UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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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 |
Red Violet, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
☒ | No fee required. | |||
☐ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. | |||
☐ | Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
April 22, 2022
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
You are cordially invited to join our Board of Directors and senior management for the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders (the Meeting) of Red Violet, Inc. to be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time in a virtual-only format. To participate, vote or submit questions during the Meeting via live webcast, you must register in advance at www.proxydocs.com/RDVT prior to the deadline of May 24, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and provide the control number as provided in the proxy card, or voting instruction form. Upon completing your registration, you will receive further instructions via email, including unique links to access the Meeting and to submit questions in advance of the Meeting. Information on how to participate in this years Meeting can be found on page 1 of the Proxy Statement.
The formal Notice of Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement describing the matters to be acted upon at the Meeting are contained in the following pages. Stockholders also are entitled to vote on any other matters which properly come before the Meeting.
Your vote is very important to us. Enclosed is a proxy which will enable you to vote your shares on the matters to be considered at the Meeting, even if you are unable to attend the Meeting. Please use the Internet voting system, telephone voting system or mark the proxy to indicate your vote, date and sign the proxy and return it in the enclosed envelope as soon as possible for receipt prior to the Meeting.
On behalf of your Board of Directors, thank you for your confidence in red violet. We look forward to your continued support.
Sincerely,
Derek Dubner
Chief Executive Officer
RED VIOLET, INC.
2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To be held on May 25, 2022
To our Stockholders:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Red Violet, Inc. (the Meeting) will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time in a virtual-only meeting format. To participate, vote or submit questions during the Meeting via live webcast, you must register in advance at www.proxydocs.com/RDVT prior to the deadline of May 24, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and provide the control number as provided in the proxy card, or voting instruction form. Upon completing your registration, you will receive further instructions via email, including unique links to access the Meeting and to submit questions in advance of the Meeting. Information on how to participate in this years Meeting can be found on page 1 of the Proxy Statement. At the Meeting, our stockholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the following:
(1) | To elect five directors to serve for a one-year term until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until a successor is duly elected and qualified; |
(2) | To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022; |
(3) | To adopt an amendment to the Red Violet, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2018 Plan) to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan; |
(4) | To hold a non-binding advisory vote to approve our named executive officers compensation; and |
(5) | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 12, 2022 as the record date (the Record Date) for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting.
The enclosed proxy statement contains information pertaining to the matters to be voted on at the Meeting. A copy of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 is being mailed with this proxy statement.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Joshua Weingard
Corporate Secretary
Boca Raton, FL
April 22, 2022
IMPORTANT NOTICE
REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON MAY 25, 2022
The accompanying proxy statement and the 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at www.redviolet.com
YOU ARE REQUESTED, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES OWNED, TO SIGN AND
DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND TO MAIL IT PROMPTLY, OR TO USE THE INTERNET
VOTING SYSTEM OR TELEPHONE VOTING SYSTEM SET FORTH IN THE PROXY.
RED VIOLET, INC.
2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33431
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be held on May 25, 2022
General
We are providing these proxy materials in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of Red Violet, Inc. (the Board) of proxies to be voted at our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Meeting) and at any and all postponements or adjournments thereof. The Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time in a virtual-only meeting format. To participate, vote or submit questions during the Meeting via live webcast, you must register in advance at www.proxydocs.com/RDVT prior to the deadline of May 24, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and provide the control number as provided in the proxy card, or voting instruction form. Upon completing your registration, you will receive further instructions via email, including unique links to access the Meeting and to submit questions in advance of the Meeting. Information on how to participate in this years Meeting is set forth below. This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy are first being sent to stockholders on or about April 22, 2022. In this proxy statement, Red Violet, Inc. is referred to as red violet, the Company, we, our, or us.
Purpose of the Meeting
At the Meeting, our stockholders will consider and vote upon the following matters:
(1) | To elect five directors to serve for a one-year term until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until a successor is duly elected and qualified (the Election of Directors Proposal); |
(2) | To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022 (the Ratification of Auditor Proposal); |
(3) | To adopt an amendment to the Red Violet, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2018 Plan) to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan (the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal); |
(4) | To hold a non-binding advisory vote to approve our named executive officers compensation (the Say on Pay Proposal); and |
(5) | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. |
Attending the Virtual Meeting
To participate, vote or submit questions during the Meeting via live webcast, you must register in advance at www.proxydocs.com/RDVT prior to the deadline of Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time and provide the control number as provided in the proxy card or voting instruction form. Upon completing your registration, you will receive further instructions via email, including unique links to access the Meeting and to submit questions in advance of the Meeting.
Participants should also give themselves plenty of time to log in and ensure that they can hear streaming audio prior to the start of the meeting. If you encounter any difficulties accessing the virtual meeting during the check-in process, please contact the technical support number that will be posted on the virtual meeting login page.
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Outstanding Securities and Voting Rights
Only holders of record of the Companys common stock at the close of business on April 12, 2022 (the Record Date) for the Meeting, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. On the Record Date, we had 13,523,067 shares of common stock outstanding. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote at the Meeting.
The holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock present at the Meeting, either in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote, constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Abstentions will be included in determining the presence of a quorum at the Meeting. A broker non-vote occurs 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 with respect to that item and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner. Under New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) rules, a broker does not have the discretion to vote on any non-routine matter presented at the meeting such as the Election of Directors Proposal, the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal or the Say on Pay Proposal. Under the NYSE rules, a broker does have discretion to vote on the Ratification of Auditor Proposal. As a result, any broker who is a member of the NYSE will not have the discretion to vote on any of the proposals presented at the Meeting, except for the Ratification of Auditor Proposal, if such broker has not received instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares represented.
The Election of Directors Proposal will be determined by a plurality of votes cast. The Ratification of Auditor Proposal, the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal and the Say on Pay Proposal, and any other proposal properly submitted will be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of common stock which are present in person or by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote. A broker non-vote will have no effect on the proposals. Abstentions will have no effect on the Election of Directors Proposal and will have the same effect as a vote against the Ratification of Auditor Proposal, the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal and the Say on Pay Proposal.
Proxy Voting
Shares for which proxy cards are properly executed and returned will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the directions given or, in the absence of directions, will be voted FOR Proposal 1 the Election of Directors Proposal, FOR Proposal 2 the Ratification of Auditor Proposal, FOR Proposal 3 the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal and FOR Proposal 4 the Say on Pay Proposal. If other matters are properly presented, the person named in the proxies in the accompanying proxy card will vote in accordance with their discretion with respect to such matters.
Voting by Stockholders of Record.
If you are a stockholder of record (your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent), you may vote by proxy, via the Internet, via telephone, or by mail by following the instructions provided on the proxy card. Stockholders of record who attend the virtual Meeting may vote at the Meeting by using their 12-digit control number as provided in the proxy card.
Voting by Beneficial Owners.
If you are a beneficial owner of shares (your shares are held in the name of a brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee), you may vote by following the instructions provided in the voting instruction form, or other materials provided to you by the brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee that holds your shares. To vote your shares at the virtual Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from the brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee that holds your shares, and present such legal proxy from the brokerage firm, bank, or other nominee that holds your shares for admittance to the Meeting. Then you must register at www.proxydocs.com/RDVT using the control number on your proxy card or voting instruction card. The registration deadline is, Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Please be sure to follow instructions found on your proxy card or voting instruction card and subsequent instructions that will be delivered to you via email.
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Changing Your Vote.
You may revoke your proxy and change your vote at any time before the final vote at the Meeting. You may vote again on a later date via the Internet or telephone (only your latest Internet or telephone proxy submitted prior to the Meeting will be counted), by signing and returning a new proxy card with a later date, or by attending the virtual Meeting and voting in person. Your attendance at the Meeting will not automatically revoke your proxy, unless you vote again at the Meeting or specifically request in writing that your prior proxy be revoked.
All votes will be tabulated by an Inspector of Elections appointed for the Meeting, who will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Joshua Weingard, the Companys Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary, has been appointed by the Board as Inspector of Elections for the Meeting. A list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting will be available at the Companys executive office, located at 2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, Attention: Corporate Counsel, for a period of ten days before the Meeting and will be available for examination by any stockholder.
Also, the list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Meeting will be available on your screen during the virtual meeting after entering the control number.
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PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Meeting, we will be electing five directors. Each director will hold office until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until a successor is elected and qualified to serve on the Board. The Board has nominated the five individuals listed below (each a Nominee, and together the Nominees) based on the recommendation of the Boards Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. All of the Nominees are current directors and each nominee has consented to being named in this proxy statement and has agreed to serve as a director if elected. If any Nominee should become unavailable for election, the proxy may be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the persons named in the proxy or the Board may determine to reduce the size of the Board accordingly. The Board is not aware of any existing circumstances likely to render any Nominee unavailable. Under our Bylaws, Nominees are elected by a plurality of votes cast.
