UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

(Amendment No.    )

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 Preliminary Proxy Statement
 Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule14a-6(e)(2))
 Definitive Proxy Statement
 Definitive Additional Materials
 Soliciting Material Under§240.14a-12

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

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

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LOGO

 

LOGO

Notice of 20192020 Annual Meeting

 

and Proxy Statement

June 27, 2019             25, 2020

Garden City, New York

 


LOGOLOGO

 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS

  

LOGO

LOGO

Dear Fellow Stockholder:

I invite you to attendparticipate in our Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Thursday, June 27, 201925, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, online at our office, located at 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530.www.meetingcenter.io/247518216. Due to the information and guidance currently available surrounding the emerging public health impact of the coronavirus outbreak(COVID-19), we have made the decision that this year’s Annual Meeting will be virtual only. Information on how to participate in the Annual Meeting can be found on page 9 of the Proxy Statement.

At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked: to elect a board of ten directors; to ratify the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm; and to approve the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers. We will also be sharing with you recent news about the Company,officers; and you will be given the opportunity to ask questionsapprove an amendment and express your opinions about Lifetime Brands. You also will be able to see manyrestatement of the outstanding, innovative productsCompany’s Amended and brandsRestated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

We are taking advantage of the Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows companies to provide their stockholders with access to proxy materials over the Internet. On or about May 5, 2020, we proudly featurewill begin mailing a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to our stockholders informing them that our Proxy Statement, Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 and voting instructions are available online. As more fully described in that Notice, all stockholders may choose to access our portfolioproxy materials on the Internet or may request to receive paper copies of kitchenware, tablewarethe proxy materials. This allows us to conserve natural resources and other products.

Pleasereduces the costs of printing and distributing the proxy materials, while providing our stockholders with access to the proxy materials in a fast and efficient manner. You can also visit our website, www.lifetimebrands.com, where you will find this Proxy Statement and our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

On behalf of our directors and our management team, I thank you for your continued support of Lifetime Brands.

Best regards,

Best regards,

/s/ Jeffrey Siegel

Jeffrey Siegel

Chairman of the Board of Directors

April 30, 2019

/s/ Jeffrey Siegel

Jeffrey Siegel

Chairman of the Board of Directors

April 29, 2020

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting To Be Held on June 27, 201925, 2020: TheOn or about May 5, 2020, we will begin mailing a notice, called the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, to our stockholders advising them that this Proxy Statement, form of proxy, andthe 2019 Annual Report on Form10-K forand voting instructions can be accessed over the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are available freeInternet at www.envisionreports.com/LCUT. You may then access these proxy materials over the Internet, or you may request that a printed copy of charge atwww.envisionreports.com/LCUT.the materials be sent to you. If you require directionswant to receive a paper ore-mail copy of these proxy materials, you must request one over the Annual Meeting, please contact usInternet at (516)www.envisionreports.com/LCUT, by calling toll free683-6000.1-866-641-4276, or by sending ane-mail to investorvote@computershare.com. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy.

LOGOLOGO

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

June 27, 2019,25, 2020, 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time

1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530

Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Lifetime Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held online at the office of the Company, 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530www.meetingcenter.io/247518216 on Thursday, June 27, 201925, 2020 at 10:30 a.m., Eastern Time (the “Annual Meeting”), for the following purposes:

 

(1)

To elect to the board of directors the ten persons named in the accompanying Proxy Statement, each to serve until the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

(2)

To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for 2019; and2020;

 

(3)

To approve, on anon-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.officers; and

(4)

To approve an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

In addition to the foregoing, the Annual Meeting will include the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment(s), continuation(s), rescheduling(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 29, 201927, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment(s), continuation(s), rescheduling(s) or postponement(s) thereof. A complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting may be accessed electronically, upon request, starting ten (10) days prior to the meeting by contacting our Corporate Secretary via email at sara.shindel@lifetimebrands.com. In addition, such stockholder list will be availableposted on the virtual meeting website during the meeting.

The Annual Meeting will be held online only via live webcast and there will be no physical location for examination by any stockholder atstockholders to attend the Company’s office, 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530, for any purpose germaneAnnual Meeting. Stockholders will be able to vote electronically and submit questions prior to the Annual Meeting by logging in at www.meetingcenter.io/247518216, entering their15-digit control number and the password LCUT2020, or may vote and ask questions during ordinary business hours, for a period ofthe Annual Meeting by logging in and entering the required information at least 10 days priorthe meeting date and time. Guests may log in to the website and attend the Annual Meeting.Meeting, but only stockholders who have15-digit control numbers will be able to vote and ask questions.

By Order of the Board of Directors,

/s/ Sara Shindel

Sara Shindel

Secretary

Garden City, New York

April 30, 2019

/s/ Sara Shindel

Sara Shindel

Secretary

Garden City, New York

April 29, 2020

Table of Contents

 

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

   21 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

   3 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

   5 

PROXY STATEMENT

   7 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

   1011 

PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

   1214 

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

   1620 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

   1620 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

   2227 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

   2429 

PROPOSAL NO. 2: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 20192020

   5863 

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

   6065 

PROPOSAL NO. 3: ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

   6267
PROPOSAL NO. 4: APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED 2000 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN68 

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

   6380 

PROXY STATEMENT SUMMARY

 

VOTING MATTERS & BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Proposal No.  Proposal      Board Recommends
1  To elect a board of directors consisting of ten directors named in this proxy statement to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified  FOR each nominee
2  To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for 20192020  FOR
3  To approve, on anon-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers  FOR
4To approve an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive PlanFOR

BOARD NOMINEES AND COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

There are ten director nominees for election at our 20192020 Annual Meeting, to hold office until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. All of the nominees, other than Ms. Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, are currently serving as directors of the Company, and all nominees, other than Ms. Gabai-Pinsky and Ms. Rachael A. Jarosh, were elected to the board of directors (the “Board”) at the last Annual Meeting. Ms. Jarosh was appointed to the Board on January 27, 2020. Ms. Gabai-Pinsky is not currently serving on the Board, but has been nominated for election to the Board at the 2020 Annual Meeting. She will fill the vacancy on the Board that will result from current Board member Dennis E. Reaves not beingre-nominated for election at the 2020 Annual Meeting.

With respect to Messrs. Kay, Pollack and Schnabel, as previously disclosed, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) by and among the Company, Taylor Parent, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Taylor Parent”), and Taylor Holdco, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (dba Filament Brands, and which the Company refers to as “Filament”) and related entities, providing for the acquisition of Filament by the Company (the “Filament Acquisition”). In connection with the Merger Agreement, the Company entered into a stockholders agreement (the “Stockholders Agreement”) by and among the Company, Taylor Parent and other related stockholders. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement, the Company was required to appoint three Taylor designees to the Board. On March 1, 2018, effective upon the closing of the Filament Acquisition, the Board unanimously voted to expand the Board and to appoint Messrs. Kay, Pollack and Schnabel to fill the newly created vacancies on the Board. Messrs. Kay, Pollack and Schnabel were subsequently elected to the Board by the Company’s stockholders at the 2018 and 2019 Annual MeetingMeetings and are standing forre-election to the Board at the 20192020 Annual Meeting.

Name  Age    Main Occupation  Joined Board  Committee Assignment
Jeffrey Siegel  76    Chairman/Executive Chairman, Lifetime Brands, Inc.  1967  SP, Exec (Chair)
Robert B. Kay  57    CEO, Lifetime Brands, Inc.  2018  
Michael J. Jeary  72    Retired advertising executive  2005  Nom/Gov, SP (Chair), Comp
John Koegel*  67    Principal,Jo-Tan, LLC  2008  Nom/Gov (Chair), SP, Audit, Comp, Exec
Cherrie Nanninga  70    Partner, Real Estate Solutions Group  2003  Nom/Gov, Audit, Comp (Chair)
Craig Phillips  68    Retired, Senior VP – Distribution1, Lifetime Brands, Inc.  1974  Nom/Gov
Bruce G. Pollack  60    Managing Partner, Centre Partners Management, LLC  2018  Nom/Gov, Comp
Dennis E. Reaves  76    Consultant  2013  Nom/Gov, SP
Michael J. Regan  77    Retired Certified Public Accountant  2012  Nom/Gov, Audit (Chair)
Michael Schnabel  41    

Partner, Centre Partners

Management, LLC

  2018  Nom/Gov, SP
Name  Age  Main Occupation  Joined Board  Committee Assignment
Jeffrey Siegel  77  Chairman/Executive Chairman, Lifetime Brands, Inc.  1967  Exec (Chair)
Robert B. Kay  58  CEO, Lifetime Brands, Inc.  2018  Exec
Rachael A. Jarosh  51  CEO, Enactus  2020  Nom/Gov
John Koegel*  68  Principal,Jo-Tan, LLC  2008  Nom/Gov (Chair), SP, Audit, Comp, Exec
Cherrie Nanninga  71  Partner, Real Estate Solutions Group  2003  Nom/Gov, Comp (Chair)
Craig Phillips  69  Retired, Senior VP – Distribution1, Lifetime Brands, Inc.  1974  Nom/Gov, SP
Veronique Gabai-Pinsky  54  Former Global President, The Vera Wang Group  -  -
Bruce G. Pollack  61  Managing Partner, Centre Partners Management, LLC  2018  Nom/Gov, Comp
Michael J. Regan  78  Retired Certified Public Accountant  2012  Nom/Gov, Audit (Chair)
Michael Schnabel  42  

Partner, Centre Partners

Management, LLC

  2018  Nom/Gov, SP

Abbreviations:Nom/Gov = Nominating/Governance Committee; Audit = Audit Committee; SP = Strategic Planning Committee; Comp = Compensation Committee; Exec = Executive Committee

* Independent Lead Director

1 Mr. Phillips retired and resigned as Senior Vice-President – Distribution, effective January 2, 2015.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES

Our corporate governance practices include the following best practices:

 

 

a majority vote director resignation policy,

 

a lead independent director on our Board,

 

the annual election of directors,

 

a compensation philosophy for named executive officers aligning compensation with short-term and long-term performance, including drivers of stockholder value,

 

stock ownership guidelines for directors,

 

stock ownership guidelines for our executive officers,

 

stockholders can take action by written consent,

 

anti-hedging provisions,

 

stockholders have the right to remove directors with or without cause,,and

 

our strong corporate citizenship, including our donation practices, our partnership with organizations and our avoidance of the use of conflict minerals.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXTENDS A CORDIAL INVITATION TO ALL STOCKHOLDERS TO ATTENDPARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL MEETING.MEETING ONLINE AT WWW.MEETINGCENTER.IO/247518216. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTENDPARTICIPATE IN THE ANNUAL MEETING, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED. PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGNVOTE YOUR SHARES USING THE INTERNET OR THE DESIGNATED TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE NUMBER, OR BY REQUESTING A PRINTED COPY OF THE PROXY MATERIALS AND RETURN AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLECOMPLETING AND RETURNING BY MAIL THE ENCLOSED PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARD YOU WILL RECEIVE IN THE ACCOMPANYING REPLY ENVELOPE. STOCKHOLDERS WHO WISH MAY ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING.RESPONSE TO YOUR REQUEST. STOCKHOLDERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED COMPLETED PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTION CARDS MAY REVOKE THEIR PROXIES AND VOTE IN PERSON.DURING THE MEETING.

 

LOGOLOGO

LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.

