UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington. D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant ☒ Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐
Check the appropriate box:
☐ | Preliminary Proxy Statement | |
☐ | Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) | |
☒ | Definitive Proxy Statement | |
☐ | Definitive Additional Materials | |
☐ | Soliciting Material under § 240.14a-12 |
BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
☒ | No fee required. | |||
☐ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |||
(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
|
|||
(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
|
|||
(3) |
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):
|
|||
(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|
|||
(5) | Total fee paid: | |||
|
||||
☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |||
☐ | 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. | |||
(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
|
|||
(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
|
|||
(3) |
Filing Party:
|
|||
(4) |
Date Filed:
|
3033 Riviera Drive
Suite 200
Naples, Florida 34103
(239) 263-5000
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 31, 2018
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), will be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time, at the corporate offices of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida for the following purposes:
1. | The election of nine nominees for directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors have been elected or appointed; |
2. | An advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation; |
3. | The ratification of the appointment of Crowe Horwath, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018; and |
4. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
The foregoing matters are described in more detail in the attached Proxy Statement.
The Companys Board of Directors has fixed April 2, 2018 as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
The Companys Proxy Statement is attached hereto. Financial and other information about the Company is contained in the Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. Your participation in these matters is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. The notice accompanying this Proxy Statement contains instructions on how to submit your proxy by telephone. Whether or not you expect to attend in person, we urge you to vote as promptly as possible. You will be most welcome at the meeting and may then vote in person if you so desire, even though you may have executed and returned the proxy. Any stockholder who executes such a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Joyce Fitch, Secretary
Naples, Florida
April 16, 2018
3033 Riviera Drive
Suite 200
Naples, Florida 34103
(239) 263-5000
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company), is soliciting your proxy with this Proxy Statement. Your proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Annual Meeting) to be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. Eastern time, at the corporate offices of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. This Proxy Statement and the Companys Annual Report to Stockholders are first being made available to stockholders on or about April 16, 2018.
VOTING SECURITIES
Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares
Only stockholders of record on the books of the Company as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time, April 2, 2018, which is the Record Date, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on April 2, 2018, the Company had 10,841,181 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding (the Class A Shares), and 16,662,743 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding (the Class B Shares and together with the Class A Shares, the Common Stock).
Under the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Fourth Amended and Restated Bylaws (the Bylaws), in the election of directors, the holders of the Class A Shares are entitled by class vote, exclusive of all other stockholders, to elect two of the Companys directors, with each Class A Share being entitled to one vote. With respect to the election of the other eight directors and all other matters submitted to the stockholders for vote, the holders of Class A Shares and Class B Shares shall vote as a single class, with each Class A Share being entitled to one vote and each Class B Share entitled to ten votes.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the Inspector of Elections with the assistance of the Companys transfer agent. Except with respect to the election of directors (which is discussed separately under Proposal 1: Election of Directors) and except in certain other specific circumstances, the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast in person or by proxy at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present is required under Delaware law and our Bylaws for approval of proposals presented to stockholders.
The Inspector will also determine whether or not a quorum is present. Our Bylaws provide that a quorum consists of the presence in person or by proxy of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast on a matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. The Inspector will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. An abstention is deemed present but it is not deemed a vote cast. Broker non-votes occur when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power on that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Abstentions and broker non-votes are included in determining whether a quorum is present but are not included in the tabulation of the voting results. As such, abstentions and broker non-votes do not affect the voting results with respect to the election of directors or the issues requiring the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have the effect of a vote against the approval of any items requiring the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority or greater of the outstanding common stock. The ratification of the appointment of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm is a routine proposal on which nominees possess discretionary voting power absent instructions from the beneficial owner. Thus, the Company does not expect any broker non-votes on this proposal.
Shareholders of record may submit their proxy by telephone prior to the Annual Meeting, rather than filling out and mailing a proxy card. To help explain this process, we have included a brief question and answer section below.
How do I vote my shares without attending the Annual Meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record, you can vote by telephone by following the instructions on the Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials.
If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other record holder, follow the voting instructions on the form that you receive from them. The availability of telephone and Internet voting will depend on the banks or other record holders voting process. Your bank, broker or other record holder will not be permitted to exercise voting discretion as to the matters to be acted upon other than the ratification of the appointment of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. Therefore, please give voting instructions to your bank, broker or other record holder.
How will my proxy be voted?
Your proxy, when properly submitted by telephone and not revoked, will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If any other matter is properly presented, the persons named as proxies will have discretion to vote in their best judgment.
Unless you give other instructions when you cast your vote by telephone, the persons named as proxies will vote in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors and a vote will be cast FOR the election of each of the nominees for directors, FOR the advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation, FOR the ratification of Crowe Horwath, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018 and as the proxy holders deem advisable on other matters that may come before the meeting. If a broker indicates on the proxy or its substitute that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not be considered as present with respect to that matter. The Company believes that the tabulation procedures to be followed by the Inspector are consistent with the general statutory requirements in Delaware concerning voting of shares and determination of a quorum.
May I revoke or change my vote?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is actually voted by:
|
giving written notice of revocation to Joyce Fitch, Secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103; |
|
by delivering a proxy bearing a later date (including by telephone); or |
|
by attending and voting in person at the Annual Meeting. |
Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not cause your previously granted proxy to be revoked unless you specifically make that request. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other record holder, or, if you have obtained a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other record holder giving you the right to vote your shares, by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
2
How do I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
Shares held in your name as the shareholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the broker, bank or other record holder that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy or voting instructions as described above and on the Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials, so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Annual Meeting.
What is the deadline for voting my shares?
If you are a shareholder of record, and plan to vote by telephone, your vote must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on May 30, 2018. If your shares are held in street name, you should return your voting instructions in accordance with the instructions provided by the bank, broker or other record holder that holds the shares on your behalf.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition, the Company may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners.
Proxies may also be solicited by certain of the Companys directors, officers and regular employees, without additional compensation, personally or by telephone.
PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nine directors are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the next Annual Meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors are elected or appointed.
After more than 18 years of dedicated service as an independent director, Audit Committee Chair and member of our Compensation Committee, Joe B. Cox will not be nominated for re-election at the Annual Meeting. The Board is deeply grateful to him for his leadership and many contributions to the Company over the years.
Nominees for election to the Board of Directors shall be approved by the following vote:
|
For Nominees to be Elected by the Holders of the Class A Shares: by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of Class A Shares present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, with each share being entitled to one vote. |
|
For Nominees to be Elected by the Holders of All Classes of Common Stock: by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of all classes of Common Stock present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, with each Class A Share being entitled to one vote and each Class B Share being entitled to ten votes. |
Abstentions from voting on the election of directors and broker non-votes, will have no effect on the outcome of the election of directors. In the event any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a nominee, the proxies may be voted for the balance of those nominees named and for any substitute nominee designated by the present Board of Directors or the proxy holders to fill such vacancy, or for the balance of those nominees named without nomination of a substitute, or the Board of Directors may be reduced in accordance with the Bylaws of the Company. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that any of the persons named will be unable or unwilling to serve as a nominee or as a director if elected.
3
The Board believes that each of the nominees listed brings strong skills and extensive experience to the Board, giving the Board as a group the appropriate skills to exercise its oversight responsibilities. Michael J. Fiorile was appointed to the Board of Directors in January 2018, after a recommendation to the Board of Directors by our Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Beasley, and is standing for election as a director by stockholders for the first time.