In August 2021, Mr. Dubner identified Lisa Stanton as a director candidate and presented Ms. Stanton to the Boards Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee as a highly qualified director candidate. Upon the recommendation of the Boards Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board appointed Ms. Stanton to the Board in August 2021.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning our directors/Nominees:
Name |
Position |
Director Since |
||||
Derek Dubner |
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | 2017 | ||||
Peter Benz |
Director | 2018 | ||||
Steven Rubin |
Director | 2018 | ||||
Lisa Stanton |
Director | 2021 | ||||
Robert Swayman |
Director | 2018 |
Biographical Information About Our Nominees
Derek Dubner, 50, has served as the Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since its formation in August 2017 and continuing through the Spin-off (as defined below). Mr. Dubner was appointed as Interim Chairman of our Board in September 2018 and as Chairman of our Board in April 2020. Mr. Dubner served as the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Fluent, Inc. (Fluent) from March 2016 until March 2018 when Fluent spun-off red violet (the Spin-off). Prior to serving as Fluents Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dubner served as Co-Chief Executive Officer from March 2015 until March 2016, when he was appointed Fluents Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dubner has served as the Chief Executive Officer of our subsidiary The Best One, Inc. (TBO), now known as IDI Holdings, LLC (IDI Holdings), a holding company engaged in the acquisition of operating businesses and the acquisition and development of technology assets across various industries, and its subsidiary, Interactive Data, LLC (Interactive Data), since October 2014. Prior to TBO, Mr. Dubner served as General Counsel of TransUnion Risk and Alternative Data Solutions, Inc. (TRADS) from December 2013 to June 2014. Mr. Dubner served as General Counsel and Secretary of TLO, LLC (TLO), an information solutions provider, from inception in 2009 to December 2013. Mr. Dubner has over 20 years of experience in the data and analytics industry.
The Board believes Mr. Dubners experience as the Companys Chief Executive Officer, along with his prior executive and managerial experience, provides valuable business, industry, and management advice to the Board.
Peter Benz, 61, has served as a director of the Company since March 2018. Mr. Benz served as the Chief Executive Officer of Viking Asset Management, LLC, an asset and investment management company which he founded in 2001 until December 23, 2021. From March 2015 until April 1, 2020, Mr. Benz served as a director
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of Fluent. Since December 2020, Mr. Benz has served as a director of Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc., a digital asset technology company that mines cryptocurrency. From June 2016 until May 2018, Mr. Benz served as a director of Lilis Energy Inc., an onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production company. From January 2012 until its merger with Lilis Energy Inc. in June 2016, Mr. Benz served as a director of Brushy Resources, Inc. (formerly known as Starboard Resources, Inc.), an onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production company, and became its Chairman on November 24, 2015. Mr. Benz also served as a director of Usell.com, a technology-based online marketplace, from October 2014 until January 2018. Mr. Benz served as a director and Chairman of the Board of Optex Systems Holdings, Inc., a manufacturer of optical systems for the defense industry, from November 2014 until August 2017.
The Board believes Mr. Benzs knowledge and experience in developing companies and capital markets strengthens the Boards collective qualifications, skills, and experience.
Steven Rubin, 61, has served as a director of the Company since March 2018 and served as a director of Fluent from October 2009 until March 2018. Mr. Rubin has served as the Executive Vice President of OPKO Health, Inc. since May 2007 and a director of OPKO since February 2007. Mr. Rubin currently serves on the board of directors of Non-Invasive Monitoring Systems, Inc., a medical device company, Cocrystal Pharma, Inc., a biotechnology company developing new treatments for viral diseases, Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to treating patients suffering from rare and ultra-rare disease caused by premature termination codon nonsense mutations, Neovasc, Inc., a company that develops and markets medical specialty vascular devices, and ChromaDex Corp., a science-based, integrated nutraceutical company devoted to improving the way people age. Mr. Rubin previously served as a director of Fluent, VBI Vaccines, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing next generation vaccines, BioCardia, Inc., a clinical-stage regenerative medicine company developing novel therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, Kidville, Inc., which operates large, upscale facilities, catering to newborns through five-year-old children and their families and offers a wide range of developmental classes for newborns to five-year-olds, Sevion Therapeutics, Inc., prior to its merger with Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Dreams, Inc., a vertically integrated sports licensing and products company, SciVac Therapeutics, Inc. prior to its merger with VBI Vaccines, Inc., Tiger X Medical, Inc. prior to its merger with BioCardia, Inc., and Castle Brands, Inc., a developer and marketer of premium brand spirits. Mr. Rubin also served as the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of IVAX Corporation from August 2001 until September 2006. Mr. Rubin served as the Secretary of Ideation Acquisition Corp., a predecessor entity of Fluent, from June 2007 to October 2009.
The Board believes Mr. Rubins legal experience, managerial experience, and the knowledge and insight he has attained through his service as a director and officer of several publicly-traded corporations provides valuable business leadership, and management advice to the Board.
Lisa Stanton, 58, has served as a director of the Company since August 2021. Ms. Stanton currently serves on the Board of Directors of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., the parent company of The Washington Trust Company, the oldest community bank in the United States and largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island. Ms. Stanton previously served on the Board of Directors of Trulioo, a global identity verification provider based in Vancouver, Canada, from January 2020 until July 2021. Additionally, she served as a member of the Venture Investments Board and as an advisor to the IT Resilience and Strategy Committee of the Board of Directors of Nationwide Building Society, a financial institution in London, England from September 2016 through December 2019. She has more than 25 years of financial services, technology and data security experience, most recently serving as General Manager, Enterprise Strategy for American Express from December 2018 through her retirement in April 2020. From 2014 through 2016, she served as Chief Executive Officer for InAuth, a digital security solutions provider to global financial institutions. Following the acquisition of InAuth by American Express in 2016, she continued serving as InAuths President through 2018. She was the founder of the U.S. division of Monitise, a mobile banking and payments platform for financial institutions, where she served as Chief Executive Officer from 2007 to 2009, General Manager of the London-based Monitise Group from 2009 to 2013 and President, Americas from 2013 to 2014. She also served as a Senior Vice President for
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Citizens Financial Group from 1996 to 2007 and First New Hampshire Bank from 1991 to 1996, holding leadership roles in real estate; venture capital; retail distribution; digital, mobile and online channels; and card and payments products. She began her career as a commercial real estate broker, attaining the designation of Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM).
The Board believes Ms. Stantons knowledge and experience in financial services, technology and security brings valuable business leadership and strengthens the Boards collective overall skills, and experience.
Robert Swayman, 67, has served as a director of the Company since March 2018 and served as a director of Fluent from June 2015 until the Spin-off. From 1998 to 2014, Mr. Swayman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of National Alarm Systems, Inc., a company he founded in 1998, prior to its sale in January 2014. From January 2014 through February 2015, Mr. Swayman served as General Manager of ASG Security, which acquired National Alarm Systems. Mr. Swayman served as a director of Healthier Choices Management Corp. (Healthier Choices), a company specializing in providing consumers with healthier alternatives to everyday lifestyle choices, from March 4, 2015 to April 17, 2015, and as Executive Vice President of Finance of Healthier Choices since April 17, 2015. Mr. Swayman is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.S. degree in accounting from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
The Board believes Mr. Swaymans experience as President and Chief Executive Officer of National Alarm Systems, Inc., from 1998 to 2014, as well as his experience as a certified public accountant provides valuable business, leadership, and management advice to the Board.
Board Matrix
The matrix below summarizes certain of the key experiences, qualifications, skills, and attributes that our director nominees bring to the Board to enable effective oversight. This matrix is intended to provide a summary of our director nominees qualifications and is not a complete list of each director nominees strengths or contributions to the Board. Additional details on each director nominees experiences, qualifications, skills, and attributes are set forth in their biographies:
(As of April 12, 2022) |
||||||||||||||||||||
Derek Dubner |
Peter Benz |
Steven Rubin |
Lisa Stanton |
Robert Swayman |
||||||||||||||||
Skills and Experience |
||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Leadership |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||
Industry Experience |
● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||
Financial and Accounting |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||
Strategy and Innovation |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||
Cybersecurity |
● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||
Risk Management |
● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||
Law |
● | ● | ||||||||||||||||||
Tenure and Independence |
||||||||||||||||||||
Tenure (years) |
4 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 4 | |||||||||||||||
Independence |
● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||||||||||
Demographics |
||||||||||||||||||||
Age |
50 | 61 | 61 | 58 | 67 | |||||||||||||||
Gender Identity |
M | M | M | F | M | |||||||||||||||
African American or Black |
||||||||||||||||||||
Alaskan Native or Native American |
||||||||||||||||||||
Asian |
||||||||||||||||||||
Hispanic or Latinx |
||||||||||||||||||||
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander |
||||||||||||||||||||
White |
● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||||||||||
LGBTQ+ |
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Vote Required and Board Recommendation
Nominees are elected by a plurality of votes cast at the Meeting.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR each Nominee for director.
Director Compensation
Beginning on August 5, 2021, the Compensation Committee approved the Companys Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy. Non-employee directors continued to receive annual cash compensation of $25,000, payable in quarterly installments, which was originally approved effective for the year ending December 31, 2020. Further, upon joining the Board, non-employee directors shall receive a grant of restricted stock units (RSUs) with an approximate value of $75,000, vesting in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date. The Compensation Committee is empowered to grant additional equity awards based upon individual contribution to the Company.
Ms. Stanton received 2,900 RSUs when she joined the Board in August 2021, which vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the date of grant. Based on each individual directors contributions to the Company, including service on the Board and its Committees, on September 24, 2021, the Compensation Committee awarded each of Mr. Benz and Mr. Rubin a grant of 8,900 RSUs (2,400 RSUs for serving on the Board, 5,000 RSUs for serving on the Audit Committee and 1,500 RSUs for serving as the Chair of the Audit Committee in the case of Mr. Benz and 1,500 RSUs for serving as the Chair of both the Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees for Mr. Rubin) and Mr. Swayman received a grant of 7,400 RSUs (2,400 RSUs for serving on the Board and 5,000 RSUs for serving on the Audit Committee), which RSUs vest one-third annually on each of October 1, 2022, October 1, 2023 and October 1, 2024 (the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement).
