UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

 

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No. )

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ☐

Check the appropriate box:

 

Preliminary Proxy Statement
   
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as Permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
   
Definitive Proxy Statement
   
Definitive Additional Materials
   
Solicitation Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or rule 14a-12

 

AIM ImmunoTech 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 computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

  1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
     
  2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
     
  3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:
     
  4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
     
  5) Total fee paid:

 

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
   
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

  (1) Amount Previously Paid:
     
  (2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
     
  (3) Filing Party:
     
  (4) Date Filed:

 

 

 

 
 

 

August 17, 2021

 

Dear Fellow Stockholders,

 

You are cordially invited to attend AIM ImmunoTech Inc.’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. (local time - Eastern Daylight Time). The meeting will be held at 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, Florida 34473.

 

Included with this letter is a Notice of the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the proxy statement. Please review this material for information about the nominees named in the proxy statement for election as Directors and the Company’s appointed independent registered public accounting firm.

 

Details regarding Executive Officer and Director compensation, corporate governance matters, and the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting are also described in the enclosed materials.

 

Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please cast your vote at your earliest convenience, as instructed in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials or in the proxy card. Your vote is very important. Your vote before the Annual Meeting will ensure representation of your common shares at the Annual Meeting even if you are unable to attend. We look forward to sharing more information with you about AIM ImmunoTech and the value of your investment at the Annual Meeting.

 

  Sincerely,
   
  /s/ Thomas K. Equels
  Thomas K. Equels
  Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting

to Be Held at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, October 7, 2021.

 

This proxy statement, our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our June 30, 2021 Quarterly Report

on Form 10-Q are available at https://aimimmuno.com/stockholder-meeting/.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

AIM IMMUNOTECH INC.

 
2117 SW Highway 484  
Ocala, Florida 34473  
(352) 448-7797  

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 7, 2021

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of AIM ImmunoTech Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time. The meeting will be held at 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala Florida 34473.

 

The Annual Meeting will be held for the following purposes:

 

  1. To elect three members to the Board of Directors of the Company to serve until their respective successors are elected and qualified;
     
  2. To ratify the selection by the Company’s Audit Committee of BDO USA, LLP independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the financial statements of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2021;
     
  3. To approve, by non-binding vote, executive compensation;
     
  4. To transact such other matters as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof.

 

Who Can Vote: Stockholders of record at the close of business on Tuesday, August 10, 2021.
   
How You Can Vote: You may cast your vote via mail, telephone or the Internet. Certain stockholders may only be able to vote by mail. You may also vote at the Annual Meeting.
   
Who May Attend: All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting.

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors
   
  /s/ William M. Mitchell
  William M. Mitchell
  Chairman of the Board

 

Ocala, Florida

August 17, 2021

 

 
 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

AIM IMMUNOTECH INC.

2117 SW Highway 484

Ocala, FL 34473

 

INTRODUCTION

 

This proxy statement is furnished to Stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of stockholders of AIM ImmunoTech Inc. (“AIM,” the “Company,” “we” or “us”) to be held on October 7, 2021, and at any adjournments (the “Annual Meeting”). The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of AIM and is revocable by the stockholder (the “Stockholder”) by notifying AIM’s Corporate Secretary at any time before it is voted on, or by voting at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy is being distributed to Stockholders beginning on or about August 24, 2021. The principal executive offices of AIM are located at 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, Florida 34473, telephone (352) 448-7797.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for

the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on October 7, 2021

 

This proxy statement, the proxy card, our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30. 2021 are available electronically at https://aimimmuno.com/stockholder-meeting/. Please note that, while our Proxy Materials are available at this website, no other information contained on our website is incorporated by reference in or considered to be a part of this Proxy Statement.

 

Rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) allow companies to send Stockholders a notice of Internet availability of proxy materials, rather than mail them full sets of proxy materials. This year, we chose to mail full packages of materials to Stockholders. However, in the future we may take advantage of the Internet distribution option. If, in the future, we choose to send such notices, they would contain instructions on how Stockholders can access our notice of Annual Meeting and proxy statement via the Internet. These notices would also contain instructions on how Stockholders could request to receive their materials electronically or in printed form or on a one-time or ongoing basis.

 

PROXY SOLICITATION AND COSTS

 

AIM has borne the cost of preparing, assembling, and mailing this proxy solicitation material along with related communication with Stockholders. AIM may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares for their expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners. Proxies may be solicited by certain of AIM’s Directors, Officers and employees, without additional compensation, personally, by telephone or by facsimile. The total estimated cost of this solicitation is approximately $50,000.

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING

 

Why am I receiving these proxy materials?

 

You received these proxy materials because you are a Stockholder of the Company. The Board is providing these proxy materials to you in connection with the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held on October 7, 2021. As a Stockholder of the Company, you are entitled to vote on the important proposals described in this proxy statement. Since it is not practical for all Stockholders to attend the Annual Meeting and vote, the Board is seeking your proxy to vote on these matters.

 

What is a proxy?

 

A proxy is your legal designation of another person (“proxy”) to vote the common shares you own at the Annual Meeting. By completing and returning the proxy card(s), which identify the individuals or trustees authorized to act as your proxy, you are giving each of those individuals authority to vote your common shares as you have instructed. By voting via proxy, each Stockholder is able to cast his or her vote without having to attend the Annual Meeting.

 

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Why did I receive more than one proxy card?

 

You will receive multiple proxy cards if you hold your common shares in different ways (e.g., different names, trusts, custodial accounts, joint tenancy) or in multiple accounts. If your common shares are held by a broker or bank (i.e., in “Street Name”), you will receive your proxy card and other voting information directly from your brokerage firm, bank, trust, or other nominee. It is important that you complete, sign, date and return each proxy card you receive, or vote using the telephone, or by using the Internet as described in the instructions included with your proxy card(s).

 

Do I have to attend the meeting to vote?

 

No. If you want to have your vote count at the meeting, but not actually attend the meeting, you may vote by granting a proxy or — for shares held in street name — by submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. In most instances, you will be able to do this over the Internet, by telephone or by mail.

 

In the United States, if you are not in possession of your voting proxy or instruction form, please contact your broker or bank for assistance in obtaining a duplicate control number.

 

Do Europeans holding Company Common Stock have to vote a different way?

 

Yes. Europeans must contact their custodian bank or broker directly, as European banks and brokerage houses do not necessarily forward the proxy materials to Stockholders. As we are a Delaware corporation, there is no need for your bank or brokerage house to block your shares. Banks and brokerage houses simply need to certify the number of shares owned by their clients on August 10, 2021 (the record date) and cast votes on your behalf by October 6, 2021 (5 p.m. US EDT).

 

The proxy materials are available at: https://aimimmuno.com/stockholder-meeting/.

 

What is the record date and what does it mean?

 

The Board established August 10, 2021 as the record date for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on October 7, 2021. Stockholders who own common shares of the Company at the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

What is the difference between a “Registered Stockholder” and a “Street Name Stockholder”?

 

These terms describe how your common shares are held. If your common shares are registered directly in your name with American Stock Transfer & Trust Company (“AST”) — the Company’s transfer agent — you are a “Registered Stockholder.” If your common shares are held in the name of a brokerage, bank, trust, or other nominee as a custodian, you are a “Street Name Stockholder.”

 

How many common shares are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

 

As of August 10, 2021, the record date, there were approximately 47,848,622 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share is entitled to one vote on all matters.

 

How many votes must be present to hold the Annual Meeting?

 

For the 2021 Annual Meeting, the required quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting is 40% of the shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, or by proxy.

 

For purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, each common share is deemed to entitle the holder to one vote per share. Properly signed proxies that are marked “abstain” are known as “abstentions.” Common shares that are held in street name and not voted on one or more of the items before the Annual Meeting, but are otherwise voted on at least one item, are known as “broker non-votes.” Proposal No. 2 is the only routine matter that may be voted on by brokers on this year’s ballot.

