SCHEDULE 14C INFORMATION
INFORMATION STATEMENT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 14 (C)
OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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Preliminary
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Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14c-5(d)
(2)
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Definitive
Information Statement
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YOUNGEVITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14(c)-5(g) and
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Youngevity International, Inc.
2400 Boswell Road
Chula Vista, CA 91914
(619) 934-3980
NOTICE
OF STOCKHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
To the
Stockholders of Youngevity International, Inc.:
This
Information Statement is furnished to the stockholders of
Youngevity International, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“YGYI” or the “Company”), in connection
with our prior receipt of approval by written consent, in lieu of a
special meeting, of the holders of a majority of our common stock
(see attached
Exhibit
A
) authorizing our board of directors, to amend (X) our
Certificate of Incorporation to effectuate: (i) a reverse stock
split (the “Reverse Split”) of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock at a ratio to be determined in
the discretion of our board of directors within a range of one
share of common stock for every fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25)
shares of common stock (the “Reverse Split”); (ii) a
decrease in the number of shares of (a) common stock authorized
from 600,000,000 to 50,000,000 and (b) preferred stock authorized
from 100,000,000 to 5,000,000 (the “Decrease”);
concurrently with the Reverse Split; and (Y) our 2012 Stock Option
Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of
common stock available for grant and to expand the types of awards
available for grant (the “Plan
Amendments”).
On
February 23, 2017, we obtained the approval of the Reverse Split,
the Decrease and the Plan Amendments by written consent of
stockholders that are the record owners of 282,556,250 shares of
common stock which represent an aggregate of 282,556,250 votes or
approximately 71.9% of the voting power as of February 23,
2017. The Reverse Split, the Decrease and the Plan
Amendments cannot be effected, until 20 days after the mailing of
this Information Statement. The Reverse Split and Decrease will be
effected by the filing of an amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation with Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware. A copy of the Certificate of Amendment
that will be filed to effect the Reverse Split and the Decrease is
attached to this Information Statement as
Exhibit A
.
WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED TO NOT SEND
A PROXY.
Because the written consent of the
holders of a majority of our voting power satisfies all applicable
stockholder voting requirements, we are not asking for a proxy;
please do not send us one.
Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on February 23,
2017 shall be given a copy of the Information
Statement. The date on which this Information Statement
will be sent to stockholders will be on or about March 22,
2017.
The
accompanying Information Statement is for information purposes
only. Please read it carefully.
The
Information Statement serves as notice of the foregoing action
pursuant to the Written Consent in accordance with Section 228 of
the Delaware Law. The close of business on February 23, 2017 is the
record date (the “Record Date”) for the determination
of the holders of our common stock entitled to receive the
Information Statement. As of February 23, 2017, we had 600,000,000
shares of our common stock authorized and 392,698,557 shares of our
common stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of our
common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on matters
submitted for approval to the holders of our common
stock.
By
Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/
Stephan
Wallach
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Stephan
Wallach
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Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
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Chula
Vista, California
March
21, 2017
This
Information Statement is being furnished to all holders of our
common stock as of February 23, 2017 in connection with the action
taken by written consent of holders of approximately 71.9% of our
outstanding voting power to authorize the board of directors to
effectuate, the Reverse Split, Decrease and the Plan
Amendments.
ITEM 1.
INFORMATION STATEMENT
This
Information Statement is furnished to the stockholders of
Youngevity International, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(“YGYI” or the “Company”), in connection
with our prior receipt of approval by written consents, in lieu of
a special meeting, of the holders of a majority of our voting stock
authorizing our board of directors, to amend (X) our Certificate of
Incorporation to effectuate: (i) a reverse stock split (the
“Reverse Split”) of the issued and outstanding shares
of common stock at a ratio to be determined in the discretion of
our board of directors within a range of one share of common stock
for every fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) shares of common stock;
(ii) a decrease in the number of shares of (a) common stock
authorized from 600,000,000 to 50,000,000; (b) preferred stock
authorized from 100,000,000 to 5,000,000 (the
“Decrease”); concurrently with the Reverse Split; and
(Y) our 2012 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) to increase
the number of shares of common stock available for grant and to
expand the types of awards available for grant (the “Plan
Amendments”). On February 23, 2017, we obtained the approval
of the Reverse Split, Decrease and Plan Amendments by written
consent of the stockholders that are the record owners of
282,556,250 shares of common stock or approximately 71.9 % of the
voting power as of February 23, 2017.
The
Reverse Split, Decrease and Plan Amendments cannot be effectuated
until 20 days after the mailing of this Information Statement. The
Reverse Split and Decrease will be effected by the filing of an
amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with Secretary of
State of the State of Delaware with respect to the Reverse Split
and the Decrease. A copy of the Certificate of Amendment
that will be filed to effect the Reverse Split and the Decrease is
attached to this Information Statement as
Exhibit A
. A copy of
the Plan as amended and restated is attached to this Information
Statement as Exhibit B.
The
date on which this Information Statement will be sent to
stockholders will be on or about March 22, 2017, and it is being
furnished to all holders of our common stock and preferred stock on
record as of February 23, 2017.
The
board of directors and persons owning a majority of our outstanding
voting securities, have unanimously adopted, ratified and approved
the proposed actions. No other votes are required or
necessary.
The
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarterly period ended September
30, 2016 and the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2015, and any reports on Form 8-K filed by us during
the past year with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“SEC”) may be viewed on the SEC’s web site at
www.sec.gov
in the
Edgar Archives.
Only
one Information Statement is being delivered to multiple
stockholders sharing an address, unless we have received contrary
instructions from one or more of the stockholders. We will
undertake to deliver promptly upon written or oral request a
separate copy of the Information Statement to a stockholder at a
shared address to which a single copy of the Information Statement
was delivered. You may make a written or oral request by sending a
written notification to our principal executive offices stating
your name, your shared address, and the address to which we should
direct the additional copy of the Information Statement or by
calling our principal executive offices at (619) 934-3980. If
multiple stockholders sharing an address have received one copy of
this Information Statement and would prefer us to mail each
stockholder a separate copy of future mailings, you may send
notification to or call our principal executive offices.
Additionally, if current stockholders with a shared address
received multiple copies of this Information Statement and would
prefer us to mail one copy of future mailings to stockholders at
the shared address, notification of that request may also be made
by mail or telephone call to our principal executive
offices.
VOTE REQUIRED
A vote
by the holders of at least a majority of the Company’s
outstanding votes is required pursuant to our Bylaws and the
Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) to effect
the Reverse Split and the Decrease and is a condition for favorable
securities law and tax treatment under applicable Internal Revenue
Code rules and regulations laws for the Plan Amendments. The
Company’s Certificate of Incorporation does not authorize
cumulative voting. As of the record date, the Company had
392,698,557 voting shares of common stock issued and outstanding
and 161,135 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock issued
and outstanding. The Series A convertible preferred
stock is non-voting. 196,348,029 votes are required to pass
each of the Reverse Split, the Decrease and the Plan Amendments.
The consenting stockholders are entitled to 282,556,250 votes,
which represents approximately 71.9% of the issued and outstanding
votes with respect to the Company’s shares of common stock.
The consenting stockholders voted in favor of the amendments
to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to effectuate
the Reverse Split and the Decrease and for the Plan Amendments
described herein in a written consent, dated February 23,
2017.
PROPOSAL 1
GRANT AUTHORITY TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO CONDUCT UP TO A
ONE-FOR-TWENTY FIVE SHARE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT OF THE
COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK.
Purpose:
The Company’s board of directors has unanimously adopted a
resolution seeking stockholder approval to authorize the board of
directors, to amend the Company’s Certificate of
Incorporation to effectuate the Reverse Split upon receipt of all
necessary regulatory approvals and the passage of all necessary
waiting periods. The Reverse Split would reduce the number of
outstanding shares of our common stock but have no effect on the
number of outstanding shares of preferred stock; however, the
number of shares of common stock into which the preferred stock
will convert will decrease. The board of directors had determined
that it would be in the Company’s best interests to conduct a
reverse split of its common stock at a ratio to be determined in
the discretion of our board of directors within a range of one
share of common stock for every fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25)
shares of common stock and the Company has received the consent of
holders of a majority of the voting power of the Company’s
securities to authorize the board of directors to conduct the
Reverse Split.
The
primary purposes of the Reverse Split is to accomplish the
following:
a) increase
the per share price of the common stock to help maintain the
interest of the markets and investors, to help attract, retain and
motivate employees, and to aid in meeting the initial listing
requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Markets, and;
b) reduce
the number of outstanding shares of common stock to a level more
consistent with other public companies with a similar anticipated
market capitalization; and
c) although
there are no immediate plans, understandings, agreements or
commitments to issue shares of common stock for any purpose, except
to meet existing commitments, provide the management of the Company
with additional flexibility to issue shares of common stock to
facilitate future stock acquisitions and financings for the
Company.
If the
Reverse Split successfully increases the per share price of the
Company’s common stock, as to which no assurance can be
given, the board of directors believes this increase will enable
the Company to meet the NASDAQ Capital Markets initial listing
requirements.
For the
above reasons, the board of directors believes that the Reverse
Split is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders. There can be no assurance, however, that
the Reverse Split will have the desired benefits.
Principal Effects of the Reverse Split
If the
board of directors implements the Reverse Split, we will amend the
existing provision of our Certificate of Incorporation, relating to
our authorized capital to add the following paragraph at the end
thereof:
“Upon
this Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation,
as amended, becoming effective pursuant to the Delaware General
Corporation Law (the Effective Time”), every fifteen (15) to
twenty-five (25), as determined by the board of directors shares of
common stock issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation in
treasury immediately prior to the Effective Time (the "Old Common
Stock") shall automatically without further action on the part of
the Corporation or any holder of Old Common Stock, be reclassified,
combined and changed into one fully paid and non-assessable share
of new common stock (the "New Common Stock"). From and after the
Effective Time, certificates representing any shares of Old Common
Stock shall represent the number of whole shares of New Common
Stock into which such shares of Old Common Stock shall have been
reclassified pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment. From and
after the Effective Time, certificates representing the Old Common
Stock shall represent the number of whole shares of New Common
Stock into which such Old Common Stock shall have been reclassified
pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment. There shall be no
fractional shares issued. A holder of record of common stock on the
Effective Date who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a
share shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive an amount
equal to the fair value thereof, as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors.”
* By
approving this amendment, stockholders will approve the combination
of any whole number of shares of common stock between and including
fifteen (15) and twenty-five (25) into one (1) share. The
certificate of amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware will include only that number determined by the
board of directors to be in the best interests of the Company and
its stockholders. In accordance with these resolutions, the board
of directors will not implement any amendment providing for a
different split ratio.
The
Reverse Split will be effected simultaneously for all issued and
outstanding shares of common stock and the exchange ratio will be
the same for all issued and outstanding shares of common stock. The
Reverse Split will affect all of our stockholders uniformly and
will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership
interests in the Company, except to the extent that the Reverse
Split results in any of our stockholders owning a fractional share.
After the Reverse Split, the shares of our common stock will have
the same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions
and will be identical in all other respects to our common stock now
authorized common stock issued pursuant to the Reverse Split will
remain fully paid and non-assessable. The Reverse Split will not
affect the Company continuing to be subject to the periodic
reporting requirements of the Exchange Act. The Reverse Split is
not intended to be, and will not have the effect of, a “going
private transaction” covered by Rule 13e-3 under the Exchange
Act.
The
Reverse Split may result in some stockholders owning
“odd-lots” of less than 100 shares of our common stock.
Brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd-lots
are generally higher than the costs of transactions in
“round-lots” of even multiples of 100
shares.
Following
the effectiveness of any Reverse Split approved by the stockholders
and implementation by the board of directors, current stockholders
will hold fewer shares of common stock, with such number of shares
dependent on the specific ratio for the Reverse Split. For example,
if the board of directors approves of a 1-for-15 Reverse Split, a
stockholder owning a “round-lot” of 100 shares of
common stock prior to the Reverse Split would hold 15 shares of
common stock following the Reverse Split. THE HIGHER THE REVERSE
RATIO (1-FOR-25 BEING HIGHER THAN 1-FOR-15, FOR EXAMPLE), THE
GREATER THE REDUCTION OF RELATED SHARES EACH EXISTING STOCKHOLDER,
POST REVERSE STOCK SPLIT, WILL EXPERIENCE.
In
deciding whether to implement the Reverse Split and the specific
Reverse Split ratio to be used, the board of directors will
consider primarily the satisfaction of the NASDAQ Capital Markets
initial listing requirements. It may also consider, among other
things: (i) the market price of the common stock at the time
of the Reverse Split; (ii) the number of shares that will be
outstanding after the split; (iii) the stockholders’
equity at such time; (iv) the shares of common stock available
for issuance in the future; (v) the liquidity of the common
stock in the market and the improved liquidity that may result; and
(vi) the nature of the Company’s operations. The board
of directors maintains the right to elect not to proceed with the
Reverse Split if it determines, in its sole discretion, if this
proposal is no longer in the best interests of the
Company.
Risks Associated with the Reverse Split
There
are risks associated with the Reverse Split, including that the
Reverse Split may not result in a sustained increase in the per
share price of our common stock. There is no assurance
that:
●
the market price
per share of our common stock after the Reverse Split will rise in
proportion to the reduction in the number of shares of our common
stock outstanding before the Reverse Split;
●
the Reverse Split
will result in a per share price that will attract brokers and
investors who do not trade in lower priced stocks;
●
the
Reverse Split will result in a per share price that will increase
our ability to attract and retain employees and other service
providers; and
●
the
market price per share will either exceed or remain in excess of
the minimum bid price as required by NASDAQ Capital Market, or that
we will otherwise meet the requirements of NASDAQ Capital Market
for initial listing for trading on the NASDAQ Capital
Market.
Stockholders
should note that the effect of the Reverse Split, if any, upon the
market price for our common stock cannot be accurately predicted.
In particular, we cannot assure you that prices for shares of our
common stock after the Reverse Split will be fifteen (15) to
twenty-five (25) times, as applicable, the prices for shares
of our common stock immediately prior to the Reverse Split.
Furthermore, even if the market price of our common stock does rise
following the Reverse Split, we cannot assure you that the market
price of our common stock immediately after the proposed Reverse
Split will be maintained for any period of time. Even if an
increased per-share price can be maintained, the Reverse Split may
not achieve the desired results that have been outlined above.
Moreover, because some investors may view the Reverse Split
negatively, we cannot assure you that the Reverse Split will not
adversely impact the market price of our common stock.
The
market price of our common stock will also be based on our
performance and other factors, some of which are unrelated to the
Reverse Split or the number of shares outstanding. If the Reverse
Split is effected and the market price of our common stock
declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a
percentage of our overall market capitalization may be greater than
would occur in the absence of a Reverse Split. The total market
capitalization of our common stock after implementation of the
Reverse Split when and if implemented may also be lower than the
total market capitalization before the Reverse Split. Furthermore,
the liquidity of our common stock could be adversely affected by
the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the
Reverse Split.
While
we aim that the Reverse Split will be sufficient to comply with the
initial listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Markets, it is
possible that, even if the Reverse Split results in a bid price for
our common stock that exceeds a bid price of $4.00 per share or a
closing price of $3.00 per share (the Nasdaq Capital Markets
requirement that will most likely be applicable to us), we may not
be able to continue to satisfy the other criteria for initial or
continued listing of our common stock on NASDAQ Capital Markets.