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DIRECTOR COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the compensation for each of the Companys directors for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Name |
Cash | Stock awards (1)(2) | Total | |||||||||
Peter Benz (3) |
$ | 25,000 | $ | 251,069 | $ | 276,069 | ||||||
Steven Rubin (4) |
$ | 25,000 | $ | 251,069 | $ | 276,069 | ||||||
Lisa Stanton (5) |
$ | 9,909 | $ | 75,400 | $ | 85,309 | ||||||
Robert Swayman (6) |
$ | 25,000 | $ | 208,754 | $ | 233,754 |
(1) | This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted in 2021 computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. In determining the grant date fair value for RSUs, the Company used the closing price of the Companys common stock on the grant date. |
(2) | As of December 31, 2021, each director held unvested RSUs as follows: Mr. Benz 17,732, Mr. Rubin 17,732, Ms. Stanton 2,900 and Mr. Swayman 13,066. |
(3) | Mr. Benz was granted 8,900 RSUs on September 24, 2021 for his service as a director at a fair value of $28.21 per share. |
(4) | Mr. Rubin was granted 8,900 RSUs on September 24, 2021 for his service as a director at a fair value of $28.21 per share. |
(5) | Ms. Stanton was granted 2,900 RSUs on August 9, 2021 for her service as a director at a fair value of $26.00 per share. |
(6) | Mr. Swayman was granted 7,400 RSUs on September 24, 2021 for his service as a director at a fair value of $28.21 per share. |
Board Meetings; Annual Meeting Attendance; Independence
The Board oversees our business and affairs and monitors the performance of management. The Board meets regularly to review matters affecting our Company and to act on matters requiring Board approval. The Board also holds special meetings whenever circumstances require and may act by unanimous written consent. During 2021, the Board held 11 meetings. All of our directors attended at least 75% of our Board and committee meetings on which they served in 2021. The Board encourages, but does not require, its directors to attend the Companys annual meeting. Each of our then-current directors participated in the Companys 2021 Annual Meeting.
As required by the listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ), a majority of the members of the Board must qualify as independent, as affirmatively determined by the Board. Our Board determines director independence based on an analysis of such listing standards and all relevant securities and other laws and regulations regarding the definition of independent.
As a result of the Boards review of the relationships of each of the directors that served on the Board during the year ended December 31, 2021, the Board affirmatively determined that a majority of its 2021 directors, each of the non-employee directors, Messrs. Benz, Rubin, and Swayman and Ms. Stanton, were independent directors within the meaning of the NASDAQ listing standards and applicable law.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics, which is applicable to the Companys directors, officers, and employees, including the Companys principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The Code of Ethics is published on the Companys website at www.redviolet.com on the Investors page under the corporate governance link. We will disclose amendments to or waivers from our Code of Ethics on our website in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
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Anti-Hedging Policy
The Companys Insider Trading Policy prohibits any director or executive officer of the Company from hedging their ownership of the Companys stock, including trading in publicly-traded options, puts, calls or other derivative instruments related to the Companys securities. In addition, any directors and executive officers are prohibited from selling short our securities to the extent required by federal securities laws.
Board Leadership Structure
On September 9, 2018, the Board appointed Derek Dubner, our CEO, as its Interim Chairman, and on April 17, 2020 as its Chairman. Four of our five current directors satisfy NASDAQ independence requirements. The Company does not have a member of our Board who is formally identified as the lead independent director. However, independent directors head each of our Boards three standing committees the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, and each of the committees is comprised solely of independent directors. Although the Board does not have a formal policy on whether the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board should be separated, we believe that our current Board leadership structure is suitable for us. The Chief Executive Officer is the individual selected by the Board to manage our Company on a day-to-day basis, and his direct involvement in our business operations makes him best positioned to lead productive Board strategic planning sessions and determine the time allocated to each agenda item in discussions of our Companys short- and long-term objectives.
Board Oversight of Enterprise Risk
The Boards role in the risk oversight process includes receiving regular reports from members of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, cybersecurity and strategic and reputational risks, including with respect to the coronavirus outbreak. In connection with its review of the operations of the Companys business and its corporate functions, the Board considers and addresses the primary risks associated with these operations and functions. Our full Board regularly engages in discussions of the most significant risks that the Company is facing and how these risks are being managed.
In addition, each of the Boards committees, and particularly the Audit Committee, plays a role in overseeing risk management issues that fall within such committees areas of responsibility. Senior management reports on at least a quarterly basis to the Audit Committee on the most significant risks facing the Company from a financial reporting perspective and highlights any new risks that may have arisen since the Audit Committee last met. The Audit Committee also meets regularly in executive session with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and reports any findings or issues to the full Board. In performing its functions, the Audit Committee and each standing committee of the Board has full access to management, as well as the ability to engage advisors. The Board receives regular reports from each of its standing committees regarding each committees particularized areas of focus.
Committees
The standing committees of the Board are the Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Each committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees, when appropriate.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Peter Benz (Chair), Steven Rubin, and Robert Swayman, all of whom are independent directors as determined by the NASDAQ listing standards. The Board has determined that Mr. Benz is an audit committee financial expert as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K. During 2021, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
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The functions of the Audit Committee include retaining our independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing its independence, reviewing and approving the planned scope of our annual audit, reviewing and approving any fee arrangements with our independent registered public accounting firm, overseeing its audit work, reviewing and pre-approving any non-audit services that may be performed by our independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing the adequacy of accounting and financial controls, reviewing our critical accounting policies and reviewing and approving any related party transactions. Additional information regarding the Audit Committee is set forth in the Report of the Audit Committee below.
The Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee which the Audit Committee reviews and reassesses for adequacy on an annual basis. A copy of the Audit Committees charter is located on our website at www.redviolet.com on the Investors page under the corporate governance link.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are Steven Rubin (Chair), Peter Benz, and Robert Swayman, all of whom are independent directors as determined by the NASDAQ listing standards. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving compensation of the Companys executive officers and for advising the Board with respect to compensation of the members of the Board or any committee thereof. Also, our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding the compensation of executive officers (excluding himself). During 2021, the Compensation Committee held six meetings and acted via written consent on two occasions. The Board has adopted a written charter that sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, and reassesses the charter for adequacy on an annual basis. A copy of the Compensation Committees charter is located on our website at www.redviolet.com on the Investors page under the corporate governance link.
The Compensation Committee seeks to ensure that the executive pay program reinforces the Companys compensation philosophy and aligns with the interests of our stockholders. The Compensation Committee also periodically monitors any potential risks associated with the Companys compensation program and policies.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
The members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are Steven Rubin (Chair), Peter Benz, and Robert Swayman, all of whom are independent directors determined by the NASDAQ listing standards. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board or any committee thereof; recommending nominees for election as directors at each annual stockholder meeting; recommending candidates to fill any vacancies on the Board or any committee thereof; and overseeing the evaluation of the Board. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held two meetings during 2021. A copy of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees charter is located on our website at www.redviolet.com on the Investors page under the corporate governance link.
Communications with our Board of Directors
Any stockholder who wishes to send a communication to our Board should address the communication either to the Board or to the individual director in care of Joshua Weingard, Corporate Secretary of Red Violet, Inc., 2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33431. Mr. Weingard will forward the communication either to all of the directors, if the communication is addressed to the Board, or to the individual director, if the communication is addressed to a specific director. Mr. Weingard will forward to the directors all communications that, in his judgment, are appropriate for consideration by the directors. Examples of communications that would not be appropriate for consideration by the directors include commercial solicitations and matters not relevant to the stockholders, to the functioning of the Board, or to the affairs of the Company.
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Nominees for Director and Other Stockholder Proposals
Stockholder proposals intended to be presented at our 2023 annual meeting of stockholders must be received by our Corporate Secretary at 2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 not later than December 23, 2022, to be considered for inclusion in our proxy materials, pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will consider all qualified director candidates identified by various sources, including members of the Board, management and stockholders. Candidates for directors recommended by stockholders will be given the same consideration as those identified from other sources. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing each candidates biographical information and assessing each candidates independence, skills, qualifications, and expertise based on a number of factors. While we do not have a formal policy on diversity, when considering the selection of director nominees, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee considers individuals with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, accomplishments, cultural backgrounds, and professional expertise, among other factors.
Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws will be eligible for election as directors. Nominations of persons for election to the Board and other proposals presented to our stockholders may be made at a meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only (i) by or at the direction of the Board or (ii) by any stockholder of the Company entitled to vote for the election of directors at the meeting who complies with the notice procedures set forth in our bylaws. Such nominations and other proposals presented to our stockholders, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board, shall be made by timely notice in writing to the Corporate Secretary of the Company. To be timely, a stockholders nomination for a director or other stockholder proposal must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary at the Companys principal executive offices at 2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 no later than the close of business on the ninetieth (90th) day, nor earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day, before the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting. The stockholders notice shall set forth as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director: (i) all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or all information that is required in connection with a stockholder proposal, in each case pursuant to and in accordance with the Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and (ii) such persons written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected. Pursuant to our bylaw requirements and assuming that our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders is held on May 25, 2023, any stockholder proposal to be considered at the 2022 annual meeting, including nominations of persons for election to our board of directors, must be properly submitted to us not earlier than January 25, 2023, nor later than February 24, 2023.
