Stran Company Inc
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Apr 14, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Apr 14, 2025
Extracted filing text, with the paragraph anchors used by the comparison.
See the whole filing, with its images and exhibitsContents
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table - Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
The following table sets forth information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the named persons for services rendered in all capacities during the noted periods.
| Name and Principal Position · Year · Salary ($) · Bonus ($) · Stock Awards ($) · Option Awards ($) · All Other Compensation ($) · Total ($) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Shape, President and Chief Executive Officer | 2024 | 400,000 | - | - | - | - | 400,000 | ||
| 2023 | 400,000 | 50,000 | - | - | 31,220 | (1) | 481,220 | ||
| Ian Wall, Chief Information Officer | 2024 | 265,000 | - | - | 7,937 | (2) | 8,629 | (3) | 281,566 |
| Andrew Stranberg, Executive Chairman | 2024 | 500,000 | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | ||
| 2023 | 500,000 | - | - | - | - | 500,000 | |||
| (1) | Andrew Shape was entitled to the payment of $10,000 per month during 2023 as repayment of sales commissions that had been earned in previous years totaling approximately $140,927, subject to certain terms and conditions. All $30,927 of outstanding payable prior-year commissions were paid to Mr. Shape during 2023. All outstanding accrued interest upon prior-year commissions payable to Mr. Shape was orally waived on March 25, 2024. |
| (2) | Ian Wall was granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock on January 2, 2024. A portion of the option was granted subject to certain vesting conditions. The aggregate grant date fair value was computed in accordance with ASC Topic 718 based on the assumptions described in Notes A.20 and A.21 to the Company’s financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. On January 2, 2024, Ian Wall became entitled to awards of options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of common stock subject to performance conditions with respect to the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. The aggregate grant date fair value of these awards was computed based upon the probable outcome of such conditions consistent with the estimate of aggregate compensation cost to be recognized over the service period determined as of the grant date under ASC Topic 718, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures, and based upon the assumptions described in Notes A.20 and A.21 to the Company’s financial statements beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The maximum aggregate grant date fair value of these awards was $52,900 assuming that the highest level of performance conditions will be achieved. |
| (3) | Ian Wall was entitled to an automobile and cellular phone allowance not to exceed $750 per month. |
Executive Officer Employment and Consulting Agreements
Employment Agreement with Andrew Shape
Under our employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer and President, Andrew Shape, dated July 13, 2021 and effective as of November 8, 2021 (the “Shape Employment Agreement”), Mr. Shape will receive an annual salary of $400,000 and will be eligible to receive an annual cash bonus as determined by the board of directors. Pursuant to the Shape Employment Agreement, on November 12, 2021, we awarded Mr. Shape a stock option for the purchase of 323,810 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $4.15 per share. The stock option will vest over a four-year period with 25% of the option vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the option (75%) vesting monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month.
The Shape Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Shape was entitled to the payment of $10,000 per month as repayment of sales commissions that had been earned in previous years totaling approximately $140,927, subject to certain terms and conditions. During 2022, Mr. Shape was entitled to $120,000 in total payments toward prior-year commissions in addition to accrued interest of $1,918, and was paid $90,000 towards these commissions. During 2023, Mr. Shape became entitled to an additional $20,927 in total payments toward these prior-year commissions and accrued interest of $293. All $30,927 of outstanding payable prior-year commissions was paid to Mr. Shape during 2023. All outstanding accrued interest upon prior-year commissions payable to Mr. Shape was orally waived on March 25, 2024.
On February 15, 2024, in connection with the Company’s fiscal year 2023 executive bonus determinations, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Shape would be awarded a $50,000 cash bonus.
Mr. Shape will be provided with standard executive benefits. The Company will also provide standard indemnification and directors’ and officers’ insurance.
The initial term of the Shape Employment Agreement commenced on November 8, 2021 and ended on November 8, 2024. The Shape Employment Agreement automatically renewed for an additional one-year term at the end of the initial term, and will renew for an additional one-year term at the end of the current and each subsequent one-year term unless either party provides notice to the other 60 days prior to the end of the then-current term.
The Company may terminate Mr. Shape’s employment by giving at least 30 days’ written notice. If we terminate Mr. Shape without cause or he resigns for good reason as provided under the Shape Employment Agreement, we must pay at least 24 months’ severance, reimbursement of Mr. Shape for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Shape’s continuation of health insurance for Mr. Shape and his family pursuant to COBRA, and immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity granted to Mr. Shape during Mr. Shape’s employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales of such equity or exercise of stock options. If we give notice of non-renewal of the Shape Employment Agreement with 60 days’ notice, then, upon Mr. Shape’s execution of a release, we must pay six months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Shape’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA.
Mr. Shape is also subject to standard confidentiality and noncompetition provisions, and Mr. Shape’s stock option agreement contains certain non-competition and non-solicitation provisions pursuant to the standard form of such agreement under the Stran & Company, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
Employment Agreement with David Browner
From January 1, 2022 to July 28, 2022, David Browner, then the Company’s Controller, was provided an annual salary of $150,000 and standard employee benefits on an at will basis. As of July 29, 2022, Mr. Browner was appointed as the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer. In connection with the appointment, effective as of July 29, 2022, Mr. Browner’s salary was increased to $200,000, and Mr. Browner was provided with a $750 monthly car allowance. On March 27, 2023, Mr. Browner was appointed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Browner’s compensation was left unchanged pending review by the Compensation Committee.
On April 14, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved an Employment Agreement with Mr. Browner (the “Browner Employment Agreement”), and it was entered into as of the same date. Under the Browner Employment Agreement, Mr. Browner will continue to be employed as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and will continue to function as its principal financial officer and principal accounting officer during the term of the agreement. The initial term of the agreement will be two years and will automatically extend an additional year each year unless one party gives 60 days’ notice before the end of the term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms as described below. Mr. Browner will receive an annual base salary of $250,000. In addition, the Company will pay up to $750 per month to maintain a leased automobile for business use by Mr. Browner.
