SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
|
Filed by the Registrant
|
x | ||
|
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
|
o | ||
|
Check the appropriate box:
|
|||
| o |
Preliminary Proxy Statement
|
o |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
|
| x |
Definitive Proxy Statement
|
||
| o |
Definitive Additional Materials
|
||
| o |
Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12
|
||
|
AROTECH CORPORATION
|
|||
|
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
|
|||
|
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|
|||
| x |
No fee required.
|
||
| o |
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
|
||
|
(1)
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
|
||
|
(2)
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
|
||
|
(3)
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
|
||
|
(4)
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
|
||
|
(5)
|
Total fee paid:
|
||
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
|
|||
|
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
|
|||
|
(1)
|
Amount Previously Paid:
|
||
|
(2)
|
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.
|
||
|
(3)
|
Filing Party:
|
||
|
(4)
|
Date Filed:
|
||
 |
Arotech Corporation
1229 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Tel: (800) 281-0356 Fax: (734) 761-5368
http://www.arotech.com
Nasdaq: ARTX
|
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
|
July 3, 2012
Dear Stockholder:
It is our pleasure to invite you to the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Arotech Corporation, a Delaware corporation, to be held at 10:00 a.m. local time on Monday, August 13, 2012 at the offices of Lowenstein Sandler P.C., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, New York.
As per our usual practice, we are distributing our proxy materials primarily over the Internet. We believe that this method of distribution encourages more stockholders to vote their proxies and reduces the cost and environmental impact of mass distribution of paper proxy materials. If you wish to receive a paper or e-mail copy of the proxy materials, you may do so in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. However, if you do decide that you want a paper copy of these proxy materials, we urge you to simply print a copy from off the Internet (available at http://www.proxyvote.com) rather than having your company incur the additional costs of printing and mailing.
The rules of the New York Stock Exchange (and applicable to our exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market) provide that if your shares are held by a bank or broker, the bank or broker cannot vote your shares in connection with the election of our directors unless you provide voting instructions to the bank or broker. If you do not instruct your bank or broker how to vote, no votes will be cast on your behalf in the election of our directors at the Annual Meeting. Given this change, whether or not you plan to attend and regardless of the number of shares you own, it is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. You are accordingly urged to carefully review the proxy materials available to you on the Internet and to vote electronically through the Internet or by telephone, all in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, in order to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the annual meeting. If you submit your proxy and then decide to attend the annual meeting to vote your shares in person, you may still do so if you hold your shares in your own name. Your proxy is revocable in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Proxy Statement.
Sincerely,
Robert S. Ehrlich
Chairman of the Board of Directors
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
Page
|
||
|
Q&A-1
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
1
|
||
|
2
|
||
|
3
|
||
|
4
|
||
|
5
|
||
|
6
|
||
|
6
|
||
|
6
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
7
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
8
|
||
|
9
|
||
|
9
|
||
|
13
|
||
|
13
|
||
|
14
|
||
|
15
|
||
|
18
|
||
|
24
|
||
|
25
|
||
|
26
|
||
|
27
|
||
|
28
|
||
|
28
|
||
|
29
|
||
|
29
|
||
|
A-1
|
||
|
B-1
|
Although we encourage you to read the proxy statement in its entirety, we include these Questions and Answers to provide background information and brief answers to several questions that you may have about the Annual Meeting.
|
Q.
|
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
|
|
A.
|
At our Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting, including the following proposals:
|
|
|
1.
|
To fix the number of Class I directors at three and to elect three Class I directors for a three-year term ending in 2015 and continuing until their successors are duly elected and qualified (beginning on page 2).
|
|
|
2.
|
To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 (beginning on page 6).
|
|
|
3.
|
To consider and act upon a proposal to adopt the Company’s 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (beginning on page 7).
|
|
|
4.
|
To act upon all other business that may properly come before the meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof.
|
|
Q.
|
Why have I received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials?
|
|
A.
|
We are distributing our proxy materials primarily over the Internet. We believe that this method of distribution encourages more stockholders to vote their proxies and reduces the cost and environmental impact of mass distribution of paper proxy materials. You will not receive a printed copy of our proxy materials unless you specifically request one. If you wish to receive a paper or e-mail copy of the proxy materials, you may do so in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials. However, if you do decide that you want a paper copy of these proxy materials, we urge you to simply print a copy from off the Internet rather than having your company incur the additional costs of printing and mailing.
|
|
Q.
|
Why is Arotech seeking stockholder approval for the first proposal?
|
|
A.
|
Our by-laws provide for a Board of one or more directors. The number of directors is currently eight. Our Board is composed of three classes of similar size. The members of each class are elected in different years, so that only one-third of the Board is elected in any single year. Under Delaware law, directors of a corporation are elected by the stockholders, so we are presenting the Board of Directors’ slate of Class I directors for election by the stockholders.
|
|
Q.
|
Why is Arotech seeking stockholder approval for the second proposal?
|
|
A.
|
Although stockholder ratification of the selection of BDO USA, LLP as our independent auditors is not required by our by-laws or otherwise, we are submitting the selection of BDO USA, LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice.
|
|
Q.
|
Why is Arotech seeking stockholder approval for the third proposal?
|
|
A.
|
An Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which would be open only to our non-executive level employees, will allow employees to elect to have part of their after-tax base pay applied to the purchase of common stock for the purpose of investing in the future performance of your Company. In this way, we believe that the interests of our employees can be aligned more closely with the proprietary interests of our stockholders. For this reason, the board believes that approval of the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is in our best interests and in the best interests of our shareholders.
|
|
Q.
|
What shares can I vote?
|
|
A.
|
All shares of our common stock owned by you as of the close of business on the record date, June 19, 2012, may be voted by you. These shares include (i) shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record, and (ii) shares held for you as the beneficial owner through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee. Each share of common stock owned by you entitles you to cast one vote on each matter to be voted upon.
|
|
Q.
|
What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?
|
|
A.
|
Most of our stockholders hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.
|
Stockholder of Record
If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to us or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
Beneficial Owner
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name, and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker, bank or nominee which is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker as to how to vote and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, because you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares. If you do not vote your shares over the Internet or otherwise provide the stockholder of record with voting instructions, your shares may constitute broker non-votes. The effect of broker non-votes is more specifically described in “What vote is required to approve each proposal?” below.
|
Q.
|
How can I vote my shares in person at the Annual Meeting?
|
|
A.
|
Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the Annual Meeting. If you wish to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting, please bring the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials that you received, as well as proof of identification.
|
Even if you currently plan to attend the Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person by you at the Annual Meeting only if you obtain a signed proxy from the record holder giving you the right to vote the shares.
|
Q.
|
What vote is required to approve each proposal?
|
|
A.
|
Holders of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote must be present, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting in order to have the required quorum for the transaction of business.
|
With respect to the first proposal (election of directors), directors are elected by a plurality of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote, and the director nominees who receive the greatest number of votes at the Annual Meeting (up to the total number of directors to be elected) will be elected. As a result, abstentions and “broker non-votes” (see below) will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal.
With respect to the second and third proposals (ratification of the selection of BDO USA, LLP as our independent auditors and adoption of the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan), the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast at the Annual Meeting on these proposals, in person or by proxy, is required to approve these proposals. As a result, abstentions will have the same practical effect as a negative vote on these proposals, and “broker non-votes” (see below) will not affect the outcome of the vote on these proposals.
|
Q.
|
What are “broker non-votes”?
|
|
A.
|
Broker non-votes occur when nominees, such as banks and brokers holding shares on behalf of beneficial owners, do not receive voting instructions from the beneficial holders at least ten days before the meeting. If that happens, the nominees may vote those shares only on matters deemed “routine” by the New York Stock Exchange, such as the selection of auditors. Nominees cannot vote on non-routine matters, including voting for the election of directors and voting on any matter relating to executive compensation, unless they receive voting instructions from beneficial holders, resulting in so-called “broker non-votes.” The effect of broker non-votes on each of the proposals that will be considered at the Annual Meeting is described above and in our proxy statement.
|
We believe that the proposal for the ratification of the selection of BDO USA, LLP as our independent auditors is considered to be a “routine” matter, and as a result we do not expect that there will be a significant number of broker non-votes on this proposal. We believe that the remaining proposal is not a “routine” matter, and as a result there may be a significant number of broker non-votes on this proposal.
|
Q.
|
Where can I find the voting results of the meeting?
|
|
A.
|
We will announce preliminary voting results at the meeting and publish final results in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by us with the SEC by Tuesday, August 14, 2012, by 5:30 p.m. E.D.T.
|
|
Q.
|
Who will count the votes?
|
|
A.
|
An attorney with Lowenstein Sandler P.C., our outside counsel, will tabulate the votes and act as the inspector of elections.
|
|
Q.
|
Who will bear the costs of this solicitation?
|
|
A.
|
Our Board of Directors is making this solicitation, and we will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials. If you choose to access the proxy materials over the Internet, however, you are responsible for Internet access charges you may incur. The solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communication by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. We have hired Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to assist us in providing Internet access and in the distribution of proxy materials. We will also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to stockholders.
|
|
Q.
|
What should I do now?
|
|
A.
|
You should read this proxy statement carefully and promptly submit your proxy card or vote by telephone or the Internet as provided on the proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted at the Annual Meeting.
|
|
Q.
|
How do I vote if I hold shares directly?
|
|
A.
|
If you own your shares directly, you may vote your shares by attending the Annual Meeting in person and completing a ballot or returning your validly executed proxy card at the meeting. The Annual Meeting will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. local time on Monday, August 13, 2012 at the offices of Lowenstein Sandler P.C., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, New York. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, result in the revocation of a previously submitted proxy. Even if you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting, we encourage you to submit your proxy in advance to ensure the representation of your shares at the Annual Meeting.
|
If you do not want to attend the Annual Meeting and you hold your shares directly, you may vote by granting a proxy. To grant a proxy, vote over the Internet or by telephone as instructed in the Notice of Availability of Proxy Materials, or mail a signed proxy card, as soon as possible so that your shares may be represented at the Annual Meeting.
Votes over the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m. E.D.T. on August 12, 2012 in order to be counted.
|
Q.
|
How do I vote if I hold shares in street name?
|
|
A.
|
If you do not want to attend the Annual Meeting and you hold your shares in a stock brokerage account or if your shares are held by a bank or nominee (i.e., in “street name”), you must provide your broker with directions on how to vote your shares. Your broker will provide you with instructions regarding how to direct your broker to vote your shares. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. If you do not provide directions to your broker, your shares will not be voted at the Annual Meeting.
|
If you want to attend the Annual Meeting and you hold your shares in street name, you must obtain a signed proxy card from your broker, bank or other nominee acting as record holder that gives you the right to vote the shares. Your broker will provide you with instructions regarding how to obtain a signed proxy card from the bank or other nominee acting as record holder in order to enable you to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting.
|
Q.
|
What does it mean if I receive more than one Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials?
|
|
A.
|
It means your shares are registered in different ways or are in more than one account. Please provide voting instructions for all proxy and voting instruction cards you receive.
|
|
Q.
|
How can I change my vote after I have mailed my proxy card?
|
|
A.
|
If you are a holder of record, you may generally change your vote by delivering a later-dated proxy or written notice of revocation to our Corporate Secretary before the Annual Meeting, or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. If your shares are held in “street name” by your broker, you must follow the instructions received from your broker regarding how to change your vote.
|
|
1229 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
|
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE STOCKHOLDERS
OF AROTECH CORPORATION
TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 13, 2012
The accompanying proxy is solicited by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Arotech Corporation, for use at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any postponements and adjournments thereof. The meeting is to be held at the offices of Lowenstein Sandler P.C., 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, New York, on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. local time, and thereafter as the meeting may be postponed or adjourned from time to time, for the purposes described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Stockholders of record at the close of business on June 19, 2012 will be entitled to vote at the annual meeting. As of June 19, 2012, there were 15,939,741 shares of our common stock outstanding held of record by 181 record stockholders. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote per share on each matter that comes before the annual meeting.
This proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy will be available on the Internet to you commencing on or about July 3, 2012. We are also providing Internet access to our annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 to our stockholders along with this proxy statement.
Proxies that are properly marked, dated, and signed, or submitted electronically via the Internet or by telephone by following the instructions on the proxy card, and not revoked will be voted at the annual meeting in accordance with any indicated directions. If no direction is indicated, proxies will be voted FOR fixing the number of Class I directors at three and to elect three Class I directors for a three-year term ending in 2015 and continuing until their successors are duly elected and qualified; FOR ratifying the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; FOR the adoption of the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; and IN THE DISCRETION OF THE HOLDERS OF THE PROXIES with respect to any other business that properly comes before the annual meeting and all matters relating to the conduct of the annual meeting. If a broker indicates on the enclosed proxy or its substitute that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a particular matter (“broker non-votes”), those shares will not be considered as voting with respect to that matter. We believe that the tabulation procedures to be followed by the Inspector of Elections are consistent with the general requirements of Delaware law concerning voting of shares and determination of a quorum.
You may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted by delivering to the Secretary of our company a written revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date than the date of the proxy being revoked (including a proxy voted over the Internet or by telephone). Any record stockholder attending the annual meeting in person may revoke his or her proxy and vote his or her shares at the annual meeting.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the annual meeting will be tabulated by the Inspector of Elections, with the assistance of our transfer agent. The Inspector of Elections will also determine whether or not a quorum is present at the annual meeting. The presence of a quorum is required to transact the business proposed to be transacted at the annual meeting. The presence in person or by proxy of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes (as defined above) will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum.
With respect to the first proposal (election of directors), directors are elected by a plurality of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote, and the director nominees who receive the greatest number of votes at the Annual Meeting (up to the total number of directors to be elected) will be elected. As a result, abstentions and “broker non-votes” (see below) will not affect the outcome of the vote on this proposal.
With respect to the second and third proposals (ratification of the selection of BDO USA, LLP as our independent auditors and approval of the 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan), the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast at the Annual Meeting on these proposals, in person or by proxy, is required to approve these proposals. As a result, abstentions will have the same practical effect as a negative vote on these proposals, and “broker non-votes” (see below) will not affect the outcome of the vote on these proposals.
The solicitation of proxies will be conducted over the Internet and by mail, and we will bear all attendant costs. These costs will include the expense of preparing and mailing proxy solicitation materials for the annual meeting and reimbursements paid to brokerage firms and others for their expenses incurred in forwarding solicitation materials regarding the annual meeting to beneficial owners of our common stock. We have hired Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. to assist us in providing Internet access and in the distribution of notices and of proxy materials. We will also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to stockholders. We may conduct further solicitation personally, telephonically or by facsimile through our officers, directors and employees, none of whom will receive additional compensation for assisting with the solicitation.
We are not aware of any matters other than those described in this proxy statement that will be acted upon at the annual meeting. In the event that any other matters do come before the annual meeting for a stockholder vote, the persons named as proxies in the form of proxy being delivered to you along with this proxy statement will vote in accordance with their best judgment on those matters.
At least ten days before the annual meeting, we will make a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting open to the examination of any stockholder for any purpose germane to the annual meeting. The list will be open for inspection during ordinary business hours at our principal executive offices, which are located at 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, and will also be made available to stockholders present at the annual meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our certificate of incorporation and by-laws provide for a Board of three or more directors, composed of three classes of similar size. The members of each class are elected in different years, so that only about one-third of the Board is elected in any single year. As indicated below, we currently have three directors in Class I (with a term of office expiring this year), three directors in Class II (with a term of office expiring in 2014), and two directors in Class III (with a term of office expiring in 2013).