1000 Stewart Avenue

Garden City, New York 11530

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To be held on June 27, 201925, 2020

INTRODUCTION

This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Lifetime Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”, “us” or “we”), for use at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on the date, at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders of record at the close of business on April 29, 201927, 2020 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy shall be mailed to stockholders on

On or about May 6, 2019.5, 2020, we will begin mailing a notice, called the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”), to our stockholders advising them that this Proxy Statement, the 2019 Annual Report and voting instructions can be accessed over the Internet at www.envisionreports.com/LCUT. You may then access these proxy materials over the Internet, or you may request that a printed copy of the materials be sent to you. If you want to receive a paper ore-mail copy of these proxy materials, you must request one over the Internet at www.envisionreports.com/LCUT, by calling1-866-641-4276toll free, or by sending ane-mail to investorvote@computershare.com. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy.

THE ANNUAL MEETING

On April 29, 2019,27, 2020, there were 20,921,967 shares21,485,682shares of the Company’s common stock, $0.01 par value, issued and outstanding. Each share of the Company’s common stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

All shares of common stock represented by properly executed proxies or voting instruction forms will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions marked on the proxies or voting instruction forms, unless such proxies or voting instruction forms have previously been revoked. If no directions are indicated on such proxies or voting instruction forms, they will be voted FOR Proposal 1 – the election of each nominee named under Election of Directors, FOR Proposal 2 – the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for 2019 and2020, FOR Proposal 3 – the approval, on anon-binding advisory basis, of the

compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.officers and FOR Proposal 4 – to approve an amendment and restatement of the Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan. If any other matters are properly presented at the Annual Meeting for action, the proxy holders will vote the proxies (which confer discretionary authority upon such holders to vote on such matters) in accordance with their best judgment, subject to compliance with Rule14a-4(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Each proxy executed and returned by a stockholder by any of the methods indicated below may be revoked at any time before it is voted by timely submission of a written notice of revocation or by submission of a duly executed proxy bearing a later date (in either case directed to the Secretary of the Company), or, if a stockholder is present atparticipates online in the Annual Meeting, he or she may elect to revoke his or her proxy and vote his or her shares personally.

VOTE REQUIRED FOR APPROVAL

A majority of our outstanding shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum. Abstentions and brokernon-votes will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Assuming a quorum is present, (1) directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in the election of directors, (2) the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote is necessary to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm, and (3) the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote is necessary to approve, on anon-binding advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.officers, and (4) the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote is necessary to approve an amendment and restatement of our Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

With respect to Proposal 1, you may vote for all nominees, withhold your vote as to all nominees, or vote for all nominees except those specific nominees from whom you withhold your vote. The ten nominees receiving the most “FOR” votes will be elected. Properly executed proxies marked “WITHHOLD” with respect to the election of one or more directors will not be voted with respect to the director or directors indicated. Proxies may not be voted for more than ten directors and stockholders may not cumulate votes for the election of any directors.

With respect to Proposals 2, 3 and 3,4, you may vote for, against or abstain from voting on any of these proposals.

If a stockholder, present in person or by proxy, abstains on a matter, such stockholder’s shares of common stock, although included in the quorum, will not be voted on such matter. Thus, an abstention from voting on either Proposal 2, 3 or 34 has the same effect as a vote “against” the matter.

Brokers or other nominees who hold shares of our common stock for a beneficial owner have the discretion to vote on routine proposals when they have not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner at least ten days prior to the Annual Meeting. New York Stock Exchange rules prohibit brokers from voting on Proposals 1, 3 and 34 without receiving instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares. Brokers may vote on Proposal 2 absent instructions from the beneficial owner.

A brokernon-vote occurs when a broker or other nominee does not receive voting instructions from the beneficial owner and does not have the discretion to direct the voting of the shares. Brokernon-votes will be counted for purposes of calculating whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, but, in the absence of instructions, shares subject to such brokernon-votes will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote with respect to a particular proposal. Thus, a brokernon-vote will not impact our ability to obtain a quorum.

In determining whether a proposal has received the requisite number of votes, brokernon-votes will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on a proposal that requires a plurality of votes cast (Proposal 1) and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on a proposal that requires the

affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote (Proposal 3)(Proposals 3 and 4).

HOW TO VOTE

You may vote your shares by one of the following methods:

INTERNET:To vote your shares by Internet, please visit the website listed on your proxy card or voting instruction form and follow theon-screen instructions. If you vote by Internet, you do not need to mail your proxy card or voting instruction form.

TELEPHONE: To vote your shares by telephone, please follow the instructions on your proxy card or voting instruction form. If you vote by telephone, you do not need to mail your proxy card or voting instruction form.

MAIL: To vote your shares by mail, please follow the instructions on your proxy card or voting instruction form. Please be sure to sign and date your completed proxy card or voting instruction form before mailing. If you do not sign your proxy card or voting instruction form, your votes cannot be counted. Please mail your proxy card or voting instruction form in thepre-addressed, postage-paid envelope.

IN PERSON:VOTE ONLINE DURING THE MEETING: You may also attendvote online during the Annual Meeting and vote in person. Please bring photo identification.by visiting the link www.meetingcenter.io/247518216. If you ownare the registered holder of your stockshares, meaning that you hold your shares through Computershare Investor Services (“Computershare”), our transfer agent, you do not need to register in advance for the Annual Meeting. The15-digit control number provided on your Notice, proxy card or voting instruction form is necessary to access this site, as well as the password LCUT2020. If you hold your shares in “street name”name,” meaning that you hold your shares through a broker, bank or other financial institution, please follow the directions below to register in advance for the Annual Meeting. Guests will not be able to vote during the Annual Meeting.

PARTICIPATING IN THE ANNUAL MEETING

You are entitled to participate in the Annual Meeting only if you were a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner of shares of our common stock as of the close of business on the Record Date, April 27, 2020, or you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. Our Annual Meeting will be a completely virtual meeting. There will be no physical meeting location. The meeting will be conducted only via live webcast. Guests may attend the meeting but will not be able to participate, vote, or ask questions.

To participate in the Annual Meeting, visit www.meetingcenter.io/247518216 and enter the15-digit control number included on your Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, on your proxy card or on the instructions that accompanied your proxy materials, and the password LCUT2020. If you hold your shares in “street name,” please contact the broker, bank, or other financial institution that holds your shares to receive proof of your beneficial ownership and submit such proof, along with your name and email information, to Computershare in advance of the Annual Meeting no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on June 15, 2020. Requests for registration must be labeled as “Legal Proxy,” and may be submitted (i) via email to legalproxy@computershare.com by forwarding the email from your broker regarding your beneficial ownership or sending an image of your legal proxy, or (ii) sending proof of your beneficial ownership via mail to: Computershare, Lifetime Brands, Inc. Legal Proxy, P.O. Box 43001, Providence, Rhode Island 02940-3001. Upon receipt of such proof of beneficial ownership, Computershare will then register you for attendance at the virtual meeting and provide you with an email confirming your registration. The meeting will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) on June 25, 2020. Participants should also give themselves plenty of time to log in and ensure that they can hear streaming audio prior to the start of the meeting.

If you are a stockholder and wish to vote your shares in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain and bringsubmit questions prior to or during the meeting, a legal proxy fromlog into the bank orvirtual meeting platform at www.meetingcenter.io/247518216. Questions pertinent to meeting matters will be answered during the brokerage firm holding your shares.meeting, subject to time constraints.

MAJORITY VOTING GOVERNANCE PRINCIPLE

Although our Bylaws provide for a plurality voting standard for the election of directors, our Board has adopted, as a governance principle, a majority voting standard for uncontested director elections and a plurality voting standard for contested director elections. For this purpose, a “majority of votes cast” means that the number of votes cast “for” a nominee’s election exceeds the number of votes cast “against” that nominee’s election. Accordingly, subsequent to the election of directors at the Annual Meeting, any elected director who is not elected by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting shall submit his or her resignation to our Board, to be effective upon the Board’s determination of whether to accept or reject the resignation. Upon receipt by our Board of such resignation, our Board shall, in its sole judgment and discretion, within 90 days from the submission of such director’s resignation as a director of the Company, determine whether to accept or reject such director’s resignation. If our Board rejects such director’s resignation as a director of the Company, then we shall prepare and file a Form8-K to explain our Board’s rationale for its rejection of such director’s resignation.

PROXY SOLICITATION

We will bear the cost of preparing, printing, assembling and mailing the Notice, form of proxy, this Proxy Statement, the 20182020 Annual Report and other materials that may be sent to stockholders in connection with this solicitation. We have retained Georgeson, a proxy solicitation firm, at an estimated cost of $8,500 plus reimbursement of expenses, to assist in soliciting proxies from brokers, banks, nominees, and institutional holders. Georgeson may solicit votes personally or by telephone, mail or electronic means. In addition, Georgeson and certain related persons will be indemnified against certain liabilities arising out of or in connection with the engagement.

It is contemplated that brokerage houses will forward the proxy materials to beneficial holders at our request. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by the use of mail, our officers and other employees may solicit proxies personally, by telephone or by electronic means without being paid any additional compensation. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonableout-of-pocket expenses in accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of April 15, 201920, 2020 (except where otherwise noted) based on a review of information filed with the SEC and our records with respect to (i) each person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors, (iii) each of our named executive officers, and (iv) all our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

Name of beneficial owner

    Number of shares
beneficially owned
 

Percent of shares    
beneficially owned*    

   

Number of shares

beneficially owned

 

 

Percent of shares

beneficially owned*

 

 

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (1)

        

Jeffrey Siegel

     1,508,170 (2)  7.1%    1,700,891 (2)  7.7% 

Craig Phillips

     642,039(3)  3.1%    649,639  3.0% 

Daniel Siegel

     434,552(4)  2.1%    478,434 (3)  2.2% 

Ronald Shiftan

     395,121(5)  1.9%    224,356(4)  1.0% 

Laurence Winoker

     116,308(6)      136,164 (5)      † 

Robert B. Kay

     128,500(7)      290,389 (6)  1.3% 

Michael J. Jeary

     80,600(8)   

Rachael A. Jarosh

   4,197      † 

Cherrie Nanninga

     57,100(9)      48,960      † 

John Koegel

     39,085      46,685      † 

Michael J. Regan

     26,134      33,734      † 

Dennis E. Reaves

     20,558      28,158      † 

Bruce G. Pollack

     5,891,794 (10)  28.2%    6,007,802 (7)  28.0% 

Michael Schnabel

     7,086      14,686      † 

All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons)

     9.347,047  44.7% 

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

   0  0% 

All directors, nominees and executive officers as a group (14 persons)

   9,664,095  43.5% 
Name of beneficial owner    Number of shares
beneficially owned
 Percent of shares
beneficially owned
   

Number of shares

beneficially owned

 

 

Percent of shares

beneficially owned

 

 

Centre Partners V, L.P.

601 Lexington Avenue, 55th Floor

New York, New York 10022

    

 

 

 

5,884,708

 

 (11) 

 

 

 

 

28.1%

 

 

  

 

 

 

5,993,116

 

 (8) 

 

 

 

 

27.9

 

Kennedy Capital Management, Inc.

10829 Olive Blvd.

St. Louis, Missouri 63141

  

 

 

 

1,686,821

 

 (9) 

 

 

 

 

7.9

 

Mill Road Capital II, L.P.

382 Greenwich Avenue, Suite One

Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

    

 

 

 

1,628,203

 

 (12) 

 

 

 

 

7.8%

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,628,203

 

 (10) 

 

 

 

 

7.6

 

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

6300 Bee Cave Road

Austin, Texas 78746

    

 

 

 

1,250,094

 

 (13) 

 

 

 

 

6.0%

 

 

  

 

 

 

1,304,463

 

 (11) 

 

 

 

 

6.1

 

Notes:

*                Calculated on the basis of 20,926,717 shares of common stock outstanding on April 15, 2019.

