By Order of the Board of Directors,
CHRISTOPHER J. REEDY,
SecretarySecretary
BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION
19920 W. 161st Street
Olathe, Kansas 66062
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS
November 7, 2017September 19, 2014
To the ShareholdersStockholders of Butler National Corporation:
Notice is hereby given that the 20142017 Annual Meeting of ShareholdersStockholders of Butler National Corporation (the "Company"“Company” or “Butler National”) will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 12080 S. Strang Line Road,JCCC Olathe KS,Campus, 21201 W 152nd Street, Olathe, Kansas 66061, on Tuesday, November 4, 2014,7, 2017, at 11:10:00 a.m., local time, fortime. The purpose of the following purposes:
1. | Elect two (2) directors to serve for the term of three (3) years or until a successor is elected and qualified; |
2. | Ratify the selection of |
3. | Vote on an advisory basis to approve the compensation of the |
4. | Vote on an advisory basis on the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers; and |
5. | Transact such other business as may properly |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 8, 2014,2017, as the record date for the determination of shareholdersstockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
CHRISTOPHER J. REEDY, |
Olathe, Kansas
September 19, 2014
YOU MAY VOTE YOUR SHARES VIA A TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER OR OVER THE INTERNET. IF YOU RECEIVED A PAPER COPY OF A PROXY CARD BY MAIL, YOU MAY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY CARD BY SIGNING, DATING AND RETURNING YOUR PROXY CARD IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. SHAREHOLDERSSTOCKHOLDERS WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY REVOKE THEIR PROXIES AND VOTE IN PERSON IF THEY DESIRE.PERSON.
BUTLER NATIONAL CORPORATION
19920 W. 161st Street
Olathe, Kansas 66062
PROXY STATEMENT
Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials. The proxy statement and proxy card are available to view or download at www.proxyvote.com for the shareholderstockholder meeting on November 4, 2014.7, 2017.
This proxy statement is furnished to our stockholders in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. local time, or any postponements or adjournments thereof.
Instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials, including our Annual Report, to each shareholderstockholder of record, we have decided to provide access to these materials in a fast and efficient manner via the Internet. ThisThis reduces the amount of paper necessary to produce these materials, as well as the costs associated with mailing these materials to all shareholders.stockholders. On September 22, 2014,28, 2017, we began mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the "Notice"“Notice”) to shareholdersstockholders of record as of September 8, 2014,2017 and we posted our proxy materials on the website referenced in the Notice (www.proxyvote.com). As more fully described in the Notice, shareholdersstockholders may choose to access our proxy materials at www.proxyvote.com or may request a printed set of our proxy materials. In addition, the Notice and website provide information regarding how you may request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis. For those who previously requested printed proxy materials or electronic materials on an ongoing basis, you will receive those materials as you requested.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY SUBMIT YOUR PROXY EITHER IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, VIA THE INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE. |
Our proxy tabulator, Broadridge Financial Solutions, must receive any proxy that will not be delivered in person toat the annual meeting by 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time on Monday, November 3, 2014.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
Who is entitled to vote?
You may vote if you owned shares of our common stock at the close of business on September 8, 2017, the record date for the annual meeting, provided such shares are held directly in your name as the stockholder of record or are held for you as the beneficial owner through a bank, broker or other nominee. Each outstanding share of common stock is entitled to one vote for all matters that properly come before the annual meeting for a vote. At the close of business on the record date, there were 64,543,550 shares of Butler National common stock outstanding and entitled to vote.
What is the difference between a stockholder of record and a beneficial owner of shares held in street name?
Stockholders of Record. If your shares are registered directly with our transfer agent, Wells Fargo Shareholder Services, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares, and the Notice and/or proxy materials are being sent directly to you by us. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to us through the enclosed proxy card or to vote in person at the annual meeting.
Beneficial Owners. Many of our stockholders hold their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. 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 (including a voting instruction card) are being forwarded to you by your bank, broker or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your bank, broker or nominee on how to vote your shares. As the beneficial owner of shares, you are also invited to attend the annual meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote your shares in person at the annual meeting unless you obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker or nominee and present it at the 2017 annual meeting. Your bank, broker or nominee has enclosed a voting instruction card for you to use in directing the bank, broker or nominee regarding how to vote your shares.
How do I vote by proxy?
Stockholders of Record.
