs –
including tier 1 and tier 2 Smartphone OEMs, as well as key OEMs involved in emerging Internet-of-Things. He was at RFMD for a
total of 17 years. Prior to RFMD, Mr. Houlden worked in various business and engineering leadership positions at Rockwell Semiconductor/Conexant
(now Skyworks Solutions, Inc.). Mr. Houlden holds an MBA from University of Iowa, Masters of Science from Iowa State and a Bachelor
of Science from Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia).
David M. Aichele
is Executive Vice President of Business Development, responsible for leading the sales and marketing efforts of the Company.
Mr. Aichele joined the Company in May 2015, bringing over 20 years of international sales, business development, and marketing
experience with him. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Aichele was EVP Sales & Marketing for T1Visions, a high-tech software
start-up company, from 2013 to 2015. Mr. Aichele held director positions at RFMD from 2005 to 2015, where he was responsible for
the business development and launch of new RF semiconductor products targeting the cellular market, and senior management positions
at Tessera and TE Connectivity, where he led business development and sales teams. Mr. Aichele holds a BSEE from Ohio University
and an MBA from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado.
Steven P. DenBaars
is a Professor of Materials and Co-Director of the Solid-State Lighting Center at UCSB. Professor DenBaars joined UCSB in 1991
and currently holds the Mitsubishi Chemical Chair in Solid State Lighting and Displays. He is also a co-founder and current board
member of a privately held GaN start-up companies, Soraa Laser Diode Inc. Professor DenBaars has been in the compound semiconductor
business for over 30 years starting with his prior work at Hewlett-Packard Optoelectronics division in 1988 and involvement in
more than two LED companies and one laser diode company. Professor DenBaars’ specific research interests include growth of
wide-band gap semiconductors (GaN based), and their application to Blue LEDs and lasers and energy efficient solid-state lighting.
This research has led to over 1,140 scientific publications and over 190 U.S. patents on electronic materials and devices. He has
been awarded an NSF Young Investigator award, Young Scientist Award of the ISCS, IEEE Aron Kressel Award, and he is an IEEE Fellow
and a Visiting Professor at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) HKUST. He was recently elected to the National Academy of
Engineering (2012), and elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2014). We believe that Professor DenBaars adds value
to our Board of Directors based on his years of experience in the LED industry and his extensive research involving wide-based
gap semiconductors and their application to high power electronic devices.
Arthur E. Geiss,
Co-Chairman of the Board, founded AEG Consulting, LLC (“AEG Consulting”) in 2003 and currently serves as its Chief
Executive Officer. AEG Consulting offers guidance concerning manufacturing, operations, and process development to technology companies.
Prior to establishing AEG Consulting, Mr. Geiss served as Vice President of Wafer Fab Operations at RFMD. He was responsible for
the start-up and operations of Gallium Arsenide epitaxial-growth and wafer-fabrication. Prior to RFMD, Mr. Geiss held management
positions with Alpha Industries, Inc. (purchased by Skyworks Solutions, Inc.) and before that at ITT Gallium Arsenide Technology
Center (purchased by Cobham plc). At both companies, he was responsible for process and device development and wafer fabrication
operations. Prior to these, Mr. Geiss held a research position at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (now PARC, Inc.). At PARC,
Inc., he investigated the structure of vitreous materials and amorphous thin films using Raman spectroscopy. Mr. Geiss has served
as a Member of the Executive Committee of the IEEE GaAs IC Symposium (now CSICS) and as a Member of the Executive Committee of
the GaAs Manufacturing Technology Conference (now CS Mantech). He has numerous patents and publications on electronic devices,
processing, and manufacturing. Mr. Geiss earned a B.S. degree at Lafayette College and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at Brown University,
all in physics. We believe that Mr. Geiss adds value to our Board of Directors based on his extensive experience with technology
companies, his executive leadership and management experience, and his research background.
J. Michael McGuire
served as Chief Executive Officer at Grant Thornton, LLP (“Grant Thornton”) from 2014 to 2019. He is credited with
transforming the structure of the company, focusing on talent, technology, infrastructure, and growth. Prior to becoming Grant
Thornton’s CEO, Mr. McGuire served on the firm’s senior leadership team as national managing partner of operations
and previously was managing partner of the firm’s Carolinas practice. He joined Grant Thornton in 2002 after a 20-year career
at Arthur Andersen LLP. He has significant experience in capital markets transactions ranging from venture capital to initial public
offerings and has advised numerous companies on M&A strategies, due diligence and deal structure. He has served on more than
35 community boards during his career. Mr. McGuire received a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Accounting and Management
Information Systems, from Bowling Green University in 1982. Mr. McGuire’s substantial experience with public company financing
and his accounting acumen make him well-suited to contribute to our Board of Directors.
Jeffrey K. McMahon
has been employed by North Highland, a global management consulting firm, since 2003. He has held the position of Managing
Director since 2014 and currently leads the firm’s Global Delivery Consulting and Enterprise Risk Management functions. He
has an extensive background in business and information technology consulting in the financial services, energy, and telecommunications
industries. He has 20 years of experience helping Fortune 100 companies drive revenue, optimize processes, improve customer experience,
and manage risk. His areas of expertise include marketing, strategy articulation and realization, strategic execution, business
process management, and merger integration. Prior to joining North Highland, Mr. McMahon was a Manager in Accenture’s process
practice area. Mr. McMahon received a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from NCSU. We believe that Mr. McMahon adds
value to our Board of Directors based on his extensive experience in business and technology consulting and his marketing and strategizing
expertise.
Jerry D. Neal,
Co-Chairman of the Board, founded RFMD in 1991 and served as its Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Development
from January 2002 to May 2012. Dr. Neal served as a Vice President of Marketing of RFMD from May 1991 to January 2000 and as its
Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Strategic Development from January 2000 to January 2002. Prior to joining RFMD,
he was employed for 10 years with Analog Devices, Inc., including as Marketing Engineer, Marketing Manager, and Business Development
Manager. Dr. Neal also founded Moisture Control Systems for the production of his patented electronic sensor for measurement of
soil moisture for research, which was later sold to Hancor, Inc. Dr. Neal has served as a Director of Tower Semiconductor Ltd.