Our common stock currently does not meet the minimum bid or closing
price requirements. To have our common stock eligible for initial
listing on NASDAQ Capital Markets, we would also need to satisfy
additional criteria under at least one of three standards. Under
the “Equity Standard Listing Rules,” these criteria
require, in addition to the minimum bid or closing price,
that:
●
we have
stockholders’ equity of at least $5 million;
●
our public float
must consist of at least 1,000,000 shares with a market value of at
least $15 million (public float defined under NASDAQ’s rules
as the shares held by persons other than officers, directors and
beneficial owners of greater than 10% of our total outstanding
shares);
●
there be at least
300 stockholders;
●
there be at least
three market makers for our common stock; and
●
we comply with
certain corporate governance requirements.
We
believe that we will satisfy all of these other criteria; however,
we cannot assure you that we will be successful in continuing to
meet all requisite continued listing criteria.
We
believe that the Reverse Split may result in greater liquidity for
our stockholders. However, it is also possible that such liquidity
could be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares
outstanding after the Reverse Split, particularly if the share
price does not increase as a result of the Reverse
Split.
Potential Anti-takeover Effects of a Reverse Split
Release
No. 34-15230 of the staff of the SEC requires disclosure and
discussion of the effects of any action, including the proposals
discussed herein, that may be used as an anti-takeover mechanism.
Since the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation will
provide that the number of authorized shares of common stock will
be 50,000,000 (assuming that the decrease in the number of
authorized shares being proposed is effectuated which is a 1-for-12
ratio as opposed to the Reverse Split which at a minimum will be a
1-for 15 ratio), the Reverse Split, if effected, will result in a
relative increase in the number of authorized but unissued shares
of our common stock vis-à-vis the outstanding shares of our
common stock and, could, under certain circumstances, have an
anti-takeover effect, although this is not the purpose or intent of
our board of directors. A relative increase in the number of
authorized shares of common stock could have other effects on our
stockholders, depending upon the exact nature and circumstances of
any actual issuances of authorized but unissued shares. A relative
increase in our authorized shares could potentially deter
takeovers, including takeovers that our board of directors has
determined are not in the best interest of our stockholders, in
that additional shares could be issued (within the limits imposed
by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a
change in control or takeover more difficult. For example, we could
issue additional shares so as to dilute the stock ownership or
voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control without our
agreement. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain
persons allied with our management could have the effect of making
it more difficult to remove our current management by diluting the
stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such
removal. The Reverse Split therefore may have the effect of
discouraging unsolicited takeover attempts. By potentially
discouraging initiation of any such unsolicited takeover attempts,
the Reverse Split may limit the opportunity for our stockholders to
dispose of their shares at the higher price generally available in
takeover attempts or that may be available under a merger
proposal.
However,
the board of directors is not aware of any attempt to take control
of our business and the board of directors has not considered the
Reverse Split to be tool to be utilized as a type of anti-takeover
device.
Common Stock
After
the effective date of the Reverse Split, each stockholder will own
fewer shares of our common stock. However, following the
effective date of the Reverse Split and amendment to our
Certificate of Incorporation to reduce the number of authorized
shares of common stock and preferred stock we will have authorized
50,000,000 shares of common stock and 5,000,000 shares of preferred
stock.
Because
our stockholders have no preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe
for any of our unissued common stock, the future issuance of
additional shares of common stock will reduce our current
stockholders’ percentage ownership interest in the total
outstanding shares of common stock. In the absence of a
proportionate increase in our future earnings and book value, an
increase in the number of our outstanding shares of common stock
would dilute our projected future earnings per share, if any, and
book value per share of all our outstanding shares of the common
stock. If these factors were reflected in the price per share of
our common stock, the potential realizable value of a
stockholder’s investment could be adversely affected. An
issuance of additional shares could therefore have an adverse
effect on the potential realizable value of a stockholder’s
investment. As of the date of this filing, the Company does not
have any definitive plans, proposals or arrangements to issue any
of the newly available authorized shares for any
purpose.
This
proposal has been prompted solely by the business considerations
discussed in the preceding paragraphs. Any additional shares of
common stock that would become available for issuance following the
Reverse Split could also be used by the Company’s management
to delay or prevent a change in control. The Board is not aware of
any pending takeover or other transactions that would result in a
change in control of the Company, and the proposal was not adopted
in response to any such proposals.
All
outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of our common
stock and shares of Series A Preferred Stock including any held by
our officers and directors, would be adjusted as a result of the
Reverse Split. In addition, the number of shares of common stock
issuable upon conversion of the convertible notes would also be
adjusted as a result of the Reverse Split. In particular, the
number of shares issuable upon the exercise or conversion of each
instrument would be reduced, and the exercise price per share, if
applicable, would be increased, in accordance with the terms of
each instrument and based on the ratio of the Reverse
Split.
The
chart below outlines the capital structure as described in this
proposal and prior to and immediately following a possible Reverse
Split at various exchange ratios. The number of shares disclosed in
the column “Number of shares of common stock before Reverse
Split” reflects the number of shares as of the record date,
February 23, 2017. The number of shares disclosed in the column
“Number of shares of common stock after Reverse Split”
gives further effect to the Reverse Split but does not give effect
to any other changes, including any issuance of securities after
February 23, 2017 or issuance of additional whole shares in
exchange for fractional shares.
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Number of shares
of
common stock before Reverse Split
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Estimated
number of shares of common stock after Reverse Split
(5)
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Authorized(1)
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600,000,000
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50,000,000
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50,000,000
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Issued
and Outstanding
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392,698,557
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26,179,904
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15,707,942
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Issuable
under Outstanding Warrants
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37,988,030
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2,532,535
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1,519,521
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Issuable
under Outstanding Stock Options
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33,230,000
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2,215,333
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1,329,200
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Issuable
Upon Conversion of Series A Preferred Stock (2)
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322,270
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21,485
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12,891
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Issuable
Upon Conversion of Convertible Notes (3)
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34,107,143
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2,273,810
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1,364,286
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Reserved
for Issuance(4)
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6,300,825
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420,055
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252,033
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Authorized
but Unissued(5)
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95,353,175
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16,356,878
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29,814,127
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———————
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(1)
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Assumes
that the Authorized Number of shares of common stock has been
reduced to 50,000,000. Shares reserved for future issuance under
the Company’s existing equity incentive plans, excluding
shares issuable under outstanding stock options.
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(2)
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Each
share of Series A convertible preferred stock is non-voting and
currently converts into two (2) shares of common stock to
shares.
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(3)
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Based
upon convertible notes in the principal amount of $11,937,500
together with accrued interest in the amount of $2,019,194.50, all
as of February 23, 2017.
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(4)
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Shares
authorized but unissued represent common stock available for future
issuance beyond shares currently outstanding and shares issuable
under outstanding stock options.
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(5)
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The
shares presented are an estimate as we do not know the number of
fractional share rounding’s that will be required to
effectuate the Reverse Split for individual accounts.
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Procedure for Effecting Reverse Split and Exchange of Stock
Certificates, if Applicable
If the
board of directors believes that a Reverse Split is in the best
interests of the Company and its stockholders, the board of
directors will determine the ratio, within the range approved by
the Company’s stockholders, of the Reverse Split to be
implemented. The Company will file the certificate of amendment
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware at such time
as the board of directors has determined the appropriate effective
time for the Reverse Split. The board of directors may delay
effecting the Reverse Split without re-soliciting stockholder
approval. The Reverse Split will become effective on the effective
date set forth in the certificate of amendment. Beginning on the
effective date of the Reverse Split, each certificate representing
pre-split shares will be deemed for all corporate purposes to
evidence ownership of post-split shares.
As soon
as practicable after the effective date of the Reverse Split,
stockholders will be notified that the Reverse Split has been
effected. If you hold shares of common stock in a book-entry form,
you will receive a transmittal letter from the Company’s
transfer agent as soon as practicable after the effective time of
the Reverse Split with instructions on how to exchange your shares.
After you submit your completed transmittal letter, if you are
entitled to post-split shares of our common stock, a transaction
statement will be sent to your address of record as soon as
practicable after the effective date of the split indicating the
number of shares of common stock you hold.
Some
stockholders hold their shares of common stock in certificate form
or a combination of certificate and book-entry form. We expect that
our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of
implementing the exchange of stock certificates, if applicable. If
you are a stockholder holding pre-split shares in certificate form,
you will receive a transmittal letter from the Company’s
transfer agent as soon as practicable after the effective time of
the Reverse Split. The transmittal letter will be accompanied by
instructions specifying how you can exchange your certificate
representing the pre-split shares of our common stock for a
statement of holding. When you submit your certificate representing
the pre-split shares of our common stock, your post-split shares of
our common stock will be held electronically in book-entry form in
the Direct Registration System. This means that, instead of
receiving a new stock certificate, you will receive a statement of
holding that indicates the number of post-split shares you own in
book-entry form. We will no longer issue physical stock
certificates unless you make a specific request for a share
certificate representing your post-split ownership
interest.
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY STOCK CERTIFICATE(S) AND SHOULD
NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATE(S) UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO
SO.
Beginning
on the effective time of the Reverse Split, each certificate
representing pre-split shares will be deemed for all corporate
purposes to evidence ownership of post-split shares.
Fractional Shares
No
fractional shares will be issued in connection with the Reverse
Split. Instead, the Company will pay to each holder otherwise
entitled to receive any fractional shares an amount equal to the
fair value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors. Each common shareholder will hold the same percentage of
the outstanding common stock immediately following the Reverse
Split as that shareholder did immediately prior to the Reverse
Split, and except for minor adjustment due to the treatment of
fractional shares.
Effect on Preferred Stock, Convertible Notes and Outstanding Stock
Options and Warrants
The
Company has 161,135 shares of Series A convertible preferred stock
outstanding. Each share of Series A convertible preferred stock is
non-voting and currently converts into two (2) shares of common
stock. The Series A convertible preferred stock adjust in the case
of the Reverse Split; therefore the Series A convertible preferred
stock after the Reverse Split will be convertible into a number of
shares of common stock as shall equal the quotient derived as
follows; preferred stock issuable under conversion times two (2)
and then divided by the Reverse Split ratio.
The
Company has notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$11,937,500.00 outstanding as of February 23, 2017, which notes
have accrued interest owed thereon in the amount of $2,019,194.50.
The notes provide for adjustment in the event of a stock
split.
The
Company has equity incentive plans designed primarily to provide
stock-based incentives to employees and consultants pursuant to
which we have issued stock options to purchase shares of our common
stock. In addition, we have issued to third party investors and
others warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. As of
February 23, 2017, we had issued and outstanding warrants to
purchase up to 37,988,030 shares and had granted 33,230,000 options
under our equity incentive plans. In the event of a Reverse Split,
our board of directors has the discretion to determine the
appropriate adjustment to awards granted under the equity incentive
plans. Further, the terms of our outstanding warrants all provide
for appropriate adjustments in the event of a stock split.
Accordingly, if the Reverse Split is approved by our stockholders
and our board of directors decides to implement the Reverse Split,
as of the effective date the number of all outstanding warrants and
option grants, the number of shares issuable and the exercise
price, as applicable, relating to options under our equity
incentive plans and warrants, will be proportionately adjusted
using the Reverse Split ratio selected by our board of directors.
Our board of directors has also authorized the Company to effect
any other changes necessary, desirable or appropriate to give
effect to the Reverse Split, including any applicable technical,
conforming changes.
For
example, if a 1-for-15 Reverse Split is effected, the aggregate
number of shares of our common stock issuable under our outstanding
warrants and stock options would be approximately 2,532,535 and
2,215,333, respectively, representing a 15-fold decrease in the
number of shares issuable under those warrants and stock options.
The terms of our outstanding warrants and stock options do not
permit exercise for fractional shares. As such, the number of
shares issuable under any individual outstanding warrant or stock
option shall be rounded down as provided for under the specific
terms of our equity incentive plans and warrants, or in the case of
certain of our warrants, upon exercise of those warrants the
Company will pay cash amounts for fractional shares that otherwise
would be issued. Commensurately, the exercise price under each
outstanding warrant and stock option would be increased by 15 times
such that upon exercise, the aggregate exercise price payable by
the warrant holder or optionee to the Company would remain the
same. Furthermore, the aggregate number of shares currently
available under our equity incentive plans for future stock option
and other equity-based grants will be proportionally reduced to
reflect the Reverse Split ratio. For example, in the event of a
1-for-15 Reverse Split, 6,300,825 shares that currently remain
available for issuance under our equity incentive plans would be
adjusted to equal approximately 420,055 shares, subject to future
potential increases pursuant to the terms of those
plans.
Accounting Matters
The
Reverse Split will not affect the common stock capital account on
our balance sheet. However, because the par value of our common
stock will remain unchanged on the effective date of the split, the
components that make up the common stock capital account will
change by offsetting amounts. Depending on the size of the Reverse
Split the board of directors decides to implement, the stated
capital component will be reduced to an amount between
one-fifteenth (1/15) and one-twenty fifth (1/25) of its
present amount, and the additional paid-in capital component will
be increased with the amount by which the stated capital is
reduced. The per share net income or loss and net book value of our
common stock will be increased because there will be fewer shares
of common stock outstanding. Prior periods per share amounts will
be restated to reflect the Reverse Split.
Material United States Federal Income Tax Consequences of the
Reverse Split
The
following discussion describes the anticipated material United
States Federal income tax consequences to “U.S.
holders” (as defined below) of Company capital stock relating
to the Reverse Split. This discussion is based upon the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), Treasury
Regulations, judicial authorities, published positions of the
Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and other applicable
authorities, all as currently in effect and all of which are
subject to change or differing interpretations (possibly with
retroactive effect). We have not obtained a ruling from the IRS or
an opinion of legal or tax counsel with respect to the tax
consequences of the Reverse Split. The following discussion is for
information purposes only and is not intended as tax or legal
advice. Each holder should seek advice based on the holder’s
particular circumstances from an independent tax
advisor.
For
purposes of this discussion, the term “U.S. holder”
means a beneficial owner of Company capital stock that is for
United States Federal income tax purposes:
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
an
individual citizen or resident of the United States;
|
|
(ii)
|
a
corporation (or other entity treated as a corporation for U.S.
Federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United
States, any state, or the District of Columbia;
|
|
(iii)
|
an
estate with income subject to United States Federal income tax
regardless of its source; or
|
|
(iv)
|
a trust
that (a) is subject to primary supervision by a United States
court and for which United States persons control all substantial
decisions or (b) has a valid election in effect under
applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a United States
person.
|
This
discussion assumes that a U.S. holder holds Company capital stock
as a capital asset within the meaning of Code Section 1221.
This discussion does not address all of the tax consequences that
may be relevant to a particular Company stockholder or to Company
stockholders that are subject to special treatment under United
States Federal income tax laws including, but not limited to,
financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, insurance
companies, regulated investment companies, real estate investment
trusts, entities disregarded from their owners for tax purposes,
persons that are broker-dealers, traders in securities who elect
the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, or
Company stockholders holding their shares of Company capital stock
as part of a “straddle,” “hedge,”
“conversion transaction,” or other integrated
transaction, or persons who hold their Company capital stock
through individual retirement or other tax-deferred accounts. This
discussion also does not address the tax consequences to the
Company, or to Company stockholders that own 5% or more of the
Company’s capital stock, are affiliates of Company, or are
not U.S. holders. In addition, this discussion does not address
other United States Federal taxes (such as gift or estate taxes or
alternative minimum taxes), the tax consequences of the Reverse
Split under state, local, or foreign tax laws or certain tax
reporting requirements that may be applicable with respect to the
Reverse Split. No assurance can be given that the IRS would not
assert, or that a court would not sustain, a position contrary to
any of the tax consequences set forth below.
