UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):  December 19, 2017

 

RESONANT INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

Delaware

 

001-36467

 

45-4320930

(State or Other Jurisdiction

 

(Commission

 

(IRS Employer

of Incorporation)

 

File Number)

 

Identification No.)

 

110 Castilian Drive, Suite 100

 

 

Goleta, California

 

93117

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(805) 308-9803

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions ( see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o                  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

o                  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

o                  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

o                  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c)) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company x

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. x

 

 

 



 

Item 1.01                                            Entry Into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

As described in this Item 1.01 and in Item 8.01 below, Resonant Inc. has issued an aggregate of 2,463,678 shares of common stock upon the exercise by holders of warrants we issued in April 2016 and February 2017, receiving aggregate net proceeds of approximately $8.9 million.

 

On December 19, 2017, we entered into a Warrant Exercise Agreement (the “ Grayboard Exercise Agreement ”) with Grayboard Investments, Ltd. (“ Grayboard ”) to induce Grayboard to exercise its existing warrant issued by us in February 2017.  Pursuant to the agreement, Grayboard exercised in full its February 2017 warrant and purchased 1,626,898 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $8.25 per share, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $13.4 million, and we paid Grayboard an inducement fee of approximately $6.7 million.

 

The foregoing summary of the Grayboard Exercise Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Grayboard Exercise Agreement, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 5.02                                            Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

On December 21, 2017, upon the unanimous recommendation of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, our Board of Directors unanimously approved the following changes in the compensation payable to George B. Holmes, our Chief Executive Officer:

 

·                   Structural Change to CEO Bonus Eligibility — Mr. Holmes participates in our annual bonus program, pursuant to which we award bonuses to our officers and other employees if certain company-wide performance goals based on financial results and employee-specific individual objectives are attained, with the target bonus opportunity equal to a specified percentage of the participant’s base salary.  During 2017, Mr. Holmes participates in the bonus program on the same basis as other executive officers, and is eligible to earn a target annual bonus equal to 70% of annual base salary, of which target amount 60% is measured and payable quarterly based on the achievement of quarterly financial goals and individual objectives and 40% is measured and payable annually based on the achievement of annual financial goals.  For 2018, Mr. Holmes will be eligible to earn a target annual bonus equal to 100% of his annual base salary, all of which will be measured and payable annually based on the achievement of annual financial goals (for 50% of his bonus opportunity) and stock price performance (for 50% of his bonus opportunity).  The Compensation Committee and Board of Directors approved the changes in Mr. Holmes’ bonus structure to more closely align his bonus opportunity with an increase in shareholder value during 2018.

 

·                   Base Salary — Mr. Holmes’ annual base salary was increased from $325,000 to $365,000, commencing January 1, 2018.

 

The Board also approved an additional life and disability insurance program available to our senior executive officers, pursuant to which we will pay premiums on life and disability insurance for the benefit of our senior executives and their designated beneficiaries.  Each of Jeff Killian, our Chief Financing Officer, Robert Hammond, our Chief Technology Officer, and Neal Fenzi, our Executive Vice President of Engineering, is eligible to participate and receive a life insurance benefit of up to $2 million, and Mr. Holmes is eligible to participate and receive a life insurance benefit of up to $5 million.

 

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In addition, Mr. Holmes’s existing Severance and Change in Control Agreement with us was amended to provide that, upon termination of Mr. Holmes’ employment without “cause” (as such term is defined in his agreement), as part of his severance he is entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to one hundred percent of his full target bonus for the fiscal year in effect at the date of termination of employment.  Previously, Mr. Holmes’ agreement provided for payment of a pro-rated portion his target bonus for the fiscal year based on the amount of time that had elapsed from the beginning of the year through the date of termination.  A copy of Mr. Holmes’ Amended and Restated Severance and Change in Control Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01                                            Other Events.

 

In addition to the Grayboard Exercise Agreement, we entered into from time to time warrant exercise agreements with other warrant holders to induce them to exercise existing warrants issued by us in April 2016.  As of December 19, 2017, these holders have exercised their respective April 2016 warrants and have purchased an aggregate of 836,780 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.86 per share, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $2.4 million, and we have paid the warrant holders an aggregate inducement fee of approximately $239,000.