*

Calculated on the basis of 21,485,682 shares of common stock outstanding on April 20, 2020. Pursuant to the regulations of the SEC, shares are deemed to be “beneficially owned” by a person if such person if such person

directly or indirectly has or shares the power to vote or dispose of such shares. Each person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities which may be acquired within sixty days through the exercise of options, warrants, and other rights, if any, and such securities are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage of the class beneficially owned by such person.

Less than 1%.

 

(1)

The address of such individuals is c/o the Company, 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530.

 

(2)

Consists of: (i) 1,037,1601,204,881 shares owned directly by Mr. Jeffrey Siegel, (ii) 1,010 shares owned by Mr. Siegel’s wife, and (iii) 470,000495,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options which are exercisable within 60 days.

(3)

Consists of: (i) 637,589 shares owned directly by Mr. Phillips and (ii) 4,450 shares held in an irrevocable trust for the benefit of Mr. Phillips.

(4)

Consists of: (i) 357,052400,934 shares owned directly by Mr. Daniel Siegel, (ii) 1,500 shares owned by Mr. Siegel’s wife, (iii)3,000 shares held as Uniform Transfer to Minors Act Custodian for children, (iv) 6,000 shares held in an irrevocable trust forthefor the benefit of Katherine and Juliana Wells, and (v) 67,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options which areexercisableare exercisable within 60 days.

(4)

Based on a Form 4 filed with the SEC on April 5, 2019, the subsequent cancellation of restricted shares originally awarded as part of Mr. Shiftan’s compensation as an independent director, and the issuance of shares relating to performance units on March 10, 2020.

 

(5)

Consists of: (i) 223,12180,164 shares owned directly by Mr. ShiftanWinoker and (ii) 172,00056,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options which are exercisable within 60 days.

 

(6)

Consists of: (i) 60,308 shares owned directly by Mr. Winoker and (ii) 56,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of optionswhich are exercisable within 60 days.

(7)

Consists of: (i) 78,500190,389 shares owned directly by Mr. Kay, (ii) 7,27214,544 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days and (iii) 42,72885,456 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are indirectly owned in an irrevocable family trust that are exercisable within 60 days.

 

(8)(7)

Consists of: (i) 55,600 shares owned directly by Mr. Jeary and (ii) 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days.

(9)

Consists of: (i) 32,100 shares owned directly by Ms. Nanninga and (ii) 25,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options that are exercisable within 60 days.

(10)

Consists of: (i) 7,08614,686 shares owned directly by Mr. Pollack, (ii) 5,593,116 shares held by Taylor Parent, and (iii) 291,592400,000 shares held by Centre Capital Investors V, L.P. (“Centre Investors”). Centre Partners V, L.P. (“Centre Partners LP”) is the sole general partner of Centre Investors. CP Taylor GP, LLC (“CP Taylor”) has the authority to appoint the board of directors of Taylor Parent. Centre Partners L.P.LP is the sole member of CP Taylor and the general partner of Centre Investors. Centre Partners V LLC (“Centre Partners”) is the general partner of Centre Partners LP. JRJ V LP (“JRJ LP”) and Harwich Road V LP (“Harwich Road LP”) areco-managers of Centre Partners. JRJ Inc. (“JRJ”) is the general partner of JRJ LP. Harwich Road Inc. (“Harwich Road”) is the general partner of Harwich Road LP. Bruce G. Pollack is the president of JRJ. David Jaffe is the president of Harwich Road. As such, Centre Partners LP, Centre Partners, JRJ LP, Harwich Road LP, JRJ, Harwich Road, Bruce G. Pollack and David Jaffe may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of the Company owned directly by Centre Investors and CP Taylor, Centre Partners LP, Centre Partners, JRJ LP, Harwich Road LP, JRJ, Harwich Road, Bruce G. Pollack and David Jaffe may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of the Company owned directly by Taylor Parent.

 

(11)(8)

Based solely on Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13DForms 4 filed with the SEC on March 25, 2019.behalf of Centre Partners LP and Mr. Pollack on May 17, 2019 and July 1, 2019, respectively. Consists of: (i) 5,593,116 shares held by Taylor Parent, and 291,592(ii) 400,000 shares held by Centre Investors. See footnote 107 above for a further description of the beneficial ownership of these shares.

 

(12)(9)

Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed on February 14, 2020. Kennedy Capital Management, Inc. owns 1,686,821 shares, over which it has sole voting and dispositive power.

(10)

Based solely on Amendment No. 7 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on March 12, 2018. Represents shares owned by Mill Road Capital II, L.P. (“MR Capital Fund”). MR Capital Fund directly

holds, and thus has sole voting and dispositive power over, 1,628,203 shares. Mill Road Capital II GP LLC (“MR Capital GP”), as sole general partner of MR Capital Fund, also has sole authority to vote (or direct the vote of), and to dispose (or direct the disposal) of, the shares held on behalf of MR Capital Fund, and each of Thomas E. Lynch and Scott P. Scharfman has shared authority to vote (or direct the vote of), and to dispose (or direct the disposal) of, these shares on behalf of MR Capital GP. Accordingly, each of MR Capital GP, MR Capital Fund, Mr. Lynch and Mr. Scharfman (collectively, the “MR Reporting Persons”) beneficially owns 1,628,203 shares of common stock, and the MR Reporting Persons beneficially own, in the aggregate, 1,628,203 shares of common stock.

 

(13)(11)

Based solely on Amendment No. 1011 to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019.12, 2020. Represents shares of our common stock owned of record by clients of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, in its capacity as an investment adviser, has shared voting power with respect to 1,206,6881,261,808 shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 1,250,0941,304,463 shares. As stated in Amendment No. 1011 to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019,12, 2020, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, an investment adviser registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, furnishes investment advice to four investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serves as investment manager to certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts (such investment companies, trusts and accounts, collectively referred to as the “Funds”). In certain cases, subsidiaries of Dimensional Fund Advisors LP may act as an adviser orsub-adviser to certain Funds. In its role as investment advisor,sub-adviser and/or manager, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP or its subsidiaries possess voting and/or investment power over the securities of the Company that are owned by the Funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares of the Company held by the Funds.

Proposal No. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

A board of ten directors is to be elected at the Annual Meeting to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and shall hold office until their successors are duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. The following nominees have been recommended by the Board. Each of the nominees is one of our current directors. It is the intention of the persons named as proxies in the enclosed proxy card to vote the shares covered thereby FOR the election of the ten persons named below, unless a proxy card received by them contains contrary instructions:

Director Nominees

 

Jeffrey Siegel is Executive Chairman of ourthe Board and Executive Chairman.of Directors. Mr. Siegel has held the position of Chairman of the Board since June 2001, the position of President from December 1999 to 2013 and the position of Chief Executive Officer from December 2000 to March 2018. Mr. Siegel is also is a director of Grupo Vasconia, S.A.B. (“Vasconia”), a manufacturer and distributor of industrial aluminum products, aluminum disks, cookware and related items in Mexico, in which we havethe Company has approximately a 30% equity ownership. Mr. Siegel has been a director of Vasconia since 2007. Shares of Vasconia’s capital stock are traded on the Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, the Mexican Stock Exchange. Mr. Siegel has served the Company in various capacities and has been a director of the Company since 1967. Mr. Siegel is a cousin of Craig Phillips and the father of Daniel Siegel.

  LOGOLOGO

Robert B. Kayis our ChiefExecutive Officer and has served in such role since the consummation of the Filament Acquisition in March 2018. Mr. Kay previously served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Filament from 2012 to 2018. Mr. Kay began his career at Deloitte & Touche where he spent six years as a management consultant. From 1993 until 1998, he served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Oxford Resources Corp., a NASDAQNasdaq listed consumer finance company. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. Kay was President and Chief Executive Officer of Key Components, Inc., a diversified industrial company. In 2006, Mr. Kay joined Kaz, Inc. as Executive Chairman until the company was sold to a publicly traded strategic buyer in 2010. Mr. Kay has been a member of the operating partner network of Centre Partners Management, LLC, which, through its affiliates, beneficially owns a majority of the capital stock of Taylor Parent, LLC, since 2005. Mr. Kay also serves on the board of Nearly Natural, LLC, a private portfolio company of Centre Partners Management, LLC.

  LOGOLOGO

LOGOLOGO  

Michael J. JearyRachael A. Jarosh is President and Chief Executive Officer of Enactus, anon-profit experiential learning platform dedicated to creating a retired advertising executive.better world while developing the next generation of leaders with a head for business and a heart for the world, and has served in this role since 2016. From 20092013 to 2016, Mr. JearyMs. Jarosh was Presidentthe Chief Executive Officer of Laughlin Constable, an advertising agency with offices in Milwaukee, ChicagoIsles Strategies, LLC, a management consulting firm. Earlier, Ms. Jarosh served as president of the foundation at Pentair plc and New York.as global head of marketing and communications from 2004-2009. Prior to that,Pentair, Ms. Jarosh was a senior counselor in the corporate practice at Carmichael Lynch Spong from 2006 to July 2009, Mr. Jeary was President2001-2004; investor relations officer at Supervalu, Inc. (now UNFI) from 1998-2000, and CEO of Partners + Jeary, a New York-based advertising agency.worked in investment research and banking at RBC Dain Rauscher from 1996-1998. She began her career as an attorney with Jacobson, Harwood, Brill & Bennett, P. A. in 1991.

John Koegel has been our independent lead director since 2013 and a principal ofJo-Tan, LLC, a retail consulting company since 2006. From February 2010 to October 2011, Mr. Koegel was a member of the Board of Directors and Lead Director of Game Trading Technologies, Inc., a publicly heldpublicly-held provider of trading solutions for video game retailers, publishers, rental companies and consumers.

  LOGOLOGO

LOGOLOGO  

Cherrie Nanninga has been a partner of Real Estate Solutions Group, LLC, a privately-held real estate consulting firm, since May 2014 and prior to that was the Chief Operating Officer of the New YorkTri-State Region of CBRE, a commercial real estate firm, since 2002. For 23 years prior thereto, Ms. Nanninga was employed by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey where she most recently served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Director of Real Estate.

Craig Phillips held the position of our Senior Vice-President Distribution from July 2003 to January 2015 when he retired from the Company. Previously, Mr. Phillips held the position of our Vice-President Manufacturing from 1974 to 2003. Mr. Phillips, a cousin of Mr. Jeffrey Siegel, has been onea director of our directorsthe Company since 1974.

  LOGOLOGO

LOGO

LOGO
  

Veronique Gabai-Pinskyheld the position of Global President of the Vera Wang Group, a fashion designer, manufacturer, and distributor, from 2015 to 2018. Previously, Ms. Pinsky held the position of Global President of ADF (all fragrance portfolio), Lab Series (skin care for men) Beauty Bank and Idea Bank (New Brands Development), all divisions of the Estee Lauder Companies from 2006 to 2015 and served as the General Manager for Donna Karan and Michael Kors in the same ADF division from 2003 to 2006. Prior to her service at the Estee Lauder Companies, Ms. Gabai Pinsky held various executive level marketing and management positions at large international beauty companies such as Dragoco (now Symrise), LVMH and L’OREAL from 1988 to 2003. Ms. Gabai Pinsky currently serves on the Board of Interparfums, a publicly traded company, since 2017.