(“TowerJazz”) since July 2018 and previously served on the board of Jazz Semiconductor, Inc. from 2002 until 2008,
prior to its acquisition by TowerJazz. Dr. Neal served as a Director of RFMD from February 1992 to July 1993. Dr. Neal received
his Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Gaston Technical Institute and NCSU and his doctor of business management
degree from Southern Wesleyan University. We believe that Dr. Neal adds value to our Board of Directors based on his extensive
executive leadership and management experience and his sales, marketing, and product development background.
Suzanne B. Rudy most
recently served as Vice President of Tax & Corporate Treasurer, Compliance Officer, and Assistant Secretary of Qorvo, Inc.,
a publicly traded company and leading supplier of semiconductor solutions for the wireless communications market, until November
2015. In addition to her treasury and compliance duties, Ms. Rudy served as a director for various subsidiaries of Qorvo, Inc.
Prior to joining Qorvo, Inc.’s predecessor, RMFD, in 1999, Ms. Rudy was the Controller for Precision Fabrics Group, Inc.,
a textile spin-off of the Fortune 500 Company, Burlington Industries. In addition, she spent six years as a Certified Public Accountant
and Manager for BDO Seidman, LLP, an international accounting firm. From 2012 to 2016, Ms. Rudy served as a director for Delta
Apparel, Inc., a publicly traded apparel manufacturer, where she served on the Audit and Compensation Committees. From 2008 to
2011, Ms. Rudy served as a director for First National Bank United Corporation, serving as Chair of the Audit Committee and the
Assets and Liability Committee. Since 2006, Ms. Rudy has served on the Board of Visitors for Guilford College. She was also a Board
Leadership Fellow in 2013, as designated by the National Association of Corporate Directors. Ms. Rudy brings to our Board extensive
expertise in public company financial, compliance, and related strategic matters.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
Director Independence
Our Common Stock is
listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) and, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(b), we are required to have
a Board of Directors comprised of a majority of “independent directors.” Our Board has determined that Professor DenBaars,
Mr. Geiss, Mr. McGuire, Mr. McMahon, Mr. Neal, and Ms. Rudy are independent directors under the applicable standards of The Nasdaq
Stock Market. In reaching this determination, the Board considered Mr. Geiss’ relationship with AEG Consulting, a firm owned
and operated by Mr. Geiss, which provides consulting services to the Company. This relationship is further discussed below under
“Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.” After consideration, the Board determined that this relationship
did not impact Mr. Geiss’ ability to serve as an independent director.
Board Leadership Structure and Role
in Risk Oversight
The Board of Directors
is committed to strong, independent leadership and believes that objective oversight of management performance is a critical aspect
of effective corporate governance. Each member of the Board of Directors except our Chief Executive Officer is independent under
Nasdaq independence rules.
To assure effective
and independent oversight of management, the Board of Directors has separated the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
of the Board in recognition of the differences between these two roles in management of the Company. We believe that separation
of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions encourages objective oversight and candid communications regarding the Company.
Currently, two non-employee, independent directors, Mr. Geiss and Mr. Neal, serve as Co-Chairmen of the Board, while Mr. Shealy
serves as Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting the strategic direction for the Company
and the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company, while the Co-Chairmen of the Board serve as liaisons between the
Board and management, focus on Board and governance matters, and preside over meetings of the full Board. The Co-Chairmen of the
Board are independent, non-management positions. We believe our structure is appropriate given the relatively small size and simple
operating philosophy of our organization, as it allows Mr. Shealy to focus on the Company’s strategy, business, and operations
and allows the Co-Chairmen to provide objective oversight of the Company.
As the Company’s
principal governing body, the Board of Directors has the ultimate responsibility for overseeing the Company’s risk management
practices. On an ongoing basis, the Board of Directors discusses areas of risk that particularly affect the Company with senior
members of management, who report to the Board of Directors on those areas of risk at regularly scheduled meetings of the Board
of Directors. These areas of risk change from time to time based on business conditions and competitive considerations. The Board
of Directors and management periodically review, evaluate, and assess the risks relevant to the Company. In addition, the Audit
Committee oversees the management of market and operational risks that could affect financial reporting, the Nominating Committee
oversees management of risks associated with governance matters, and the Compensation Committee oversees management of risks related
to executive compensation plans and policies.
Board Meetings and Director Attendance
The Board of Directors
held 14 meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total
number of meetings of the Board of Directors (held during the period for which he or she has been a director); and (ii) the total
number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which he or she served (during the periods that he or she
served).
Although the Company
does not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at annual meetings of stockholders, each director is encouraged and
expected to attend the Annual Meeting. Each of our directors then serving on the Board of Directors attended the 2019 annual meeting
of stockholders.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board maintains
six standing committees: the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating Committee, and the Technology Committee.
Each of these committees operates under a written charter and reports regularly to the Board. A copy of each of these committee
charters is available in the “Investors” section of our website under the heading “Governance Documents”
at www.akoustis.com, and copies may also be obtained by request through the “Contact Us” form at the same website
address. Additionally, the Board recently created the IT Governance Committee and the Strategic Development Committee. Each member
of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee must satisfy membership requirements imposed by
the applicable committee charter and, where applicable, Nasdaq listing standards and SEC rules and regulations. Each of the members
of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Nominating Committee has been determined by the Board to be independent
under applicable Nasdaq listing standards and, in the case of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee, under the independence
requirements established by the SEC. A brief description of the responsibilities of each of these committees and their current
membership follows.
Audit Committee
Our Board has established
a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), to represent and assist the Board in its general oversight of our accounting
and financial reporting processes, audits of the financial statements, internal control and audit functions, and compliance with
legal and regulatory requirements and ethical standards adopted by the Company. Formed in February 2017 in connection with our
initial listing on Nasdaq, the Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The current members
of the Audit Committee are Mr. McMahon, Mr. Neal and Ms. Rudy (Chair). The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members
is financially sophisticated and that Ms. Rudy meets the definition of “audit committee financial expert” within the
meaning of Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.