 

Item 9.01                                            Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d)                                  Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Current Report on Form 8-K:

 

Exhibit

 

 

Number

 

Description

 

 

 

10.1

 

Warrant Exercise Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2017, by and between the Registrant and Grayboard Investments, Ltd.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended and Restated Severance and Change in Control Agreement, dated as of December 21, 2017, by and between the Registrant and George B. Holmes.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: December 22, 2017

Resonant Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Killian

 

 

Jeff Killian

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit 10.1

 

WARRANT EXERCISE AGREEMENT

 

THIS WARRANT EXERCISE AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”), dated as of the date set forth on the signature page hereto, relates to the common stock purchase warrant (the “ Warrant ”) described below, which was issued by Resonant Inc. (the “ Company ”) to Grayboard Investments, Ltd. (the “ Holder ”):

 

Warrant
No.

 

Issuance Date

 

Expiration
Date

 

Exercise
Price per
Share

 

No. of
Shares

 

Aggregate
Exercise Price

 

2017-001

 

02/22/2017

 

08/22/2019

 

$

8.25

 

1,626,898

 

$

13,421,908.50

 

 

WHEREAS , Pursuant to the terms of that certain Warrant to Purchase Common Stock, dated the Issuance Date set forth in the table above, executed by the Company in favor of Holder (the “ Warrant Agreement ”), the Holder is entitled to subscribe for and purchase up to the number of shares (the “ Warrant Shares ”) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “ Common Stock ”), set forth in the table above.

 

WHEREAS , the Company desires to induce the early exercise of the Warrant, and the Holder desires to exercise the Warrant according to its terms.

 

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual agreements contained in this Agreement and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Exercise of the Warrant . Contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement and effective as of the date hereof, the Holder hereby exercises the Warrant in full for the number of shares of Common Stock set forth in the table above (the “ Exercise ”).  In connection with the Exercise and concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Holder shall deliver an executed copy of the Exercise Notice attached to the Warrant Agreement indicating a Cash Exercise of such Warrant.

 

2.                                       Payment of Exercise Price .  The Company and the Holder acknowledge that the current exercise price per share and aggregate exercise price for all Warrant Shares for the Warrant is as set for the in the table above.  No later than one (1) Business Day after the execution of this Agreement and the concurrent Exercise of the Warrant, the Holder shall pay the aggregate exercise price set forth in the table above (the “ Aggregate Exercise Price ”) to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Warrant.  The Company shall deliver the Warrant Shares to the Holder in accordance with the terms of the Warrant.

 

3.                                       Cash Consideration . In consideration for the Exercise, the Company hereby agrees to pay to the Holder by wire transfer of immediately available funds cash consideration in the amount of $6,719,088.74, to be paid as directed by the Holder no later than one (1) Business Day after the execution of this Agreement and receipt by the Company of the Aggregate Exercise Price.

 

4.                                       Representations and Warranties of the Company .  The Company represents, warrants and agrees that:

 



 

4.1                                It has all the requisite authority and power to enter into and consummate the transactions contemplated herein and such transactions shall not contravene any organizational documents, contractual, regulatory, statutory or other obligation or restriction applicable to the Company.

 

4.2                                This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Company, and shall constitute a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles whether in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

4.3                                It has a sufficient number of authorized and unissued shares of Common Stock to consummate the Exercise of the Warrant.

 

4.4                                The shares of Common Stock issued to the Holder pursuant to the Exercise of the Warrant shall be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and free from all preemptive or similar rights, taxes, liens, charges and other encumbrances with respect to the issue thereof.

 

4.5                                The issuance of the shares of Common Stock to the Holder pursuant to the Exercise of the Warrant is the subject of the Company’s Registration Statement (“ Registration Statement ”) described below, and the respective prospectus set forth therein and the applicable prospectus supplement corresponding thereto (collectively, the “ Prospectuses ”), as such Registration Statement and Prospectuses have been amended and/or supplemented from time to time:

 

Registration No.

 

Effective Date

 

333-217255

 

April 18, 2017

 

 

4.6                                The shares of Common Stock may be re-sold by Holder into the public market following the issuance thereof by the Company to Holder pursuant to the Registration Statement and Prospectuses.

 

4.7                                Upon receipt of the Warrant Shares, the Holder will have good and marketable title to such shares.

 

4.8                                The Registration Statement and any amendments thereto comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (“ Securities Act ”), and when taken together with the Prospectuses do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectuses and any amendments or supplements thereto comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  The Company has not received any notice that the Securities and Exchange Commission (“ SEC ”) has issued or intends to issue a stop-order with respect to any Registration Statement or that the SEC otherwise has suspended or withdrawn the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, either temporarily or permanently, or intends or has threatened in writing to do so.