Dr. Eastman and Messrs. Esses and Marrus are designated Class I directors and have been elected for a term expiring this year and until their successors are elected and qualified; Prof. Jones and Messrs. Ehrlich and Leibowitz are designated Class II directors and have been elected for a term expiring in 2014 and until their successors are elected and qualified; and Messrs. Borey and Sloyer are designated Class III directors and have been elected for a term expiring in 2013 and until their successors are elected and qualified.
Unless instructions are given to the contrary, each of the persons named as proxies will vote the shares to which each proxy relates FOR the election of each of the nominees listed below, for a term of three years expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2015 and until the nominee’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until the nominee’s earlier death, removal or resignation. The nominees named below are presently serving as directors, and all of them are anticipated to be available for election and able to serve. However, if they should become unavailable, the proxy will be voted for substitute nominee(s) designated by the Board. The three nominees who receive the greatest number of votes properly cast for the election of directors will be elected.
The following table contains information concerning the nominees for directors and the other incumbent directors:
|
Name
|
Age
|
Position with Arotech
|
Class
|
Director Since
|
||||
|
Dr. Jay M. Eastman(1)(2)
|
64
|
Director
|
I
|
October 1993
|
||||
|
Steven Esses(3)
|
48
|
President, Chief Operating Officer and Director
|
I
|
July 2002
|
||||
|
Michael E. Marrus(1)(2)(3)
|
49
|
Director
|
I
|
October 2007
|
||||
|
Prof. Seymour Jones(2)(4)
|
81
|
Director
|
II
|
August 2005
|
||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich(3)
|
74
|
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
|
II
|
May 1991
|
||||
|
Arthur S. Leibowitz(4)
|
59
|
Director
|
II
|
June 2009
|
||||
|
Edward J. Borey(4)
|
62
|
Director
|
III
|
December 2003
|
||||
|
Elliot Sloyer(1)(3)(4)
|
48
|
Director
|
III
|
October 2007
|
|
(1)
|
Member of the Compensation Committee.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Member of the Nominating Committee.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Member of the Executive and Finance Committee.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Member of the Audit Committee.
|
|
Dr. Jay M. Eastman has been one of our directors since October 1993. From 1991 to 2011, Dr. Eastman served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lucid, Inc., a public company that is developing laser technology applications for medical diagnosis and treatment; since December 2011, Dr. Eastman has served as a director and Chief Science Officer of Lucid. Dr. Eastman served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning of PSCX from December 1995 through October 1997. Dr. Eastman is also a director of Dimension Technologies, Inc., a developer and manufacturer of 3D displays for computer and video displays. From 1981 until 1983, Dr. Eastman was the Director of the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics, where he was a member of the staff from 1975 to 1981. Dr. Eastman holds a B.S. and a Ph.D. in Optics from the University of Rochester in New York.
Dr. Eastman brings to our Board the unique perspective of a trained scientist who has also been deeply involved in the business world. Since many of our company’s products are of a “high-tech” nature, Dr. Eastman’s scientific background is extremely valuable to the Board. Additionally, Dr. Eastman brings to the Board his experiences as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of a high-tech company, as well as his experience as a director of other public companies. We believe that Dr. Eastman’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Steven Esses has been a director since July 2002, our Executive Vice President since January 2003, our Chief Operating Officer since February 2003 and our President since December 2005. From 2000 until 2002, Mr. Esses was a principal with Stillwater Capital Partners, Inc., a New York-based investment research and advisory company (hedge fund) specializing in alternative investment strategies. During this time, Mr. Esses also acted as an independent consultant to new and existing businesses in the areas of finance and business development. In 1995, Mr. Esses founded the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise in Israel and was its Managing Director and CEO until 2005. Before founding Dunkin’ Donuts Israel, Mr. Esses was the Director of Retail Jewelry Franchises with Hamilton Jewelry, and before that he served as Executive Director of Operations for the Conway Organization, a major off-price retailer with 17 locations.
Mr. Esses has been actively involved in the day-to-day management of companies since he was 22, when he co-founded a company that eventually went public. He has worked in retail and wholesale, in high-tech and low-tech, in a variety of industries. Throughout his career, he has been highly numbers-oriented, focusing on budgetary and fiscal matters and on building business value. We believe that Mr. Esses’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Michael E. Marrus has been one of our directors since October 2007. Since October 2011, Mr. Marrus has been a Managing Director of Dominick & Dominick LLC, one of the oldest, privately-held investment firms in the United States. From 2009 to 2011, Mr. Marrus was a Managing Director of Merriman Curhan Ford, Inc., a financial services firm focused on growth companies. From 1998 to 2009, he was a Managing Director of C.E. Unterberg, Towbin & Co., an investment banking firm that was acquired by Collins Stewart plc. Prior to joining Unterberg, Towbin, Mr. Marrus was a Principal and founding member of Fieldstone Private Capital Group, an investment banking firm specializing in corporate, project and structured finance. Previously, he was employed at Bankers Trust Company, initially in the Private Equity and Merchant Banking Groups and subsequently in BT Securities, the securities affiliate of Bankers Trust. Mr. Marrus has an A.B. from Brown University and an M.B.A. from the Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago.
Mr. Marrus has been involved in mergers and acquisitions as an investment banker and has experience in company valuation in a wide range of industries, a critical skill set for us. We believe that Mr. Marrus’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Seymour Jones has been one of our directors since August 2005. Mr. Jones has been a clinical professor of accounting at New York University Stern School of Business since September 1993. Professor Jones teaches courses in accounting, tax, forensic accounting and legal aspects of entrepreneurism. He is also the Associate Director of Ross Institute of Accounting Research at Stern School of Business. His primary research areas include audit committees, auditing, entrepreneurship, financial reporting, and fraud. Professor Jones is the principal author of numerous books including Conflict of Interest, The Coopers & Lybrand Guide to Growing Your Business, The Emerging Business and The Bankers Guide to Audit Reports and Financial Statements. From April 1974 to September 1995, Mr. Jones was a senior partner of the accounting firm of Coopers & Lybrand, a legacy firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”). Professor Jones is a certified public accountant in New York State. Professor Jones received a B.A. in economics from City College, City University of New York, and an M.B.A. from NYU Stern.
Mr. Jones brings many years of experience as an audit partner at PwC with extensive financial accounting knowledge that is critical to our board of directors. Mr. Jones’s experience with accounting principles, financial reporting rules and regulations, evaluating financial results and generally overseeing the financial reporting process of large public companies from an independent auditor’s perspective and as a professor of accounting makes him an invaluable asset to our board of directors. We believe that Mr. Jones’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Robert S. Ehrlich has been our Chairman of the Board since January 1993 and our Chief Executive Officer since October 2002. From May 1991 until January 1993, Mr. Ehrlich was our Vice Chairman of the Board, from May 1991 until October 2002 he was our Chief Financial Officer, and from October 2002 until December 2005, Mr. Ehrlich also held the title of President. Mr. Ehrlich was a director of Eldat, Ltd., an Israeli manufacturer of electronic shelf labels, from June 1999 to August 2003. From 1987 to June 2003, Mr. Ehrlich served as a director of PSC Inc. (“PSCX”), a manufacturer and marketer of laser diode bar code scanners, and, between April 1997 and June 2003, Mr. Ehrlich was the chairman of the board of PSCX. PSCX filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in November 2002. Mr. Ehrlich received a B.S. and J.D. from Columbia University in New York, New York.
Mr. Ehrlich has experience as an accountant, an attorney and as an investment banker. He has been involved with public companies since the late 1960s, both as an investment banker and as the chief financial officer and a director of Mattel, where he was instrumental in helping to uncover fraudulent practices in the preparation of certain of that company’s financial statements, and he continued to serve as a director of Mattel through the late 1980s. After leaving Mattel, Mr. Ehrlich founded his own boutique investment banking company and became a director of certain of the companies involved in his investment banking business. Mr. Ehrlich ultimately became the Chairman and CEO of Fresenius USA, Inc. and of PSCX, prior to becoming our Chief Financial Officer in 1991 and our Chief Executive Officer in 2002. We believe that Mr. Ehrlich’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Arthur S. Leibowitz has been one of our directors since June 2009. Mr. Leibowitz is a lecturer at Adelphi University School of Business, where he teaches courses in accounting to both graduate and undergraduate students. Before joining Adelphi University, Mr. Leibowitz was an audit and business assurance partner at PwC. During his twenty-seven years at PwC, Mr. Leibowitz served in a national leadership role for PwC’s retail industry group and was the portfolio audit partner for one of PwC’s leading private equity firms. Mr. Leibowitz is a certified public accountant in New York State and received a B.S. in accounting from Brooklyn College in New York.
Mr. Leibowitz brings many years of experience as an audit and business assurance partner at PwC with extensive financial accounting knowledge that is critical to our board of directors. His skills are a vital asset to our board of directors at a time when accurate and transparent accounting, a sound financial footing and exemplary governance practices are essential. We believe that Mr. Leibowitz’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Edward J. Borey has been one of our directors since December 2003. From July 2004 until October 2006, Mr. Borey served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of WatchGuard Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of network security solutions (NasdaqGM: WGRD). From December 2000 to September 2003, Mr. Borey served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of PSCX. Prior to joining PSCX, Mr. Borey was President and CEO of TranSenda (May 2000 to December 2000). Previously, Mr. Borey held senior positions in the automated data collection industry. At Intermec Technologies Corporation (1995-1999), he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and also Senior Vice President/General Manager of the Intermec Media subsidiary. Mr. Borey holds a B.S. in Political Science/Economics from the State University of New York, College of Oswego, an M.A. in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, and an M.B.A. in Finance from Santa Clara University.
Mr. Borey has served as the chief executive officer of two public companies and as chief operating officer of one public and one private company, some of which were very active in mergers and acquisitions. He has a wealth of experience in the issues facing public companies and businesses in general, including in turnaround situations, and he has strong experience in marketing in North America, Europe and Asia. His background also includes experience with support and maintenance of military ground vehicles and auxiliary ground vehicles, fixed and rotary aircraft, and simulation for the United States and foreign militaries. We believe that Mr. Borey’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Elliot Sloyer has served as a director since October 2007. Mr. Sloyer is a Managing Member of WestLane Capital Management, LLC, which he founded in 2005. From 1992 until 2005, Mr. Sloyer was a founder and Managing Director of Harbor Capital Management, LLC, which managed convertible arbitrage portfolios. Mr. Sloyer is active in community organizations and currently serves on the investment committee of a charitable organization. Mr. Sloyer also serves as a director of Trans-Lux Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of digital signage display solutions (OTC: TNLX). Mr. Sloyer has a B.A. from New York University.
Mr. Sloyer’s investment advisor experience brings valuable insight to the Board in enabling us to anticipate the reactions and concerns of the investment community. We believe that Mr. Sloyer’s background and experience make him appropriate to serve as one of our directors in light of our business and structure.
Board Recommendation
Our Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interests of Arotech and its stockholders to elect the slate of nominees listed above as our Class I Directors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal fixing the number of Class I Directors at three and “FOR” election of the Class I Nominees described above.
Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of our common stock voting in person or by proxy at the annual meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but will have no effect on the vote for election of directors.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Fixing the Number of
Class I Directors at Three and FOR Election of the
Class I Nominees Described Above
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
BDO USA, LLP (“BDO”), independent certified public accountants, have served as our independent auditors since June 2006. The Audit Committee has selected BDO as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 and has further directed that management submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
BDO served as our independent auditors during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. BDO’s report on the financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, auditing scope or accounting principles.
Stockholder ratification of the selection of BDO as our independent auditors is not required by our by-laws or otherwise. However, we are submitting the selection of BDO to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain BDO. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if it is determined that such a change would be in the best interests of Arotech and its stockholders.
Board Recommendation
Our Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interests of Arotech and its stockholders to ratify the appointment of BDO as our independent auditors. Accordingly, our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares of our common stock is present and voting, either in person or by proxy, is required for approval of this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum; abstentions will have the same practical effect as a negative vote on this proposal, and broker non-votes will not have any effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR Ratification of
BDO USA, LLP as our Independent Auditors.
APPROVAL OF 2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Our Board of Directors is asking our stockholders to approve our 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”). Our ESPP was adopted by our Board of Directors on June 19, 2012. The ESPP became effective upon its adoption by our Board of Directors, which is responsible for the administration of the ESPP. Under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, the ESPP must be adopted by the Company’s shareholders within one (1) year before or after its adoption by the Board. Set forth below is a description of the material terms of the ESPP. Please see Annex A for a complete copy of the ESPP.
We may issue a maximum of 500,000 shares of our common stock under the ESPP. The ESPP terminates on the tenth (10th) anniversary of its adoption by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may amend or terminate the ESPP.
We believe that employees’ participation in the ESPP will align them more closely with the interests of the Company and our stockholders.
Any employee of the Company who customarily works more than twenty (20) hours or more per week, more than five (5) months in a calendar year, and has been employed at least ninety (90) days by the Company is eligible to participate in the ESPP; provided, however, that “Highly Compensated Employees,” as defined in Section 414(q) of the Internal Revenue Code on 1986, as amended (as of the date of this proxy statement, this generally means employees who make in excess of $115,000 per year), and our “named executive officers” within the meaning of Item 402 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (see “Compensation and Other Matters – Executive Officer Compensation Report,” below) are not eligible to participate in the ESPP. Employees of any Company subsidiary designated by the Board of Directors may also participate.
Eligible employees may voluntarily elect to participate in the ESPP by completing a payroll deduction authorization which is effective on the first trading day of each offering period, the first of which will commence on August 14, 2012, and end on November 30, 2012. Subsequent offering periods shall have a duration of approximately six (6) months each and are anticipated to commence on the first trading day on or after June 1 and November 30 of each year. Payroll deductions are limited to fifteen percent (15%) of the employee’s cash compensation, including base salary, commissions, bonuses and incentive payments, but excluding severance and non-cash compensation. Pre-tax contributions made to a company 401(k) plan will be treated as compensation for purposes of the ESPP. No employee is to be granted an option under the ESPP (i) to the extent that, after the grant, the employee would own stock of the Company or outstanding options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock in the Company or any subsidiary; or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its subsidiaries accrues at a rate which exceeds $25,000 of fair market value of such stock (determined at the time such option is granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time.
The payroll deductions authorized by participating employees are to be used to purchase newly issued shares of common stock from the Company at a purchase price of eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the employee’s enrollment date of that offering period or on the exercise date of the offering period, whichever is lower. The purchase price may be adjusted by the Board in accordance with the ESPP.
Shares are purchased for participating employees automatically on the exercise date of an offering period, unless the participant elects in writing prior to such date not to complete the purchase. A participant may at any time during an offering period year give notice that he or she does not wish to continue to participate, and all amounts withheld are then refunded.
The ESPP is a “qualified” ESPP under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the Internal Revenue Code, no income will result to a participant upon the purchase of shares, and no deduction will be allowed by the Company. The gain, if any, resulting from a disposition of the share received by a participant is reported according to the provisions of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue Code, and will generally be taxed in part as ordinary income and part as capital gain.
The Company will file a registration statement on Form S-8 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to register the issuance of the shares to be issued under the ESPP.