Nominees to be Elected by the Holders of the Class A Shares:
Mark S. Fowler , age 76, has been an independent director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since February 2000. Since 2010, Mr. Fowler has been the Managing Member of LN2 DB, LLC, formerly known as Digital PowerRadio, LLC, a digital broadcast technology company. Since 2010, Mr. Fowler has also been a co-founder of Critical Alert Systems, LLC, a high power wireless critical alert messaging service focused primarily on serving hospitals. Mr. Fowler served as a director of TalkAmerica, Inc., a publicly held company, until the company was sold in December 2006. Mr. Fowler also served as Chairman of AssureSat, Inc., a satellite services provider that he co-founded in 1997, until the company was dissolved in December 2004. Mr. Fowler was a senior communications counsel at the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP from 1987 until 2000 and, in that capacity, represented telecommunications companies, including broadcast companies. Mr. Fowler served as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from 1981 until 1987. Mr. Fowlers qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his extensive legal and regulatory knowledge gained through his past service as Chairman of the FCC and a lawyer specializing in communications law for more than 20 years. Mr. Fowler also brings with him his entrepreneurial experiences as a founder and board member of three start-up companies.
Herbert W. McCord , age 75, has been an independent director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since May 2000. Mr. McCord currently is President of Granum Communications Corporation (Granum), a management consulting firm specializing in the radio industry, which he founded in 1996. Prior to starting Granum, Mr. McCord worked in the radio industry at the station and management levels for over 30 years. Mr. McCord served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Radio Advertising Bureau for 25 years. Mr. McCords qualifications for election to the Board of Directors span 30 years of experience in the radio broadcast industry, including valuable insights gained through his service as President of a management company specializing in the radio broadcast industry and his service on the boards of other entities.
Nominees to be Elected by the Holders of All Classes of Common Stock:
Brian E. Beasley , age 58, was appointed Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.s Chief Operating Officer on January 1, 2017. He previously served as Vice President of Operations from 1997 until December 2016. He has served as a director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since 1982. He brings 40 years of media experience to this position. Mr. Beasley serves on the Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau and has served on the Board of Directors of the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Beasley earned a B.S. degree from East Carolina University. Mr. Beasley is the son of George G. Beasley and the brother of Bruce G. Beasley and Caroline Beasley. Mr. Beasleys qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his valuable experience and knowledge of day-to-day operations at the Company. He has gained this experience by serving at all levels of our organization, from Account Executive to his current position as Chief Operating Officer.
Bruce G. Beasley , age 60, has served as Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc.s President since 1997, Chief Operating Officer from 2006 through 2016, Co-Chief Operating Officer from February 2001 until February 2006, and as a director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since 1980. He began his career in the broadcasting business with the Company in 1975 and since that time has served in various capacities, including General Sales Manager of a radio station, General Manager of a radio station and Vice President of Operations of the Company. Mr. Beasley serves on the Board of Directors of the Radio Advertising Bureau. Mr. Beasley has a B.S. from East Carolina University. Mr. Beasley is the son of George G. Beasley and the brother of Caroline Beasley and Brian E. Beasley. Mr. Beasleys qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his extensive knowledge of
4
the radio broadcast industry gained through his service at all levels of employment with the Company, from station sales manager to his current position as President.
Caroline Beasley , age 55, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. on January 1, 2017, previously serving as interim Chief Executive Officer from March 2016 until December 2016 and as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary beginning in 1994. Ms. Beasley joined the Company in 1983, having held a position as a director of the Company since that time. Over her tenure prior to 1994, she served in various positions, including Business Manager, Assistant Controller and Corporate Controller. Ms. Beasley currently serves on the Board of Directors of Broadcast Media, Inc. (BMI). In addition, she is currently serving as Joint Board Chair on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and previously served on the Radio Executive Committee of the NAB Board of Directors. Ms. Beasley is a past Chairman of the NAB Radio Board, and was elected to serve once again as Radio Board Chair in January 2017. In 2017, Ms. Beasley was honored by Radio Ink magazine as Radio Executive of the Year. Ms. Beasley was named one of the 40 Most Powerful People in Radio in 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2017. She is a member of the Board of Visitors at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina, where she earned a B.S. degree. Ms. Beasley is the daughter of George G. Beasley and the sister of Bruce G. Beasley and Brian E. Beasley. Ms. Beasleys qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include her valuable financial expertise, gained through her experience in various capacities at the Company over the past 30 years. Ms. Beasley also has gained valuable insight into the radio broadcast industry through her service on the boards of the industry groups mentioned above.
George G. Beasley , age 86, founded Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. in 1961 and has served since its inception as the Companys Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Beasley also served from 1961 until March 2016 as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Beasley was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Appalachian State University. He served on the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Board of Directors for eight years, as well as its President and Vice President. Mr. Beasley has a B.A. and M.A. from Appalachian State University. George G. Beasley is the father of Bruce G. Beasley, Caroline Beasley and Brian E. Beasley. Mr. Beasleys qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his 55 years of management experience in the radio broadcast industry. In 2016, Mr. Beasley was inducted into the prestigious National Radio Hall of Fame. He is the founder of the Company and brings with him unsurpassed knowledge of the Company, its history and its competitors.
Peter A. Bordes, Jr., age 54, has been an independent director of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since November 2016. Mr. Bordes was one of the owners of Greater Media, Inc., where he served as a member of its Board of Directors from 2008 until October 2016. Mr. Bordes is a co-founder of oneQube, and he has been its Chief Executive Officer since 2011. Prior to founding oneQube, Mr. Bordes was the Chief Executive Officer of MediaTrust from 2008 to 2011. He has served as a director of PeekYou LLC since 2010 and as a director of OCEARCH since 2014. Mr. Bordes has been involved during much of his career in the banking and venture capital industries. Mr. Bordes qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his years of service on the Board of Directors of Greater Media, Inc., as well as his involvement in media and capital venture entities.
Michael J. Fiorile, age 63, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. on January 23, 2018. He has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Dispatch Printing Company, a privately owned, regional broadcast media and real estate company, since July 2016. Prior to taking his current position with The Dispatch Printing Company, Mr. Fiorile served as the companys Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from September 2015 until July 2016; as its President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2013 until September 2015; as its President and COO from January 2008 until January 2013; and as its President from January 2005 until January 2008. He has also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dispatch Broadcast Group, which includes television and radio stations, since July 2016. He has held several executive positions within Dispatch Broadcast Group since 1994. Mr. Fiorile has also been a director of State Auto Mutual Insurance Companies since 2003. He has been a director of State Auto Financial Corporation (NASDAQ STFC) since 2015, where he serves as Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee and
5
Chair of the Risk Committee. Mr. Fiorile serves on the Board of Directors of BMI and was elected as Chairman of its Board in 2017, having previously served on its Executive, Finance and Budget and Compensation Committees and as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. He is currently Chairperson of the Audit Committee for the National Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Fioriles qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his extensive knowledge of the media industry and significant executive management experience gained through his service as senior executive and chief executive officer of media companies.
Allen B. Shaw , age 74, has served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. since February 2001. Mr. Shaw also served as Co-Chief Operating Officer of the Company from February 2001 to January 2006. From 1997 to February 2001, Mr. Shaw was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Centennial Broadcasting and he resumed those positions with a new entity called Centennial Broadcasting II, LLC (Centennial II) in October 2004. Centennial II currently owns six radio stations in Virginia. Mr. Shaw previously was employed as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1985 to 1990. Mr. Shaw serves as a director of the Library of American Broadcasting. Mr. Shaws qualifications for election to the Board of Directors include his extensive knowledge of the radio broadcast industry and significant executive management experience gained through his service as a senior executive and chief executive officer of radio broadcast companies.