Bruce G. Pollack is a Managing Partner of Centre Partners Management, LLC andwhere he has served in that rolebeen employed since 1991. Mr. Pollack began his career in the investment banking division of Becker Paribas Incorporated and Merrill Lynch Capital Markets. Mr. Pollack currently serves as a directorDirector of Taylor Parent, LLC, GuyGuys & O’Neill, Inc., K2 Pure Solutions, L.P., Sun Orchard, Inc., Nearly Natural, LLC, Golding Farms Food,Foods, Inc. and One World Fitness PFF, LLC, each a private portfolio company of Centre Partners Management, LLC. Mr. Pollack previously served on the Boards of a number of companies including Taylor Precision Products, Inc. (until March 2018), Captain D’s, LLC, Bellisio Foods, Inc., Bumble Bee Foods, L.P., the Distant Lands Trading Co., Inc., Sabrosura Foods, LLC, The Johnny Rockets Group, Inc., KIK Corporation Holdings, Inc., Salton, Inc., Ross Aviation, LLC and several other private companies. He is on the Board of Governors of the Weizmann Institute of Science. Mr. Pollack received a B.A. from Brandeis University.

LOGO

Dennis E. Reaves was formerly Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager (from 1998 to 2002) ofWal-Mart Stores, Inc. Mr. Reaves serves as a consultant to the Company and since 2002, has served as a senior consultant to leading retailers, such as Big Lots, Inc. and Gap, Inc., and to multinational consumer products companies, including Jarden Corporation.

LOGO
  LOGO

LOGO

Michael J. Regan is a retired certified public accountant. From 1996 to 2002, Mr. Regan was the Vice Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer of KPMG LLP, a leading independent public accounting firm, and was the lead audit partner for many Fortune 500 companies during his40-year tenure with KPMG (1962 to 2002). Mr. Regan currently is a director of Scientific Games Corporation, an entertainment and media company (since 2006). Mr. Regan previously served on the board of directors of DynaVox, Inc. The Board has determined that Mr. Regan is an “Audit Committee Financial Expert,” as defined by the SEC rules.

Michael Schnabel is a Partner of Centre Partners Management LLC. Mr. Schnabel joined Centre Partners Management, LLC in 2002. Prior to joining Centre, he served as Director of Finance at OmniSky Corporation after having worked in Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corp.’s investment banking department. Mr. Schnabel is currently a directorDirector of Taylor Parent, LLC, Covenant Care, LLC, Taylor Precision Products, Inc., Nearly Natural, LLC, Sun Orchard, Inc., Bradford Health Services, LLC, Stonewall KitchenSabrosura Foods, LLC and Guy & O’Neill, Inc., each of which is either a private portfolio company of Centre Partners Management, LLC or a subsidiary of the Company. He previously served on the Boards of ActionEmco Acquisition, LLC, Bellisio Foods, Inc., Captain D’s, LLC, Group Dekko Holdings, Inc., Stonewall Kitchen LLC and Uno Restaurant Holdings Corp. Mr. Schnabel received a B.S. from Duke University.

  LOGOLOGO

Key Qualifications of Director Nominees

 

Nominee

 

Key Qualifications

  

Jeffrey Siegel

 

Service as our Chairman and Executive Chairman; extensive knowledge of our strategy, operations and financial position and of the housewares and retail industries.

  

Robert B. Kay

 

Service as our Chief Executive Officer; distinguished career as the Chief Executive Officer in the housewares industry; experience gained in leadership positions in various industries.

  
Michael J. Jeary

Rachael A. Jarosh

 

Distinguished career as a marketing executive. Consumer productsStrong background in communications, finance ande-commerce experience gained in leadership positions in the advertising industry; general management with deep knowledge of the Companyprivate sector environmental, social, and the housewares industry through board service.governance (ESG) matters; strong legal experience as senior counsel in corporate practice in private practice and knowledge of investment banking with a background in investment research and banking at a large bank.

  

John Koegel

 

Notable career in retailing; strong background in merchandising and general management; consultant for private investment funds and their retail and consumer related portfolio companies; recognized expertise in business improvement, management oversight and due diligence; experience in providing strategic advice on merger and acquisition transactions; knowledge of the Company and the housewares industry through board service.

  

Cherrie Nanninga

 

Extensive experience as a financial and operations executive; experience as Deputy Chief Financial Officer of a large public sector organization and Chief Operating Officer of a large division of a multinational company; knowledge of the Company and the housewares industry through board service.

  

Craig Phillips

 

Longstanding service as our Senior Vice-President – Distribution and Vice-President – Manufacturing until his retirement in 2015; knowledge of our strategy, operations and financial position and of the housewares industry.

  

Veronique Gabai-Pinsky

Expert in brand building, product development, creative and innovation, global business management, organizational design, talent management, brand portfolio management through senior leadership positions in the beauty and fragrance industry and the ready to wear apparel industry.

Bruce G. Pollack

 

Extensive investment banking and private equity experience; Boardboard of Directordirector leadership experience through portfolio companies of Centre Partners Management, LLC.

  
Dennis E. Reaves

Distinguished career in retailing; business and strategic acumen and knowledge of the retail and consumer products industries.

Michael J. Regan

 

Notable career with extensive public company board experience; experience as an audit partner in a large international accounting firm; financial, business and strategic acumen and knowledge of the retail and consumer products industries.

  

Michael Schnabel

 

Extensive investment banking and private equity experience; Boardboard of Directordirector leadership experience through portfolio companies of Centre Partners Management, LLC.

Each of the nominees have consented to being named in this proxy statement and to serve on the Board if elected. We have no reason to believe that any of the nominees will not be a candidate or will be unable to serve. However, should any of the foregoing nominees become unavailable for any reason, the persons named as proxies in the enclosed proxy card intend to vote for such other person or persons as the Board may nominate.

Our Board unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR

the election of each of the nominated directors.

Signed proxies that are returned will be so voted unless otherwise instructed on the proxy card.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The following table sets forth the names and ages of each of our executive officers as of April 30, 2019.29, 2020.

 

Name

 Name

  

Age

  

Positions/Offices with Company

Robert B. Kay

    5758

  

Chief Executive Officer

Jeffrey Siegel

    7677

  

Chairman of the Board; Executive Chairman

Daniel Siegel

    4950

  

President

Laurence Winoker

    6364

  

Senior Vice-President – Finance; Treasurer; Chief Financial Officer

Ronald Shiftan served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company until his retirement in March 2019.

EXECUTIVE OFFICER BACKGROUNDS

SeeElection of Directors for biographies, names and ages of those executive officers who are directors.

All of our officers are elected annually by our Board, hold office at the pleasure of the Board and serve until their successors are duly elected and qualified. Certain directors are executives of the Company for a contractual term pursuant to employment agreements. See theCompensation Discussion and Analysis section for summarized terms of these agreements.

Daniel Siegel has served in various positions since joining us in 1992, including as President since 2013. Prior thereto, Mr. Siegel was Executive Vice President of Sales from 2006 to 2008, Executive Vice President of Corporate Invention Strategies from 2008 to 2010 and was an Executive Vice President from 2010 to 2013. Mr. Siegel has been a director of Vasconia, since 2008 and was a director of GS Internacional S/A from 2011 to 2016.. Mr. Siegel is the son of Jeffrey Siegel, Chairman of our Board and Executive Chairman.

Laurence Winoker has been our Senior Vice-President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer since July 2007. Prior thereto, Mr. Winoker was Senior Vice-President, Controller and Treasurer of MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings Inc., a holding company with controlling interests in a diversified portfolio of public and private companies including Revlon, Inc. Mr. Winoker was Senior Vice-President, Treasurer and Controller of Revlon, Inc. from 1999 to 2003.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

BOARD INDEPENDENCE

Our Board has determined that our director nominees, Michael J. Jeary,Rachael A. Jarosh, John Koegel, Cherrie Nanninga, Craig Phillips, Veronique Gabai-Pinsky, Bruce G. Pollack, Dennis E. Reaves, Michael J. Regan and Michael Schnabel are independent directors under the listing standards of The NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market LLC. Michael J. Jeary, who served as a member of our Board until his resignation from our Board on January 27, 2020, was also an independent director under the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. Jeffrey Siegel and Robert B. Kay are our employees and are not considered to be independent directors. Ronald Shiftan was one of our employees until his retirement in March 2019 and is not considered to be an independent director. Sara Genster Robling and William U. Westerfield were independent directors until their resignations as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively.

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Jeffrey Siegel serves as Chairman of our Board and our Executive Chairman. Mr. Siegel has served the Company in various capacities, has been one of our directors since 1967 and is our largest individual stockholder. Mr. Siegel provides effective leadership and guidance as our Chairman of the Board in the development and pursuit of our strategic goals, recognition of business opportunities that present themselves and oversight of our risk profile.

John Koegel serves as our independent lead director. The duties of the independent lead director include:

 

 

Chairing meetings of our Board at which neither the Chairman of our Board nor the Vice Chairman of our Board is not present;

 

Reviewing the agenda approved by the Chairman of our Board for Board meetings and, with input from the other independent directors, suggesting to the Chairman of our Board additional agenda items for Board meetings, as well as the substance and timeliness of information to be sent to the members of our Board in connection with Board meetings and in between Board meetings;

 

Reviewing with the Chairman of our Board the schedule for meetings of our Board to help assure that there is sufficient time allocated for discussion of all agenda items;

 

Maintaining constant communication with the Chairman of our Board between meetings of our Board;

 

Collaborating with and acting as a resource for, and counsel to, the Chairman of our Board;

 

Chairing meetings of the independent directors;

 

Reviewing with the Chairman of our Board the schedule for meetings of the independent directors and, with input from the other independent directors, setting the agenda for such meetings;

 

Reviewing with the Chairman of our Board after meetings of the independent directors matters discussed by the independent directors at such meetings;

 

Facilitating communication and serving as the principal liaison on Board-related issues between the Chairman of our Board and the independent directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each director is free to communicate directly with the Chairman of our Board and our other directors and senior management;

 

Authorizing the retention of independent legal advisors, and other independent consultants and advisors, as necessary, to advise the independent directors on issues related to the independent directors. Such advisors and consultants shall work with and under the direction of the independent lead director and report directly to the independent directors with respect to such issues; and

 

At least annually, reviewing with the other independent directors and with the Chairman of our Board the duties and responsibilities of the independent lead director.

Our Board believes that the Chairman position fosters clear accountability, effective decision making and alignment of corporate strategies and, taken together with the independent lead director role, is the appropriate leadership structure for us at this time.

Our Board is currently composed of eleventen directors, eight of whom are independent of the Company. Our independent directors, and our governance practices, provide effective and independent oversight of management. The independent directors meet in periodic executive sessions, the results of which are discussed by the independent lead director with the Chief Executive Officer.

STOCK OWNERSHIP GUIDELINES

Our Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines applicable to our directors. Under these guidelines, a director must, on or prior to the deadline, own shares of our stock with a value in an amount equal to or in excess of three times thenon-employee director annual cash retainer, with such value determined at the time of the receipt of the stock based on the amount paid or contributed by the director for the stock. The deadline is five years after the director’s election or appointment to our Board. For the purpose of stock ownership guidelines, unexercised stock options are not considered in calculating stock ownership but restricted shares are included at the time the restriction lapses.

Our Board has also adopted stock ownership guidelines for our named executive officers, which are intended to align their long-term interests with those of our stockholders and to encourage a long-term focus in managing our Company. The requirements for named executive officers are expressed as a multiple of base salary. The Chief Executive ChairmanOfficer is required to maintain a minimum ownership of

three times his base salary. All other named executive officers are required to maintain one times their base salary. The named executive officers are requiredneed to achieve the requirements within five years. Compliance with the guidelines will be determined based on the then-current base salary.