Additionally, to comply with the SECs universal proxy rules (once effective), stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Companys nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than March 26, 2023.
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PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022
Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) currently serves as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and has done so since its appointment effective April 14, 2018. A representative of Grant Thornton is expected to be a participant in the virtual Meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if the representative desires to do so, and is expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.
We are asking our stockholders to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022. Although ratification is not required by our bylaws or otherwise, our Board is submitting the appointment of Grant Thornton to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance. If our stockholders fail to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton, the Audit Committee will consider whether it is appropriate and advisable to appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm. Even if our stockholders ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton, the Audit Committee in its discretion may appoint a different registered public accounting firm at any time if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of our company and our stockholders.
Vote Required and Board Recommendation:
Proposal 2 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of common stock which are present in person or by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote.
The Board recommends that you vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022.
Auditor Fees and Services
The following table sets forth the fees billed to the Company by the Companys independent registered public accountants, Grant Thornton, for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
2021 | 2020 | |||||||
Audit fees |
$ | 320,120 | $ | 296,100 | ||||
Audit-related fees |
| | ||||||
Tax fees |
| | ||||||
All other fees |
| | ||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Total |
$ | 320,120 | $ | 296,100 | ||||
|
|
|
|
Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements, the review of the interim consolidated financial statements included in quarterly reports and the fees for services such as consents and review of documents filed with the SEC that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings for engagements.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures for Audit and Permitted Non-Audit Services
The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all auditing services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees for such services and terms thereof) to be performed for the Company by its independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee is also responsible for considering whether the independent registered public accounting firms performance of permissible non-audit services is compatible with its independence. The Audit Committee chairman has authority to grant pre-approvals of audit and permissible non-audit services by the independent registered public accounting firm provided that all pre-approvals by the chairman must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. Consistent with these policies and procedures, the Audit Committee approved all of the services rendered by Grant Thornton for the years ended on December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, as described above.
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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee reviews the Companys financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management has the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, for preparing the financial statements and for the report process. The Audit Committee members do not serve as professional accountants or auditors, and their functions are not intended to duplicate or to certify the activities of management or the independent registered public accounting firm. We have engaged Grant Thornton as our independent public accountants to report on the conformity of the Companys financial statements to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In this context, the Audit Committee hereby reports as follows:
1. | The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management of the Company. |
2. | The Audit Committee has discussed with Grant Thornton, our independent registered public accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the PCAOB) and the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
3. | The Audit Committee has also received the written disclosures and the letter from Grant Thornton required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and the Audit Committee has discussed the independence of Grant Thornton with that firm. |
4. | Based on the review and discussion referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board and the Board approved the inclusion of the audited financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, for filing with the SEC. |
The foregoing has been furnished by the Audit Committee:
Peter Benz (Chairman)
Steven Rubin
Robert Swayman
April 11, 2022
This Audit Committee Report is not Soliciting Material, and is not deemed filed with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.
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MANAGEMENT
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our current executive officers.
Name |
Position | |
Derek Dubner |
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board | |
James Reilly |
President | |
Daniel MacLachlan |
Chief Financial Officer | |
Jeffrey Dell |
Chief Information Officer |
The biographical information for Mr. Dubner is included above in Proposal 1 Election of Directors.
James Reilly, 48, has served as President of the Company since its formation in August 2017 and continuing through the Spin-off. Mr. Reilly served as President of Fluent from July 2017 until the Spin-off, and previously from June 2015 until June 2016 and as President and Chief Operating Officer of two of our subsidiaries, IDI Holdings and Interactive Data from October 2014 until June 2016. From July 2016 to June 2017, Mr. Reilly was enjoined from providing services for Fluent or its subsidiaries. From January 2014 through September 2014, Mr. Reilly served as Vice President of Sales at TRADS. From August 2010 through its acquisition of substantially all of the assets by TRADS in December 2013, Mr. Reilly served as Senior Vice President of TLO.
Daniel MacLachlan, 43, has served as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company since its formation in August 2017 and continuing through the Spin-off. Mr. MacLachlan served as Chief Financial Officer of Fluent from March 2016 until the Spin-off and brings over fifteen years of experience as the chief financial officer of data-driven technology companies. Mr. MacLachlan served as an Independent Director, Audit and Compensation Committee Chairman for Vapor Corp, a U.S.-based distributor and retailers of vaporizers, e-liquids and electronic cigarettes from April 2015 through April 2016. From October 2014 until February 2015, Mr. MacLachlan served as the Chief Financial Officer of TBO. Prior to TBO, Mr. MacLachlan served in the roles of Director of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for TRADS, after it acquired substantially all of the assets of TLO, through a 363-sale process in December 2013. Mr. MacLachlan was the Chief Financial Officer of TLO from 2009 to December 2013. From 2005 to 2009, Mr. MacLachlan served as the Chief Financial Officer of JARI Research Corporation (JARI), a partnership with the Mayo Clinic advancing proprietary cancer therapeutic technology using targeted radioactive therapy. Prior to JARI, Mr. MacLachlan served as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) specializing in the criminal investigation of public corruption and civil rights violations.
Jeff Dell, 50, has served as the Chief Information Officer of the Company since its formation in August 2017 and continuing through the Spin-off. Mr. Dell served as Chief Information Officer of Fluent from September 2016 until the Spin-off and served as the Interim Chief Information Officer of Fluent from June 2016 through September 2016. From July 2015 through May 2016, Mr. Dell served as the VP Information Security of Fluent. From June 2012 to June 2015, Mr. Dell served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Endurance Tracker, Inc., a sports-based data analytics solution. From August 2009 to May 2012, Mr. Dell served as Lead Architect at Tripwire, Inc. From October 2008 to August 2009, Mr. Dell served as Chief Information Security Officer of TLO. From September 2003 to August 2009, Mr. Dell served as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Activeworx, Inc., a leading information security data analytics company. From January 2001 to August 2003, Mr. Dell served as Chief Information Security Officer of Seisint, Inc., a leading provider in the data fusion industry.
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the compensation earned by each of the named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Name and principal position |
Year | Salary | Bonus (1) | Stock awards (2) |
All other Compensation (3) |
Total | ||||||||||||||||||
Derek Dubner (4)(5) |
2021 | $ | 389,543 | $ | 350,000 | $ | 916,825 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 1,667,768 | |||||||||||||
(Chief Executive Officer) |
2020 | $ | 381,749 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 672,900 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 1,216,049 | |||||||||||||
James Reilly (4)(5) |
2021 | $ | 364,033 | $ | 350,000 | $ | 916,825 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 1,642,258 | |||||||||||||
(President) |
2020 | $ | 329,855 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 672,900 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 1,164,155 | |||||||||||||
Daniel MacLachlan (4)(5) |
2021 | $ | 364,033 | $ | 350,000 | $ | 916,825 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 1,642,258 | |||||||||||||
(Chief Financial Officer) |
2020 | $ | 329,855 | $ | 150,000 | $ | 672,900 | $ | 11,400 | $ | 1,164,155 |
(1) | This column represents a discretionary cash bonus to each executive in recognition of the executives contribution to the Companys financial and operational success throughout the year. |
(2) | This column reflects the aggregate grant date fair value of stock awards granted in 2021 and 2020, respectively, computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. In determining the grant date fair value for RSUs, the Company used the closing price of the Companys common stock on the grant date. |
(3) | Amounts in this column represent matching contributions made to the Companys 401(k) plan. The named executive officers are eligible for matching contributions on the same basis as all eligible employees. |
(4) | On November 20, 2020, each of Messrs. Dubner, Reilly and MacLachlan were granted 30,000 RSUs at a grant date fair value of $22.43 per share, which vest in three equal annual installments on November 1, 2021, November 1, 2022 and November 2023 (the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement). |
(5) | On September 24, 2021, each of Messrs. Dubner, Reilly and MacLachlan were granted 32,500 RSUs at a grant date fair value of $28.21 per share, which vest pursuant to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth certain information regarding equity-based awards held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2021.