Compensation Committee
Our Board has established
a Compensation Committee to assist the Board in overseeing and reviewing information from management regarding compensation and
human capital issues within the Company. The Compensation Committee also has specific responsibilities regarding performance reviews
and compensation of the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee is authorized under its charter to retain
consultants to assist it in the evaluation of the Company’s executive compensation program. The Compensation Committee has
retained Pearl Meyer & Partners (“Pearl Meyer”), an independent compensation consultant, to
review the Company’s compensation programs and provide market data, analyses and advice regarding the compensation of our
executive officers and non-employee directors. Pearl Meyer does not provide any other services to the Company.
The Compensation Committee
held seven meetings during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving the individual
elements of total compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers. The current members of the Compensation
Committee are Mr. McMahon (Chair), Mr. Neal and Ms. Rudy, each of whom is independent under existing Nasdaq listing standards,
SEC requirements, and the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”). To the extent permitted
by the Company’s bylaws and applicable law, rules, regulations and listing requirements, the Compensation Committee may form
and delegate authority to subcommittees of the Compensation Committee.
Nominating Committee
Our Board has established
a Nominating Committee to assist the Board by identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, consistent with criteria
approved by the Board, to recommend for the Board’s approval the slate of nominees to be proposed by the Board to stockholders
for election to the Board or nominees for election to fill interim vacancies on the Board, and to recommend to the Board the directors
who will serve on each committee of the Board. Formed in February 2017, the Nominating Committee held four meetings during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. The current members of the Nominating Committee are Professor DenBaars, Mr. Neal (Chair) and Ms.
Rudy.
Other Committees
Our Board of Directors
may designate from among its members an executive committee and one or more other committees in the future and, in July 2017, our
Board designated a Technology Committee to assist the Board and the Company’s senior management in overseeing technology
development initiatives and to advise the Board regarding new technology development and execution of technology initiatives. The
current members of the Technology Committee are Mr. Geiss (Chair), Professor DenBaars and Mr. Shealy. In August 2020, the Board
designated an IT Governance Committee to oversee the Company’s risk management program relating to cybersecurity. The current
members of the IT Governance Committee are Mr. McGuire (Chair), Professor DenBaars and Mr. Geiss. In September 2020, the Board
designated a Strategic Development Committee to assist with the review and consideration of certain financing and strategic transactions
submitted to the Board for its consideration. The current members of the Strategic Development Committee are Ms. Rudy (Chair),
Mr. Neal and Mr. Shealy.
Process for Nominating Potential Director
Candidates
The Nominating Committee
is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential director candidates and recommending qualified candidates for election
by the stockholders consistent with criteria approved by the Board. Nominees for director are selected by the Nominating Committee
on the basis of their (i) economic, academic, financial, and other expertise, skills, knowledge, and achievements useful to the
oversight of the Company’s business; (ii) integrity, demonstrated sound business judgment, and high moral and ethical character;
(iii) diversity of viewpoints, backgrounds, experiences, and other demographics; (iv) business or other relevant professional experience;
(v) capacity and desire to represent the balanced, best interests of the Company and its stockholders as a whole and not primarily
a special interest group or constituency; (vi) ability and willingness to devote time to the affairs and success of the Company
and in fulfilling the responsibilities of a director; and (vii) the extent to which the interplay of the candidate’s expertise,
skills, knowledge, and experience with that of other Board members will build a Board that is effective, collegial, and responsive
to the needs of the Company.
The Nominating Committee
does not have a formal diversity policy with respect to the Board, but it reviews the background and qualifications of each nominee
to determine such nominee’s experience, competence, and character and assesses such nominee’s potential contribution
to the Board of Directors, taking into account the then-existing composition of the Board of Directors and such other factors as
the Nominating Committee deems appropriate. The Board should collectively possess skills, industry, and other knowledge and expertise,
and business and other experience useful for the effective oversight of the Company’s business. The Nominating Committee
believes that the business experience of its directors has been, and continues to be, critical to the Company’s development
and plan of operation.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company has adopted
a Code of Ethics and Conduct that applies to our directors, officers, and employees. A copy of the Code of Ethics and Conduct is
posted on the Company’s website at www.akoustis.com. In the event that we amend any of the provisions of the Code
of Ethics and Conduct that requires disclosure under applicable law or SEC rules, we intend to disclose such amendment on our website.
Any waiver of the Code of Ethics and Conduct must be approved by the Board of Directors. Any waivers granted to our Chief Executive
Officer or Interim Chief Financial Officer will be disclosed on our website within four business days.
Stockholder and Interested Party Communications
with Directors
Stockholders may communicate
with the Board of Directors, members of particular committees, or individual directors by sending a letter to such persons in care
of our Chief Executive Officer at our principal executive offices. The Chief Executive Officer has the authority to disregard any
inappropriate communications or to take other appropriate actions with respect to any inappropriate communications. If deemed an
appropriate communication, the Chief Executive Officer will submit the correspondence to the Co-Chairmen of the Board or to the
committee or specific director to whom the correspondence is directed. All such communications must be accompanied by a statement
of the type and amount of our securities that the person holds; any special interest, meaning an interest that is not derived from
the proponent’s capacity as a stockholder, of the person in the subject matter of the communication; and the address, telephone
number and e-mail address, if any, of the person submitting the communication.
COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING
OUR
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table
sets forth information concerning the total compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers during the
fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019. Our named executive officers include our Chief Executive Officer and our two
most highly compensated executive officers serving the Company at the end of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 other than our
Chief Executive Officer.
Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal
Year 2020
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Fiscal
Year
|
|
Salary
($)
|
|
|
Bonus
($)
|
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)(1)
|
|
|
Option
Awards
($)(2)
|
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
|
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Shealy,
|
|
2020
|
|
|
307,615
|
|
|
|
193,125
|
|
|
|
239,400
|
|
|
|
133,803
|
|
|
|
11,380
|
|
|
|
885,323
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
2019
|
|
|
294,760
|
|
|
|
135,000
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
115,224
|
|
|
|
13,725
|
|
|
|
658,709
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rohan Houlden,
|
|
2020
|
|
|
183,090
|
|
|
|
58,442
|
|
|
|
291,800
|
|
|
|
‒
|
|
|
|
8,809
|
|
|
|
542,141
|
|
Chief Product Officer
|
|
2019
|
|
|
164,426
|
|
|
|
37,125
|
|
|
|
316,200
|
|
|
|
54,826
|
|
|
|
8,048
|
|
|
|
580,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Aichele,
|
|
2020
|
|
|
183,090
|
|
|
|
58,442
|
|
|
|
291,800
|
|
|
|
‒
|
|
|
|
8,547
|
|
|
|
541,879
|
|
EVP of Business Development
|
|
2019
|
|
|
164,351
|
|
|
|
37,125
|
|
|
|
316,200
|
|
|
|
54,826
|
|
|
|
8,026
|
|
|
|
580,528
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
amounts shown in this column indicate the aggregate grant date fair value of awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units
computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 for a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation of stock awards.
|
|
(2)
|
The
amounts shown in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the option awards computed in accordance with FASB
ASC Topic 718. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2020 for a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation of option awards.
|
|
(3)
|
Amounts
shown in this column relate to matching contributions to our named executive officers’ accounts under our 401(k) retirement
savings plan.
|
Except as indicated
below under “Employment Agreements,” we have no contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements, whether written
or unwritten, that provide for payments to the named executive officers listed above.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End
We have equity awards
outstanding under four compensation plans approved by our stockholders: the 2014 Stock Plan (the “2014 Plan”), the
2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan”), the 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan” and, together
with the 2014 Plan and 2015 Plan, the “Prior Plans”), and the 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”).
The 2018 Plan replaced the Prior Plans, effective upon stockholder approval on November 1, 2018, and was amended to increase the
number of shares of the Company’s common stock reserved for issuance thereunder to 6,000,000, effective upon stockholder
approval on November 4, 2019. Any awards outstanding under the Prior Plans on the date of stockholder approval of the 2018 Plan
will remain subject to and be settled under the 2014 Plan, 2015 Plan or 2016 Plan, as applicable, and any shares subject to outstanding
awards under the Prior Plans that subsequently cease to be subject to such awards (other than by reason of settlement of the awards
in shares) automatically became, or will automatically become, available for issuance under the 2018 Plan.
The following table
provides information about outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers as of June 30, 2020.
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal
Year-End
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of securities underlying unexercised options
(#) exercisable
|
|
|
Number of securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#) unexercisable
|
|
|
Option
exercise price
($)
|
|
|
Option expiration date
|
|
Number of shares or
units of stock that
have not vested (#)
|
|
|
Market value of
shares
or units of stock that
have not vested ($) (1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Shealy
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(2)
|
|
|
7.12
|
|
|
9/27/2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(3)
|
|
|
5.00
|
|
|
11/26/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
--
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(4)
|
|
|
7.98
|
|
|
12/19/2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000
|
(5)
|
|
|
74,610
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(6)
|
|
|
124,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(7)
|
|
|
124,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(8)
|
|
|
248,700
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rohan Houlden
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
(2)
|
|
|
7.12
|
|
|
9/27/2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(9)
|
|
|
4.76
|
|
|
11/22/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
(10)
|
|
|
207,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500
|
(6)
|
|
|
103,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500
|
(11)
|
|
|
103,625
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,750
|
(12)
|
|
|
155,438
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(13)
|
|
|
124,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
(14)
|
|
|
165,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
(15)
|
|
|
165,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Aichele
|
|
|
15,000
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(2)
|
|
|
7.12
|
|
|
9/27/2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(9)
|
|
|
4.76
|
|
|
11/22/2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
(5)
|
|
|
41,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500
|
(6)
|
|
|
62,175
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,750
|
(12)
|
|
|
155,438
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,000
|
(13)
|
|
|
124,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
(14)
|
|
|
165,800
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
(15)
|
|
|
165,800
|
|
|
(1)
|
The
market value is based upon the $8.29 closing price of our Common Stock, as reported by Nasdaq on June 30, 2020, multiplied by
the number of shares that had not yet vested.
|
|
(2)
|
These
option awards vest in two equal annual installments on September 27, 2020 and 2021.
|
(3)
|
These option awards vest in three equal annual installments on November 27, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
|
|
|
(4)
|
These options awards vest in five equal annual installments on December 20, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
|
|
|
(5)
|
These restricted shares, granted August 11, 2016, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events of termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will be released from the repurchase option on the fourth anniversary of the grant date.
|
|
(6)
|
These
restricted shares, granted on September 27, 2017, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events
of termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will vest or be released from the repurchase
option in two equal installments on the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
|
(7)
|
These
restricted shares, granted on November 27, 2018, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events
of termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will vest or be released from the repurchase
option in three equal installments on the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
(8)
|
These RSUs, granted December 20, 2019, are subject to forfeiture in certain events of termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The RSUs vest in five equal annual installments beginning on December 20, 2020.
|
|
|
(9)
|
These option awards vest in thee equal annual installments on November 23, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
|
|
(10)
|
These
restricted shares, granted December 15, 2016, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events
of termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will vest or be released from the repurchase
option on September 12, 2020.
|
|
(11)
|
These
restricted shares, granted March 12, 2018, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events of
termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will vest or be released from the repurchase option
in two equal annual installments on the third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
|
(12)
|
These
restricted shares, granted July 16, 2018, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events of
termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will vest or be released from the repurchase option
in three equal annual installments on the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
|
(13)
|
These
restricted shares, granted November 23, 2018, are subject to forfeiture or a repurchase option by the Company in certain events
of termination of the named executive officer’s employment. The shares will vest or be released from the repurchase option
in three equal annual installments on the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.