1.Most shareholders can voteYou May Vote by proxy in three ways:
2.You May Vote by Telephone or the informationInternet. You may vote by telephone or on the internet by following the instructions included on the proxy card. If you vote by telephone or on the internet, you do not have to mail in your proxy card. Internet and telephone voting are available 24 hours a day. Votes submitted through the internet (proxyvote.com) or by telephone (1-800-690-6903) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 6, 2017.
3.You May Vote in Person at the Meeting. You may deliver your completed proxy card in person. Additionally, we will pass out written ballots to registered stockholders who wish to vote in person at the meeting.
Beneficial Owners.
If you hold your shares in street name, follow the voting instruction card you receive from your bank, broker or other holder of record provided you for more information on these options.
Can I change my vote?
Stockholders of Record. You may change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by voting in person at the annual meeting, giving written notice to Butler National’s Secretary revoking your proxy, submitting a properly signed proxy bearing a later date or voting again by telephone or on the internet (your latest telephone or internet vote is counted).
Beneficial Owners. If you hold your shares through a bank, broker or other nominee, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions following the instructions provided by your bank, broker or nominee.
What if I do not vote for some of the items listed on the proxy card or voting instruction card?
Stockholders of Record. If you indicate a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon on your proxy card, the shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. Proxy cards that are signed and returned, but do not contain voting instructions with respect to a proposal, will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board with respect to that proposal.
Beneficial Owners. If you indicate a choice with respect to any matter to be acted upon on your voting instruction card, the shares will be voted in accordance with your instructions. If you do not indicate a choice with respect to a proposal or do not return your voting instruction card, the bank, broker or other nominee will determine if it has the discretionary authority to vote your shares. Regulations prohibit banks, brokers and other nominees from voting shares in elections of directors, as to compensation of Named Executive Officers, and the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of Named Executive Officers unless the beneficial owners indicate how the shares are to be voted. Therefore, unless you instruct your bank, broker or nominee on how to vote your shares overwith respect to the Internetelection of directors, the compensation of Butler National’s Named Executive Officers, and the frequency of future advisory votes on the compensation of Butler National’s Named Executive Officers, your bank, broker or by telephone, you should not return a proxy card by mail (unless you are revoking your proxy).
Can I vote in person at the annual meeting instead of voting by proxy?
Yes. However, we encourage you to vote your proxy by Internet, telephone, or mail prior to the meeting.
How many shares must be present to our shareholders in connection withhold the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directorsmeeting?
A quorum must be present at the annual meeting for any business to be votedconducted. The presence at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., or any postponements or adjournments thereof. The cost of this solicitation will be borne by us, Butler National Corporation (the "Company"). In addition to solicitation by mail, our officers, directors and employees may solicit proxies by telephone, facsimile, telegraph, email, or in person. We may also request banks and brokers to solicit their customers who have a beneficial interest in our Common Stock registered in the names of nominees and will reimburse such banks and brokers for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
How many votes are required to elect the director nominees?
Because this is an uncontested election, a nominee for director is elected to the Board of Directors if the votes cast for such nominee’s election exceed the votes cast against such nominee’s election. Abstentions will not affect the election of directors. In tabulating the voting results for the election of directors, only “FOR” and “AGAINST” votes are counted.
What happens if a nominee is unable to stand for election?
If a nominee is unable to stand for election, the Board of Directors may either reduce the number of directors to be elected or select a substitute nominee. If a substitute nominee is selected, the proxy holders will vote your shares for the substitute nominee unless you have withheld authority.
How many votes are required to approve the proposals other than the director nomination proposal?
The advisory approval of the compensation of Butler National’s Named Executive Officers and the ratification of the appointment of RBSM, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm each require the affirmative vote of a pluralitymajority of the votes cast byshares present at the holders of our Common Stock presentmeeting in person or represented by Proxy atproxy and entitled to vote. With respect to the Annual Meetingproposal to provide an advisory vote on the frequency of the advisory vote on executive compensation, the option that receives the greatest number of votes cast – “EVERY YEAR,” “EVERY TWO YEARS,” or “EVERY THREE YEARS” – shall constitute the stockholder’s advisory vote on the frequency of voting on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.
What effect will abstentions and broker non-votes have on the proposals?