Unless otherwise indicated, proxies received will be voted FOR the election of each of the nominees named above.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR the election of all nominees named above.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
The Companys Board of Directors met seven times during 2017 and acted by unanimous written consent on two occasions. Each member of the Board attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of the Board of Directors of which he or she was a member, except for Mr. Bordes, who attended 71% of the meetings of the Board of Directors held in 2017. The Company does not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at annual meetings of stockholders, but encourages directors to attend. All of our then-current directors attended the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Controlled Company
The Company qualifies as a controlled company, within the meaning of Rule 5615(c)(1) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. The Company currently qualifies as a controlled company because more than 50% of the Companys voting power is controlled by the Companys Chairman, George Beasley. As a result, the Company is not required to have a Board of Directors consisting of a majority of Directors who are independent or compensation committee or nominating committee composed solely of independent directors.
Leadership Structure
The Board of Directors believes that the appropriate leadership structure should be based on the needs and circumstances of the Board, the Company and its stockholders at a given point in time, and that the Board should remain adaptable to shaping the leadership structure as those needs change in the future.
The Board of Directors currently separates the role of Chairman of the Board from the role of Chief Executive Officer. The Board, believes that this leadership model is efficient and effective for the Company at this time, because the Company continues to benefit from George Beasleys wealth of knowledge and experience
6
while he serves in the role of Chairman. The Board believes that Mr. Beasley, as the founder and majority shareholder of our Company with more than 50 years of management experience in the radio broadcast industry, has detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Company and is thus best positioned to identify the key risks facing the organization and ensure that these are brought to the attention of the Board. In his role as Chairman, Mr. Beasley helps the Board identify strategic priorities, leads the Board in its oversight responsibilities and facilitates and presides over Board meetings. He also assists with communications between the Board members and management.
This separation of roles allows the Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Beasley, to focus on the day-to-day business of the company, including executing the Companys strategic plan, and managing the Companys operations and performance.
The Company has procedures to ensure a strong and independent Board. The Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee consist entirely of non-management directors. In addition to their responsibilities on these Committees, these independent directors meet in executive sessions without any members of management present. The purpose of these executive sessions is to promote open and candid discussion among the non-management directors. The Board has not designated a lead independent director.
The Boards Role in Risk Oversight
Management is responsible for the Companys day-to-day risk management activities and the Boards role is to engage in informed risk oversight. In fulfilling this oversight role, the Board of Directors focuses on understanding the nature of our enterprise risks, including our operations and strategic direction, as well as the adequacy of our risk management processes and overall risk management system.
The Board performs this function by receiving management updates on the Companys business operations, financial results and strategy at its regularly scheduled meetings. The Audit and Compensation Committees, which consist entirely of independent directors, assist the Board in its oversight of risk management. Currently, the risk areas reported to the Board relate to credit risk, liquidity risk, fraud risk and operational risks, including regulatory, economic, competitive, legal, and mergers and acquisitions risks.
The Board administers its risk oversight function by (i) identifying key areas of risk exposure facing the Company; (ii) discussing the level of risk the Company is willing to take and the variance from stated risk tolerance that is considered acceptable; (iii) identifying and discussing the key risk indicators and the early warning signs of increased risk exposure; and (iv) discussing with management the Companys guidelines for monitoring risk indicators and encouraging communication of key risk indicators to management and the Board.
Committees of the Board of Directors
During 2017, the Board of Directors had an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.
The Board of Directors currently does not have a nominating committee or a committee performing the functions of a nominating committee. The Board of Directors is not required to have a nominating committee because the Company is a controlled company as defined in the NASDAQ Listing Rules. Although there are no formal procedures for stockholders to nominate persons to serve as directors, the full Board of Directors will consider recommendations from stockholders, which should be addressed to Joyce Fitch, Secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103. The Company has not adopted a formal process because it believes that the informal consideration process has been adequate to date.
The Board does not have a specific policy regarding diversity of director candidates. However, as a matter of practice the Board recommends candidates based on the diversity of their business or professional experience, background, talents and perspectives. The Board considers diversity in the context of the Board as a whole and
7
takes into account the personal characteristics, including gender, ethnicity and age, and experience, including financial expertise, and educational and professional background of current and prospective directors. The Board believes this process will best facilitate Board deliberations that reflect a broad range of perspectives and lead to a more effective decision-making process.
The Audit Committee, established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), consists of Messrs. Cox, Fowler, McCord, and Fiorile each of whom is an Independent Director as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The Board of Directors has determined that each of Mr. Cox and Mr. Fiorile is an Audit Committee financial expert as that term is defined in the Exchange Act. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee as set forth in its written charter include:
|
Recommending to the Board of Directors independent auditors to conduct the annual audit of the Companys financial statements; |
|
Reviewing the proposed scope of the audit and approving the audit fees to be paid; |
|
Reviewing the Companys accounting and financial controls with the independent auditors and its financial and accounting staff; and |
|
Reviewing and approving transactions, other than compensation matters, between the Company and its directors, officers and affiliates. |
The Audit Committee met six times during 2017 and acted by unanimous written consent on one occasion. The current charter of the Audit Committee is available on the Companys website at www.bbgi.com.
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Cox, Fowler, and McCord each of whom is an Independent Director as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ Listing Rules. This Committee is responsible for establishing compensation policies for the Companys executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, and reviewing the Companys compensation plans to ensure that they meet corporate objectives. The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee also include administering and interpreting the 2007 Equity Incentive Award Plan of the Company. The Compensation Committee met nine times during 2017 and acted by unanimous written consent on one occasion. As a controlled company, the Compensation Committee is not required to, and does not, have a charter.
Stockholder Communication with Board Members
Although the Company has not to date developed formal processes by which stockholders may communicate directly to directors, it believes that the informal process (in which stockholder communications received by the Secretary for the Boards attention, or summaries thereof, will be forwarded to the Board) has served the Boards and the stockholders needs. In view of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure requirements relating to this issue, the Board of Directors may consider developing more specific procedures. Until any other procedures are developed and posted on the Companys corporate website, any communications to the Board of Directors should be sent to it in care of Joyce Fitch, Secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103.
PROPOSAL NO. 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION.
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the overall compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. This advisory vote is commonly referred to as say-on-pay.
8
In 2013, the Board recommended that this say-on-pay vote be conducted annually and stockholders voted in favor of this recommendation by a substantial majority. Accordingly, the Board has determined that it will include an advisory resolution to approve named executive officer compensation annually until the next vote to determine the frequency of such an advisory vote in 2019.
Our executive compensation programs are designed to convey recognition of services performed by the recipients and motivate and retain the recipients over the long term. The purpose of the executive compensation is to provide competitive compensation in order to attract, motivate, and retain talented and experienced executives, who are instrumental to our success, and to reward the executive officers for the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals and the creation of enhanced value for our stockholders. We seek to closely align the interests of our named executive officers with the interests of our stockholders, and our Compensation Committee regularly reviews named executive officer compensation against peer companies, the general market trend and other industry data to ensure that such compensation is consistent with our compensation philosophy.
Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote on the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
RESOLVED, that the Companys stockholders approve the compensation paid to the Companys named executive officers, as disclosed in the Companys Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the Summary Compensation Table, the other related compensation tables and narrative discussion.
This advisory resolution is non-binding on the Board. Although non-binding, the Board and the Compensation Committee will carefully review and consider the voting results when evaluating our executive compensation program.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR proposal number 2.
PROPOSAL NO. 3: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
The Audit Committee has appointed Crowe Horwath LLP (Crowe Horwath) as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018, and is proposing that the shareholders ratify such appointment. Crowe Horwath has served as the Companys independent auditors since 2006.
Although ratification is not required by law, the Audit Committee believes that our shareholders should be given an opportunity to express their views on the subject. Since the Audit Committee cannot abdicate this authority to the shareholders, the ratification of the appointment is not binding. Any failure of the shareholders to ratify the appointment of Crowe Horwath as our independent registered public accounting firm would, however, be considered by the Audit Committee in determining whether to continue the engagement of Crowe Horwath.