 

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4.9                                Neither the Company nor any other person acting on its behalf has provided the Holder or its agents or counsel with any information that constitutes or could reasonably be expected to constitute material, nonpublic information about the Company.  The Company understands and confirms that the Holder will rely on the foregoing representations in effecting transactions in securities of the Company.  All disclosure provided to the Holder regarding the Company or any of its subsidiaries, their business and the transactions contemplated hereby furnished by or on behalf of the Company does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.  No event or circumstance has occurred or information exists with respect to the Company or any of its subsidiaries or its or their business, properties, prospects, operations or financial conditions, which, under applicable law, rule or regulation, requires public disclosure or announcement by the Company but which has not been so publicly announced or disclosed.

 

4.10                         Other than such filings as may be required to be made with The NASDAQ Capital Market, the Company is not required to obtain any consent, authorization or order of, or make any filing or registration with, any court, governmental agency or any regulatory or self-regulatory agency or any other person, including, without limitation, any other security holders of the Company, in order for it to execute, deliver or perform any of its obligations under or contemplated by this Agreement.  All consents, authorizations, orders, filings and registrations which the Company is required to obtain pursuant to the preceding sentence have been obtained or effected on or prior to the date hereof.

 

5.                                       Representations and Warranties of the Holder .  The Holder represents and warrants that:

 

5.1                                It has the authority to enter into the transactions and consummate the transactions contemplated herein and such transactions shall not contravene any contractual, regulatory, statutory or other obligation or restriction applicable to the Holder.

 

5.2                                This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Holder, and shall constitute a legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Holder, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as the enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally and general equitable principles whether in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

5.3                                It is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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5.4                                It has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of bearing the economic risks of participation in this Agreement, and it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of participating in this Agreement, including any risks associated with surrendering certain rights related to the Warrant.

 

5.5                                It has received any and all information requested by the Holder for the Holder to make a decision to enter into this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. The Holder has had an opportunity to discuss the Company’s business, management and financial affairs with the Company and its representatives and has had the opportunity to review the Company’s operations. The Holder has also had a full opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the Company and its management in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Holder acknowledges and agrees that the Company has made no other representation or warranty regarding the operations, business, prospects or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company or its affiliates.

 

5.6                                It acknowledges that it is not relying, and has not relied, upon any statement, advice (whether legal, tax, financial, accounting or other), representation or warranty made by any entity or person including, without limitation, the Company or any of its affiliates or representatives, except for (a) the publicly available filings made by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (b) the statements, representations and warranties made by the Company in this Agreement.

 

5.7                                It is the sole legal and beneficial owner of the Warrant, and has good, valid and marketable title to the Warrant, free and clear of any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, encumbrance, title retention agreement, option, equity or other adverse claim thereto.  It has not, in whole or in part, (a) assigned, transferred, hypothecated, pledged or otherwise disposed of the Warrant or its rights in the Warrant, or (b) given any person or entity any transfer order, power of attorney or other authority of any nature whatsoever with respect to the Warrant.

 

5.8                                It is not an affiliate of the Company as such term is defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

6.                                       Miscellaneous .

 

6.1                                This Agreement may be executed in multiple original counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same Agreement.  This Agreement and all rights, obligations and liabilities hereunder shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of California, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of law that would require the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

6.2                                Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

 

(Signatures on Following Page)

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth below:

 

Dated:

December 19, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

GRAYBOARD INVESTMENTS, LTD.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Shannon Wilson

 

Name: Shannon Wilson

 

Title: President

 

 

 

 

 

RESONANT INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Killian

 

Name: Jeff Killian

 

Title: Chief Financial Officer

 


 

Exhibit 10.2

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED
SEVERANCE AND CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENT

 

This Amended and Restated Severance and Change in Control Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into by and between George B. Holmes (“ Executive ”) and Resonant Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), effective as of December 21, 2017 (the “ Effective Date ”), and amends and restates in its entirety that certain Severance and Change in Control Agreement, dated as of February 29, 2016 (the “ Original Agreement ”), between the Company and Executive.  Certain capitalized terms used in the Agreement are defined in Section  6 below.

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                     The Compensation Committee (the “ Committee ”) of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “ Board ”) recognizes that it is possible that the Company could terminate Executive’s employment with the Company and from time to time the Company may consider the possibility of an acquisition by another company or other change in control transaction.  The Committee also recognizes that such considerations can be a distraction to Executive and can cause Executive to consider alternative employment opportunities.  The Committee has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to assure that the Company will have the continued dedication and objectivity of Executive, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of such a termination of employment or the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined herein) of the Company.

 

B.                                     The Committee believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to provide Executive with an incentive to continue his or her employment with the Company and to motivate Executive to maximize the value of the Company for the benefit of its stockholders.