Our Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interests of Arotech and its stockholders to adopt the ESPP. Accordingly, our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote “FOR” the proposal.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the meeting at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares of our common stock is present and voting, either in person or by proxy, is required for approval of this proposal. Abstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as present for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum; abstentions will have the same practical effect as a negative vote on this proposal, and broker non-votes will not have any effect on the outcome of this proposal.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote FOR the
Adoption of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
We operate within a corporate governance plan for the purpose of defining responsibilities, setting high standards of professional and personal conduct, and assuring compliance with such responsibilities and standards. We monitor developments in the area of corporate governance. The Board has initiated actions consistent with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Securities and Exchange Commission and The Nasdaq Stock Market.
In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011, the Board held seven meetings. All directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and meetings of the committees of the Board on which such director serves.
As of January 1, 2011, members of the Board of Directors satisfied the applicable independent director requirements of both the Securities and Exchange Commission and Rule 4200 of The Nasdaq Stock Market. Our non-management directors meet regularly in executive session separate from management.
It is our policy that each of our directors is invited and encouraged to attend our annual meeting of stockholders. All of our directors attended our 2011 annual meeting of stockholders.
Board Leadership Structure
We have chosen to combine the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. We believe that Mr. Ehrlich’s long experience in business, both as a director and as chairman of the board of other public companies, as well as his unique understanding of our business, make it desirable that he serve as Chairman of our Board of Directors, and that the size of our company and the nature of our business do not require that the positions of Chairman and of Chief Executive Officer be bifurcated.
Our independent directors have not chosen to formally designate one of their number as lead independent director.
Committees of the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating Committee and an Executive and Finance Committee. The current composition of the various committees of the Board of Directors is as follows (the name of the chairman of each committee appears in italics):
|
Audit Committee
|
Compensation Committee
|
Nominating Committee
|
Executive and Finance Committee
|
|||
|
Seymour Jones
Edward Borey
Elliot Sloyer
Arthur S. Leibowitz
|
Jay M. Eastman
Michael E. Marrus
Elliot Sloyer
|
Michael E. Marrus
Jay M. Eastman
Seymour Jones
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
Steven Esses
Michael E. Marrus
Elliot Sloyer
|
Audit Committee
Created in December 1993, the purpose of the Audit Committee is to review with management and our independent auditors the scope and results of the annual audit, the nature of any other services provided by the independent auditors, changes in the accounting principles applied to the presentation of our financial statements, and any comments by the independent auditors on our policies and procedures with respect to internal accounting, auditing and financial controls. The Audit Committee was established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In addition, the Audit Committee is charged with the responsibility for making decisions on the engagement, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of our independent auditors.
The Audit Committee consists of Prof. Jones (Chair) and Messrs. Borey, Sloyer and Leibowitz. Each member of the Audit Committee is an “independent director,” as that term is defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the listing standards and Marketplace Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers (the “NASD”) and the SEC’s Rule 10A-3. All Audit Committee members possess the required level of financial literacy. We have determined that each of Prof. Jones and Mr. Leibowitz qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” under applicable SEC and Nasdaq regulations. Prof. Jones and Mr. Leibowitz, as well as all the other members of the Audit Committee, are “independent,” as independence is defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the National Association of Securities Dealers’ listing standards and under Item 7(d)(3)(iv) of Schedule 14A of the proxy rules under the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee operates under a formal charter that governs its duties, which charter is publicly available through a hyperlink located on the investor relations page of our website, at http://www.arotech.com/compro/investor.html. Additionally, in compliance with SEC rules we are required to append a copy of the Audit Committee Charter to our proxy statement at least once every three years. We last sent a copy of our charter to our stockholders in our 2009 proxy statement. We have accordingly attached a copy of our Audit Committee Charter as Annex B hereto.
The Audit Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee was established in December 1993. The duties of the Compensation Committee are to recommend compensation arrangements for our executive officers and review annual compensation arrangements for all other officers and significant employees.
The Compensation Committee consists of Dr. Eastman (Chair) and Messrs. Marrus and Sloyer. Each member of the Compensation Committee is an independent director as that term is defined in the NASD listing standards. The Compensation Committee operates under a formal charter that governs its duties, which charter is publicly available through a hyperlink located on the investor relations page of our website, at http://www.arotech.com/compro/investor.html.
The Compensation Committee maintains compensation and incentive programs designed to motivate, retain and attract management and utilize various combinations of base salary, bonuses payable upon the achievement of specified goals, discretionary bonuses and grants of restricted stock. Our Chief Executive Officer, Robert S. Ehrlich, our Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Steven Esses, and our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Thomas J. Paup, are all parties to employment agreements with us. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation, both cash and stock, of our executive officers on an annual basis, while taking into account as well changes in compensation during previous years. Some of these components, such as salary, are generally fixed and do not vary based on our financial and other performance; some components, such as bonus, are in whole or in part dependent upon the achievement of certain goals jointly agreed upon by our management and the Compensation Committee; and some components, such as stock options and restricted stock, have a value that is dependent upon our stock price at the time of award and going forward. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation, both cash and stock, of our executive officers on an annual basis, while taking into account as well changes in compensation during previous years.
The Compensation Committee performs an annual review of our executive officers’ cash compensation and share and option holdings to determine whether they provide adequate compensation for the services they perform, as well as adequate incentives and motivation to our executive officers and whether they adequately compensate our executive officers relative to comparable officers in other companies.
Compensation Committee meetings typically have included, for all or a portion of some of the meetings, a representative of The Burke Group, Inc., a well-known consulting firm specializing in executive officer compensation, as well as preliminary discussion with our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer prior to our Compensation Committee deliberating without any members of management present. For compensation decisions, including decisions regarding the grant of equity compensation relating to executive officers (other than our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer), the Compensation Committee typically considers the recommendations of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The Compensation Committee held three meetings during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee, created in February 2003, identifies and proposes candidates to serve as members of the Board of Directors. Proposed nominees for membership on the Board of Directors submitted in writing by stockholders to Arotech’s Secretary will be brought to the attention of the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating Committee consists of Mr. Marrus (Chair), Dr. Eastman and Prof. Jones. Each member of the Nominating Committee is an independent director as that term is defined in the NASD listing standards. The Nominating Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding new directors to be selected for membership on the Board of Directors and its various committees. The Nominating Committee operates under a formal charter that governs its duties. The Nominating Committee’s charter is publicly available through a hyperlink located on the investor relations page of our website, at http://www.arotech.com/compro/investor.html.
The Nominating Committee held one meeting during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
Policies Regarding Director Qualifications
The Board has adopted policies regarding director qualifications. To be considered for nomination as a director, any candidate must meet the following minimum criteria:
a. Ability and willingness to undertake a strategic governance role, clear and distinct from the operating role of management.
b. High-level leadership experience in business, government, or other major complex professional or non-profit organizations that would have exposed the individual to the challenges of leadership and governance in a dynamic and highly competitive marketplace.
c. Highly accomplished in their respective field, with superior credentials and recognition.
d. Demonstrated understanding of the elements and issues relevant to the success of a large publicly-traded company in the current volatile business, legal and governance environment.
e. Demonstrated business acumen and creative/strategic thinking ability.
f. Personal Characteristics:
|
Ø
|
Ability and willingness to contribute special competencies to the Board in a collaborative manner. The areas of expertise required at any point in time may vary, based on the existing composition of the Board. They may include, but would not be limited to, capabilities honed as a CEO or a senior functional leader in operations, finance, information technology, marketing, organizational development, and experience making step change to transform a business.
|
|
Ø
|
Personal integrity and highest ethical character. Absence of any conflicts of interest, either real or perceived.
|
|
Ø
|
Willingness to apply sound and independent business judgment, enriching management and Board proposals or challenging them constructively as appropriate.
|
|
Ø
|
Willing to exert influence through strong influence skills and constructive teamwork. This is essential to effective collaboration with other directors as well as providing constructive counsel to the CEO.
|
|
Ø
|
Understanding of and full commitment to our governance principles and the obligation of each director to contribute to good governance, corporate citizenship, and corporate image for Arotech.
|
|
Ø
|
Willingness to devote the time necessary to assume broad fiduciary responsibility and to participate fully in Arotech governance requirements with appropriate due diligence and attention.
|
In this regard, each nominee will be asked to disclose the boards of directors on which he or she currently sits, and each current director will be asked to inform the Nominating Committee of additional corporate board nominations (both for-profit and non-profit). This notification is to ensure appropriate dialogue about the impact of the added responsibilities on the individual’s availability to perform thoroughly his or her duties as an Arotech director.
Policies Regarding Diversity
The Board of Directors will consist of a majority of people who are active, primarily in business roles, and selected retired individuals. Those active in the business community will bring the most current business thinking, and retirees will bring their long experience and seasoned business judgment. Every effort will be made to achieve diversity in the Board’s membership.
From time to time, the particular capabilities needed to round out the total Board’s portfolio of competencies may vary. The Nominating Committee is empowered to consider the demographics of the total Board as it considers the requirements for each Board vacancy and to identify particular unique capabilities needed at that point in time.
Policies Regarding Director Nominations
The Board’s Nominating Committee is responsible for the Board of Director’s nomination process. New candidates for the Board of Directors may be identified by existing directors, a third party search firm (paid for its professional services) or may be recommended by stockholders. In considering new candidates submitted by stockholders, the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board of Directors and the qualifications of the candidate. However, all director nominees will be evaluated against the same standards and in the same objective manner, based on competencies and personal characteristics listed above, regardless of how they were identified. To have a candidate considered by the Nominating Committee, a stockholder must submit the recommendation in writing and must include the following information:
|
Ø
|
The name of the stockholder and evidence of the person’s ownership of our stock, including the number of shares owned and the length of time of ownership; and
|
|
Ø
|
The name of the candidate, the candidate’s resume or a listing of his or her qualifications to be a director of Arotech and the person’s consent to be named as a director if selected by the Nominating Committee and nominated by the Board of Directors.
|
The stockholder recommendation and information described above must be sent to Arotech’s Secretary at 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, and must be received by Arotech’s Secretary not less than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of our most recent proxy statement in connection with our previous year’s annual meeting of stockholders.
Once a person has been identified by the Nominating Committee as a potential candidate, the Committee may collect and review publicly available information regarding the person to assess whether the person should be considered further. If the Nominating Committee determines that the candidate warrants further consideration, the Chairman or another member of the Committee will contact the person. Generally, if the person expresses a willingness to be considered and to serve on the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee will request information from the candidate, review the person’s accomplishments and qualifications, including in light of any other candidates that the Committee might be considering, and conduct one or more interviews with the candidate. In certain instances, Committee members may contact one or more references provided by the candidate or may contact other members of the business community or other persons that may have greater first-hand knowledge of the candidate’s accomplishments. The Committee’s evaluation process does not vary based on whether or not a candidate is recommended by a stockholder, although, the Board of Directors may take into consideration the number of shares held by the recommending stockholder and the length of time that such shares have been held.
Executive and Finance Committee
The Executive and Finance Committee, created in August 2001, exercises the powers of the Board during the intervals between meetings of the Board, in the management of our property, business and affairs (except with respect to certain extraordinary transactions).
The Executive and Finance Committee consists of Messrs. Ehrlich (Chair), Esses, Marrus and Sloyer.
The Executive and Finance Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011.
Non-employee members of our Board of Directors are entitled to a cash retainer of $7,000 (plus expenses) per quarter, plus $500 per quarter for each committee on which such outside directors serve. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional retainer of $1,500 per quarter, and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee receives an additional retainer of $1,000 per quarter. No per-meeting fees are paid. In addition, we have adopted a Non-Employee Director Equity Compensation Plan, pursuant to which non-employee directors receive an initial grant of a number of restricted shares having a fair market value on the date of grant equal to $25,000 upon their election as a director, and an annual grant on March 31 of each year of a number of restricted shares having a fair market value on the date of grant equal to $15,000. Each grant of restricted stock shall become free of restrictions in three equal installments on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant, unless the director resigns from the Board prior to such vesting. Restrictions lapse automatically in the event of a director being removed for service other than for cause, or being nominated as a director but failing to be elected, or death, disability or mandatory retirement. Furthermore, all restrictions lapse prior to the consummation of a merger or consolidation involving us, our liquidation or dissolution, any sale of substantially all of our assets or any other transaction or series of related transactions as a result of which a single person or several persons acting in concert own a majority of our then-outstanding common stock.
The following table shows the compensation earned or received by each of our non-officer directors for the year ended December 31, 2011:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
|
Name
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
|
Stock Awards
Granted
2011
|
Total
|
Stock Awards
Vested(1)
2011
|
||||||||||||
|
Dr. Jay M. Eastman
|
$ | 34,000 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 49,000 | $ | 15,497 | (2) | |||||||
|
Edward J. Borey
|
$ | 32,000 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 47,000 | $ | 15,497 | (3) | |||||||
|
Seymour Jones
|
$ | 36,000 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 51,000 | $ | 15,497 | (4) | |||||||
|
Elliot Sloyer
|
$ | 34,000 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 49,000 | $ | 15,497 | (5) | |||||||
|
Michael E. Marrus
|
$ | 34,000 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 49,000 | $ | 15,497 | (6) | |||||||
|
Arthur S. Leibowitz
|
$ | 30,000 | $ | 15,000 | $ | 45,000 | $ | 14,994 | (7) | |||||||
|
(1)
|
This column reflects the 2011 compensation expense for stock based awards for the year ended December 31, 2011.
|
|||||||||||
|
(2)
|
As of December 31, 2011, Dr. Eastman held 22,938 unvested restricted shares of our common stock.
|
|||||||||||
|
(3)
|
As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Borey held 22,938 unvested restricted shares of our common stock.
|
|||||||||||
|
(4)
|
As of December 31, 2011, Prof. Jones held 22,938 unvested restricted shares of our common stock.
|
|||||||||||
|
(5)
|
As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Sloyer held 22,938 unvested restricted shares of our common stock.
|
|||||||||||
|
(6)
|
As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Marrus held 22,938 unvested restricted shares of our common stock.
|
|||||||||||
|
(7)
|
As of December 31, 2011, Mr. Leibowitz held 21,518 unvested restricted shares of our common stock.
|
|||||||||||
The following table, which should be read in conjunction with the explanations provided below, shows the compensation that we paid (or accrued) to our executive officers during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE(1)
|
Name and Principal Position
|
Year
|
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Stock Awards
Granted(2)
|
All Other
Compensation
|
Total
|
||||||||||||||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
2011
|
$ | 400,000 | $ | 180,000 | $ | 262,000 | $ | 252,731 | (3) | $ | 1,094,731 | ||||||||||
| Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and a director |
2010
|
$ | 400,000 | $ | 265,000 | $ | 267,200 | $ | 196,641 | (4) | $ | 1,128,841 | ||||||||||
|
Thomas J. Paup
|
2011
|
$ | 190,000 | $ | 47,641 | $ | 157,200 | $ | 4,675 | (5) | $ | 399,516 | ||||||||||
| Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer |
2010
|
$ | 179,776 | $ | 89,900 | $ | 83,500 | $ | (7,692 | )(5) | $ | 345,484 | ||||||||||
|
Steven Esses
|
2011
|
$ | 190,899 | (6) | $ | 143,661 | $ | 196,500 | $ | 352,182 | (7) | $ | 883,242 | |||||||||
| President, Chief Operating Officer and a director |
2010
|
$ | 141,396 | (8) | $ | 176,000 | $ | 133,600 | $ | 304,976 | (9) | $ | 755,972 | |||||||||
|
(1)
|
We paid the amounts reported for each named executive officer in U.S. dollars and/or New Israeli Shekels (NIS). We have translated amounts paid in NIS into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate of NIS into U.S. dollars at the time of payment or accrual, except that certain items are pursuant to corporate policy paid at a set exchange rate that may be higher than the actual exchange rate on the date of payment. The difference, which was a positive number in 2010 and 2011, has been reported under “All Other Compensation.”