For each fiscal year during the term of the Browner Employment Agreement, Mr. Browner will receive up to three cash bonuses and six equity bonuses depending on the board’s or the Compensation Committee’s certification of the Company’s attainment of the performance conditions provided for in the Browner Employment Agreement. The performance conditions will be based on an annual sales target, an annual gross profit target, and an annual net profit target. Each target will be set by the board, the Compensation Committee, or an executive officer or other party delegated with such authority other than Mr. Browner, for the applicable fiscal year. Each target will generally be measured against the audited U.S. GAAP-compliant financial statements of the Company for that year, except that net profit or the equivalent item will be adjusted to exclude expenses related to annual bonus payments to the Company’s executive officers or members of its management team. The annual targets for fiscal year 2023 for purposes of the Browner Employment Agreement were determined by the Compensation Committee to be $72,000,000 for the annual sales target, $21,600,000 for the gross profit target, and $1,080,000 for the net profit target. The annual targets for fiscal year 2024 for purposes of the Browner Employment Agreement were determined not to have been met in any respect.
Each portion of an equity bonus consisting of common stock will be granted upon certification of attainment of the respective target. Each portion of an equity bonus consisting of vesting of a stock option will relate to a stock option that was or will be granted on the date of the Browner Employment Agreement and at the beginning of each subsequent fiscal year during the term of the Browner Employment Agreement. In accordance with the Browner Employment Agreement, on April 14, 2023, the Company granted Mr. Browner a stock option for the purchase of 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.72 per share, which provided that it would vest and become exercisable upon certification of attainment of the applicable targets set by the board or the Compensation Committee in accordance with the equity bonus terms described below. Except as described below, due to the non-attainment of the applicable targets, this option became non-vesting and non-exercisable. On January 1, 2024, the Company granted Mr. Browner a second stock option for the purchase of 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.48 per share, which vests and becomes exercisable upon certification of attainment of the applicable targets set by the board or the Compensation Committee in accordance with the equity bonus terms described below. All equity grants under the Browner Employment Agreement have been or will be awarded under standard forms of award agreements under the Plan.
An annual sales-based cash bonus will be awarded based on the percentage of the annual sales target that is certified as attained, as follows: (a) $1,250 if 95% of the target is certified as attained; (b) $5,000 if 100% of the target is certified as attained; (c) $7,500 if 110% of the target is certified as attained; or (d) $10,000 if 120% of the target is certified as attained. An annual gross profit-based cash bonus will also be awarded based on the percentage of an annual gross profit target that is attained, as follows: (a) $6,250 if 95% of the target is certified as attained, (b) $25,000 if 100% of the target is certified as attained; (c) $37,500 if 110% of the target is certified as attained; or (d) $50,000 if 120% of the target is certified as attained. An annual net profit-based cash bonus will also be awarded based on the percentage of annual net profit target that is certified as attained, as follows: (a) $5,000 if 95% of the target is certified as attained, (b) $20,000 if 100% of the target is certified as attained; (c) $30,000 if 110% of the target is certified as attained; or (d) $40,000 if 120% of the target is certified as attained. In accordance with the Browner Employment Agreement, each cash bonus will be paid in three equal installments in the third, fourth and fifth months of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the respective target or targets are attained upon certification of the attainment of the respective target or targets.
Five of the six annual equity bonuses will consist of the grant of fully-vested shares of common stock and the vesting of a portion of the stock option granted each year under the Browner Employment Agreement. The other annual equity bonus will consist of the vesting of a portion of such stock option only. In each case, each annual equity bonus will be based on whether such bonus’s designated target or target percentage is certified as attained, as follows: (1) grant of 5,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 7,500 shares if the annual sales target is certified as attained; (2) grant of 5,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 7,500 shares if the annual gross profit target is certified as attained; (3) grant of 5,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 7,500 shares if the annual net profit target is certified as attained; (4) grant of 10,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 12,500 shares if 125% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained; (5) grant of 10,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 15,000 shares if 150% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained; and (6) vesting of the stock option as to 2,000 shares for every $100,000 by which net profit is certified as exceeding 150% the annual net profit target, up to a maximum of 50,000 shares.
All equity bonuses under the Browner Employment Agreement will be awarded under the Plan. The Plan provides that to the extent that equity bonuses of grants of common stock are designated Performance Compensation Awards (as defined by the Plan) by the board or the Compensation Committee and to the extent that each fiscal year constitutes a Performance Period (as defined by the Plan), pursuant to the Plan, such awards must be granted as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certification of the attainment of the performance conditions for such awards but in no event later than 2 1/2 months following the end of the fiscal year during which the respective Performance Period is completed. Otherwise, such grants will be considered Performance Shares (as defined by the Plan) and will be granted when certified by the board or the Compensation Committee.
Under the Browner Employment Agreement, Mr. Browner will also be eligible for additional bonus amounts as determined by the board or the Compensation Committee within its sole discretion. Mr. Browner will receive unlimited paid time off and paid public holidays, standard executive benefits, standard directors and officers indemnification and insurance coverage, and business-related expense reimbursements.
On February 15, 2024, in connection with the Company’s fiscal year 2023 executive bonus determinations, the Compensation Committee certified the attainment of the performance conditions under the Browner Agreement for the award of a $26,250 cash bonus, the grant of 5,000 shares of common stock, and the vesting of the stock option granted to Mr. Browner on April 14, 2023 as to 7,500 shares of common stock.
Mr. Browner’s employment is terminable with cause upon certain grounds by written notice, subject to a 30-day notice and cure period with respect to certain of these grounds for termination for cause. Mr. Browner may be terminated without cause upon 30 days’ written notice. Mr. Browner may terminate employment with good reason upon certain grounds, subject to a 30-day notice and cure period with respect to certain of these grounds that must begin within 10 days of Mr. Browner’s knowledge of the initial existence of the grounds for termination for good reason. The effect of Mr. Browner’s termination of the Browner Employment Agreement without complying with the requirements to terminate with good reason will be equivalent to termination with cause. Termination under any provision of the Browner Employment Agreement will generally result in the Company’s obligation to provide accrued and unpaid or pending cash, equity or other compensation. If the Company terminates Mr. Browner without cause or he terminates for good reason, and provided that Mr. Browner signs the general release and waiver annexed to the Browner Employment Agreement within 60 days, the Company will be required to pay the lesser of the number of months’ severance remaining under the term of the Browner Employment Agreement and either four months if the termination occurs during the first year of the term or three months if the termination occurs during the second year of the term, provided that Mr. Browner receives at least three months’ severance; reimburse Mr. Browner for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Browner’s continuation of health insurance for Mr. Browner and his family pursuant to COBRA; and approve immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Browner during his employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales or exercise of such awards. If the Company elects not to renew the Browner Employment Agreement, then the Company must pay three months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Browner’s continuation of health insurance for Mr. Browner and his family pursuant to COBRA. If Mr. Browner is terminated in the event of death or disability, then the Company must approve immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity awards granted to Mr. Browner during his employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales or exercise of such awards. In addition, if the Company does not renew the term of the Browner Employment Agreement and Mr. Browner’s termination occurs within 90 days before or 12 months after a Change in Control (as defined by the Browner Employment Agreement), then, provided that Mr. Browner signs the general release and waiver annexed to the Browner Employment Agreement within 60 days, the Company must pay the same severance amount as described above in the event of a termination for cause or resignation for good reason; provide the same COBRA benefits as described above in the event of a termination for cause or resignation for good reason; and approve the immediate vesting of all equity awards held by Mr. Browner unless expressly provided otherwise by the governing documents for such awards.