 

C.                                     The Committee believes that it is imperative to provide Executive with certain severance benefits upon Executive’s termination of employment and with certain additional benefits following a Change in Control.  These benefits will provide Executive with enhanced financial security and incentive and encouragement to remain with the Company notwithstanding the possibility of a Change in Control.

 

AGREEMENT

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                       Term of Agreement .  This Agreement will not terminate until all of the obligations of the parties hereto with respect to this Agreement have been satisfied.

 

2.                                       At-Will Employment .  The Company and Executive acknowledge that Executive’s employment is and will continue to be at-will, as defined under applicable law.  If Executive’s employment terminates for any reason, including (without limitation) any termination of employment not set forth in Section 3 , Executive will not be entitled to any payments, benefits, damages, awards or compensation other than the payment of accrued but unpaid wages, as required by law, and any unreimbursed reimbursable expenses or pursuant to written agreements with the Company, including equity award agreements.

 



 

3.                                       Severance Benefits .

 

(a)                                  Termination without Cause or Resignation for Good Reason in Connection with a Change in Control .  If during the three (3) month period immediately prior to or the twenty-four (24)-month period immediately following a Change in Control, (x) the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company for a reason other than Cause, Executive becoming Disabled or Executive’s death, or (y) Executive resigns from such employment for Good Reason, then, subject to Section 4 , Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i)                                      Accrued Compensation .  The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid vacation pay, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(ii)                                   Severance Payment .  Executive will receive a lump sum severance payment equal to eighteen (18) months of Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the date of Executive’s termination of employment, less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions, which will be paid as soon as practicable following Executive’s termination of employment but in no event later than the next pay period following Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(iii)                                Target Bonus Payment .  Executive will receive a lump sum severance payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s full target bonus for the fiscal year in effect at the date of such termination of employment (or, if greater, as in effect for the fiscal year in which the Change in Control occurs), less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions.  The target bonus is the amount Executive would be entitled to receive if all of Executive’s goals for the applicable fiscal year are achieved. The target bonus will be paid as soon as practicable following Executive’s termination of employment but in no event later than the next pay period following Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(iv)                               Continued Health Insurance Benefits . If Executive is eligible for, and elects continuation coverage pursuant to COBRA for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents (as applicable) under a health, dental, or vision plan sponsored by the Company, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive, as and when due to the COBRA carrier, for the COBRA premiums for such coverage for Executive and his eligible dependents (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment) until the earliest to occur of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the last date of employment of Executive with the Company, (B) the date upon which Executive becomes eligible for coverage under a health, dental, or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (C) the date Executive or his or her dependents cease to be eligible for COBRA coverage. These payments will be subject to any applicable tax withholdings (including tax withholdings necessary to ensure that the provision of this benefit is not deemed a discriminatory practice giving rise to penalties to the Company under applicable laws) and will be counted as coverage pursuant to COBRA to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law.

 

(v)                                  Equity .  Executive will be entitled to accelerated vesting as to one hundred percent (100%) of the then unvested portion of all of Executive’s outstanding equity awards.  In addition, Executive will have six (6) months following any such termination of employment in which to exercise any stock options, stock appreciation rights, or similar rights to acquire Company common stock, but in no event will such equity award be permitted to be exercised beyond the earlier of the original maximum term of such equity award or ten (10) years from the original grant date of such equity award.

 

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(vi)                               Outplacement Benefits .  If requested by Executive, the Company will pay the expense for outplacement benefits provided by a service to be determined by the Company in its discretion for a period of six (6) months, up to a maximum dollar value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) following Executive’s termination.

 

(vii)                            Payments or Benefits Required by Law .  Executive will receive such other compensation or benefits from the Company as may be required by law.

 

(b)                                  Termination without Cause and not in Connection with a Change in Control .  If the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company for a reason other than Cause, Executive becoming Disabled or Executive’s death at any time other than during the twenty-four (24)-month period immediately following a Change in Control, then, subject to Section  4, Executive will receive the following severance benefits from the Company:

 

(i)                                      Accrued Compensation .  The Company will pay Executive all accrued but unpaid vacation time, expense reimbursements, wages, and other benefits due to Executive under any Company-provided plans, policies, and arrangements.