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 (1) |
||||||
Derek Dubner |
100,000 | (2) | $ | 3,969,000 | ||||
20,000 | (3) | $ | 793,800 | |||||
32,500 | (4) | $ | 1,289,925 | |||||
James Reilly |
100,000 | (2) | $ | 3,969,000 | ||||
20,000 | (3) | $ | 793,800 | |||||
32,500 | (4) | $ | 1,289,925 | |||||
Daniel MacLachlan |
100,000 | (2) | $ | 3,969,000 | ||||
20,000 | (3) | $ | 793,800 | |||||
32,500 | (4) | $ | 1,289,925 |
(1) | Determined by multiplying the closing price of the Companys common stock on December 31, 2021, $39.69, by the number of shares of common stock underlying the RSUs. |
(2) | On October 28, 2019, the Company granted each of the Messrs. Dubner, Reilly and MacLachlan 100,000 RSUs, subject to both time- and performance-based requirements at a grant date fair value of $16.42 per share with annual vesting on September 1, 2020, September 1, 2021 and September 1, 2022 (the 2019 Time-Based Vesting Requirement). Such RSU grants shall not vest unless and until the Company has, for any fiscal quarter in which the RSUs are outstanding, (i) gross revenue determined in accordance with the Companys reviewed or audited financial statements in excess of $12.5 million for such fiscal quarter and positive adjusted EBITDA of at least $2.0 million, as determined based on amounts derived from the Companys reviewed or audited financial statements for such fiscal quarter, and (ii) the recipient continues to provide services to the Company either as an employee, director or consultant on the last day of the quarter that the performance criteria is met (collectively, the 2019 Performance Criteria). Provided the respective 2019 Performance Criteria are met, the RSUs will vest in accordance with the 2019 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. In the event of a change of control, all RSUs which have not vested on the date of such change of control shall immediately vest even if the 2019 Performance Criteria have not been met. |
(3) | On November 20, 2020, the Compensation Committee granted 30,000 RSUs to each of Messrs. Dubner, Reilly and MacLachlan, which vest one-third annually pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(4) | On September 24, 2021, the Compensation Committee granted 32,500 RSUs to each of Messrs. Dubner, Reilly and MacLachlan, which vest one-third annually pursuant to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Derek Dubner, Daniel MacLachlan and James Reilly
On March 26, 2018, the Company entered into employment agreements with each of Messrs. Dubner, MacLachlan and Reilly in connection with their service as the Companys Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and President, respectively, which was amended on November 9, 2020 (as amended, the Employment Agreements). The Employment Agreements of each of Messrs. Dubner, MacLachlan and Reilly have a term ending on March 26, 2024. Thereafter, each agreement will automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless either party provides the other party written notice of termination at least one hundred and twenty (120) days before the expiration of the applicable one-year term or unless terminated earlier pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreements.
In connection with their respective Employment Agreements, Mr. Dubner receives an annual salary of $408,471; Mr. MacLachlan receives an annual salary of $381,721; and Mr. Reilly receives an annual salary of $381,721. Messrs. Dubner, MacLachlan and Reilly are eligible to receive grants of equity under the 2018 Plan, subject to the Compensation Committees sole discretion. Messrs. Dubner, MacLachlan and Reilly are eligible for cash bonuses commensurate with their positions, as the Board may determine. Additionally, Messrs. Dubner, MacLachlan and Reilly are eligible to participate in the Companys existing and future benefit plans, policies or arrangements maintained by the Company and made available to employees generally and for the benefit of executives.
The Company may terminate the Employment Agreements and each of Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans and Mr. Reillys employment at any time during the term for Cause, as such term is defined in each employment agreement. Also, the Company may terminate the Employment Agreements and each of Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans and Mr. Reillys employment without cause.
Each of Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan and Mr. Reilly may terminate his employment and the respective employment agreement for Good Reason, as such term is defined in each employment agreement.
Each of Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan and Mr. Reilly may also terminate his employment and the respective employment agreement for any reason or for no reason at all; provided, however, that such employee provides the Company with at least sixty (60) days prior written notice.
Each of Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans and Mr. Reillys employment and the respective employment agreement will automatically terminate upon Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans or Mr. Reillys death, as applicable. The Company may terminate the Employment Agreements and each of Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans and Mr. Reillys employment with the Company immediately upon a determination of Disability, as such term is defined in each employment agreement, as applicable.
Upon termination of the applicable Employment Agreement due to Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans or Mr. Reillys death or disability, the Company shall pay, in the case of death, to the applicable employees estate, such employees base salary accrued through the date of the employees death and in the case of disability, to the applicable employee, such employees base salary accrued through the date of determination of the employees disability, as applicable.
In the event Mr. Dubners, Mr. MacLachlans or Mr. Reillys employment is terminated by the Company for cause, the Company shall pay to the applicable employee such employees base salary and benefits accrued through the date of such employees termination.
In the event the Company terminates the Employment Agreements of Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan or Mr. Reilly without cause or any successor of the Company refuses to accept assignment of the Employment
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Agreements, or if Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan or Mr. Reilly terminates his respective employment agreement and employment with the Company for Good Reason, the Company shall pay to such employee the greater of (x) his base salary for the remainder of the term and (y) two (2) years of his base salary, in each case in accordance with the Companys payroll practices in effect from time to time, provided, however, the applicable employee is not in violation of the Confidentiality, Nondisclosure, Noncompetition, Nonsolicitation and Nondisparagement Agreement entered into in connection with the applicable employment agreement.
In the event Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan or Mr. Reilly terminates his respective employment agreement and employment with the Company for any reason (other than Good Reason) during the term of his applicable employment agreement, the Company shall pay to Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan or Mr. Reilly, as applicable, such employees base salary through the date of such employees termination.
Pursuant to the individual employment agreements or individual equity award agreements, all equity awards granted to Mr. Dubner, Mr. MacLachlan and Mr. Reilly shall vest immediately upon: (i) a Change of Control, as such term is defined in the applicable employment agreement, (ii) a termination of such employees employment by the Company without cause, (iii) a termination of employment by such employee for Good Reason or (iv) such employees death or disability.
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PROPOSAL 3
2018 PLAN AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
Overview
Upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board has approved, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the 2018 Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock (Common Stock) authorized for issuance under the 2018 Plan by 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock, from 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock to 6,500,000 shares of Common Stock (the Plan Increase). As of the Record Date, 4,500,000 shares of Common Stock are available for issuance under the 2018 Plan, of which 1,075,893 shares are subject to outstanding awards under the 2018 Plan and 719,187 shares remain available for future issuance under the 2018 Plan. Approval of this proposal will result in an additional 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the 2018 Plan. The Board unanimously recommends that the stockholders approve the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal. The primary purpose of the 2018 Plan is to attract, retain, reward and motivate certain individuals by providing them with an opportunity to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in the Company and to incentivize them to expend maximum effort for the growth and success of the Company, so as to strengthen the mutuality of the interests between such individuals and the stockholders of the Company.
The following discussion summarizes the material terms of the 2018 Plan. This discussion is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2018 Plan, which is available as Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 27, 2018, and the amendment to the 2018 Plan, a copy of which is attached to this proxy statement as Annex A.
Administration
The 2018 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board (for purpose of this description of the 2018 Plan, the Committee). If no Committee exists, the independent Board members will exercise the functions of the Committee.
All grants under the 2018 Plan will be evidenced by a grant agreement (an Award Agreement) that will incorporate the terms and conditions as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate.
Coverage Eligibility and Grant Limits
The 2018 Plan provides for the issuance of awards (each, an Award) consisting of stock options (Options), stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock (Restricted Stock), RSUs, performance shares (Performance Shares) and performance units (Performance Units). Incentive stock options (ISOs) may be granted under the 2018 Plan only to our employees. Our employees, consultants, directors, independent contractors and certain prospective employees who have committed to become an employee are eligible to receive all other types of awards under the 2018 Plan (each an Eligible Individual). As of the Record Date, we have approximately: 169 employees, six consultants, advisory board and independent contractors, four non-employee directors, and three prospective employees. A maximum of 6,500,000 shares of Common Stock may be subject to grants of ISOs under the 2018 Plan.
Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the 2018 Plan
Subject to adjustment as described below and under the section titled Change in Control and after giving effect to the Plan Increase, a total of 6,500,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the 2018 Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Award is cancelled, forfeited or terminated for any reason prior to exercise, delivery or becoming vested in full, the shares of Common Stock that were subject to such Award shall, to the extent cancelled, forfeited or terminated, immediately become available for future Awards granted under the 2018 Plan; provided, however, that any shares of Common Stock subject to an
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Award which is cancelled, forfeited or terminated in order to pay the exercise price of a stock option, purchase price or any taxes or tax withholdings on an award shall not be available for future Awards granted under the 2018 Plan.
If the outstanding shares of common stock are increased or decreased or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other securities by reason of any recapitalization, reclassification, reorganization, stock split, reverse split, combination of shares, exchange of shares, stock dividend or other distribution payable in capital stock of the Company or other increase or decrease in such shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company, an appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made by the Committee to: (i) the aggregate number and kind of shares of common stock available under the 2018 Plan, (ii) the calculation of the reduction of shares of common stock available under the 2018 Plan, (iii) the number and kind of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to outstanding Awards granted under the 2018 Plan and/or (iv) the exercise price of outstanding Options or SARs granted under the 2018 Plan. No fractional shares of common stock or units of other securities shall be issued pursuant to any such adjustment, and any fractions resulting from any such adjustment shall be eliminated in each case by rounding downward to the nearest whole share or unit. Any adjustments made to any ISO shall be made in accordance with Section 424 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).
Stock Options
The Committee acting in its absolute discretion has the right to grant Options to Eligible Individuals to purchase shares of common stock. Each grant shall be evidenced by an option certificate setting forth whether the Option is an ISO, which is intended to qualify for special tax treatment under Section 422 of the Code, or a non-qualified incentive stock option (Non-ISO). Each Option granted under the 2018 Plan entitles the holder thereof to purchase the number of shares of common stock specified in the grant at the exercise price specified in the related option certificate. At the discretion of the Committee, the option certificate can provide for payment of the exercise price either in cash, by check, bank draft, money order, in common stock and by any other method which the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion and to the extent permitted by applicable law, may permit.
The terms and conditions of each Option granted under the 2018 Plan will be determined by the Committee, but no Option will be granted at an exercise price which is less than the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date (generally, the closing price for the common stock on the principal securities exchange on which the common stock is traded or listed on the date the Option is granted or, if there was no closing price on that date, on the last preceding date on which a closing price was reported). In addition, if the Option is an ISO that is granted to a 10% stockholder of the Company, the Option exercise price will be no less than 110% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the grant date. Except for adjustments as described under Shares Reserved for Issuance Under the 2018 Plan above and Change in Control below, without the approval of the Companys stockholders, the option price shall not be reduced after the Option is granted, an Option may not be cancelled in exchange for cash or another Award, and no other action may be made with respect to an Option that would be treated as a repricing under the rules and regulations of the principal securities exchange on which the common stock is traded.