If a
partnership (or other entity treated as a partnership for United
States Federal income tax purposes) is a Company stockholder, the
tax treatment of a partner in the partnership, or any equity owner
of such other entity will generally depend upon the status of the
person and the activities of the partnership or other entity
treated as a partnership for United States Federal income tax
purposes.
Tax Consequences of the Reverse Split Generally
We
believe that the Reverse Split will qualify as a
“reorganization” under Section 368(a)(1)(E) of the
Code. Accordingly, provided that the fair market value of the
post-Reverse Split shares is equal to the fair market value of the
pre-Reverse Split shares surrendered in the Reverse
Split:
●
A U.S. holder will
not recognize any gain or loss as a result of the Reverse
Split.
●
A U.S.
holder’s aggregate tax basis in his, her, or its post-Reverse
Split shares will be equal to the aggregate tax basis in the
pre-Reverse Split shares exchanged therefor.
●
A U.S.
holder’s holding period for the post-Reverse Split shares
will include the period during which such stockholder held the
pre-Reverse Split shares surrendered in the Reverse
Split.
●
For purposes of
the above discussion of the basis and holding periods for shares of
Company capital stock, and except as provided therein, holders who
acquired different blocks of Company capital stock at different
times for different prices must calculate their basis and holding
periods separately for each identifiable block of such stock
exchanged, converted, canceled or received in the Reverse
Split.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Cash
payments received by a U.S. holder of Company capital stock
pursuant to the Reverse Split are subject to information reporting,
and may be subject to backup withholding at the applicable rate
specified by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (currently 28%) if
the holder fails to provide a valid taxpayer identification number
and comply with certain certification procedures or otherwise
establish an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding
is not an additional United States Federal income tax. Rather, the
U.S. Federal income tax liability of the person subject to backup
withholding will be reduced by the amount of the tax withheld. If
backup withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may
be obtained provided that the required information is timely
furnished to the IRS.
PROPOSAL 2.
AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO DECREASE THE
AUTHORIZED SHARES
Purpose and Effect of the Decrease in Authorized
Shares
Our
board of directors has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an
amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to decrease the
number of authorized shares of our common stock, $.001 par value
per share, from 600,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares and the
decrease of authorized preferred stock from 100,000,000 to
5,000,000. As of March 7, 2017, 392,698,557 shares of our common
stock were issued and outstanding.
The
change in the authorized share number will occur concurrently with
the Reverse Split. Although the number of authorized shares of
common stock will be decreased from 600,000,000 to 50,000,000 the
number of shares outstanding after the Reverse Split will decrease
by a larger ratio than the reduction in the authorized shares of
common stock. Accordingly, the change in the number of authorized
shares will represent, on a percentage basis, an increase in the
number of authorized shares compared to the number of shares
outstanding after the Reverse Split.
As a
Delaware corporation, we are required to pay Delaware franchise
tax. Delaware franchise tax is calculated based upon several
variables, including a company’s number of total outstanding
shares as compared to the company’s number of authorized
shares of capital stock. The greater the difference between the
number of shares outstanding and the number of shares authorized,
the greater the tax liability. Our Certificate of Incorporation
currently authorizes the issuance of up to 600,000,000 shares of
our common stock and 100,000,000 shares of our preferred stock. The
currently authorized 600,000,000 shares of our common stock and
100,000,000 shares of preferred stock greatly exceeds the
392,698,557 shares of common stock and 161,135 shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock outstanding as of February 23, 2017.
The Reverse Split without a reduction in the authorized shares will
significantly increase our State of Delaware franchise tax
liability and therefore we deem it advisable to decrease the number
of authorized shares at the time the Reverse Split is
effected.
We
intend to file an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation
with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware to decrease
the number of authorized shares of our common stock and preferred
stock at the same time as we effectuate the Reverse Split which is
anticipated to be at such time as the board of directors determines
is appropriate.
Our
board of directors believes that it is prudent to decrease the
authorized number of shares of our common stock from 600,000,000
shares to 50,000,000 shares and preferred stock authorized from
100,000,000 to 5,000,000 shares while maintaining an adequate
reserve of authorized but unissued shares to save time and money in
responding to future events requiring the issuance of additional
shares of our common stock, such as acquisitions or equity
offerings. All authorized but unissued shares of our common stock
and preferred stock will be available for issuance from time to
time for any proper purpose approved by our board of directors
(including issuance in connection with stock-based employee benefit
plans, future stock splits by means of a dividend and issuances to
raise capital or effect acquisitions). Other than issuing
sufficient shares to cover future equity grants under our 2012
Stock Option Plan, and under outstanding options, warrants,
preferred stock and convertible notes, there are currently no
arrangements, agreements or understandings for the issuance of the
additional shares of common stock authorized.
PROPOSAL 3
APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY’S 2012 STOCK OPTION
PLAN
On
February 23, 2017, our board of directors adopted, subject to
stockholder approval, the amendments to the Plan to increase the
number of shares of common stock available for grant and to expand
the types of awards available for grant under the
Plan.
The
principal provisions of the Plan, as amended and restated, are
summarized below, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit B
. The
following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the Plan.
Proposal to Amend and Restate the 2012 Stock Option
Plan
The
board of directors believes that the Plan is necessary for us to
attract, retain and motivate our employees, directors and
consultants through the grant of stock options, stock appreciation
rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units. We believe
that the Plan is best designed to provide the proper incentives for
our employees, directors and consultants, ensures our ability to
make performance-based awards, and meets the requirements of
applicable law. There are currently 215 individuals that would be
eligible to participate in the Plan, of which 5 are directors or
executive officers, 10 are consultants and 200 are
employees.
We
currently intend to issue the awards under the Plan. As of the date
of this filing, the Company’s board of directors anticipates
the issuance of approximately 5,000,000 stock grants in the form of
Restricted Stock Units, to be made within 20 days of this filing to
be awarded to David Briskie, the Company’s President and
Chief Financial Officer. In addition the Company plans to issue
5,000,000 stock grants in the form of Restricted Stock Units to its
eligible employees and consultants. A date of declaration for the
fair value of these rewards has not been determined.
Administration
The
Plan generally is administered by our Compensation Committee which
has been appointed by the board of directors to administer the
Plan. Subject to any approval required by the board of directors as
specified in the Compensation Committee Charter (the
“Charter”) established by the board of directors for
the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee will have
full authority to establish rules and regulations for the proper
administration of the Plan, to select the employees, directors and
consultants to whom awards are granted, and to set the date of
grant, the type of award and the other terms and conditions of the
awards, consistent with the terms of the Plan.
Limitation on Awards and Shares Available
We have
received the approval of our stockholders to allow us to grant up
to increase the number of shares of our common stock that may be
delivered pursuant to awards granted during the life of the Plan
from 40,000,000 to 80,000,000, pre-Reverse Split.
Eligibility
Persons
eligible to participate in the Plan include all of our employees,
directors and consultants.
Awards
The
Plan currently provides only for the grant of options; however the
Plan Amendments included in the amended and restated Plan will
allow for the grant of: (i) incentive stock options; (ii)
nonqualified stock options; (iii) stock appreciation rights; (iv)
restricted stock; and (v) other stock-based and cash-based awards
to eligible individuals. The terms of the awards will be set forth
in an award agreement, consistent with the terms of the Plan. No
stock option is exercisable later than ten years after the date it
is granted.
The
Compensation Committee is authorized to grant awards under the Plan
intended to qualify as “performance-based compensation”
under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), subject to any approval required
by the board of directors as specified in the Charter established
by the board of directors for the Compensation
Committee.
Stock Options
. The Compensation Committee may
grant incentive stock options as defined in Section 422 of the Code
and nonqualified stock options, subject to any approval required by
the board of directors as specified in the Charter established by
the board of directors for the Compensation Committee. Options
shall be exercisable for such prices, shall expire at such times,
and shall have such other terms and conditions as the Compensation
Committee may determine at the time of grant and as set forth in
the award agreement; however, the exercise price must be at least
equal to 100% of the fair market value at the date of grant. The
option price is payable in cash or other consideration acceptable
to us.
Stock Appreciation Rights
. The Compensation
Committee may grant stock appreciation rights with such terms and
conditions as the Compensation Committee may determine at the time
of grant and as set forth in the award agreement, subject to any
approval required by the board of directors as specified in the
Charter established by the board of directors for the Compensation
Committee. The grant price of a stock appreciation right shall be
determined by the Compensation Committee and shall be specified in
the award agreement; however, the grant price must be at least
equal to 100% of the fair market value of a share on the date of
grant. Stock appreciation rights may be exercised upon such terms
and conditions as are imposed by the Compensation Committee and as
set forth in the stock appreciation right award
agreement.
Restricted Stock
. Restricted stock may be granted
in such amounts and subject to the terms and conditions as
determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant and
as set forth in the award agreement, subject to any approval
required by the board of directors as specified in the Charter
established by the board of directors for the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee may impose performance goals
for restricted stock. The Compensation Committee may authorize the
payment of dividends on the restricted stock during the restricted
period.
Other Awards
. The Compensation Committee may
grant other types of equity-based or equity-related awards not
otherwise described by the terms of the Plan, in such amounts and
subject to such terms and conditions, as the Compensation Committee
shall determine, subject to any approval required by the board of
directors as specified in the Charter established by the board of
directors for the Compensation Committee. Such awards may be based
upon attainment of performance goals established by the
Compensation Committee and may involve the transfer of actual
shares to participants, or payment in cash or otherwise of amounts
based on the value of shares.
Amendment and Termination
Our
board of directors may amend the Plan at any time, subject to
stockholder approval to the extent required by applicable law or
regulation or the listing standards of any market or stock exchange
on which the common stock is at the time primarily traded.
Additionally, stockholder approval will be specifically required to
increase the number of shares available for issuance under the
Plan.
Our
board of directors may terminate the Plan at any time. Unless
sooner terminated by the Board, the Plan will terminate on the
close of business on May 16, 2022.
Miscellaneous
The
Plan also contains provisions with respect to payment of exercise
prices, vesting and expiration of awards, treatment of awards upon
our sale, transferability of awards, and tax withholding
requirements. Various other terms, conditions, and limitations
apply, as further described in the Plan Amendments.
Proposed Future Issuance Equity Compensation
As of
the date of this filing, the Company’s board of directors
anticipates the issuance of approximately 5,000,000 stock grants in
the form of Restricted Stock Units, to be made within 20 days of
this filing to be awarded to David Briskie, the Company’s
President and Chief Financial Officer. In addition the Company
plans to issue 5,000,000 stock grants in the form of Restricted
Stock Units to its eligible employees and consultants. A date of
declaration for the fair value of these rewards has not been
determined.
Existing Plan Benefits
The
following table sets forth information with respect to options and
other awards previously granted under the Plan.
2012 Stock Option Plan
|
|
Name and position
|
Number of
Options Granted Under the Plan
|
Stephan
Wallach, Chief Executive Officer
|
2,500,000
|
David
Briskie, President and Chief Financial Officer
|
13,000,000
|
Michelle
Wallach, Chief Operating Officer
|
2,500,000
|
All
Current Executive Officers as a Group
|
18,000,000
|
Richard
Renton, Director
(1)
|
250,000
|
William
Thompson, Director
|
250,000
|
All
Current Non-Executive Directors as a Group
|
500,000
|
(1) Mr.
Renton is also a distributor of the Company and has earned options
through his distributor rank, which is not included
above.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The
2012 Stock Option Plan, or the Plan, is our only active equity
incentive plan pursuant to which options to acquire common stock
have been granted and are currently outstanding.
As of
December 31, 2016, the number of stock options and restricted
common stock outstanding under our equity compensation plans, the
weighted average exercise price of outstanding options and
restricted common stock and the number of securities remaining
available for issuance were as follows:
Plan category
|
Number of
securities issued
under equity
compensation plan
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options
|
Number of securities remaining available for
future issuance under equity compensation plans
|
Equity compensation
plans approved by security holders
|
-
|
$
-
|
-
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved by security holders
|
33,230,000
|
$
0.24
|
6,300,825
|
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The
following is a brief description of the principal federal income
tax consequences associated with the grant of awards under the
Plan. This summary is based on our understanding of present United
States federal income tax law and regulations. The summary does not
purport to be complete or applicable to every specific situation.
Furthermore, the following discussion does not address state or
local tax consequences.
Options
Grant
. There is no federal income tax consequence
to the participant solely by reason of the grant of incentive stock
options or nonqualified stock options under the Plan.
Exercise
. The exercise of an incentive stock
option is not a taxable event for regular federal income tax
purposes if certain requirements are satisfied, including the
requirement that the participant generally must exercise the
incentive stock option no later than ninety days following the
termination of the participant’s employment with us. However,
such exercise may give rise to alternative minimum tax liability
(see “Alternative Minimum Tax” below).
Upon
the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the participant will
generally recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of
exercise over the amount paid by the participant as the exercise
price. The ordinary income recognized in connection with the
exercise by a participant of a nonqualified stock option will be
subject to both wage and employment tax withholding.
The
participant’s tax basis in the shares acquired pursuant to
the exercise of an option will be the amount paid upon exercise
plus, in the case of a nonqualified stock option, the amount of
ordinary income, if any, recognized by the participant upon
exercise thereof.
Qualifying Disposition
. If a participant disposes
of shares of our common stock acquired upon exercise of an
incentive stock option in a taxable transaction, and such
disposition occurs more than two years from the date on which the
option was granted and more than one year after the date on which
the shares were transferred to the participant pursuant to the
exercise of the incentive stock option, the participant will
realize long-term capital gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount realized upon such disposition and the
participant’s adjusted basis in such shares (generally the
option exercise price).
Disqualifying Disposition
. If the participant
disposes of shares of our common stock acquired upon the exercise
of an incentive stock option (other than in certain tax free
transactions) within two years from the date on which the incentive
stock option was granted or within one year after the transfer of
shares to the participant pursuant to the exercise of the incentive
stock option, at the time of disposition the participant will
generally recognize ordinary income equal to the lesser of (i) the
excess of each such share’s fair market value on the date of
exercise over the exercise price paid by the participant, or (ii)
the participant’s actual gain. If the total amount realized
on a taxable disposition (including return on capital and capital
gain) exceeds the fair market value on the date of exercise of the
shares of our common stock purchased by the participant under the
option, the participant will recognize a capital gain in the amount
of the excess. If the participant incurs a loss on the disposition
(the total amount realized is less than the exercise price paid by
the participant), the loss will be a capital loss.
Other Disposition
. If a participant disposes of shares
of our common stock acquired upon exercise of a nonqualified stock
option in a taxable transaction, the participant will recognize
capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between
the participant’s basis (as discussed above) in the shares
sold and the total amount realized upon disposition. Any such
capital gain or loss (and any capital gain or loss recognized on a
disqualifying disposition of shares of our common stock acquired
upon exercise of incentive stock options as discussed above) will
be short-term or long-term depending on whether the shares of our
common stock were held for more than one year from the date such
shares were transferred to the participant.
Alternative Minimum Tax
. Alternative minimum tax
is payable if and to the extent the amount thereof exceeds the
amount of the taxpayer’s regular tax liability, and any
alternative minimum tax paid generally may be credited against
future regular tax liability (but not future alternative minimum
tax liability). Alternative minimum tax applies to alternative
minimum taxable income. Generally, regular taxable income as
adjusted for tax preferences and other items is treated differently
under the alternative minimum tax.