 

(ii)                                   Severance Payment .  Executive will receive severance in an amount equal to 18 (eighteen) months of Executive’s base salary as in effect immediately prior to the date of Executive’s termination of employment, less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions, which will be paid as soon as practicable following Executive’s termination of employment but in no event later than the next pay period after Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(iii)                                Target Bonus Payment .  Executive will receive a lump sum severance payment equal to one hundred percent (100%) of Executive’s full target bonus for the fiscal year in effect at the date of such termination of employment, less all required tax withholdings and other applicable deductions.  The target bonus is the amount Executive would be entitled to receive if all of Executive’s goals for the applicable fiscal year are achieved. The target bonus will be paid as soon as practicable following Executive’s termination of employment but in no event later than the next pay period following Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(iv)                               Continued Health Insurance Benefits . If Executive is eligible for, and elects continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (“ COBRA ”) for Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents (as applicable) under a health, dental, or vision plan sponsored by the Company, within the time period prescribed pursuant to COBRA, the Company will reimburse Executive, as and when due to the COBRA carrier, for the COBRA premiums for such coverage for Executive and his eligible dependents (at the coverage levels in effect immediately prior to Executive’s termination of employment) until the earliest to occur of (A) a period of twelve (12) months from the last date of employment of Executive with the Company, (B) the date upon which Executive becomes eligible for coverage under a health, dental, or vision insurance plan of a subsequent employer, and (C) the date Executive or his or her dependents cease to be eligible for COBRA coverage. These payments will be subject to any applicable tax withholdings (including tax withholdings necessary to ensure that the provision of this benefit is not deemed a discriminatory practice giving rise to penalties to the Company under applicable laws) and will be counted as coverage pursuant to COBRA to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law.

 

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(v)                                  Equity .  All of Executive’s unvested and outstanding equity awards that would have become vested had Executive remained in the employ of the Company for the twelve (12)-month period following Executive’s termination of employment shall immediately vest and become exercisable as of the date of Executive’s termination.  In addition, Executive will have six (6) months following any such termination of employment in which to exercise any stock options, stock appreciation rights, or similar rights to acquire Company common stock, but in no event will such equity award be permitted to be exercised beyond the earlier of the original maximum term of such equity award or ten (10) years from the original grant date of such equity award.

 

(vi)                               Outplacement Benefits .  If requested by Executive, the Company will pay the expense for outplacement benefits provided by a service to be determined by the Company in its discretion for a period of six (6) months, up to a maximum dollar value of five thousand dollars ($5,000) following Executive’s termination.

 

(vii)                            Payments or Benefits Required by Law .  Executive will receive such other compensation or benefits from the Company as may be required by law.

 

(c)                                   Disability; Death .  If Executive’s employment with the Company is terminated due to Executive becoming Disabled or Executive’s death, then Executive or Executive’s estate (as the case may be) will (i) receive the earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, (ii) receive all accrued PTO, expense reimbursements and any other benefits due to Executive through the date of termination of employment in accordance with Company-provided or paid plans, policies and arrangements, and (iii) not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits from the Company except to the extent required by law (for example, COBRA).  All payments under clauses (i) through (ii) above shall be made in accordance with the law of the State of California.

 

(d)                                  Voluntary Resignation; Termination for Cause .  If Executive voluntarily terminates Executive’s employment with the Company (other than for Good Reason during the twelve (12)-month period immediately following a Change of Control) or if the Company terminates Executive’s employment with the Company for Cause, then Executive will (i) receive his or her earned but unpaid base salary through the date of termination of employment, (ii) receive all accrued vacation time, expense reimbursements and any other benefits due to Executive through the date of termination of employment in accordance with established Company-provided or paid plans, policies and arrangements, and (iii) not be entitled to any other compensation or benefits from the Company except to the extent required by law (for example, COBRA).

 

(e)                                   Timing of Payments .  Except as required by law, subject to any specific timing provisions in Section 3(a) , (b)3(b)  or 3(c)  as applicable, or the provisions of Section 4 , payment of the severance and benefits hereunder shall be made or commence to be made as soon as practicable following Executive’s termination of employment but in no event later than the next pay period after Executive’s termination of employment.

 

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4.                                       Conditions to Receipt of Severance .