|
|
(2)
|
Reflects the value of awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to our executive officers based on the compensation cost of their stock-based awards – see Note 13.c. of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The number of shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units received by our executive officers pursuant to such awards in 2011, vesting one-half after one year (dependent 25% on tenure and 75% on performance) and one-half after two years (dependent 33% on tenure and 67% on performance), was as follows: Mr. Ehrlich, 200,000; Mr. Esses, 150,000; Mr. Paup, 120,000. The first tranche of these shares came up for vesting in December 2011, and of the 75% dependent on performance, one-third – or 25% of the total – vested; shares not vesting were cancelled. The number of shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units received by our executive officers pursuant to such awards in 2010, vesting in equal amounts over two years (two-thirds dependent on performance criteria and one-third dependent only on tenure), was as follows: Mr. Ehrlich, 160,000; Mr. Paup, 50,000; Mr. Esses, 80,000. The first tranche of these shares vested in December 2010, and the second tranche vested in December 2011.
|
|
(3)
|
Of this amount, $24,654 represents the change in our accrual for severance pay that will be payable to Mr. Ehrlich upon his leaving our employ other than if he is terminated for cause, such as a breach of trust; $102,583 represents the effect of exchange rate differences on salary payments; $29,241 represents the change of our accrual for vacation pay; $55,526 represents tax reimbursements and $40,727 represents other normal or mandated Israeli benefits.
|
|
(4)
|
Of this amount, $64,295 represents payments to Israeli pension and education funds; $(126,181) represents the change in our accrual for severance pay that will be payable to Mr. Ehrlich upon his leaving our employ other than if he is terminated for cause, such as a breach of trust; $82,337 represents the effect of exchange rate differences on salary payments; $87,698 represents vacation pay redemption; $49,841 represents tax reimbursements and $38,651 represents other normal or mandated Israeli benefits.
|
|
(5)
|
Represents the increase (decrease) in our accrual for Mr. Paup for accrued but unused vacation days.
|
|
(6)
|
Does not include $185,856 that we paid in consulting fees to Sampen Corporation, a New York corporation owned by members of Steven Esses’s immediate family, from which Mr. Esses receives a salary. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Consulting Agreement with Sampen Corporation,” below.
|
|
(7)
|
Of this amount, $34,281 represents payments to Israeli pension and education funds; $166,209 represents the change in our accrual for severance pay that will be payable to Mr. Esses upon his leaving our employ other than if he is terminated for cause, such as a breach of trust; $48,957 represents the effect of exchange rate differences on salary payments; $27,256 represents sick pay redemption; $15,896 represents the change of our accrual for vacation pay; $23,868 represents tax reimbursements; and $35,715 represents other normal or mandated Israeli benefits.
|
|
(8)
|
Does not include $185,856 that we paid in consulting fees to Sampen Corporation, a New York corporation owned by members of Steven Esses’s immediate family, from which Mr. Esses receives a salary. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Consulting Agreement with Sampen Corporation,” below.
|
|
(9)
|
Of this amount, $30,064 represents payments to Israeli pension and education funds; $118,968 represents the change in our accrual for severance pay that will be payable to Mr. Esses upon his leaving our employ other than if he is terminated for cause, such as a breach of trust; $35,281 represents the effect of exchange rate differences on salary payments; $30,004 represents amounts paid to Mr. Esses in lieu of payments due Sampen Corporation, $23,486 represents sick pay redemption; $3,914 represents vacation pay redemption; $31,269 represents tax reimbursements; and $31,990 represents other normal or mandated Israeli benefits.
|
Executive Loans
In 2000 and 2002, we extended certain loans to certain of our Named Executive Officers. These loans are summarized in the following table, and are further described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Officer Loans,” below.
|
Name of Borrower
|
Date of Loan
|
Original
Principal
Amount of Loan
|
Amount
Outstanding
as of 12/31/11
|
Terms of Loan
|
|||||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
02/09/2000
|
$ | 329,163 | $ | 452,995 |
Twenty-five-year non-recourse loan to purchase our stock, secured by the shares of stock purchased.
|
|||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
06/10/2002
|
$ | 36,500 | $ | 46,593 |
Twenty-five-year non-recourse loan to purchase our stock, secured by the shares of stock purchased.
|
|||||
Grants of Stock Options
We did not grant any stock options to our executive officers during 2011.
Grants of Restricted Stock
During 2011, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of a total of 470,000 shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units to our executive officers. The table below sets forth each equity award granted to our executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2011.
The table below sets forth each equity award granted to our executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2011.
GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
|
Name
|
Grant Date
|
All Other Stock Awards:
Number of Shares of Stocks (1)
|
Grant Date Fair Value of
Stock and Option Awards(2)
|
|||||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
04/25/2011
|
200,000 | $ | 262,000 | ||||||
|
Steven Esses
|
04/25/2011
|
150,000 | $ | 196,500 | ||||||
|
Thomas J. Paup
|
04/25/2011
|
120,000 | $ | 157,200 | ||||||
|
(1)
|
The restricted shares or restricted stock units vest in equal amounts over two years, in December 2011 (dependent 25% on tenure and 75% on performance) and December 2012 (dependent 33% on tenure and 67% on performance).
|
||||||||
|
(2)
|
Reflects the aggregate market value of the shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units determined based on a per share price of $1.31, the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on the date of grant.
|
||||||||
Stock Option Exercises and Vesting of Restricted Stock Awards
Our executive officers did not exercise any stock options during 2011. The following table presents awards of restricted stock that vested during the year ended December 31, 2011.
STOCK VESTED
|
Name
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
|
Value Realized
on Vesting(1)
($)
|
||||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
94,445 | $ | 113,334 | |||||
|
Steven Esses
|
59,722 | $ | 71,666 | |||||
|
Thomas J. Paup
|
43,889 | $ | 52,667 | |||||
|
(1)
|
Reflects the aggregate market value of the shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units determined based on a per share price of $1.20, the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 30, 2011, which was the last trading day of 2011.
|
|||||
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The table below sets forth information for our executive officers with respect to option and restricted stock values at the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
Option Awards
|
Stock Awards
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Number of Securities
Underlying
Unexercised Options(1)
(#)
|
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Name
|
Exercisable
|
Unexercisable
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
Number of
Shares that
Have Not
Vested
(#)
|
Market Value
of Shares that
Have Not
Vested(2)
($)
|
Number of
Unearned
Shares that
Have Not
Vested
(#)
|
Market Value
of Unearned
Shares that
Have Not
Vested(2)
($)
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
4,687 | 0 | $ | 5.46 |
04/01/12
|
33,333 | $ | 40,000 | 66,667 | $ | 80,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1,116 | 0 | $ | 5.46 |
07/01/12
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4,687 | 0 | $ | 5.46 |
10/01/12
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6,294 | 0 | $ | 5.46 |
01/01/13
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Steven Esses
|
714 | 0 | $ | 8.54 |
12/31/12
|
25,000 | $ | 30,000 | 50,000 | $ | 60,000 | |||||||||||||||||
| 1,785 | 0 | $ | 11.62 |
07/22/12
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Thomas J. Paup
|
– | – | – |
–
|
20,000 | $ | 24,000 | 40,000 | $ | 48,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
(1)
|
All options in the table are vested.
|
|||||||||||||||||
|
(2)
|
Reflects the aggregate market value of the shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units determined based on a per share price of $1.20, the closing price of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 30, 2011, which was the last trading day of 2011.
|
|||||||||||||||||
Robert S. Ehrlich
Mr. Ehrlich is party to an amended and restated employment agreement with us executed in February 2012. The term of this employment agreement expires on December 31, 2013.
The employment agreement provides for a base salary of NIS 150,000 (approximately $39,400 per month based on the exchange rate on January 1, 2012), as adjusted annually for Israeli inflation. Additionally, the board may at its discretion raise Mr. Ehrlich’s base salary. The employment agreement also granted Mr. Ehrlich a retention bonus in the amount of 100,000 shares of restricted stock, which vests one-half annually on December 31, 2012 and 2013, with each such vesting being contingent on Mr. Ehrlich being employed by us on the scheduled vesting date and on performance criteria to be established by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
The employment agreement provides that we will pay an annual bonus, on a sliding scale, in an amount equal to 35% of Mr. Ehrlich’s annual base salary then in effect if the results we actually attain for the year in question are 90% or more of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year, up to a maximum of 75% of his annual base salary then in effect if the results we actually attain for the year in question are 120% or more of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year. Mr. Ehrlich’s previous employment agreement had an identical bonus provision. For 2010 and 2011, the Compensation Committee choose financial targets for determining eligibility for the above-referenced cash incentive bonus that are determined in part on the achievement of set budgetary forecast targets for adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measurement, and in part on the achievement of other targets – in the case of 2011, targets for backlog. The Board’s adjusted budget for 2011 called for EBITDA of $1.35 million with backlog of at least $55 million. Actual results were EBITDA of $(314,000) with backlog of $81.9 million. New bonus targets will be chosen for 2012 based upon future budgetary forecasts.
The employment agreement also contains various benefits customary in Israel for senior executives, tax and financial planning expenses and an automobile, and contain confidentiality and non-competition covenants. Pursuant to the employment agreements, we granted Mr. Ehrlich demand and “piggyback” registration rights covering shares of our common stock held by him.
We can terminate Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement in the event of death or disability or for “Cause” (defined as conviction of certain crimes, willful failure to carry out directives of our board of directors or gross negligence or willful misconduct). Mr. Ehrlich has the right to terminate his employment upon a change in our control or for “Good Reason,” which is defined to include adverse changes in employment status or compensation, our insolvency, material breaches and certain other events. Additionally, Mr. Ehrlich may terminate his agreement for any reason upon 120 days’ notice.
Upon termination of employment, the employment agreement provides for payment of all accrued and unpaid compensation and benefits (including under most circumstances Israeli statutory severance), and (unless we have terminated the agreement for Cause or Mr. Ehrlich has terminated the agreement without Good Reason and without giving us 120 days’ notice of termination) bonuses (to the extent earned) due for the year in which employment is terminated and severance pay in the amount of up to $1,625,400. Furthermore, in respect of any termination by us other than termination for Cause or termination of the agreement due to Mr. Ehrlich’s death or disability, or by Mr. Ehrlich other than for Good Reason, all outstanding options and all restricted shares will be fully vested. Restricted shares that have vested prior to the date of termination are not forfeited under any circumstances, including termination for Cause.
A table describing the payments that would have been due to Mr. Ehrlich under his employment agreement had Mr. Ehrlich’s employment with us been terminated at the end of 2011 under various circumstances (pursuant to the terms of his then-current employment agreement) appears under “Potential Payments and Benefits upon Termination of Employment – Robert S. Ehrlich,” below.
In April 2009, we, with the agreement of Mr. Ehrlich, funded a portion of his severance security by means of issuing to him, in trust, restricted stock having a value (based on the closing price of our stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the date on which Mr. Ehrlich and our board of directors agreed on this arrangement) of $240,000, a total of 328,767 shares. We agreed with Mr. Ehrlich that the economic risk of gain or loss on these shares is to be borne by Mr. Ehrlich. Should Mr. Ehrlich leave our employ under circumstances in which he is not entitled to his severance package (primarily, termination for Cause as defined in his employment agreement), these shares would be returned to us for cancellation.
Steven Esses
Mr. Esses is party to an amended and restated employment agreement with EFL and guaranteed by us executed in February 2012. The term of this employment agreement as extended expires on December 31, 2013.
The employment agreement provides for a base salary in 2012 of NIS 71,587 per month (approximately $18,800 at the rate of exchange in effect on January 1, 2012), and a base salary in 2013 of NIS 129,187 per month (approximately $33,900 at the rate of exchange in effect on January 1, 2012), as adjusted for Israeli inflation during 2012. Additionally, the board may at its discretion raise Mr. Esses’s base salary. The agreement also provides for a stock retention bonus of 75,000 shares of restricted stock, which vests one-half annually on December 31, 2012 and 2013, with each such vesting being contingent on Mr. Esses being employed by us on the scheduled vesting date and on performance criteria to be established by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
The employment agreement provides that if the results we actually attain in a given year are at least 90% of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year, we will pay a bonus, on a sliding scale, in an amount equal to a minimum of 20% of Mr. Esses’s annual base salary then in effect, up to a maximum of 75% of his annual base salary then in effect if the results we actually attain for the year in question are 120% or more of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year. Mr. Esses’s previous employment agreement had an identical bonus provision. For 2010 and 2011, the Compensation Committee choose financial targets for determining eligibility for the above-referenced cash incentive bonus that are determined in part on the achievement of set budgetary forecast targets for adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measurement, and in part on the achievement of other targets – in the case of 2011, targets for backlog. The Board’s adjusted budget for 2011 called for EBITDA of $1.35 million with backlog of at least $55 million. Actual results were EBITDA of $(314,000) with backlog of $81.9 million. New bonus targets will be chosen for 2012 based upon future budgetary forecasts.
The employment agreement also contains various benefits customary in Israel for senior executives, tax and financial planning expenses and an automobile, and contain confidentiality and non-competition covenants. Pursuant to the employment agreements, we granted Mr. Esses demand and “piggyback” registration rights covering shares of our common stock held by him.
We can terminate Mr. Esses’s employment agreement in the event of death or disability or for “Cause” (defined as conviction of certain crimes, willful failure to carry out directives of our board of directors or gross negligence or willful misconduct). Mr. Esses has the right to terminate his employment upon a change in our control or for “Good Reason,” which is defined to include adverse changes in employment status or compensation, our insolvency, material breaches and certain other events. Additionally, Mr. Esses may retire (after age 65), retire early (after age 55) or terminate his agreement for any reason upon 150 days’ notice.
Upon termination of employment, the employment agreement provides for payment of all accrued and unpaid compensation (including under most circumstances Israeli statutory severance), and (unless we have terminated the agreement for Cause or Mr. Esses has terminated the agreement without Good Reason and without giving us 150 days’ notice of termination) bonuses (to the extent earned) due for the year in which employment is terminated (in an amount of not less than 20% of base salary) and severance pay, as follows: (A) before the end of the first year of the agreement, a total of (i) $307,200 plus (ii) twenty-four (24) times monthly salary; or (B) at or after the end of the first year of the agreement, twenty-four (24) times monthly salary. Furthermore, Mr. Esses will receive, in respect of all benefits, an additional sum in the amount of (i) $75,000, in the case of termination due to disability, Good Reason, death, or non-renewal, or (ii) $150,000, in the case of termination due to early retirement, retirement, change of control or change of location. Additionally, in respect of any termination due to a change of control or a change in the primary location from which Mr. Esses shall have conducted his business activities during the 60 days prior to such change, all outstanding options and all restricted shares will be fully vested. Restricted shares that have vested prior to the date of termination are not forfeited under any circumstances, including termination for Cause.
A table describing the payments that would have been due to Mr. Esses under his employment agreement had Mr. Esses’s employment with us been terminated at the end of 2011 under various circumstances (pursuant to the terms of his then-current employment agreement) appears under “Potential Payments and Benefits upon Termination of Employment – Steven Esses,” below.