|
|
(14)
|
These
RSUs, granted August 20, 2019, are subject to forfeiture in certain events of termination of the named executive officer’s
employment. The RSUs vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.
|
|
(15)
|
These
RSUs, granted December 18, 2019, are subject to forfeiture in certain events of termination of the named executive officer’s
employment. The RSUs will vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date.
|
Employment Agreements
Jeffrey B. Shealy
On June 15, 2015, we
entered into a three-year employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer, Jeffrey B. Shealy. After the initial three-year
term, the agreement automatically renews for successive one-year periods unless terminated by either party on at least 30 days’
written notice prior to the end of the then-current term. Mr. Shealy’s annual base salary is subject to increase or decrease
annually as determined by our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors increased Mr. Shealy’s annual salary to $300,000,
effective July 1, 2018, and subsequently increased it to $309,000 effective August 10, 2019, and to $425,000, effective August
8, 2020. Mr. Shealy is eligible, at the discretion of our Board of Directors, to receive an annual cash bonus of up to 100% of
his annual base salary, which may be based on the Company achieving certain operational, financial or other milestones (the “Milestones”)
that may be established by our Board of Directors. Mr. Shealy is entitled to receive stock options or other equity incentive awards
as and when determined by the Board, and is entitled to receive perquisites and other fringe benefits that may be provided to,
and is eligible to participate in any other bonus or incentive program established by us for, our executives. Mr. Shealy and his
dependents are also entitled to participate in any of our employee benefit plans subject to the same terms and conditions applicable
to other employees. Mr. Shealy will be entitled to be reimbursed for all reasonable travel, entertainment, and other expenses incurred
or paid by him in connection with, or related to, the performance of his duties, responsibilities, or services under his employment
agreement, in accordance with policies and procedures, and subject to limitations, adopted by us from time to time.
In the event that Mr.
Shealy is terminated by the Company without Cause (as defined in his employment agreement) or he resigns for Good Reason (as defined
in his employment agreement) during the term of his employment, Mr. Shealy is entitled to (x) an amount equal to his annual base
salary then in effect (payable in accordance with the Company’s normal payroll practices) for a period of 24 months commencing
on the effective date of his termination (the “Severance Period”) (in the case of termination by the executive for
Good Reason, reduced by any cash remuneration paid to him because of any other employment or self-employment during the Severance
Period), (y) if and to the extent the Milestones are achieved for the annual bonus for the year in which the Severance Period commences
(or, in the absence of Milestones, our Board of Directors has, in its sole discretion, otherwise determined an amount of Mr. Shealy’s
annual bonus for such year), an amount equal to such annual bonus prorated for the portion of the performance year completed before
Mr. Shealy’s employment terminated, and (z) immediate vesting of any unvested stock options, restricted stock, or similar
incentive equity instruments. For the duration of the Severance Period, Mr. Shealy will also be eligible to participate in our
benefit plans or programs, provided Mr. Shealy was participating in such plan or program immediately prior to the date of employment
termination, to the extent permitted under the terms of such plan or program (collectively, the “Termination Benefits”).
If Mr. Shealy’s employment is terminated during the term by the Company for Cause, by Mr. Shealy for any reason other than
Good Reason or due to his death, then he will not be entitled to receive the Termination Benefits, and shall only be entitled to
the compensation and benefits that shall have accrued as of the date of such termination (other than with respect to certain benefits
that may be available to Mr. Shealy as a result of a Permanent Disability (as defined in his employment agreement)).
David Aichele
David Aichele serves
as the Vice President of Business Development pursuant to an offer letter dated May 12, 2017. Pursuant to the offer letter, Mr.
Aichele is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus of up to 50% of his base salary if certain operational, financial, or other
milestones determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, have been satisfied, and is eligible to participate in the 2018 Plan.
Mr. Aichele’s
salary is subject to increase or decrease annually as determined by our Board of Directors. The Board of Directors increased Mr.
Aichele’s annual salary to $165,000, effective July 1, 2018, and subsequently increased it to $170,033 effective August 10,
2019, to $200,000 effective December 28, 2019, and to $230,000, effective August 8, 2020.
Rohan Houlden
As of the date of this
proxy statement, the Company has not entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Houlden. As of June 30, 2020, Mr. Houlden’s
annual base salary was $165,000 and he is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus of up to 50% of his base salary if certain operational,
financial, or other milestones determined by the Board, in its sole discretion, have been satisfied, and is eligible to participate
in the 2018 Plan. The Board increased Mr. Houlden’s annual salary to $170,033 effective August 10, 2019, to $200,000 effective
December 28, 2019, and to $220,000 effective August 8, 2020.
Change in Control Arrangements
2014 Plan
In the event of a merger
or change in control of the Company, the treatment of each outstanding award granted under the 2014 Plan will be determined by
the administrator of the 2014 Plan, including whether the awards will be continued by the Company (if the Company is the surviving
corporation), assumed by the surviving corporation or its parent, substituted by the surviving corporation or its parent for new
awards, or cancelled for any or no consideration. The administrator will not be required to treat all awards similarly in the transaction.
2015 Plan
In the event of a merger
or change in control of the Company, the treatment of each outstanding award granted under the 2015 Plan will be determined by
the administrator of the 2015 Plan, including whether each such award will be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted
by the successor corporation. The administrator will not be required to treat all awards similarly in the transaction. In the event
that the successor corporation does not assume or substitute the awards, all restrictions on the awards will lapse.
