UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrantx

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant¨

Check the appropriate box:

¨Preliminary Proxy Statement
¨Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(3) (2))
xDefinitive Proxy Statement
¨Definitive Additional Materials
¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c) or §240.14a-12

 

SERVOTRONICS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

SERVOTRONICS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

xNo fee required.

¨Fee computer on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i) (4) and 0-11.

1)Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

2)Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

3)Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

4)Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

5)Total fee paid:

¨Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

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

1)Amount Previously Paid:

 
2)Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 
3)Filing Party:

 
4)Date Filed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

1110 Maple Street, P.O. Box 300 – Elma, New York 14059-0300 716-655-5990 Fax 716-655-6012

 

Kenneth D. Trbovich

Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief

Chief Executive Officer

March 29, 2019April 16, 2020

 

Dear Fellow Shareholder:

 

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will take place on Friday, April 26, 2019Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 2:8:00 P.M., EDT, atA.M.Eastern Time. Due to the officesongoing spread of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, Avant Building - Suite 900, 200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202. You are cordially invitedthe coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Company’s concern for its employees and shareholders, we have decided to attend. If you wishhold our 2020 Annual Meeting solely by live webcast. We expect this modification in meeting format to attend thebe effective for this year only and to revert back to an in-person annual meeting in person, you will need to register with us in advance. Please follow the advance registration instructions described on page 1 of the Proxy Statement.future years after public health conditions have improved.

 

The enclosedStockholder Meeting Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement describe the matters to be acted upon during the meeting and provides instructions for voting as well as attending the virtual meeting. To ensure your representation at the meeting, evenEven if you are unableplan to attend please sign the enclosed Proxy Card and return itAnnual Meeting online, we recommend that you vote by proxy in advance so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to participate in the postage paid envelope.Annual Meeting.

 

If you have any questions in regard to completing your proxy, please call our Corporate Secretary, Bernadine E. Kucinski (716) 655-5990.

 

Your continued interest and support is very much appreciated.

 

 

Sincerely,

Kenneth D. Trbovich

 

 

 

SERVOTRONICS, INC.

1110 Maple Street

P.O. Box 300

Elma, New York 14059

NOTICE OF

20192020 ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

 

To the Shareholders:

 

Notice is hereby given that the 20192020 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Servotronics, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 at 8:00 A.M., Eastern Time. In light of public health concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak, the Annual Meeting will be held virtually via live webcast. You will be able to attend and participate in the Annual Meeting online and vote your shares electronically by visiting: www.meetingcenter.io/265970016at the offices ofBond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC,Avant Building -Suite 900, 200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 2:00 P.M., EDT,meeting date and time described in the proxy statement. The password for the meeting is SVT2020. You will not be able to attend the meeting physically. The Annual Meeting is being held for the following purposes:

 

1.To re-elect five Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders;

2.To consider and ratify the appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192020 fiscal year;

3.To cast an advisory vote on the Company’s Executive Compensation for its named executive officers (“say-on-pay”);
4.To cast an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory “say on pay” votes; and

5.To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 201913, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournments thereof.

 

  
 Kenneth D. Trbovich
 Chairman of the Board of Directors and

Chief Executive Officer

Dated: March 29, 2019April 16, 2020

 

Important notice regarding the availability of Proxy materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2019.May 13, 2020.

 

This Proxy statement, form of proxy and the Company’s 20182019 Annual Report are available atwww.servotronics.com.

SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO VOTE BY SIGNING, DATING AND MAILING THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE TO WHICH NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.

 

 

 

 

SERVOTRONICS, INC.

1110 Maple Street

P.O. Box 300

Elma, New York 14059

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS


TO BE HELD April 26, 2019May 13, 2020

 

The following information is furnished in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Servotronics, Inc. (the “Company”) to be held on April 26, 2019May 13, 2020 at 2:8:00 P.M.A.M. Eastern Time. The meeting can be accessed by visiting www.meetingcenter.io/265970016, EDT,where you will be able to listen to the meeting live and vote online. This proxy statement summarizes the information you need to know to vote by proxy or to virtually attend and vote your shares at the offices of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, Avant Building - Suite 900, 200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202.Annual Meeting. You do not need to virtually attend the Annual Meeting in order to vote.

Attending the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet

 

If you would likeare a shareholder of record (i.e. you hold your shares registered in your name through Computershare Trust Company, N.A. our transfer agent and registrar), you do not need to register to attend the Annual Meeting please pre-register by 11:59 P.M. EDTvirtually on Monday, April 22, 2019. You must present valid government -issued photographic identification,the Internet. Please follow the instructions on the Notice.

If you hold your shares through an intermediary, such as a driver’s license, to be admitted into the Annual Meeting. Ifbroker, bank or other nominee, you are a registered shareholder, please indicate that you intendmust register in advance to attend the Annual Meeting by checkingvirtually on the appropriate boxInternet.

To register in advance to attend the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet, you must submit a legal proxy that reflects proof of your proxy card. Ifpower. The legal proxy will show your holdings in Company Common Stock with your name. Please forward a copy of the legal proxy along with your email address to Computershare according to the below instructions.

Requests for registration should be directed as follows:

·By email: Forward the email from your broker, or attach an image of your legal proxy, to legalproxy@computershare.com

·By mail: Computershare, Servotronics, Inc. Legal Proxy, P.O. Box 43001 Providence, RI 02940-3001.

Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy” and be received no later than 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time on May 8, 2020. You will receive a confirmation of your registration by email after Computershare receives your registration materials.

We encourage you holdto access the meeting in advance of the designated start time.

-3-

Available Information

Under rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), the Company has chosen to provide its shareholders with the choice of accessing the Annual Meeting proxy materials on the Internet, rather than receiving printed copies of those materials through the mail. In connection with this process, a Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) is being mailed to the Company’s shareholders who have not previously requested electronic access to its proxy materials or printed proxy materials. The Notice contains instructions on how you may access and review the Company’s proxy materials on the Internet and how you may vote your shares beneficially, please notify usover the Internet. The Notice will also tell you how to request the Company’s proxy materials, in writingeither printed form or by email, at no charge. The Notice contains a control number that you will attend. Inneed to vote your written notification, please include a proof of ownership of our common stock (such as a letter fromshares. We suggest you keep the Notice for your broker, bank or other nominee, a photocopy of your current account statement or a copy of your voting card). Please also provide contact information where we can reach you if we have a question about your notification. Send your notification by mail toreference through the Company’s Corporate Secretary, 1110 Maple Street, P.O. Box 300, Elma, New York 14059.meeting date.