In April 2009, we, with the agreement of Mr. Esses, funded a portion of his severance security by means of issuing to him, in trust, restricted stock having a value (based on the closing price of our stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the date on which Mr. Esses and our board of directors agreed on this arrangement) of $200,000, a total of 273,973 shares. We agreed with Mr. Esses that the economic risk of gain or loss on these shares is to be borne by Mr. Esses. Should Mr. Esses leave our employ under circumstances in which he is not entitled to his severance package (primarily, termination for Cause as defined in his employment agreement), these shares would be returned to us for cancellation.
See also “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Consulting Agreement with Sampen Corporation,” below.
Thomas J. Paup
Mr. Paup is party to an amended and restated employment agreement with us executed in February 2012, having a term running until December 31, 2014. Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Paup is entitled to receive a base salary of $190,000 per annum, as adjusted annually for inflation. The agreement also provides for a stock retention bonus of 60,000 shares of restricted stock, which vests one-half annually on December 31, 2012 and 2013, with each such vesting being contingent on Mr. Paup being employed by us on the scheduled vesting date and on performance criteria to be established by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
The employment agreement provides that if the results we actually attain in a given year are at least 90% of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year, we will pay a bonus, on a sliding scale, in an amount equal to a minimum of 20% of Mr. Paup’s annual base salary then in effect, up to a maximum of 50% of his annual base salary then in effect if the results we actually attain for the year in question are 120% or more of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year. Mr. Paup’s previous employment agreement had an identical bonus provision. For 2010 and 2011, the Compensation Committee choose financial targets for determining eligibility for the above-referenced cash incentive bonus that are determined in part on the achievement of set budgetary forecast targets for adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measurement, and in part on the achievement of other targets – in the case of 2011, targets for backlog. The Board’s adjusted budget for 2011 called for EBITDA of $1.35 million with backlog of at least $55 million. Actual results were EBITDA of $(314,000) with backlog of $81.9 million. New bonus targets will be chosen for 2012 based upon future budgetary forecasts.
Mr. Paup’s employment agreement provides that if we terminate his agreement other than for cause (defined as conviction of certain crimes, willful failure to carry out directives of our board of directors or gross negligence or willful misconduct), we must pay Mr. Paup severance in an amount of twelve times his monthly salary (doubled in the event of termination by reason of a change of control), with an additional three months’ severance payable if Mr. Paup completes the three-year term of his agreement. Additionally, in respect of any termination due to a change of control, all outstanding options and all restricted shares will be fully vested. Restricted shares that have vested prior to the date of termination are not forfeited under any circumstances, including termination for Cause.
A table describing the payments that would have been due to Mr. Paup under his employment agreement had Mr. Paup’s employment with us been terminated at the end of 2011 under various circumstances (pursuant to the terms of his then-current employment agreement) appears under “Potential Payments and Benefits upon Termination of Employment – Thomas J. Paup,” below.
Others
Other employees have entered into individual employment agreements with us. These agreements govern the basic terms of the individual’s employment, such as salary, vacation, overtime pay, severance arrangements and pension plans. Subject to Israeli law, which restricts a company’s right to relocate an employee to a work site farther than sixty kilometers from his or her regular work site, we have retained the right to transfer certain employees to other locations and/or positions provided that such transfers do not result in a decrease in salary or benefits. All of these agreements also contain provisions governing the confidentiality of information and ownership of intellectual property learned or created during the course of the employee’s tenure with us. Under the terms of these provisions, employees must keep confidential all information regarding our operations (other than information which is already publicly available) received or learned by the employee during the course of employment. This provision remains in force for five years after the employee has left our service. Further, intellectual property created during the course of the employment relationship belongs to us.
A number of the individual employment agreements, but not all, contain non-competition provisions which restrict the employee’s rights to compete against us or work for an enterprise which competes against us. Such provisions generally remain in force for a period of two years after the employee has left our service.
Under the laws of Israel, an employee of ours who has been dismissed from service, died in service, retired from service upon attaining retirement age, or left due to poor health, maternity or certain other reasons, is entitled to severance pay at the rate of one month’s salary for each year of service, pro rata for partial years of service. We currently fund this obligation by making monthly payments to approved private provident funds and by its accrual for severance pay in the consolidated financial statements.
This section sets forth in tabular form quantitative disclosure regarding estimated payments and other benefits that would have been received by certain of our executive officers if their employment had terminated on December 30, 2011 (the last business day of the fiscal year).
For a narrative description of the severance and change in control arrangements in the employment contracts of Messrs. Ehrlich, Esses and Paup, see “– Employment Contracts,” above. Each of Messrs. Ehrlich and Esses will be eligible to receive severance payments in excess of accrued but unpaid items only if he signs a general release of claims.
Robert S. Ehrlich
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits upon employment termination for Robert S. Ehrlich, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to applicable law and the terms of his employment agreement with us, as if his employment had terminated on December 30, 2011 (the last business day of the fiscal year) under the various scenarios described in the column headings as explained in the footnotes below.
|
ROBERT S. EHRLICH
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Death or
Disability(1)
|
Cause(2)
|
Good
Reason(3)
|
Change of
Control(4)
|
Termination
at Will(5)
|
Other
Employee
Termination(6)
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
Accrued but unpaid:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary
|
$ | 33,333 | $ | 33,333 | $ | 33,333 | $ | 33,333 | $ | 33,333 | $ | 33,333 | ||||||||||||
|
Vacation
|
79,161 | 79,161 | 79,161 | 79,161 | 79,161 | 79,161 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Recuperation pay(7)
|
398 | 398 | 398 | 398 | 398 | 398 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Continuing education fund(8)
|
2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | 2,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Tax gross-up on automobile
|
2,669 | – | 2,669 | 2,669 | 2,669 | – | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Contractual severance
|
1,625,400 | – | 1,625,400 | 1,625,400 | 1,625,400 | – | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Statutory severance(9)
|
267,677 | – | 267,677 | 267,677 | 267,677 | – | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Accelerated vesting of restricted stock
|
262,000 | – | 262,000 | 262,000 | – | – | ||||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL:
|
$ | 2,273,138 | $ | 115,392 | $ | 2,273,138 | $ | 2,273,138 | $ | 2,011,138 | $ | 115,392 | ||||||||||||
|
(1)
|
“Disability” is defined in Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement as a physical or mental infirmity which impairs the Mr. Ehrlich’s ability to substantially perform his duties and which continues for a period of at least 180 consecutive days.
|
|
(2)
|
“Cause” is defined in Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement as (i) conviction for fraud, crimes of moral turpitude or other conduct which reflects on us in a material and adverse manner; (ii) a willful failure to carry out a material directive of our Board of Directors, provided that such directive concerned matters within the scope of Mr. Ehrlich’s duties, would not give Mr. Ehrlich “Good Reason” to terminate his agreement (see footnote 4 below) and was capable of being reasonably and lawfully performed; (iii) conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction for embezzlement of our funds; and (iv) reckless or willful misconduct that is materially harmful to us.
|
|
(3)
|
“Good Reason” is defined in Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement as (i) a change in Mr. Ehrlich’s status, title, position or responsibilities which, in Mr. Ehrlich’s reasonable judgment, represents a reduction or demotion in his status, title, position or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior thereto; (ii) a reduction in Mr. Ehrlich’s base salary; (iii) the failure by us to continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan in which Mr. Ehrlich is participating; (iv) our insolvency or the filing (by any party, including us) of a petition for our winding-up; (v) any material breach by us of any provision of Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement; (vi) any purported termination of Mr. Ehrlich’s employment for cause by us which does not comply with the terms of Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement; and (vii) any movement of the location where Mr. Ehrlich is generally to render his services to us from the Jerusalem/Tel Aviv area of Israel.
|
|
(4)
|
“Change of Control” is defined in Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement as (i) the acquisition (other than from us in any public offering or private placement of equity securities) by any person or entity of beneficial ownership of 20% or more of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding voting securities; or (ii) individuals who, as of January 1, 2000, were members of our Board of Directors (the “Original Board”), together with individuals approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the individuals who were members of the Original Board and are then still members of our Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least 1/3 of our Board; or (iii) approval by our shareholders of a complete winding-up or an agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets.
|
|
(5)
|
“Termination at Will” is defined in Mr. Ehrlich’s employment agreement as Mr. Ehrlich terminating his employment with us on written notice of at least 120 days in advance of the effective date of such termination.
|
|
(6)
|
“Other Employee Termination” means a termination by Mr. Ehrlich of his employment without giving us the advance notice of 120 days needed to make such a termination qualify as a “Termination at Will.”
|
|
(7)
|
Pursuant to Israeli law and our customary practice, we pay Mr. Ehrlich in July of each year the equivalent of ten days’ “recuperation pay” at the statutory rate of NIS 365 (approximately $96) per day.
|
|
(8)
|
Pursuant to Israeli law, we must contribute an amount equal to 7.5% of Mr. Ehrlich’s base salary to a continuing education fund, up to the permissible tax-exempt salary ceiling according to the income tax regulations in effect from time to time. At December 31, 2011, the ceiling then in effect was NIS 15,712 (approximately $4,112). In Mr. Ehrlich’s case, we have customarily contributed to his continuing education fund in excess of the tax-exempt ceiling, and then reimbursed Mr. Ehrlich for the tax. The sums in the table reflect this additional contribution and the resultant tax reimbursement.
|
|
(9)
|
Under Israeli law, employees terminated other than for cause receive severance in the amount of one month’s base salary for each year of work, at their salary rate at the date of termination.
|
Steven Esses
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits upon employment termination for Steven Esses, our President and Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to applicable law and the terms of his employment agreement with us, as if his employment had terminated on December 30, 2011 (the last business day of the fiscal year) under the various scenarios described in the column headings as explained in the footnotes below.
See also “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Consulting Agreement with Sampen Corporation,” below.
|
STEVEN ESSES
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Non-
Renewal(1)
|
Death or
Disability(2)
|
Cause(3)
|
Good
Reason(4)
|
Change of
Control(5)
|
Change of
Location(6)
|
Retirement(7)
|
Early
Retirement(8)
|
Other
Employee
Termination(9)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Accrued but unpaid(10):
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary
|
$ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | $ | 18,735 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
Vacation
|
85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | 85,987 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sick leave(11)
|
17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | 17,455 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Recuperation pay(12)
|
279 | 279 | 279 | 279 | 279 | 279 | 279 | 279 | 279 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Manager’s insurance(13)
|
2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | 2,967 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Continuing education fund(14)
|
1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | 1,405 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Contractual severance
|
556,844 | 556,844 | – | 556,844 | 556,844 | 556,844 | 556,844 | 556,844 | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Statutory severance(15)
|
152,015 | 152,015 | – | 152,015 | 152,015 | 152,015 | 152,015 | 152,015 | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Benefits
|
– | – | – | 75,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | 150,000 | – | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL:
|
$ | 835,687 | $ | 835,687 | $ | 126,828 | $ | 910,687 | $ | 985,687 | $ | 985,687 | $ | 985,687 | $ | 985,687 | $ | 126,828 | ||||||||||||||||||
|
(1)
|
“Non-renewal” is defined in Mr. Esses’s employment agreement as a decision, made with written notice of at least 90 days in advance of the effective date of such decision, by either us or Mr. Esses not to renew Mr. Esses’s employment for an additional two-year term. Pursuant to the terms of Mr. Esses’s employment agreement, in the absence of such notice, Mr. Esses’s employment agreement automatically renews.
|
|
|
(2)
|
“Disability” is defined in Mr. Esses’s employment agreement as a physical or mental infirmity which impairs the Mr. Esses’s ability to substantially perform his duties and which continues for a period of at least 180 consecutive days.
|
|
|
(3)
|
“Cause” is defined in Mr. Esses’s employment agreement as (i) conviction for fraud, crimes of moral turpitude or other conduct which reflects on us in a material and adverse manner; (ii) a willful failure to carry out a material directive of our Chief Executive Officer, provided that such directive concerned matters within the scope of Mr. Esses’s duties, would not give Mr. Esses “Good Reason” to terminate his agreement (see footnote 4 below) and was capable of being reasonably and lawfully performed; (iii) conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction for embezzlement of our funds; and (iv) reckless or willful misconduct that is materially harmful to us.
|
|
|
(4)
|
“Good Reason” is defined in Mr. Esses’s employment agreement as (i) a change in (a) Mr. Esses’s status, title, position or responsibilities which, in Mr. Esses’s reasonable judgment, represents a reduction or demotion in his status, title, position or responsibilities as in effect immediately prior thereto, or (b) in the primary location from which Mr. Esses shall have conducted his business activities during the 60 days prior to such change; or (ii) a reduction in Mr. Esses’s base salary; (iii) the failure by us to continue in effect any material compensation or benefit plan in which Mr. Esses is participating; (iv) our insolvency or the filing (by any party, including us) of a petition for our winding-up; (v) any material breach by us of any provision of Mr. Esses’s employment agreement; and (vi) any purported termination of Mr. Esses’s employment for cause by us which does not comply with the terms of Mr. Esses’s employment agreement.
|
|
|
(5)
|
“Change of Control” is defined in Mr. Esses’s employment agreement as (i) the acquisition (other than from us in any public offering or private placement of equity securities) by any person or entity of beneficial ownership of 30% or more of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding voting securities; or (ii) individuals who, as of January 1, 2000, were members of our Board of Directors (the “Original Board”), together with individuals approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the individuals who were members of the Original Board and are then still members of our Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least 1/3 of our Board; or (iii) approval by our shareholders of a complete winding-up or an agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets.
|
|
|
(6)
|
“Change of location” is defined in Mr. Esses’s employment agreement as a change in the primary location from which Mr. Esses shall have conducted his business activities during the 60 days prior to such change.
|
|
|
(7)
|
“Retirement” is defined as Mr. Esses terminating his employment with us at age 65 or older on at least 150 days’ prior notice.
|
|
|
(8)
|
“Early Retirement” is defined as Mr. Esses terminating his employment with us at age 55 or older (up to age 65) on at least 150 days’ prior notice.
|
|
|
(9)
|
Any termination by Mr. Esses of his employment with us that does not fit into any of the prior categories, including but not limited to Mr. Esses terminating his employment with us, with or without notice, other than at the end of an employment term or renewal thereof, in circumstances that do not fit into any of the prior categories.
|
|
|
(10)
|
Does not include a total of $32,256 in accrued but unpaid consulting fees due at December 31, 2011 to Sampen Corporation, a New York corporation owned by members of Steven Esses’s immediate family, from which Mr. Esses receives a salary. See “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions – Consulting Agreement with Sampen Corporation,” below.
|
|
|
(11)
|
Limited to an aggregate of 30 days.
|
|
|
(12)
|
Pursuant to Israeli law and our customary practice, we pay Mr. Esses in July of each year the equivalent of six days’ “recuperation pay” at the statutory rate of NIS 365 (approximately $96 per day.
|
|
|
(13)
|
Payments to managers’ insurance, a benefit customarily given to senior executives in Israel, come to a total of 15.83% of base salary, consisting of 8.33% for payments to a fund to secure payment of statutory severance obligations, 5% for pension and 2.5% for disability. The managers’ insurance funds reflected in the table do not include the 8.33% payments to a fund to secure payment of statutory severance obligations with respect to amounts paid prior to December 31, 2010, which funds are reflected in the table under the “Statutory severance” heading.
|
|
|
(14)
|
Pursuant to Israeli law, we must contribute an amount equal to 7.5% of Mr. Esses’s base salary to a continuing education fund, up to the permissible tax-exempt salary ceiling according to the income tax regulations in effect from time to time. At December 31, 2011, the ceiling then in effect was NIS 15,712 (approximately $4,112). In Mr. Esses’s case, we have customarily contributed to his continuing education fund in excess of the tax-exempt ceiling, and then reimbursed Mr. Esses for the tax. The sums in the table reflect this additional contribution and the resultant tax reimbursement.