 

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Both abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as shares present for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum. Abstentions are also counted as shares present and entitled to be voted. However, broker non-votes are not counted as shares entitled to be voted with respect to the matter on which the broker has expressly not voted.

 

Who will count the votes?

 

An attorney from the office of Silverman Shin & Byrne PLLC — our securities counsel — or its designee, will determine whether a quorum is present, will tabulate the votes and will serve as the Company’s inspector of election at the Annual Meeting.

 

What vote is required to approve each proposal?

 

Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on all matters. Abstentions, broker non-votes and shares not in attendance and not voted at the Annual Meeting will not be counted as votes cast “for” or “against” a candidate and will have no effect with regard to the election of Directors in Proposal 1. However, because Proposals No. 2 and 3, are based on the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares represented and voting at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present, abstentions will have the same effect as votes against such proposals.

 

The three nominees in Proposal No. 1 receiving the highest number of votes cast by the holders of common stock represented and voting at the meeting will be elected as AIM’s Directors and constitute the entire Board of Directors of AIM.

 

The affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares represented and voting at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present is necessary for approval of Proposals No. 2 and 3.

 

Although the advisory vote on Proposal No. 3 is non-binding — as provided by law — our Compensation Committee will review the results of the votes and will take them into account in making a determination concerning executive compensation.

 

Where will I be able to find voting results of the Annual Meeting?

 

The Company intends to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting and will publish final voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the SEC within four business days after the Annual Meeting.

 

How do I vote my common shares?

 

If you are a Stockholder as of the record date, you can vote your shares in one of the following manners:

 

  by completing, signing, dating, and returning the enclosed proxy card(s); or
     
  by telephone or Internet by following the instructions shown on the enclosed proxy card or voting form.

 

Registered Stockholders may vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a Street Name Stockholder and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you may do so by obtaining a “legal proxy” from your broker. Please see What if my common shares are held in “Street Name” by my broker? below.

 

Please refer to the specific instructions set forth on the proxy materials you received.

 

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Can I change my vote after I have mailed in my proxy card(s) or submitted my vote using the Internet or telephone?

 

Yes, if you are a registered Stockholder, you can change your vote in any one of the following ways:

 

  sending a written notice to the Corporate Secretary of the Company that is received prior to the Annual Meeting and stating that you revoke your proxy; or
     
  signing and dating a new proxy card(s) and submitting the proxy card(s) to the Company’s Corporate Secretary or AST so that it is received prior to the Annual Meeting; or
     
  voting by telephone or by using the Internet prior to the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions provided with the proxy card(s); or
     
  attending the Annual Meeting and voting during the meeting.

 

Your simple presence at the Annual Meeting will not revoke your proxy. You must take affirmative action at the Annual Meeting in order to revoke your proxy.

 

If you are a Street Name Stockholder, you must contact your broker, bank, trust, or other nominee in order to revoke your proxy. If you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must contact your broker and request a document called a “legal proxy.” You must bring this legal proxy to the Annual Meeting in order to vote during the meeting. Please see What if my common shares are held in “Street Name” by my broker? below.

 

How will my proxy be voted?

 

If you complete, sign, date and return your proxy card(s) or vote by telephone or by using the Internet, your proxy will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you sign and date your proxy card(s) but do not indicate how you want to vote, your common shares will be voted as the Board recommends for each of the proposals.

 

What if my common shares are held in “Street Name” by my broker?

 

You should instruct your broker how you would like to vote your shares by using the written instruction form and envelope provided by your broker. If you do not provide your broker with instructions, under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), your broker may, but is not required to, vote your common shares with respect to certain “routine” matters. However, on other matters, when the broker has not received voting instructions from its customers, the broker cannot vote the shares on the matter and a “broker non-vote” occurs. Proposal No. 2 is the only routine matter to be voted on by the Stockholders on this year’s ballot. Proposals No. 1 and 3 are not considered routine matters under the NYSE rules. This means that brokers may not vote your common shares on such proposals if you have not given your broker specific instructions as to how to vote. Please be sure to give specific voting instructions to your broker so that your vote can be counted. If you hold your common shares in your broker’s name and wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must contact your broker and request a document called a “legal proxy.” You must obtain this legal proxy in order to vote at the Annual Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, management strongly recommends that you vote your shares prior to attending the meeting.

 

What are the Board’s recommendations on how I should vote my common shares?

 

The Board recommends that you vote your common shares as follows:

 

  1. FOR the election of each of the three Director nominees (see Proposal 1);
     
  2. FOR the ratification of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2021 (see Proposal 2);
     
  3. FOR the advisory resolution approving the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as described in this Proxy Statement (see Proposal 3);

 

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Does the Company have cumulative voting?

 

No.

 

Who may attend the Annual Meeting?

 

All Stockholders are eligible to attend the Annual Meeting. However, only those Stockholders of record at the close of business on August 10, 2021, are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

Do I need an admission ticket to attend the Annual Meeting?

 

Admission tickets are not required to attend the Annual Meeting. If you hold your common shares through a nominee or you are a Street Name Stockholder, you are required to bring evidence of share ownership to the Annual Meeting (e.g., account statement, broker verification).

 

Who can answer my questions?

 

If you have any questions regarding any of the proposals or how to vote your shares, or if you need additional copies of the proxy materials please contact Dianne Will, Corporate Affairs for AIM, 518-398-6222 (collect calls will be accepted) or via email at IR@AIMImmuno.com.

 

HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS

 

In some instances, only one copy of the proxy materials is being delivered to multiple Stockholders sharing an address, unless the Company has received instructions from one or more of the Stockholders to continue to deliver multiple copies. The Company will deliver promptly, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the applicable materials to a Stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy was delivered. If you wish to receive a separate copy of the proxy materials you may call the Company at (352) 448-7797 or send a written request to AIM ImmunoTech Inc., 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala FL 34473, Attention: Secretary. If you wish to receive a separate copy of the proxy materials, and wish to receive a separate copy for each Stockholder in the future, you may call the Company at the telephone number or write the Company at the address listed above. Alternatively, Stockholders sharing an address who now receive multiple copies of the proxy materials may request delivery of a single copy, also by calling the Company at the telephone number or writing to the Company at the address listed above.

 

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

 

Proposals of Stockholders to be considered for inclusion in the Proxy Statement and proxy card for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company’s Secretary, at AIM ImmunoTech Inc., 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, Florida 34473 no later than April 19, 2022 Any such proposals when submitted must be in full compliance with applicable law, including Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, and our Amended and Restated Bylaws.

 

Pursuant to the Company’s Restated and Amended Bylaws, all Stockholder proposals may be brought before an Annual Meeting of Stockholders only upon timely notice thereof, in writing, to the Secretary of the Company. To propose business or to nominate a Director for our 2022 Annual Meeting not for inclusion in next year’s proxy statement and proxy card, a Stockholder’s notice, for all Stockholder proposals other than the nomination of candidates for director, shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than sixty (60) nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after such anniversary date, the Stockholder’s notice in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made, whichever first occurs. To be timely, a Stockholder’s notice, with respect to a Stockholder proposal for nomination of candidates for director, shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not less than ninety (90) nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding Annual Meeting of Stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the Annual Meeting is called for a date that is not within thirty (30) days before or after such anniversary date, the Stockholder’s notice in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the Annual Meeting was mailed or public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting was made, whichever first occurs. Provided, however, in the event that the Stockholder proposal relates to the nomination of candidates for director and the number of Directors to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Company at an Annual Meeting is increased and there is no public announcement by the Company naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board of Directors at least one hundred days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s Annual Meeting, a Stockholder’s notice shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Company. All Stockholder proposals must contain all of the information required under the Company’s Bylaws, a copy of which is available upon written request, at no charge, from the Secretary. The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and other applicable requirements.