 

(a)                                  Release of Claims Agreement .  The receipt of any severance payments or benefits pursuant to this Agreement is subject to Executive signing and not revoking a separation agreement and release of claims in a form mutually acceptable to the Company and Executive (the “ Release ”), which must become effective no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following Executive’s termination of employment (the “ Release Deadline ”), and if not, Executive will forfeit any right to severance payments or benefits under this Agreement.  To become effective, the Release must be executed by Executive and any revocation periods (as required by statute, regulation, or otherwise) must have expired without Executive having revoked the Release.  In addition, in no event will severance payments or benefits be paid or provided until the Release actually becomes effective.  If the termination of employment occurs at a time during the calendar year where the Release Deadline could occur in the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive’s termination of employment occurs, then any severance payments or benefits under this Agreement that would be considered Deferred Payments (as defined in Section 4(c)(i) ) will be paid on the first payroll date to occur during the calendar year following the calendar year in which such termination occurs, or such later time as required by (i) the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit as set forth in Section 3 , (ii) the date the Release becomes effective, or (iii)  Section 4(c)(ii) ; provided that the first payment shall include all amounts that would have been paid to Executive if payment had commenced on the date of Executive’s termination of employment.

 

(b)                                  Confidential Information and Invention Assignment Agreements . Executive’s receipt of any payments or benefits under this Agreement will be subject to Executive continuing to comply with the terms of any confidential information and invention assignment agreement executed by Executive in favor of the Company and the provisions of this Agreement.

 

(c)                                   Application of Section 409A .

 

(i)                                      Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no severance pay or benefits to be paid or provided to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that, when considered together with any other severance payments or separation benefits, are considered deferred compensation not exempt under Section 409A (together, the “ Deferred Payments ”) will be paid or otherwise provided until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  And for purposes of this Agreement, any reference to “termination of employment,” “termination” or any similar term shall be construed to mean a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  Similarly, no severance payable to Executive, if any, pursuant to this Agreement that otherwise would be exempt from Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9) will be payable until Executive has a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

 

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(ii)                                   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if Executive is a “specified employee” within the meaning of Section 409A at the time of Executive’s termination of employment (other than due to death), then the Deferred Payments, if any, that are payable within the first six (6) months following Executive’s separation from service, will become payable on the first payroll date that occurs on or after the date six (6) months and one (1) day following the date of Executive’s separation from service.  All subsequent Deferred Payments, if any, will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if Executive dies following Executive’s separation from service, but prior to the six (6) month anniversary of the separation from service, then any payments delayed in accordance with this paragraph will be payable in a lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the date of Executive’s death and all other Deferred Payments will be payable in accordance with the payment schedule applicable to each payment or benefit.  Each payment, installment and benefit payable under this Agreement is intended to constitute a separate payment for purposes of Section 1.409A-2(b)(2) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

(iii)                                Without limitation, any amount paid under this Agreement that satisfies the requirements of the “short-term deferral” rule set forth in Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) of the Treasury Regulations is not intended constitute to Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above.

 

(iv)                               Without limitation, any amount paid under this Agreement that qualifies as a payment made as a result of an involuntary separation from service pursuant to Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations that does not exceed the Section 409A Limit is not intended to constitute Deferred Payments for purposes of clause (i) above.  Any payment intended to qualify under this exemption must be made within the allowable time period specified in Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) of the Treasury Regulations.

 

(v)                                  To the extent that reimbursements or in-kind benefits under this Agreement constitute non-exempt “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A, (1) all reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred by Executive, (2) any right to reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit, and (3) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits provided in any calendar year shall not in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year.

 

(vi)                               Any tax gross-up that Executive is entitled to receive under this Agreement or otherwise shall be paid to Executive no later than December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Executive remits the related taxes.

 

(vii)                            Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Code Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Code Section 409A.

 

(viii)                         The payments and benefits provided under Sections 3(a)  and 3(a)  are intended to be exempt from or comply with the requirements of Section 409A so that none of the severance payments and benefits to be provided hereunder will be subject to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A, and any ambiguities or ambiguous terms herein will be interpreted to be exempt or so comply.  The Company and Executive agree to work together in good faith to consider amendments to this Agreement and to take such reasonable actions which are necessary, appropriate or desirable to avoid imposition of any additional tax or income recognition prior to actual payment to Executive under Section 409A.

 

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5.                                       Limitation on Payments .

 