 

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 accompanies this Proxy Statement. Additional copies of the Annual Report, Notice, Proxy Statement and form of proxy may be obtained without charge from the Company’s Corporate Secretary, 1110 Maple Street, P.O. Box 300, Elma, New York 14059. This Proxy Statement and proxy card are first being mailed to shareholders on or about March 29, 2019.

SOLICITATION AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES

 

The enclosed proxy for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders is being solicited by the Directors of the Company. The proxy may be revoked by a shareholder at any time prior to the exercise thereof by filing with the Corporate Secretary of the Company a written revocation or duly executed proxy bearing a later date. The proxy may be revoked by a shareholder attending the meeting, by withdrawing such proxy and voting in person. The cost of soliciting the proxies on the enclosed form will be paid by the Company. In addition to the use of mailings, proxiesProxies may be solicited by employees of the Company (who will receive no additional compensation therefor) personally or by telephone or other electronic communications and arrangementscommunications. Arrangements may be made with banks, brokerage houses and other institutions, nominees and/or fiduciaries to forward the soliciting material to their principals and to obtain authorization for the execution of proxies. The Company may, upon request, reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other institutions, nominees and fiduciaries for their expenses in forwarding proxy material to their principals.

 

- 1 -

VOTING INFORMATION

 

The record date for determining shares entitled to vote has been fixed at the close of business on March 15, 2019.13, 2020. On such date there were outstanding 2,573,0442,477,099 shares of common stock of the Company, $.20 par value (“Common Stock”), entitled to one vote each.

 

In order to conduct the Annual Meeting, the presence, in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders of a majority (i.e., greater than 50%) of all the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum. Directors will be elected by a plurality of all the votes cast at the 20182020 Annual Meeting with each share being voted for as many individuals as there are Directors to be elected. Ratification of the appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 20192020 fiscal year and the advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation for its Named Executive Officers requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on each proposal. The frequencycast.

We do not expect any other items of business because the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers will be determined based on the option receiving the greatest number of votes. Pursuant to SEC rules,deadline for shareholder proposals must have been received by March 9, 2019, which dateand nominations has passed. Nonetheless, in case there is 45 daysan unforeseen need, your proxy gives discretionary authority to Kenneth D. Trbovich and Bernadine E. Kucinski with respect to any other matters that might be brought before the date (April 23) on which the Company mailed its proxy materials for last year’s annual meeting, to be considered at the 2019 Annual Meeting. At March 9, 2019 the Company had not received notice of any intention to submit any other matter; and, therefore, the named proxies have discretionThose persons intend to vote on any other matter that comes before the meeting.proxy in accordance with their best judgment.

 

Shares of Common Stock represented virtually during the live webcast or by a properly signed, dated and returnedcompleted proxy will be treated as present at the meeting for the purposes of determining a quorum. Proxies relating to “street name” shares of Common Stock that are voted by brokersAbstentions and broker non-votes will each be counted as shares of Common Stock (i) present for purposes of determining the presenceexistence of a quorum and (ii) as having voted in accordance withat the directions and statements on the form of proxy.Annual Meeting.

 

- 2 --4-

You may vote in the following ways:

·Virtually during the Annual Meeting: See the instructions above under “Attending the Annual Meeting virtually on the Internet.”
·By mail: Complete and sign your proxy card and return it by mail in the enclosed business reply envelope. If you mark your voting instructions on the proxy card, your shares will be voted as you instruct. If you sign and return your proxy card without marking voting instructions, your shares will be voted FOR the election of each of the director nominees identified in this proxy statement and FOR the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2020.
·By telephone: To vote your shares by telephone, call the toll-free telephone number on your proxy card. You must have a touch-tone or cellular telephone to use this voting method. You will need to follow the instructions on your proxy card and the voice prompts to vote your shares.
·Over the Internet: You may go to the website listed on your proxy card to vote your shares over the Internet. You will need to follow the instructions on your proxy card and the website to vote your shares.

Telephone and Internet voting options are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deadline for voting by telephone or the Internet is 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 12, 2020. When prompted, you will need to enter the 15-digit control number as shown on your Notice. You will then be able to vote your shares and confirm that your instructions have been properly recorded. If you vote by telephone or over the Internet, your vote authorizes the proxies in the same manner as if you had signed, dated and returned your proxy card by mail. Telephone and Internet voting procedures, including the use of control numbers found on the Notice, are designed to authenticate shareholders’ identities, to allow shareholders to vote their shares securely and to confirm that their instructions have been properly recorded.

If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, your broker, bank or other nominee will ask you how you want your shares to be voted. If you provide voting instructions, your shares must be voted as you direct. If you do not furnish voting instructions, one of two things can happen, depending upon whether a proposal is “routine.” Under the rules that govern brokers who have record ownership of shares beneficially owned by their clients, brokers have discretion to cast votes on routine matters, such as the ratification of the choice of auditor, without receiving voting instructions from their clients. Brokers are not permitted, however, to cast votes on “non-routine” matters, such as the election of directors, or executive compensation matters, without receiving client voting instructions. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting authority for that proposal and has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. The proposal to approve the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. as our independent registered public accounting firm for 2020 is the only routine matter being voted on at the Annual Meeting and, therefore, is the only proposal that may be voted by your broker, bank or other nominee in its discretion without having received voting instructions from you.

If you hold your shares in street name, you may vote by telephone or over the Internet only if your bank, broker or other nominee makes those methods available to you, in which case your broker, bank or other nominee will provide specific instructions for using those options.

-5-

 

 

PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

The By-Laws of the Company provide that there shall not be less than three Directors not more than nine and that the number of Directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. As of March 14, 2019,April 6, 2020, the Board of Directors has fixed the number of Directors to be elected at the meeting at five. Each person so elected shall serve until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his successor is elected and shall have qualified.

 

Each nominee is currently serving as a Director of the Company. The Directors believe that all of the nominees are willing and able to serve as Directors of the Company. If any nominee at the time of election is unable or unwilling to serve or is otherwise unavailable for election, the enclosedyour proxy will be voted in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting the proxy.

 

The following paragraphs set forth certain information regarding the nominees for election to the Company’s Board of Directors, including the specific experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that led to the conclusion by the Board of Directors that such person should serve as a Director of the Company. The nominees for election to the Company’s Board of Directors are Jason T. Bear, age 37,38, Edward C. Cosgrove, Esq., age 84,85, Lucion P. Gygax, age 48,49, Christopher M. Marks, age 54,55, and Kenneth D. Trbovich, age 44.45.