 

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INFORMATION CONCERNING BOARD MEETINGS

 

The Board of Directors is responsible for the management and direction of AIM and for establishing broad corporate policies. A primary responsibility of the Board is to provide effective governance over the Company’s affairs for the benefit of its Stockholders. In all actions taken by the Board, the Directors are expected to exercise their business judgment in what they reasonably believe to be the best interests of the Company. In discharging that obligation, Directors may rely on the honesty and integrity of the Company’s senior Executives and its outside advisers and auditors.

 

The Board of Directors and various committees of the Board meet periodically throughout the year to receive and discuss operating and financial reports presented by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as reports by other members of Senior Management, experts and other advisers. Members of the Board are expected to attend Board meetings unless the meeting is held by teleconference. The Board held 6 meetings in 2020 and executed 17 unanimous consents. All Directors were in attendance for the meetings.

 

In 2020, the non-employee (independent) members of the Board of Directors meet without employee Directors or management personnel present. Interested persons who wish to contact the Chairman of the Board or other non-employee Directors, can do so by sending written comments through the Office of the Secretary of the Company at AIM ImmunoTech Inc., 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, Florida 34473. The Office will either forward the original materials as addressed, or provide Directors with summaries of the correspondence, with the originals available for review at the Directors’ request.

 

CONDUCT OF THE MEETING

 

The Chairman of our Board (or any person designated by our Board) has broad authority to conduct the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in an orderly manner. This authority includes establishing rules of conduct for Stockholders who wish to address the meeting, including limiting questions to the order of business and to a certain amount of time. Copies of these rules will be available at the meeting. To ensure that the meeting is conducted in a manner that is fair to all Stockholders, the Chairman (or such person designated by our Board) may also exercise broad discretion in recognizing Stockholders who wish to speak, in determining the extent of discussion on each item of business and in managing disruptions or disorderly conduct.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Our Board has adopted corporate governance guidelines. These guidelines address items such as the standards, qualifications and responsibilities of our directors and director candidates and corporate governance policies and standards applicable to us in general. In addition, we have a code of conduct that applies to all our employees, including our executive officers and our directors. Both the guidelines and the code of conduct are posted under “Corporate Governance” in the Investors section of our website at https://aimimmuno.com/corporate-governance/. We will disclose under “Corporate Governance” in the Investors section of our website any amendments to, or any waivers under, the code of conduct that are required to be disclosed by the rules of the SEC. The charters of each of the Board’s Audit, Compensation, Disclosure Controls, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees are also posted on our website. Detailed information on our Board and its committees can be found within the attached document.

 

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INFORMATION CONCERNING COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

 

The Board of Directors maintains the following committees:

 

Executive Committee

 

In February 2016, our Board formed the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee reports to the Board and its purpose is to aid the Board in handling matters which, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Board, should not be postponed until the next scheduled meeting of the Board. Mr. Equels, our Chief Executive Officer is the chairman of the Committee, along with two of our independent directors, Mr. Appelrouth and Dr. Mitchell. The full text of the Executive Committee Charter, as approved by the Board, is available on our website: www.aimimmuno.com in the “Investor Relations” tab under “Corporate Governance”. The Committee did not meet in 2020.

 

Compensation Committee

 

This Committee formally met six times in 2020 and all committee members were in attendance for the meeting. Our General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources support the Compensation Committee in its work. The Compensation Committee is currently composed of Dr. William M. Mitchell, the Committee Chair and Director, and Mr. Stewart L. Appelrouth, Director. Please see “COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS” below. The full text of the Compensation Committee Charter, as approved by the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee, is available on our website: https://aimimmuno.com/corporate-governance/.

 

Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee

 

In 2020, the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee met one time. All committee members were in attendance for the meeting. The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee consists of Dr. William M. Mitchell, Committee Chair and Director, and Mr. Stewart L. Appelrouth, Director.

 

All of the members of the Committee meet the independence standards contained within the NYSE American Company Guide and the AIM Corporate Governance Guidelines. The full text of the Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee Charter as well as the Corporate Governance Guidelines, are available on our website: https://aimimmuno.com/corporate-governance/.

 

As discussed below, the Committee is responsible for recommending candidates to be nominated by the Board for election by the Stockholders or to be appointed by the Board of Directors to fill vacancies consistent with the criteria approved by the Board. It also is responsible for periodically assessing AIM’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and making recommendations to the Board for amendments, recommending to the Board the compensation of Directors, taking a leadership role in shaping corporate governance, and overseeing an annual evaluation of the Board.

 

The Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee is responsible for identifying candidates who are eligible under the qualification standards set forth in AIM’s Corporate Governance Guidelines to serve as members of the Board. The Committee is authorized to retain search firms and other consultants to assist it in identifying candidates and fulfilling its other duties. The Committee is not limited to any specific process in identifying candidates and will consider candidates suggested by Stockholders. In recommending Board candidates, the Committee considers a candidate’s: (1) general understanding of elements relevant to the success of a publicly traded company in the current business environment; (2) understanding of AIM’s business; and (3) diversity in educational and professional background. The Committee also gives consideration to a candidate’s judgment, competence, dedication and anticipated participation in Board activities, experience, geographic location and special talents or personal attributes.

 

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Stockholders who wish to suggest qualified candidates should write to the Corporate Secretary, AIM ImmunoTech Inc., 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, Florida 34473, stating in detail the qualifications of such persons for consideration by the Committee.

 

The Company aspires to the highest standards of ethical conduct; reporting results with accuracy and transparency; and maintaining full compliance with the laws, rules and regulations that govern the Company’s business. AIM’s Corporate Governance Guidelines embody many of our policies and procedures which are at the foundation of our commitment to best practices. The guidelines are reviewed annually, and revised if deemed necessary, to continue to reflect best practices.

 

Disclosure Controls Committee

 

The Disclosure Controls Committee (“DCC”) reports to the Audit Committee and is responsible for procedures and guidelines on managing disclosure information. The purpose of the DCC is to make certain that information required to be publicly disclosed is properly accumulated, recorded, summarized and communicated to the Board and management. This process is intended to allow for timely decisions regarding communications and disclosures and to help ensure that we comply with related SEC rules and regulations. Ellen M. Lintal is the DCC’s Investor Relations Coordinator and Chairperson. The other members of the DCC are Peter Rodino, our General Counsel, William Mitchell, one of our Independent Directors, Dr. David Strayer, Medical Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Jodie Pelz, our Controller, and Ann Marie Coverly, Director of HR and Administration serving as the Deputy Investor Relations Coordinator. The full text of the DCC’s Charter, as approved by the Board, is available on our website: www.aimimmuno.com in the “Investor Relations” tab under “Corporate Governance”. The DCC actively met on numerous occasions in 2020.

 

Audit Committee and Audit Committee Expert

 

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors consists of William Mitchell, M.D. and Stewart L. Appelrouth. Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Appelrouth, both determined by the Board of Directors to be Independent Directors as required under Section 803(2) of the NYSE: American Company Guide and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The Board has determined that Mr. Appelrouth qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined by Section 803B(2) of the NYSE: American Company Guide and the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

We believe Dr. Mitchell and Mr. Appelrouth to be independent of management and free of any relationship that would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as members of this Committee. The principal functions of the Audit Committee are to (i) assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the annual independent audit of our consolidated financial statements and management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting, the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm and the evaluation of the independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications, independence and performance; (ii) prepare the reports or statements as may be required by NYSE American or the securities laws; (iii) assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the integrity of our financial statements and financial reporting process and our system of internal accounting and financial controls; (iv) discuss the financial statements and reports with management, including any significant adjustments, management judgments and estimates, new accounting policies and disagreements with management; and (v) review disclosures by our independent registered public accounting firm concerning relationships with us and the performance of our independent accountants.