For
alternative minimum tax purposes, the spread upon exercise of an
incentive stock option (but not a nonqualified stock option) will
be included in alternative minimum taxable income, and the taxpayer
will receive a tax basis equal to the fair market value of the
shares of our common stock at such time for subsequent alternative
minimum tax purposes. However, if the participant disposes of the
incentive stock option shares in the year of exercise, the
alternative minimum tax income cannot exceed the gain recognized
for regular tax purposes, provided that the disposition meets
certain third party requirements for limiting the gain on a
disqualifying disposition. If there is a disqualifying disposition
in a year other than the year of exercise, the income on the
disqualifying disposition is not considered alternative minimum
taxable income.
There
are no federal income tax consequences to us by reason of the grant
of incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options or the
exercise of an incentive stock option (other than disqualifying
dispositions). At the time the participant recognizes ordinary
income from the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, we will be
entitled to a federal income tax deduction in the amount of the
ordinary income so recognized (as described above), provided that
we satisfy our reporting obligations described below. To the extent
the participant recognizes ordinary income by reason of a
disqualifying disposition of the stock acquired upon exercise of an
incentive stock option, and subject to the requirement of
reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, and
the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we generally will
be entitled to a corresponding deduction in the year in which the
disposition occurs. We are required to report to the Internal
Revenue Service any ordinary income recognized by any participant
by reason of the exercise of a nonqualified stock option. We are
required to withhold income and employment taxes (and pay the
employer’s share of the employment taxes) with respect to
ordinary income recognized by the participant upon exercise of
nonqualified stock options.
Stock Appreciation Rights
There
are no tax consequences to the participant or us by reason of the
grant of stock appreciation rights. In general, upon exercise of a
stock appreciation rights award, the participant will recognize
taxable ordinary income equal to the excess of the stock’s
fair market value on the date of exercise over the stock
appreciation rights’ base price, or the amount payable.
Generally, with respect to employees, we are required to withhold
from regular wages or supplemental wage payments an amount based on
the ordinary income recognized. Subject to the requirement of
reasonableness, the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code, and
the satisfaction of a tax reporting obligation, we generally will
be entitled to a business expense deduction equal to the taxable
ordinary income realized by the participant.
Restricted Stock
Unless
a participant makes a Section 83(b) election, as described below,
with respect to restricted stock granted under the Plan, a
participant receiving such an award will not recognize income and
we will not be allowed a deduction at the time such award is
granted. While an award remains unvested or otherwise subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture, a participant will recognize
compensation income equal to the amount of any dividends received
and we will be allowed a deduction in a like amount. When an award
vests or otherwise ceases to be subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture, the excess of the fair market value of the award on the
date of vesting or the cessation of the substantial risk of
forfeiture over the amount paid, if any, by the participant for the
award will be ordinary income to the participant and will be
claimed as a deduction for federal income tax purposes by us. Upon
disposition of the shares received, the gain or loss recognized by
the participant will be treated as capital gain or loss, and the
capital gain or loss will be short-term or long-term depending upon
whether the participant held the shares for more than one year
following the vesting or cessation of the substantial risk of
forfeiture.
However,
by filing a Section 83(b) election with the Internal Revenue
Service within 30 days after the date of grant, a
participant’s ordinary income and commencement of holding
period and the deduction will be determined as of the date of
grant. In such a case, the amount of ordinary income recognized by
such a participant and deductible by us will be equal to the excess
of the fair market value of the award as of the date of grant over
the amount paid, if any, by the participant for the award. If such
election is made and a participant thereafter forfeits his or her
award, no refund or deduction will be allowed for the amount
previously included in such participant’s
income.
Generally,
with respect to employees, we are required to withhold from regular
wages or supplemental wage payments an amount based on the ordinary
income recognized. Subject to the requirement of reasonableness,
the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Code and the satisfaction
of a tax reporting obligation and any tax withholding condition, we
generally will be entitled to a business expense deduction equal to
the taxable ordinary income realized by the recipient. Upon
disposition of stock, the recipient will recognize a capital gain
or loss equal to the difference between the selling price and the
sum of the amount paid for such stock, if any, plus any amount
recognized as ordinary income upon acquisition (or vesting) of the
stock. Such gain or loss will be long- or short-term depending on
whether the stock was held for more than one year from the date
ordinary income is measured.
Vote Required
The
board of directors of the Company has adopted, ratified and
approved the proposal to authorize the Plan Amendments and
stockholders of the Company holding in excess of a majority of the
voting power on the record date have approved the Plan
Amendments.
Executive Compensation
The
following table sets forth a summary of cash and non-cash
compensation awarded, earned or paid for services rendered to us
during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 by our
“named executive officers,” consisting of (i) each
individual serving as principal executive officer during the year
ended December 31, 2016, and (ii) our Chief Financial
Officer/Chief Operating Officer, our other executive
officer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephan Wallach
(1)
|
2016
|
282,500
|
179,730
|
-
|
462,230
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
2015
|
271,519
|
89,000
|
-
|
360,519
|
|
|
|
|
|
David Briskie
(1) (2)
|
2016
|
282,500
|
179,730
|
748,500
|
1,210,730
|
President and Chief Financial Officer
|
2015
|
271,519
|
89,000
|
-
|
360,519
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michelle Wallach
(1)
|
2016
|
192,660
|
179,730
|
-
|
372,390
|
Chief Operating Officer
|
2015
|
200,070
|
57,500
|
-
|
257,570
|
(1)
|
Mr.
Stephan Wallach, Mr. David Briskie, and Ms. Michelle Wallach have
direct and or indirect (beneficially) distributor positions in our
Company that pay income based on the performance of those
distributor positions in addition to their base salaries, and the
people and or companies supporting those positions based upon the
contractual agreements that each and every distributor enter into
upon engaging in the network marketing business. The contractual
terms of these positions are the same as those of all the other
individuals that become distributors in our Company. There are no
special circumstances for these officers/directors. Mr. Stephan
Wallach and Ms. Michelle Wallach received or beneficially received
$357,002 and $312,410 in 2016 and 2015, respectively related to
their distributor positions, which are not included above. Mr.
Briskie beneficially received $23,010 and $28,010 in 2016 and 2015,
respectively, related to his spouse’s distributor position,
which is not included above.
|
(2)
|
We use
a Black-Scholes option-pricing model (Black-Scholes model) to
estimate the fair value of the stock option grant. The amounts do
not represent the actual amounts paid to or released by any of the
Named Executive Officers during the respective
periods.
|
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The
table below reflects all outstanding equity awards made to each of
the named executive officers that are outstanding as of December
31, 2016. We currently grant stock-based awards pursuant
to our 2012 Plan.
|
|
|
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
Exercisable
|
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options
Unexercisable
|
Option
Exercise
Price ($)
|
|
Stephan
Wallach
|
|
5/31/2012
|
2,500,000
|
-
|
$
0.22
|
5/31/2022
|
David
Briskie
|
|
5/31/2012
|
5,000,000
|
-
|
$
0.22
|
5/31/2022
|
|
|
10/31/2013
|
600,000
|
400,000
|
$
0.18
|
10/31/2023
|
|
|
10/30/2014
|
800,000
|
1,200,000
|
$
0.19
|
10/30/2024
|
|
|
12/27/2016
|
-
|
5,000,000
|
$
0.27
|
12/27/2026
|
Michelle
Wallach
|
|
5/31/2012
|
2,500,000
|
-
|
$
0.22
|
5/31/2022
|
The
fair value of each option grant is estimated at the date of grant
using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility
is calculated based on the historical volatility of the
Company’s stock. The risk free interest rate is based on the
U.S. Treasury yield for a term equal to the expected life of the
options at the time of grant.
Employment Agreements
In July
2011, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Briskie, our
President and Chief Financial Officer, which expired on June 30,
2012 with an option to extend. Mr. Briskie currently
works as an at-will employee.
Code Section 162(m) Provisions
Section 162(m)
of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, generally disallows
a tax deduction to public companies for compensation in excess of
$1 million paid to the Chief Executive Officer or any of the four
most highly compensated officers. Performance-based compensation
arrangements may qualify for an exemption from the deduction limit
if they satisfy various requirements under Section 162(m).
Although we consider the impact of this rule when developing and
implementing our executive compensation programs, we believe it is
important to preserve flexibility in designing compensation
programs. Accordingly, we have not adopted a policy that all
compensation must qualify as deductible under Section 162(m)
of the Code. While our stock options are intended to qualify as
“performance-based compensation” (as defined by the
Code), amounts paid under our other compensation programs may not
qualify as such.
2016 Director Compensation
The
following table sets forth information for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2016 regarding the compensation of our directors
who at December 31, 2016 were not also named executive
officers.
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash ($)
|
|
|
|
Richard
Renton
|
-
|
1,331
|
$
0.24
|
1,331
|
William
Thompson
|
-
|
1,331
|
$
0.24
|
1,331
|
(1)
|
The
amounts in the “Option Awards” column reflect the
dollar amounts recognized as compensation expense for the financial
statement reporting purposes for stock options for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2016 in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The
fair value of the options was determined using the Black-Scholes
model.
|
As of
December 31, 2016 the following table sets forth the number of
aggregate outstanding option awards held by each of our directors
who were not also named executive officers:
|
Aggregate
Number of
Option Awards
|
Richard
Renton
|
250,000
|
William
Thompson
|
250,000
|
We have
granted to non-employee members of the Board of Directors upon
appointment, stock options to purchase shares of our common stock
at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common
stock on the date of grant, and additional stock options each year
thereafter for their service. We also reimburse the non-employee
directors for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred in
attending board of director and committee meetings.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ RECOMMENDATION AND STOCKHOLDER
APPROVAL
On
February 23, 2017, our board of directors voted to authorize and
seek approval of our stockholders of an amendment to (X) our
Certificate of Incorporation to effect: (i) a Reverse Split of the
Company’s common stock at a ratio to be determined in the
discretion of our board of directors within a range of one share of
common stock for every fifteen(15) to twenty-five (25) shares of
common stock; and (ii) a decrease the number of shares of common
stock authorized from (a) 600,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares
of common stock and (b) a decrease in the number of shares of
preferred stock authorized from 100,000,000 to 5,000,000
concurrently with the Reverse Split and (Y) approval of the Plan
Amendments. In the absence of a meeting, the affirmative consent of
holders of a majority of the vote represented by our outstanding
shares of stock was required to approve the Reverse Split and
Decrease. Because holders of approximately 71.9% of our voting
power signed a written consent in favor of the amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation, we are authorized to amend the
Certificate of Incorporation to effect: (i) a reverse split of the
Company’s common stock at a ratio to be determined in the
discretion of our board of directors within a range of one share of
common stock for every fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25) shares of
common stock; and (ii) a decrease the number of shares of common
stock authorized from (a) 600,000,000 shares to 50,000,000 shares
and (b) decrease of preferred stock authorized from 100,000,000 to
5,000,000 concurrently with the Reverse Split and to issue awards
under the Plan. The Reverse Split and Decrease will be
effective upon the filing of an amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware,
which is expected to occur as soon as reasonably practicable on or
after the 20th day following the mailing of this Information
Statement to the stockholders.
The
information contained in this Information Statement constitutes the
only notice we will be providing stockholders.
EXISTING CERTIFICATES SHOULD NOT BE SENT TO THE COMPANY OR THE
TRANSFER AGENT BEFORE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FILING OF THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CERTIFICATE OF
INCORPORATION
.
Until
the stockholder forwards a completed letter of transmittal,
together with certificates representing such stockholder’s
shares of pre-reverse stock split common stock to the transfer
agent and receives in return a new certificate representing shares
of post-reverse stock split common stock, such stockholder’s
pre-reverse stock split common stock shall be deemed equal to the
number of whole shares of post-reverse stock split shares of common
stock to which such stockholder is entitled as a result of the
Reverse Split.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE PROPOSED REVERSE SPLIT,
DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK AND THE
PLAN
Q. WHY
IS APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR THE PROPOSED REVERSE STOCK
SPLIT?
A. The
board of directors seeks approval of the Reverse
Split. It is the expectation of the board of directors
that the Reverse Split would increase the market price of the
resulting common stock and thus maintain a higher level of market
interest in the shares, including shares issued pursuant to the
Reverse Split, aid the Company in meeting the initial listing
requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Markets, provide additional
flexibility to management with regard to the issuance of shares and
maintaining the proper market capitalization of the
Company. The board of directors believes that the
Reverse Split will enhance the Company’s flexibility with
regard to the ability to issue common stock for fulfillment of its
current obligations as well as for proper corporate purposes that
may be identified from time to time, such as financing,
acquisitions, compensation of employees, the establishment of
strategic business relationships with other companies or the
expansion of the Company’s business or product lines through
the acquisition of other businesses or products.
Q. HAS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE PROPOSALS TO CONDUCT THE
PROPOSED REVERSE SPLIT?
A.
All members of the board of directors have approved the proposal to
authorize the board of directors to effectuate the Reverse Split of
the common stock as it is in the best interests of the Company and
the best interests of the current stockholders of the
Company.
Q. WHY
HAS THE PROPOSAL BEEN MADE TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK?
A.
Our board of directors believes that it is prudent to decrease the
amount of our authorized common stock and preferred stock in order
to reduce our potential Delaware franchise tax liability after
effecting the Reverse Split while maintaining an adequate reserve
of authorized but unissued shares to reduce our franchise tax
payments. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is
in our best interests to authorize it to effectuate the decrease in
the number of authorized shares of common stock as
proposed.
Q. HAS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE PROPOSAL TO DECREASE THE NUMBER
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK?
A.
All members of the board of directors have approved the proposal to
authorize the board of directors to effectuate the decrease in the
number of shares of common stock as in the best interests of the
Company and the best interests of the current stockholders of the
Company.
Q.
WILL THE CHANGES TO THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION RESULT IN ANY
TAX LIABILITY TO ME?
A.
The proposed Reverse Split and Decrease are intended to be tax free
for federal income tax purposes.
Q.
WHY HAS THE PROPOSAL BEEN MADE TO AMEND THE 2012 STOCK OPTION
PLAN?
A.
Our board of directors believes that the authorized shares of
common stock remaining available for issuance under the
Company’s 2012 Stock Option Plan are not sufficient to allow
us to compensate officer, directors, employees and consultants and
take advantage of future business opportunities. In addition, our
current plan does not allow for awards other than options.
Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in our best
interests to amend the Plan to increase the number of shares of
common stock available for grant and to expand the types of awards
available for grant to allow the Company more flexibility in
determining the nature and types of awards which may be
granted.
Q. HAS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE PROPOSAL TO THE AMENDMENT TO
THE 2012 STOCK OPTION PLAN?
A. All
members of the board of directors have approved the Plan Amendments
as in our best interests and the best interests of our current
stockholders.
Q. WHAT
VOTE OF THE STOCKHOLDERS WILL RESULT IN THE PROPOSALS BEING
PASSED?
A. To
approve the proposals the affirmative vote of a majority of the
potential votes cast as stockholders is
required. Consents in favor of the proposals have
already been received from stockholders holding a majority of the
voting power of the Company.
Q. WHO
IS PAYING FOR THIS INFORMATION STATEMENT?
A. The
Company will pay for the delivery of this Information
Statement.
Q. WHOM
SHOULD I CONTACT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?
A:
David Briskie, President and Chief Financial Officer of the
Company, 2400 Boswell Road, Chula Vista, California 91914,
(619) 934-3980.
VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL
Section
242 of the DGCL provides an outline of the scope of the amendments
of the Certificate of Incorporation allowed a Delaware corporation.
This includes the amendments discussed herein. The
procedure and requirements to effect an amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation of a Delaware corporation are set
forth in Section 242. Section 242 provides that proposed
amendments must first be adopted by the board of directors and then
submitted to stockholders for their consideration and must be
approved by a majority of the outstanding voting
securities.