No Options may be exercised prior to the satisfaction of the conditions and vesting schedule provided for in the 2018 Plan and in the Award Agreement relating thereto. No Option may be exercisable more than 10 years from the grant date, or, if the Option is an ISO granted to a 10% stockholder of the Company, it may not be exercisable more than 10 years from the grant date. Moreover, no Option will be treated as an ISO to the extent that the aggregate fair market value of the common stock subject to the Option (determined as of the date the ISO was granted) which would first become exercisable in any calendar year exceeds $100,000. The Committee may not, as part of an Option grant, provide for an Option reload feature whereby an additional Option is automatically granted to pay all or a part of the Option exercise price or a part of any related tax withholding requirement.
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Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
The Committee may grant to such Eligible Individuals as the Committee may determine, Restricted Stock and RSUs, in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion. The Committee shall impose such restrictions on any Restricted Stock and RSUs granted pursuant to the 2018 Plan as it may deem advisable including, without limitation, time-based vesting restrictions or the attainment of performance goals (Performance Goals). With respect to a grant of Restricted Stock, the Company may issue a certificate evidencing such Restricted Stock to the Eligible Individual or issue and hold such shares of Restricted Stock for the benefit of the Eligible Individual until the applicable restrictions expire. The Company may legend the certificate representing Restricted Stock to give appropriate notice of such restrictions. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, until the expiration of all applicable restrictions, (i) the Restricted Stock shall be treated as outstanding, (ii) the Eligible Individual holding shares of Restricted Stock may exercise full voting rights with respect to such shares, and (iii) the Eligible Individual holding shares of Restricted Stock shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such shares while they are so held. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in shares of common stock, such shares shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, at the discretion of the Committee, all such dividends and distributions may be held in escrow by the Company (subject to the same restrictions on forfeitability) until all restrictions on the respective Restricted Stock have lapsed. Holders of the RSUs shall not have any of the rights of a stockholder, including the right to vote or receive dividends and other distributions, until common stock shall have been issued in the Eligible Individuals name pursuant to the RSUs; provided, however the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may provide for dividend equivalents on vested RSUs.
Unless otherwise provided in the 2018 Plan or Award Agreement, common stock will be issued with respect to RSUs no later than March 15 of the year immediately following the year in which the RSUs are first no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture as such term is defined in Section 409A of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder (RSU Payment Date). In the event that the Eligible Individual has elected to defer the receipt of common stock pursuant to an Award Agreement beyond the RSU Payment Date, then the common stock will be issued at the time specified in the Award Agreement or related deferral election form. In addition, unless otherwise provided in the Award Agreement, if the receipt of common stock is deferred past the RSU Payment Date, dividend equivalents on the common stock covered by the RSUs shall be deferred until the RSU Payment Date.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee has the right to grant SARs to Eligible Individuals in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the terms and conditions (including, without limitation, the limitations on the exercise price, exercise period, repricing and termination) of the SAR shall be substantially identical to the terms and conditions that would have been applicable were the grant of the SAR a grant of an Option. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, upon exercise of a SAR the Eligible Individual shall be entitled to receive payment, in cash, in shares of common stock, or in a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. The amount of such payment shall be determined by multiplying the excess, if any, of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise over the fair market value of a share of common stock on the grant date, by the number of shares of common stock with respect to which the SAR are then being exercised. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may limit in any manner the amount payable with respect to a SAR by including such limitation in the Award Agreement.
Performance Shares and Performance Units
Performance Shares and Performance Units may be granted to Eligible Individuals under the 2018 Plan. The applicable Award Agreement shall set forth (i) the number of Performance Shares or the dollar value of
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Performance Units granted to the participant; (ii) the performance period and Performance Goals with respect to each such Award; (iii) the threshold, target and maximum shares of common stock or dollar values of each Performance Share or Performance Unit and corresponding Performance Goals; and (iv) any other terms and conditions as the Committee determines in its sole and absolute discretion. Performance Goals will be determined by the Committee in its absolute and sole discretion. Unless otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the Committee shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion whether payment with respect to the Performance Share or Performance Unit shall be made in cash, in shares of common stock, or in a combination thereof.
Other Awards
Awards of shares of Common Stock, phantom stock and other Awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, Common Stock, may also be made, from time to time, to Eligible Individuals as may be selected by the Committee. Each such Award shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement between the Eligible Individual and the Company which shall specify the number of shares of Common Stock subject to the Award, any consideration therefore, any vesting or performance requirements, and such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion.
Non-Transferability
No Award will be transferable by an Eligible Individual other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and any Option or SAR will (absent the Committees consent) be exercisable during an Eligible Individuals lifetime only by the Eligible Individual, except that the Committee may provide in an Award Agreement that an Eligible Individuals may transfer an award to a family member, as such term is defined in the Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, under such terms and conditions as specified by the Committee.
Amendments to the 2018 Plan
The 2018 Plan may be amended by the Board to the extent that it deems necessary or appropriate provided, however, that the approval of the stockholders shall be required for any amendment: (i) that changes the class of individuals eligible to receive Awards under the 2018 Plan; (ii) that increases the maximum number of shares of common stock in the aggregate that may be subject to Awards that are granted under the 2018 Plan (except as otherwise permitted under the 2018 Plan); (iii) the approval of which is necessary to comply with federal or state law or with the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the common stock may be listed or traded; or (iv) that proposed to eliminate a requirement provided herein that the stockholders of the Company must approve an action to be undertaken under the 2018 Plan. Except as expressly provided in the 2018 Plan, no amendment, suspension or termination of the 2018 Plan shall, without the consent of the holder of an Award, alter or impair rights or obligations under any Award theretofore granted under the 2018 Plan. Awards granted prior to the termination of the 2018 Plan may extend beyond the date the 2018 Plan is terminated and shall continue subject to the terms of the 2018 Plan as in effect on the date the 2018 Plan is terminated.
Change in Control
Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined in the 2018 Plan), the Committee may, in its sole and absolute discretion, provide on a case by case basis that (i) all Awards shall terminate, provided that participants shall have the right, immediately prior to the occurrence of such Change in Control and during such reasonable period as the Committee in its sole discretion shall determine and designate, to exercise any Award, (ii) all Awards shall terminate, provided that participants shall be entitled to a cash payment equal to the price per share of common stock paid in the Change in Control transaction, with respect to shares subject to the vested portion of the Award, net of the exercise price thereof, if applicable, (iii) in connection with a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, the Awards, to the extent vested, shall convert into the right to receive liquidation
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proceeds net of the exercise price (if applicable), (iv) accelerate the vesting of Awards and (v) any combination of the foregoing. In the event that the Committee does not terminate or convert an Award upon a Change in Control of the Company, then the Award shall be assumed, or substantially equivalent Awards shall be substituted, by the acquiring, or succeeding corporation (or an affiliate thereof).
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The rules concerning the federal income tax consequences of Awards under the 2018 Plan are technical, and reasonable persons may differ on their proper interpretation. Moreover, the applicable statutory and regulatory provisions are subject to change, as are their interpretations and applications, which may vary in individual circumstances. Therefore, the following discussion is designed to provide only a brief, general summary description of the federal income tax consequences associated with such grants, based on a good faith interpretation of the current federal income tax laws, regulations (including certain proposed regulations) and judicial and administrative interpretations. The following discussion does not set forth (1) any federal tax consequences other than income tax consequences or (2) any state, local or foreign tax consequences that may apply.
ISOs . In general, an employee will not recognize taxable income upon the grant or the exercise of an ISO. For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, however, the employee will be required to treat an amount equal to the difference between the fair market value of the common stock on the date of exercise over the option exercise price as an item of adjustment in computing the employees alternative minimum taxable income. If the employee does not dispose of the common stock received pursuant to the exercise of the ISO within either (1) two years after the date of the grant of the ISO or (2) one year after the date of the exercise of the ISO, a subsequent disposition of the common stock generally will result in long-term capital gain or loss to such individual with respect to the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and exercise price. The Company will not be entitled to any federal income tax deduction as a result of such disposition. In addition, the Company normally will not be entitled to take a federal income tax deduction on either the grant date or upon the exercise of an ISO.
If the employee disposes of the common stock acquired upon exercise of the ISO within either of the above-mentioned time periods, then in the year of such disposition, the employee generally will recognize ordinary income, and the Company will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction (provided the Company satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting requirements), in an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the excess of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of exercise over the option exercise price or (2) the amount realized upon disposition of the common stock over the exercise price. Any gain in excess of such amount recognized by the employee as ordinary income would be taxed to such individual as short-term or long-term capital gain (depending on the applicable holding period).
Non-ISOs. An Eligible Individual will not recognize any taxable income upon the grant of a Non-ISO, and the Company will not be entitled to take an income tax deduction at the time of such grant. Upon the exercise of a Non-ISO, the Eligible Individual generally will recognize ordinary income and the Company will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction (provided the Company satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting requirements) in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of exercise over the option exercise price. Upon a subsequent sale of the common stock by the Eligible Individual, such individual will recognize short-term or long-term capital gain or loss (depending on the applicable holding period).