2016 Plan
Under the terms of
the 2016 Plan, the following provisions will apply in the event of a change of control (except to the extent, if any, otherwise
required under Code Section 409A):
|
●
|
To the extent that the successor or surviving company in the change of control event does not assume or substitute for an award (or in which the Company is the ultimate parent corporation and does not continue the award) on substantially similar terms or with substantially equivalent economic benefits as awards outstanding under the 2016 Plan (as determined by the administrator of the 2016 Plan), any restrictions will be deemed to have been met, and such awards will become fully vested, earned and payable to the fullest extent of the original grant of the applicable award.
|
|
●
|
In addition, in the event that an award is substituted, assumed or continued, the award will become vested in full and any restrictions will be deemed to have been met and such awards will become fully vested, earned and payable to the fullest extent of the original award, if the employment or service of the participant is terminated within two years after the effective date of a change of control if such termination of employment or service (i) is by the Company without cause or (ii) is by the participant for good reason.
|
|
●
|
Further, if a named executive officer has entered into an employment agreement or other similar arrangement as of the effective date of the 2016 Plan, the officer is entitled to the greater of the benefits provided upon a change of control of the Company under the 2016 Plan or the respective employment agreement or other similar arrangement as in effect on the 2016 Plan’s effective date, and such employment agreement or other similar arrangement will not be construed to reduce in any way the benefits otherwise provided to the officer upon a change of control as defined in the 2016 Plan.
|
2018 Plan
Under the terms of
the 2018 Plan, the following provisions will apply in the event of a change of control (except to the extent, if any, otherwise
required under Code Section 409A):
|
●
|
To the extent that the successor or surviving company in the change of control event does not assume or substitute for an award (or in which the Company is the ultimate parent corporation and does not continue the award) on substantially similar terms or with substantially equivalent economic benefits as awards outstanding under the 2018 Plan (as determined by the Administrator), (i) all outstanding options and SARs will become fully vested and exercisable, whether or not then otherwise vested and exercisable; and (ii) any restrictions, including but not limited to the restriction period, performance period and/or performance factors or criteria applicable to any award other than options or SARs will be deemed to have been met, and such awards will become fully vested, earned and payable to the fullest extent of the original grant of the applicable award (or, in the case of performance-based awards, the earning of which is based on attaining a target level of performance, such awards will be deemed earned at the greater of actual performance or target performance).
|
|
●
|
In addition, in the event that an award is substituted, assumed or continued, the award will become vested (and, in the case of options and SARs, exercisable) in full and any restrictions, including but not limited to the restriction period, performance period and/or performance factors or criteria applicable to any outstanding award will be deemed to have been met and such awards will become fully vested, earned and payable to the fullest extent of the original award (or, in the case of performance-based awards, the earning of which is based on attaining a target level of performance, such awards will be deemed earned at the greater of actual performance or target performance), if the employment or service of the participant is terminated within two years after the effective date of a change of control if such termination of employment or service (i) is by the Company without cause or (ii) is by the participant for good reason.
|
|
●
|
Further, if a participant has entered into an employment agreement or other similar arrangement as of the effective date of the Plan, the participant is entitled to the greater of the benefits provided upon a change of control of the Company under the Plan or the respective employment agreement or other similar arrangement as in effect on the Plan’s effective date, and such employment agreement or other similar arrangement will not be construed to reduce in any way the benefits otherwise provided to a participant upon a change of control as defined in the Plan.
|
Director Compensation
Under our Director
Compensation Program in effect during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, our non-employee directors received annual grants of
nonqualified stock awards and/or restricted stock unit (“RSU”) awards. The total value of each non-employee director’s
annual equity award is as follows: $140,000 for service on the Board; $50,000 for service as chair of the board; $10,000 for service
on the Audit Committee (or $20,000 for serving as the chair of such committee); $6,000 for service on the Compensation Committee
or the Technology Committee (or $11,000 for serving as the chair of either such committee); and $5,000 for service on the Nominating
Committee (or $10,000 for serving as the chair of such committee). Annual equity awards are granted on the date of the Company’s
annual stockholders’ meeting. Awards vest on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to the director’s continued
service and such other terms as found in the applicable equity compensation plan and relevant award agreement. The base number
of shares of Common Stock subject to each annual equity award equals (i) the award value (as calculated above), divided by (ii)
the 30-day average of the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on Nasdaq measured as of the date that is one week prior
to the date of the annual meeting of stockholders. On September 8, 2020, the Board approved an amendment to the Director Compensation
Program, which provides that the total value of each non-employee director’s annual equity award for serving on the IT Governance
Committee shall be $6,500 (or $11,000 for serving as the chair of such committee) and for serving on the Strategic Development
Committee shall be $35,000 (the same amount for the chair and committee members). Any director joining the Board or a committee
thereof mid-year receives a pro-rated annual equity award based representing the remaining months of service in the year (rounded
up to the nearest full month).
Directors who are also
employees of the Company are not paid for their service as directors.
The table below summarizes
all compensation received by each of the Company’s non-employee directors for services as a director performed during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.
Name
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)
|
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arthur E. Geiss (1)
|
|
|
205,796
|
|
|
|
205,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jerry D. Neal (2)
|
|
|
236,848
|
|
|
|
236,848
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven P. DenBaars (3)
|
|
|
155,119
|
|
|
|
155,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey K. McMahon (4)
|
|
|
164,842
|
|
|
|
164,842
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Suzanne B. Rudy (5)
|
|
|
190,776
|
|
|
|
190,776
|
|
|
(1)
|
Mr.
Geiss received an award of 25,251 RSUs under the 2018 Plan on November 4, 2019 immediately following the 2019 annual meeting for
his services on the Board, which vests in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Valuation is based on a closing bid
price for Common Stock of $8.15 on the grant date.
|
|
(2)
|
Dr.
Neal received an award of 27,198 RSUs under the 2018 Plan on November 4, 2019 immediately following the 2019 annual meeting for
his services on the Board, which vests in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Valuation of such RSUs is based on
a closing bid price for Common Stock of $8.15 on the grant date. Additionally, Dr. Neal received an award of 1,854 RSUs under
the 2018 Plan on December 19, 2020 in recognition of his service on a special committee of the Board. Valuation of such RSUs is
based on a closing bid price for Common Stock of $8.19 on the grant date.
|
|
(3)
|
Mr.