 

Jason T. Bear has served as a Director since 2017. Mr. Bear was appointed and serves as the Chairmanis Chair of the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and is a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Bear is the Founder, President, and CEO of Full-Throttle Communications, Inc., a marketing and public relations firm that represents a wide variety of national manufacturing brands. His experience ranges from aerospace and tactical manufacturers that service military government entities to outdoor sporting brands. Prior to founding Full Throttle Communications in 2007, Mr. Bear held the position of Marketing Director at Bear Enthusiast Marketing Group and also served as an account manager at Kodiak Communications, Inc. where he oversaw a number of client accounts providing strategic marketing direction. Mr. Bear’s marketing experience includes the support of signature brands such as Wiley X, John Deere, Harley-Davidson,Harley- Davidson, and Remington. His leadership skills, marketing acumen, and aptitude for negotiation qualify him to be a Company Director.

 

Edward C. Cosgrove, Esq. has served as Director since 2012. Mr. Cosgrove is a prominent long-term member of the Western New York legal community. He has been chosen by Martindale-Hubbell, Buffalo Law Journal, Business First and by his peers as one of the most accomplished attorneys in New York State. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Doctor of Laws Degree from Georgetown University Law School. His range of experience has included years as a Special Agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Attorney at Law and District Attorney of Erie County, NY. From 1982 to the present his practice includes civil litigation, management of legal crises, representation of families, schools, corporations, businesses and professionals with The Cosgrove Law Firm. In addition to criminal, real estate, wills, surrogate, accidents, business matters, Mr. Cosgrove brings extensive experience as an active member of professional and charitable organizations. Mr. Cosgrove is eminently qualified to be a Director of Servotronics, Inc. because of his wide-range of experience, excellent reputation and demonstrated competency in addressing complex personal and business challenges.

 

- 3 -

Lucion P. Gygax, an author, entrepreneur and MajorLieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard,encloGuard, was appointed to the Board of Directors in July 2015 and serves as ChairmanChair of the Company’s Compensation Committee and a member of the Company’s Audit Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. A decorated military officer, Mr. Gygax is the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal, among other awards, and is a veteran of the Gulf War and the Iraq War. Mr. Gygax brings a diverse background to the board with experience in supply chain management, budget management, human resources and executive leadership. Mr. Gygax is the principal owner and managing partner of an event management company and is the OperationsExecutive Officer of the Army National Guard’s 224th Sustainment Brigade responsible for synchronizing administrative, intelligence, operations, logistics and communications functional areas across the training and operations for a brigade with over 1800 personnel.consisting of 1734 Soldiers. He has over 2530 years of experience in the United States Armed Forces, including prior leadership assignments as a Non-commissionedBrigade Operations Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, Battalion Support Operations Officer, Battalion Human Resources Officer, Battalion Operations Officer, Brigade Transportation Officer, Armor Company Commander and Recruiting Company Commander. Mr. Gygax’s leadership experience and achievements qualify him as a Company Director.

 

-6-

Christopher M. Marks was appointed to the Board of Directors in July 2016 and serves as ChairmanChair of the Company’s Audit Committee and member of the Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Marks brings over 25 years of financial planning and analysis experience to the Company as well as a background in corporate law and governance. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Villanova University, a Master of Business Administration from St. Bonaventure University, and a Juris Doctorate with honors from the State University of New York at Buffalo. His extensive experience includes practicing commercial and corporate law at Phillips Lytle, LLP in Buffalo, NY and several years working for the auditing and accounting firm Price Waterhouse in New York City. Mr. Marks is a partner in the financial planning company Jensen, Marks, Langer & Vance (formerly Buffalo Financial Associates), where he provides financial planning advice and investment management services. Additionally, Mr. Marks is a member of the New York State and Erie County Bar Associations, is a past president of the Buffalo Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals, and served on various boards and advisory committees for privately held companies, charities, and educational institutions. Mr. Marks’ experience, accomplishments, and financial specialization qualifies him as a Company Director.

 

Kenneth D. Trbovich has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since November 2017 and President of the Company since 2012. Mr. Trbovich has served as a Director since 2012. Mr. Trbovich is also President and CEO of the Company’s subsidiary, The Ontario Knife Company (OKC). Mr. Trbovich initially joined the Company in 1993 and held positions of increasing responsibilities that led to his current roles. He is listed as co-inventor on multiple patents or patents-pending used by the Company and has extensive project management and business development experience, coordinating Company business in the United States, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Germany, England, and other locations around the world. In addition to his positions within the Company, Mr. Trbovich represents OKC on the Board of Regents of the American Knife and Tool Institute, serves on the Board of Trustees for Medaille College, and is a trustee for a private charitable foundation. Mr. Trbovich is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors and he also maintains Company relationships with industry associations including the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Aerospace Industry Association. He holds undergraduate degrees from Medaille College and Skidmore College in addition to certificates from the State University of New York at Buffalo’s School of Management and the University of Rochester’s Simon School of Business. Mr. Trbovich’s achievements, executive experience, established industry associations, and long tenure with the Company highly qualifies him as a Company Director.

 

- 4 -

The Directors recommend a vote FOR the five nominees listed above. Unless instructed otherwise, proxies will be voted FOR these nominees.

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BOARD MATTERS

Independent Directors

 

Under the NYSE American listing standards, at least 50% of the Company’s directors must meet the test of “independence” as defined by the NYSE American. The NYSE American standards provide that, to qualify as an “independent” director, in addition to satisfying certain bright-line criteria, the Board of Directors must affirmatively determine that a director has no relationship with the Company that would interfere with such person’s ability to exercise independent judgment as a member of the Company’s Board.

 

The Board of Directors has determined that each current director and nominee is independent other than Kenneth D. Trbovich, the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Edward C. Cosgrove, whose firm has provided legal services to the Company and its subsidiaries.In determining that Mr. Bear was “independent”, the Board considered the fact that the Company and its subsidiaries paid approximately $39,300$71,160 and $30,100$39,300 to Full-Throttle Communications, Inc. in 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.