The
board of directors of the Company has adopted, ratified and
approved the Reverse Split, the Decrease and the Plan Amendments
and submitted the proposed changes to the stockholders for their
approval. The securities that are entitled to vote to
amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and approve
the Plan Amendments consist of issued and outstanding shares of the
Company’s $.001 par value common voting stock outstanding on
February 23, 2017, the record date for determining stockholders who
are entitled to notice of and to vote on the proposed amendment to
the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation.
DISSENTER'S RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL
The
DGCL does not provide for dissenter's rights in connection with the
proposed amendments of the Certificate of Incorporation or approval
of Plan Amendments
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF
The
board of directors fixed the close of business on February 23, 2017
as the record date for the determination of the common stockholders
entitled to notice of the action by written consent.
At the
record date, the Company had: (i) 600,000,000 shares of common
stock authorized with a stated par value of $.001, of which
392,698,557 shares of $.001 par value common stock were issued and
outstanding; and (ii) 100,000,000 shares of preferred stock
authorized with a stated par value of $.001, and 161,135 shares of
Series A convertible preferred stock were issued and outstanding.
Immediately after the Decrease there will be 50,000,000 shares of
common stock authorized and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock
authorized and after taking into account the Reverse Split and
reserves needed for convertible securities there will be between
16,356,878 and 29,814,127, post Reverse Split (1:15 to 1:25 ratio),
respectively, shares of common stock available for issue. The
holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote per
share on matter to be voted upon by
stockholders. The holders of shares of Series A
convertible preferred stock are not entitled to vote and each share
of Series A convertible preferred stock converts into two shares of
common stock. The holders of shares of common
stock are entitled to receive pro rata dividends, when and if
declared by the board of directors in its discretion, out of funds
legally available therefore, but only if dividends on preferred
stock have been paid in accordance with the terms of the
outstanding preferred stock and there exists no deficiency in the
sinking fund for the preferred stock.
Dividends
on the common stock are declared by the board of directors. Payment
of dividends on the common stock in the future, if any, will be
subordinate to the preferred stock, must comply with the provisions
of the DGCL and will be determined by the board of directors. In
addition, the payment of any such dividends will depend on the
Company's financial condition, results of operations, capital
requirements and such other factors as the board of directors deems
relevant.
Stockholders
and the holders of a controlling interest equaling approximately
71.9% of the voting power of the Company, as of the record date,
have consented to the proposed amendments to the Certificate of
Incorporation. The stockholders have consented to the action
required to adopt the amendment of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation to authorize the Reverse Split and the Decrease and
the Plan. This consent was sufficient, without any
further action, to provide the necessary stockholder approval of
the action.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The following table provides information regarding the beneficial
ownership of our common stock as of March 7, 2017, (the
“Evaluation Date”) by: (i) each of our current
directors, (ii) each of our named executive officers, and
(iii) all such directors and executive officers as a group. We
know of no other person or group of affiliated persons who
beneficially own more than five percent of our common stock. The
table is based upon information supplied by our officers, directors
and principal stockholders and a review of Schedules 13D and 13G,
if any, filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the
footnotes to the table and subject to community property laws where
applicable, we believe that each of the stockholders named in the
table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the
shares indicated as beneficially owned.
Applicable percentages are based on 392,698,557 shares outstanding
as of the Evaluation Date, adjusted as required by rules
promulgated by the SEC. These rules generally attribute beneficial
ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared
voting power or investment power with respect to those securities.
In addition, the rules include shares of our common stock issuable
pursuant to the exercise of stock options or warrants that are
either immediately exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of the
Evaluation Date. These shares are deemed to be outstanding and
beneficially owned by the person holding those options for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person, but
they are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing
the percentage ownership of any other person.
Name
of Beneficial Owner
|
Number
of Shares Beneficially Owned
|
|
|
Executive Officers &
Directors
(1)
|
|
|
|
Stephan Wallach,
Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer
|
282,556,250
|
(2
)
|
71.5
%
|
David Briskie,
President
,
Chief Financial Officer and
Director
|
16,809,155
|
(3
)
|
4.2
%
|
Michelle Wallach,
Chief Operating Officer and
Director
|
282,500,000
|
(2
)
|
71.5
%
|
Richard Renton,
Director
|
433,100
|
(4
)
|
*
|
William Thompson,
Director
|
100,000
|
(5
)
|
*
|
All
Executive Officers & Directors, as a group
(5 persons)
|
302,398,505
|
|
77.0
%
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders owning 5% or more
|
|
|
|
Carl
Grover
|
44,866,202
|
(6
)
|
9.99
%
|
*less than 1%
(1)
|
Unless otherwise set forth below, the mailing address of Executive
Officers, Directors and 5% or greater holders is c/o the Company,
2400 Boswell Road, Chula Vista, California 91914.
|
(2)
|
Mr. Stephan Wallach, our Chief Executive Officer, owns 280,000,000
shares of common stock through joint ownership with his wife,
Michelle Wallach, with whom he shares voting and dispositive
control. Mr. Wallach also owns 56,250 shares and options to
purchase 2,500,000 shares of common stock which are exercisable
within 60 days of the Evaluation Date and are included in the
number of shares beneficially owned by him and Ms. Wallach also
owns options to purchase 2,500,000 shares of common stock which are
exercisable within 60 days of the Evaluation Date and are included
in the number of shares beneficially owned by her.
|
(3)
|
Mr. David Briskie, our President and Chief Financial Officer, owns
3,408,588 shares of common stock, and beneficially owns 2,000,567
shares of common stock owned by Brisk Investments, LP, 5,000,000
shares of common stock owned by Brisk Management,
LLC. Mr. Briskie also owns options to purchase 6,400,000
shares of common stocks that are exercisable within 60 days of the
Evaluation Date and are included in the number of shares
beneficially owned by him.
|
(4)
|
Mr. Renton is a director of the Company, owns 33,350 shares of
common stock and 187,500 shares of common stock through joint
ownership with his wife, Roxanna Renton, with whom he shares voting
and dispositive control. Mr. Renton also owns 149,750
options to purchase common stock which are exercisable within 60
days of the Evaluation Date, 62,500 shares purchasable upon the
excise of outstanding warrants and are included in the number of
shares beneficially owned by him.
|
(5)
|
Mr. Thompson is a director of the Company, owns 100,000 options to
purchase common stock which are exercisable within 60 days of the
Evaluation Date and are included in the number of shares
beneficially owned by him.
|
(6)
|
Mr. Grover is the sole beneficial owner of 44,866,202 shares of
common stock. Mr. Grover owns a September 2014 Note in the
principal amount of $4,000,000 convertible into 11,428,571 shares
of Common Stock and a September 2014 Warrant exercisable for
15,652,174 shares of Common Stock. Mr. Grover also owns a November
2015 Note in the principal amount of $7,000,000 convertible into
20,000,000 shares of Common Stock and a November 2015 Warrant
exercisable for 9,333,333 shares of Common Stock. He also owns
5,151,240 shares of common stock. Mr. Grover has a contractual
agreement with us that limits his exercise of warrants and
conversion of notes such that his beneficial ownership of our
equity securities to no more than 9.99% of the voting power of the
Company at any one time and therefore his beneficial ownership does
not include the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of
notes or exercise or warrants owned by Mr. Grover if such
conversion or exercise would cause his beneficial ownership to
exceed 9.99% of our outstanding shares of Common Stock. Mr.
Grover’s address is 1010 S. Ocean Blvd., Apt 1017, Pompano
Beach, FL 33062.
|
The
applicable percentage of ownership for each beneficial owner is
based on 392,698,557 shares of common stock outstanding as of March
7, 2017. In calculating the number of Shares beneficially owned by
a stockholder and the percentage of ownership of that stockholder,
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options or
warrants, or the conversion of other securities held by that
stockholder, that are exercisable within 60 days, are deemed
outstanding for that holder; however, such shares are not deemed
outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other
stockholder.
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED
UPON
No
director, executive officer, nominee for election as a director,
associate of any director, executive officer or nominee or any
other person has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by
security holdings or otherwise, in the proposed Decrease and
Reverse Split or in any action covered by the related resolutions
adopted by the board of directors, which is not shared by all other
stockholders.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Provisions
The
anti-takeover provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General
Corporation Law apply to us. Section 203 of the Delaware
law prohibits us from engaging in any business combination with any
interested stockholder (any stockholder who owns or owned more than
15% of any stock or any entity related to a 15% stockholder) for a
period of three years following the time that such stockholder
became an interested stockholder, unless:
(1)
Prior to such time our board of directors approved either the
business combination or the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;
(2)
Upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the
stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested
stockholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at
the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of
determining the voting stock outstanding (but not the outstanding
voting stock owned by the interested stockholder) those shares
owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii)
employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the
right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to
the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer;
or
(3) At
or subsequent to such time the business combination is approved by
the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special
meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the
affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting
stock which is not owned by the interested
stockholder.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This
Information Statement may contain certain
“forward-looking” statements (as that term is defined
in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the
SEC in its rules, regulations and releases) representing our
expectations or beliefs regarding our company. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements concerning our operations, economic performance,
financial condition, and prospects and opportunities. For this
purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of
historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as
“may,” “will,” “expect,”
“believe,” “anticipate,”
“intend,” “could,” “estimate,”
“might,” or “continue” or the negative or
other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. These statements, by their
nature, involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of
which are beyond our control, and actual results may differ
materially depending on a variety of important factors, including
factors discussed in this and other of our filings with the
SEC.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We are
subject to the information and reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and in accordance with
the Securities Exchange Act, we file periodic reports, documents,
and other information with the SEC relating to our business,
financial statements, and other matters. These reports and other
information may be inspected and are available for copying at the
offices of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Our
SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC’s
website at
http://www.sec.gov
.
As we
obtained the requisite stockholder vote for the amendment to the
Plan described in this Information Statement upon delivery of
written consents from the holders of a majority of our outstanding
shares of common stock,
WE ARE NOT
ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A
PROXY
. This Information Statement is for informational
purposes only. Please read this Information Statement
carefully.
Dated:
March 21, 2017
By
Order of the Board of Directors
/s/
Stephan
Wallach
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Stephan
Wallach
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Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer
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STATEMENT OF ACTION BY
WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE
MAJORITY OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF
YOUNGEVITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
The
undersigned, being a majority of the stockholders of Youngevity
International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
“Corporation”), and acting hereunder without the
convening of a formal meeting pursuant to Section 228 of the
Delaware General Corporation Law, do hereby consent in writing to
and adopt the following resolutions:
RESOLVED
, that that the Corporation,
acting through its Board of Directors, be, and hereby is,
authorized and empowered at its discretion to file an amendment to
the Corporation’s Certificate of Incorporation to either: (i)
decrease the amount of authorized shares of common stock of the
Corporation from 600,000,000 to 50,000,000 and decrease the amount
of authorized shares of preferred stock from 100,000,000 to
5,000,000 (the “Decrease”) and (ii) effect a reverse
stock split of the Corporation’s common stock from between
1-for-15 and up to 1-for-25 (the “Reverse Stock
Split”); and
FURTHER
RESOLVED
, that the effective
date of any Decrease or Reverse Stock Split shall be the date of
filing of the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State, or such later
date as set forth in the Certificate of Amendment to the
Certificate of Incorporation attached hereto as Exhibit A;
and
FURTHER RESOLVED
, that no fractional
shares of new common stock resulting from any Reverse Stock Split
shall be issued and the Corporation, in lieu thereof, shall pay to
each holder otherwise entitled to receive any fractional shares an
amount equal to the fair value thereof, as determined in good faith
by the Board of Directors; and
FURTHER RESOLVED
, that the Amendment to
the 2012 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) in the form
attached hereto as Exhibit B be, and hereby is,
approved.
This
Consent is signed as of the 23rd day of February 2017 and may be
executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed am original
and all of which shall be deemed to be one and the same
instrument
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/s/ Stephen
Wallach
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Stephan
Wallach
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/s/ Michelle
Wallach
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Michelle
Wallach
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/s/
David Briskie
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David
Briskie
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Exhibit A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO THE
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
YOUNGEVITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
YOUNGEVITY
INTERNATIONAL, INC., a corporation organized and existing under and
by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:
FIRST:
That ARTICLE FOURTH shall be amended by replacing ARTICLE FOURTH in
its entirety as follows:
FOURTH:
The total number of shares of stock which the corporation shall
have authority to issue is FIFITY MILLION (50,000,000) shares of
common stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Common
Stock”) and FIVE MILLION (5,000,000) shares of preferred
stock, par value $.001 per share (the “Preferred
Stock”), of which 161,135 shall be designated as series A
convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per shares
(“Series A Convertible Preferred”).
The
Preferred Stock of the corporation shall be issued by the board of
directors of the corporation in one or more classes or one or more
series within any class and such classes or series shall have such
voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such
designations, preferences, limitations or restrictions as the board
of directors of the corporation may determine, from time to
time.
The
holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote for each share
held at all meetings of stockholders (and written actions in lieu
of meetings). There shall be no cumulative
voting.
Shares
of Common Stock and Preferred Stock may be issued from time to time
as the board of directors shall determine and on such terms and for
such consideration as shall be fixed by the board of
directors.”
“Upon this
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, as
amended, becoming effective pursuant to the DGCL (the Effective
Time”), every [fifteen (15) to twenty-five (25), as
determined by the board of directors] shares of common stock issued
and outstanding or held by the Corporation in treasury immediately
prior to the Effective Time (the "Old Common Stock") shall
automatically without further action on the part of the Corporation
or any holder of Old Common Stock, be reclassified, combined and
changed into one fully paid and nonassessable share of new common
stock (the "New Common Stock"). From and after the Effective Time,
certificates representing any shares of Old Common Stock shall
represent the number of whole shares of New Common Stock into which
such shares of Old Common Stock shall have been reclassified
pursuant to this Certificate of Amendment. From and after the
Effective Time, certificates representing the Old Common Stock
shall represent the number of whole shares of New Common Stock into
which such Old Common Stock shall have been reclassified pursuant
to this Certificate of Amendment. There shall be no fractional
shares issued. A holder of record of common stock on the Effective
Date who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share
shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive an amount equal to
the fair value thereof, as determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors.”
SECOND: That the foregoing amendment was duly adopted in accordance
with the provisions of Section 228 and 242 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this
Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to be
signed by Stephan Wallach, its Chief Executive Officer, as of the
___ day of _______ 2017.
/s/
Stephan
Wallach
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Stephan
Wallach
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Chief Executive
Officer
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Exhibit B
YOUNGEVITY INTERNATIONAL, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2012 STOCK OPTION PLAN
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1.
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Establishment and Purpose.
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The
purpose of the Youngevity International, Inc. 2012 Stock Option
Plan (the “Plan”) is to promote the interests of the
Company and the stockholders of the Company by providing directors,
officers, employees and consultants of the Company with appropriate
incentives and rewards to encourage them to enter into and continue
in the employ or service of the Company, to acquire a proprietary
interest in the long-term success of the Company and to reward the
performance of individuals in fulfilling long-term corporate
objectives.
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2.
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Administration of the Plan.