The Browner Employment Agreement also contains general confidentiality and non-competition provisions. Mr. Browner’s stock option agreements and restricted stock award agreements contain certain non-competition and non-solicitation provisions pursuant to the standard forms of such agreements under the Plan.
Employment Agreement with Andrew Stranberg
Under our employment agreement with our Executive Chairman, Andrew Stranberg, dated July 13, 2021 and effective as of November 8, 2021 (the “Stranberg Employment Agreement”), Mr. Stranberg will receive an annual salary of $500,000, and Mr. Stranberg will be eligible for an annual cash bonus as determined by the board of directors. Pursuant to the Stranberg Employment Agreement, on November 12, 2021, we awarded Mr. Stranberg a stock option for the purchase of 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $4.15 per share under a standard form of stock option agreement under the Plan. The stock option will vest over a four-year period with 25% of the option vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance of the option (75%) vests monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month.
Mr. Stranberg will be provided with standard executive benefits. The Company will also provide standard indemnification and directors’ and officers’ insurance.
The initial term of the Stranberg Employment Agreement commenced on November 8, 2021 and ended on November 8, 2024. The Stranberg Employment Agreement automatically renewed for an additional one-year term at the end of the initial term, and will renew for an additional one-year term at the end of the current and each subsequent one-year term unless either party provides notice to the other 60 days prior to the end of the then-current term.
The Company may terminate Mr. Stranberg’s employment by giving at least 30 days’ written notice. If we terminate Mr. Stranberg without cause or he resigns for good reason as provided under the Stranberg Employment Agreement, we must pay at least 24 months’ severance, reimbursement of Mr. Stranberg for the first 18 months of the premiums associated with Mr. Stranberg’s continuation of health insurance for Mr. Stranberg and his family pursuant to COBRA, and immediate vesting of any outstanding unvested equity granted to Mr. Stranberg during Mr. Stranberg’s employment and immediate lifting of all lockups and restrictions on sales of such equity, or exercise of stock options. If we give notice of non-renewal of the Stranberg Employment Agreement with 60 days’ notice, then, upon Mr. Stranberg’s execution of a release, we must pay six months’ severance and reimburse the first six months of the premiums associated with Mr. Stranberg’s continuation of health insurance for him and his family pursuant to COBRA.
Mr. Stranberg is also subject to standard confidentiality and noncompetition provisions, and Mr. Stranberg’s stock option agreement contains certain non-competition and non-solicitation provisions pursuant to the standard form of such agreement under the Plan.
Previous Consulting Agreement with John Audibert and Josselin Capital Advisors, Inc.
Under the Consulting Agreement among John Audibert, JCA, which is Mr. Audibert’s his wholly-owned company, and the Company, dated December 2, 2021 (the “Audibert Consulting Agreement”), which was in effect from December 2, 2021 until April 14, 2023, we agreed that, for a 27-month term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, we will receive the services of JCA and pay or grant JCA the compensation described below, and Mr. Audibert would continue to serve as our Vice President of Growth and Strategic Initiatives. We agreed to pay JCA a signing fee of $30,000, an annual fee of $100,000 and a monthly automobile bonus of $750. We agreed to grant JCA base restricted stock bonuses as follows: (i) 20,000 restricted shares of common stock, granted as of the agreement date, which vested on the three-month anniversary of the date of grant; (ii) 20,000 additional fully-vested shares of common stock to be granted on the six-month anniversary of the agreement date; and (iii) 20,000 additional fully-vested shares of common stock to be granted on the twelve-month anniversary of the agreement date. Due to an administrative oversight, we did not grant the 20,000 shares required to be granted to JCA on each of the six-month and twelve-month anniversaries of the agreement date as provided under the Audibert Consulting Agreement. JCA agreed to receive these grants in 2023. On April 14, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved the grants.
We also agreed to equity grants to JCA consisting of (i) the grant of an option which may be exercised to purchase 65,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price per share of $3.90 which will vest based on the attainment of the option’s performance conditions, and (ii) fully-vested restricted stock to be granted upon attainment of the same performance conditions, as follows: (a) 10,000 fully-vested restricted shares granted and the stock option vested as to 10,000 shares of common stock if our sales exceeded $21,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeded $65,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term; (b) 10,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares granted and the stock option vested as to 10,000 additional shares of common stock if our sales exceeded $25,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeded $75,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term; (c) 15,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares granted and the stock option vested as to 20,000 additional shares if our sales exceeded $37,500,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeded $90,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term; and (d) 25,000 additional fully-vested restricted shares granted and the stock option vested as to 25,000 additional shares if our sales exceeded $45,000,000 combined for any two consecutive quarters or if our market capitalization exceeded $180,000,000 for twenty-five (25) out of thirty (30) consecutive trading days anytime within the Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term. “Sales” were determined by our audited or reviewed financial statements and according to U.S. GAAP. Our “market capitalization” was defined as the closing stock price of our common stock as reported by Nasdaq multiplied by the total shares of common stock outstanding as of 4:00 PM E.T. on the date that such closing stock price was determined as reported by our transfer agent. All such grants were subject to standard forms of stock option or restricted stock award agreements and the terms and conditions of the Plan. Pursuant to the Audibert Consulting Agreement, on December 2, 2021, the Company granted a stock option to JCA to purchase up to 65,000 shares of common stock subject to the vesting conditions described above. On March 11, 2022, the Compensation Committee determined that the performance conditions for the vesting of the option as to a total of 20,000 shares of common stock and to the issuance of 20,000 shares of common stock had been met, resulting in vesting of the option as to 20,000 shares and the issuance of 20,000 shares of common stock to JCA.