|
|
|
(15)
|
Under Israeli law, employees terminated other than for cause receive severance in the amount of one month’s base salary for each year of work, at their salary rate at the date of termination.
|
|
Thomas J. Paup
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits upon employment termination for Thomas J. Paup, our Vice President – Finance and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to applicable law and the terms of his employment agreement with us, as if his employment had terminated on December 30, 2011 (the last business day of the fiscal year) under the various scenarios described in the column headings as explained in the footnotes below.
|
THOMAS J. PAUP
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Payments and Benefits
|
Death or
Disability(1)
|
Cause(2)
|
Change of
Control(3)
|
Non-Renewal(4)
|
Termination
at Will(5)
|
|||||||||||||||
|
Accrued but unpaid:
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
Base salary
|
$ | 7,491 | $ | 7,491 | $ | 7,491 | $ | 7,491 | $ | 7,491 | ||||||||||
|
Vacation
|
8,060 | 8,060 | 8,060 | 8,060 | 8,060 | |||||||||||||||
|
Contractual severance
|
– | – | 380,000 | 190,000 | 47,500 | |||||||||||||||
|
TOTAL:
|
$ | 15,551 | $ | 15,551 | $ | 395,551 | $ | 205,551 | $ | 63,051 | ||||||||||
|
(1)
|
“Disability” is defined in Mr. Paup’s employment agreement as a physical or mental infirmity which impairs the Mr. Paup’s ability to substantially perform his duties and which continues for a period of at least 180 consecutive days.
|
|
(2)
|
“Cause” is defined in Mr. Paup’s employment agreement as (i) a breach of trust by Mr. Paup, including, for example, but without limitation, commission of an act of moral turpitude, theft, embezzlement, self-dealing or insider trading; (ii) the unauthorized disclosure by Mr. Paup of confidential information of or relating to us; (iii) a material breach by Mr. Paup of his employment agreement; or (iv) any act of, or omission by, Mr. Paup which, in our reasonable judgment, amounts to a serious failure by Mr. Paup to perform his responsibilities or functions or in the exercise of his authority, which failure, in our reasonable judgment, rises to a level of gross nonfeasance, misfeasance or malfeasance.
|
|
(3)
|
“Change of Control” is defined in Mr. Paup’s employment agreement as (i) the acquisition (other than from us in any public offering or private placement of equity securities) by any person or entity of beneficial ownership of 30% or more of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding voting securities; or (ii) individuals who, as of December 31, 2007, were members of our Board of Directors (the “Original Board”), together with individuals approved by a vote of at least 2/3 of the individuals who were members of the Original Board and are then still members of our Board, cease for any reason to constitute at least 1/3 of our Board; or (iii) approval by our shareholders of a complete winding-up or an agreement for the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets.
|
|
(4)
|
“Non-Renewal” is defined in Mr. Paup’s employment agreement as the agreement coming to the end of the Term and not being extended or immediately succeeded by a new substantially similar employment agreement.
|
|
(5)
|
“Termination at Will” is defined in Mr. Paup’s employment agreement as Mr. Paup terminating his employment with us on written notice of at least 120 days in advance of the effective date of such termination.
|
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) consists of four non-employee directors, Prof. Seymour Jones (Chair), Edward J. Borey, Elliot Sloyer and Arthur S. Leibowitz, each of whom has been determined to be independent as defined by the Nasdaq rules and SEC regulations. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors.
Management is responsible for Arotech’s internal controls and the financial reporting process. The independent accountants are responsible for performing an independent audit of Arotech’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and to issue a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.
In this context the Audit Committee has met and held discussions with management and the independent accountants. Management represented to the Audit Committee that Arotech’s audited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and the independent accountants. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent accountants matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61.
Arotech’s independent accountants also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosure required by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Ethics and Independence Rule 3526, “Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence.” The Committee discussed with the independent accountants that firm’s independence and considered whether the non-audit services provided by the independent accountants are compatible with maintaining its independence.
Based on the Audit Committee’s discussions with management and the independent accountants, and the Audit Committee’s review of the representation of management and the report of the independent accountants to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in Arotech’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Submitted by the Audit Committee
Prof. Seymour Jones
Edward J. Borey
Elliot Sloyer
Arthur S. Leibowitz
In accordance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Audit Committee’s charter, all audit and audit-related work and all non-audit work performed by our independent auditors, BDO USA,, LLP, is approved in advance by the Audit Committee, including the proposed fees for such work. The Audit Committee is informed of each service actually rendered.
|
Ø
|
Audit Fees. Audit fees billed or expected to be billed to us by BDO for the audit of the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, and reviews of the financial statements included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 totaled approximately $340,00 and $330,000, respectively.
|
|
Ø
|
Audit-Related Fees. BDO billed or expected to bill us $172,000 (principally consultation related to mergers and acquisitions) and $11,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements.
|
|
Ø
|
Tax Fees. BDO billed or expected to bill us an aggregate of $87,000 and $43,000 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for tax services, principally advice regarding the preparation of income tax returns.
|
|
Ø
|
All Other Fees. BDO billed or expected to bill us an aggregate of zero for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, for permitted non-audit services.
|
Applicable law and regulations provide an exemption that permits certain services to be provided by our outside auditors even if they are not pre-approved. We have not relied on this exemption at any time since the Sarbanes-Oxley Act was enacted.
A representative of BDO USA,, LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. This representative will have an opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
INFORMATION REGARDING BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
The following table sets forth information regarding the security ownership, as of June 19, 2012, of those persons owning of record or known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of our common stock and of each of our Named Executive Officers and directors, and the shares of common stock held by all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)
|
Shares Beneficially Owned(2)(3)
|
Percentage of Total Shares Outstanding(3)
|
||||||
|
Robert S. Ehrlich
|
1,326,427 | (4) | 8.3 | % | ||||
|
Steven Esses
|
925,478 | (5) | 5.8 | % | ||||
|
Alex Cushner
|
803,255 | (6) | 5.0 | % | ||||
|
Thomas J. Paup
|
181,971 | (7) | 1.1 | % | ||||
|
Dr. Jay M. Eastman
|
61,193 | (8) | * | |||||
|
Edward J. Borey
|
62,335 | (9) | * | |||||
|
Prof. Seymour Jones
|
61,193 | (10) | * | |||||
|
Elliot Sloyer
|
94,483 | (11) | * | |||||
|
Michael E. Marrus
|
64,483 | (12) | * | |||||
|
Arthur S. Leibowitz
|
46,502 | (13) | * | |||||
|
All of our directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)
|
2,824,065 | (14) | 17.7 | % | ||||
|
*
|
Less than one percent.
|
|
|
(1)
|
The address of each named beneficial owner other than Alex Cushner is in care of Arotech Corporation, 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Unless otherwise indicated in these footnotes, each of the persons or entities named in the table has sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by that person, subject to applicable community property laws.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Based on 15,939,741 shares of common stock outstanding as of June 19, 2012. For purposes of determining beneficial ownership of our common stock, owners of options and restricted stock units exercisable within sixty days are considered to be the beneficial owners of the shares of common stock for which such securities are exercisable. The percentage ownership of the outstanding common stock reported herein is based on the assumption (expressly required by the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission) that only the person whose ownership is being reported has exercised his options for shares of common stock.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Consists of 765,778 shares held directly by Mr. Ehrlich, 200,000 shares of unvested restricted stock (the vesting of 133,333 of which is subject to future performance criteria), 328,767 shares held as part of a trust securing the payment of Mr. Ehrlich’s severance package pursuant to the terms of our employment agreement with him, 3,571 shares held by Mr. Ehrlich’s wife (in which shares Mr. Ehrlich disclaims beneficial ownership), 11,527 shares held in Mr. Ehrlich’s pension plan, and 16,784 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of June 19, 2012.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Consists of 499,006 shares held directly by Mr. Esses, 150,000 shares of unvested restricted stock (the vesting of 100,000 of which is subject to future performance criteria), 273,973 shares held as part of a trust securing the payment of Mr. Esses’s severance package pursuant to the terms of our employment agreement with him, and 2,499 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of June 19, 2012.
|
|
|
(6)
|
All information in this footnote and in the text to which this footnote relates is based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2012 by Alex Cushner (the “Reporting Person”). The address of the principal business and office of the Reporting Person is 349 N. Ferndale Street, Mill Valley, CA 94941. The Reporting Person has sole voting power and sole dispositive power over 163,629 shares, and shared voting power and shared dispositive power over 639,626 shares, which are held in client accounts over which the Reporting Person has discretionary authority.
|
|
|
(7)
|
Consists of 181,971 shares held directly by Mr. Paup. Does not include 120,000 unvested restricted stock units (the vesting of 80,000 of which is subject to future performance criteria).
|
|
|
(8)
|
Consists of 39,047 shares owned directly by Dr. Eastman and 22,146 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
|
|
(9)
|
Consists of 40,189 shares owned directly by Mr. Borey and 22,146 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
|
|
(10)
|
Consists of 39,047 shares owned directly by Prof. Jones and 22,146 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
|
|
(11)
|
Consists of 72,337 shares owned directly by Mr. Sloyer and 22,146 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
|
|
(12)
|
Consists of 42,337 shares owned directly by Mr. Marrus and 22,146 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
|
|
(13)
|
Consists of 19,366 shares owned directly by Mr. Leibowitz and 27,136 shares of unvested restricted stock.
|
|
|
(14)
|
Includes 19,283 shares issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days of June 19, 2012, 487,866 shares of unvested restricted stock (the vesting of 233,333 of which is subject to future performance criteria), and 602,740 shares of restricted stock held as part of trusts securing payment of severance. Does not include 120,000 unvested restricted stock units (the vesting of 80,000 of which is subject to future performance criteria).
|
|
Under the securities laws of the United States, our directors, certain of our officers and any persons holding more than ten percent of our common stock are required to report their ownership of our common stock and any changes in that ownership to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Specific due dates for these reports have been established and we are required to report any failure to file by these dates during 2011. We are not aware of any instances during 2011, not previously disclosed by us, where such “reporting persons” failed to file the required reports on or before the specified dates.
Officer Loans
On February 9, 2000, Mr. Ehrlich exercised 9,404 stock options. Mr. Ehrlich paid the exercise price of the stock options and certain taxes that we paid on his behalf by giving us a non-recourse promissory note due in 2025 in the amount of $329,163, bearing annual interest at 1% over the then-current federal funds rate announced from time to time by the Wall Street Journal, secured by the shares of our common stock acquired through the exercise of the options and certain compensation due to Mr. Ehrlich upon termination. As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this promissory note was $452,995.
On June 10, 2002, Mr. Ehrlich exercised 3,571 stock options. Mr. Ehrlich paid the exercise price of the stock options by giving us a non-recourse promissory note due in 2012 in the amount of $36,500, bearing simple annual interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) 5.75%, and (ii) 1% over the then-current federal funds rate announced from time to time, secured by the shares of our common stock acquired through the exercise of the options. As of December 31, 2011, the aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this promissory note was $46,593.
Consulting Agreement with Sampen Corporation
We have a consulting agreement with Sampen Corporation that we executed in March 2005, effective as of January 1, 2005. Sampen is a New York corporation owned by members of Steven Esses’s immediate family, and Mr. Esses is an employee of both the Company and of Sampen. The term of this consulting agreement as extended expires on December 31, 2012, and is extended automatically for additional terms of two years each unless either Sampen or we terminate the agreement sooner. We have already given notice to Sampen of our intention to terminate this agreement effective December 31, 2012.
Pursuant to the terms of our agreement with Sampen, Sampen provides one of its employees to us for such employee to serve as our Chief Operating Officer. We pay Sampen $12,800 per month, plus an annual bonus, on a sliding scale, in an amount equal to a minimum of 20% of Sampen’s annual base compensation then in effect, up to a maximum of 75% of its annual base compensation then in effect if the results we actually attain for the year in question are 120% or more of the amount we budgeted at the beginning of the year. We also pay Sampen, to cover the cost of our use of Sampen’s offices as an ancillary New York office and the attendant expenses and insurance costs, an amount equal to 16% of each monthly payment of base compensation.
Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors
The Board has established a process to receive communications from stockholders. Stockholders may contact any member (or all members) of the Board at <directors@arotech.com>. Non-management directors may be contacted as a group at <nonmanagement-directors@arotech.com>. Any Board committee or any chair of any such committee may be contacted as follows: <audit-chair@arotech.com>, <compensation-chair@arotech.com>, or <nominating-chair@arotech.com>. If you cannot send an electronic mail message, you may contact Board members by regular mail at: Arotech Board Members, 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108.
The Arotech Corporation Investor Relations Department is responsible for forwarding all such communications to the Board of Directors, and where appropriate, to management. Communications are screened to exclude certain items that are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, such as spam, junk mail and mass mailings, product complaints, product inquiries, new product suggestions, job inquiries, surveys, business solicitations or advertisements, and material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly unsuitable. Communications that are filtered out are made available to any director upon request. The Board may involve management in preparing its responses to stockholder communications.
Stockholder Proposals
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, stockholder proposals made in accordance with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act intended to be included in our proxy material for the next annual meeting must be received by us on or before March 31, 2013. Any proposals must be received at our principal executive offices, 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, Attention: Corporate Secretary by the applicable date.
Stockholder proposals submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 must be received by our Corporate Secretary in a timely fashion. To be timely, such notice and information regarding the proposal and the stockholder must be delivered to or mailed and received by our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices, 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, not less than 45 days nor more than 60 days prior to the annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that less than 60 days’ notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is given or made to stockholders, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be received not later than the close of business on the seventh day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made.
Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (including audited financial statements), as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained without charge by writing to Stockholder Relations, Arotech Corporation, 1229 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108. A request for a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K must set forth a good-faith representation that the requesting party was either a holder of record or a beneficial owner of our common stock on June 19, 2012. Exhibits to the Form 10-K will be mailed upon similar request and payment of specified fees to cover the costs of copying and mailing such materials.
Our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 and certain other related financial and business information are contained in our 2011 Annual Report to Stockholders, which is being made available to our stockholders along with this proxy statement, but which is not deemed a part of the proxy soliciting material.
We are not aware of any other matter that may come before the annual meeting of stockholders and we do not currently intend to present any such other matter. However, if any such other matters properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof, the persons named as proxies will have discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by the accompanying proxy in accordance with their own judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Yaakov Har-Oz
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Ann Arbor, Michigan
July 3, 2012
Annex A
AROTECH CORPORATION
2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
1. Purpose. The purpose of the Arotech Corporation 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Plan”) is to promote the interest of Arotech Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) and its stockholders by providing employees of the Company and its Designated Subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase Common Stock of the Company through accumulated payroll deductions. By encouraging stock ownership, the Company seeks to attract, retain and motivate employees and to encourage them to devote their best efforts to the business and financial success of the Company. It is the intention of the Company to have the Plan qualify as an “Employee Stock Purchase Plan” under Section 423 of the Code. The provisions of the Plan, accordingly, shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements of that section of the Code.
2. Definitions. For purposes of the Plan, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:
2.1 “Account” means an account referred to in Section 6.2 of the Plan.
2.1 “Board of Directors” or “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.2 “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
2.3 “Committee” means a committee of one or more members to be selected by the Board. If the Board does not designate a Committee, the Board shall be considered the Committee and may take any action under the Plan that would otherwise be the responsibility of the Committee.