-7-

 

Committees and Meeting Data

 

The Board of Directors has a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each member of each of these committees is “independent” as that term is defined in the NYSE American listing standards. The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Gygax and Marks with Mr. Marks chairing the Committee and being designated as the Company’s “Audit Committee financial expert.”expert”. The Audit Committee meets with the Company’s Independent Auditors and reviews with them matters relating to corporate financial reporting and accounting procedures and policies, the adequacy of financial, accounting and operating controls, the scope of the audit and the results of the audit. The Audit Committee is also charged with the responsibility of submitting to the Board of Directors any recommendations it may have from time to time with respect to financial reporting and accounting practices, policies and financial accounting and operation controls and safeguards.

- 5 -

 

The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Gygax, Bear and Marks with Mr. Gygax chairing the Committee. The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending appropriate executive compensation policy and determining the compensation of the Company’s Directors and Executive Officers.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Messrs. Bear, Gygax and Marks with Mr. Bear chairing the Committee. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for (a) developing and implementing policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that the Board will be appropriately constituted and organized to meet its fiduciary obligations to the Company and its shareholders; and (b) identifying individuals qualified to become members of the Board, and to select, or to recommend that the Board select, the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders.

 

The full Board of Directors approves/ratifies all Director nominees after they are determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. See “Director Nominating Process” below. Additionally, Director and Executive Officer compensation determinations are subsequently submitted to the full Board of Directors for approval/ratification.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2019, the Board of Directors and theheld five meetings. The Audit Committee met 4 times. Thefour times, the Compensation Committee met two times and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee were newly-created standing committees in May 2018. Prior to that time matters with respect to executive compensation and nominations were handled by the Independent Directors Committee, which met twice in 2018 and also approved certain actions by written consent.one time. No Director attended less than 100% of the meetings held during the period that each individual served as a Director. Each Director is encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. In 2018,2019, the Annual Meeting of Shareholders was attended by five Directors then in or elected to office.

 

Code of Ethics

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct (the “Code”) that applies to all Directors, Officers and employees of the Company as required by the listing standards of the NYSE American. The Code is available on the Company’s website atwww.servotronics.com and the Company intends to disclose on this website any amendment to the Code. Waivers under the Code, if any, will be disclosed under the rules of the SEC and the NYSE American.

 

The Company also has a Whistleblower Policy, which is incorporated into the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct that requires Directors, Executive Officers and employees to comply with appropriate accounting and internal controls and establishes procedures to report any perceived wrongdoing, questionable accounting or auditing matters in a confidential and anonymous manner.

 

- 6 --8-

 

 

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

 

The following Report of the Audit Committee does not constitute soliciting material and should not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 except to the extent the Company specifically incorporates this Report by reference therein.

 

The Audit Committee serves as the representative of the Board of Directors for general oversight of the Company’s financial accounting and reporting, systems of internal control, audit process and monitoring compliance with standards of business conduct. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter which is available on the Company’s website atwww.servotronics.com. Management of the Company has primary responsibility for preparing financial statements of the Company as well as the Company’s financial reporting process. Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. (“Freed Maxick”), acting as Independent Auditors, is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of the Company’s audited financial statements withU.S.generally accepted accounting principles.

 

In this context, the Audit Committee hereby reports as follows:

 

1.The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements for fiscal year 20182019 with the Company’s Management.

 

2.The Audit Committee has discussed with the Independent Auditors the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and other matters required by the Charter of the Audit Committee.

 

3.The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Independent Auditors required by PCAOB Ethics and Independence Rule 3526,Communication with Audit Committees Concerning Independence,and has discussed with Freed Maxick the matter of that firm’s independence.

 

4.Based on the review and discussion referred to in paragraphs (1) through (3) above, the Audit Committee approved that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Each member of the Audit Committee is independent as defined under the listing standards of the NYSE American.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Christopher M. Marks, ChairmanChair

Lucion P. Gygax

 

- 7 --9-

 

 

Leadership Structure

 

Kenneth D. Trbovich is the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Company believes that having one person hold the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer is the most effective way at this time to organize the leadership structure of the Board of Directors. Having one person hold the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer promotes unified leadership and direction for the Board and executive management and it allows for a single and clear focus for the chain of command to execute the Company’s strategic initiatives and business plans. Because Mr. Trbovich is primarily responsible for managing the Company’s day-to-day operations and strategic plan implementations, he is in the best position to chair meetings of the Board of Directors where key business and strategic issues are discussed.

 

Another component of our leadership structure is the active role played by non-managementnon- management and independent Directors in overseeing the Company’s business, both at the Board and Committee level. The Board believes that the combined role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer coupled with the existence of the independent Directors is the appropriate leadership structure for the Board of Directors at this time. This structure provides sufficient independent oversight while avoiding unnecessary confusion regarding the Board’s oversight responsibilities and the day-to-day management of the Company’s business operations and strategic plan implementations. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee periodically reviews this structure to assess its effectiveness on a continuing basis.

 

Board Oversight of Risk Management

 

The Board of Directors oversees the Company’s risk management process. This oversight is primarily accomplished through the Board’s committees and management’s reporting processes. The Company does not have a formal risk committee; however, the Audit Committee focuses on risk related to accounting, internal controls and financial and tax reporting. The Audit Committee also assesses economic and business risks and monitors compliance with ethical standards. The Compensation Committee identifies and oversees risks associated with the Company’s executive compensation policies and practices and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews Director independence, related party transactions and the implementation of corporate governance policies.

 

Director Nominating Process

 

The determination of the individuals to be nominated for the Board of Directors is made by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. This determination is then subsequently submitted to the full Board of Directors for approval/ratification.

 

The Board has not adopted specific minimum criteria for director nominees. Nominees are identified by first evaluating the current members of the Board willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to the Company’s business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service, the Board first considers the appropriateness of the size of the Board and then considers factors that it deems are in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders in identifying and evaluating a new nominee. Consistent with the concept of diversity, the Company recognizes the value of having a Board that encompasses a broad range of skills, expertise, contacts, industry knowledge and diversity of opinion.

 

- 8 -

The Board will consider director nominees from any reasonable source, including nominees suggested by incumbent Board Members and Management as well as Shareholder recommendations tendered in accordance with the Company’s advance notice provisions. The Company does not currently employ an executive search firm, or pay a fee to any other third party, to locate qualified candidates for director positions.

 

-10-

Directors’ Compensation

 

The Company’s Non-employee Director Compensation Policy provides that Non-employeeNon- employee Directors are paid an annual cash retainer of $50,000,$60,000, payable in twelve monthly installments, plus reimbursement of actual expenses for attendance at Board or Committee meetings. The Chairperson of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are also paid a $10,000 annual cash retainer, payable in twelve monthly installments.