All equity bonuses under the Audibert Consulting Agreement were awarded under the Plan under a standard form of agreement under the Plan. The Plan provides that to the extent that equity bonuses of grants of common stock are designated Performance Compensation Awards (as defined by the Plan) by the board or the Compensation Committee and to the extent that each fiscal year constitutes a Performance Period (as defined by the Plan), pursuant to the Plan, such awards must be granted as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certification of the attainment of the performance conditions for such awards but in no event later than 2 1/2 months following the end of the fiscal year during which the respective Performance Period is completed. Otherwise, such grants will be considered Performance Shares (as defined by the Plan) and will be granted when certified by the board or the Compensation Committee.
Upon the occurrence of a change in control during the Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term, whether or not JCA’s engagement is terminated, or upon JCA’s termination without cause, all restricted stock, stock option, stock appreciation right or similar awards granted to or pending grant to and held by JCA will immediately vest and no longer be subject to forfeiture, unless expressly provided otherwise in the governing documents for such awards. For each fiscal year completed during the Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term, JCA was also eligible to receive additional bonuses as determined by the board. Both we and JCA were permitted to terminate the Audibert Consulting Agreement by giving at least 30 days’ written notice. If we or JCA terminated the Audibert Consulting Agreement without cause as provided under the Audibert Consulting Agreement, and JCA and Mr. Audibert delivered their signatures to the general release and waiver form annexed to the Audibert Consulting Agreement, we were required to make a $25,000 severance payment. JCA and Mr. Audibert were also subject to certain independent contractor, non-solicitation, confidentiality and non-interference provisions under the Audibert Consulting Agreement and JCA’s stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement pursuant to the standard forms of such agreements under the Plan.
On June 29, 2023, the rights to all equity awards that had been granted to JCA under the Audibert Consulting Agreement were distributed or transferred to Mr. Audibert.
Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement with John Audibert and Josselin Capital Advisors, Inc.
On April 14, 2023, the Compensation Committee approved an Amended and Restated Consulting Agreement (the “A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement”) with John Audibert, the Company’s Vice President of Growth and Strategic Initiatives, and JCA, Mr. Audibert’s wholly-owned company, and was entered into as of the same date. The A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement amended and restated the Audibert Consulting Agreement. However, a stock option granted to JCA on December 2, 2021 under the Audibert Consulting Agreement and pursuant to the Plan, subsequently assigned to Mr. Audibert, remains outstanding. See “—Previous Consulting Agreement with John Audibert and Josselin Capital Advisors, Inc.” for the terms of this stock option.
Under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, JCA will continue to provide services to the Company in connection with Mr. Audibert’s position as an executive officer of the Company for a 24-month term, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms as described below. JCA will receive an annual fee of $200,000 and a monthly automobile bonus of $750.
For each fiscal year during the term of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, JCA will receive up to six equity bonuses depending on the board of directors’ or the Compensation Committee’s certification of the Company’s attainment of the performance conditions provided for such bonuses to be granted in the agreement. The performance conditions will be based on an annual sales target and an annual net profit target. Each target will be set by the board, the Compensation Committee, or an executive officer or other party delegated with such authority other than Mr. Audibert, for the applicable fiscal year. Each target will generally be measured against the audited U.S. GAAP-compliant financial statements of the Company for that year, except that net profit or the equivalent item will be adjusted to exclude expenses related to annual bonus payments to the Company’s executive officers or members of its management team. The annual targets for fiscal year 2023 for purposes of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement were determined by the Compensation Committee to be $72,000,000 for the annual sales target and $1,080,000 for the net profit target. The annual targets for fiscal year 2024 for purposes of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement were determined not to have been met in any respect.
Each fiscal year during the term of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, JCA will be granted restricted common stock with performance conditions for vesting in the number of shares of restricted stock equal to $80,000 divided by the closing price of the common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market tier of Nasdaq on the grant date. Each restricted stock grant will vest as to the amounts described below upon certification by the board or the Compensation Committee of attainment of the respective performance targets. For the first term year, the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement provided that the restricted stock’s grant date would be the date of the agreement and the number of shares would be based on the closing price of the common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the later of that date or the date of the approval of the grant by the board or the Compensation Committee. For the subsequent year, the restricted stock will be granted at the beginning of the fiscal year upon approval of the board or the Compensation Committee and will be equal to $80,000 divided by the closing price of the common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on the anniversary of the date of the agreement, or as otherwise determined by the board or Compensation Committee. On April 14, 2023, JCA was granted 46,511 shares of restricted common stock and such amount was accepted by JCA as the restricted stock grant provided for by the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement for the initial year of the term of the agreement.
In addition, on the date of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement and at the beginning of each subsequent fiscal year during the term of the agreement, JCA will be granted a stock option to purchase the maximum number of shares subject to approval of the board or the Compensation Committee and the equity bonus performance conditions to vesting described below. Accordingly, on April 14, 2023, the Company granted JCA a stock option for the purchase of 180,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.72 per share, which provided that it would vest and become exercisable upon certification of attainment of the applicable targets set by the board or the Compensation Committee in accordance with the equity bonus terms described below. Due to the non-attainment of the applicable targets, this option became non-vesting and non-exercisable. On January 1, 2024, the Company granted Mr. Audibert a second stock option for the purchase of 180,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.48 per share, which vests and becomes exercisable upon certification of attainment of the applicable targets set by the board or the Compensation Committee in accordance with the equity bonus terms described below.
On June 29, 2023, the rights to all equity awards that had been granted to JCA and rights to equity awards that may be granted to JCA under the A&R Consulting Agreement were distributed or transferred to Mr. Audibert. The Company, Mr. Audibert and JCA agreed to make any future awards under the A&R Consulting Agreement to Mr. Audibert directly.
Each fiscal year during the term of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, JCA will also be granted fully-vested common stock upon, and in an amount based on, the board’s or the Compensation Committee’s certification of attainment of the applicable targets in accordance with the equity bonus terms described below.
Two of the equity bonuses will consist of the vesting of a percentage of the restricted stock granted each year under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement based on the percentage of the annual sales target that is certified as attained, the percentage of the net profit target that is certified as attained, or both. The restricted stock will vest based on the certification of attainment of the annual sales target as follows: (a) vesting of 5% of the restricted stock if 95% of the annual sales target is certified as attained; (b) 20% of the restricted stock if 100% of the annual sales target is certified as attained; (c) 30% of the restricted stock if 110% of the annual sales target is certified as attained; or (d) 40% of the restricted stock if 120% of the annual sales target is certified as attained. The restricted stock will also vest based on the certified attainment of the annual net profit target as follows: (a) vesting of 7.5% of the restricted stock if 95% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained; (b) 30% of the restricted stock if 100% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained; (c) 45% of the restricted stock if 110% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained; or (d) 60% of the restricted stock if 120% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained.