SARs. An Eligible Individual will not recognize any taxable income upon the grant of a SAR, and the Company will not be entitled to take an income tax deduction at the time of such grant. An Eligible Individual will recognize ordinary income for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of a SAR under the 2018 Plan for cash, common stock or a combination of cash and common stock, and the amount of income that the Eligible Individual will recognize will depend on the amount of cash, if any, and the fair market value of the common
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stock, if any, that the Eligible Individual receives as a result of such exercise. The Company generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Eligible Individual in the same taxable year in which the Eligible Individual recognizes such income, if the Company satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting requirements.
Restricted Stock. The Eligible Individual who receives Restricted Stock generally will not be subject to tax until the shares are no longer subject to forfeiture or restrictions on transfer for purposes of Section 83 of the Code (the Restrictions). At such time the Eligible Individual will be subject to tax at ordinary income rates on the fair market value of the Restricted Stock (reduced by any amount paid by the participant for such Restricted Stock). However, an Eligible Individual who makes an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the date of transfer of the shares will have taxable ordinary income on the date of transfer of the shares equal to the excess of the fair market value of such shares (determined without regard to the Restrictions) over the purchase price, if any, of such restricted shares. Any appreciation (or depreciation) realized upon a later disposition of such shares will be treated as long-term or short-term capital gain (or loss) depending upon how long the shares have been held. If a Section 83(b) election has not been made, any dividends received with respect to restricted shares that are subject to the Restrictions generally will be treated as compensation that is taxable as ordinary income to the participant and not eligible for the reduced tax rate applicable to dividends. The Company generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Eligible Individual in the same taxable year in which the Eligible Individual recognizes such income, if the Company satisfies applicable federal income tax reporting requirements.
Restricted Stock Units. Generally, no income will be recognized upon the award of RSUs. An Eligible Individual who receives RSUs generally will be subject to tax at ordinary income rates on any cash received and the fair market value of any shares of common stock or other property on the date that such amounts are transferred to the Eligible Individual under the award (reduced by any amount paid by the Eligible Individual for such RSU). The Company generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Eligible Individual in the same taxable year in which the Eligible Individual recognizes such income.
Performance Units and Performance Shares. No income generally will be recognized upon the grant of a Performance Unit or Performance Share. Upon payment in respect of a Performance Unit or Performance Share, the Eligible Individual generally will be required to include as taxable ordinary income in the year of receipt an amount equal to the amount of cash received and the fair market value of any nonrestricted shares of common stock or other property received. The Company generally will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the Eligible Individual in the same taxable year in which the Eligible Individual recognizes such income.
Code Section 162(m). In general, Section 162(m) of the Code currently provides that if, in any year, the compensation that is paid to any covered employee (as defined under Section 162(m)) exceeds $1,000,000 per person, any amounts that exceed the $1,000,000 threshold will not be deductible by us for federal income tax purposes.
New Stock Incentive 2018 Plan Benefits
No awards have been made with respect to the Plan Increase and are not determinable, and as such, we have not included a New Plan Benefits table called for by Item 10 of Schedule 14A.
Vote Required and Board Recommendation
The adoption of the Amendment to the 2018 Plan requires the affirmative vote of a majority of votes cast at the Meeting.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the 2018 Plan Amendment Proposal.
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PROPOSAL 4
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE
SAY ON PAY
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted in July 2010, and Section 14A of the Exchange Act, require that we provide our stockholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement as described in the executive compensation tables and the narrative discussion in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC (commonly known as a Say on Pay proposal). At the Meeting, the Company will present its Say on Pay Proposal for approval.
This Say on Pay Proposal is set forth in the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Red Violet, Inc. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of its named executive officers, as disclosed in the Red Violet, Inc. Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the information included in the compensation tables and any related information found in the proxy statement of Red Violet, Inc.
Because your vote on this proposal is advisory, it will not be binding on the Board, the Compensation Committee, or the Company. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.
Vote Required and Board Recommendation
The advisory vote on the Say on Pay Proposal requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the shares of common stock which are present in person or by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote.
The Board unanimously recommends a vote FOR the Say on Pay Proposal.
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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SECURITIES
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of common stock of the Company as of the Record Date, by (i) all executive officers, (ii) all directors, (iii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group, and (iv) each person known by the Company to beneficially own in excess of 5% of the Companys outstanding common stock. Unless noted otherwise, the corporate address of each person listed below is 2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33431.
The Company does not know of any other beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock other than as shown below. Unless otherwise indicated below, each stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares beneficially owned.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
Percentage of Common Stock Beneficially Owned (1) |
||||||
Directors and Executive Officers: |
||||||||
Derek Dubner |
421,285 | (2) | 3.1 | % | ||||
Peter Benz |
76,662 | (3) | * | |||||
Steven D. Rubin |
73,138 | (4) | * | |||||
Lisa Stanton |
0 | (5) | * | |||||
Robert Swayman |
55,083 | (6) | * | |||||
James Reilly |
265,933 | (7) | 2.0 | % | ||||
Daniel MacLachlan |
229,886 | (8) | 1.7 | % | ||||
Jeffrey Dell |
51,801 | (9) | * | |||||
All current Directors and Executive Officers as a group (8 persons) |
1,173,788 | (10) | 8.7 | % | ||||
5% Holders |
||||||||
Michael Brauser |
1,581,843 | (11) | 11.7 | % | ||||
Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Inc. |
1,370,228 | (12) | 10.1 | % | ||||
Trigran Investments, Inc |
1,211,500 | (13) | 9.0 | % | ||||
Nantahala Capital Management. LLC |
1,023,459 | (14) | 7.6 | % |
* | The person beneficially owns less than 1% of the Companys outstanding common shares. |
(1) | Based on 13,523,067 shares of common stock outstanding at the Record Date. |
(2) | Mr. Dubners shares do not include 100,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2019 Performance Criteria and the 2019 Time-Based Vesting Requirement, 20,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 32,500 unvested RSUs subject to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(3) | Includes 55,734 shares held directly by Mr. Benz and 20,928 shares held in Mr. Benzs 401(k) account. Mr. Benzs shares do not include 4,166 unvested RSUs which vest on September 1, 2022, 4,666 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 8,900 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(4) | Mr. Rubins shares do not include 30,668 shares which have vested, but in which he has deferred delivery, 4,166 unvested RSUs which vest on September 1, 2022, 4,666 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 8,900 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(5) | Ms. Stanton shares do not include 2,900 unvested RSUs which vest one-third annually on each of August 9, 2022, August 9, 2023 and August 9, 2024. |
(6) | Includes 42,000 shares held directly by Mr. Swayman, 8,000 shares held by Mr. Swaymans family trust, and 5,083 shares held directly through BSIG, LLC of which Mr. Swayman owns a 50% interest. Mr. Swaymans shares do not include 2,666 unvested RSUs which vest on September 1, 2022, 3,000 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 7,400 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
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(7) | Mr. Reillys shares do not include 100,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2019 Performance Criteria and the 2019 Time-Based Vesting Requirement, 20,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 32,500 unvested RSUs subject to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(8) | Includes 229,420 shares held directly by Mr. MacLachlan and 466 held in Mr. MacLachlans IRA. Mr. MacLachlans shares do not include 100,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2019 Performance Criteria and the 2019 Time-Based Vesting Requirement, 20,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 32,500 unvested RSUs subject to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(9) | Mr. Dells shares do not include 75,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2019 Performance Criteria and the 2019 Time-Based Vesting Requirement, 13,333 unvested RSUs subject to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement and 25,000 unvested RSUs subject to the 2021 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(10) | Does not include an aggregate of 622,263 unvested RSUs held by all executive officers and directors as a group and 30,668 shares in which Mr. Rubin has deferred delivery of vested RSUs. |
(11) | Based on information set forth on Form 5 filed by Michael Brauser on February 9, 2022. Mr. Brausers shares include (i) 529,250 shares held by Grander Holdings, Inc. 401K, of which Mr. Brauser is the trustee, (ii) 1,045,092 shares held by Mr. Brauser directly, (iv) 5,084 shares held directly through BSIG, LLC of which Mr. Brauser owns a 50% interest, and (v) 2,417 shares held by Betsy and Michael Brauser Charitable Family Foundation, Inc. Mr. Brausers shares do not include 20,000 unvested RSUs which vest pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement. |
(12) | Based on information set forth on Form 13G filed by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Inc. on October 12, 2021. The Greater Miami Jewish Federations address is 4200 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33137. |
(13) | Based on information set forth on Form 13G filed by Trigran Investments, Inc. on February 10, 2022. Trigran Investments address is 630 Dundee Road, Suite 230, Northbrook, IL 60062. |
(14) | Based on information set forth on Form 13G filed by Nantahala Capital Management. LLC on February 14, 2022. Nantahala Capital Managements address is 30 Main St. 2nd Floor, New Canaan, CT 06840. |
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes the compensation plan under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2021.
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 plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) |
|||||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1) |
1,338,371 | (2) | $ | | 805,462 | |||||||
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders |
| | | |||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Total |
1,338,371 | $ | | 805,462 | ||||||||
|
|
|
|
(1) | The equity compensation plan approved by security holders is the 2018 Plan. |
(2) | Represents 1,306,953 shares of common stock to be issued upon the vesting of RSUs and 31,418 shares of common stock underlying awards that have been vested but not delivered. |
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Audit Committee reviews and approves transactions in which the Company was or is to be a participant, where the amount involved exceeded or will exceed $120,000 annually and any of its directors, executive officers or their immediate family members had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. The Company has a written policy stating that the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and, if appropriate, approving or ratifying any related party transactions. The related party transaction will not be approved unless at a minimum it is for the Companys benefit and is upon terms no less favorable to the Company than if the related party transaction was with an unrelated third party.