In making this appointment, the Audit Committee considered whether the audit and non-audit services Crowe Horwath will provide are compatible with maintaining the independence of the Companys outside auditors. The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that sets forth the manner in which the Audit Committee will review and approve all services to be provided by Crowe Horwath before the firm is retained. The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permitted non-audit services to be performed for the Company by its independent public accountants. The chairperson of the Audit Committee may represent the entire committee for the purposes of pre-approving permitted non-audit services. The Audit Committee does not consider the provision of the permitted non-audit services to be incompatible with maintaining the independent public accountants independence.
9
Representatives of Crowe Horwath are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. They are also expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Audit Fees, Other Fees and Services of Independent Registered Public Accountants
The following table summarizes fees billed to the Company by Crowe Horwath in 2016 and 2017:
2016 | 2017 | |||||||
Audit fees (1) |
$ | 395,000 | $ | 260,000 | ||||
Audit-related fees |
| | ||||||
Tax fees |
| | ||||||
All other fees (2) |
18,000 | 38,000 | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
$413,000 | $298,000 | |||||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | Includes fees billed for (i) the audit of the Companys annual financial statements in 2016 and 2017, (ii) the review of the Companys quarterly financial statements included in the Companys Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q in 2016 and 2017, and (iii) the audit of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from Greater Media, Inc. in 2016. |
(2) | Includes fees billed for (i) the annual audits of the Companys benefit plans in 2016 and 2017, (ii) the auditors consent related to a Registration Statement on Form S-8 regarding the 2007 Equity Incentive Award Plan in 2017, and (iii) the auditors consent related to the Companys information statement and Registration Statement on Form S-3 regarding the acquisition of Greater Media, Inc. in 2016. |
All of the services provided to the Company by Crowe Horwath during 2016 and 2017 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote FOR proposal number 3.
10
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The named executive officers of the Company as of the date of this Proxy Statement are listed below. We described each executives business experience under Proposal No. 1Election of Directors. All executive officers hold office until their successors are appointed.
Name |
Age |
Position |
||||
George G. Beasley |
86 | Chairman | ||||
Caroline Beasley |
55 | Chief Executive Officer and Director | ||||
Bruce G. Beasley |
60 | President and Director | ||||
Brian E. Beasley |
58 | Chief Operating Officer and Director |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
2017 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes total compensation earned by each of the named executive officers during 2016 and 2017.
Name and Principal Position |
Year |
Salary
($) |
Stock
Awards ($)(1) |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(2) |
All
Other
Compensation ($) |
Total
($) |
||||||||||||||||||
George G. Beasley Chairman |
|
2017
2016 |
|
|
749,175
730,187 |
|
|
479,250
88,000 |
|
|
405,000
200,000 |
|
|
13,216
13,216 |
(3)
|
|
1,646,641
1,031,403 |
|
||||||
Caroline Beasley Chief Executive Officer |
|
2017
2016 |
|
|
739,084
488,645 |
|
|
798,750
88,000 |
|
|
675,000
500,000 |
|
|
32,904
22,763 |
(4)
|
|
2,245,738
1,099,408 |
|
||||||
Bruce G. Beasley President |
|
2017
2016 |
|
|
546,374
474,966 |
|
|
798,750
88,000 |
|
|
247,500
300,000 |
|
|
24,228
13,252 |
(4)
|
|
1,616,852
876,218 |
|
||||||
Brian E. Beasley Chief Operating Officer |
|
2017
2016 |
|
|
546,374
464,282 |
|
|
798,750
88,000 |
|
|
247,500
300,000 |
|
|
23,024
11,926 |
(4)
|
|
1,615,648
864,208 |
|
(1) | The grant date fair value amounts in this column were calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in note 12 to the Companys audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 filed with the SEC on February 20, 2018. On June 8, 2017, George G. Beasley received 45,000 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $479,250, of which 30,000 remain restricted as of December 31, 2017. The remaining restricted stock units vest in equal installments on each of December 31, 2018 and 2019, subject to the executives continued employment on each vesting date and accelerated vesting upon a qualifying termination of employment as described below under Termination or Change in Control Payments. On June 8, 2017, Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, and Brian E. Beasley each received 75,000 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $798,750, of which 50,000 remain restricted as of December 31, 2017. The remaining restricted stock units vest in equal installments on each of December 31, 2018 and 2019, subject to the executives continued employment on each vesting date and accelerated vesting upon a qualifying termination of employment as described below under Employment Agreements. Prior to vesting, restricted stock units do not have voting rights or receive dividends. |
(2) | Amounts reported in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column represent annual cash bonuses earned for 2016 and 2017, respectively. Annual cash bonuses for our named executive officers were paid under our Performance Incentive Plan, which was adopted by our Board of Directors, effective as of January 1, 2012. |
(3) | Other compensation includes a car allowance of $12,000 per annum and reimbursement for the named executive officers portion of dental and long-term disability insurance premiums. |
11
(4) | Other compensation includes a car allowance of $12,000 per annum and reimbursement for the named executive officers portion of health, dental, vision and long-term and short-term disability insurance premiums. |
Employment Agreements
In June 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with George G. Beasley effective as of January 1, 2017 pursuant to which he serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. George Beasley receives (i) an annual base salary of $750,000, subject to adjustment as determined by the Board, (ii) the opportunity to earn an annual bonus award based on performance under the Companys performance incentive plan, (iii) payments equal to the amount payable by him for coverage under the Companys employee benefit plans, plus an additional amount equal to the taxes payable by him as a result of such payments, and (iv) a monthly car allowance of $1,000. The employment agreement has an initial term that expires on December 31, 2019 and is subject to renewal for successive one year periods upon mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. George Beasley in writing. The Company could incur severance obligations under the terms of the employment agreement in the event that Mr. George Beasleys employment is terminated without cause or if he resigns for good reason, or upon his death or termination due to disability, as described in the section entitled Termination or Change in Control Payments below.
In June 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Caroline Beasley effective as of January 1, 2017 pursuant to which she serves as Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to this agreement, Ms. Beasley receives (i) an annual base salary of $750,000, subject to adjustment as determined by the Board, (ii) the opportunity to earn an annual bonus award based on performance under the Companys performance incentive plan, (iii) payments equal to the amount payable by her for coverage under the Companys employee benefit plans, plus an additional amount equal to the taxes payable by her as a result of such payments, and (iv) a monthly car allowance of $1,000. The employment agreement has an initial term that expires on December 31, 2019 and is subject to renewal for successive one year periods upon mutual agreement of the Company and Ms. Beasley in writing. The Company could incur severance obligations under the terms of the employment agreement in the event that Ms. Beasleys employment is terminated without cause or if she resigns for good reason or material good reason, or upon her death or termination due to disability, as described in the section entitled Termination or Change in Control Payments below.
In June 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Bruce G. Beasley effective as of January 1, 2017 pursuant to which he serves as President. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Bruce Beasley receives an annual base salary of $550,000, subject to adjustment as determined by the Board, (ii) the opportunity to earn an annual bonus award based on performance under the Companys performance incentive plan, (iii) payments equal to the amount payable by him for coverage under the Companys employee benefit plans, plus an additional amount equal to the taxes payable by him as a result of such payments, and (iv) a monthly car allowance of $1,000. The employment agreement has an initial term that expires on December 31, 2019 and is subject to renewal for successive one year periods upon mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. Bruce Beasley in writing. The Company could incur severance obligations under the terms of the employment agreement in the event that Mr. Bruce Beasleys employment is terminated without cause or if he resigns for good reason or material good reason, or upon his death or termination due to disability, as described in the section entitled Termination or Change in Control Payments below.