ANTI-HEDGING POLICY

We have a policy with respect to hedging in the company’s securities that is contained in our Insider Trading Policy. In this regard, we prohibit our directors and executive officers from engaging in transactions that are designed to or have the effect of hedging or offsetting any decrease in the market value of our securities. With respect to employees of the Company that are not executive officers, the policy strongly discourages those employees from engaging in hedging transactions involving the Company’s securities.

BOARD OVERSIGHT OF RISK

Our Board bears the responsibility for maintaining oversight over our exposure to risk. Our Board, itself and through its committees, meets with various members of management regularly and discusses our material risk exposures, the potential impact on us and the efforts of management it deems appropriate to deal with the risks that are identified. The Audit Committee considers our risk assessment and risk management practices including those relating to regulatory risks, financial liquidity and accounting risk exposure, reserves and our internal controls. The Nominating and Governance Committee considers the risks associated with our corporate governance principles and procedures with the guidance of corporate and outside counsel. Our Compensation Committee, in connection with the performance of its duties, considers risks associated with our compensation programs.

CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS

We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as supplemented by a Code of Conduct, which applies to all of our directors, officersemployees (including officers) and our Executive Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and Controller) and employees.directors.

A copy of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be found on our website, www.lifetimebrands.com, in the Corporate Governance subsection under Investor Relations. We intend to post any amendments to or waivers from our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that apply to our executive officers on our website.

BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS; ATTENDANCE

All directors who served as directors at the time, attended our 20182019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Directors are expected, but not required, to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our Board holds meetings on at least a quarterly basis and more often, if necessary, to fulfill its responsibilities. Our Board held sixseven regularly scheduled meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019. During the 20182019 fiscal year, each director attended a minimum of 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which the director served.

STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATION WITH DIRECTORS

Stockholders who wish to communicate with members of our Board, including the independent directors, individually or as a group, may send correspondence to them care of the Secretary at our principal office, 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530. Alternatively, the directors may be contacted viae-mail at BoardofDirectors@lifetimebrands.com. All such communications will be relayed to the members of our Board generally or individually, as specified.

BOARD NOMINATION PROCESS

Our Board nominates candidates to serve as directors based on recommendations of the Board’s Nominating and Governance Committee.

Our Nominating and Governance Committee’s procedures for identifying and evaluating candidates include requests for candidate recommendations from within the housewares industry and from outside independent professional advisors, as the case may be. In selecting a director nominee, our Nominating and Governance Committee focuses on skills, expertise and backgrounds that would complement those of the existing members of our Board, recognizing the nature of our business.

Directors are elected annually by our stockholders and serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and shall hold office until their successors have been duly elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

Our Board has adopted, as a governance principle, a majority voting standard for uncontested director elections and a plurality voting standard for contested director elections. Any director elected by a plurality vote, as provided for in our Bylaws, at an annual meeting of our stockholders in an uncontested election who does not receive a majority of the votes cast at such annual meeting shall submit his or her resignation to our Board, to be effective upon the Board’s determination of whether to accept or reject the resignation. Our Board shall then, in its sole judgment and discretion, within 90 days from submission of such director’s resignation, determine whether to accept or reject such director’s resignation. If our Board rejects the director’s resignation, then we shall prepare and file a Form8-K to explain our Board’s rationale for rejecting such director’s resignation.

NOMINATING AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Our Nominating and Governance Committee is currently composed of eight of our independent directors: John Koegel (Chair), Michael J. Jeary,Rachael A. Jarosh, Cherrie Nanninga, Craig Phillips, Bruce G. Pollack, Dennis E. Reaves, Michael J. Regan and Michael Schnabel. Sara Genster Robling and William U. Westerfield were members of the Nominating and Governance Committee until their resignations as of December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018, respectively. The Nominating and Governance Committee held eightseven meetings in 2018.2019.

Our Nominating and Governance Committee has the following responsibilities:

 

 

To evaluate the qualifications of candidates for Board membership and, following consultation with the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman, recommend to our Board nominees for open or newly created director positions;

 

To consider nominees recommended by stockholders as long as such recommendations are received at least 120 calendar days beforeprior to the stockholders meet to elect directors;one-year anniversary date of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders;

 

To periodically review the composition of our Board to determine whether it may be appropriate to add or subtract individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those already on our Board, and submit to our Board on an annual basis a report summarizing its conclusions regarding these matters;

 

To provideoversee an orientation and education program for directors;

 

To develop and make recommendations to our Board regarding governance principles applicable to us;

 

To periodically assess the structure and operations of the committees of our Board, develop and recommend corporate governance guidelines and review such guidelines at least annually;

 

To develop and recommend procedures for the evaluation and self-evaluation of our Board and its committees and to oversee the evaluation process;

 

To perform an evaluation of the committee’s performance at least annually;

 

To review the compensation of our Board and recommend changes to our Board; and

 

To perform such other duties as our Board may assign to the committee.

Our Nominating and Governance Committee charter is available on our website, www.lifetimebrands.com, in the Corporate Governance subsection under Investor Relations.

PROCESS FOR STOCKHOLDERS TO RECOMMEND DIRECTOR NOMINEES

Our Board, through our Nominating and Governance Committee, will consider nominees recommended by stockholders as long as, consistent with our Nominating and Governance Committee charter, such recommendations are received at least 120 calendar days beforeprior to theone-year anniversary date of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting to elect directors.of stockholders. A stockholder wishing to recommend a candidate must submit the following documents to the Secretary, Lifetime Brands, Inc., 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530, not less than 120 calendar days beforeprior to the stockholders meet to elect directors:one-year anniversary date of the immediately preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders:

 

 

A recommendation that identifies the candidate and provides contact information for that candidate;

 

The written consent of the candidate to serve as a director of the Company, if elected; and

 

If the candidate is to be evaluated by the Nominating and Governance Committee, the Secretary will request from the candidate a detailed resume, an autobiographical statement explaining the candidate’s interest in serving as a director of the Company, a completed statement regarding conflicts of interest, and a waiver of liability for a background check.

The Nominating and Governance Committee evaluates all candidates, regardless of who recommended the candidate, based on the same criteria.

BOARD DIVERSITY

Our diversity policy provides that, while diversity and the variety of experiences and viewpoints represented on our Board should always be considered, a director nominee should not be chosen nor excluded because of race, color, gender, national origin or sexual orientation or identity. Our Nominating and Governance Committee assesses the effectiveness of the diversity policy by periodically reviewing the skills, expertise and background of each of the existing members of our Board to determine whether it may be appropriate to add individuals with different backgrounds or skill sets from those existing members of our Board.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

Our Audit Committee is currently composed of three directors, each of whom is independent, as required by the Audit Committee charter, the Exchange Act, the listing requirements for The NASDAQNasdaq Stock Market LLC and the SEC rules. The current members are Michael J. Regan (Chair), Cherrie NanningaDennis E. Reaves and John Koegel. William U. Westerfield was a member of the Audit Committee until his resignation as of September 30, 2018. Our Board has determined that Michael J. Regan is an “Audit Committee Financial Expert,” as defined by the SEC rules.rules The Audit Committee held four meetings during 2018.2019.

Our Audit Committee, among other things:

 

 

Considers the qualifications of and appoints and oversees the activities of our independent registered public accounting firm, i.e., our independent auditor;

 

Reviews with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties encountered in the course of audit work;

 

Preapproves all audit andnon-audit services provided by the independent auditor;

 

Discusses with the internal auditors and the independent auditor the overall scope and plans for their respective audits, including the adequacy of staffing and budget or compensation;

 

Reviews our financial statements and reports and meets with management and the independent auditor to review, discuss and approve our financial statements, ensuring the completeness and clarity of the disclosures in the financial statements;

 

Monitors compliance with our internal controls, policies, procedures and practices;

 

Reviews management’s report on its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of the end of each fiscal year and the independent auditor’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting;

 

Reviews the performance of our internal audit function and approves our Internal Audit Department’s annual audit plan and all major changes to the plan;

 

Discusses our policies on risk assessment and risk management, our major financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor and control such exposures;

 

Reviews our compliance and ethics programs, including legal and regulatory requirements, and reviews with management our periodic evaluation of the effectiveness of such programs;

 

Reviews and approves related-party transactions; and

 

Undertakes such other activities as our Board from time to time may delegate to it.

Our Audit Committee charter is available on our website, www.lifetimebrands.com, in the Corporate Governance subsection under Investor Relations.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

Our Strategic Planning Committee is currently composed of fivefour directors. The current members are Michael J. Jeary (Chair), John Koegel, Craig Phillips, Dennis E. Reaves, and Michael Schnabel and Jeffrey Siegel. Sara Genster Robling was a member of the Strategic Planning Committee until her resignation as of December 31, 2018.Schnabel. Our Strategic Planning Committee held one meetingtwo meetings in 2018.2019.

Our Strategic Planning Committee, among other things, provides assistance to our Board in fulfilling its responsibilities to our stockholders with respect to the following:

 

 

Monitoring and informing our Board of developments, trends and new discoveries that may facilitate us in achieving our goals by improving operations, profitability and stockholder value;

 

Reviewing and recommending to our Board, for its approval, long-term business objectives and plans developed by management; and

 

Overseeing the development and monitoring the implementation of a strategic plan.

Our Strategic Planning Committee regularly receives updates from the Chairman of our Board/Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and, from time to time, meets with our Division Presidents.

Our Strategic Planning Committee charter is available on our website, www.lifetimebrands.com, in the Corporate Governance subsection under Investor Relations.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Our Compensation Committee is composed of fourthree directors, each of whom is independent. The current members are Cherrie Nanninga (Chair), John Koegel, Michael J. Jeary and Bruce G. Pollack. Our Compensation Committee held twelvethirteen meetings during 2018.2019.

Our Compensation Committee advises our Board with respect to our compensation practices and administers our Amended and Restated 2000 Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan and our Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

The principal duties and responsibilities of our Compensation Committee include:

 

 

Reviewing and approving compensation principles that apply generally to our employees;executive officers;

 

Establishing and reviewing corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of the Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer and Chief OperatingExecutive Officer and evaluating their performances in light of the established goals and objectives and approving their annual compensation;

 

Reviewing, based primarily on the evaluations and recommendations of the Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer and Chief OperatingExecutive Officer, the performance of the other executive officers and all direct reports to our Executive Chairman, our Chief Executive Officerin light of established goals and our Chief Operating Officer;objectives, approving their annual compensation;

 

Overseeing our compliance with the requirements under the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules, with respect to our long-term incentive compensation plans; and

 

Reviewing and discussing compensation programs that may create incentives that can affect our risk and management of that risk.

Our Compensation Committee charter is available on our website, www.lifetimebrands.com, in the Corporate Governance subsection under Investor Relations.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Our Executive Committee is composed of three directors. The current members are Jeffrey Siegel (Chair), John Koegel and Ronald Shiftan.Robert B. Kay. Our Executive Committee held no meetings in 2018.2019.

Our Executive Committee was formed in 2016, at the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, for authorizing the opening and closing of bank accounts for the Company and other matters delegated by the Board of Directors to the Executive Committee.

EXECUTIVE SESSIONS

The independent directors meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without members of management present.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Fees paid to ournon-employee directors are based on the following schedule:schedule. However, in connection with certain cost reduction efforts in light of the effect of theCOVID-19 pandemic on our business, on April 2, 2020, the Board agreed to reduce the unpaid cash portion of their annual compensation set forth in the following schedule by 20% effective during the period beginning on April 13, 2020 and ending on the earlier of October 1, 2020 or such time as the Board determines is appropriate. Additional information regarding these efforts is described in a Form8-K filed on April 8, 2020.