Shares voting “ABSTAIN” with respect to any nominee for director will be excluded entirely from the vote and will have no effect on the proposal. Shares voting “ABSTAIN” on the advisory vote on executive compensation, the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, and the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm will be treated as shares present for quorum purposes and entitled to vote, on the subject matter is required for the election of directors and for the approval of the actions described herein. Votes that are cast against the proposals are counted both for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business and for purposes of determining the total number of votes cast on a given proposal. Abstentions will be counted for purposes of determining either the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business and the total number of votes cast on a given proposal, and thereforeso they will have the same practical effect as a votevotes against a given proposal. Broker non-votes (i.e., a proxy card returned by a holder on behalf of its beneficial owner that is not voted on a particular matter becausethe proposals. In tabulating the voting instructions have not been received and the broker has no discretionary authority to vote) will be counted as present or representedresults for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business but will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes cast with respect to aany particular proposal, for which authorizationshares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered entitled to vote was withheld. Accordingly,on that proposal. Thus, broker non-votes will not be considered as votes cast and thus will not affect the outcome of votingany matter being voted on at the meeting, assuming that a proposal.quorum is obtained.
Corporate Governance
The system of governance practices followed by the Company is memorialized in the Company’s bylaws and in the written charters of the two standing committees of the Board of Directors (the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee). The charters are intended to provide the Board of Directors with the necessary authority and practices to review and evaluate the Company’s business and to make decisions independent of the influence of the Company’s management.
The committee charters are reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect evolving governance practices and changes in regulatory requirements. Each of the Board’s committee charters are available free of charge on the Company’s website under the investor relations section.
The Company has adopted a Standard of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all directors, officers and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The Standard of Business Conduct and Ethics was filed as Exhibit 14 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2008.
Meetings
The Board of Directors held six (6) meetings in fiscal 2017. Each director attended at least 75% of the meetings convened by the Board and the applicable committees during such director’s service on the Board during fiscal 2017. The Board has adopted a policy that absent unusual circumstances, directors are expected to attend all annual meetings of stockholders. Each of the directors then-serving on the Board attended the Company’s 2016 annual meeting of stockholders.
Executive sessions of non-employee directors and separate executive sessions of independent directors are held as part of each regularly scheduled meeting of the Board.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee. The Board does not have a separate committee in charge of director nominations. The Board has concluded that a separate committee is not advisable to oversee director nominations because (a) a five person Board is not condusive for a third standing committee of the Board and (b) historically there have not been disagreements over the Company’s nominees to the Board. Current Committee memberships are as follows:
Audit Committee | Compensation Committee | |
Mr. David B. Hayden | Mr. R. Warren Wagoner, Chair | |
Mr. Bradley K. Hoffman | Mr. Bradley K. Hoffman | |
Mr. R. Warren Wagoner | Mr. Michael J. Tamburelli |
Audit Committee
Mr. Hoffman and Mr. Wagoner are independent members of the Audit Committee under the Nasdaq listing standards; however, the Board has determined Mr. Hayden is not independent due to his existing consulting relationship with the Company. The Audit Committee met five times during fiscal year 2017, excluding actions by unanimous written consent.
Each member of the Audit Committee has experience or education in business or financial matters sufficient to provide him with a working familiarity with basic finance and accounting matters of the Company.
The Audit Committee is primarily concerned with the effectiveness of the Company accounting policies and practices, financial reporting and internal controls. The Audit Committee is authorized (i) to make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding the engagement of the Company’s independent auditors, (ii) to review the plan, scope and results of the annual audit, the independent auditors’ letter of comments and management response thereto, (iii) to approve all audit and non-audit services, (iv) to review the Company policies and procedures with respect to internal accounting and financial controls and (v) to review any changes in accounting policy.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Company’s Board of Directors does not have an “audit committee financial expert,” within the meaning of such phrase under applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, permit shareholdersserving on its audit committee. The Board of a company, after timely notice toDirectors believes that all members of its audit committee are financially literate and experienced in business matters, and that one or more members of the company, to present proposals for shareholder action inaudit committee are capable of (i) understanding generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and financial statements, (ii) assessing the company's proxy statements where such proposals are consistent with applicable law, pertain to matters appropriate for shareholder action and are not properly omitted by company action in accordance with the proxy rules.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee held Shareholder Communicationstwo (2) meetings in fiscal year 2017. The functions of the Compensation Committee are [described in the Compensation Committee charter and include,] among others, the following:
● | recommend to the Board the salaries, bonuses and other remuneration and terms and conditions of employment of the Named Executive Officers of Butler National; |
● | supervise the administration of Butler National’s incentive compensation and equity-based compensation plans; and |
● | make recommendations to the Each Qualifications, Skills and The Company believes that its Board as a whole should encompass a range of talent, skill, diversity, and expertise enabling it to provide sound guidance with respect to the The Board of Directors identifies candidates for election to the Board of Directors; reviews their skills, characteristics and experience. The Board of Directors seeks directors with strong reputations and experience in areas relevant to the strategy and operations of the The Board of Directors also believes that each of the current The Board does not have a formal policy with respect to The Board of Directors will consider nominee candidate
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight and Board Leadership The Board has determined that the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer should be held by different persons. The Board as a whole has responsibility for risk oversight, with reviews of certain areas being conducted by the relevant Board committees. The Company’s Compensation Committee strives to create incentives that encourage a level of risk-taking behavior consistent with the Company’s business strategy and objectives and helps ensure that the Company’s compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Compensation Committee structures the Company’s executive compensation program to reduce the possibility that the executive officers, either individually or as a group, make excessively risky business decisions that could maximize short-term results at the expense of long-term value. The Compensation Committee regularly reviews the Company’s compensation policies and practices, including the risks created by the Company’s compensation plans. Based on this review and analysis, the Compensation Committee concluded that any risks arising from its employee compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Audit and Compensation Committees then provide reports to the full Board. The oversight responsibility of the Board and its committees Legal Proceedings Involving a Director or Executive Officer The
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS: The executive officers of the Company are elected each year at the annual meeting of the Board of Directors held in conjunction with the annual meeting of
Clark D. Stewart was President of Tradewind Industries, Inc., a manufacturing company, from 1979 to 1985. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Stewart was Executive Vice President of RO Corporation. In 1980, Mr. Stewart became President of Tradewind Systems, Inc. He became President of the Company in Tad M. McMahon worked in public accounting as an auditor with KPMG, LLP and Grant Thornton, LLP from 2017. Craig D. Stewart worked for Accenture, a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company, from 1997 to 2003. Mr. Stewart joined the Company in January 2004 and became Vice President of the Company in 2013. Christopher J. Reedy worked for Colantuono & Associates, LLC from 1997 to 2000 in the area of aviation, general business and employment counseling, and from 1995 to 1997 with the Polsinelli, White firm. He was involved in aviation product development and sales with Bendix/King, a division of Allied Signal, Inc. from 1988 through 1993. Mr. Reedy joined the Company in November 2000 as Vice President and became Secretary of the Company in 2005. Each of executive officers named above are the Our compensation programs are designed to support our business goals and promote both short-term and long-term growth. This section of the proxystatement explains how our compensation programs are designed and operate in practice with respect to our listed officers. This “Executive Compensation” section presents compensation earned by the Named Executive Officers for fiscal years ending April 30, 2017 and 2016. Our Compensation Philosophy The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines the compensation for Butler National executive officers. Our executive officers have the broadest job responsibilities and policy-making authority in the Company. The Compensation Committee reviews and determines all components of executive officer compensation, including making individual compensation decisions and reviewing and revising the executive officer compensation plans, programs, and guidelines as appropriate. The Compensation Committee also consults with management regarding non-executive employee compensation programs. The core element of our overall compensation philosophy is the alignment of pay and performance. Total compensation varies with individual performance and Butler National’s performance in achieving financial and non-financial objectives. Our equity plans are designed to ensure that executive compensation is aligned with the long-term interests of our stockholders. The Compensation Committee and our management believe that compensation should help to recruit, retain, and motivate the employees that the Company will depend on for current and future success. The Compensation Committee and our management also believe that the proportion of “at risk” compensation (variable cash compensation and equity) should rise as an employee’s level of responsibility increases. This philosophy is reflected in the following key design priorities that govern compensation decisions:
Each element of compensation reflects one or more of these design priorities. In most cases, our employees, including our executive officers, except Mr. Clark D. Stewart, are employed at will, without employment agreements, severance payment arrangements (except as required by local law), or payment arrangements that would be triggered by a “change in control” of Butler National. Retirement plan programs are broad-based; Butler National does not provide special retirement plans or benefits solely for executive officers. Total compensation for the majority of our employees including the Named Executive Officers, includes two or more of the following components:
The Compensation Committee and management continue to believe that a similar method of compensating all employees with cash, equity and retirement benefits supports a culture of fairness, collaboration, and egalitarianism. The Company provides its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Company believes that it is appropriate to seek the views of the stockholders on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s executive compensation program. As an advisory vote the proposal is not binding upon the Company. However, the Compensation Committee values the opinions expressed by stockholders and considers the outcome of the vote when making compensation decisions for named executive officers. Determining Executive Compensation The Compensation Committee process for determining compensation includes a review of Butler National executive compensation and practices, and an analysis, for each Butler National executive officer, of all elements of compensation. In conducting an annual performance review and determining appropriate compensation levels, the Compensation Committee meets and deliberates outside the presence of the executive officers. In determining base salary the Compensation Committee reviews Company and individual performance information. In designing the compensation programs and determining compensation levels for the Butler National executive officers, including the CEO, the Compensation Committee was assisted by an independent compensation consultant and independent legal counsel (other than Butler National’s in-house counsel and Butler National’s general external legal counsel). The Compensation Committee engaged CBIZ Human Capital Services (“CBIZ”) to serve as its independent advisor and compensation consultant. The Chairman of the Compensation Committee worked directly with CBIZ to determine the scope of the work needed to assist the Compensation Committee in its review and decision-making processes. The engagement included confirmation of compensation philosophy, provision of benchmark comparative data for executive officers with respect to base salary, total cash compensation (including annual cash incentive payments), long-term equity incentives, review of current employment arrangements, benefits, perquisites and incentive plan design of short term and long term incentives. CBIZ provides no other consultation or services to Butler National or management. Base Salary The Compensation Committee establishes executive officers’ base salaries at levels that it believes are reasonable for comparable positions. When the Compensation Committee determines the executive officers’ base salaries during the first quarter of the year, the Compensation Committee takes into account each officer’s role and level of responsibility at the company. In general, executive officers with the highest level and amount of responsibility have received the highest base salaries. The Compensation Committee met in February 2017. They considered the current economic conditions and determined any compensation changes to be made in fiscal 2018. Cash Bonus For fiscal 2016 and 2017 Mr. Reedy received a cash bonus of $15,000. The Compensation Committee provided Mr. Reedy this cash bonus because he successfully managed three aircraft avionics projects that resulted in Federal Aviation Administration Supplemental Type Certification approvals. The approvals may be licensed to customers to reference or use for a payment to the Company. No other Named Executive Officers received a cash bonus in 2016 or 2017. Equity Awards At April 30, 2017 the Company had no outstanding stock options or incentive equity awards of any kind. 7,262,064 stock options were issued on December 31, 2010, all of which expired on December 31, 2015. No options were granted to any named executive officer in the last fiscal year. In November 2016, the shareholders approved and adopted the Butler National Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Plan is 12.5 million. No equity awards have been made under the plan. Performance Measures and Decision-Making Process of Executive Compensation Fiscal Year 2017: The Compensation Committee set base salaries for executive officers for fiscal 2017 in February 2016. The performance measures used by the Compensation Committee in determining executive compensation for fiscal year 2017 were:
To make its decisions on executive compensation, the Compensation Committee reviewed in detail each of the performance measures above and reviewed compensation market data. The Compensation Committee also reviewed the total compensation and benefits of the executive officers and considered the impact that their retirement, or termination under various other scenarios, would have on their compensation and benefits. The CEO provided the entire Board of Directors with an assessment of his own performance with respect to the performance measures listed above, which the Board considered in its assessment of his performance for fiscal year 2016. The CEO reviewed the performance of the other executive officers (except the Chairman) with the Compensation Committee and made recommendations regarding the components of their compensation. Before making its compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee discussed levels of compensation for the Chairman, the CEO and the other executive officers with the full Board of Directors in an executive session. In fiscal year 2016, Butler National Corporation did reach projected levels of revenue, profit from operations, operating margin and operating cash flow. With regard to progress toward strategic goals, Butler National improved its products and technology positions and strengthened its relationships with customers. Taking into account Company performance, both absolute and relative to competition and the executive officers’ contribution to that performance, the Compensation Committee set its targeted compensation levels so as to be commensurate with that relative performance. The Compensation Committee made the following determinations for fiscal year 2017 with respect to each component of compensation for the CEO and his existing contract and the other executive officers: Base Salary - In keeping with its strategy, the Compensation Committee base salary decisions for fiscal year 2017 were generally intended to provide salaries somewhat lower than the median level of salaries for similarly situated executives of the comparator companies. Long-Term Compensation - The Compensation Committee granted no equity compensation. Fiscal Year 2018: The Compensation Committee has revised management recommendations and set base salaries or established metrics for its cash bonus program for executive officer for fiscal 2018. However, the Compensation Committee determined, following the recommendation of CBIZ, that the executive management team was not receiving equity compensation on par with the management team at the Company’s peers. In order to bring management up to industry standards and be competative with its peers, the Compensation Committee is evaluating possible awards to employees/management/executive officers of incentive equity with multiple year vesting requirements that would be part of a staggered issuance of equity over several years. In order to emphasize retention of its exective officers, awards in fiscal 2018 may be made in the form of restricted stock. Employment Contracts, Termination of Employment and Change-in-Control Agreements Mr. Stewart has an employment agreement with the Company as the President and Chief Executive Officer that has a term until December 31, 2022 (the “Employment Agreement”). The Employment Agreement calls for a 5% base salary increase each year of the Employment Agreement. In the event Mr. Stewart is terminated from employment with the Company other than “for cause,” Mr. Stewart shall receive as severance pay an amount equal to the unpaid salary for the remainder of the term of the Employment Agreement. Mr. Stewart is also granted an automobile allowance of six hundred dollars per month, which is reported by the Company as salary expense and to Mr. Stewart as wages. Under the terms of the Employment Agreement with Mr. Stewart, the Company is obligated to pay Company related expenses and salary. Included in accrued liabilities are $389,000 and $301,000 as of April 30, 2017, and 2016 respectively for amounts owed to our CEO for accrued compensation. 2017 Summary Compensation The following table below sets forth certain compensation information concerning the Chief Executive Officer and our three additional most highly compensated executive officers for the fiscal years ended April 30, 2017 and 2016. Our listed officers are the CEO, CFO, and two Vice Presidents. The “Executive Compensation” section presents compensation earned by the listed officers for fiscal years ending April 30, 2017 and 2016: Summary Compensation Table
All Other Compensation (dollars in thousands):
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors currently consists of five directors divided into three classes (Class I, Class II and Class III). Directors in each class are elected to serve for three-year terms that expire in successive years. The terms of the Class II directors will expire at the upcoming annual meeting. The Board of Directors has nominated David B. Hayden and Michael J. Tamburelli for election as Class II directors for three-year terms expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2020 and until their successors are elected and qualified. Messrs. Hayden and Tamburelli currently serve as Class II directors. Each nominee has consented to being named in this proxy statement and has agreed to serve if elected. If a nominee is unable to stand for election, the Board of Directors may either reduce the number of directors to be elected or select a substitute nominee. If a substitute nominee is selected, the proxy holders will vote your shares for the substitute nominee, unless you have withheld authority. A nominee for director is elected to the Board if the votes cast for such nominee’s election exceed the votes cast against such nominee’s election. Abstentions will not affect the election of directors. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES. The following tables set forth certain information regarding each nominee for director and continuing director of the Company. The information presented includes information provided to the Company by each nominee and continuing director including such person’s name, age, principal occupation and business experience for at least the past five years, the names of other publicly-held companies of which such person currently serves as a director or has served as a director during the past five years and the year in which the nominee first became a director of Butler National. The Board of Directors has determined that the following directors are deemed “independent” pursuant to the NASDAQ definition of independent director: R. Warren Wagoner, Michael J. Tamburelli, Bradley K. Hoffman. In addition to the information presented below regarding the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each nominee and director that led the Board of Directors to the conclusion that such person should serve as a director, the Board also believes that all of the nominees and continuing directors have a reputation for high personal and professional ethics, integrity, values and character. Each nominee and continuing director brings a strong and unique background and set of skills to the Board of Directors giving the Board as a whole competence and experience in a wide variety of areas, including gaming, avionics, accounting and finance, and risk assessment. They have demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment of service to the Company and the Board. Each nominee and continuing director is committed to achieving, monitoring and improving on the Company’s business strategy. Current Nominees NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS CLASS II DIRECTORS FOR A THREE-YEAR
Continuing Directors CLASS III DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
CLASS I DIRECTOR CONTINUING IN OFFICE
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Butler National previously engaged RBSM, LLP to audit our financial statements for the Representatives of RBSM, LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and they may have an opportunity to make a Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Fees The following table details amounts for services provided by RBSM, LLP during fiscal 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy requiring pre-approval by the Audit Committee of all services (audit and non-audit) to be provided to the Company by its independent auditor. In accordance with that policy, the Audit Committee has given its approval for the provision of audit services by RBSM, LLP for fiscal 2018. The Audit Committee has approved all of the fees listed in the above table. In the course of its review of RBSM’s independence and performance, and the determination to retain RBSM or to engage a different independent auditor, the Audit Committee considered, among other things:
Vote Required For Ratification The Audit Committee was responsible for selecting Butler National’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2018. Accordingly, stockholder approval is not required to appoint RBSM, LLP as Butler National’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2018. The Board of Directors believes that submitting the appointment of RBSM, LLP to the stockholders for ratification is a matter of good corporate governance. The Audit Committee is solely responsible for selecting the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee will review its future selection of independent registered public accounting firm. The ratification of the appointment of RBSM, LLP as Butler National’s independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE STOCKHOLDER RATIFICATION OF RBSM, LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT. ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Company is providing its stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on the compensation of Butler National’s executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table and the other compensation tables (the “Named Executive Officers”) within this proxy statement. The Company believes that it is appropriate to seek the views of stockholders on the design and effectiveness of the Company’s executive compensation program. The Company has traditionally held this advisory vote every year. Unless the Board of Directors modifies this policy, the next advisory vote to approve executive compensation will be held at our 2019 annual meeting of stockholders. The date of the next advisory vote is expected to be announced in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K that will report the results of the 2017 annual meeting of stockholders. The Company’s goal for its executive compensation program is to attract, motivate and retain a talented, entrepreneurial and creative team of executives who will provide leadership for the Company’s success in dynamic and competitive markets. The Company seeks to accomplish this goal in a way that rewards performance and is aligned with its stockholders’ long-term interests. The Company believes that its executive compensation program satisfies this goal, is strongly aligned with the long-term interests of its stockholders and is instrumental in helping the Company achieve its strong financial performance. The Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this proxy statement describes the Company’s executive compensation program and the decisions made by the Compensation Committee in fiscal 2017 in more detail. At our 2016 annual meeting, only 58.2% of votes expressed support for the compensation program of our Named Executive Officers. The Compensation Committee reviewed these Vote Required for Approval The approval of the advisory vote on executive compensation requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the meeting in person or by proxy and entitled to vote. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on either the Board of Directors or Butler National. However, the Company’s Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the stockholder vote on this proposal when considering future executive compensation arrangements. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” RESOLVED, THAT THE COMPENSATION PAID TO THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, AS DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO ITEM 402 OF REGULATION S-K, INCLUDING THE COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, COMPENSATION TABLES AND NARRATIVE DISCUSSION, IS HEREBY APPROVED. ADVISORY VOTE TO VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES The Dodd-Frank Act requires the stockholders of Butler National to have the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote regarding how frequently the Company should seek from its stockholders a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation disclosed in its proxy statement of its Named Executive Officers. By voting on this frequency proposal, stockholders may indicate whether they would prefer that the advisory vote on the compensation of Butler National’s Named Executive Officers occur every one, two or three years. Stockholders may also abstain from voting on the proposal. Accordingly, the following resolution is submitted for an advisory stockholder vote at the annual meeting. The Board has determined that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation is the best approach for Butler National at this time. In formulating its recommendation, the Board considered that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow stockholders to provide direct input on Butler National’s compensation philosophy, policies and practices every year. Additionally, an annual advisory vote on executive compensation is consistent with Butler National’s policy of seeking input from, and engaging in discussions with, its stockholders on executive compensation and corporate governance matters. Vote Required for Approval The option receiving the greatest number of votes (every one, two or three years) will be considered the frequency approved by stockholders. Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding on either the Board of Directors or Butler National. However, the Company’s Board will take into account the outcome of the stockholder vote on this Proposal 4 when making future decisions about the frequency for holding an advisory vote on executive compensation. YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE TO CONDUCT AN ADVISORY STOCKHOLDER VOTE “EVERY YEAR” ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS DISCLOSED IN THE COMPANY’S PROXY STATEMENT FOR ITS ANNUAL MEETING. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS The following table sets forth, with respect to the Company common stock (the only class of voting securities), the only persons known to be beneficial owners of more than five percent (5%) of any class of the Company voting securities as of July 14, 2017.
The following table sets forth as of July 14, 2017, with respect to the Company common stock (the only class of voting securities), (i) shares beneficially owned by all directors and named executive officers of the Company, and (ii) total shares beneficially owned by directors and officers as a group.