 

This Audit Committee formally met five times in 2020 with all committee members in attendance. Our General Counsel and Chief Financial Officer support the Audit Committee in its work. The full text of the Audit Committee’s Charter, as approved by the Board, is available on our website: www.aimimmuno.com in the “Investor Relations” tab under “Corporate Governance”.

 

-11-

 

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee (the “Committee”) is to assist the Board of Directors in discharging its oversight responsibilities with respect to financial matters and compliance with laws and regulations. The primary methods used by the Committee to fulfill its responsibility with respect to financial matters are:

 

  To appoint, evaluate, and as the Committee may deem appropriate, terminate, and replace the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  To monitor the independence of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  To determine the compensation of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  To pre-approve any audit services, and any non-audit services permitted under applicable law, to be performed by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  To review the Company’s risk exposures, the adequacy of related controls and policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management;
     
  To monitor the integrity of the Company’s financial reporting processes and systems of control regarding finance, accounting, legal compliance and information systems;
     
  To facilitate and maintain an open avenue of communication among the Board of Directors, Management and the Company’s independent registered public accountants; and
     
  To provide oversight of the DCC to monitor their successful implementation of that Committee’s Charter, policies and procedures.

 

In discharging its responsibilities in 2020 relating to internal controls, accounting and financial reporting policies and auditing practices, the Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”), the overall scope and process for its audit. The Committee regularly met with BDO, with and without Management present, to discuss the results of its examinations, the consideration of our internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

 

The Committee also undertook all required discussions with BDO during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 of such matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”), rules of the SEC and other applicable regulations. The Committee received from BDO the written and oral disclosures and the letter required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding BDO’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and discussed with BDO the independence of their firm.

 

The Committee has met and held discussions with Management. The Committee has reviewed and discussed with Management AIM’s audited consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as well as the internal control requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements referred to above be included in the Company’s Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

This report is respectfully submitted by the current members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Stewart K. Appelrouth, Committee Chairman

Dr. William M. Mitchell

 

Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

The Board evaluates its leadership structure and role in risk oversight on a periodic basis. The Board determines what leadership structure it deems appropriate based on factors such as the experience of the applicable individuals, the current business environment of our Company and other relevant factors.

 

The Board is also responsible for oversight of our risk management practices while Management is responsible for the day-to-day risk management processes. Our Executive Management team evaluates enterprise risks and shares their assessment of such risks with the Audit Committee or the full Board for oversight. In addition, financial risks and our internal control environment are overseen by the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee considers how risks taken by Management could impact the value of executive compensation.

 

-12-

 

 

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

 

Our Board of Directors adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for Officers, Directors and employees. This Code has been presented and reviewed by each Officer, Director, employee, agent and key consultant. You may obtain a copy of this Code by visiting our web site at www.aimimmuno.com (Investor Relations/Corporate Governance) or by written request to our office at 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, FL 34473. Our Board of Directors is required to approve any waivers of the Code for Directors or executive Officers and we are required to disclose any such waiver in a Current Report on Form 8-K within four business days. On an annual basis, this Code is reviewed and signed by each Officer, Director, employee and strategic consultant with none of the amendments constituting a waiver of provision of the Code of Ethics on behalf of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions.

 

Communication with the Board of Directors

 

Interested parties wishing to contact the Board of Directors of the Company may do so by writing to the following address: AIM ImmunoTech Board of Directors, c/o Peter W. Rodino III, Corporate Secretary, 2117 SW Highway 484, Ocala, Florida 34473. All letters received will be categorized and processed by the Corporate Counsel or Secretary, and then forwarded to the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Director Attendance at Annual Meetings of Stockholders

 

Directors are encouraged, but not required, to attend the Annual Meeting absent unusual circumstances, although we have no formal policy on the matter. All of the Directors attended the 2020 virtual Annual Meeting.

 

INFORMATION CONCERNING EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following sets forth biographical information about each of our Executive Officers as of the date of this report:

 

Name   Age   Position
Thomas K. Equels, M.S., J.D.   69   Executive Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
Peter W. Rodino, III, Esq.   69   Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director Gov’t Relations, General Counsel and Secretary
Ellen M. Lintal   62   Chief Financial Officer

 

THOMAS K. EQUELS, Esq., has been a Director and serves as the Company’s Executive Vice Chairman (since 2008), Chief Executive Officer (since 2016) and President (since 2015). Mr. Equels was the owner of and former President and Managing Director of the Equels Law Firm headquartered in Miami, Florida that focused on litigation. For over a quarter century, Mr. Equels represented national and state governments as well as companies in the banking, insurance, aviation, pharmaceutical and construction industries. Mr. Equels received his Juris Doctor degree with high honors from Florida State University. He received his Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, from Troy University and also obtained his Masters’ of Science Degree from Troy University. Mr. Equels began his professional career as a military pilot. He served in Vietnam and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and fifteen Air Medals. In 2012, he was Knighted by Pope Benedict.

 

-13-

 

 

 

PETER W. RODINO III has been a Director since July 2013. On September 30, 2016, Mr. Rodino resigned as a member of our Board to permit him to serve us in a new capacity. Effective October 1, 2016, we retained Mr. Rodino as our Executive Director for Governmental Relations, and as our General Counsel and, as of October 16, 2019, Mr. Rodino assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Rodino has been our Secretary since November 2016. Mr. Rodino has broad legal, financial, and executive experience. In addition to being President of Rodino Consulting LLC and managing partner at several law firms during his many years as a practicing attorney, he served as Chairman and CEO of Crossroads Health Plan, the first major Health Maintenance Organization in New Jersey. He also has had experience as an investment executive in the securities industry and acted as trustee in numerous Chapter 11 complex corporate reorganizations. Previously, as founder and president of Rodino Consulting, Mr. Rodino provided business and government relations consulting services to smaller companies with a focus on helping them develop business plans, implement marketing strategies and acquire investment capital. Mr. Rodino holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from Seton Hall University.

 

ELLEN M. LINTAL has been our Chief Financial Officer since September 16, 2019. Ms. Lintal has more than two decades of prior public company and non-profit experience. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Elmira College. Ms. Lintal served for several years as a Chief Financial Officer and SVP of Finance & Control for an international non-profit Organization and public accounting experience at Corning Inc, Carlisle Companies and AGY where she led the organizational focus on financial management, strategic planning and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining the Company Ms. Lintal was the CFO for the National Wild Turkey Federation, an international non-profit organization.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

 

Our policy is to require that any transaction with a related party required to be reported under applicable SEC rules, other than compensation related matters and waivers of our code of business conduct and ethics, be reviewed and approved or ratified by a majority of independent, disinterested Directors. We have adopted procedures in which the Audit Committee shall conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an annual and case-by-case basis with the approval of this Committee required for all such transactions.

 

We have employment agreements with certain of our executive officers and have granted such Officers and Directors options and warrants to purchase our common stock, as discussed under the headings, “Compensation of Executive Officers” and “Principal Stockholders”.

 

COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following “Named Executive Officers” (“NEO”) are included in the narratives, tables and related disclosures that follow:

 

Thomas K. Equels, Chief Executive Officer(“CEO”) and President;
Ellen Lintal, Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”); and
Peter Rodino, Chief Operating Officer (“COO”), Executive Director for Governmental Relations General Counsel and Company Secretary.

 

Governance of Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee consists of the following two directors, each of whom is “independent” under applicable NYSE American rules, a “Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, and an “Outside Director” as defined under the U.S. Treasury regulations promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”): Dr. William Mitchell, M.D. (Chair) and Stewart L. Appelrouth. The Compensation Committee makes recommendations concerning salaries and compensation for senior management and other highly paid professionals or consultants to AIM. The full text of the Compensation Committee’s Charter, as approved by the Board, is available on our website: www.aimimmuno.com in the “Investor Relations” tab under “Corporate Governance”.