In June 2017, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Brian E. Beasley effective as of January 1, 2017 pursuant to which he serves as Chief Operating Officer. Pursuant to this agreement, Mr. Brian Beasley receives (i) an annual base salary of $550,000 subject to adjustment as determined by the Board, (ii) the opportunity to earn an annual bonus award based on performance under the Companys performance incentive plan, (iii) payments equal to the amount payable by him for coverage under the Companys employee benefit plans, plus an additional amount equal to the taxes payable by him as a result of such payments, and (iv) a monthly car allowance of $1,000. The employment agreement has an initial term that expires on December 31,
12
2019 and is subject to renewal for successive one year periods upon mutual agreement of the Company and Mr. Brian Beasley in writing. The Company could incur severance obligations under the terms of the employment agreement in the event that Mr. Brian Beasleys employment is terminated without cause or if he resigns for good reason or material good reason, or upon his death or termination due to disability, as described in the section entitled Termination or Change in Control Payments below.
Each of the employment agreements also contains a confidentiality provision and non-competition covenant that applies for one year following termination of employment, except that if a named executive officer is terminated by the Company other than for cause or resigns employment for good reason, then the non-competition period will end on the earliest of one year following termination of employment, the date the executive waives any right to receive severance payments under the employment agreement or the date of termination if the executive is not entitled to receive any severance payments in connection with the employment termination.
Incentive Compensation
Our Compensation Committee has historically utilized two forms of incentive compensation: annual cash bonuses and equity awards. The annual cash bonus component is designed to convey an immediate recognition of services performed by the recipient, while the equity component is tied to vesting requirements and is designed to not only compensate but to also motivate and retain the recipient over the vesting period.
All of our named executive officers are eligible to receive annual cash bonuses under our Performance Incentive Plan and equity-based awards under our 2007 Equity Incentive Award Plan.
2017 Cash Bonuses
Annual cash bonus awards are determined based upon our Companys achievement against a pre-established financial performance metric and the Compensation Committees subjective assessment of performance. Target bonus award levels are set for each of the named executive officers and awards may be earned above or below the target level based on the total performance assessment, as determined by our Compensation Committee, although no pre-set formulas are established for this purpose. Subjective performance factors that are considered from time to time include station ratings, acquisition and divestiture activity, the Companys ability to manage extraordinary events and market conditions and the Companys overall performance relative to other similarly situated radio companies. For 2017, the target bonus award levels for Mr. George Beasley, Ms. Caroline Beasley, Mr. Bruce Beasley and Mr. Brian Beasley were $450,000, $750,000, $275,000 and $275,000, respectively and the financial performance metric was based on aggregate station operating income. Performance assessments may vary by individual, although no individual considerations were taken into account for 2017.
In 2017, our Compensation Committee assessed the Companys achievement against the financial performance metric and generally determined on a subjective basis that performance satisfied expectations for the year. In making its subjective determination of performance, our Compensation Committee took into account our overall financial and operational performance relative to other similarly situated radio companies, our lowered borrowing rate that resulted from refinancing our credit facility, as well as our integration activities related to the merger with Greater Media, Inc. that was completed in November 2016. These activities required continued extraordinary efforts from our named executive officers throughout 2017. Based on these considerations, our named executive officers were each awarded a cash bonus as set forth in the 2017 Summary Compensation Table in the column entitled Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation.
2017 Equity Awards
Pursuant to the terms of their employment agreements, in June 2017, George G. Beasley was granted 45,000 restricted stock units and each of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, and Brian E. Beasley was granted 75,000 restricted stock units. The restricted stock units vest in equal installments on each of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to the executives continued employment on each vesting date and accelerated vesting upon a qualifying termination of employment as described below under Termination or Change in Control Payments.
13
Retirement Plans
We have a Section 401(k) Savings/Retirement Plan (the 401(k) Plan) that covers eligible employees of the Company and any designated affiliate, including our named executive officers. The 401(k) Plan permits eligible employees to defer up to 100% of their annual compensation, subject to certain limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The employees elective deferrals are immediately vested and non-forfeitable upon contribution to the 401(k) Plan. Employees aged twenty-one years or older are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan after completing one year of service with the Company. In addition, part-time employees must have completed 1,000 hours of service in order to be eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan.
2017 OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table summarizes equity awards outstanding as of December 31, 2017 for each of the named executive officers.
Stock Awards | ||||||||
Name |
Number of Shares
or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of
Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(3) |
||||||
George G. Beasley |
30,000 | (1) | $ | 402,000 | ||||
Caroline Beasley |
50,000 | (2) | $ | 670,000 | ||||
Bruce G. Beasley |
50,000 | (2) | $ | 670,000 | ||||
Brian E. Beasley |
50,000 | (2) | $ | 670,000 |
(1) | On June 8, 2017, George G. Beasley received 45,000 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $479,250, of which 30,000 remain restricted as of December 31, 2017. The remaining restricted stock units vest in equal installments on each of December 31, 2018 and 2019, subject to the executives continued employment on each vesting date and accelerated vesting in the event of the executives termination without cause, resignation for good reason, or termination of employment due to the executives death or disability. |
(2) | On June 8, 2017, Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, and Brian E. Beasley each received 75,000 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $798,750, of which 50,000 remain restricted as of December 31, 2017. The remaining restricted stock units vest in equal installments on each of December 31, 2018 and 2019, subject to the executives continued employment on each vesting date and accelerated vesting in the event of the executives termination without cause, resignation for good reason, or termination of employment due to the executives death or disability. |
(3) | Market value was determined by multiplying the number of restricted stock units that have not vested by the closing stock price of $13.40 on December 30, 2017. |
TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL PAYMENTS
Potential Termination Payments
Each of our named executive officers entered into an employment agreement with us effective as of January 1, 2017, as described in more detail above under the section entitled Employment Agreements. The employment agreements provide that in the event of a termination of the named executive officer by us without cause, a resignation by the named executive officer for good reason, or termination of the named executive officer due to death or disability, the terminated executive (or, in the case of death, the executives estate or legal representative) will be entitled to receive (i) continued payment of the executives base salary and the amount payable by the executive for coverage under the Companys employee benefit plans, plus an additional amount equal to the taxes payable by the executive as a result of such benefit plan payments, through December 31, 2019
14
or for one year following termination, whichever is greater, (ii) a lump sum payment equal to $750,000 for each of Mr. George Beasley and Ms. Caroline Beasley and $550,000 for each of Mr. Bruce Beasley and Mr. Brian Beasley, or the highest annual bonus paid to the executive over the preceding three year period, whichever is greater, (iii) payment (without duplication to the amounts described in clause (i)) for benefit coverage pursuant to COBRA for the executive and the executives eligible dependents for up to 18 months following termination, and (iv) accelerated vesting of all of the executives outstanding equity awards; provided, that, if such termination occurs in connection with or within two years following a change in control, then, if higher than the amounts set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above, the executive will be entitled to receive, in lieu of such amounts set forth in clauses (i) and (ii) above, a severance payment equal to two times the sum of the executives base salary and the highest annual bonus paid to the executive during the preceding three year period, which amount shall be paid in a lump sum to the extent a lump sum payment does not result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Under the employment agreements, cause means the executives (i) fraud, theft, embezzlement or proven gross negligence in connection with performing the executives duties and responsibilities, (ii) conviction of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude, or (iii) breach of any material provision of the employment agreement, including without limitation the restrictive covenants contained therein, subject to an opportunity for notice and cure. Under the employment agreements, good reason means the occurrence of any of the following events without the prior written consent of the executive, subject, in each case, to an opportunity for notice and cure, (i) the Companys failure to make payment or provide benefits to the executive under the employment agreement, (ii) a material diminution in the executives base salary, payments for benefit coverage and payments for taxes payable by the executive as a result of such benefit payments, (iii) a material diminution in the executives authority, duties or responsibilities; (iv) a material diminution in the budget over which the executive retains authority, (v) a material change in the geographic location at which the executive must perform services under the employment agreement, (vi) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company of the employment agreement, or (vii) a change in control.