MDB Agreement, Services Agreement and Awards
On April 26, 2018, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with MDB Management, Inc. (MDB), a company principally owned by Michael Brauser, a greater than 10% shareholder of the Company and the then chairman of the Companys board of directors, for MDB to provide consulting services to the Company (MDB Agreement), which was terminated by mutual agreement of the parties on August 7, 2018. On August 7, 2018, the Company entered into an executive chairman services agreement with Mr. Brauser, the then Executive Chairman of the Company, pursuant to which Mr. Brauser (the Consultant) will be providing recommendations on organizational and capital structure, future acquisitions and strategic transactions (Services Agreement), for a term of one year, automatically renewing for additional one-year periods unless either party provides written notice to the other of its intent not to renew not fewer than 30 days prior to the expiration of the then current term. Under the Services Agreement, the Consultant received cash compensation of $30,000 per month and was entitled to participate in the Companys incentive compensation plan. The Services Agreement terminated on August 6, 2021, as further detailed below. The Company recognized consulting service fees relating to the Services Agreement of a total of $216,000 and $360,000 during each of the years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
On September 5, 2018, the Consultant previously received an RSU grant (the 2018 Consultant RSUs) of 500,000 RSUs, subject to both annual time vesting over three years and subject to certain performance criteria. In August 2019, it was determined that the 2018 performance criteria were met and one-third of the 2018 Consultant RSUs vested and the remaining 2018 Consultant RSUs would vest in accordance with the annual time vesting requirements. All of the shares subject to the 2018 Consultant RSUs have vested and have been issued.
On November 20, 2020, the Consultant was granted 30,000 RSUs (the 2020 RSU Agreement) subject to the 2019 Performance Criteria. Provided the 2019 Performance Criteria are met, the RSUs subject to the 2020 RSU Agreement vest pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement.
On February 16, 2021, the Company entered into a Separation Agreement (the Separation Agreement) with the Consultant. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, the parties agreed that the Services Agreement which expired on August 6, 2021 (Expiration Date), would not be renewed, but would continue in force and effect until the Expiration Date. As part of the Separation Agreement, the Consultant agreed (i) to certain non-solicitation obligations contained therein, (ii) that he and his affiliates would not disparage or assist or cooperate with any person or entity seeking to publicly disparage or economically harm the Company, (iii) that the Consultant and his affiliates would not initiate any lawsuit, claim, or proceeding with respect to any claims against the Company, except (with designated exceptions) for any legal proceeding initiated solely to remedy a breach of or to enforce the Separation Agreement, and (iv) with respect to each annual or special meeting of the Companys stockholders until the Expiration Date of the Separation Agreement, the Consultant agreed to vote the shares of the Companys common stock or any other securities entitled to vote then held by him or his affiliates in accordance with the board of directors recommendations on director proposals (subject to certain board of directors change thresholds), and the ratification of the appointment of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm.
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The Company agreed (i) that the remaining unvested 166,666 RSUs previously granted to the Consultant in accordance with the 2018 Consultant RSUs would continue to vest on July 1, 2021, in accordance with and subject to all other provisions and conditions of such grant, (ii) to amend the 2020 RSU Agreement, previously granting the Consultant 30,000 RSUs such that the 30,000 RSUs will continue to vest pursuant to the 2020 Time-Based Vesting Requirement, without the Company satisfying the 2019 Performance Criteria, subject to all other provisions and conditions of such grant, (iii) to include shares of the Companys common stock held by the Consultant or his affiliates in any registration statement the Company files for the benefit of selling stockholders at any time when the Consultant or his affiliates beneficially own 10% or more of the Companys common stock, and (iv) to not initiate any lawsuit, claim, or proceeding with respect to any claims against the Consultant and his affiliates, except (with designated exceptions) for any legal proceeding initiated solely to remedy a breach of or to enforce the Separation Agreement.
HOUSEHOLDING
As permitted by rules adopted by the SEC, we are delivering a single Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, annual report and proxy statement, as applicable, to any household at which two or more stockholders reside if we believe the stockholders are members of the same family, unless otherwise instructed by one or more of the stockholders. We will promptly deliver separate copies of these documents upon the written or oral request of any stockholders at a shared address to which a single copy of the documents were delivered.
If your household received a single set of any of these documents, but you would prefer to receive your own copy, or if you share an address with another stockholder and together both of you would like to receive only a single set of these documents, please contact Broadridge and inform them of your request by calling them at (866) 540-7095 or writing them at Householding Department, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. Be sure to include your name, the name of your brokerage firm and your account number with your brokerage firm (if applicable).
OTHER MATTERS
A copy of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, without exhibits, is being mailed with this proxy statement. Stockholders are referred to the Form 10-K for financial and other information about the Company.
Additional copies of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 may be obtained without charge by writing to Joshua Weingard, Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary, 2650 North Military Trail, Suite 300, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 or by telephone at (561) 757-4000. Exhibits will be furnished upon request. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC. The address of such site is http://www.sec.gov.
We will pay for the cost of soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited on our behalf by our directors, officers or employees in person or by telephone, electronic transmission and facsimile transmission, but such persons will not receive any special compensation for such services. We will reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket costs of sending the proxy materials to our beneficial owners.
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ANNEX A
AMENDMENT TO THE
RED VIOLET, INC.
2018 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
WHEREAS, Red Violet, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company) currently maintains and sponsors the Red Violet, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (the Plan); and
WHEREAS, Section 14(l) of the Plan provides that the Board of the Directors of the Company (Board) may amend the Plan from time to time; and
WHEREAS, the Board has determined it to be in its best interests to amend the Plan as set forth herein; and
NOW, THEREFORE, effective upon the Companys Stockholders approval as set forth in Section 14(l) of the Plan, the following amendment to the Plan is hereby adopted:
Section 5(a) of the Plan shall be amended and restated to read as follows:
(a) Shares Available for Awards. The Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be treasury shares or authorized but unissued shares of the Common Stock. The total number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan shall be 6,500,000 shares. A maximum of 6,500,000 shares of Red Violet stock may be subject to grants of Incentive Stock Options.
Except as modified by this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan shall remain valid and in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, a duly authorized officer of the Company, has executed this instrument as of the day of 2022, on behalf of the Company.
RED VIOLET, INC. | ||
By: |
| |
Name: |
| |
Title: |
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Red violet P.O. BOX 8016, CARY, NC 27512-9903 YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! PLEASE VOTE BY: INTERNET Go To: www.proxypush.com/RDVT Cast your vote online Have your Proxy Card ready Follow the simple instructions to record your vote PHONE Call 1-844-926-2224 Use any touch-tone telephone Have your Proxy Card ready Follow the simple recorded instructions MAIL Mark, sign and date your Proxy Card Fold and return your Proxy Card in the postage-paid envelope provided You must register to attend the meeting online and/or participate at www.proxydocs.com/RDVT Red Violet, Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders For Stockholders of record as of April 12, 2022 TIME: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 11:00 AM, Eastern Time PLACE: Annual Meeting to be held live via the Internet - please visit www.proxydocs.com/RDVT to register to attend the meeting no later than May 24, 2022 at 11:59 PM, Eastern Time This proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors The undersigned hereby appoints Daniel MacLachlan and Joshua Weingard (the Named Proxies), and each or either of them, as the true and lawful attorneys of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, and authorizes them, and each of them, to vote all the shares of capital stock of Red Violet, Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote at said meeting and any adjournment thereof upon the matters specified and upon such other matters as may be properly brought before the meeting or any adjournment thereof, conferring authority upon such true and lawful attorneys to vote in their discretion on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and revoking any proxy heretofore given. THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, SHARES WILL BE VOTED IDENTICAL TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDATION. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. In their discretion, the Named Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. You are encouraged to specify your choice by marking the appropriate box (SEE REVERSE SIDE) but you need not mark any box if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors recommendation. The Named Proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign (on the reverse side) and return this card. PLEASE BE SURE TO SIGN AND DATE THIS PROXY CARD AND MARK ON THE REVERSE SIDE
Red Violet, Inc. Annual Meeting of Stockholders Please make your marks like this: X Use dark black pencil or pen only MANAGEMENT
RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1, 2, 3 AND 4 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PROPOSAL YOUR VOTE RECOMMENDS 1. To elect five directors to serve for a one-year term until the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until a successor is duly elected and qualified;
FOR WITHHOLD 1.01 Derek Dubner FOR 1.02 Peter Benz FOR 1.03 Steven Rubin FOR 1.04 Lisa Stanton FOR 1.05 Robert Swayman FOR FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 2. To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered public FOR
accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2022; 3. To adopt an amendment to the Red Violet, Inc. 2018 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2018 Plan) to FOR increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2018 Plan; 4. To hold
a non-binding advisory vote to approve our named executive officers compensation; and FOR 5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. NOTE: Such other business
as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the meeting will be voted on by the proxy holders in their discretion. Authorized Signatures - Must be completed for your instructions to be executed. Please sign exactly
as your name(s) appears on your account. If held in joint tenancy, all persons should sign. Trustees, administrators, etc., should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer
signing the Proxy/Vote Form. Signature (and Title if applicable) Date Signature (if held jointly) Date