In 2016 stockholders approved and adopted the Butler National Corporation 2016 Equity Incentive Plan. No equity awards have been made under the plan. DIRECTOR COMPENSATION Each non-officer director is entitled to a director’s fee of $5,000 per quarter. There are no “per meeting” fees payable for service on the Board of Directors or on any committee of the Board. The Chairman receives an additional $5,000 per quarter. The table below sets forth compensation received by the Company’s directors during fiscal year 2017: Director Compensation Table
Butler National also provided liability insurance for its directors and officers. The annual cost of this coverage is $48,000. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The Board of Directors has determined that R. Warren Wagoner, Michael J. Tamburelli, and Bradley K. Hoffman are independent directors and would satisfy the applicable standard for determination that a director In the normal course of business, We paid consulting fees of $135,000 to David Hayden, a director of Butler National in each of fiscal year 2017 and 2016. Included in accrued liabilities are approximately $389,000 and $301,000 as of April 30, 2017, and 2016 respectively for amounts owed to Clark D. Stewart, director and CEO, for accrued compensation related to his services as CEO. In fiscal 2017, there were three related-person transactions related to director and CEO, Mr. Clark D. Stewart. Butler National employed the brother (Wayne Stewart), son (Craig Stewart) and son-in-law (Jeff Shinkle) of Mr. Clark D. Stewart, as an executive officer, as an engineer, Vice President, and an architect, respectively. Compensation for these related-persons was calculated in the same manner as the Summary Compensation table resulting in compensation of approximately $225,000, $295,000 and $188,000 respectively, for fiscal 2017, and $225,000, $292,000 and $188,000 respectively, for fiscal 2016. The policies and procedures for payment of goods and services for related transactions follow our normal course of business standards and require the necessary review and approval process as outlined in our Policies and Procedures manual and as set forth by our Compensation Committee. Audit Committee Report The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors and oversees the entire audit function including the selection of independent registered public accounting firm. Management has the primary responsibility for the consolidated financial statements and the financial reporting process including internal control over financial reporting and the Company’s legal and regulatory compliance. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2017 including a discussion of the acceptability and quality of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant accounting judgments and critical accounting policies and estimates, the clarity of disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, and management’s assessment and report on internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee also discussed with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer their respective certifications with respect to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017. The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the audited consolidated financial statements with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, its judgments as to the acceptability and quality of the Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) including those matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees. In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and has discussed those disclosures and other matters relating to independence with the auditors. The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for its audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of its audits of the Company. Members of the Audit Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them and on the representations made by management and the independent registered public accounting firm. In reliance on the reviews and discussions with management and with the independent registered public accounting firm referred to above and the receipt of an unqualified opinion from RBSM, LLP dated July 21, 2017 regarding the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended April 30, 2017, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board approved) that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2017 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Audit Committee report is submitted by: David B. Hayden, Bradley K. Hoffman and R. Warren Wagoner The foregoing Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive officers, directors and greater-than-10% beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company pursuant to Rule 16(a)-3(e) during the most recent fiscal year and Form 5 and amendments thereto furnished to the Company with respect to the most recent fiscal year, the Company believes that no person who at any time during the fiscal year was a director, officer, beneficial owner of more than 10% of any class of equity securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act failed to file on a timely basis reports required by Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during the most recent fiscal year or prior fiscal years. Code of Ethics The Company has adopted a code of ethics for our executive and senior financial officers, violations of which are required to be reported to the CommunicationsaNd Deadline for 2018 Annual Meeting The proxy rules of the Under Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Stockholders may contact an individual director, the Board of Directors means:
Each communication should specify the applicable addressee or addressees to be contacted as well as the general topic of communication. The
 OTHER MATTERS Management knows of no other matters that will be presented at the meeting. If any other matter arises at the meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by the proxies in the accompanying form will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the persons named in the proxy. Our Annual Report for fiscal year 2017. A copy of Form 10-K and The cost of this proxy solicitation will be borne by the Company. In addition to solicitation by mail, our officers, directors and employees may solicit proxies by mail, telephone, facsimile or other electronic means, for which solicitation they will not receive any additional compensation. We may also request banks and brokers to solicit their customers who have a beneficial interest in our Common Stock registered in the names of nominees and will reimburse such banks and brokers for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to beneficial owners upon our request.
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