 

Board of Directors Annual Retainer

  

Cash

  

$45,000

Restricted Common Stock

$70,000

Total

  

$70,000

115,000

Total

$115,000

Committee Chair Annual Cash Retainer

  

Chair of Audit or Compensation Committee

  

$20,000

Chair of Nominating/Governance or

Strategic Planning Committee

  

$10,000

Committee Member Annual Cash Retainer

  

$2,000

Independent Lead Director Annual Cash Retainer

  

$30,000

Cash Fee for Each Meeting Attended

Board Meeting

   $2,000

BoardCommittee Meeting

  

$2,000

Committee Meeting

500
 

$500

The following table sets forth compensation paid to ournon-employee directors for 2018:2019:

 

Name

  

Fees earned or paid in cash

 

  

Stock awards(1)(2)

 

  

All Other
Compensation

 

  

Total

 

  Fees earned or
paid in cash
  Stock awards (1)(2)  All Other
Compensation
  Total

Michael J. Jeary(3)

  $ 83,000   $ 70,000      $—    $ 153,000   $84,000   $      70,000   $      -   $      154,000

John Koegel

  115,500  70,000    —    185,500         118,000   70,000    -   188,000

Cherrie Nanninga

  94,500  70,000    —    164,500   93,500   70,000    -   163,500

Craig Phillips

  61,500  70,000    —    131,500   67,500   70,000    -   137,500

Bruce G. Pollack(3)

  64,750  93,333    —    158,083   69,500   70,000    -   139,500

Dennis E. Reaves

  67,500  70,000  29,500(6)  167,000   69,000   70,000    -   139,000

Michael J. Regan

  78,000  70,000    —    148,000   86,500   70,000    -   156,500

Sara Genster Robling (4)

  55,250      —    55,250

Michael Schnabel(3)

  62,750  93,333    —    156,083

William U. Westerfield(5)

  50,500      —    50,500

Michael Schnabel

   67,500   70,000    -   137,500

Ronald Shiftan(4)

   15,125   20,264    -   35,389

Note:

 (1)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards as determined under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification TopicNo. 718-20, Awards Classified as Equity, recognized by the Company for awards granted during 2018.2019. For information, including assumptions, regarding the valuation of these awards refer to Note IJ to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 20182019 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, and the Company’s discussion of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates under the heading “Share-based compensation” included on page 4143 of thatForm10-K.

 (2)

Consists of restricted stock awards valued at the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant.

 (3)

Messrs. Pollack and Schnabel were appointed toMr. Jeary resigned from the Board as of March 2, 2018, and received on March 8, 2018January 27, 2020. In connection with his resignation, the Compensation Committee accelerated the vesting of 3,800 shares, which represents apro-rated portion of his outstanding restricted stock awards valued at $23,333 in conjunction with their appointments.award based on the portion of the vesting period that he served on the Board.

 (4)

Ms. RoblingMr. Shiftan resigned from the Board as of December 31, 2018.

(5)

June 28, 2019. The compensation reported in this table reflects amounts received by Mr. Westerfield resignedShiftan from March 15, 2019, the date of his retirement as an executive of the Company, to his resignation from the Board as of September 30, 2018.

(6)

Represents fees paid to Mr. Reaves for consulting services provided to the Company in 2018.on June 28, 2019.

The following table sets forth the aggregate number of restricted shares of our common stock and shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options held by eachnon-employee director at December 31, 2018:2019:

 

  Name  Restricted shares  Vested stock options  Unvested stock options

 

Michael J. Jeary(1)

  5,364  25,000  --

 

John Koegel(1)

  5,364  --  --

 

Cherrie Nanninga(1)

  5,364  25,000  --

 

Craig Phillips(1)

  5,364  --  --

 

Bruce G. Pollack(2)

  7,086  --  --

 

Dennis E. Reaves(1)

  5,364  --  --

 

Michael J. Regan(1)

  5,364  --  --

 

Sara Genster Robling

  --  --  --

 

Michael Schnabel(2)

  7,086  --  --

 

William U. Westerfield

  --  --  --
  Name  Restricted shares  Vested stock options  Unvested stock options

Michael J. Jeary (1)

    7,600    –      –  

John Koegel (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Cherrie Nanninga (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Craig Phillips (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Bruce G. Pollack (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Dennis E. Reaves (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Michael J. Regan (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Michael Schnabel (1)

    7,600    –      –  

Ronald Shiftan (2)

    –      –      –  

Note:

(1)

Restricted shares were issued on June 28, 201827, 2019 and vest 100% on June 28, 2019.27, 2020.

(2)

1,722Mr. Shiftan resigned from the Board as of June 28, 2019, and the restricted shares granted to him were issued on March 8, 2018 to Messrs. Pollack and Schnabel and vested 100% on March 8, 2019 and 5,364 restricted shares were issued on June 28, 2018 and vest 100% on June 28, 2019.cancelled as a result.

The table of Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management sets forth the beneficial ownership of each director of our common stock at April 15, 2019.20, 2020.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

About Our Business

Lifetime Brands is a leading global provider of kitchenware, tableware and other products used in the home. We offer brands you trust, value without compromise and an unwavering commitment to innovation. Our products make it easier for you to prepare food, serve meals, entertain guests, and decorate your home.

We market products under well-known kitchenware brands, including Farberware, KitchenAid, Sabatier, Amco Houseworks, Chef’n, Chicago Metallic, Copco, Fred & Friends, Houdini, KitchenCraft, Kamenstein, Kizmos, MasterClass, Misto, Mossy Oak,Swing-A-Way, and Taylor Kitchen and Vasconia;Kitchen; respected tableware and giftware brands, including Mikasa, Pfaltzgraff, Fitz and Floyd, Creative Tops, Empire Silver, Gorham, International Silver, Kirk Stieff, Rabbit, Towle Silversmiths, Tuttle, Wallace, Wilton Armetale, V&A and Royal Botanic Gardens Kew; and valued home solutions brands, including BUILT NY, and Taylor. We also provide exclusive private label products to leading retailers worldwide.

Our products can be found in specialty stores, department stores, national chains, mass merchants, warehouse clubs, home centers, supermarkets andoff-price retailers, as well as our branded websites.

2018 Performance Highlights

In 2018, due in part to significant macroeconomic events, including European softness primarily due to Brexit and the inconsistent implementation of a new U.S. tariff program that prevented us from passing along timely price increases, as well as disappointing sales in our North American distribution channels due to stocking levels and inventory management decisions by retail customers, the Company did not achieve its financial goals for 2018. There were, however, a number of tangible benefits of the Company’s 2018 strategic goals achieved that were within the control of the Company and that served our stockholders well for fiscal 2018 and that we believe will continue to benefit stockholders in future years. These included:

Integration of the Filament business into the Company, with expected annual cost savings in excess of $11 million.

Wholesale restructuring of oure-commerce operations to efficiently promote products and brands.

Meaningful cost reductions across the Company.

Finalization of the European operations reorganization.

The Compensation Committee acknowledges the efforts of the named executive officers (“NEOs”) in helping the Company achieve the strategic objectives outlined above in 2018.

Our Executives

As previously announced and disclosed, as a result of the Filament Acquisition, the Company is led by Robert Kay, as Chief Executive Officer and Jeffrey Siegel, as Executive Chairman. Together our NEOsnamed executive officers (“NEOs”) are:

 

 

Robert B. Kay, Chief Executive Officer (since March 2018) and Director

 

Jeffrey Siegel, Executive Chairman of our Board and Director (and Chief Executive Officer until March 2018)

 

Ronald Shiftan, Former Vice Chairman of our Board, and Director (andand Chief Operating Officer until March 2019)

 

Daniel Siegel, President

 

Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice-President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

2019 Performance Highlights

In 2019, the Company’s core U.S. business performed solidly with growth over prior year in revenues and contribution margin. This was partially offset by challenges such as the impact of U.S. tariffs, Brexit uncertainty and a combination of reorganization costs and operational challenges in the Company’s U.K. based European business. While these operational challenges had been addressed by January 2020, the negative impacts of these challenges offset the growth in the U.S. business and resulted in basically flat EBITDA for the year over year period. Despite relatively flat EBITDA performance, the Company did exceed its objective of cash flow generation andde-leveraging for the year, and there were a number of tangible benefits of the Company’s 2019 strategic goals which included:

Launched commercial food service business in the U.S. on a large scale.

Implemented strategic program to drive business decisions for divisional wholesale U.S. business using common framework and metrics.

Strengthened Investor Relations function and increased outreach to shareholder community.

Restructured U.K. business with consolidation of eight warehouses into one.

The Compensation Committee acknowledges the efforts of the NEOs in helping the Company achieve the strategic objectives outlined above in 2019.

Say On Pay

In 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2018,2019, our Board provided stockholders with the opportunity to cast an advisory vote on executive compensation. Beginning in 2017, stockholders were provided an annual advisory vote on executive compensation. We received overwhelming support from our stockholders on the advisory vote in 2011, 2014, 2017 and 2018. At our most recent Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 28, 2018,27, 2019, approximately 90%96% of the votes cast, approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our NEOs. Although these votes werenon-binding and advisory, our Compensation Committee believes that the outcome strongly affirms stockholder support of our approach to executive compensation. In view of the overwhelming support demonstrated by the stockholders, our Board and Compensation Committee are continuing their existing approach to determining executive compensation when considering executive compensation decisions. The next advisory vote on executive compensation will occur at this year’s Annual Meeting. Both our Board and Compensation Committee expect to take into account the outcome of these votes when considering future executive compensation decisions.

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

Our compensation program has historically been designed to attract, reward and retain capable executives and to provide incentives for the attainment of short-term performance objectives and strategic long-term performance goals. A number of key principles guide management and our Compensation Committee in determining compensation for hiring, motivating, rewarding and retaining executive officers who create both short-term and long-term stockholder value, including:

 

 

A significant amount of compensation should be linked to measurable success in business performance;

 

Management’s interests should be aligned with those of the stockholders;

 

Both short-term and long-term financial and business objectives should be incentivizing; and

 

Compensation should be set at levels that will be competitive with the compensation offered by those companies against whom we compete for executive talent so that we are able to attract and retain experienced executives.

In an effort to balance the need to retain talent yet motivate executives to achieve superior performance, we have adopted a compensation philosophy that contains both fixed and variable elements of compensation. Our compensation philosophy is to reward executives with compensation aligned with our short-term and long-term financial goals and the establishment of performance targets that do not promote excessive risk-taking. The elements of our total executive compensation are base salary, cash bonus and stock incentives. The compensation program was designed to create a substantial percentage of variable compensation for executives, subject to increases or decreases based on the attainment of specified achievements and targets. Consistent with our goal of linking pay and performance, the target performance-based compensation components of our Chief Executive Officer and other NEOs amounted to 48% and 51%, respectively, of their total compensation for 2018.

Our Compensation Committee uses its judgment in allocating compensation between long- and short-term incentives and cash andnon-cash components. Although long-term incentives are considered of great significance in aligning performance with stockholder interests, they have traditionally been a smaller component of aggregate compensation. The Compensation Committee has also historically awarded larger long-term incentive compensation awards, as consideration for NEOs entering into a new employment agreement.