2.4 “Common Stock” means the common stock, $0.01 par value, of the Company.
2.5 “Company” means Arotech Corporation and any Designated Subsidiary of the Company.
2.6 “Compensation” means all cash compensation paid to an Employee, including base salary, commissions, bonuses and incentive payments, but excluding severance and non-cash compensation. Any pre-tax contributions made to a Company 401(k) plan shall be treated as Compensation for purposes of the Plan.
2.7 “Designated Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that has been designated by the Board from time to time in its sole discretion as eligible to participate in the Plan.
2.8 “Employee” means any individual who is an employee of the Employer; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED LESS THAN NINETY DAYS BY THE EMPLOYER, EMPLOYEES WHOSE CUSTOMARY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY IS TWENTY (20) HOURS OR LESS PER WEEK, AND EMPLOYEES WHOSE CUSTOMARY EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY IS FOR NOT MORE THAN FIVE (5) MONTHS IN ANY CALENDAR YEAR SHALL NOT BE DEEMED EMPLOYEES FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS PLAN. For purposes of the Plan, the employment relationship shall be treated as continuing intact while the individual is on sick leave or other leave of absence approved by the Company. Where the period of leave exceeds 90 days and the individual’s right to reemployment is not guaranteed either by statute or by contract, the employment relationship shall be deemed to have terminated on the 91st day of such leave.
2.9 “Employer” means the Company and any Designated Subsidiary.
2.9 “Enrollment Date” means the first Trading Day of each Offering Period.
2.10 “Exercise Date” means the last Trading Day of each Offering Period.
2.11 “Fair Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
2.11.1 If the principal market for the Common Stock is a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq stock market, then the “Fair Market Value” as of that date shall be the mean between the lowest and highest reported sale prices of the Common Stock on that date on the principal exchange or market on which the Stock is then listed or admitted to trading.
2.11.2 If sale prices are not available or if the principal market for the Stock is not a national securities exchange and the Common Stock is not quoted on the Nasdaq stock market, the average between the highest bid and lowest asked prices for the Common Stock on such day as reported on the Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Incorporated or a comparable service.
2.11.3 If the day is not a business day, and as a result, paragraphs 2.11.1 and 2.11.2 above are inapplicable, the “Fair Market Value” of the Stock shall be determined as of the next earlier business day. If paragraphs 2.11.1 and 2.11.2 above are otherwise inapplicable, then the “Fair Market Value” of the Stock shall be as determined in good faith by the Committee.
2.12 “Highly Compensated Employee” has the same meaning as the term is used in Section 414(q) of the Code.
2.13 “Offering Periods” means the period of approximately six (6) months during which an Option shall be granted and may be exercised pursuant to the Plan, commencing on the first Trading Day on or after June 1st and November 30th of each year and terminating on the last Trading Day before the commencement of the next Offering Period; provided, however, that the first Offering Period shall commence on August 14, 2012 and end on November 30, 2012. The duration and timing of Offering Periods may be changed pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan.
2.15 “Option” means an Option to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Plan, as set forth in Section 7 of the Plan.
2.16 “Participant” means an eligible employee who becomes a participant of the Plan in accordance with Section 5.1 of the Plan.
2.14 “Plan” means this Arotech Corporation 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
2.15 “Purchase Price” for each Offering Period means 85% of the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock on the Enrollment Date of such Offering Period or on the Exercise Date of such Offering Period, whichever is lower; provided, however, that the Purchase Price may be adjusted by the Board pursuant to Section 20.
2.16 “Reserves” means the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each Option under the Plan that have not yet been exercised and the number of shares of Common Stock that have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but not yet placed under Option.
2.17 “Subsidiary” has the meaning set forth for “subsidiary corporation” in Section 424(f) of the Code, whereby a Subsidiary means any corporation (other than the employer corporation) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the employer corporation if, at the time of the granting of the Option, each of the corporations other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain owns stock possessing 50 percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in such chain.
2.18 “Trading Day” means a day on which national stock exchanges and the Nasdaq System are open for trading.
3. Eligibility.
3.1 Any Employee who shall be employed by the Company on a given Enrollment Date shall be eligible to participate in the Plan. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, no Employee shall be eligible to participate in the Plan if that Employee is (i) a Highly Compensated Employee, or (ii) a “named executive officer” of the Company (within the meaning of Item 402 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission), as identified by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.
3.2 Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, no Employee shall be granted an Option under the Plan: (i) to the extent that, immediately after the grant, such Employee (or any other person whose stock would be attributed to such Employee pursuant to section 424(d) of the Code) would own stock of the Company and/or hold outstanding Options to purchase such stock possessing five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of the stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary; or (ii) to the extent that his or her rights to purchase stock under all employee stock purchase plans of the Company and its Subsidiaries accrues at a rate which exceeds Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) of fair market value of such stock (determined at the time such Option is granted) for each calendar year in which such Option is outstanding at any time.
4. Offering Periods. The Plan shall be implemented by consecutive Offering Periods with a new Offering Period commencing and ending as set forth in Section 2.13, or on such other date as the Board shall determine, and continuing thereafter until terminated in accordance with Section 20 hereof. The Board shall have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement dates thereof) with respect to future offerings without shareholder approval if such change is announced at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected thereafter.
5. Participation.
5.1 An eligible Employee may become a Participant in the Plan by completing a Subscription Agreement authorizing payroll deductions in the form of Exhibit A to this Plan and filing it with the Company’s payroll office prior to the applicable Enrollment Date.
5.2 Payroll deductions for a Participant shall commence on the first payroll date following the Enrollment Date (provided that the Company has received the Participant’s Subscription Agreement) and shall end on the last payroll in the Offering Period to which such Subscription Agreement is applicable, unless sooner terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.
6. Payroll Deductions.
6.1 At the time a Participant files his or her Subscription Agreement, he or she shall elect to have payroll deductions made on each payday during the Offering Period in an amount equal to any whole percentage (not exceeding fifteen percent (15%)) of the Compensation that he or she receives on each payday during the Offering Period.
6.2 All payroll deductions made for a Participant shall be credited to his or her Account under the Plan. A Participant may not make any additional payments into such Account. Accounts shall be mere bookkeeping entries on the Company’s books and records. Amounts credited to Accounts shall not be trust funds and may be commingled with the Company’s general assets and applied to general corporate purposes. No interest or other earnings shall be paid or credited with respect to payroll deductions or any amounts accumulated in or credited to a Participant’s Account.
6.3 A Participant may discontinue his or her participation in the Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, or may increase or decrease the rate of his or her payroll deductions during the Offering Period by completing or filing with the Company a new Subscription Agreement authorizing a change in payroll deduction rate. The Committee may, in its discretion, limit the number of participation rate changes during any Offering Period. The change in rate shall be effective with the first full payroll period following five (5) business days after the Company’s receipt of the new Subscription Agreement. A Participant’s Subscription Agreement shall remain in effect for successive Offering Periods unless a new Subscription Agreement is filed by the Participant prior to the commencement of such Offering Period or the then existing Subscription Agreement is terminated as provided in Section 10 hereof.
6.4 Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 423(b)(8) of the Code and Section 3.2 hereof, a Participant’s payroll deductions may be decreased to zero percent (0%) at any time during an Offering Period. Payroll deductions shall recommence at the rate provided in such Participant’s Subscription Agreement at the beginning of the first Offering Period which is scheduled to end in the following calendar year, unless terminated by the Participant as provided in Section 10 hereof.
6.5 At the time the Option is exercised, in whole or in part, or at the time some or all of the Company’s Common Stock issued under the Plan is disposed of, the Participant must make adequate provision for the Company’s federal, state, or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the exercise of the Option or the disposition of the Common Stock. At any time, the Company may, but shall not be obligated to, withhold from the Participant’s Compensation or other remuneration payable to the Participant the amount necessary for the Company to meet applicable withholding obligations, including any withholding required to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by the Employee.
7. Grant of Option. On the Enrollment Date of each Offering Period, each eligible Employee participating in such Offering Period shall be granted an Option to purchase on the Exercise Date during such Offering Period (at the applicable Purchase Price) up to a number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock determined by dividing such Participant’s Account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable Purchase Price; provided that such purchase shall be subject to the limitations set forth in Sections 3.2 and 13 hereof. No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll deductions accumulated in a Participant’s Account which are not sufficient to purchase a full share shall be retained in the Participant’s Account for the subsequent Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the Participant as provided in Section 10 hereof. Exercise of the Option shall occur as provided in Section 8 hereof, unless the Participant has withdrawn pursuant to Section 10 hereof. The Option shall expire on the last day of the Offering Period.
8. Exercise of Option.
8.1 Unless a Participant withdraws from the Plan as provided in Section 10 hereof, his or her Option with respect to an Offering Period shall be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date of such Offering Period, and the maximum number of full shares subject to Option shall be purchased for such Participant at the applicable Purchase Price with the accumulated payroll deductions credited to his or her Account. No fractional shares shall be purchased; any payroll deductions accumulated in a Participant’s Account which are not sufficient to purchase a full share shall be retained in the Participant’s Account for the subsequent Offering Period, subject to earlier withdrawal by the Participant as provided in Section 10 hereof. Any monies left over in a Participant’s Account after the Exercise Date shall be returned to the Participant. During a Participant’s lifetime, a Participant’s Option to purchase shares hereunder is exercisable only by him or her.
8.2 If the Board or the Committee determines that, on a given Exercise Date, the number of shares with respect to which Options are to be exercised may exceed: (i) the number of shares of Common Stock that were available for sale under the Plan on the Enrollment Date of the applicable Offering Period; or (ii) the number of shares available for sale under the Plan on such Exercise Date, the Board may in its sole discretion: (x) provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares of Common Stock available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants, and continue all Offering Periods then in effect; or (y) provide that the Company shall make a pro rata allocation of the shares available for purchase on such Enrollment Date or Exercise Date, as applicable, in as uniform a manner as shall be practicable and as it shall determine in its sole discretion to be equitable among all Participants, and terminate any or all Offering Periods then in effect pursuant to Section 20 hereof. The Company may make a pro rata allocation of the shares available on the Enrollment Date of any applicable Offering Period pursuant to the preceding sentence, notwithstanding any authorization of additional shares for issuance under the Plan by the Company’s shareholders subsequent to such Enrollment Date.
9. Delivery. As promptly as practicable after each Exercise Date on which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company shall arrange the delivery to each Participant, as appropriate, of a certificate representing the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her Option. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company may hold stock certificates on behalf of a Participant until such time as a Participant requests delivery of such certificates.
10. Withdrawal.
10.1 A Participant may withdraw all but not less than all the payroll deductions credited to his or her Account and not yet used to exercise his or her Option under the Plan at any time by giving written notice to the Company in the form of Exhibit B to this Plan or in such other manner prescribed by the Committee. All of the Participant’s payroll deductions credited to his or her Account shall be paid to such Participant promptly after receipt of notice of withdrawal and such Participant’s Option for the Offering Period shall be automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of shares shall be made for such Offering Period by such Participant. If a Participant withdraws from an Offering Period, payroll deductions shall not resume at the beginning of the succeeding Offering Period unless the Participant delivers to the Company a new Subscription Agreement.
10.2 A Participant’s withdrawal from an Offering Period shall not have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan which may hereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding Offering Periods which commence after the termination of the Offering Period from which the Participant withdraws.
11. Termination of Employment. Upon a Participant’s ceasing to be an Employee, for any reason, he or she shall be deemed to have elected to withdraw from the Plan and the payroll deductions credited to such Participant’s Account during the Offering Period but not yet used to exercise the Option shall be returned to such Participant or, in the case of his or her death, to the person or persons entitled thereto under Section 15 hereof, and such Participant’s Option shall be automatically terminated.
12. Interest. No interest or other earnings shall accrue on the payroll deductions of a Participant in the Plan.
13. Stock.
13.1 Subject to adjustment upon changes in capitalization of the Company as provided in Section 19 hereof, the maximum number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock which shall be made available for sale under the Plan shall be Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) shares.
13.2 A Participant shall have no ownership interest or voting right in shares covered by his or her Option until such Option has been exercised and the shares purchased as a result thereof have been delivered.
13.3 Shares to be delivered to a Participant under the Plan shall be registered in the name of the Participant or in the name of the Participant and his or her spouse jointly with the right or survivorship.
14. Administration. The Board or the Committee, as determined in the sole discretion of the Board, shall administer the Plan. The Board or the Committee shall have full and exclusive discretionary authority to construe, interpret and apply the terms of the Plan, to determine eligibility and to adjudicate all disputed claims filed under the Plan. Every finding, decision and determination made by the Board or the Committee shall, to the full extent permitted by law, be final and binding upon all parties.
15. Designation of Beneficiary.
15.1 A Participant, in its Subscription Agreement, may designate a beneficiary who is to receive any shares and cash, if any, from the Participant’s Account under the Plan in the event of such Participant’s death subsequent to an Exercise Date on which the Option is exercised but prior to delivery to such Participant of such shares and cash. In addition, a Participant may file a written designation of a beneficiary who is to receive any cash from the Participant’s Account under the Plan in the event of such Participant’s death prior to exercise of the Option. If a Participant is married and the designated beneficiary is not the spouse, spousal consent shall be required for such designation to be effective.
15.2 Such designation of beneficiary may be changed by the Participant at any time by written notice. In the event of the death of a Participant and in the absence of a beneficiary validly designated under the Plan who is living at the time of such Participant’s death, the Company shall deliver such shares and/or cash to the executor or administrator of the estate of the Participant, or if no such executor or administrator has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may deliver such shares and/or cash to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of the Participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to such other person as the Company may designate.
16. Transferability. Neither payroll deductions credited to a Participant’s Account nor any rights with regard to the exercise of an Option or to receive shares under the Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of in any way (other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution or as provided in Section 15 hereof) by the Participant. Any such attempt at assignment, transfer, pledge or other disposition shall be without effect, except that the Company may treat such act as an election to withdraw funds from an Offering Period in accordance with Section 10 hereof.
17. Use of Funds. All payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions.
18. Reports. Individual accounts shall be maintained for each Participant in the Plan. Statements of account shall be given to Participants at least annually, which statements shall set forth the amounts of payroll deductions, the Purchase Price, the number of shares purchased and the remaining cash balance, if any.
19. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Liquidation, Merger or Asset Sale.
19.1 Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, the Reserves, the maximum number of shares each Participant may purchase each Purchase Period (pursuant to Section 7), as well as the price per share and the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each Option under the Plan which has not yet been exercised shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been “effected without receipt of consideration”. Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option.
19.2 Dissolution or Liquidation. Unless provided otherwise by the Board, in the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Offering Period then in progress shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed dissolution or liquidation and a cash amount shall be paid to each Participant that is equal to the amount of his or her Account.
19.3 Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a proposed sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the merger of the Company with or into another corporation, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent Option substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Board may terminate any Offering Period then in progress by setting a new Exercise Date (the “New Exercise Date”). The New Exercise Date shall be before the date of the Company’s proposed sale or merger. The Board shall notify each Participant in writing, at least ten (10) business days prior to the New Exercise Date, that the Exercise Date for the Participant’s Option has been changed to the New Exercise Date and that the Participant’s Option shall be exercised automatically on the New Exercise Date, unless prior to such date the Participant has withdrawn from the Offering Period as provided in Section 10 hereof.