Two of the other equity bonuses will consist of the grant of fully-vested shares of common stock and the vesting of a portion of the stock option granted each year under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, and two of the other equity bonuses will consist of the vesting of a portion of such stock option only, in each case based on whether each bonus’s designated target or target percentage is certified as attained, as follows: (1) grant of 8,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 40,000 shares if the annual sales target is certified as attained; (2) grant of 12,000 shares and vesting of the stock option as to 40,000 shares if the annual net profit target is certified as attained; (3) vesting of the stock option as to 50,000 shares if 125% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained; and (4) vesting of the stock option as to 50,000 shares if 150% of the annual net profit target is certified as attained.
All equity bonuses under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement have been or will be awarded under standard forms of award agreements under the Plan. The Plan provides that to the extent that equity bonuses of grants of common stock are designated Performance Compensation Awards (as defined by the Plan) by the board or the Compensation Committee and to the extent that each fiscal year constitutes a Performance Period (as defined by the Plan), pursuant to the Plan, such awards must be granted as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certification of the attainment of the performance conditions for such awards but in no event later than 2 1/2 months following the end of the fiscal year during which the respective Performance Period is completed. Otherwise, such grants will be considered Performance Shares (as defined by the Plan) and will be granted when certified by the board or the Compensation Committee.
Under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, JCA will also be eligible for additional bonus amounts as determined by the board or the Compensation Committee within its sole discretion. JCA will provide services under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement as an independent contractor. JCA and Mr. Audibert will not receive employee or executive benefits. JCA and Mr. Audibert will be solely responsible for any business-related expenses.
On February 15, 2024, in connection with the Company’s fiscal year 2023 executive bonus determinations, the Compensation Committee certified the attainment of the performance conditions under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement for the vesting of 2,339 shares of 46,511 shares of restricted stock initially granted to JCA on April 14, 2023. In accordance with the above, the initial grant of 46,511 shares of restricted stock to JCA on April 14, 2023 was cancelled and 2,339 shares were issued to Mr. Audibert. In addition, the Compensation Committee awarded discretionary bonuses of a cash bonus of $10,000 to JCA, the grant of an additional 2,661 shares of common stock to Mr. Audibert, and the grant of an option to purchase 7,500 shares of common stock to Mr. Audibert at an exercise price of $1.55 per share.
Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control (as defined by the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement) during the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement’s term, whether or not JCA’s engagement is terminated, or upon JCA’s termination without cause, all restricted stock, stock option, stock appreciation right or similar awards granted to or pending grant to and held by JCA will immediately vest and will no longer be subject to forfeiture, unless expressly provided otherwise in the governing documents for such awards. Either the Company or JCA may terminate the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement for material breach and failure to cure such breach within 15 days of receipt of notice by the non-breaching party. Both the Company and JCA may terminate the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement without cause by giving at least 30 days’ written notice. Termination under any provision of the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement will generally result in the Company’s obligation to provide accrued and unpaid or pending cash, equity or other compensation. If the Company or JCA terminates the agreement without cause as provided under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement, and JCA and Mr. Audibert then deliver their signatures to the general release and waiver form annexed to the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement within 60 days, then the Company must pay JCA a $50,000 fee.
JCA and Mr. Audibert are also subject to general confidentiality and non-interference provisions under the A&R Audibert Consulting Agreement and general non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in JCA’s stock option agreement and restricted stock award agreement pursuant to the standard forms of such agreements under the Plan.
Employment Agreement with Ian Wall
The Company and Ian Wall, its Chief Information Officer, are parties to an employment letter agreement, dated as of December 11, 2023 (the “Wall Employment Agreement”). Under the Wall Employment Agreement, Mr. Wall will receive an initial annual base salary of $265,000 and potential salary and annual bonus increases in future years based on the successful achievement of personal and business-related goals. Mr. Wall will receive a monthly automobile and cellular phone allowance of up to $750. Mr. Wall also received a signing bonus of a stock option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock which vested immediately as to one-third and will vest as to each remaining third each subsequent year subject to its terms and conditions. On January 29, 2024, Mr. Wall was awarded the option to purchase the shares at an exercise price of $1.46 per share.
Mr. Wall will receive an annual cash bonus based on three performance targets relating to the Company’s results of operations. The bonus targets are weighted 10% to sales, 50% to gross profit, and 40% to net profit. The bonus will equal each bonus target’s weight percentage multiplied by (i) 5% of base salary if 95% of the target is met, (ii) 20% of base salary if 100% of the target is met, (iii) 30% if 110% of the target is met; or (iv) 40% if 120% of the target is met. The performance targets for 2024 were $87,500,000 sales, $26,250,000 gross profit, and $1,312,500 net profit. The performance targets for fiscal year 2024 for purposes of the Wall Employment Agreement were determined not to have been met in any respect. Mr. Wall may receive this cash bonus without the related target performance at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer upon approval of the Compensation Committee.
In addition, Mr. Wall will receive an annual stock option bonus to purchase 100,000 shares each year with an exercise price equal to the stock price at the time of issuance. The annual stock option bonus will vest based on the same annual performance targets set for the annual cash bonus for that year, as follows: (i) If the sales target is met, the option will vest as to 15,000 shares; (ii) if the gross profit target is met, the option will vest as to 15,000 shares; (iii) if the net profit target is met, the option will vest as to 15,000 shares; (iv) if 125% of the net profit target is met, the option will vest as to 25,000 shares; and (v) if 150% of the net profit target is met, the option will vest as to 30,000 shares.
All equity bonuses under the Wall Employment Agreement will be awarded under the Plan. The Plan provides that to the extent that equity bonuses of grants of common stock are designated Performance Compensation Awards (as defined by the Plan) by the board or the Compensation Committee and to the extent that each fiscal year constitutes a Performance Period (as defined by the Plan), pursuant to the Plan, such awards must be granted as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certification of the attainment of the performance conditions for such awards but in no event later than 2 1/2 months following the end of the fiscal year during which the respective Performance Period is completed. Otherwise, such grants will be considered Performance Shares (as defined by the Plan) and will be granted when certified by the board or the Compensation Committee.