The following charts indicate the elements Based on 2019 target compensation, long-term incentives for our Chief Executive Officer comprised 54% of his total compensation for 2019 (with 19% attributable to stock options, 20% attributable to restricted stock, and mix15% attributable to performance share awards), while short-term incentives comprised 46% of his total compensation for 2019 (with 21% attributable to base salary, 24% attributable to annual bonus, and 1% attributable to other compensation). Based on 2019 target compensation, long-term incentives for all other NEOs (excluding Mr. Shiftan) comprised 26% of their total compensation for 2019 (with 24% attributable to restricted stock and 2% attributable to performance share awards), while short-term incentives comprised 74% of their total compensation for 2019 (with 34% attributable to base salary, 37% attributable to annual bonus, and 3% attributable to other compensation). In addition, based on 2019 target compensation, 39% of our Chief Executive OfficerOfficer’s 2019 compensation consisted of performance-based compensation and 38% of all other NEOs for 2018:

Chief Executive Officer - 2018 Target Compensation

All Other Named Executive Officers (Average) -

2018 Target Compensation

LOGOLOGO

NEOs’ 2019 compensation (excluding Mr. Shiftan) consisted of performance-based compensation (which, in each case, includes target annual bonus and the target award value of performance shares granted).

Note:ROLE OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

(1)

Long-term compensation includes time-based vesting restricted shares, options and performance share awards subject to performance vesting conditions.

(2)

Short-term compensation includes base salary, annual bonuses and other compensation.

(3)

Performance-based compensation includes performance share awards subject to performance vesting conditions and annual bonuses.

Our Compensation Committee has the authority to review and approve compensation principles and practices that apply generally to our executives and senior employees. Our Compensation Committee reviews corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer, evaluates their performance in light of the established goals and objectives and approves their annual compensation. It also reviews the corporate goals and objectives established by our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer relevant to the compensation of all other executive officers and all direct reports of the Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer and Chief OperatingExecutive Officer. Based primarily on the evaluations and recommendations of our Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Operating Officer of the performance of such executive officers and direct reports in light of the established goals and objectives, our Compensation Committee approves their annual compensation. It also reviews the evaluation process and compensation structure for the other members of our senior management and provides oversight regarding management’s decisions concerning the performance and compensation of such members of senior management. Our Compensation Committee takes into account and considers reports of its independent compensation consultant, Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (“Pearl Meyer”), as to the elements of compensation among our peer group of companies (discussed under Role of Compensation Consultant) and the proportion of each component relative to the total compensation.

ROLE OF COMPENSATION CONSULTANT

Our Compensation Committee has engaged Pearl Meyer as its independent outside compensation consultant to provide services related to executive andnon-employee director compensation. Pearl Meyer does not provide other services unless approved by our Compensation Committee.

Pearl Meyer assists our Compensation Committee in its evaluation of our compensation philosophy and with the development of relevant metrics used by our Compensation Committee to assure internal pay equity and market parity. It also provides compensation data and information relative to our peer group.

As required under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, our Compensation Committee analyzed whether the services of Pearl Meyer could result in any conflicts of interest, giving consideration to the following factors:

 

 

Pearl Meyer does not provide any services to us other than as approved by our Compensation Committee;

 

The fees we paid amount to less than 1% of Pearl Meyer’s total revenue for the applicable period;

 

The policies and procedures of our Compensation Committee were designed to ensure independence;

 

Pearl Meyer does not have any business or personal relationship with any of our executive officers or any member of our Compensation Committee; and

 

Neither Pearl Meyer nor any of its consultants who provide services to our Compensation Committee own any of our stock.

Our Compensation Committee has determined that the services of Pearl Meyer, including the individual compensation advisors employed by it, have not created any conflicts of interest. On an annual basis, our Compensation Committee will continue to monitor the independence of its compensation consultant.

PEER GROUP DEVELOPMENT

Pearl Meyer developed a peer group of companies with characteristics generally comparable to our revenue and market capitalization for review and approval by our Compensation Committee. The peer group is comprised of the following companies:

 

 

Acushnet Holdings Corp.

 

Callaway Golf Company

 

Crocs, Inc.

 

Delta Apparel, Inc.

 

Hamilton Beach Brands Holding Co.

 

Helen of Troy Limited

 

JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

 

Johnson Outdoors Inc.

 

Lands’ End, Inc.

 

Libbey Inc.

 

Movado Group, Inc.

 

Oxford Industries, Inc.

 

The Buckle, Inc.

 

Tupperware Brands Corp.

Perry Ellis International, Inc. (privately-held as of October 22, 2018)

Our Compensation Committee believes that the companies included in the peer group are the most comparable public companies; however, most of our direct competitors are either smaller, international or privately-held. Our Compensation Committee considers the competitive data compiled by Pearl Meyer as reference points, but does not “benchmark” to specific pay levels when establishing goals and objectives relevant to our compensation policy.

ELEMENTS OF COMPENSATION

Salary

Salary is intended to compensate our executives for performance of core job responsibilities and duties.

The base salaries of Jeffrey Siegel, Robert B. Kay and Ronald Shiftan are fixed by employment agreements that were negotiated between Messrs. Siegel, Kay and Shiftan and our Compensation Committee. The amount and components of aggregate compensation for comparable positions in our peer group of companies as well as the preferences of Messrs. Siegel, Kay and Shiftan were taken into account by our Compensation Committee in determining their compensation.

In determining Mr. Siegel’s base salary, our Compensation Committee took into account Mr. Siegel’s long-standing executive role with us, his extensive knowledge of and experience in the housewares industry and his role in directing our growth. Our Compensation Committee views Mr. Siegel as one of the most experienced and successful executives in the housewares industry.

In determining Mr. Kay’s base salary, our Compensation Committee took into account Mr. Kay’s role with Filament, as described above, and his role with us, his extensive knowledge of and experience in the housewares industry and his role in directing our growth.

In determining Mr. Shiftan’s base salary, our Compensation Committee took into account his significant role in developing, structuring and implementing our growth and acquisition strategies. Our Compensation Committee also considered Mr. Shiftan’s role in assisting Mr. Siegel in various aspects of our business.

The base salaries of Daniel Siegel and Laurence Winoker are also set forth in their employment agreements. The employment agreements were negotiated between Messrs. Siegel and Winoker with the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with our Compensation Committee. The salaries set forth in their employment agreements were determined by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with our Compensation Committee, taking into consideration their roles and responsibilities within the Company, as well as the amount and components of aggregate compensation for comparable positions in our peer group of companies. Pursuant to the terms of Daniel Siegel’s employment agreement, Mr. Siegel’s annual rate of base salary was increased from $512,500 to $550,000 effective July 1, 2019.

Changes to Salary for 2020

In connection with certain cost reduction efforts in light of the effects of theCOVID-19 pandemic on our business, our NEOs have voluntarily taken temporary base salary reductions. The base salaries of Messrs. Kay and Jeffrey Siegel were reduced by 20%, and the base salaries of Messrs. Daniel Siegel and Laurence Winoker were reduced by 12.5%. This reduction is effective during the period beginning on April 13, 2020 and ending on the earlier of October 1, 2020 or such time as the Board, in the case of Messrs. Kay and Jeffrey Siegel, and Mr. Kay, in the case of Messrs. Daniel Siegel and Laurence Winoker determines is appropriate. These temporary reductions will not apply to the calculation of any annual bonus or severance or termination payments under each NEO’s employment agreement, which will be calculated based on the base salary in effect prior to the reductions. Additional information regarding these reductions is described in a Form8-K filed on April 8, 2020.

Annual Bonuses

Annual bonuses are intended to compensate an executive for achievement of specific performance goals for a specified performance period.period and are based on achievement of a Company performance metric and individual performance goals. Bonuses are awarded underpursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan (the “2000 Bonus Plan”) and each executive’s employment agreement and areagreement. For 2019, our Compensation Committee determined that the Company performance metric applicable to annual bonuses would be based on achievementAdjusted EBITDA (as defined below), rather than our income before income taxes and equity in earnings (“Adjusted IBIT”), which served as the Company performance metric for prior years. All of Adjusted IBITour NEOs other than Mr. Shiftan were eligible to receive annual bonuses for 2019. Pursuant to the terms of the Retirement Agreement (as defined below), Mr. Shiftan was not eligible to receive an annual bonus for 2019.

The term “Adjusted EBITDA” means the Company’s adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and individual performance goals.amortization, as determined by the Company and derived from the Company’s audited financial statements, adjusted to exclude equity in earnings of investments,non-cash goodwill impairment expense,non-cash share based compensation expense,non-cash inventory SKU rationalization charge, restructuring expenses, integration expenses, warehouse relocation expenses, and acquisition and divestment related expense.

Our Compensation Committee has determined that Adjusted IBIT bestEBITDA is an appropriate measure because the Company uses this financial measure in evaluating the Company’son-going financial results and trends. In addition, management uses thisnon-GAAP information as an indicator of business performance. It is also one of the measures the efforts and productivity of Messrs. Kay, Jeffrey Siegel, Shiftan, Daniel Siegel and Winoker. The term “Adjusted IBIT,” as it appliesused to any particular year, means that amount for such year equalcalculate financial covenants required to be provided to the Company’s income before income taxes and equity in earnings, as reported in our Form10-K, subjectlenders pursuant to such adjustments as are set forth in the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year.

its credit facilities. In determining to use Adjusted IBITEBITDA as the Company performance measure,metric, our Compensation Committee was also guided by the extent to which this measuremetric is within the control of the respective named executive officer.

For the purpose of establishing the targetamount of the annual bonus payable based on Adjusted IBITEBITDA for the NEOs entitled to cash bonus incentive awards in a given year,annual bonuses, our Compensation Committee considered data provided by

Pearl Meyer as to practices among our peer group of companies.Meyer. Our Compensation Committee also relied on our annual budget, which was approved by our Board, in establishing the thresholds, targets and maximum bonuses tied to achievement of these targets for our executives.

Each NEO’s employment agreement provides for a target annual bonus based on Adjusted EBITDA (“Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus”) and a target annual bonus based on individual goal achievement (“Individual Goal Target Bonus”).

The portion of the NEOs.

In additionAdjusted EBITDA Target Bonus payable to each executive for each year (the “Annual Adjusted IBIT, individual goals are established for Messrs. Jeffrey Siegel, Kay and ShiftanEBITDA Performance Bonus”), if any, is based on an Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Table prepared by our Compensation Committee. With respectCommittee and the annual budget reviewed and approved by the Board. If the target Adjusted EBITDA goal is achieved, the executive receives 100% of the Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus; if threshold Adjusted EBITDA is achieved, the executive receives 50% of the executive’s Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus; and if maximum performance is achieved, in the case of Messrs. Kay, Jeffrey Siegel, and Winoker, the executive receives 200% of the Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus, and in the case of Mr. Daniel Siegel, the executive receives 150% of the Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus. Each executive is entitled to receive sliding scale percentages of the Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus set forth in the Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus Table based upon Adjusted EBITDA being more than the threshold Adjusted EBITDA but less than the target Adjusted EBITDA, or more than the target Adjusted EBITDA but less than the maximum Adjusted EBITDA. The Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus for any year will be zero if the Adjusted EBITDA achieved by the Company for such year is less than the threshold Adjusted EBITDA goal for such year, and in no event will an Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus be more than 200% of the Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus, in the case of Messrs. Kay, Jeffrey Siegel, and Winoker, and 150% of the Adjusted EBITDA Target Bonus in the case of Mr. Daniel Siegel, individual goalsSiegel.