The Company’s Non-employee Director Compensation Policy was revised effective May 25, 2018 to provide that Non-employees Directors also receive an annual award of restricted stock under the Company’s 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The annual award consists of shares of the Company’s common stock with a value of $10,000$25,000 as of the date of the grant. These restricted shares will vest quarterly over the 12-month service period.

 

The following table contains information with respect to the total compensation paid to the Non-employee Directors for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

 

 Fees Earned or      
Name Paid in Cash  Stock Awards (1)  Total  Fees Earned or Paid in Cash  Stock Awards (1)  All Other Compensation (2)  Total 
Jason T. Bear $55,833  $10,000  $65,833  $65,000  $25,000  $3,447  $93,447 
Edward C. Cosgrove $50,000  $10,000  $60,000  $60,833  $25,000  $243  $86,076 
Lucion P. Gygax $60,000  $10,000  $70,000  $65,000  $25,000  $575  $90,575 
Christopher M. Marks $60,000  $10,000  $70,000  $65,000  $25,000  $1,121  $91,121 

(1)Represents the grant date fair value of stock awards on the date of the award.
(2)Includes the dollar value of dividends paid on restricted stock awards. Also includes travel and meals expenses directly paid or reimbursed by the Company for each Director.

 

- 9 -

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

 

Shareholders who wish to contact the Board of Directors or any of its members may do so by addressing their written correspondence to Board of Directors, 1110 Maple Street, P.O. Box 300, Elma, New York 14059. Correspondence directed to an individual Board member will be referred, if appropriate, to that member. Correspondence not directed to a particular Board member will be referred, if appropriate, to the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate GovernanceIndependent Directors Committee.

-11-

 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following is a listing of the Company’s current Executive Officers:

 

Position with the Company and Principal Occupationand Business Experience for Past Five Years

Position with the Company and
Principal Occupation
Name Age 

Position with the Company and Principal Occupation and

Business Experience for Past Five Years

Kenneth D. Trbovich 4445 Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 2017; President of the Company since September 2012; Director of the Company since November 2012.2012
     
Lisa F. Bencel 6163 Chief Financial Officer since January 2017; Global Controller and Treasurer with kgb, a privately held information services company.
     
James C. Takacs 5354 Chief Operating Officer since May 2018; Senior Vice President of the Company since September 2016; Vice President of the Company for more than five years prior to September 2016.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

The Summary Compensation Table quantifies the amount or value of the different forms of compensation earned by or awarded to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and the next two most highly compensated officers of the Company (the “Named Officers”) in fiscal 20182019 and 20172018 and provides a dollar amount for total compensation. Descriptions of the material terms of the employment agreements with Chief Executive Officer is are provided under “Employment Agreements” below.

 

- 10 -

The Compensation Process Overview

 

The Compensation Committee determines the compensation of the Company’s Executive Officers in accordance with the NYSE American listing standards with the Chief Executive Officer playing a supporting role in the compensation-setting process for the Company’s other Executive Officers. The most significant aspects of management’s role are evaluating employee performance, recommending business performance targets and objectives, and recommending salary levels and other compensation awards, however final compensation determinations for all Executive Officers are approved by the Board upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee.

 

Base Salary

 

The Compensation Committee seeks to provide the Company’s Executive Officers with a level of assured cash compensation in the form of base salary that is commensurate with their professional status, accomplishments and geographic location. The base salaries are reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee and are adjusted from time to time to recognize competitive market data, the officer’s level of responsibility, outstanding individual performance, promotions and internal equity considerations. For the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, base salary paid to each Named Officer is as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

Annual Bonus

 

The Company also makes cash awards to the Executive Officers and other employees that are not part of any pre-established, performance-based criteria. Awards of this type are completely discretionary and subjectively determined by the Board upon the recommendation of the Independent Directors Committee at the time they are awarded. In the event this type of cash award is made, it is reflected in the “Summary Compensation Table” under a separate column entitled “Bonus”. Bonus amounts for 20182019 were not determined as of the date of this proxy statement.

-12-

 

Equity Awards

 

Pursuant to the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as approved by the Company’s shareholders, the Compensation Committee may grant equity awards, the vesting of which may be based on the passage of time, achievement of performance conditions or vesting conditions otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee. On May 25, 2018, the Company awarded the following number of restricted shares to the Executive Officers pursuant to the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan; Mr. Trbovich 45,000; Ms. Bencel 12,000 shares and Mr. Takacs 11,250 shares. These shares will vest on January 1, 2019, 2020 and 2021.No equity awards were granted in 2019.

- 11 -

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table contains information with respect to the annual compensation for the years ended December 31, 20182019 and 20172018 for the Named Officers.

 

Name and             
Principle        All Other    
Position Year Salary  Bonus  Compensation (1)  Total 
Name and Principle Position Year Salary Bonus (1) All Other Compensation (2)  Total 
Kenneth D. Trbovich 2018 $555,831   TBD  $47,114  $602,945  2019 $606,480   TBD  $47,820  $654,300 
Chairman and CEO 2017 $449,943  $110,000  $44,330  $604,273  2018 $555,831  $200,000  $47,114  $802,945 
                                    
Lisa F. Bencel 2018 $211,761   TBD  $88,191  $299,952  2019 $232,593   TBD  $44,194  $276,787 
CFO and Treasurer 2017 $180,289  $40,000  $27,881  $248,170  2018 $211,761  $80,000  $88,191  $379,952 
                                    
James C. Takacs 2018 $196,925   TBD  $18,919  $215,844  2019 $213,682   TBD  $22,595  $236,277 
Chief Operating Officer 2017 $199,472  $35,000  $36,361  $270,833  2018 $196,925  $50,000  $18,919  $265,844 

(1)For 2018,2019, Bonus amounts have not been determined at this time but will be reported on a Current Report on Form 8-K when finally determined.