Mr. Wall is entitled to severance benefits equal to four months’ salary if terminated without Cause (as defined in the Wall Employment Agreement) during the first year of employment and two months’ salary if terminated during the second year of employment. Mr. Wall will be offered certain health care, dental, life insurance, disability, and retirement benefits. Mr. Wall will receive unlimited vacation days encompassing vacation, personal and sick days, subject to two weeks’ notice and approval whenever possible.
After the first year of employment, all cash and equity bonus compensation goals and bonus figures will be reviewed. Benchmarks and bonus percentages will be adjusted each year based on changing business factors.
The Wall Employment Agreement and Mr. Wall’s equity award agreements have general non-solicitation provisions but do not have non-competition provisions. Mr. Wall is also subject to a standard non-disclosure requirement under the Wall Employment Agreement.
Mr. Wall has executed the Company’s standard Indemnification Agreement with officers and directors. Mr. Wall is covered by the Company’s directors and officers insurance policy as an executive officer.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
As of December 31, 2024, the following named executive officers had the following unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards:
| Option Awards · Stock Awards | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name · Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) · Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) · Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) · Option Exercise Price ($) · Option Expiration Date · Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) · Market Value of Shares of Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) · Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) · Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) | ||||||||||||
| Andrew Shape | 249,604 | (1) | 74,206 | (1) | — | $4.15 | 11/11/2031 | — | $— | — | $— | |
| Andrew Stranberg | 308,333 | (2) | 91,667 | (2) | — | $4.15 | 11/11/2031 | — | $— | — | $— | |
| Ian Wall | 5,000 | (3) | 10,000 | (3) | — | $1.46 | 1/1/2034 | 0 | (4) | $— | — | $— |
| (1) | On November 12, 2021, Andrew Shape was granted an option to purchase 323,810 shares of common stock. The option is subject to vesting over a four-year period with 25% of the option vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance (75%) vesting monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month. |
| (2) | On November 12, 2021, Andrew Stranberg was granted an option to purchase 400,000 shares of common stock. The option is subject to vesting over a four-year period with 25% of the option vesting on the first anniversary of the date of grant and the balance (75%) vesting monthly over the following three years after the first anniversary of the date of grant at a rate of 1/36 per month. |
| (3) | On January 2, 2024, Ian Wall was granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock. The option vested as to 5,000 shares of common stock upon grant and was subject to vesting as to 5,000 shares of common stock on each of January 2, 2025 and January 2, 2026. |
| (4) | On January 2, 2024, Ian Wall became entitled to awards of options to purchase up to 100,000 shares of common stock subject to performance-based conditions, which had not been met as of December 31, 2024. |
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information concerning all cash and non-cash compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to the directors who are not named executive officers for services rendered in all capacities during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024:
| Name · Fees Earned or Paid in Cash · Stock Awards · Option Awards · Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation Earnings · Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings · All Other Compensation · Total | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travis McCourt | $26,000 | - | (1) | - | (1) | - | - | - | $26,000 |
| Alan Chippindale | $26,000 | - | (1) | - | (1) | - | - | $26,000 | |
| Alejandro Tani | $20,000 | - | (1) | - | (1) | - | - | - | $20,000 |
| Ashley Marshall | $20,000 | - | (1) | - | (1) | - | - | - | $20,000 |
| (1) | Each of Travis McCourt, Alan Chippindale, Alejandro Tani and Ashley Marshall had outstanding option awards consisting of a fully-vested option to purchase up to 5,000 shares of common stock and outstanding stock awards consisting of 2,892 shares of common stock as of December 31, 2024. |
Under their independent director agreements, each director that has been determined to be independent will receive an annual cash fee and an initial award of restricted common stock and a stock option. We will pay the annual cash compensation fee to each non-employee director in four equal installments no later than the fifth business day of each calendar quarter commencing in the quarter ending March 31, 2022. We granted the restricted stock and options to the non-employee directors on November 12, 2021. The cash fee paid to each non-employee director will be $20,000 as to Ms. Marshall and Mr. Tani, and $26,000 as to Mr. McCourt and Mr. Chippindale. Under their agreements, 2,892 shares of restricted common stock were awarded to each independent director. The restricted stock vested in four (4) equal quarterly installments commencing in the quarter ending March 31, 2022. The option that was awarded to each non-employee director may be exercised to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at the exercise price of $4.15 per share. The option vested and became exercisable in twelve (12) equal monthly installments over the first year following the date of grant, subject to the respective non-employee director continuing in service on our board through each such vesting date. The term of each stock option is ten years from the date of grant. We will also reimburse each non-employee director for pre-approved reasonable business-related expenses incurred in good faith in connection with the performance of the non-employee director’s duties for us.
Indemnification Agreements and Directors and Officers Liability Insurance
We have entered into a standard indemnification agreement with each of our officers and directors. The full text of the form of indemnification agreement is filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 10.11.
We have also obtained standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (a) to our directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, and (b) to us with respect to payments which we may make to such officers and directors pursuant to the indemnification agreements referred to above, our Articles of Incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, or otherwise as a matter of law.
Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan
On September 14, 2021, we established the Stran & Company, Inc. Amended and Restated 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. The purpose of the Plan is to grant restricted stock, stock options and other forms of incentive compensation to our officers, employees, directors and consultants. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the Plan is 3,000,000 shares. Cancelled and forfeited stock options and stock awards may again become available for grant under the Plan. As of December 31, 2024, 1,077,205 shares remained available for issuance under the Plan, including shares not otherwise reserved for outstanding stock options issued under the Plan.
Summary of Principal Features of the Plan
Awards that may be granted under the Plan include: (a) Incentive Stock Options, (b) Non-qualified Stock Options, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights, (d) Restricted Awards, (e) Performance Share Awards, and (f) Performance Compensation Awards, each as defined by the Plan. These awards offer our officers, employees, consultants and directors the possibility of future value, depending on the long-term price appreciation of our common stock and the award holder’s continuing service with the Company.
Stock options give the option holder the right to acquire from us a designated number of shares of common stock at a purchase price that is fixed upon the grant of the option. The exercise price generally will not be less than the market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Stock options granted may be either Incentive Stock Options or Non-qualified Stock Options.
Stock Appreciation Rights, or SARs, may be granted alone or in tandem with options, and have an economic value similar to that of options. When a SAR for a particular number of shares is exercised, the holder receives a payment equal to the difference between the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise and the exercise price of the shares under the SAR. The exercise price for SARs is normally the market price of the shares on the date the SAR is granted. Under the Plan, holders of SARs may receive this payment — the appreciation value — either in cash or shares of common stock valued at the fair market value on the date of exercise. The form of payment will be determined by the administrator.