(a)                                  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, if any payment or benefit Executive would receive from the Company or otherwise (“ Payment ”) would (i) constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code; and (ii) but for this sentence, be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), then such Payment shall be equal to the Reduced Amount.  The “ Reduced Amount  shall be either (x) the largest portion of the Payment that would result in no portion of the Payment being subject to the Excise Tax; or (y) the largest portion, up to and including the total, of the Payment, whichever amount, after taking into account all applicable federal, state and local employment taxes, income taxes, and the Excise Tax (all computed at the highest applicable marginal rate), results in Executive’s receipt, on an after-tax basis, of the greater amount of the Payment.  Any reduction made pursuant to this Section 5(a)  shall be made in accordance with the following order of priority: (i) stock options whose exercise price exceeds the fair market value of the optioned stock (“ Underwater Options ”) (ii) Full Credit Payments (as defined below) that are payable in cash, (iii) non-cash Full Credit Payments that are taxable, (iv) non-cash Full Credit Payments that are not taxable, (v) Partial Credit Payments (as defined below) and (vi) non-cash employee welfare benefits.  In each case, reductions shall be made in reverse chronological order such that the payment or benefit owed on the latest date following the occurrence of the event triggering the excise tax will be the first payment or benefit to be reduced (with reductions made pro-rata in the event payments or benefits are owed at the same time).  “ Full Credit Payment ” means a payment, distribution or benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or otherwise, that if reduced in value by one dollar reduces the amount of the parachute payment (as defined in Section 280G of the Code) by one dollar, determined as if such payment, distribution or benefit had been paid or distributed on the date of the event triggering the excise tax.  “ Partial Credit Payment ” means any payment, distribution or benefit that is not a Full Credit Payment.  In no event shall Executive have any discretion with respect to the ordering of payment reductions.

 

(b)                                  Unless the Company and Executive otherwise agree in writing, any determination required under this Section  5 will be made in writing by an independent firm (the “ Firm ”), whose determination will be conclusive and binding upon Executive and the Company for all purposes.  For purposes of making the calculations required by this Section  5, the Firm may make reasonable assumptions and approximations concerning applicable taxes and may rely on reasonable, good faith interpretations concerning the application of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code.  The Company and Executive will furnish to the Firm such information and documents as the Firm may reasonably request in order to make a determination under this Section  5.  The Company will bear all costs the Firm may reasonably incur in connection with any calculations contemplated by this Section  5.

 

6.                                       Definition of Terms .  The following terms referred to in this Agreement will have the following meanings:

 

(a)                                  Cause .  “ Cause ” means (i) Executive’s repeated willful failure to substantially perform his or her duties to the Company or deliberate and material violation of a material Company policy; (ii) Executive’s commission of any act of fraud, embezzlement, dishonesty or any other willful misconduct that has caused or is reasonably expected to result in material injury to the Company; (iii) unauthorized use or disclosure by Executive of any proprietary information or trade secrets of the Company or any other party to whom Executive owes an obligation of nondisclosure as a result of his or her relationship with the Company; or

 

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(iv) Executive’s willful breach of any of Executive’s material obligations under any written agreement or covenant with the Company, in each case in the reasonable determination of the Board. For purposes of this definition, “ Company ” shall be interpreted to include any parent, subsidiary, affiliate or successor thereto, if appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cause shall not exist based on conduct described in clause (i) unless the conduct has not been cured within 30 days following Executive’s receipt of written notice from the Company specifying the particulars of the conduct constituting Cause.

 

(b)                                  Change in Control . “ Change in Control ” shall have the meaning provided in the Resonant Inc. Amended and Restated 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan.

 

(c)                                   Code .  “ Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(d)                                  Disability .  “ Disability ” or “ Disabled ” means that Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted, or can be expected to last, for a continuous period of not less than one (1) year.

 

(e)                                   Good Reason .  “ Good Reason ” means the occurrence of one or more of the following, without Executive’s express written consent:

 

(i)                                      a material reduction in Executive’s job responsibilities, provided that neither a mere change in title alone nor reassignment following a Change in Control to a position that is substantially similar to the position held prior to the Change in Control shall constitute a material reduction in job responsibilities;

 

(ii)                                   relocation by the Company or a subsidiary, parent, affiliate or successor thereto, as appropriate, of Executive’s primary business location that increases Executive’s one way commute by more than 35 miles; or

 

(iii)                                a reduction in Executive’s then-current base salary by at least 10%, provided that an across-the-board reduction in the salary level of all other employees or consultants in positions similar to Executive’s by the same percentage amount as part of a general salary level reduction shall not constitute such a salary reduction;

 

provided, however , that in order for an event to qualify as Good Reason, Executive must (1) provide the Company with written notice of the acts or omissions constituting the grounds for Good Reason within 90 days of the initial existence of the grounds for Good Reason, (2) allow the Company at least 30 days from receipt of such written notice to cure such event, and (3) if such event is not reasonably cured within such period, Executive’s resignation from all positions then held by Executive with the Company must be effective not later than 30 days after the expiration of the cure period.

 

(f)                                    Section 409A .  “ Section 409A ” means Code Section 409A, and the final regulations and any guidance promulgated thereunder or any state law equivalent.