(2)All Other Compensation for 20182019 includes (i) $5,243$4,230 for Mr. Trbovich, $5,243$4,232 for Ms. Bencel and $5,244$4,219 for Mr. Takacs in connection with the allocation of shares of Common Stock under the Servotronics Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) valued as of the closing price on November 30, 20182019 (the date of allocation); (ii) $1,151$412, $2,0361,426 and $680$1,098 for Mr. Trbovich, Ms. Bencel, and Mr. Takacs, respectively, for life insurance; (iii) $30,099, $30,09931,946, $31,005 and $11,195$11,530 for Mr. Trbovich, Ms. Bencel and Mr. Takacs, respectively, for health, dental and vision insurance premiums and the reimbursement of medical/ health related expenses not covered under the Company’s health insurance plans; (iv) $4,160$5,484, $7,532, and $5,748 for Company 401k match and accrued dividends on unvested shares of restricted stock shares for Mr. Trbovich, Ms. Bencel, and Mr. Takacs, respectively and (v) $5,010 for personal use of a company car for Mr. Trbovich; and (v) $48,893 for reimbursement of relocation costs associated with the sale of a primary residence for Ms. Bencel.Trbovich.

 

CEO Employment Agreement

 

Mr. Trbovich has an employment agreement with the Company pursuant to which he is entitled to receive minimum salary compensation as set forth in the agreement, or such greater amount as the Company’s Board of Directors may approve/ratify. On May 25, 2018April 26, 2019 the Board of Directors approved a base salary for Mr. Trbovich of $559,000,$614,900, per annum. In the event of death or total disability during the term of the employment agreement, he or his estate is entitled to receive 50% of the compensation he is receiving from the Company at the time of his death or disability during the remainder of the term of the employment agreement. Also, in the event of (i) a breach of the agreement by the Company, (ii) a change in control of the Company, as defined, or (iii) a change in the responsibilities, positions or geographic office location, he is entitled to terminate the agreement and receive a payment of 2.99 times his average annual compensation from the Company for the preceding five years. If this provision is invoked and the Company makes the required payment, the Company will be relieved of any further salary liability under the agreement notwithstanding the number of years covered by the agreement prior to termination. The term of the agreement extends to and includes December 31, 2020 provided however, the term of the agreement will be automatically extended for one1 additional year beyond its then expiration date unless either party has notified the other in writing that the term will not be extended. If the Company elects not to extend the agreement, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to nine months’ salary and benefits.

 

- 12 --13-

 

 

The Company provides certain individual and spousal post-retirement health and life insurance benefits for Mr.Kenneth Trbovich. Upon retirement and after attaining at least the age of 65, the Company will pay for the retired executives’ and dependents’ health benefits and will continue the Company-provided life insurance offered at the time of retirement. The retiree’s health insurance benefits ceases upon the death of the retired executive. The actuarially calculated future obligation of the benefits at December 31, 2019 and 2018 and 2017 for Mr.Kenneth Trbovich is $427,622$582,827 and $434,669$427,622 respectively.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at 20182019 Fiscal Year End

 

The following table shows all outstanding equity awards held by the Named Officers as of December 31, 2018.2019.

 

  Stock Awards 
    Market value of 
  Number of shares  shares or units of 
  or units that have  stock that have not 
Named Officer not vested (#)  vested ($) (1) 
         
Kenneth D. Trbovich  45,000 (2) $455,850 
         
Lisa F. Bencel  12,000 (3) $121,560 
         
James C. Takacs  11,250 (4) $113,963 

  Stock Awards 

 

 

Named Officer

 Number of shares or units that have not vested (#)  Market value of shares or units of stock that have  not vested ($) (1) 

Kenneth D. Trbovich

  30,000(2) $301,800 

Lisa F. Bencel

  8,000(3) $80,480 

James C. Takacs

  7,500(4) $75,450 

(1)Value is based on the December 31, 20182019 average price of the Company’s common stock of $10.13,$10.06, as reported on the NYSE American.

(2)Mr. Trbovich’s restricted stock holdings as of December 31, 20182019 vest as follows provided that he remains employed by the Company on such dates: 15,000 shares each on January 1, 2019, January 1, 2020 and January 2021.

(3)Ms. Bencel’s restricted stock holdings as of December 31, 20182019 vest as follows provided that she remains employed by the Company on such dates: 4,000 shares each on January 1, 2019, January 1, 2020 and January 2021.

(4)Mr. Takac’sTakacs’ restricted stock holdings as of December 31, 20182019 vest as follows provided that he remains employed by the Company on such dates: 3,750 shares each on January 1, 2019, January 1, 2020 and January 2021.

- 13 -

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

Kenneth D. Trbovich, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, is an inventor or co-inventor of certain issued patents and patent pending applications that are used in the business of a subsidiary of the Company. The patents have been and are currently used by the subject subsidiary on a royalty-free basis with Mr. Trbovich’s consent.

 

The Company incurred legal fees and disbursements of approximately $141,000$197,000 in 20182019 for services provided by a law firm that is owned by Edward C. Cosgrove, Director of the Company.

 

Proposed transactions between the Company and a related person are submitted to the Independent DirectorsNominating and Corporate Governance Committee for their determinations. In making its determinations, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consider, among other factors, whether the proposed transaction is in the Company’s best interest and is on terms no less favorable to the Company than terms generally available from an unaffiliated third-party under the same or similar circumstances and the extent of the related person’s interest in the transaction. Also, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may, at its discretion, request an independent appraisal if an independent appraisal has not already been provided. A related party is excluded from participating in the determinations of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

- 14 --14-

 

 

OWNERSHIP OF COMPANY STOCK

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

 

The following table lists the persons that owned beneficially, as of March 15, 2019,13, 2020, more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, based on the Company’s records. Unless otherwise stated, each person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock indicated as beneficially owned by that person.

 

Name and Address of Amount and Nature of  Percent of 
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership  Class (1) 
Servotronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (2)  520,300(2)  20.22%
1110 Maple Street        
P.O. Box 300        
Elma, New York  14059        
         
Estate of Dr. Nicholas D. Trbovich (3)  393,818(3)  15.31%
1110 Maple Street        
P.O. Box 300        
         
Harvey Houtkin (4)  352,088(4)  13.68%
160 Summit Avenue        
Montvale, New Jersey  07645        
         
FMR LLC (5)  138,130(5)  5.37%
245 Summer Street        
Boston, Massachusetts 02210        
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership  Percent of Class (1) 
Servotronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (2)
1110 Maple Street
P.O. Box 300
Elma, New York 14059
  

 

498,953

(2)  20.14%
Estate of Dr. Nicholas D. Trbovich (3)
1110 Maple Street
P.O. Box 300
Elma, New York 14059
  393,818(3)  15.90%
Harvey Houtkin (4)
160 Summit Avenue Montvale, New Jersey 07645
  352,088(4)  14.21%
FMR LLC (5)
245 Summer Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
  138,130(5)  5.58%

(1)Percent of class is based upon 2,573,0442,477,099 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 15, 2019.13, 2020.