DenBaars received an award of 19,033 RSUs under the 2018 Plan on November 4, 2019 immediately following the 2019 annual meeting
for his services on the Board, which vests in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Valuation is based on a closing
bid price for Common Stock of $8.15 on the grant date.
|
(4)
|
Mr. McMahon received an award of 20,226 RSUs under the 2018 Plan on November 4, 2019 immediately following the 2019 annual meeting for his services on the Board, which vests in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Valuation is based on a closing bid price for Common Stock of $8.15 on the grant date.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Ms. Rudy received an award of 21,545 RSUs under the 2018 Plan on November 4, 2019 immediately following the 2019 annual meeting for his services on the Board, which vests in full on the first anniversary of the grant date. Valuation is based on a closing bid price for Common Stock of $8.15 on the grant date. Additionally, Ms. Rudy received an award of 1,854 RSUs under the 2018 Plan on December 19, 2020 in recognition of her service on a special committee of the Board. Valuation of such RSUs is based on a closing bid price for Common Stock of $8.19 on the grant date.
|
PROPOSAL 2
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This Proposal 2 enables our stockholders
to cast a non-binding, advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.
Our executive compensation
program, as described in detail under the heading “Compensation and Other Information Concerning our Executive Officers
and Directors – Executive Compensation”, is designed to attract, motivate and retain our executive officers, who
are critical to our success. Please read the “Compensation and Other Information Concerning our Executive Officers and
Directors – Executive Compensation” section beginning on page 12 for additional details about our executive
compensation programs, including information about the fiscal 2020 compensation of our named executive officers.
We are asking our stockholders
to indicate their support for our executive compensation programs as described in this proxy statement. This vote is not intended
to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our named executive officers and the philosophy,
objectives and practices described in this proxy statement. Accordingly, we are asking our stockholders to vote FOR the following
resolution at the Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, that the compensation
paid to the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K in the Company’s
proxy statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, is hereby APPROVED.”
Although the vote on
this Proposal 2 regarding the compensation of our named executive officers is not binding on our Board of Directors, we value the
opinions of our stockholders and will consider the result of the vote when determining future executive compensation arrangements.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote
of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting holding shares representing at least a majority
of the votes so present or represented by proxy and entitled to be cast thereon is required to approve the foregoing resolution.
Board Recommendation
The Board recommends
that the stockholders vote “FOR” the approval, on a non-binding, advisory basis, of the compensation paid to the Company’s
named executive officers.
PROPOSAL 3
RATIFICATION OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021
The Board of Directors
has retained Marcum LLP (“Marcum”) as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2021. In determining that Marcum be retained as the Company’s independent registered public accounting
firm, the Board considered whether the provision of non-audit services by Marcum was compatible with maintaining Marcum’s
independence and concluded that it was. Even if the engagement of Marcum is ratified, the Board may in its discretion appoint a
different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such appointment would
be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.
A representative of
Marcum is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to respond to appropriate questions and to
make a statement if they desire.
Vote Required for Approval
The affirmative vote
of the stockholders present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting holding shares representing at least a majority
of the votes so present or represented by proxy and entitled to be cast thereon is required to ratify the engagement of Marcum
as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
Board Recommendation
The Board recommends
that the stockholders vote “FOR” the ratification of the engagement of Marcum as the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
Fees
The aggregate fees
billed to us by Marcum for services rendered for each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019 are set forth in
the table below:
Fee Category
|
|
Fiscal year ended
June 30,
2020
|
|
|
Fiscal year
ended
June 30,
2019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audit fees (1)
|
|
$
|
347,221
|
|
|
$
|
609,525
|
|
Audit-related fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
Tax fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
All other fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total fees
|
|
$
|
347,221
|
|
|
$
|
609,525
|
|
|
(1)
|
Audit
fees consist of fees incurred for professional services rendered for the audit of consolidated financial statements, for reviews
of our interim consolidated financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q and for services that are normally
provided in connection with statutory or regulatory filings or engagements. Audit fees for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019
also include services related to the Company’s compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act regarding internal
control over financial reporting.
|
Pre-Approval Practice
The Board established an
Audit Committee in February 2017. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities include establishing policies and procedures for
the review and pre-approval by the Audit Committee of, and approving or pre-approving, all auditing services and permissible non-audit
services to be performed by the independent registered public accounting firm, and any non-audit services to be performed by any
other accounting firm. Our Audit Committee has adopted procedures for the pre-approval of services to be performed by the independent
public accountants. Pursuant to this pre-approval policy, the Audit Committee considers, at least annually, and approves the terms
of the audit engagement. At each regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting, the committee members review both a report summarizing
the services, provided or anticipated to be provided by the auditor and the related fees and costs, and a listing of newly requested
services subject to pre-approval since its last regularly scheduled meeting. Any proposed engagement relating to permissible non-audit
services must be presented to the Audit Committee and pre-approved on a case-by-case basis, prior to the performance of the auditor.
In addition, particular categories of permissible non-audit services that are recurring may be pre-approved by the Audit Committee
subject to pre-set fee limits. The Audit Committee reviews requests for the provision of audit and non-audit services by the Company’s
independent public accountants and determines if they should be approved. Such requests could be approved either at a meeting of
the Audit Committee or upon approval by the Chair of the Audit Committee if approval is needed between Audit Committee meetings.
Any such interim approvals must be reported to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Prior to approving any services,
the Audit Committee considers whether the provision of such services is consistent with the SEC’s and the PCAOB’s rules
on auditor independence and is compatible with maintaining the independence of the Company’s public accountants.
All fees described
above related to audit services were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee
has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2020 with management and its independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has also discussed
with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301 (Communications with Audit Committees),
as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter
from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board regarding the independent auditor’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed
with the independent auditors the independent auditor’s independence. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee
recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 be included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 for filing
with the SEC. Respectfully submitted by the Audit Committee.