 

-14-

 

 

This Committee formally met six times in 2020 and all committee members were in attendance. Our General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources support the Compensation Committee in its work.

 

Results of Stockholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

 

At the October 7, 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Stockholders approved the annual, non-binding advisory vote on Executive Compensation.

 

Objectives and Philosophy of Executive Compensation

 

The primary objectives of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors with respect to Executive compensation are to attract and retain the most talented and dedicated Executives possible, to tie annual and long-term cash and stock incentives to achievement of measurable performance objectives, and to align Executives’ incentives with Stockholder value creation. To achieve these objectives, the Compensation Committee expects to implement and maintain compensation plans that tie a substantial portion of Executives’ overall compensation to key strategic financial and operational goals such as the establishment and maintenance of key strategic relationships, the development of our products, the identification and advancement of additional products and the performance of our common stock price. The Compensation Committee evaluates individual Executive performance with the goal of setting compensation at levels the Committee believes are comparable with Executives in other companies of similar size and stage of development operating in the biotechnology industry while taking into account our relative performance, our own strategic goals, governmental regulations and the results of Stockholder Advisory Votes regarding executive compensation.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The following table provides information on the compensation during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 of Thomas Equels, our Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Lintal, our Chief Financial Officer, and Peter Rodino, who, during 2018 was our General Counsel and Secretary, constituting the Company’s Named Executive Officers, based on the year ended 2020 for each fiscal year.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

Name & Principal Position   Year     Salary / Fees $ (2)     Bonus
$
    Stock Awards $     Option Awards
$ (1)
    Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation $     Change in Pension Valued and NQDC Earnings $     All Other Compensation $     Total $ (1)  
Thomas K Equels     2020       806,599       652,000             1,139,267                   65,509       2,663,375  
CEO & President(2)3     2019       703,125             46,875       62,537                       70,702       883,239  
                                                                       
Ellen Lintal     2020       239,583       177,000             111,616                   25,403       553,602  
CFO (4)     2019       143,750             10,417                         33,575       187,742  
                                                                         
Peter Rodino     2020       394,792       244,500             111,616                   42,570       793,478  
COO, General Counsel     2019       333,333             21,875       29,184                       45,710       430,102  
& Secretary (5)                                                                        

 

-15-

 

 

Notes:

 

(1) All option awards were valued using the Black-Scholes method.
   
(2) For Named Executive Officers, who are also Directors that receive compensation for their services as a Director, the Salary/Fees and Option Awards columns include compensation that was received by them for their role as a member of the Board of Directors. As is required by Regulation S-K, Item 402(c), compensation for services as a Director have been reported within the “Summary Compensation Table” (above) for fiscal years of 2020 and 2019 as well as reported separately in the “Compensation of Directors” section (see below) for calendar year 2020.
   
  As stated in Thomas Equels’ prior employment contract, he is entitled to 5% of Ampligen sales. In the years 2019 and 2018, a bonus of 5% of Ampligen sales totaled $37,425 and was accrued. In 2020 Mr. Equels’ was paid $44,100, representing the 2020 sales bonus of $6,675 and the previous years accrued sales bonuses of $37,425. Pursuant to his current employment agreement, Mr. Equels is entitled to 3% of the “Gross Proceeds” (as defined in the employment agreement) for “significant events” (as described in the employment agreement) There were no payments during 2020.

 

(3) Mr. Equels’ All Other Compensations consists of:

 

    2020     2019  
Life & Disability Insurance   $ 27,131     $ 32,642  
Healthcare Insurance     20,378       20,060  
Car Expenses/Allowance     18,000       18,000  
401(k) Matching Funds            
Total   $ 65,509     $ 70,702  
                 

 

(4) Ms. Lintal’s All Other Compensations consists of:

 

    2020     2019  
Life & Disability Insurance   $ 2,383     $ 3,407  
Healthcare Insurance     8,620       19,368  
Car Expenses/Allowance     14,400       10,800  
401(k) Matching Funds            
Total   $ 25,403     $ 33,575  
                 

 

(5) Mr. Rodino’s All Other Compensations consists of:

 

    2020     2019  
Life & Disability Insurance   $ 2,542     $ 4,560  
Healthcare Insurance     25,629       26,750  
Car Expenses/Allowance     14,400       14,400  
401(k) Matching Funds            
Total   $ 42,570     $ 45,710  

 

-16-

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End     Option Awards     Stock Awards  
Name     Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable       Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable       Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#)       Options Exercise Price ($)     Option Expiration Date     Number of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested (#)       Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that Have Not Vested ($)       Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested (#)       Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights that Have Not Vested ($)  
                                                                                                   
Thomas K Equels     190                   153.12     6/6/2022                        
President and Chief     569                   163.68     6/11/2022                        
Executive Officer     569                   163.68     6/6/2023                        
      285                   132.00     8/2/2023                        
      569                   190.08     6/6/2024                        
      569                   132.00     6/8/2025                        
      569                   73.92     6/8/2026                        
      6,819                   24.64     6/8/2027                        
      323                   21.56     6/15/2027                        
      324                   21.56     6/30/2027                        
      412                   21.12     7/15/2027                        
      473                   18.48     7/31/2027                        
      485                   18.04     8/15/2027                        
      556                   15.84     8/31/2027                        
      8,446                   16.28     2/13/2028                        
      2,841                   16.72     4/12/2028                        
      6,819                   13.20     5/16/2028                        
      5,682                   13.20     5/16/2028                        
      3,666                   13.64     7/18/2028                        
      6,457                   9.68     10/17/2028                        
      23                   9.68     11/14/2028                        
      9,685                   9.68     1/28/2029                        
      100,000       200,000             3.05     8/12/2030                        
            300,000             1.96     11/11/2030                        
                                                                     
Total     156,331       500,000                                                      
                                                                     
Ellen Lintal     23                   9.68     11/14/2029                        
Chief Financial Officer           75,000             1.85     12/9/2030                          
                                                                     
Total     23       75,000                                            
                                                                     
Peter Rodino     285                   132.00     8/2/2023                        
COO, General Counsel and Secretary     285                   68.65     6/21/2026                        
      151                   21.56     6/15/2027                        
      151                   21.56     6/30/2027                        
      193                   21.12     7/15/2027                        
      221                   18.48     7/31/2027                        
      227                   18.04     8/15/2027                        
      260                   15.84     8/31/2027                        
      3,942                   16.28     2/13/2028                        
      2,273                   16.72     4/12/2028                        
      2,652                   13.20     5/16/2028                        
      1,711                   13.64     7/18/2028                        
      3,013                   9.68     10/17/2028                        
      23                   9.68     11/14/2028                        
      4,520                   9.68     1/28/2029                        
            75,000             1.85     12/9/2030                        
                                                                     
Total     19,908       75,000                                            

 

-17-

 

 

Payments on Disability

 

As of December 31, 2020, we had an employment agreement with Mr. Equels which entitled him to his base salary, applicable benefits otherwise due and payable through the last day of the month in which disability occurs and for an additional two-year period. All of his unvested options vest too. On March 24, 2021, we entered into employment agreements with Mr. Rodino and Ms. Lintal which entitled them to their base salary, applicable benefits otherwise due and payable through the last day of the month in which disability occurs and for an additional two year period. All of each NEO’s unvested options vest too. In addition, each NEO has the same short and long-term disability coverage which is available to all eligible employees. The coverage for short-term disability provides up to six months of full salary continuation up to 60% of weekly pay, less other income, with a $1,500 weekly maximum limit. The coverage for group long-term disability provides coverage at the exhaustion of short-term disability benefits of full salary continuation up to 60% of monthly pay, less other income, with a $10,000 monthly maximum limit. The maximum benefit period for the group long-term disability coverage is 60 months for those age 60 and younger at the time of the claim with the coverage period proportionately reduced with the advanced age of the eligible employee to a minimum coverage period of 12 months for those of 69 years old and older as of the date of the claim. For the period June 2010 through December 2020, Mr. Equels was entitled to receive total disability coverage of $400,000 pursuant to his employment agreement and payable by us.