(2)The Trustees of the Servotronics, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (the “ESOT”) - Kenneth D. Trbovich and Bernadine Kucinski - direct the voting of unallocated shares. The participants in the related plan have the right to direct the voting of shares which have been allocated to their respective accounts; if a participant does not direct the vote, the Trustees may direct the vote of that participant’s shares. As of March 15, 2019,13, 2020, approximately 415,980411,527 shares are allocated to the accounts of participants and approximately 104,32087,426 shares remain unallocated.

(3)Kenneth D. Trbovich and Michael Trbovich are co-executors under the Estate and share voting and investment power with respect to these shares. These amounts do not include the shares beneficially owned by certain of Dr. Trbovich’s other relatives.

(4)This information is based on a statement on Schedule 13D, as last amended on February 12, 2004, filed by Mr. Houtkin with the Securities and Exchange Commission. According to Mr. Houtkin’s statement, he had sole voting and investment power with respect to 190,000 shares and shared voting and investment power with respect to 162,088 shares. Mr. Houtkin disclaimed beneficial ownership in additional shares owned by other members of his family. The Company has received no further information from Mr. Houtkin or on his behalf.

(5)According to an amended Schedule 13G filed by FMR LLC with the SEC on February 13, 2019, Fidelity Management & Research Company, a wholly- owned subsidiary of FMR LLC, is the beneficial owner of 138,130 shares of our common stock, as a result of acting as an investment adviser to various investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Abigail P. Johnson, Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FMR LLC and FMR LLC, through its control of Fidelity Management & Research Company and the funds, each has sole power to dispose of the 138,130 shares of our common stock owned by such funds. Neither FMR LLC nor Abigail P. Johnson has the sole power to vote or direct the voting of the shares owned directly by such funds, which power resides with the funds’ Boards of Trustees. Fidelity Management & Research Company carries out the voting of the shares under written guidelines established by the funds’ Boards of Trustees.

 

- 15 --15-

 

 

Security Ownership of Management

 

The following table sets forth, as of March 15, 201913, 2020 information as to the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock of the Company held by each Director, Named Officer and by all Directors and Officers as a group:

 

Name of Amount and Nature of Percent of 
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership  Class (1) 
Name of Beneficial Owner Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership  Percent of Class (1) 
Kenneth D. Trbovich  514,022(2)  19.98%  507,915(2)  20.51%
Lisa F. Bencel  10,889(3)  *   9,726(3)  0.39%
James C. Takacs  39,868(4)  1.55%  38,802(4)  1.57%
Edward C. Cosgrove, Esq.  1,072   *   3,031   0.12%
Lucion P. Gygax  1,072   *   3,031   0.12%
Christopher M. Marks  1,072   *   3,031   0.12%
Jason T. Bear  1,072   *   1,959   0.08%
All Directors and Officers as a group  673,387(5)  26.17%  654,921(5)  26.44%

*Less than 1%

(1)Percent of class is based upon 2,573,0442,477,099 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 15, 2019.13, 2020.

(2)This amount includes (i) 393,818 shares held by the Estate of Dr. Trbovich for which Mr. Trbovich is the co-executor and shares voting and investment control over those shares; (ii) 18,80917,809 shares held by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Trbovich serves as the TrusteeTrustee; and (iii) 14,14614,187 shares allocated to Mr. Trbovich’s account under the ESOT. Except as set forth in the preceding sentence, does not include shares held by the ESOT as to which Mr. Trbovich serves as the Trustee. See Note (5) below.

(3)This amount includes 460868 shares allocated to Ms. Bencel’s account under the ESOT.

(4)This amount includes 19,25919,666 shares allocated to Mr. Takac’sTakacs’ account under the ESOT.

(5)See notes (2) through (4) above. Also includes unallocated shares held by the ESOT over which Mr. Trbovich, as a Trustee of the ESOT, may be deemed to have voting power, as well as shares allocated to the accounts of all Officers as a group under the related plan. See the table in “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and note (2) thereto.

- 16 -

Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting ComplianceReports

 

Based solely on its review of reports filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act or representations from Directors and Executive Officers required to file such reports, the Company believes that all such filings required of its Executive Officers and Directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners (subject to the qualifications in the following sentence) were timely made for 2018.2019. The Company does not have information with respect to the reporting compliance of Mr. Houtkin or on his behalf.

 

-16-

PROPOSAL 2:

 

RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. (“Freed Maxick”) has been selected by the Board of Directors as the independent public accountants for the Company’s current fiscal year. A representativeRepresentatives of Freed Maxick is expectedhave been invited to be present at the meeting withand will have the opportunity to makeprovide a statement if he desiresstatement. Due to do so andthe change in the meeting format, Freed Maxick will be availablenot have the opportunity to respond to appropriate questions of shareholders.shareholder questions.

 

At the Annual Meeting, the shareholders will be asked to ratify the selection of Freed Maxick as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Audit Committee has the direct responsibility to appoint, retain, fix the compensation and oversee the work of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In the event that the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, it will be considered as a direction to the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee to consider the selection of a different firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our shareholders.

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal, assuming a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, is required to ratify the appointment of Freed Maxick. The Directors of the Company unanimously recommend a vote “FOR” the ratification of Freed Maxick as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2019.2020. Unless otherwise instructed, proxies will be voted “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Freed Maxick.

 

The following table shows the fees paid or accrued by the Company for the audit and other services provided by Freed Maxick CPAs, P.C. for fiscal years 20182019 and 2017.2018.

 

 2018  2017  2019  2018 
Audit Fees (1) $111,500  $114,200  $141,500  $115,000 
Tax Service Fees (2)  41,500   41,850   41,500   41,850 
Total $153,000  $156,050  $183,000  $156,850 

(1)Audit fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of the Company’s financial statements and review of the Company’s quarterly financial statements.

(2)Tax service fees principally included fees for tax preparation and tax consulting services.

- 17 -

 

The Audit Committee pre-approves audit and non-audit services provided by Freed Maxick. The Audit Committee has considered whether provision of the services described above is compatible with maintaining our accountant’s independence and has determined that such services have not adversely affected Freed Maxick’s independence.

 

PROPOSAL 3: 

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain our Named Officers, who are critical to our success. Please read the Executive Compensation section of this proxy statement for additional details about our executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal 2018 compensation of our Named Officers.