Receipt of the severance payments and benefits under each employment agreement is subject to the executive (or the executives estate or legal representative) executing a release of claims in our favor.
2017 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Companys non-employee directors receive fixed annual fees for their services on the Board of Directors, and Audit and Compensation Committees.
The following table summarizes total compensation earned by each non-employee director during 2017.
Name |
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)(1) |
Stock
Awards ($)(2) |
Total
($) |
|||||||||
Joe B. Cox |
$ | 60,000 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 110,000 | ||||||
Herbert W. McCord |
$ | 60,000 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 110,000 | ||||||
Mark S. Fowler |
$ | 50,000 | $ | 50,000 | $ | 100,000 | ||||||
Allen B. Shaw |
$ | 50,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 75,000 | ||||||
Peter A. Bordes, Jr. |
$ | 50,000 | $ | 25,000 | $ | 75,000 |
(1) | Non-employee members of the Board of Directors receive an annual retainer of $50,000. In addition, the chairman of the Audit Committee (Mr. Cox) and the chairman of the Compensation Committee (Mr. McCord) each receive an annual fee of $10,000 for such service. Employee members of the Board of Directors, including our named executive officers, receive no additional compensation for their services provided as a director. |
15
(2) | On March 2, 2017, Messrs. Cox, Fowler, and McCord each received 2,198 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $20,000 all of which are vested as of December 31, 2017. On March 2, 2017, Messrs. Shaw and Bordes each received 1,099 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $10,000 all of which are vested as of December 31, 2017. Prior to vesting, the restricted stock units did not have voting rights or receive dividends. On December 4, 2017, Messrs. Cox, Fowler, and McCord each received 2,691 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $30,000 that will vest on December 31, 2018. On December 4, 2017, Messrs. Shaw and Bordes each received 1,345 restricted stock units with a grant date fair value of $15,000 that will vest on December 31, 2018. The restricted stock units granted in December 2017 were the only unvested equity incentive awards held by our non-employee directors as of December 31, 2017. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock as of April 2, 2018 by:
|
Each person who is known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock; |
|
Each of the Companys directors; |
|
Each of the named executive officers; and |
|
All executive officers and directors as a group. |
Beneficial ownership of shares is determined under the rules of the SEC, and generally includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. Each stockholder possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares listed, unless otherwise noted. Shares of Class B common stock are convertible into shares of Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis at the option of the holder at any time, and are all deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of outstanding shares of the person holding those shares of Class B common stock, but are not deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of any other person. Shares of Class A common stock subject to options currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 2, 2018 are deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of outstanding shares of the person holding those options but are not deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of any other person. Restricted shares of Class A common stock that are currently vested or that will be vested within 60 days (but no other shares of restricted common stock) are deemed outstanding for calculating the percentage of outstanding shares of the person holding those shares of restricted stock. All restricted shares of Class A common stock currently outstanding, whether vested or not, are deemed outstanding for calculating the aggregate number of shares outstanding. The address of each beneficial owner, unless stated otherwise, is c/o Beasley Broadcast Group, 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103.
16
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Class A (1) | Class B |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Number of
Shares |
Percent
of Class |
Number of
Shares |
Percent
of Class |
Percent of
Total Economic Interest (2) |
Percent of
Total Voting Power (3) |
||||||||||||||||||
George G. Beasley |
1,290,638 | (4) | 12.1 | % | 10,687,605 | (5) | 64.1 | % | 43.8 | % | 61.0 | % | ||||||||||||
Caroline Beasley |
210,332 | (6) | 2.0 | 1,049,040 | (7) | 6.3 | 4.6 | 6.0 | ||||||||||||||||
Bruce G. Beasley |
245,676 | 2.3 | 1,049,040 | (8) | 6.3 | 4.7 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Brian E. Beasley |
179,332 | (9) | 1.7 | 948,100 | (10) | 5.7 | 4.1 | 5.4 | ||||||||||||||||
Joe B. Cox |
7 | * | | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Mark S. Fowler |
39,704 | * | | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Herbert W. McCord |
36,704 | * | | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Allen B. Shaw |
24,851 | * | | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Peter A. Bordes, Jr. (14) (17) |
490,861.451 | 4.6 | | | 1.8 | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Michael Fiorile |
| * | | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
Marie Tedesco |
23,250 | * | | | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||
GAMCO Investors, Inc. (11) One Corporate Center Rye, NY 10580 |
2,079,722 | 19.5 | | | 7.6 | 1.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Bradley C. Beasley |
110,862 | (12) | 1.0 | 1,080,292 | (13) | 6.5 | 4.3 | 6.2 | ||||||||||||||||
Cristina Bordes (15) (17) |
2,494,522.443 | 23.4 | | | 9.1 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
Stephen F. Lappert (16) (17) |
3,913,472.437 | 36.7 | | | 14.3 | 2.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
All directors and executive officers as a group |
2,541,355 | 23.8 | % | 13,733,785 | 82.4 | % | 59.5 | % | 78.9 | % |
* | Less than one percent. |
(1) | For the purpose of calculating the percentage of Class A common stock held by each stockholder, the total number of shares of Class A common stock outstanding does not include the shares of Class A common stock issuable upon conversion of the outstanding shares of Class B common stock. |
(2) | The percent of total economic interest for each beneficial owner is based on the number of shares beneficially owned of Class A Common Stock plus the number of shares beneficially owned of Class B Common Stock divided by the sum of (i) 10,675,695 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding, (ii) 16,662,743 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding; and (iii) if applicable, the number of shares of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of options held by such person that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable before June 1, 2018. |
(3) | The percent of total voting power for each beneficial owner is based on the number of shares beneficially owned of Class A Common Stock, which carry one vote per share, plus the number of shares beneficially owned of Class B Common Stock, which carry ten votes per share, multiplied by ten, divided by the sum of (i) 10,675,695 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding, (ii) 16,662,743 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding multiplied by ten to reflect the ten votes per share for Class B Common Stock; and (iii) if applicable, the number of Class A common stock issuable upon exercise of options held by such person that are currently exercisable or will be exercisable before June 1, 2018. |
(4) | Includes (i) 10,900 shares held by the beneficial owner; (ii) 47,733 shares held by GGB II Family Limited Partnership; (iii) 1,071,595 shares held by GGB Family Limited Partnership; (iv) 153,832 shares held by George G. Beasley Revocable Living Trust dated May 26, 2006; (v) 482 shares held by GGB Family Enterprises, Inc., and (vi) 6,096 shares held by the REB Florida Intangible Tax Trust dated August 20, 2004. |
(5) | Includes (i) 9,894,229 shares held by GGB II Family Limited Partnership; (ii) 332,171 shares held by GGB Family Limited Partnership; (iii) 164,469 shares held by George G. Beasley Revocable Living Trust dated May 26, 2006; and (iv) 296,736 shares held by the REB Florida Intangible Tax Trust dated August 20, 2004. Does not include 39,835 shares held by the Shirley Ann Beasley Revocable Trust dated June 16, 1998. Shirley Beasley is Mr. Beasleys spouse. |
(6) | Includes (i) 197,832 shares held by the beneficial owner and (ii) 12,500 shares held by the beneficial owners children. |
17
(7) | Includes (i) 553,276 shares held by the Barbara Caroline Beasley Revocable Trust dated April 14, 1998 and (ii) 495,764 shares held by the George G. Beasley Trust f/b/o Barbara Caroline Beasley u/a/d 12/9/08. |
(8) | Includes (i) 553,276 shares held by the Bruce G. Beasley Revocable Trust dated June 19, 2006 and (ii) 495,764 shares held by the George G. Beasley Trust f/b/o Bruce G. Beasley u/a/d 12/9/08. |
(9) | Includes (i) 167,832 shares held by the beneficial owner and (ii) 11,500 shares held by the beneficial owners children. |