20. Amendment or Termination.
20.1 The Board may at any time and for any reason terminate or amend the Plan. Except as provided in Section 19 hereof, no such termination can affect Options previously granted, provided that an Offering Period may be terminated by the Board on any Exercise Date if the Board determines that the termination of the Offering Period or the Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Except as provided in Section 19 and this Section 20 hereof, no amendment may make any change in any Option theretofore granted which adversely affects the rights of any Participant. To the extent necessary to comply with Section 423 of the Code (or any successor rule or provision or any other applicable law, regulation or stock exchange rule), the Company shall obtain shareholder approval in such a manner and to such a degree as required.
20.2 Without shareholder consent and without regard to whether any Participant rights may be considered to have been “adversely affected,” the Board (or the Committee) shall be entitled to change the Offering Periods, limit the frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an Offering Period, establish the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars, permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a Participant in order to adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed withholding elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of Common Stock for each Participant properly correspond with amounts withheld from the Participant’s Compensation, and establish such other limitations or procedures as the Board (or its Committee) determines in its sole discretion advisable which are consistent with the Plan.
20.3 In the event the Board determines that the ongoing operation of the Plan may result in unfavorable financial accounting consequences, the Board may, in its discretion and, to the extent necessary or desirable, modify or amend the Plan to reduce or eliminate such accounting consequence including, but not limited to:
20.3.1 Altering the Purchase Price for any Offering Period including an Offering Period underway at the time of the change in Purchase Price;
20.3.2 Shortening any Offering Period so that Offering Period ends on a new Exercise Date, including an Offering Period underway at the time of the Board action; and
20.3.3 Allocating shares.
Such modifications or amendments shall not require stockholder approval or the consent of any Plan Participants.
21. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. Shares shall not be issued with respect to an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and delivery of such shares pursuant thereto shall comply with all applicable provisions of law, domestic or foreign, including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
As a condition to the exercise of an Option, the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required by any of the aforementioned applicable provisions of law.
22. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon the earlier to occur of its adoption by the Board or its approval by the shareholders of the Company. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years unless sooner terminated under Section 20 hereof.
23. No Employment Rights. The Plan does not, directly or indirectly, create any right for the benefit of any employee or class of employees to purchase any shares of Common Stock under the Plan, or create in any employee or class of employees any right with respect to continuation of employment by the Company, and it shall not be deemed to interfere in any way with the Company’s right to terminate, or otherwise modify, an employee’s employment at any time.
24. No Effect Upon Benefits. Neither the grant nor the exercise of any Option hereunder will affect the benefits under any benefit plan of the Employer, and no amount or benefit granted or received hereunder shall be considered compensation for any purposes of any other benefit plan or program of the Employer.
25. Trading Policy Restrictions. Option exercises under the Plan shall be subject to the terms and conditions of any insider trading policy established by the Company .
26. Notices. All notices or other communications by a Participant to the Company under or in connection with the Plan shall be deemed to have been duly given when received in the form specified by the Company at the location, or by the person, designated by the Company for the receipt thereof.
27. Equal Rights and Privileges. All eligible employees shall have equal rights and privileges with respect to the Plan so that the Plan qualifies as an “employee stock purchase plan” within the meaning of Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code and the related regulations. Any provision of the Plan which is inconsistent with Section 423 or any successor provision of the Code shall, without further act or amendment by the Company or the Committee, be reformed to comply with the requirements of Section 423. This Section 27 shall take precedence over all other provisions in the Plan.
28. Governing Law. Without regard to conflict of law principles, the laws of the State of Michigan will govern all matters relating to this Plan except to the extent it is superseded by the laws of the United States.
Exhibit A
AROTECH CORPORATION
2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT
Original Application Enrollment Date: ______________
__________ Change in Payroll Deduction Rate
__________ Change of Beneficiary(ies)
|
1.
|
I hereby elect to participate in the Arotech Corporation 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “Employee Stock Purchase Plan”) and subscribe to purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock in accordance with this Subscription Agreement and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
|
|
2.
|
I hereby authorize payroll deductions from each paycheck in the amount of ____% of my covered cash Compensation on each payday (FROM 1 TO 15%) during the Offering Period in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. (Please note that no fractional percentages are permitted.)
|
|
3.
|
I understand that these payroll deductions shall be accumulated for the purchase of shares of Common Stock at the applicable Purchase Price determined in accordance with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and that all of my payroll deductions received or held by the Company under the Plan may be used by the Company for any corporate purpose, and the Company shall not be obligated to segregate such payroll deductions. I understand that no interest or other earnings will accrue on my payroll deductions.
|
|
4.
|
I understand that if I do not withdraw from an Offering Period, any accumulated payroll deductions will be used to automatically exercise my Option.
|
|
5.
|
I have received and read the Prospectus for the Plan and am subscribing for the purchase shares of the Company’s Common Stock after having considered the risks associated with an investment in such Common Stock. I have received a copy of the complete Employee Stock Purchase Plan. I understand that my participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan is in all respects subject to the terms of the Plan.
|
|
6.
|
I understand that my ability to exercise the Option under this Subscription Agreement is subject to shareholder approval of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
|
|
7.
|
Shares purchased for me under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan should be issued in the name(s) of (Employee or Employee and Spouse only):_______________________.
|
|
8.
|
I understand that if I dispose of any shares received by me pursuant to the Plan within 2 years after the Enrollment Date (the first day of the Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) or one year after the Exercise Date, I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received ordinary income at the time of such disposition in an amount equal to the excess of the amount I received in such disposition over the price which I paid for the shares. I hereby agree to notify the Company in writing within 30 days after the date of any disposition of my shares and I will make adequate provision for Federal, state or other tax withholding obligations, if any, which arise upon the disposition of the Common Stock. The Company may, but will not be obligated to, withhold from my compensation the amount necessary to meet any applicable withholding obligation including any withholding necessary to make available to the Company any tax deductions or benefits attributable to sale or early disposition of Common Stock by me. If I dispose of such shares at any time after the expiration of the 2-year and 1-year holding periods, I understand that I will be treated for federal income tax purposes as having received income only at the time of such disposition, and that such income will be taxed as ordinary income only to the extent of an amount equal to the lesser of: (l) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the purchase price which I paid for the shares; or (2) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time the Enrollment Date (the first day of the Offering Period during which I purchased such shares) over the purchase price which I paid for the shares. The remainder of the gain, if any, recognized on such disposition will be taxed as capital gain.
|
|
9.
|
I hereby agree to be bound by the terms of the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The effectiveness of this Subscription Agreement is dependent upon my eligibility to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
|
|
10.
|
In the event of my death, I hereby designate the following as my beneficiary(ies) to receive all payments and shares due me under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan:
|
NAME: (Please print)
________________________________________________
(First) (Middle) (Last)
Relationship ______________________________________
Address: ____________________________________
____________________________________
Employee’s Social Security Number: _______________________________
Employee’s Address:
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT SUCCESSIVE OFFERING PERIODS UNLESS TERMINATED BY ME.
Dated: ________________ ____________________________________
Signature of Employee
Dated: ________________ ____________________________________
Spouse’s Signature
(If beneficiary is other than spouse)
Exhibit B
AROTECH CORPORATION
2012 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
NOTICE OF WITHDRAWAL
The undersigned Participant in the Offering Period of the Arotech Corporation 2012 Employee Stock Purchase Plan which began on __________, 2012 (the “Enrollment Date”) hereby notifies the Company that he or she hereby withdraws from the Offering Period. He or she hereby directs the Company to pay to the undersigned as promptly as practicable all the payroll deductions credited to his or her account with respect to such Offering Period. The undersigned understands and agrees that his or her Option for such Offering Period will be automatically terminated. The undersigned understands further that no further payroll deductions will be made for the purchase of shares in the current Offering Period and the undersigned shall be eligible to participate in succeeding Offering Periods only by delivering to the Company a new Subscription Agreement.
Name and Address of Participant:
________________________________ Dated: __________________________
Signature
Annex B
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
I. STATEMENT OF POLICY
The Audit Committee shall assist the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Arotech Corporation (“Arotech”) in fulfilling its oversight responsibility by reviewing the accounting and financial reporting processes of Arotech and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), the Company’s system of internal controls regarding finance, accounting, legal compliance and ethics, and the audits of the Company’s financial statements. In so doing, it is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to maintain free and open means of communications among the Company’s Board of Directors, outside auditors and senior management. The Audit Committee’s primary responsibilities and duties are:
|
·
|
Serve as an independent and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting process, internal control system and disclosure control system.
|
|
·
|
Review and appraise the audit efforts of the Company’s independent accountants.
|
|
·
|
Assume direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the outside auditors and for the resolution of disputes between the outside auditors and the Company’s management regarding financial reporting issues.
|
|
·
|
Provide an open avenue of communication among the independent accountants, financial and senior management and the Board.
|
The Audit Committee will primarily fulfill these responsibilities by carrying out the activities identified in Section IV of this Charter.
The Company shall be responsible for the providing the Audit Committee with appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, in order to compensate the outside auditors and advisors engaged by or employed by the Audit Committee.
II. COMPOSITION OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee shall consist of at least three “independent” Directors of Arotech and shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. An “independent” Director is defined as an individual who (a) is not an officer or salaried employee or an affiliate of the Company, (b) does not have any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board, would interfere with his or her exercise of independent judgment as an Audit Committee member, (c) meets the independence requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Nasdaq Stock Market or such other securities exchange or market on which Arotech’s securities are traded and (d) except as permitted by the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market or such other securities exchange or market on which Arotech’s securities are traded, does not accept any consulting, advisory or other compensatory fee from the Company.
At least one member of the Audit Committee shall be a “financial expert” as defined by the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market or such other securities exchange or market on which Arotech’s securities are traded. Each Audit Committee member must be able to read and understand financial statements, including a balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement.
The members of the Audit Committee shall be designated by the full Board from time to time. The Board shall designate one member of the Audit Committee to serve as chairperson of the committee.
III. MEETINGS AND MINUTES
The Audit Committee shall meet at least quarterly, with additional meetings if circumstances require, for the purpose of satisfying its responsibilities. The Audit Committee shall maintain minutes of each meeting of the Audit Committee and shall report the actions of the Audit Committee to the Board, with such recommendations as the Audit Committee deems appropriate.
IV. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee shall oversee and monitor the Company’s accounting and financial reporting process, internal control system and disclosure control system, review the audits of the Company’s financial statements and review and evaluate the performance of the Company’s outside auditors. In fulfilling these duties and responsibilities, the Audit Committee shall take the following actions, in addition to performing such functions as may be assigned by law, the Company’s certificate of incorporation, the Company’s bylaws or the Board.
|
1.
|
The Audit Committee shall assume direct responsibility for the appointment, retention and oversight of the work of the outside auditors and, when appropriate, the replacement of the outside auditors. As part of the audit process, the Audit Committee shall meet with the outside auditors to discuss and decide the audit’s scope. The Audit Committee shall determine that the outside audit team engaged to perform the external audit consists of competent, experienced, auditing professionals. The Audit Committee shall also review and approve the compensation to be paid to the outside auditors and shall be authorized to compensate the outside auditors.
|
|
2.
|
The Audit Committee shall take, or recommend that the full Board take, appropriate action to ensure the independence of the outside auditors. The Audit Committee shall require the outside auditors to advise the Company of any fact or circumstances that might adversely affect the outside auditors’ independence or judgment with respect to the Company under applicable auditing standards. The Audit Committee shall require the outside auditors to submit, on an annual basis, a formal written statement setting forth all relationships between the outside auditors and the Company that may affect the objectivity and independence of the outside auditors. Such statement shall confirm that the outside auditors are not aware of any conflict of interest prohibited by Section 10A(l) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The Audit Committee shall actively engage in a dialogue with the outside auditors with respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the outside auditors.
|
|
3.
|
The Audit Committee shall require the outside auditors to advise the Audit Committee in advance in the event that the outside auditors intend to provide any professional services to the Company other than services provided in connection with an audit or a review of the Company’s financial statements (“non-audit services”); provided that such non-audit services are not listed in Section 10A(g) of the Exchange Act (“prohibited services”). The Audit Committee shall approve, in advance, any non-audit services to be provided to the Company by the Company’s outside auditing firm.
|
|
4.
|
The Audit Committee shall obtain confirmations from time to time from the Company’s outside auditing firm that such firm is not providing to the Company (i) any prohibited services, or (ii) any other non-audit service or any auditing service that has not been approved in advance by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee shall have the authority to approve the provision of non-audit services that have not been pre-approved by the Audit Committee, but only to the extent that such non-audit services qualify under the de minimus exception set forth in Section 10A(i)(1)(B) of the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee shall record in its minutes and report to the Board all approvals of non-audit services granted by the Audit Committee.
|
|
5.
|
The Audit Committee shall meet with the outside auditors, with no management in attendance, to openly discuss the quality of the Company’s accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting, including issues such as (a) the appropriateness, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles and financial disclosure practices used or proposed to be used by the Company, (b) the clarity of the Company’s financial disclosures and (c) the degree of aggressiveness or conservatism that exists in the Company’s accounting principles and underlying estimates and other significant decisions made by the Company’s management in preparing the Company’s financial disclosures. The Audit Committee shall then meet, without operating management or the outside auditors being present, to discuss the information presented to it.
|
|
6.
|
The Audit Committee shall meet with the outside auditors and management to review the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K and discuss any significant adjustments, management judgments and accounting estimates and any significant new accounting policies before such forms are filed with the SEC. The Audit Committee shall require the outside auditors to report to the Audit Committee all critical accounting policies and practices to be used, all alternative treatments of financial information within generally accepted accounting principles that have been discussed with the Company’s management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments, the treatments preferred by the outside auditors and other material written communications between the outside auditors and the Company’s management, including management’s letters and schedules of unadjusted differences.
|
|
7.
|
Upon the completion of the annual audit, the Audit Committee shall review the audit findings reported to it by the outside auditors, including any comments or recommendations of the outside auditors, with the entire Board.
|
|
8.
|
The Audit Committee shall review all reports received from the federal and state regulatory authorities and assure that the Board is aware of the findings and results. In addition, it will meet with the appropriate members of senior management designated by the Audit Committee to review the responses to the respective regulatory reports.
|
|
9.
|
The Audit Committee shall consider and review with management: (a) significant findings during the year and management’s responses thereto, including the status of previous audit recommendations and (b) any difficulties encountered in the course of their audits, including any restrictions on the scope of activities or access to required information.
|
|
10.
|
The Audit Committee shall consider and approve, if appropriate, changes to the Company’s auditing and accounting principles and practices, as suggested by the outside auditors or management, and the Audit Committee shall review with the outside auditors and management the extent to which such changes have been implemented (to be done at an appropriate amount of time prior to the implementation of such changes as decided by the Audit Committee).
|
|
11.
|
The Audit Committee shall prepare a letter for inclusion in the Company’s proxy statement describing the discharge of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities.
|
|
12.
|
The Audit Committee will review and update this Charter periodically, at least annually, and as conditions may dictate. The Audit Committee Charter shall be presented to the full Board for its approval of any changes.
|
|
13.
|
Commencing on such date as Section 102(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Act”) becomes effective, the Audit Committee shall obtain confirmation from the outside auditors at the commencement of each audit that such firm is a “registered public accounting firm” as such term is defined under the Act.
|
|
14.
|
The Audit Committee shall have the authority to engage independent counsel and other advisers as it determines necessary to perform its duties.
|
|
15.
|
The Audit Committee shall establish procedures for (i) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and (ii) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
|
|
16.
|
The Audit Committee shall investigate or consider such other matters within the scope of its responsibilities and duties as the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, determine to be advisable.
|