Restricted Awards are awards of shares of common stock or rights to shares of common stock to participants at no cost. Restricted Stock (as defined by the Plan) represents issued and outstanding shares of common stock which may be subject to vesting criteria under the terms of the award within the discretion of the administrator. Restricted Stock Units (as defined by the Plan) represent the right to receive shares of common stock which may be subject to satisfaction of vesting criteria under the terms of the award within the discretion of the administrator. Restricted Stock and the rights under Restricted Stock Units are forfeitable and non-transferable until they vest. The vesting date or dates and other conditions for vesting are established when the shares are awarded.
The Plan also provides for Performance Compensation Awards, representing the right to receive a payment, which may be in the form of cash, shares of common stock, or a combination, based on the attainment of pre-established goals.
Principal Features of the Plan
Purposes of the Plan: The purposes of the Plan are (a) to enable the Company and any affiliate company to attract and retain the types of employees, consultants and directors who will contribute to the Company’s long-term success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of employees, consultants and directors with those of the stockholders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the Company’s business.
Administration of the Plan: The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. In this summary, we refer to the Compensation Committee as the administrator. Among other things, the administrator has the authority to select persons who will receive awards, determine the types of awards and the number of shares to be covered by awards, and to establish the terms, conditions, performance criteria, restrictions and other provisions of awards. The administrator has authority to establish, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan.
Eligible Recipients: Persons eligible to receive awards under the Plan are employees (including officers or directors who are also treated as employees); consultants, i.e., individuals engaged to provide consulting or advisory services to the Company; and directors.
Shares Available Under the Plan: The maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered to participants under the Plan is 3,000,000, subject to adjustment for certain corporate changes affecting the shares, such as stock splits. Shares subject to an award under the Plan which is canceled, forfeited or expires again become available for grants under the Plan. However, shares tendered in payment of an option, delivered or withheld by the Company to satisfy any tax withholding obligation, or covered by a stock-settled SAR or other awards that were not issued upon the settlement of the award will not again become available for grant under the Plan.
Stock Options
General. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the administrator has the authority to determine all grants of stock options. That determination will include: (i) the number of shares subject to any option; (ii) the exercise price per share; (iii) the expiration date of the option; (iv) the manner, time and date of permitted exercise; (v) other restrictions, if any, on the option or the shares underlying the option; and (vi) any other terms and conditions as the administrator may determine.
Option Price. The exercise price for stock options will be determined at the time of grant. Normally, the exercise price will not be less than the fair market value on the date of grant. As a matter of tax law, the exercise price for any Incentive Stock Option awarded may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant. However, Incentive Stock Option grants to any person owning more than 10% of our voting stock must have an exercise price of not less than 110% of the fair market value on the grant date.
Exercise of Options. An option may be exercised only in accordance with the terms and conditions of the option agreement as established by the administrator at the time of the grant. The option must be exercised by notice to us, accompanied by payment of the exercise price. Payments may be made in cash or, at the option of the administrator, by actual or constructive delivery of shares of common stock based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise.
Expiration or Termination. Options, if not previously exercised, will expire on the expiration date established by the administrator at the time of grant. In the case of Incentive Stock Options, such term cannot exceed ten years provided that in the case of holders of more than 10% of our voting stock, such term cannot exceed five years. Options will terminate before their expiration date if the holder’s service with the Company or an affiliate company terminates before the expiration date. The option may remain exercisable for specified periods after certain terminations of employment, including terminations as a result of death, disability or retirement, with the precise period during which the option may be exercised to be established by the administrator and reflected in the grant evidencing the award.
Incentive Stock Options and Non-Qualified Stock Options. As described elsewhere in this summary, an Incentive Stock Option is an option that is intended to qualify under certain provisions of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for more favorable tax treatment than applies to Non-qualified Stock Options. Only employees may be granted Incentive Stock Options. Any option that does not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option will be a Non-qualified Stock Option. Under the Code, certain restrictions apply to Incentive Stock Options. For example, the exercise price for Incentive Stock Options may not be less than the fair market value of the shares on the grant date and the term of the option may not exceed ten years. In addition, an Incentive Stock Option may not be transferred, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and is exercisable during the holder’s lifetime only by the holder. In addition, no Incentive Stock Option may be granted to a holder that is first exercisable in a single year if that option, together with all Incentive Stock Options previously granted to the holder that also first become exercisable in that year, relate to shares having an aggregate market value in excess of $100,000, measured at the grant date.
Stock Appreciation Rights*.* Awards of SARs may be granted alone or in tandem with stock options. SARs provide the holder with the right, upon exercise, to receive a payment, in cash or shares of stock, having a value equal to the excess of the fair market value on the exercise date of the shares covered by the award over the exercise price of those shares. Essentially, a holder of a SAR benefits when the market price of the common stock increases, to the same extent that the holder of an option does, but, unlike an option holder, the SAR holder need not pay an exercise price upon exercise of the award.
Restricted Stock. Restricted Stock is a grant of shares of common stock. These awards may be subject to such vesting conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the administrator shall determine at the date of grant. Those may include requirements for continuous service and/or the achievement of specified performance goals. Restricted Stock is forfeitable and generally non-transferable until it vests. The vesting date or dates and other conditions for vesting are established when the shares are awarded. The administrator may remove any vesting or other restrictions from Restricted Stock whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in applicable laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date of grant, such action is appropriate. Holders of Restricted Stock otherwise generally have the rights of stockholders of the Company, including voting and dividend rights, to the same extent as other stockholders of the Company.
Restricted Stock Units. A Restricted Stock Unit is a right to receive stock on a future date, at which time the Restricted Stock Unit will be settled and the stock to which it granted rights will be issued to the Restricted Stock Unit holder. These awards may be subject to such vesting conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the administrator shall determine at the date of grant. Restricted Stock Units are forfeitable and generally non-transferable until they vest. The administrator may remove any vesting or other restrictions from a Restricted Stock Unit whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in applicable laws or other changes in circumstances arising after the date of grant, such action is appropriate. A Restricted Stock Unit holder has no rights as a stockholder. The administrator may exercise discretion to credit a Restricted Stock Unit with cash and stock dividends, with or without interest, and distribute such credited amounts upon settlement of a Restricted Stock Unit, and if the Restricted Stock Unit is forfeited, such dividend equivalents will also be forfeited.