(10) | Includes (i) 196,540 shares held by the Brian E. Beasley Revocable Trust dated June 17, 2003 and (ii) 751,560 shares held by the George G. Beasley Trust f/b/o Brian E. Beasley u/a/d 12/9/08. |
(11) | As reported on Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on March 12, 2018 by GAMCO Investors, Inc. |
(12) | Includes (i) 34,643 shares held by the beneficial owner, (ii) 64,219 shares held by the Bradley C. Beasley Revocable Trust dated July 13, 1999; and (iii) 12,000 shares held by the beneficial owners children. |
(13) | Includes (i) 584,528 shares held by the Bradley C. Beasley Revocable Trust dated July 13, 1999 and (ii) 495,764 shares held by the George G. Beasley Trust f/b/o Bradley C. Beasley u/a/d 12/9/08. |
(14) | Includes (i) 1,099 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by Mr. Bordes; and (ii) 489,762.451 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Peter A. Bordes, Jr. 2009 Gift Trust, of which Mr. Bordes is co-trustee. |
(15) | Includes (i) 489,762.451 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Cristina Bordes 2009 Gift Trust, of which Ms. Bordes is co-trustee; and (ii) an aggregate of 2,004,759.992 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by three Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT) in the name of Lee Bordes (the Lee Bordes GRATs), of which Ms. Bordes is co-trustee. |
(16) | Includes (i) (a) 489,762.451 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Peter A. Bordes, Jr. 2009 Gift Trust, (b) 489,762.451 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Cristina Bordes 2009 Gift Trust, (c) 439,425.092 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Stephanie Bordes 2009 Gift Trust, and (d) 489,762.451 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Stephen Bordes 2009 Gift Trust (together the Gift Trusts); and (ii) an aggregate of 2,004,759.992 shares of Class A Common Stock owned of record by the Lee Bordes GRATs. Mr. Lappert is co-trustee of each of the Gift Trusts and each of the Lee Bordes GRATs. |
(17) | The business address of each of the persons noted in footnotes 14-16 is (i) for Peter A. Bordes, Jr., c/o oneQube, 330 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001; (ii) for each of Cristina Bordes, Stephanie Bordes and Stephen Bordes, c/o Bordes Family Office, 301 N. Harrison St. #1000, Princeton, NJ 08540; (iii) for each of Stephen F. Lappert, the Lee Bordes GRATs and the Gift Trusts, c/o Carter Ledyard & Millburn LLP, Two Wall Street, New York, NY 10005. The information presented for these persons is based on a Schedule 13D filed by them with the SEC on February 9, 2017. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017.
Plan Category |
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) |
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b) |
Number of
Securities
Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plan (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) (c) |
|||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Security Holders |
| | 4,894,190 | |||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Security Holders |
| | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
| 4,894,190 | ||||||||||
|
|
|
|
18
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
To the Board of Directors:
We have reviewed and discussed with management the Companys audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2017.
We have discussed with the independent auditors, Crowe Horwath LLP, the matters required to be discussed pursuant to applicable Public Company Accounting Oversight Board standards.
We have received and reviewed the written disclosures and the letter from Crowe Horwath LLP required by PCAOB Rule 3526, and have discussed with the auditors the auditors independence.
Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, we recommend to the Board of Directors that the financial statements referred to above be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Joe B. Cox, Chair
Mark S. Fowler
Herbert W. McCord
Michael J. Fiorile
The material in this report is being furnished and shall not be deemed filed with SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall the material in this section be deemed to be soliciting material or incorporated by reference in any registration statement or other document filed with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise expressly stated in such filing.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Transactions
Review and Approval of Related Party Transactions In 2007, the Board of Directors adopted the Companys Related Party Transaction Policy (the Policy). The Policy applies to any transaction, or series of transactions in which the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates is or will be a participant, the aggregate amount involved will or may be expected to exceed $100,000 in any calendar year, and in which any related party has or will have a direct or indirect interest. A related party for purposes of the policy includes:
|
any Company executive officer, director or nominee for election as a director; |
|
an owner of 5% or more of Company stock; and |
|
any immediate family member of any person listed above. |
Under the Policy, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors reviews the facts relating to all related party transactions and either approves or disapproves the Companys entry into the transaction. If advance Audit Committee approval of a transaction is not feasible, then the Audit Committee will consider the transaction and, if it determines the transaction to be appropriate, will ratify the transaction at the Committees next regularly scheduled meeting.
As adopted, the Policy has standing pre-approvals for transactions that meet specific criteria or are not considered related person transactions by the SEC. Pre-approved transactions include:
|
any transaction with another company where the related partys only relationship with such other company is as an employee (other than an executive officer), director or beneficial owner of less than 10% of that other companys shares; |
19
|
any charitable contribution, grant or endowment by the Company to a charitable organization, foundation or university at which a related partys only relationship is as an employee (other than an executive officer) or a director, if the aggregate amount involved does not exceed the lesser of $100,000, or two percent of the charitable organizations total annual receipts; |
|
any transaction where the related partys interest arises solely from the ownership of the Companys common stock and all holders of the Companys common stock received the same benefit on a pro rata basis ( e . g ., dividends); and |
|
any transaction involving a related party where the rates or charges involved are determined by competitive bids. |
During 2016 and 2017, the Company engaged in several transactions in which our executive officers, including our Chairman, George G. Beasley, and members of his family were participants. These transactions are described below. While the Policy had not been adopted at the time certain of these transactions and arrangements were entered into or commenced, each has been subsequently ratified by the Audit Committee pursuant to the Policy.
Beasley Broadcasting Management, LLC
The Company leases its principal executive offices in Naples, Florida from Beasley Broadcasting Management, LLC, which is held by a trust for the benefit of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members of George G. Beasley. Rental expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Beasley Family Towers, LLC
On December 31, 2015, the Company sold the tower for one radio station in Augusta, GA to Beasley Family Towers, LLC (BFT), which is partially held by a trust for the benefit of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members of George G. Beasley and partially owned directly by Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members, for $1.3 million then leased the tower back under an agreement which expires on December 31, 2025 with four automatic renewal terms of five years each. The lease met the criteria to be recorded as a capital lease, however based on the terms of the lease agreement the $0.8 million gain on sale was deferred and will be recognized as the capital lease property is depreciated. Rental expense was approximately $12,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
On August 4, 2006, the Company entered into an agreement to lease several radio towers for one radio station in Boca Raton, Florida from BFT. The lease agreement expires on April 30, 2021. On November 17, 2015, two of the towers were sold to an unrelated party and BFT prepaid rent of $0.7 million on behalf of the Company to the unrelated party. The prepaid rent will be repaid with monthly payments of $5,500 through November 16, 2025. Repayments of prepaid rent to BFT were approximately $66,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017. Lease payments for the remaining towers are currently offset by the partial recognition of a deferred gain on sale from the sale of these towers to BFT in 2006, therefore no rental expense was reported for these towers for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
The Company leases radio towers for 19 radio stations in various markets from BFT. The lease agreements expire on various dates through December 28, 2020. Rental expense was $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.