 

Payments on Death

 

Pursuant to their employment agreements, the NEOS are entitled to their base salary and applicable benefits otherwise due and payable through the last day of the month in which death occurs and for an additional two-year period. In addition, all of their unvested options vest. Each NEO has coverage of group life insurance, along with accidental death and dismemberment benefits, consistent to the dollar value available to all eligible employees. The benefit is equal to two times current salary or wage with a maximum limit of $300,000, plus any supplemental life insurance elected and paid for by the NEO. For the period June 2010 and through December 2020, Mr. Equels is entitled to receive total death benefit coverage of $3,000,000 pursuant to his employment agreement and payable by us.

 

Estimated Payments Following Severance — Named Executive Officers (NEO)

 

Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Equels is entitled to severance benefits on certain types of employment terminations not related to a change in control or termination not for cause. Mr. Rodino and Ms. Lintal are not covered by an employment severance agreement and therefore would only receive severance as determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

 

The dollar amounts below assume that the termination occurred on January 1, 2021. The actual dollar amounts to be paid can only be determined at the time of the NEO’s separation from us based on their prevailing compensation and employment agreements along with any determination by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

 

-18-

 

 

Name   Event   Cash
Severance
($)
    Value of Stock
Awards That
Will Become
Vested (1) ($)
    Continuation of
Medical Benefits
($)
    Additional
Life
Insurance
($)
    Total
($)
 
Thomas K. Equels,   Involuntary (no cause)   $ 4,180,000     $ 1,139,000                 $ 5,319,000  
CEO & President   Termination (for cause)                              
    Death or disability   $ 4,180,000     $ 1,139,000                 $ 5,319,000  
    Termination by employee or retirement         $ 1,139,000                 $ 1,139,000  
                                             
Ellen Lintal   Involuntary (no cause)                              
CFO   Termination (for cause)                              
    Death or disability                              
    Termination by employee or retirement                              
                                             
Peter Rodino   Involuntary (no cause)                              
COO, General Counsel and   Termination (for cause)                              
Secretary   Death or disability                              
    Termination by employee or retirement                              

 

Notes:

 

  (1) Consists of stock options contractually required per the employee’s respective employment agreement or arrangement to be granted during each calendar year of the term under our 2018 Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options have a ten-year term and an exercise price equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. The value was obtained using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718.

 

Payments on Termination in Connection with a Change in Control of Named Executive Officers

 

Pursuant to their employment agreements, each NEO is entitled to severance benefits on certain types of employment terminations related to a change in control. In such event, the term of their employment agreements would automatically be extended for three additional years, except where such change in control occurs as a result of certain “significant events” (as described in his or her employment agreement).

 

The dollar amounts in the chart below assume that change in control termination occurred on January 1, 2021, based on the employment agreements that existed at that time. The actual dollar amounts to be paid can only be determined at the time of the NEO’s separation from us based on their prevailing compensation and employment agreements along with any determination by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

 

-19-

 

 

Estimated Benefits on Termination Following a Change in Control — December 31, 2020

 

The following table shows potential payments to the NEO if employment terminates following a change in control under contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements at December 31, 2020. The amounts assume a January 4, 2021 termination date regarding base pay and use of the opening price of $1.79 on the NYSE American for our common stock at that date.

 

Name   Aggregate
Severance Pay
($)
  PVSU
Acceleration
(2) ($)
  Early
Vesting
of
Restricted
Stock (4) (5) ($)
  Early
Vesting
of Stock
Options
and SARs
(3) ($)
  Acceleration
and
Vesting of
Supplemental
Award (5) ($)
  Welfare
Benefits
Continuation
($)
  Outplacement
Assistance
($)
  Parachute
Tax
Gross-up
Payment
($)
  Total
($)
Thomas K. Equels     3,472,000 (1)                 1,139,000     $ 1,298,843 (4)                     $ 5,909,843  
Ellen Lintal                                                      
Peter Rodino                                                      

 

 

Notes:

 

  (1) This amount represents the Base Salary and benefits for the remaining current term of the NEO’s employment agreement plus a three-year extension in the term upon the occurrence of a termination from a change in control. The employment agreement with Mr. Equels has a term through December 31, 2025. This amount excludes the following payments as they cannot be calculated unless and until certain events occur: Mr. Equels is entitled to 3% of the “Gross Proceeds” (as defined in the employment agreement) for “significant events” (as described in his employment agreement) and 3% of the Gross Proceeds from any sale of our company or substantially all of our assets.
     
  (2) This amount represents the payout of all outstanding performance-vesting share units (“PVSU”) awarded on a change in control at the target payout level with each award then pro-rated based on the time elapsed for the applicable three-year performance period.
     
  (3) This amount is the intrinsic value on January 4, 2021 ($1.79) per share) minus the weighted average share exercise price of $2.51 of all unvested stock options for each NEO, including Stock Appreciation Rights (“SAR”). Any option with an exercise price of greater than fair market value was assumed to be cancelled for no consideration and, therefore, had no intrinsic value.
     
  (4) This amount represents the options to be issued annually for the remaining term of the NEO’s employment agreement plus a three-year extension in the occurrence of termination from a change in control. For the purpose of this schedule, a NYSE American closing price at January 4, 2021 of $1.79 was used with an weighted average share price of $2.51 for Mr. Equels. The value was obtained using the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model for stock-based compensation in accordance with FASB ASC 718.
     
  (5) Any purchase rights represented by the Option not then vested shall, upon a change in control, shall become vested.

 

Post-Employment Compensation

 

The following is a description of post-employment compensation payable to the respective NEO. If a NEO does not have a specific benefit, they will not be mentioned in the subsection. In such event, the NEO does not have any such benefits upon termination unless otherwise required by law.

 

Termination for Cause

 

All of our NEOs can be terminated for cause. For each NEO “Cause” means willful engaging by any NEO in illegal conduct, gross misconduct or gross violation of our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct for Officers, which is demonstrably and materially injurious to our company. Mr. Equel’s agreement provides that he shall not be deemed to have been terminated for Cause unless and until we initiate a process by delivery to him a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the directors of the Board specifying the grounds for termination. After reasonable notice to Mr. Equels and an opportunity for him to be heard, the issues shall be adjudicated by a retired Florida judge or a Florida certified mediator mutually acceptable to the Board of Directors and Mr. Equels. Termination requires a finding that Mr. Equels was guilty of intentional and material misconduct according to the standards set forth above, and specifying the particulars thereof in detail supported by legally admissible evidence and utilizing the legal standard of beyond reasonable doubt. In the event that an NEO’s employment is terminated for Cause, we shall pay such NEO, at the time of such termination, only the compensation and benefits otherwise due and payable to him or her through the last day of his actual employment by us.

 

-20-

 

 

Termination without Cause

 

In the event that an NEO is terminated at any time without “Cause”, we shall pay to him or her, at the time of such termination, the compensation and benefits otherwise due and payable through the last day of the then current term of his or her Agreement. However, benefit distributions that are made due to a “separation from service” occurring while he or she is a Named Executive Officer shall not be made during the first six months following separation from service. Rather, any distribution which would otherwise be paid to him or her during such period shall be accumulated and paid to him or her in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following the “separation from service”. All subsequent distributions shall be paid in the manner specified.

 

Death or Disability

 

An NEO can be terminated for death or disability. “Disability” means the NEO’s inability effectively to carry out substantially all of his or her duties by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. In the event his or her employment is terminated due to his or her death or disability, we will pay him or her (or their estate as the case may be), at the time of such termination, his or her base salary, applicable benefits, and immediate vesting of unvested stock options. In the event of permanent disability, we will provide an additional two years of base salary.