Suzanne B. Rudy (Chair)
Jerry D. Neal
Jeffrey K. McMahon
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON
TRANSACTIONS
SEC rules require us
to disclose any transaction or currently proposed transaction in which the Company is a participant and in which any related person
has or will have a direct or indirect material interest involving the lesser of $120,000 or 1% of the average of the Company’s
total assets as of the end of last two completed fiscal years. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee for
director, or holder of 5% or more of the Company’s Common Stock, or an immediate family member of any of those persons. Set
forth below is a description of such related-party transactions that occurred since July 1, 2018.
AEG Consulting, a firm
owned and operated by Arthur Geiss, Co-Chairman of the Board, provides consulting services to the Company. Effective November 2,
2018, Mr. Geiss received a restricted stock unit award for 5,000 shares of Common Stock, with an aggregate market value of $18,900
on the grant date, and an option award for 10,000 shares of Common Stock, each option with an exercise price of $3.78 per share,
in consideration for consulting services provided by AEG Consulting. These awards were granted under the 2018 Plan.
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
Section 16 of the Exchange
Act requires the directors, certain officers, and beneficial owners of more than ten percent of a class of securities registered
under Section 12 of the Exchange Act to file reports with the SEC indicating their holdings of and transactions in such securities
and to provide copies of such reports to the issuer of such securities. Based solely upon a review of the copies of the reports
furnished to the Company, the Company believes all such reporting persons complied with such reporting obligations during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2020, except for a late Form 4 filed on October 3, 2019 by Jeffrey B. Shealy reporting a sale of Common Stock
pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan.
SUBMISSION OF FUTURE STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
AND NOMINATIONS
Under certain conditions,
stockholders may request that we include a proposal or director nomination at a forthcoming meeting of our stockholders in the
proxy materials of the Company for such meeting. Under Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, any stockholder desiring to present a proposal
to take action at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and include such proposal in our proxy materials must ensure that we
receive the proposal, to be eligible for inclusion in our proxy statement, at our principal executive offices at 9805 Northcross
Center Court, Suite A, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078 no later than May 21, 2021.
In order for a stockholder
proposal, including a nomination for election to the Board of Directors, to be submitted at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders
(but not included in our proxy statement), such proposal must be received by the Company’s Secretary at least 90 but not
more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting. Any stockholder proposal to be
submitted at the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders (but not included in our proxy statement) will not be considered timely unless
the notice required by our Bylaws is delivered to the Secretary not earlier than the close of business on July 1, 2021 and not
later than the close of business on July 31, 2021.
The stockholder notice,
with respect to all stockholder proposals, must comply in all respects with Article II, Section 9 of the Company’s Bylaws,
which requires that such proposal be in writing and include, among other things, (i) a brief description of the business desired
to be brought before the annual meeting, (ii) the text of the proposal or business, (iii) any material interest in such business
of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made, (iv) the name and address, as they
appear on the Company’s books, of the stockholder proposing such business, (v) information regarding the stockholder’s
ownership of the Company’s common stock, (vi) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding that has been
entered into by, or on behalf of, such stockholder and such beneficial owners, the effect or intent of which is to mitigate loss
to, manage risk or benefit of share price changes for, or increase or decrease the voting power of, such stockholder or such beneficial
owner, with respect to securities of the Corporation, (vii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock
of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such
business or nomination, (viii) a representation whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, intends or is part of
a group which intends (A) to solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination, and (ix) any
other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
The
Company’s Bylaws requires additional information to be submitted with a stockholder notice with respect to director
nominations, including as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as director, (1) all
information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, (2) such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement
as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (3) certain representations and agreements of such person as set forth
in detail in the Bylaws;; and (4) a description of all direct and indirect compensation and other material monetary
agreements, arrangements and understandings, and any other material relationships that may be required to be disclosed
pursuant to Item 404 promulgated under Regulation S-K if the stockholder making the nomination and any beneficial owner on
whose behalf the nomination is made, if any, or any affiliate or associate thereof or person acting in concert therewith,
were the “registrant” for purposes of such rule and the nominee were a director or executive officer of such
registrant.
This section is subject
to and qualified entirely by the requirements for stockholder proposals set forth in the Company’s Bylaws. A copy of the
Company’s Bylaws is available upon written request to: Akoustis Technologies, Inc., 9805 Northcross Center Court, Suite A,
Huntersville, North Carolina 28078, Attention: Secretary.
It is presently anticipated
that the Company’s 2021 annual meeting of stockholders will be held in October 2021. However, if the date of the 2021 annual
meeting of stockholders is advanced by more than 30 days or delayed by more than 60 days from the one-year anniversary of the date
of the 2020 Annual Meeting, the Company will, in a timely manner, provide public notice of the new date of the 2021 annual meeting
of stockholders and the new dates by which stockholder proposals submitted pursuant to and outside of Exchange Act Rule 14a-8 must
be received by the Company.
HOUSEHOLDING OF ANNUAL MEETING MATERIALS
SEC rules permit registrants
to send a single copy of their proxy materials to any household at which two or more stockholders reside if the registrant believes
they are members of the same family. This procedure, referred to as householding, reduces the volume of duplicate information stockholders
receive and reduces the expense to the registrant. The Company has not implemented these householding rules with respect to its
record holders; however, a number of brokerage firms have instituted householding, which may affect certain beneficial owners of
Common Stock. If your family has multiple accounts by which you hold Common Stock, you may have previously received a householding
notification from your broker. Please contact your broker directly if you have any questions, require additional copies of the
proxy materials, or wish to revoke your decision to household, and thereby receive multiple copies of the proxy materials. Those
options are available to you at any time.
ANNUAL REPORT
We filed an Annual
Report on Form 10-K with the SEC on August 21, 2020. We make available on our website, www.akoustis.com, our annual reports
on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant
to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish
it to, the SEC. Stockholders may also obtain a copy of these reports, without charge, upon request to: Akoustis Technologies,
Inc., 9805 Northcross Center Court, Suite A, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078, Attention: Andrew Wright.
OTHER MATTERS
As to any other matter
of business that may be brought before the Annual Meeting, a vote may be cast in the discretion of the proxy holders at the Annual
Meeting. The Board of Directors does not know of any such other business.
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