Performance Share Awards and Performance Compensation Awards*.* The administrator may grant Performance Share Awards and Performance Compensation Awards. A Performance Share Award means the grant of a right to receive a number of actual shares of common stock or share units based upon the performance of the Company during a performance period, as determined by the administrator. The administrator may determine the number of shares subject to the Performance Share Award, the performance period, the conditions to be satisfied to earn an award, and the other terms, conditions and restrictions of the award. No payout of a Performance Share Award will be made except upon written certification by the administrator that the minimum threshold performance goal(s) have been achieved.
The administrator may also designate any of the other awards described above as a Performance Compensation Award (other than stock options and SARs granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value per share of common stock on the grant date). In addition, the administrator shall have the authority to make an award of a cash bonus to any participant and designate such award as a Performance Compensation Award. The participant must be employed by the Company on the last day of the performance period to be eligible for payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award unless otherwise provided in the applicable award agreement. A Performance Compensation Award will be paid only to the extent that the administrator certifies in writing whether and the extent to which the applicable performance goals for the performance period have been achieved and the applicable performance formula determines that the Performance Compensation Award has been earned. A performance formula means, for a performance period, the one or more objective formulas applied against the relevant performance goal to determine, with regard to the Performance Compensation Award of a particular participant, whether all, some portion but less than all, or none of the Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the performance period. The administrator will not have the discretion to grant or provide payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award for a performance period if the performance goals for such performance period have not been attained.
The administrator will establish performance goals for each Performance Compensation Award based upon the performance criteria that it has selected. The performance criteria shall be based on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company and may include the following: (a) net earnings or net income (before or after taxes); (b) basic or diluted earnings per share (before or after taxes); (c) net revenue or net revenue growth; (d) gross revenue; (e) gross profit or gross profit growth; (f) net operating profit (before or after taxes); (g) return on assets, capital, invested capital, equity, or sales; (h) cash flow (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, and cash flow return on capital); (i) earnings before or after taxes, interest, depreciation and/or amortization; (j) gross or operating margins; (k) improvements in capital structure; (l) budget and expense management; (m) productivity ratios; (n) economic value added or other value added measurements; (o) share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total stockholder return); (p) expense targets; (q) margins; (r) operating efficiency; (s) working capital targets; (t) enterprise value; (u) safety record; (v) completion of acquisitions or business expansion; (w) achieving research and development goals and milestones; (x) achieving product commercialization goals; and (y) other criteria as may be set by the administrator from time to time.
The administrator will also determine the performance period for the achievement of the performance goals under a Performance Compensation Award. At any time during the first 90 days of a performance period (or such longer or shorter time period as the administrator shall determine) or at any time thereafter, in its sole and absolute discretion, to adjust or modify the calculation of a performance goal for such performance period in order to prevent the dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants based on the following events: (a) asset write-downs; (b) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (c) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or regulatory rules affecting reported results; (d) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (e) extraordinary nonrecurring items as described in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 (or any successor or pronouncement thereto) and/or in management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations appearing in the Company’s annual report to stockholders for the applicable year; (f) acquisitions or divestitures; (g) any other specific unusual or nonrecurring events, or objectively determinable category thereof; (h) foreign exchange gains and losses; and (i) a change in the Company’s fiscal year.
Any one or more of the performance criteria may be used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of our company, as the administrator may deem appropriate, or as compared to the performance of a group of comparable companies, or published or special index that the administrator deems appropriate.
In determining the actual size of an individual Performance Compensation Award, the administrator may reduce or eliminate the amount of the award through the use of negative discretion if, in its sole judgment, such reduction or elimination is appropriate. The administrator shall not have the discretion to (i) grant or provide payment in respect of Performance Compensation Awards if the performance goals have not been attained or (ii) increase a Performance Compensation Award above the maximum amount payable under the Plan.
Other Material Provisions*.* Awards will be evidenced by a written agreement, in such form as may be approved by the administrator. In the event of various changes to the capitalization of our company, such as stock splits, stock dividends and similar re-capitalizations, an appropriate adjustment will be made by the administrator to the number of shares covered by outstanding awards or to the exercise price of such awards. The administrator generally has the power to accelerate the exercise or vesting period of an award. The administrator is also permitted to include in the written agreement provisions that provide for certain changes in the award in the event of a change of control of our company, including acceleration of vesting or payment of the value of the award in cash or stock. Except as otherwise determined by the administrator at the date of grant, awards will generally not be transferable, other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Prior to any award distribution, to the extent provided by the terms of an award agreement and subject to the discretion of the administrator, a participant may satisfy any employee withholding tax requirements relating to the exercise or acquisition of common stock under an award by tendering a cash payment authorizing the Company to withhold shares of common stock otherwise issuable to the participant as a result of the exercise or acquisition of common stock under the award (in addition to the Company’s right to withhold from any compensation paid to the participant by the Company). The board of directors has the authority, at any time, to discontinue the granting of awards. The board also has the authority to alter or amend the Plan or any outstanding award or may terminate the Plan as to further grants, provided that no amendment to the Plan will be made, without the approval of our stockholders, to the extent that such approval is required by law or the rules of an applicable securities exchange, or such alteration or amendment would change the number of shares available under the Plan or change the persons eligible for awards under the Plan. No amendment to an outstanding award made under the Plan that would adversely affect the award may be made without the consent of the holder of such award.
Clawback Policy
On November 2, 2023, our board of directors adopted the Company’s Clawback Policy in accordance with applicable Nasdaq rules (the “Clawback Policy”). The Clawback Policy provides that we will recover reasonably promptly the amount of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation to any current or former executive officers in the event that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement due to the material noncompliance of the Company with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, including any required accounting restatement to correct an error in previously issued financial statements that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period. A copy of the Clawback Policy is filed as Exhibit 97.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Pursuant to Rule 10D-1(b) of the Exchange Act, Nasdaq Listing Rule 5608, and the Clawback Policy, the Company conducted a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by its executive officers and that was subject to recovery, to ascertain whether any adjustments were required as a result of the error corrections to the Company’s financial results during the year that are described in Note B to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed by the Company with the SEC on January 22, 2025. The recovery analysis concluded that no adjustments to executive compensation were required because the error corrections did not impact any of the measures by which the Company compensated its executives with respect to the compensation received by its executive officers and subject to recovery.
The text of this filing, as the company filed it with the SEC, without its images or exhibits. This is not investment advice.