 

Compensation of Directors

 

Our Compensation, Audit and Corporate Governance and Nomination Committees, consist of Dr. William M. Mitchell, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee Chair, and Stewart L. Appelrouth, Audit Committee Chair, both of whom are independent Board of Director members.

 

We reimburse Directors for travel expenses incurred in connection with attending board, committee, Stockholder and special meetings along with other Company business-related expenses. We do not provide retirement benefits or other perquisites to non-employee Directors under any current program.

 

There was no cost of living increase granted in 2019 or 2020. Directors’ fees were being deferred beginning in August 2018. When cash became available, they were paid their deferred fees in 2019.

 

All Directors have been granted options to purchase common stock under our Stock Option Plans and/or Warrants to purchase common stock. We believe such compensation and payments are necessary in order for us to attract and retain qualified outside directors. Options shares for stock compensation were issued under the 2009 and 2018 Equity Incentive Plans.

 

-21-

 

 

Director Compensation – 2020 & 2019

 

Name and Title of Director   Year     Fees Earned or
Paid in
Cash $
    Stock Award $     Option Award $     Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation $     Change in Pension Value & Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings $     All Other Compensation As Director $     Total $  
T. Equels     2020                   —                                      
Executive     2019                                            
Vice Chairman                                                                
                                                                 
W. Mitchell     2020       182,462               112,158                         294,620  
Chairman of     2019       182,462             37,766                         220,228  
the Board (1)                                                                
                                                                 
S. Appelrouth     2020       182,462             112,158                         294,620  
Director (1)     2019       182,462             37,766                         220,228  

 

Notes:

 

  (1) Independent Director of the Company. Beginning August 16, 2018, the independent directors are deferring payment of 100% of their director’s fees until cash is available. During 2019 cash became available and the directors were paid their deferred compensation.

 

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth as of August 10, 2021, the record date, the number and percentage of outstanding shares of common stock beneficially owned by:

 

  Each person, individually or as a group, known to us to be deemed the beneficial owners of five percent or more of our issued and outstanding common stock;
  Each of our Directors and the Named Executives Officers; and
  All of our officers and directors as a group.

 

Name and Address of  

Shares

Beneficially

   

% Of Shares

Beneficially

 
Beneficial Owner   Owned     Owned  
Thomas K. Equels, Executive Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President*     381,586 (1)           ** %  
                 
Peter W. Rodino III, Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel, Secretary*     69,153 (2)           ** %  
                 
William M. Mitchell, M.D., Chairman of the Board of Directors*     156,482 (3)           ** %  
                 
Stewart L. Appelrouth, Director*     171,753 (4)           ** %  
                 
Ellen Lintal, Chief Financial Officer*     24,144 (5)           ** %  
                 
All directors and executive officers as a group (5 persons)     803,118       0.017 %
                 
** Less than 1%                

 

(1)        For Mr. Equels, shares beneficially owned include 56,331 shares issuable upon exercise of options and excludes 500,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options not vested or not exercisable within the next 60 days.

 

(2)        For Mr. Rodino, shares beneficially owned include 19,908 shares issuable upon exercise of options and excludes 75,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options not vested or not exercisable within the next 60 days.

 

(3)       For Dr. Mitchell, shares beneficially owned include 80,070 shares issuable upon exercise of options. Also includes 190 shares of common stock owned by his spouse and 194 shares owned by family trusts.

 

(4)       For Mr. Appelrouth, shares beneficially owned include 79,215 shares issuable upon exercise of options.

 

(5)       For Ms. Lintal, shares beneficially owned include 23 shares issuable upon exercise of options and excludes 75,000 shares issuable upon exercise of options not vested or not exercisable within the next 60 days.

 

The following table gives information about our Common Stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020:

 

Plan Category   Number of
Securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants and
rights
    Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
Per Share
    Number of
securities
Remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans
(excluding
securities
reflected in
column) (a)
 
      (a)               (c)  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:     218,729     $ 2.76       28,268  
                         
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders:     376,236     $ 13.09       —-  
                         
Total     591,965     $ 2.63       228,268  

 

-22-

 

 

PROPOSALS TO STOCKHOLDERS

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1

 

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

Each nominee to the Board of Directors will serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or until his earlier resignation, removal from office, death or incapacity.

 

Unless otherwise specified, the enclosed proxy will be voted in favor of the election of Thomas K. Equels, William M. Mitchell and Stewart L. Appelrouth. Information is furnished below with respect to all nominees.

 

We believe our Board Members represent a desirable diversity of backgrounds, skills, education and experiences, and they all share the personal attributes of dedication to be effective directors. In recommending Board candidates, Corporate Governance and Nomination Committee considers a candidate’s: (1) general understanding of elements relevant to the success of a publicly traded company in the current business environment; (2) understanding of our business; and (3) diversity in educational and professional background. The Committee also gives consideration to a candidate’s judgment, competence, dedication and anticipated participation in Board activities along with experience, geographic location and special talents or personal attributes. The following are qualifications, experience and skills for Board members which are important to AIM’ business and its future:

 

Leadership Experience: We seek directors who have demonstrated strong leadership qualities. Such leaders bring diverse perspectives and broad business insight to our Company. The relevant leadership experience that we seek includes a past or current leadership role in a large or entrepreneurial company, a senior faculty position at a prominent educational institution or a past elected or appointed senior government position.

 

Industry or Academic Experience: We seek directors who have relevant industry experience, both with respect to the disease areas where we are developing new therapies as well as with the economic and competitive dynamics of pharmaceutical markets, including those in which our drugs will be prescribed.

 

Scientific, Legal or Regulatory Experience: Given the highly technical and specialized nature of biotechnology, we desire that certain of our directors have advanced degrees, as well as drug development experience. Since we are subject to substantial regulatory oversight, both here and abroad by the FDA and other agencies, we also desire directors who have legal or regulatory experience.

 

Finance Experience: We believe that our directors should possess an understanding of finance and related reporting processes, particularly given the complex budgets and long timelines associated with drug development programs.

 

THOMAS K. EQUELS, Esq., has been a Director and serves as the Company’s Executive Vice Chairman (since 2008), Chief Executive Officer (since 2016) and President (since 2015). Mr. Equels was the owner of and former President and Managing Director of the Equels Law Firm headquartered in Miami, Florida that focused on litigation. For over a quarter century, Mr. Equels represented national and state governments as well as companies in the banking, insurance, aviation, pharmaceutical and construction industries. Mr. Equels received his Juris Doctor degree with high honors from Florida State University. He received his Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, from Troy University and also obtained his Master of Science Degree from Troy University. Mr. Equels began his professional career as a military pilot. He served in Vietnam and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and fifteen Air Medals. In 2012, he was Knighted by Pope Benedict.

 

-23-

 

 

THOMAS K. EQUELS, Esq. - Director Qualifications:

 

  Leadership Experience – Military, Owner and former President, Managing Director of Equels Law Firm, Court appointed receiver in numerous industries;
     
 

Industry Experience – legal counsel, General Counsel, CFO and CEO to the Company; and

   
  Scientific, Legal or Regulatory Experience - Law degree with over 25 years as a practicing attorney specializing in litigation, development of clinical trials, creating intellectual property concepts, and established plan to finance drug development.