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The
Plan shall be administered by a Committee appointed by the Board of
Directors. The Committee shall have the authority, in its sole
discretion, subject to and not inconsistent with the express terms
and provisions of the Plan, to administer the Plan and to exercise
all the powers and authorities either specifically granted to it
under the Plan or necessary or advisable in the administration of
the Plan, including, without limitation, the authority to grant
Awards; to determine the persons to whom and the time or times at
which Awards shall be granted; to determine the type and number of
Awards to be granted (including whether an Option granted is an
Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option); to
determine the number of shares of stock to which an Award may
relate and the terms, conditions, restrictions and performance
criteria, if any, relating to any Award; to determine whether, to
what extent, and under what circumstances an Award may be settled,
cancelled, forfeited, exchanged or surrendered; to make adjustments
in the performance goals that may be required for any award in
recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company
or the financial statements of the Company (to the extent not
inconsistent with Section 162(m) of the Code, if applicable),
or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or
accounting principles; to construe and interpret the Plan and any
Award; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations
relating to the Plan; to determine the terms and provisions of
Agreements; and to make all other determinations deemed necessary
or advisable for the administration of the Plan.
The
Committee may, in its absolute discretion, without amendment to the
Plan, (a) accelerate the date on which any Option granted
under the Plan becomes exercisable, waive or amend the operation of
Plan provisions respecting exercise after termination of employment
or otherwise adjust any of the terms of such Option, and
(b) accelerate the vesting date, or waive any condition
imposed hereunder, with respect to any share of Restricted Stock,
or other Award or otherwise adjust any of the terms applicable to
any such Award. Notwithstanding the foregoing, and subject to
Sections 4(c) and 4(d), neither the Board of Directors, the
Committee nor their respective delegates shall have the authority
to re-price (or cancel and/or re-grant) any Option, Stock
Appreciation Right or, if applicable, other Award at a lower
exercise, base or purchase price without first obtaining the
approval of our stockholders.
Subject
to Section 162(m) of the Code and except as required by Rule
16b-3 with respect to grants of Awards to individuals who are
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or as otherwise
required for compliance with Rule 16b-3 or other applicable law,
the Committee may delegate all or any part of its authority under
the Plan to an employee, employees or committee of
employees.
Subject
to Section 162(m) of the Code and Section 16 of the
Exchange Act, to the extent the Committee deems it necessary,
appropriate or desirable to comply with foreign law or practices
and to further the purpose of the Plan, the Committee may, without
amending this Plan, establish special rules applicable to Awards
granted to Participants who are foreign nationals, are employed
outside the United States, or both, including rules that differ
from those set forth in the Plan, and grant Awards to such
Participants in accordance with those rules.
All
decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Committee or
the Board of Directors shall be final and binding on all persons
with any interest in an Award, including the Company and the
Participant (or any person claiming any rights under the Plan from
or through any Participant). No member of the Committee or the
Board of Directors shall be liable for any action taken or
determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any
Award.
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary set forth hereinabove, the full extent of
the rights and powers of the Committee shall be exclusively
determined by the Charter established by the Board of Directors for
the Committee. As such, to the extent the Charter may require the
Committee to seek the approval of the Board of Directors related to
any Awards granted hereunder, the Committee shall seek such Board
of Directors approval as a condition for any actions to be taken by
it.
(a)
“Agreement”
shall mean the written agreement between the Company and a
Participant evidencing an Award.
(b)
“Annual
Incentive Award” shall mean an Award described in Section
6(g) hereof that is based upon a period of one year or
less.
(c)
“Award”
shall mean any Option, Restricted Stock, Stock Bonus award, Stock
Appreciation Right, Performance Award, Other Stock-Based Award or
Other Cash-Based Award granted pursuant to the terms of the
Plan.
(d)
“Board of
Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the
Company.
(e)
“Cause”
shall mean a termination of a Participant’s employment by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries due to (i) the continued
failure, after written notice, by such Participant substantially to
perform his or her duties with the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any such failure resulting from incapacity
due to reasonably documented physical illness or injury or mental
illness), (ii) the engagement by such Participant in serious
misconduct that causes, or in the good faith judgment of the Board
of Directors may cause, harm (financial or otherwise) to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries including, without limitation,
the disclosure of material secret or confidential information of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) the material
breach by the Participant of any agreement between such
Participant, on the one hand, and the Company, on the other hand.
Notwithstanding the above, with respect to any Participant who is a
party to an employment agreement with the Company, Cause shall have
the meaning set forth in such employment agreement.
(f)
A
“Change in Control” shall be deemed to have occurred if
the event set forth in any one of the following paragraphs shall
have occurred:
(i) any
Person is or becomes the “Beneficial Owner” (as defined
in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company (not including in the securities
Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities acquired directly
from the Company) representing 30% or more of the Company’s
then outstanding securities, excluding any Person who becomes such
a Beneficial Owner in connection with a transaction described in
clause (A) of paragraph (iii) below; or
(ii) the
following individuals cease for any reason to constitute a majority
of the number of directors then serving: individuals who, on the
Effective Date, constitute the Board of Directors and any new
director (other than a director whose initial assumption of office
is in connection with an actual or threatened election contest,
including but not limited to a consent solicitation, relating to
the election of directors of the Company) whose appointment or
election by the Board of Directors or nomination for election by
the Company’s stockholders was approved or recommended by a
vote of at least a two-thirds of the directors then still in office
who either were directors on the Effective Date or whose
appointment, election or nomination for election was previously so
approved or recommended; or
(iii) there
is consummated a merger or consolidation of the Company with any
other corporation other than (A) a merger or consolidation
which would result in the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation
continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by
being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or
any parent thereof) at least 50% of the combined voting power of
the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or
any parent thereof outstanding immediately after such merger or
consolidation, or (B) a merger or consolidation effected to
implement a re-capitalization of the Company (or similar
transaction) in which no Person is or becomes the Beneficial Owner,
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not including
in the securities Beneficially Owned by such Person any securities
acquired directly from the Company) representing 30% or more of the
combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding
securities; or
(iv) the
stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation
or dissolution of the Company or there is consummated an agreement
for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially
all of the Company’s assets, other than a sale or disposition
by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s
assets to an entity at least 75% of the combined voting power of
the voting securities of which are owned by Persons in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the
Company immediately prior to such sale.
(g)
“Code”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
to time, and any regulations promulgated thereunder. References in
the Plan to specific sections of the Code shall be deemed to
include any successor provisions thereto.
(h)
“Committee”
shall mean, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a
Committee of the Board of Directors, which shall consist of two or
more persons, each of whom, unless otherwise determined by the
Board of Directors, is an “outside director” within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and a “nonemployee
director” within the meaning of Rule 16b-3.
(i)
“Company”
shall mean Youngevity International, Inc., a Delaware corporation,
and, where appropriate, each of its Subsidiaries.
(j)
“Company
Stock” shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value
$0.001 per share.
(k)
“Disability”
shall mean permanent disability as determined pursuant to the
Company’s long-term disability plan or policy, in effect at
the time of such disability.
(l)
“Effective
Date” shall mean the date as of which this Plan is adopted by
the Board of Directors.
(m)
“Exchange
Act” shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time.
(n)
The
“Fair Market Value” of a share of Company Stock, as of
a date of determination, shall mean (1) the closing sales price per
share of Company Stock on the national securities exchange on which
such stock is principally traded on the date of the grant of such
Award, or (2) if the shares of Company Stock are not listed or
admitted to trading on any such exchange and if the Common Stock is
regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling
prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common
Stock will be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices
for the Common Stock on the day of determination (or, if no bids
and asks were reported on that date, as applicable, on the last
trading date such bids and asks were reported), as reported in The
Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems
reliable, or (3) if the shares of Company Stock are not then
listed on a national securities exchange or traded in an
over-the-counter market or the value of such shares is not
otherwise determinable, such value as determined by the Committee
in good faith upon the advice of a qualified valuation expert. In
no event shall the fair market value of any share of Company Stock,
the Option exercise price of any Option, the appreciation base per
share of Company Stock under any Stock Appreciation Right, or the
amount payable per share of Company Stock under any other Award, be
less than the par value per share of Company Stock.
(o)
“Full Value
Award” means any Award, other than an Option or a Stock
Appreciation Right, which Award is settled in Stock.
(p)
“Incentive
Stock Option” shall mean an Option that is an
“incentive stock option” within the meaning of Section
422 of the Code, or any successor provision, and that is designated
by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.
(q)
“Long Term
Incentive Award” shall mean an Award described in Section
6(g) hereof that is based upon a period in excess of one
year.
(r)
“Nonemployee
Director” shall mean a member of the Board of Directors who
is not an employee of the Company.
(s)
“Nonqualified
Stock Option” shall mean an Option other than an Incentive
Stock Option.
(t)
“Option”
shall mean an option to purchase shares of Company Stock granted
pursuant to Section 6(b).
(u)
“Other
Cash-Based Award” shall mean a right or other interest
granted to a Participant pursuant to Section 6(g) hereof other than
an Other Stock-Based Award.
(v)
“Other
Stock-Based Award” shall mean a right or other interest
granted to a Participant, valued in whole or in part by reference
to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Company Stock pursuant to
Section 6(g) hereof, including but not limited to (i) unrestricted
Company Stock awarded as a bonus or upon the attainment of
performance goals or otherwise as permitted under the Plan, and
(ii) a right granted to a Participant to acquire Company Stock
from the Company containing terms and conditions prescribed by the
Committee.
(w)
“Participant”
shall mean an employee, consultant or director of the Company to
whom an Award is granted pursuant to the Plan, and, upon the death
of the employee, consultant or director, his or her successors,
heirs, executors and administrators, as the case may
be.
(x)
“Performance
Award” shall mean an Award granted to a Participant pursuant
to Section 6(f) hereof.
(y)
“Person”
shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange
Act, except that such term shall not include (1) the Company,
(2) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an
employee benefit plan of the Company, (3) an underwriter
temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such
securities, or (4) a corporation owned, directly or
indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the
same proportions as their ownership of stock of the
Company.
(z)
“Restricted
Stock” shall mean a share of Company Stock which is granted
pursuant to the terms of Section 6(e) hereof.
(aa)
“Retirement”
shall mean, in the case of employees, the termination of employment
with the Company (other than for Cause) during or after the
calendar year in which a Participant has or will reach (i) age 55
with ten years of service with the Company, or (ii) age 60 with
five years of service with the Company. “Retirement”
shall mean, in the case of directors, the termination of service
with the Company (other than for Cause) during or after the
calendar year in which a Participant has or will reach age 75 with
five years of service with the Company.
(bb)
“Rule
16b-3” shall mean the Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the
Exchange Act, as amended from time to time.
(cc)
“Securities
Act” shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from
time to time.
(dd)
“Stock
Appreciation Right” shall mean the right, granted to a
Participant under Section 6(d), to be paid an amount measured by
the appreciation in the Fair Market Value of a share of Company
Stock from the date of grant to the date of exercise of the right,
with payment to be made in cash and/or a share of Company Stock, as
specified in the Award or determined by the Committee.
(ee)
“Stock
Bonus” shall mean a bonus payable in shares of Company Stock
granted pursuant to Section 6(e) hereof.
(ff)
“Subsidiary”
shall mean a “subsidiary corporation” within the
meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code.
4.
Stock Subject to the
Plan.
(a)
Shares Available for Awards
.
The maximum number of shares of Company Stock reserved for issuance
under the Plan (all of which may be granted as Incentive Stock
Options) shall be Eighty Million 80,000,000 shares. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, of the Eighty Million 80,000,000 shares reserved for
issuance under this Plan, no more than Twenty Million 20,000,000 of
such shares shall be issued as Full Value Awards. Shares reserved
under the Plan may be authorized but unissued Company Stock or
authorized and issued Company Stock held in the Company’s
treasury. The Committee may direct that any stock certificate
evidencing shares issued pursuant to the Plan shall bear a legend
setting forth such restrictions on transferability as may apply to
such shares pursuant to the Plan.
(b)
Individual Limitation
. To the
extent required by Section 162(m) of the Code, the total
number of shares of Company Stock subject to Awards awarded to any
one Participant during any tax year of the Company, shall not
exceed Five Million 5,000,000 shares (subject to adjustment as
provided herein).
(c)
Adjustment for Change in
Capitalization
. In the event that the Committee shall
determine that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the
form of cash, Company Stock, or other property), recapitalization,
Company Stock split, reverse Company Stock split, reorganization,
merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase, or share
exchange, or other similar corporate transaction or event, makes an
adjustment appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement
of the rights of Participants under the Plan, then the Committee
shall make such equitable changes or adjustments as it deems
necessary or appropriate to any or all of (1) the number and
kind of shares of Company Stock which may thereafter be issued in
connection with Awards, (2) the number and kind of shares of
Company Stock, securities or other property (including cash) issued
or issuable in respect of outstanding Awards, (3) the exercise
price, grant price or purchase price relating to any Award, and
(4) the maximum number of shares subject to Awards which may
be awarded to any employee during any tax year of the Company;
provided that, with respect to Incentive Stock Options, any such
adjustment shall be made in accordance with Section 424 of the
Code; and provided further that, no such adjustment shall cause any
Award hereunder which is or could be subject to Section 409A
of the Code to fail to comply with the requirements of such
section.
(d)
Reuse of Shares
. Except as set
forth below, if any shares subject to an Award are forfeited,
cancelled, exchanged or surrendered, or if an Award terminates or
expires without a distribution of shares to the Participant, the
shares of stock with respect to such Award shall, to the extent of
any such forfeiture, cancellation, exchange, surrender,
withholding, termination or expiration, again be available for
Awards under the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the
exercise of any Award granted in tandem with any other Awards, such
related Awards shall be cancelled to the extent of the number of
shares of Company Stock as to which the Award is exercised and such
number of shares shall no longer be available for Awards under the
Plan. In addition, notwithstanding the forgoing, the shares of
stock surrendered or withheld as payment of either the exercise
price of an Option (including shares of stock otherwise underlying
an Award of a Stock Appreciation Right that are retained by the
Company to account for the appreciation base of such Stock
Appreciation Right) and/or withholding taxes in respect of an Award
shall no longer be available for Awards under the
Plan.
5.
Eligibility
.
The
persons who shall be eligible to receive Awards pursuant to the
Plan shall be the individuals the Committee shall select from time
to time, who are employees (including officers of the Company and
its Subsidiaries, whether or not they are directors of the Company
or its Subsidiaries), Nonemployee Directors, and consultants of the
Company and its Subsidiaries; provided, that Incentive Stock
Options shall be granted only to employees (including officers and
directors who are also employees) of the Company or its
Subsidiaries.
6.
Awards Under the
Plan
.
(a)
Agreement
. The
Committee may grant Awards in such amounts and with such terms and
conditions as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion,
subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan. Each Award granted
under the Plan (except an unconditional Stock Bonus) shall be
evidenced by an Agreement as the Committee may in its sole
discretion deem necessary or desirable and unless the Committee
determines otherwise, such Agreement must be signed, acknowledged
and returned by the Participant to the Company. Unless the
Committee determines otherwise, any failure by the Participant to
sign and return the Agreement within such period of time following
the granting of the Award as the Committee shall prescribe shall
cause such Award to the Participant to be null and void. By
accepting an Award or other benefits under the Plan (including
participation in the Plan), each Participant, shall be conclusively
deemed to have indicated acceptance and ratification of, and
consent to, all provisions of the Plan and the
Agreement.
(b)
Stock Options.
(i)
Grant of Stock Options
. The
Committee may grant Options under the Plan to purchase shares of
Company Stock in such amounts and subject to such terms and
conditions as the Committee shall from time to time determine in
its sole discretion, subject to the terms and provisions of the
Plan. The exercise price of the share purchasable under an Option
shall be determined by the Committee, but in no event shall the
exercise price be less than the Fair Market Value per share on the
grant date of such Option. The date as of which the Committee
adopts a resolution granting an Option shall be considered the day
on which such Option is granted unless such resolution specifies a
later date.