GGB Augusta, LLC
The Company leases land for its radio stations in Augusta, Georgia from GGB Augusta, LLC which is held by a trust for the benefit of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members of George G. Beasley. The lease agreement expires on November 1, 2023. Rental expense was approximately $42,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
20
GGB Estero, LLC
The Company leases property for its radio stations in Fort Myers, Florida from GGB Estero, LLC which is held by a trust for the benefit of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members of George G. Beasley. The lease agreement expires on August 31, 2019. Rental expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
GGB Las Vegas, LLC
The Company leases property for its radio stations in Las Vegas, Nevada from GGB Las Vegas, LLC which is controlled by George G. Beasley. The lease agreement expires on December 31, 2018. Rental expense was $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
LN2 DB, LLC
On March 25, 2011, the Company contributed $250,000 to Digital PowerRadio, LLC (now LN2 DB, LLC) in exchange for 25,000 units or approximately 20% of the outstanding units. The Company contributed an additional $62,500 on February 14, 2012, $104,167 on July 31, 2012, $104,167 on April 10, 2013, $104,167 on April 4, 2014, $166,667 on April 3, 2015, and $166,667 on May 3, 2016, which in each case maintained its ownership interest at approximately 20% of the outstanding units. The Company may be called upon to make additional pro rata cash contributions to LN2 DB, LLC in the future. On February 22, 2017, the Company contributed $150,000 to LN2 DB, LLC in exchange for a note bearing interest at 18% per annum. Principal and accrued interest are due on the maturity date of December 31, 2019. LN2 DB, LLC is managed by Fowler Radio Group, LLC, which is partly-owned by Mark S. Fowler, an independent director of the Company.
Wintersrun Communications, LLC
On December 31, 2015, the Company sold the tower for one radio station in Charlotte, North Carolina to Wintersrun Communications, LLC, which is partially held by a trust for the benefit of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley, Brian E. Beasley and other family members of George G. Beasley and partially owned directly by Bruce G. Beasley and Brian E. Beasley, for $0.4 million then leased the tower back under an agreement which expires on December 31, 2025 with four automatic renewal terms of five years each. The lease met the criteria to be recorded as a capital lease however, based on the terms of the lease agreement, the $0.3 million gain on sale was deferred and will be recognized as the capital lease property is depreciated. Rental expense was $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
The Company leased a radio tower for one radio station in Augusta, GA from Wintersrun. On October 16, 2015, the tower was sold to an unrelated party and Wintersrun prepaid rent of $0.3 million on behalf of the Company to the unrelated party. The prepaid rent will be repaid with monthly payments of $2,559 through October 16, 2025. Repayments of prepaid rent to Wintersrun were approximately $31,000 for each of the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017.
Employees
The compensation of Caroline Beasley, Bruce G. Beasley and Brian E. Beasley, children of George G. Beasley, is discussed above in Executive Compensation. Bradley C. Beasley, son of George G. Beasley is currently employed by the Company and was paid $396,386 and $397,810 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amounts paid include a base salary and performance-based cash bonuses. Adam Lurie, son-in-law of Bruce G. Beasley, is currently employed by the Company and was paid $280,908 and $311,684 in 2016 and 2017,
21
respectively. The amounts paid include a base salary, commissions and performance-based cash bonuses. Ryan Beasley, son of Bruce G. Beasley, is currently employed by the Company and was paid $96,146 and $133,330 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The amounts paid include a base salary, commissions and performance-based cash bonuses.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Companys stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such reports and upon written representations from each of the Companys officers and directors, the Company believes that, for the year ended December 31, 2017, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the Companys officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders were complied with on a timely basis, except that Messrs. Cox, McCord, Fowler, Shaw, and Bordes did not timely file one Form 4 each to report one grant each of restricted stock units.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
The Company has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of its directors and employees, including its principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer, which is a code of ethics as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. This code is available on the Companys website at www.bbgi.com. A copy may also be obtained upon request from the Secretary of the Company at Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103. If the Company makes any amendments to this code other than technical, administrative, or other non-substantive amendments, or grants any waivers, including implicit waivers, from a provision of this code that applies to the Companys principal executive officer or principal financial and accounting officer and relates to an element of the SECs code of ethics definition, the Company will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies on its website at www.bbgi.com.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2019 ANNUAL MEETING
To be considered for presentation in the Companys Proxy Statement related to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2019, a stockholder proposal must be received by Joyce Fitch, Secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103 no later than December 17, 2018. In addition, all such proposals must comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, which lists the requirements for the inclusion of stockholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials.
For proposals submitted outside of Rule 14a-8, notice must be received by Joyce Fitch, Secretary, Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103 no later than March 2, 2019.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, proxies properly processed will be voted in respect thereof in accordance with the judgments of the persons voting the proxies.
22
It is important that the proxies be properly processed and that your shares be represented. Stockholders are urged to promptly submit their proxies by telephone by following the instructions on the Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials.
This Proxy Statement and our 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders are available, beginning April 16, 2018, at our website www.bbgi.com . You may also access our Proxy Statement and 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders at www.proxydocs.com/BBGI . Stockholders may obtain, free of charge, a copy of our Proxy Statement or our 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders by writing to Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc., Attn: Investor Relations, 3033 Riviera Drive, Suite 200, Naples, Florida 34103. Please note that the information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in, or considered to be part of, this Proxy Statement.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Joyce Fitch, Secretary
Dated: April 16, 2018
Naples, Florida
23
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
May 31, 2018
GO GREEN
e-Consent makes it easy to go paperless. With e-Consent, you can quickly access your proxy materials, statements and other eligible documents online, while reducing costs, clutter and paper waste. Enroll today via www.astfinancial.com to enjoy online access. |
NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL :
The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders
are available at www.proxydocs.com/BBGI
Please sign, date and mail
your proxy card in the
envelope provided as soon
as possible.
i Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. i
⬛ 20933000000000000000 0 | 053118 |
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF ALL NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR, FOR PROPOSAL 2 AND FOR PROPOSAL 3. PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE ☒ |
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN | ||||||||||||||||||||
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: |
2. Advisory vote to approve named executive officer compensation. |
☐ |
☐ |
☐ |
||||||||||||||||||
NOMINEES: |
3. Ratification of the appointment of the Companys independent registered accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2018. |
☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ||||||||||||||||||
☐
☐
☐ |
FOR ALL NOMINEES
WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES
FOR ALL
EXCEPT
|
O Mark S. Fowler |
(For Class A Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||
O Herbert W. McCord |
(For Class A Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||||
O Brian E. Beasley |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) |
In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of stockholders and any adjournment thereof.
|
||||||||||||||||||||
O Bruce G. Beasley |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||||
O Caroline Beasley |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) | These items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement. The record date for the Annual Meeting is April 2, 2018. Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that date may vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof. | ||||||||||||||||||||
O George G. Beasley |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||||
O Peter A. Bordes, Jr. |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||||
O Michael J. Fiorile |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||||
O Allen B. Shaw |
(For All Classes of Common Stockholders) | |||||||||||||||||||||
INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark FOR ALL EXCEPT and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: 🌑 |
||||||||||||||||||||||
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. | ☐ |
Signature of Stockholder |
Date: | Signature of Stockholder | Date: |
Note:
⬛ |
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. |
⬛ |
0 ⬛
BEASLEY BROADCAST GROUP, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Joyce Fitch and Heidi Raphael proxies, with power to act without the other and with power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them to represent and vote, as designated on the other side, all the shares of stock of Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. standing in the name of the undersigned with all powers that the undersigned would possess if present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at 12:00 p.m. local time, and any adjournment thereof.
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side.)
⬛ 1.1 | 14475 ⬛ |