 

(g)                                   Section 409A Limit .  “ Section 409A Limit ” will mean two (2) times the lesser of: (i) Executive’s annualized compensation based upon the annual rate of pay paid to Executive during Executive’s taxable year preceding Executive’s taxable year of his or her separation from service as determined under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)(A)(1) and any Internal Revenue Service guidance issued with respect thereto; or (ii) the maximum amount that may be taken into account under a qualified plan pursuant to Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code for the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurred.

 

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7.                                       Successors .

 

(a)                                  The Company’s Successors .  Any successor to the Company (whether direct or indirect and whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, liquidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the Company’s business and/or assets will assume the obligations under this Agreement and agree expressly to perform the obligations under this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent as the Company would be required to perform such obligations in the absence of a succession.  For all purposes under this Agreement, the term “ Company ” will include any successor to the Company’s business and/or assets which executes and delivers the assumption agreement described in this Section 7(a)  or which becomes bound by the terms of this Agreement by operation of law.

 

(b)                                  Executive’s Successors .  The terms of this Agreement and all rights of Executive hereunder will inure to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

 

8.                                       Notice .

 

(a)                                  General .  Notices and all other communications contemplated by this Agreement will be in writing and will be deemed to have been duly given when personally delivered or when mailed by U.S. registered or certified mail, return receipt requested and postage prepaid.  In the case of Executive, mailed notices will be addressed to him or her at the home address which he or she most recently communicated to the Company in writing.  In the case of the Company, mailed notices will be addressed to its corporate headquarters, and all notices will be directed to the attention of its General Counsel.

 

(b)                                  Notice of Termination .  Any termination by the Company for Cause or by Executive for Good Reason will be communicated by a notice of termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 8(a)  of this Agreement.  Such notice will indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, will set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination under the provision so indicated, and will specify the termination date (which will be not more than thirty (30) days after the giving of such notice), subject to any applicable cure period.  The failure by Executive or the Company to include in the notice any fact or circumstance which contributes to a showing of Good Reason or Cause, as applicable, will not waive any right of Executive or the Company, as applicable, hereunder or preclude Executive or the Company, as applicable, from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing his or her or its rights hereunder, as applicable.

 

9.                                       Miscellaneous Provisions .

 

(a)                                  No Duty to Mitigate .  Executive will not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment contemplated by this Agreement, nor will any such payment be reduced by any earnings that Executive may receive from any other source.

 

(b)                                  Waiver .  No provision of this Agreement will be modified, waived or discharged unless the modification, waiver or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company (other than Executive).  No waiver by either party of any breach of, or of compliance with, any condition or provision of this Agreement by the other party will be considered a waiver of any other condition or provision or of the same condition or provision at another time.

 

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(c)                                   Headings .  All captions and section headings used in this Agreement are for convenient reference only and do not form a part of this Agreement.

 

(d)                                  Entire Agreement; Superseding Effect .  This Agreement, the Employment Offer Letter (and any agreements referenced therein), the Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims, the Employee Invention, Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement, and the equity plan agreements to be entered into in connection with my employment, together constitute the entire agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof, and these agreements together supersede in their entirety all prior or contemporaneous representations, understandings, undertakings or agreements (whether oral or written and whether expressed or implied) of the parties with respect to such matters, including, without limitation, the Original Agreement, which is hereby amended and restated in its entirety.  Executive acknowledges and agrees that this Agreement encompasses all the rights of Executive to any severance payments and/or benefits based on the termination of Executive’s employment and Executive hereby agrees that he or she has no such rights except as stated herein.  No waiver, alteration, or modification of any of the provisions of this Agreement will be binding unless in writing and signed by duly authorized representatives of the parties hereto and which specifically mention this Agreement.  This Agreement does not supersede Executive’s Employment Offer Letter, except with respect to the subject matter hereof, the Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate Claims or the Employee Invention, Confidentiality and Non-Solicitation Agreement to which Executive is a party.

 

(e)                                   Choice of Law .  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of California without giving effect to provisions governing the choice of law.

 

(f)                                    Severability .  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision hereof, which will remain in full force and effect.

 

(g)                                   Withholding .  All payments made pursuant to this Agreement will be subject to withholding of applicable income, employment and other taxes, as required by law.

 

(h)                                  Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

 

[ Signature Page to Follow ]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , each of the parties has executed this Agreement, in the case of the Company by its duly authorized officer, as of the day and year set forth below.

 

 

COMPANY :

 

 

 

RESONANT INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Killian

 

Name:

Jeff Killian

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

EXECUTIVE:

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ George Holmes

 

Name:

George B. Holmes

 

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