(ii)
Identification
. Each Option
shall be clearly identified in the applicable Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option and shall
state the number of shares of Company Stock to which the Option
(and/or each type of Option) relates.
(c)
Special Requirements for Incentive
Stock Options.
(i)
To the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of shares of
Company Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are
exercisable for the first time by a Participant during any calendar
year under the Plan and any other stock option plan of the Company
shall exceed $100,000, such Options shall be treated as
Nonqualified Stock Options. Such Fair Market Value shall be
determined as of the date on which each such Incentive Stock Option
is granted.
(ii)
No Incentive
Stock Option may be granted to an individual if, at the time of the
proposed grant, such individual owns (or is deemed to own under the
Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company unless (A) the
exercise price of such Incentive Stock Option is at least 110% of
the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Stock at the time such
Incentive Stock Option is granted and (B) such Incentive Stock
Option is not exercisable after the expiration of five years from
the date such Incentive Stock Option is granted.
(d)
Stock Appreciation
Rights.
(i)
The
Committee may grant a related Stock Appreciation Right in
connection with all or any part of an Option granted under the
Plan, either at the time such Option is granted or at any time
thereafter prior to the exercise, termination or cancellation of
such Option, and subject to such terms and conditions as the
Committee shall from time to time determine in its sole discretion,
consistent with the terms and provisions of the Plan, provided,
however, that in no event shall the appreciation base of the shares
of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right be less
than the Fair Market Value per share on the grant date of such
Stock Appreciation Right. The holder of a related Stock
Appreciation Right shall, subject to the terms and conditions of
the Plan and the applicable Agreement, have the right by exercise
thereof to surrender to the Company for cancellation all or a
portion of such related Stock Appreciation Right, but only to the
extent that the related Option is then exercisable, and to be paid
therefor an amount equal to the excess (if any) of (i) the
aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock subject
to the related Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof
surrendered (determined as of the exercise date), over
(ii) the aggregate appreciation base of the shares of Company
Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof
surrendered. Upon any exercise of a related Stock Appreciation
Right or any portion thereof, the number of shares of Company Stock
subject to the related Option shall be reduced by the number of
shares of Company Stock in respect of which such Stock Appreciation
Right shall have been exercised.
(ii)
The
Committee may grant unrelated Stock Appreciation Rights in such
amount and subject to such terms and conditions, as the Committee
shall from time to time determine in its sole discretion, subject
to the terms and provisions of the Plan, provided, however, that in
no event shall the appreciation base of the shares of Company Stock
subject to the Stock Appreciation Right be less than the Fair
Market Value per share on the grant date of such Stock Appreciation
Right. The holder of an unrelated Stock Appreciation Right shall,
subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the applicable
Agreement, have the right to surrender to the Company for
cancellation all or a portion of such Stock Appreciation Right, but
only to the extent that such Stock Appreciation Right is then
exercisable, and to be paid therefor an amount equal to the excess
(if any) of (x) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares
of Company Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right or portion
thereof surrendered (determined as of the exercise date), over
(y) the aggregate appreciation base of the shares of Company
Stock subject to the Stock Appreciation Right or portion thereof
surrendered.
(iii)
The grant or
exercisability of any Stock Appreciation Right shall be subject to
such conditions as the Committee, in its sole discretion, shall
determine.
(e)
Restricted Stock and Stock
Bonus.
(i)
The
Committee may grant Restricted Stock awards, alone or in tandem
with other Awards under the Plan, subject to such restrictions,
terms and conditions, as the Committee shall determine in its sole
discretion and as shall be evidenced by the applicable Agreements.
The vesting of a Restricted Stock award granted under the Plan may
be conditioned upon the completion of a specified period of
employment or service with the Company or any Subsidiary, upon the
attainment of specified performance goals, and/or upon such other
criteria as the Committee may determine in its sole
discretion.
(ii)
Each
Agreement with respect to a Restricted Stock award shall set forth
the amount (if any) to be paid by the Participant with respect to
such Award and when and under what circumstances such payment is
required to be made.
(iii)
The
Committee may, upon such terms and conditions as the Committee
determines in its sole discretion, provide that a certificate or
certificates representing the shares underlying a Restricted Stock
award shall be registered in the Participant’s name and bear
an appropriate legend specifying that such shares are not
transferable and are subject to the provisions of the Plan and the
restrictions, terms and conditions set forth in the applicable
Agreement, or that such certificate or certificates shall be held
in escrow by the Company on behalf of the Participant until such
shares become vested or are forfeited. Except as provided in the
applicable Agreement, no shares underlying a Restricted Stock award
may be assigned, transferred, or otherwise encumbered or disposed
of by the Participant until such shares have vested in accordance
with the terms of such Award.
(iv)
If and to the
extent that the applicable Agreement may so provide, a Participant
shall have the right to vote and receive dividends on the shares
underlying a Restricted Stock award granted under the Plan. Unless
otherwise provided in the applicable Agreement, any stock received
as a dividend on or in connection with a stock split of the shares
underlying a Restricted Stock award shall be subject to the same
restrictions as the shares underlying such Restricted Stock
award.
(v)
The
Committee may grant Stock Bonus awards, alone or in tandem with
other Awards under the Plan, subject to such terms and conditions
as the Committee shall determine in its sole discretion and as may
be evidenced by the applicable Agreement.
(f)
Performance
Awards.
(i)
The
Committee may grant Performance Awards, alone or in tandem with
other Awards under the Plan, to acquire shares of Company Stock in
such amounts and subject to such terms and conditions as the
Committee shall from time to time in its sole discretion determine,
subject to the terms of the Plan. To the extent necessary to
satisfy the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of
the Code, unless the Committee shall determine otherwise, the
Performance Awards shall provide that payment shall be made within
2 1/2 months after the end of the year in which the
Participant has a legally binding vested right to such
award.
(ii)
In the event
that the Committee grants a Performance Award or other Award (other
than Nonqualified Stock Option or Incentive Stock Option or a Stock
Appreciation Right) that is intended to constitute qualified
performance-based compensation within the meaning
Section 162(m) of the Code, the following rules shall apply
(as such rules may be modified by the Committee to conform with
Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
thereunder as may be in effect from time to time, and any
amendments, revisions or successor provisions thereto): (a)
payments under the Performance Award shall be made solely on
account of the attainment of one or more objective performance
goals established in writing by the Committee not later than 90
days after the commencement of the period of service to which the
Performance Award relates (but in no event after 25% of the period
of service has elapsed); (b) the performance goal(s) to which
the Performance Award relates shall be based on one or more of the
following business criteria applied to the Participant and/or a
business unit or the Company and/or a Subsidiary: (1) business
development progress, (2) sales, (3) sales growth, (4) earnings
growth, (5) cash flow or cash position, (6) gross margins, (7)
stock price, (8) financings (issuance of debt or equity), (9)
market share, (10) total stockholder return, (11) net
revenues, (12) earnings per share of Company Stock;
(13) net income (before or after taxes), (14) return on
assets, (15) return on sales, (16) return on assets, (17) equity or
investment, (18) improvement of financial ratings, (19) achievement
of balance sheet or income statement objectives, (20) total
stockholder return, (21) earnings from continuing operations;
levels of expense, cost or liability, (22) earnings before all
or any interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization
(“EBIT”, “EBITA” or “EBITDA”),
(23) cost reduction goals, (24) business development goals
(including without limitation product launches and other business
development-related opportunities), (25) identification or
consummation of investment opportunities or completion of specified
projects in accordance with corporate business plans, including
strategic mergers, acquisitions or divestitures, (26) meeting
specified market penetration or value added goals, (27) any
combination of, or a specified increase or decrease of one or more
of the foregoing over a specified period, and (28) such other
criteria as the stockholders of the Company may approve; in each
case as applicable, as determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles; and (c) once granted, the
Committee may not have discretion to increase the amount payable
under such Award, provided, however, that whether or not an Award
is intended to constitute qualified performance-based compensation
within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the
Committee, to the extent provided by the Committee at the time the
Award is granted or as otherwise permitted under
Section 162(m) of the Code, shall have the authority to make
appropriate adjustments in performance goals under an Award to
reflect the impact of extraordinary items not reflected in such
goals. For purposes of the Plan, extraordinary items shall be
defined as (1) any profit or loss attributable to acquisitions
or dispositions of stock or assets, (2) any changes in
accounting standards that may be required or permitted by the
Financial Accounting Standards Board or adopted by the Company
after the goal is established, (3) all items of gain, loss or
expense for the year related to restructuring charges for the
Company, (4) all items of gain, loss or expense for the year
determined to be extraordinary or unusual in nature or infrequent
in occurrence or related to the disposal of a segment of a
business, (5) all items of gain, loss or expense for the year
related to discontinued operations that do not qualify as a segment
of a business as defined in APB Opinion No. 30, and
(6) such other items as may be prescribed by
Section 162(m) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations
thereunder as may be in effect from time to time, and any
amendments, revisions or successor provisions and any changes
thereto. The Committee shall, prior to making payment under any
award under this Section 6(f), certify in writing that all
applicable performance goals have been attained. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained in the Plan or in any applicable
Agreement, no dividends or dividend equivalents will be paid with
respect to unvested Performance Awards.
(g)
Other Stock- or Cash-Based
Awards.
(i)
The
Committee is authorized to grant Awards to Participants in the form
of Other Stock-Based Awards or Other Cash-Based Awards, including
restricted stock units, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent
with the purposes of the Plan. To the extent necessary to satisfy
the short-term deferral exception to Section 409A of the Code,
unless the Committee shall determine otherwise, the awards shall
provide that payment shall be made within 2½ months after the
end of the year in which the Participant has a legally binding
vested right to such award. With respect to Other Cash-Based Awards
intended to qualify as performance based compensation under
Section 162(m) of the Code, (i) the maximum value of the
aggregate payment that any Participant may receive with respect to
any such Other Cash-Based Award that is an Annual Incentive Award
is $3,000,000, (ii) the maximum value of the aggregate payment
that any Participant may receive with respect to any such Other
Cash-Based Award that is a Long Term Incentive Award is the amount
set forth in clause (i) above multiplied by a fraction, the
numerator of which is the number of months in the performance
period and the denominator of which is twelve, and (iii) such
additional rules set forth in Section 6(f) applicable to
Awards intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m) shall apply. The Committee may establish such
other rules applicable to the Other Stock- or Cash-Based Awards to
the extent not inconsistent with Section 162(m) of the
Code.
(h)
Exercisability of Awards; Cancellation
of Awards in Certain Cases.
(i)
Except as
hereinafter provided, each Agreement with respect to an Option or
Stock Appreciation Right shall set forth the period during which
and the conditions subject to which the Option or Stock
Appreciation Right evidenced thereby shall be exercisable, and each
Agreement with respect to a Restricted Stock award, Stock Bonus
award, Performance Award or other Award shall set forth the period
after which and the conditions subject to which amounts underlying
such Award shall vest or be deliverable, all such periods and
conditions to be determined by the Committee in its sole
discretion.
(ii)
Except as
provided in Section 7(d) hereof, no Option or Stock
Appreciation Right may be exercised and no shares of Company Stock
underlying any other Award under the Plan may vest or become
deliverable more than ten years after the date of grant (the
“Stated Expiration Date”).
(iii)
Except as
provided in Section 7 hereof, no Option or Stock Appreciation
Right may be exercised and no shares of common stock underlying any
other Award under the Plan may vest or become deliverable unless
the Participant is at such time in the employ (for Participants who
are employees) or service (for Participants who are Nonemployee
Directors or consultants) of the Company or a Subsidiary (or a
company, or a parent or subsidiary company of such company, issuing
or assuming the relevant right or award in a Change in Control) and
has remained continuously so employed or in service since the
relevant date of grant of the Award.
(iv)
An Option or
Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable by the filing of a
written notice of exercise or a notice of exercise in such other
manner with the Company, on such form and in such manner as the
Committee shall in its sole discretion prescribe, and by payment in
accordance with Section 6(i) hereof.
(v)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise, the “Option exercise
date” and the “Stock Appreciation Right exercise
date” shall be the date that the written notice of exercise,
together with payment, are received by the Company.
(i)
Payment of Award
Price.
(i)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee in its
sole discretion otherwise determines, any written notice of
exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right must be
accompanied by payment of the full Option or Stock Appreciation
Right exercise price.
(ii)
Payment of
the Option exercise price and of any other payment required by the
Agreement to be made pursuant to any other Award shall be made in
any combination of the following: (a) by certified or official
bank check payable to the Company (or the equivalent thereof
acceptable to the Committee), (b) with the consent of the
Committee in its sole discretion, by personal check (subject to
collection) which may in the Committee’s discretion be deemed
conditional, (c) unless otherwise provided in the applicable
Agreement, and as permitted by the Committee, by delivery of
previously-acquired shares of common stock owned by the Participant
having a Fair Market Value (determined as of the Option exercise
date, in the case of Options, or other relevant payment date as
determined by the Committee, in the case of other Awards) equal to
the portion of the exercise price being paid thereby; and/or
(d) unless otherwise provided in applicable agreement, and as
permitted by the Committee, on a net-settlement basis with the
Company withholding the amount of common stock sufficient to cover
the exercise price and tax withholding obligation. Payment in
accordance with clause (a) of this Section 6(i)(ii) may
be deemed to be satisfied, if and to the extent that the applicable
Agreement so provides or the Committee permits, by delivery to the
Company of an assignment of a sufficient amount of the proceeds
from the sale of Company Stock to be acquired pursuant to the Award
to pay for all of the Company Stock to be acquired pursuant to the
Award and an authorization to the broker or selling agent to pay
that amount to the Company and to effect such sale at the time of
exercise or other delivery of shares of Company Stock.
7.
Termination of
Employment.
(a)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee in its
sole discretion determines otherwise, upon termination of a
Participant’s employment or service with the Company and its
Subsidiaries by the Company or its Subsidiary for Cause (or in the
case of a Nonemployee Director upon such Nonemployee
Director’s failure to be renominated as Nonemployee Director
of the Company), the portions of outstanding Options and Stock
Appreciation Rights granted to such Participant that are
exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or
service shall remain exercisable, and any payment or notice
provided for under the terms of any other outstanding Award as
respects the portion thereof that is vested as of the date of such
termination of employment or service, may be given, for a period of
thirty (30) days from and including the date of termination of
employment or service (and shall thereafter terminate). All
portions of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights
granted to such Participant which are not exercisable as of the
date of such termination of employment or service, and any other
outstanding Award which is not vested as of the date of such
termination of employment or service shall terminate upon the date
of such termination of employment or service.
(b)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee in its
sole discretion determines otherwise, upon termination of the
Participant’s employment or service with the Company and its
Subsidiaries for any reason other than as described in subsection
(a), (c), (d) or (e) hereof, the portions of outstanding
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted to such Participant
that are exercisable as of the date of such termination of
employment or service shall remain exercisable for a period of
ninety (90) days (and shall terminate thereafter), and any
payment or notice provided for under the terms of any other
outstanding Award as respects the portion thereof vested as of the
date of termination of employment or service may be given, for a
period of ninety (90) days from and including the date of
termination of employment or service (and shall terminate
thereafter). All additional portions of outstanding Options or
Stock Appreciation Rights granted to such Participant which are not
exercisable as of the date of such termination of employment or
service, and any other outstanding Award which is not vested as of
the date of such termination of employment or service shall
terminate upon the date of such termination of employment or
service.