We are asking our Shareholders to indicate their support for our Named Officer compensation as described in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a "say-on-pay" proposal, gives our shareholders the opportunity to express their views on our Named Officers' compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of our Named Officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement. We recommend that shareholders vote, on an advisory basis, "FOR" the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the Company's shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's Named Officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The above resolution will be deemed to be approved if it receives the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast on Proposal 3 at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not considered to be votes cast and, accordingly, will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. As this vote is an advisory vote, the outcome is not binding on us with respect to future executive compensation decisions, including those relating to our Named Officers. Our Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee, however, value the opinions of our shareholders expect to consider the outcome of the vote, along with other relevant factors, when considering future compensation programs.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL THREE.

- 18 --17-

 

 

PROPOSAL 4:

ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY

OF FUTURE ADVISORY SAY-ON-PAY VOTES

In addition to providing our shareholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation, our shareholders also have the opportunity to indicate how frequently we should seek an advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Officers. By voting on this Proposal 4, shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer an advisory vote on Named Officer compensation once every one, two, or three years. You will have the opportunity to vote on this issue at least once every six years.

Since 2013, our Board of Directors has provided shareholders with an opportunity to vote on executive compensation every three years. The Board continues to believe that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every three years is the most appropriate alternative for our Company. Accordingly, our Board of Directors recommends that you vote for a three-year interval for the advisory vote on executive compensation. In determining its recommendation, the Board considered how an advisory vote once every three years will provide our shareholders with sufficient time to evaluate the effectiveness of our overall compensation philosophy, policies and practices in the context of our long-term business results while avoiding over-emphasis on short-term variations in compensation.

You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, or three years. You may also abstain from voting. The option that receives the highest number of advisory votes cast by shareholders will be the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation deemed to have been selected by shareholders. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote.

As the vote is advisory and not binding, the Board of Directors may decide that it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option selected by our shareholders (but not less often than once every three years). However, we value the opinions of our shareholders and will consider the outcome of the advisory vote in deciding how often to hold the advisory vote on executive compensation in future years.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FREQUENCY OF THE SAY-ON-PAY ADVISORY VOTE TO BE "THREE YEARS".

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2020THE 2021 ANNUAL MEETING

 

Shareholder proposals must be received at the Company’s offices no later than November 29, 2019,December 14, 2020, 120 days prior to the anniversary of the 20192020 mailing date (March 29)(April 16), in order to be considered for inclusion, if appropriate, as a shareholder proposal in the Company’s proxy materials for the 20202021 Annual Meeting. Such proposals must also meet the other requirements established by the SEC for shareholder proposals.

 

- 19 -

Proposals to be introduced at the AnnualtheAnnual Meeting, but not intended to be included in the Company’s Proxy Material

 

For any shareholder proposal to be presented in connection with the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, a shareholder must give timely written notice thereof to the Company in compliance with the advance notice provisions of the federal securities laws. To be timely, a qualified shareholder must give written notice to the Company at the Company’s offices no later than February 10, 2020.January 29, 2021, 45 days prior to the anniversary of the 2020 mailing date (April 16).

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

So far as the Directors are aware, no matters other than the election of Directors and ratification of the engagement of Independent Auditors will be presented to the meeting for action on the part of the shareholders. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote thereon the shares to which the proxy relates in accordance with their best judgment.

 

 

By Order of the Directors

 

Kenneth D. Trbovich

Chairman of the Board of Directors and

Chief Executive OfficerOffice

Elma, New York

 

- 20 --18-

 

4. Advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory say-on-pay votes. 1 Year 2 Years 3 Years Abstain 01 - Jason T. Bear. 04 - Christopher M. Marks 02 - Edward C. Cosgrove, Esq. 05 - Kenneth D. Trbovich 03 - Lucion P. Gygax For Withhold For Withhold For Withhold 1 U P X Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example. Please do not write outside the designated areas. + + A Proposals .. The Board of Directors recommend a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR Proposals 2. 2. Ratification of the appointment of the Companyfs independent registered accounting firm for the 2019 fiscal year. 1. Election of Directors: For Against Abstain Please sign exactly as name(s) appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, corporate officer, trustee, guardian, or custodian, please give full title. Date (mm/dd/yyyy) . Please print date below. Signature 1 . Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 . Please keep signature within the box. B Authorized Signatures . This section must be completed for your vote to count. Please date and sign below. qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q Annual Meeting Proxy Card 3. Advisory vote on executive compensation. For Against Abstain 000004 MR A SAMPLE DESIGNATION (IF ANY) ADD 1 ADD 2 ADD 3 ADD 4 ADD 5 ADD 6 ENDORSEMENT_LINE______________ SACKPACK_____________ 1234 5678 9012 345 MMMMMMMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM 4 1 2 9 9 2 MR A SAMPLE (THIS AREA IS SET UP TO ACCOMMODATE 140 CHARACTERS) MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND MR A SAMPLE AND C 1234567890 J N T C123456789 MMMMMMMMMMMM MMMMMMM 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext 000000000.000000 ext If no electronic voting, delete QR code and control # ¢ . You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card. Online Go to www.investorvote.com/SVT or scan the QR code . login details are located in the shaded bar below. Save paper, time and money! Sign up for electronic delivery at www.investorvote.com/SVT Phone Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within the USA, US territories and Canada Votes submitted electronically must be received by 1:00 a.m., EST, on April 26, 2019. Your vote matters . herefs how to vote!

 

 

Small steps make an impact. Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.investorvote.com/SVT Notice of 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders Proxy Solicited by Board of Directors for Annual Meeting — April 26, 2019 The undersigned hereby appoints Kenneth D. Trbovich and Bernadine E. Kucinski or either of them, as Proxies, each with full power of substitution, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote as indicated below all shares of Servotronics, Inc. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 26, 2019 at the offices of Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC, Avant Building - Suite 900, 200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202, or any adjournments thereof. The shares represented by this Proxy will be voted as directed by the shareholder. The Board of Directors favors a vote FOR the nominees named in Proposal 1, FOR Proposals 2 and 3 and for a frequency of “3 Years” in Proposal 4. If no direction is made, the Proxy will be voted with the Board’s recommendations. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Please date and sign your name exactly as it appears below and return this Proxy promptly in the enclosed envelope, which requires no postage if mailed the United States. (Items to be voted appear on reverse side) Proxy — SERVOTRONICS INC qIF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.q C Non-Voting Items + Meeting Attendance Mark box to the right if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.