 

WILLIAM M. MITCHELL, M.D., Ph.D., has been a Director since July 1998 and Chairman of the Board since February 2016. Dr. Mitchell is a Professor of Pathology at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and is a board-certified physician. Dr. Mitchell earned a M.D. from Vanderbilt and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University, where he served as House Officer in Internal Medicine, followed by a Fellowship at its School of Medicine. Dr. Mitchell has published over 200 papers, reviews and abstracts that relate to viruses, anti-viral drugs, immune responses to HIV infection, and other biomedical topics. Dr. Mitchell has worked for and with many professional societies that have included the American Society of Investigative Pathology, the International Society for Antiviral Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the American Chemical Society, and the American Society of Microbiology. Dr. Mitchell is a member of the American Medical Association. He has served on numerous government review committees, among them the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health, including the initial AIDS and Related Research Review Group. Dr. Mitchell previously served as one of the Company’s Directors from 1987 to 1989.

 

WILLIAM M. MITCHELL, M.D., Ph.D. - Director Qualifications:

 

  Leadership Experience – Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Chronix Biomedical, a company involved in next generation DNA sequencing for medical diagnostics, until its recent acquisition/merger by the public company, Oncocyte, and was the former Chairman of its Medical Advisory Board. Additionally, he has served on multiple governmental review committees of the National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and for the European Union, including key roles as Chairman;
     
  Academic Experience - Well published medical researcher with extensive investigative experience on virus and immunology issues relevant to the Company’s scientific business; and
     
  Scientific, Legal or Regulatory Experience - M.D., Ph.D. and professor at a top ranked school of medicine, and inventor of record on numerous U.S. and international patents who is experienced in regulatory affairs through filings with the FDA.

 

STEWART L. APPELROUTH, CPA was appointed as a director of the Company and head of the Audit Committee in August 2016 and is a certified public accountant and partner at Appelrouth Farah & Co., P.A., Certified Public Accountants and Advisors. Mr. Appelrouth is also a certified forensic accountant and possesses 40 years of experience in Accounting and Consulting. He is a member of or has affiliations with the AICPA, American College of Forensic Examiners, FINRA Arbitrator, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Florida Bar Grievance Committee, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and InfraGard Member, a national information sharing program between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the private sector. Mr. Appelrouth graduated from Florida State University in 1975 and received his master’s degree in Finance from Florida International University in 1980.

 

STEWART L. APPELROUTH - Director Qualifications:

 

  Leadership Experience – has served in leadership positions on numerous Boards and other organizations;
     
  Industry Experience – Partner at certified public accounting and advisory firm; Certified Public Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner;
     
  Regulatory Experience – FINRA Arbitrator.
     
  Financial Expert – over 40 years of accounting and audit experience.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 1 TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF AIM AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” ALL THREE OF THE ABOVE-NAMED NOMINEE DIRECTORS OF AIM.

 

-24-

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 2

 

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

The Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed the firm of BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”) as independent registered public accounting firm of AIM for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, subject to ratification by the Stockholders. BDO has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since January 19, 2021.

 

All audit and professional services are approved in advance by the Audit Committee to assure such services do not impair the auditor’s independence from us. The total fees by BDO and our prior independent registered public accounting firm, Morrison, Brown, Argiz & Farra LLC (“MBAF”) for 2020 were $52,500 and $301,000, respectively. Total fees by MBAF for 2019 were $391,000. The following table shows the aggregate fees for professional services rendered during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

    Amount ($)  
    2020     2019  
Description of Fees:                
Audit Fees   $ 260,000     $ 299,500  
Audit-Related Fees     93,500       91,500  
Tax Fees            
All Other Fees            
Total   $ 353,500     $ 391,000  

 

Audit Fees

 

Audit fees include the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of our financial statements included in our quarterly reports and services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings.

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

Represents the fees for assurance and related services that were reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements. Audit-related fees include professional services related to the Company’s filing of SEC Form S-3 and S-8 (i.e., stock shelf offering procedures).

 

The Audit Committee has determined that BDO’s rendering of these audit-related services and all other fees were compatible with maintaining the independent registered public accounting firm’s independence. The Board of Directors considered BDO to be well qualified to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm. The Committee also pre-approved the charges for services performed in 2020 and 2019.

 

The Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing and accounting services and the terms thereof (which may include providing comfort letters in connection with securities underwriting) and non-audit services (other than non-audit services prohibited under Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act or the applicable rules of the SEC or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) to be provided to us by the independent registered public accounting firm; provided, however, the pre-approval requirement is waived with respect to the provisions of non-audit services for us if the “de minimus” provisions of Section 10A (i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act are satisfied. This authority to pre-approve non-audit services may be delegated to one or more members of the Audit Committee, who shall present all decisions to pre-approve an activity to the full Audit Committee at its first meeting following such decision.

 

Representatives of BDO USA, LLP are scheduled to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 2 TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF AIM AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL THEREOF.

 

-25-

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 3

 

ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE APPROVING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

We are asking our Stockholders to provide advisory approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”), as we have described at length in the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this proxy statement. While this vote is advisory and not binding on our Company relating to the compensation of our NEOs that almost entirely are contractually committed with generally no opportunity to revisit these prior decisions, your vote will provide investor sentiment to our Compensation Committee regarding our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices. As a result of the vote, the Committee will be able to consider this sentiment when determining future executive compensation.

 

Results of Stockholder Advisory Vote on Executive Compensation

 

At the October 7, 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Stockholders approved the annual, non-binding “say on pay” advisory vote on Executive Compensation with approximately 57% of the shares cast in favor of the proposal. Since that vote, the Compensation Committee has not made any revisions to the Executive Compensation program.

 

Objectives and Philosophy of Executive Compensation

 

The primary objectives of the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors with respect to Executive compensation are to attract and retain the most talented and dedicated Executives possible, to tie annual and long-term cash and stock incentives to achievement of measurable performance objectives, and to align Executives’ incentives with stockholder value creation. To achieve these objectives, the Compensation Committee expects to implement and maintain compensation plans that tie a substantial portion of Executives’ overall compensation to key strategic financial and operational goals such as the establishment and maintenance of key strategic relationships, the development of our products, the identification and advancement of additional products and the performance of our common stock price. The Compensation Committee evaluates individual Executive performance with the goal of setting compensation at levels the Committee believes are comparable with Executives in other companies of similar size and stage of development operating in the biotechnology industry while taking into account our relative performance, our own strategic goals, governmental regulations and the results of Stockholder Advisory Votes regarding executive compensation.

 

Your vote is requested. We believe that the information we’ve provided within the “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” section of this proxy statement demonstrates that our executive compensation program was designed appropriately and is working to ensure Management’s interests are aligned with our Stockholders’ interests to support long-term value creation. Accordingly, the Board of Directors recommends that Stockholders approve the program by approving the following advisory resolution:

 

RESOLVED, that the Stockholders of AIM ImmunoTech Inc. approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the individuals identified in the Summary Compensation Table, as disclosed in the AIM ImmunoTech Inc. Proxy Statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC, including Item 402 of Regulation S-K (which disclosure includes the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, the compensation tables and the accompanying footnotes and narratives within the EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION section of this proxy statement).

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DEEMS PROPOSAL NO. 3 TO BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF AIM AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS AND RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL THEREOF.

 

-26-

 

 

GENERAL

 

Unless contrary instructions are indicated on the Proxy Statement, all shares of common stock represented by valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation (and not revoked before they are voted) will be voted FOR the election of all Directors nominated, FOR Proposal No. 2, FOR Proposal No. 3 and FOR Proposal No. 4.

 

The Board of Directors knows of no business other than that set forth above to be transacted at the meeting, but if other matters requiring a vote of the Stockholders arise, the persons designated as proxies will vote the shares of common stock represented by the proxies in accordance with their judgment on such matters. If a Stockholder specifies a different choice on the proxy, his or her shares of common stock will be voted in accordance with the specification so made.

 

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. WE URGE YOU TO FILL IN, SIGN AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM OF PROXY IN THE PREPAID ENVELOPE PROVIDED, NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL YOUR HOLDINGS MAY BE.

 

  By Order of the Board of Directors,
  Peter W. Rodino, III, Secretary
   
Ocala, Fla.  
August 17, 2021  

 

-27-