(c)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee in its
sole discretion determines otherwise, if the Participant
voluntarily Retires with the consent of the Company or the
Participant’s employment or service terminates due to
Disability, all outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation Rights and
all other outstanding Awards (except, in the event a Participant
voluntarily Retires, with respect to Awards (other than Options and
Stock Appreciation Rights) intended to qualify as performance-based
compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code)
granted to such Participant shall continue to vest in accordance
with the terms of the applicable Agreements. The Participant shall
be entitled to exercise each such Option or Stock Appreciation
Right and to make any payment, give any notice or to satisfy other
condition under each such other Award, in each case, for a period
of six months from and including the later of (i) date such
entire Award becomes vested or exercisable in accordance with the
terms of such Award and (ii) the date of Retirement, and
thereafter such Awards or parts thereof shall be canceled.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may in its sole
discretion provide for a longer or shorter period for exercise of
an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or may permit a Participant
to continue vesting under an Option, Stock Appreciation Right or
Restricted Stock award or to make any payment, give any notice or
to satisfy other condition under any other Award. The Committee may
in its sole discretion, and in accordance with Section 409A of
the Code, determine (i) for purposes of the Plan, whether any
termination of employment or service is a voluntary Retirement with
the Company’s consent or is due to Disability for purposes of
the Plan, (ii) whether any leave of absence (including any
short-term or long-term Disability or medical leave) constitutes a
termination of employment or service, or a failure to have remained
continuously employed or in service, for purposes of the Plan
(regardless of whether such leave or status would constitute such a
termination or failure for purposes of employment law),
(iii) the applicable date of any such termination of
employment or service, and (iv) the impact, if any, of any of
the foregoing on Awards under the Plan.
(d)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee in its
sole discretion determines otherwise, if the Participant’s
employment or service terminates by reason of death, or if the
Participant’s employment or service terminates under
circumstances providing for continued rights under subsection (b),
(c) or (e) of this Section 7 and during the period
of continued rights described in subsection (b), (c) or
(e) the Participant dies, all outstanding Options, Restricted
Stock and Stock Appreciation Rights granted to such Participant
shall vest and become fully exercisable, and any payment or notice
provided for under the terms of any other outstanding Award may be
immediately paid or given and any condition may be satisfied, by
the person to whom such rights have passed under the
Participant’s will (or if applicable, pursuant to the laws of
descent and distribution) for a period of one year from and
including the date of the Participant’s death and thereafter
all such Awards or parts thereof shall be canceled.
(e)
Unless the
applicable Agreement provides otherwise or the Committee in its
sole discretion determines otherwise, upon termination of a
Participant’s employment or service with the Company and its
Subsidiaries (i) by the Company or its Subsidiaries without
Cause (including, in case of a Nonemployee Director, the failure to
be elected as a Nonemployee Director) or (ii) by the
Participant for “good reason” or any like term as
defined under any employment agreement with the Company or a
Subsidiary to which a Participant may be a party to, the portions
of outstanding Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted to
such Participant which are exercisable as of the date of
termination of employment or service of such Participant shall
remain exercisable, and any payment or notice provided for under
the terms of any other outstanding Award as respects the portion
thereof vested as of the date of termination of employment or
service may be given, for a period of three (3) months from and
including the date of termination of employment or service and
shall terminate thereafter. Unless the applicable Agreement
provides otherwise or the Committee in its sole discretion
determines otherwise, any other outstanding Award shall terminate
as of the date of such termination of employment or
service.
(f)
Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7 to the contrary, no
Option or Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised and no shares
of Company Stock underlying any other Award under the Plan may vest
or become deliverable past the Stated Expiration Date.
8.
Effect of Change in
Control
.
Unless
otherwise determined in an Award Agreement, in the event of a
Change in Control:
(a)
With respect
to each outstanding Award that is assumed or substituted in
connection with a Change in Control, in the event of a termination
of a Participant’s employment or service by the Company
without Cause during the 24-month period following such Change in
Control, on the date of such termination (i) such Award shall
become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable, (ii) the
restrictions, payment conditions, and forfeiture conditions
applicable to any such Award granted shall lapse, and
(iii) any performance conditions imposed with respect to
Awards shall be deemed to be fully achieved at target
levels.
(b)
With respect
to each outstanding Award that is not assumed or substituted in
connection with a Change in Control, immediately upon the
occurrence of the Change in Control, (i) such Award shall
become fully vested and, if applicable, exercisable, (ii) the
restrictions, payment conditions, and forfeiture conditions
applicable to any such Award granted shall lapse, and
(iii) any performance conditions imposed with respect to
Awards shall be deemed to be fully achieved at target
levels.
(c)
For purposes
of this Section 8, an Award shall be considered assumed or
substituted for if, following the Change in Control, the Award
remains subject to the same terms and conditions that were
applicable to the Award immediately prior to the Change in Control
except that, if the Award related to Shares, the Award instead
confers the right to receive common stock of the acquiring
entity.
(d)
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan: (i) in the
event of a Change in Control, except as would otherwise result in
adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code, the
Board may, in its sole discretion, provide that each Award shall,
immediately upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, be
cancelled in exchange for a payment in cash or securities in an
amount equal to (x) the excess of the consideration paid per
Share in the Change in Control over the exercise or purchase price
(if any) per Share subject to the Award multiplied by (y) the
number of Shares granted under the Award and (ii) with respect
to any Award that constitutes a deferral of compensation subject to
Section 409A of the Code, in the event of a Change in Control
that does not constitute a change in the ownership or effective
control of the Company or in the ownership of a substantial portion
of the assets of the Company under Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of
the Code and regulations thereunder, such Award shall be settled in
accordance with its original terms or at such earlier time as
permitted by Section 409A of the Code.
9.
Miscellaneous.
(a)
Agreements
evidencing Awards under the Plan shall contain such other terms and
conditions, not inconsistent with the Plan, as the Committee may
determine in its sole discretion, including penalties for the
commission of competitive acts or other actions detrimental to the
Company. Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, the Committee
shall have the right at any time to deny or delay a
Participant’s exercise of Options if such Participant is
reasonably believed by the Committee (i) to be engaged in
material conduct adversely affecting the Company or (ii) to be
contemplating such conduct, unless and until the Committee shall
have received reasonable assurance that the Participant is not
engaged in, and is not contemplating, such material conduct adverse
to the interests of the Company.
(b)
participants
are and at all times shall remain subject to the trading window
policies adopted by the Company from time to time throughout the
period of time during which they may exercise Options, Stock
Appreciation Rights or sell shares of Company Stock acquired
pursuant to the Plan.
10.
No Special Employment Rights, No Right
to Award
.
(a)
Nothing
contained in the Plan or any Agreement shall confer upon any
Participant any right with respect to the continuation of
employment or service by the Company or interfere in any way with
the right of the Company, subject to the terms of any separate
employment agreement to the contrary, at any time to terminate such
employment or service or to increase or decrease the compensation
of the Participant.
(b)
No person
shall have any claim or right to receive an Award hereunder. The
Committee’s granting of an Award to a Participant at any time
shall neither require the Committee to grant any other Award to
such Participant or other person at any time or preclude the
Committee from making subsequent grants to such Participant or any
other person.
11.
Securities
Matters
.
(a)
The Company
shall be under no obligation to effect the registration pursuant to
the Securities Act of any interests in the Plan or any shares of
Company Stock to be issued hereunder or to effect similar
compliance under any state laws. Notwithstanding anything herein to
the contrary, the Company shall not be obligated to cause to be
issued or delivered any certificates evidencing shares of Company
Stock pursuant to the Plan unless and until the Company is advised
by its counsel that the issuance and delivery of such certificates
is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations of
governmental authority and the requirements of any securities
exchange on which shares of Company Stock are traded. The Committee
may require, as a condition of the issuance and delivery of
certificates evidencing shares of Company Stock pursuant to the
terms hereof, that the recipient of such shares make such
agreements and representations, and that such certificates bear
such legends, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems
necessary or desirable.
(b)
The transfer
of any shares of Company Stock hereunder shall be effective only at
such time as counsel to the Company shall have determined that the
issuance and delivery of such shares is in compliance with all
applicable laws, regulations of governmental authority and the
requirements of any securities exchange on which shares of Company
Stock are traded. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, defer
the effectiveness of any transfer of shares of Company Stock
hereunder in order to allow the issuance of such shares to be made
pursuant to registration or an exemption from registration or other
methods for compliance available under federal or state securities
laws. The Committee shall inform the Participant in writing of its
decision to defer the effectiveness of a transfer. During the
period of such deferral in connection with the exercise of an
Award, the Participant may, by written notice, withdraw such
exercise and obtain the refund of any amount paid with respect
thereto.
12.
Withholding Taxes
.
(a)
Whenever cash is to be
paid pursuant to an Award, the Company shall have the right to
deduct therefrom an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state
and local withholding tax requirements related
thereto.
(b)
Whenever shares of
Company Stock are to be delivered pursuant to an Award, the Company
shall have the right to require the Participant to remit to the
Company in cash an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state
and local withholding tax requirements related thereto. With the
approval of the Committee, a Participant may satisfy the foregoing
requirement by electing to have the Company withhold from delivery
shares of Company Stock having a value equal to the minimum amount
of tax required to be withheld. Such shares shall be valued at
their Fair Market Value on the date of which the amount of tax to
be withheld is determined. Fractional share amounts shall be
settled in cash. Such a withholding election may be made with
respect to all or any portion of the shares to be delivered
pursuant to an Award.
13.
Non-Competition and
Confidentiality
.
By
accepting Awards and as a condition to the exercise of Awards and
the enjoyment of any benefits of the Plan, including participation
therein, each Participant agrees to be bound by and subject to
non-competition, confidentiality and invention ownership agreements
acceptable to the Committee or any officer or director to whom the
Committee elects to delegate such authority.
14.
Notification of Election Under Section
83(b) of the Code
.
If any
Participant shall, in connection with the acquisition of shares of
Company Stock under the Plan, make the election permitted under
Section 83(b) of the Code, such Participant shall notify the
Company of such election within 10 days of filing notice of the
election with the Internal Revenue Service.
15.
Amendment or Termination of the
Plan
.
The
Board of Directors or the Committee may, at any time, suspend or
terminate the Plan or revise or amend it in any respect whatsoever;
provided, however, that the requisite stockholder approval shall be
required if and to the extent the Board of Directors or Committee
determines that such approval is appropriate or necessary for
purposes of satisfying Sections 162(m) or 422 of the Code or Rule
16b-3 or other applicable law. Awards may be granted under the Plan
prior to the receipt of such stockholder approval of the Plan but
each such grant shall be subject in its entirety to such approval
and no Award may be exercised, vested or otherwise satisfied prior
to the receipt of such approval. No amendment or termination of the
Plan may, without the consent of a Participant, adversely affect
the Participant’s rights under any outstanding
Award.
16.
Transfers Upon Death;
Nonassignability
.
(a)
A
Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of a
beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Committee and
may, from time to time, amend or revoke such designation. If no
designated beneficiary survives the Participant, upon the death of
a Participant, outstanding Awards granted to such Participant may
be exercised only by the executor or administrator of the
Participant’s estate or by a person who shall have acquired
the right to such exercise by will or by the laws of descent and
distribution. No transfer of an Award by will or the laws of
descent and distribution shall be effective to bind the Company
unless the Committee shall have been furnished with written notice
thereof and with a copy of the will and/or such evidence as the
Committee may deem necessary to establish the validity of the
transfer and an agreement by the transferee to comply with all the
terms and conditions of the Award that are or would have been
applicable to the Participant and to be bound by the
acknowledgments made by the Participant in connection with the
grant of the Award.
(b)
During a
Participant’s lifetime, the Committee may, in its discretion,
pursuant to the provisions set forth in this clause (b), permit the
transfer, assignment or other encumbrance of an outstanding Option
unless such Option is an Incentive Stock Option and the Committee
and the Participant intends that it shall retain such status.
Subject to the approval of the Committee and to any conditions that
the Committee may prescribe, a Participant may, upon providing
written notice to the General Counsel of the Company, elect to
transfer any or all Options granted to such Participant pursuant to
the Plan to members of his or her immediate family, including, but
not limited to, children, grandchildren and spouse or to trusts for
the benefit of such immediate family members or to partnerships in
which such family members are the only partners; provided, however,
that no such transfer by any Participant may be made in exchange
for consideration. Any such transferee must agree, in writing, to
be bound by all provisions of the Plan.
17.
Effective Date and Term of
Plan
.
The
Plan shall become effective on the Effective Date, but the Plan
shall be subject to the requisite approval of the stockholders of
the Company at the Company’s next Annual Meeting of its
stockholders. In the absence of such approval, such Awards shall be
null and void. Unless earlier terminated by the Board of Directors,
the right to grant Awards under the Plan shall terminate on the
tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. Awards outstanding at Plan
termination shall remain in effect according to their terms and the
provisions of the Plan.
18.
Applicable Law
.
Except
to the extent preempted by any applicable federal law, the Plan
shall be construed and administered in accordance with the laws of
the State of Delaware, without reference to its principles of
conflicts of law.
19.
Participant
Rights
.
(a)
No
Participant shall have any claim to be granted any award under the
Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment for
Participants. Except as provided specifically herein, a Participant
or a transferee of an Award shall have no rights as a stockholder
with respect to any shares covered by any award until the date of
the issuance of a Company Stock certificate to him or her for such
shares.
(b)
Determinations by the Committee under the Plan relating to the
form, amount and terms and conditions of grants and Awards need not
be uniform, and may be made selectively among persons who receive
or are eligible to receive grants and awards under the Plan,
whether or not such persons are similarly situated.
20.
Unfunded Status of
Awards
.
The
Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for
incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payments
not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing
contained in the Plan or any Agreement shall give any such
Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general
creditor of the Company.
21.
No Fractional
Shares
.
No
fractional shares of Company Stock shall be issued or delivered
pursuant to the Plan. The Committee shall determine whether cash,
other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of
such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any
rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise
eliminated.
22.
Interpretation
.
The Plan is designed and intended to
the extent applicable, to comply with Section 162(m) of the
Code, and to provide for grants and other transactions which are
exempt under Rule 16b-3, and all provisions hereof shall be
construed in a manner to so comply. Awards under the Plan are
intended to comply with Code Section 409A to the extent
subject thereto and the Plan and all Awards shall be interpreted in
accordance with Code Section 409A and Department of Treasury
regulations and other interpretive guidance issued thereunder,
including without limitation any such regulations or other guidance
that may be issued after the effective date of the Plan.
Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, no
payment or distribution under this Plan that constitutes an item of
deferred compensation under Code Section 409A and becomes
payable by reason of a Participant’s termination of
employment or service with the Company will be made to such
Participant until such Participant’s termination of
employment or service constitutes a “separation from
service” (as defined in Code Section 409A). For purposes
of this Plan, each amount to be paid or benefit to be provided
shall be construed as a separate identified payment for purposes of
Code Section 409A. If a participant is a “specified
employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A), then to the
extent necessary to avoid the imposition of taxes under Code
Section 409A, such Participant shall not be entitled to any
payments upon a termination of his or her employment or service
until the earlier of: (i) the expiration of the six (6)-month
period measured from the date of such Participant’s
“separation from service” or (ii) the date of such
Participant’s death. Upon the expiration of the applicable
waiting period set forth in the preceding sentence, all payments
and benefits deferred pursuant to this Section 22 (whether
they would have otherwise been payable in a single lump sum or in
installments in the absence of such deferral) shall be paid to such
Participant in a lump sum as soon as practicable, but in no event
later than sixty (60) calendar days, following such expired
period, and any remaining payments due under this Plan will be paid
in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them
herein.
********
Approved
and adopted by the Board of Directors this 23rd day of February
2017.