The portion of the Individual Goal Target Bonus payable to each executive for each year (the “Annual Individual Goal Bonus”), if any, is determined based on financial andthe executive’s satisfaction of individual performance objectives are establishedset by our Compensation Committee, in the Chief Executive Officercase of Messrs. Kay and Jeffrey Siegel, and Mr. Kay in consultation with our Compensation Committee. The weighting for the Adjusted IBIT and individual goal components of annual bonuses is shownCommittee, in the table below.case of Messrs. Daniel Siegel and Winoker. If each executive satisfies at least 50% of such objectives, he is entitled to an Annual Individual Goal Bonus equal to at least 50% of the Individual Goal Target Bonus, and if he meets less than 50% of such objectives, he is not entitled to receive any Annual Individual Goal Bonus. The individual goals established for each of the NEOs for 20182019 are discussed below. At the end of the 20182019 fiscal year, Messrs. Kay and Jeffrey Siegel prepared written materials for our Compensation Committee with their assessments of whether their respective individual goals were achieved during the year. Our Compensation Committee reviewed these materials and assessed independently the extent to which their individual goals were achieved.

For each NEO eligible to receive an annual bonus for 2019, the weighting for both of the Adjusted EBITDA and Individual Goal components are shown in the table below.

Executive  Adjusted IBIT
Weighting
 Individual Bonus
Weighting

Robert Kay

  78% 22%

Jeffrey Siegel

  80% 20%

Ronald Shiftan

  86% 14%

Daniel Siegel

  67% 33%

Laurence Winoker

  60% 40%

   

Executive

      Adjusted EBITDA Weighting as a % of Target               Individual Goals Weighting as a % of Target         
   

Robert Kay

  78%  22%
   

Jeffrey Siegel

  80%  20%
   

Daniel Siegel

  67%  33%
   

Laurence Winoker

  60%  40%

As set forth in detail in the table below, we achieved an Adjusted IBITEBITDA of $11.464$64.064 million for the 20182019 fiscal year, which was belowabove the threshold performance level of the plan of $14.239 million.$62.950 million but

below the target level. Adjusted IBITEBITDA for 20182019 is equal to the Company’s incomeearnings before incomeinterest, taxes, depreciation, and equity in earnings,amortization, as reported in our Form10-K,determined by the Company and derived from the Company’s audited financial statements and adjusted to includeexclude equity in earnings of investments, before local and U.S. taxes and adjusted to exclude acquisition costs,non-cash goodwill impairment expense,non-cash share based compensation expense,non-cash inventory SKU rationalization charge, restructuring expenses, loss on retirement of debtintegration expenses, warehouse relocation expenses, and acquisition and divestment related bonuses.expense. Adjusted IBITEBITDA is anon-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation of the Company’s net income before income taxes and equity in earnings (the most directly comparable GAAP measure) to Adjusted IBITEBITDA for 20182019 is included in Appendix A.

 

    

 

2018 Annual Bonus Metric and Achievement

Financial

Metric

  

Threshold

  Performance  

Level

  

Target

  Performance  

Level

  

150%

  Performance  

Level

  200%
  Performance
   Level
  

Actual

  Performance  

Achieved

  % of
Target
       

Adjusted IBIT

 

  

$14,238,500

 

  

$28,477,000

 

  

$42,715,500

 

  

$56,954,000

 

  

$11,464,000

 

  

0

 

As further described below, although no portion of annual bonuses based on Adjusted IBIT was payable to the NEOs for 2018, Messrs. Kay, Jeffrey Siegel, Daniel Siegel, and Winoker received annual bonuses on account of their achievement of at least 50% of their individual performance goals. Our Compensation Committee determined that in order to further incentivize retention, such bonuses would be paid in the form of restricted stock subject to a one year vesting period, rather than in the form of cash.

Robert Kay

Mr. Kay’s employment agreement entitles him to receive (a) an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus at a target of 87.5% of base salary based on an Adjusted IBIT Performance Table prepared by our Compensation Committee and the annual budget reviewed and approved by our Board and (b) an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measureable objectives (discussed below for 2018). Pursuant to the employment agreement, the threshold Adjusted IBIT for any year would be 50% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Kay to receive 50% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Similarly, the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year would be 200% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Kay to receive 200% of the Adjusted IBIT target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Mr. Kay will be entitled to receive the sliding scale percentages of the Adjusted IBIT Target Bonus set forth in the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table based upon Adjusted IBIT being more than the threshold Adjusted IBIT but less than the target Adjusted IBIT, or more than the target Adjusted IBIT but less than the maximum Adjusted IBIT; provided that, the Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any year will be zero if the Adjusted IBIT achieved by the Company for such year is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT for such year, and in no event will an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any year be more than 200% of the Adjusted IBIT target bonus for such year even if the Adjusted IBIT achieved by the Company for such year exceeds the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year.

Mr. Kay’s employment agreement entitles him to receive an Annual Individual Goal Bonus up to a maximum of 25% of his base salary for each year based on meeting individual measurable objectives set by our Compensation Committee. If Mr. Kay satisfies at least 50% of such objectives, he is entitled to an Annual Individual Goal Bonus equal to at least 50% of the maximum Individual Goal Bonus. If Mr. Kay meets less than 50% of such objectives, he is not entitled to receive any Annual Individual Goal Bonus.

  
   2019 Annual Bonus Metric and Achievement 

Financial

Metric

 

Threshold

Performance

Level

  

Target

Performance

Level

  

Maximum

Performance

Level

(D. Siegel and Winoker)

  

Maximum

Performance

Level (Kay and J.

Siegel)

  

Actual

Performance

Achieved

  

Payout % of

Adjusted EBITDA
Target Bonus

 
     

Adjusted EBITDA

 $62,950,000  $75,000,000  $87,050,000  $99,100,000  $64,064,000   55

Mr. Kay’s individual goals for 20182019 included: integrating Filament’s operations with those ofachieving efficiencies in UK operations; developing a strategic planning process; implementing the Company, achievement of certain synergies relatedStrategic Thinking and Results Program (a program for line managers intended to focus business decisions based on a common framework and metrics) in every division in the sales of Filament and the Company, improving the performance of certain aspects of our European operations, and reducingU.S. wholesale business; strengthening the Company’s leverage.investor relations program; developing a food service initiative in the U.S. market; developing a strategy for expansion in specificnon-U.S. regions; and implementing a process for identifying and pursuing strategic acquisitions. Our Compensation Committee evaluated Mr. Kay’s achievement of his individual performance objectivesgoals and determined that at least 50% of the objectivesgoals were met.

For 2018, Mr. Kay was awarded 20,000 shares of restricted stock, subject to an additional one year vesting period, based upon his attainment of at least 50% of his individual performance objectives. In determining the number of shares to award Mr. Kay, our Compensation Committee considered the extent to which he achieved each of his individual goals, his extraordinary efforts in integrating Filament with the Company, and the additional vesting conditions imposed on the restricted stock. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted IBIT amounted to $11.464 million, which is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT, resulting in no Adjusted IBIT bonus. The details of the results of Mr. Kay’s full bonus payment opportunity (including his individual target bonus opportunity) are provided in the table below.

    

 

Bonus Opportunity

 

    
    Threshold   Target   Maximum   Actual
Bonus Paid(1) 
  % of
Target 
      

TOTAL

  $450,000  $900,000  $1,600,000  $181,200  20%
      

Individual

  100,000  200,000  200,000  181,200  91%
      

Adjusted IBIT

  350,000  700,000  1,400,000  -    0%

(1) Based on the closing price per share on the date of grant of the restricted stock award for 20,000 shares.

Jeffrey Siegel

Jeffrey Siegel’s employment agreement, as amended, entitles him to receive (a) an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus at a target of 100% of base salary based on an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table prepared by our Compensation Committee and the annual budget reviewed and approved by our Board and (b) an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives (discussed below for 2018). Pursuant to Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement, as amended, the threshold Adjusted IBIT for any such year would be 50% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Siegel to receive 50% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Similarly, the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year would be 200% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Siegel to receive 200% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. The employment agreement, as amended, also provides that the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year would be zero if the Adjusted IBIT we achieved for such year was less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT for such year, and in no event will an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year be more than the maximum target bonus for such year even if the Adjusted IBIT we achieved for such year exceeds the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year.

Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement, as amended, further entitles him to receive an Annual Individual Goal Bonus up to a maximum of 25% of his base salary for such year based on meeting individual measurable performance objectives set by our Compensation Committee in consultation with Mr. Siegel. If Mr. Siegel satisfies at least 50% of such objectives, he is entitled to an Annual Individual Goal Bonus equal to 12.5% of his base salary for such year. If Mr. Siegel meets less than 50% of such objectives, he is not entitled to receive any Annual Individual Goal Bonus for such year.

Mr. Siegel’s individual goals for 20182019 included: integrating Filament’s operationsimplementing methods to increase profitability and the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization; enhancing the Company’s relationships with those of the Company, achievementcertain retailers; exploring new business opportunities; and developing methodologies to improve sales of certain synergies related to the sales of Filament and the Company, improving the performance of certain aspects of our European operations, and reducing the Company’s leverage.products. Our Compensation Committee evaluated Mr. Siegel’s achievement of his individual performance objectivesgoals and determined that at least 50% of the objectivesgoals were met.

For 2018, Mr. Siegel was awarded 20,000 shares of restricted stock, subject to an additional one year vesting period, based upon his attainment of at least 50% of his individual performance objectives. In determining the number of shares to award Mr. Siegel, our Compensation Committee considered the extent to which he achieved each of his individual goals, his extraordinary efforts in integrating Filament with the Company, and the additional vesting conditions imposed on the restricted stock. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted IBIT amounted to $11.464 million, which is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT, resulting in no Adjusted IBIT bonus. The details of the results of Mr. Siegel’s full bonus payment opportunity (including individual target bonus opportunity) are provided in the table below.

    

 

Bonus Opportunity

    
    

 

Threshold 

  

 

Target 

  

 

Maximum 

  

 

Actual
Bonus Paid(1) 

  

 

% of
Target 

      

TOTAL

  $618,750  $1,237,500  $2,227,500  $181,200  15%
      

Individual

  123,750  247,500  247,500  181,200  73%
      

Adjusted IBIT

  495,000  990,000  1,980,000  -    0%

(1) Based on the closing price per share on the date of grant of the restricted stock award for 20,000 shares.

Ronald Shiftan

Mr. Shiftan’s third amended and restated employment agreement entitles Mr. Shiftan to receive (a) an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus at a target of 90% of base salary based on an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table prepared by our Compensation Committee and the annual budget reviewed and approved by our Board and (b) an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives (discussed below for 2018). Pursuant to Mr. Shiftan’s third amended and restated employment agreement, the threshold Adjusted IBIT for any such year would be 50% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Shiftan to receive 50% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Similarly, the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year would be 200% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Shiftan to receive 200% of the base salary payable for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Mr. Shiftan’s third amended and restated employment agreement also provides that the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year would be zero if the Adjusted IBIT we achieved for such year was less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT for such year, and in no event will an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year be more than the maximum target bonus for such year even if the Adjusted IBIT we achieved for such year exceeds the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year.

Mr. Shiftan’s third amended and restated employment agreement further entitles him to receive an Annual Individual Goal Bonus up to a maximum of 15% of his base salary for such year based on meeting individual measurable objectives set by the Chief Executive Officer and monitored by our Compensation Committee. If Mr. Shiftan satisfies at least 50% of such objectives, he is entitled to an Annual Individual Goal Bonus equal to at least 7.5% of his base salary for such year. If Mr. Shiftan meets less than 50% of such objectives, he is not entitled to receive any Annual Individual Goal Bonus for such year.

Our Compensation Committee evaluated Mr. Shiftan’s achievement of his individual performance objectives and determined that because Mr. Shiftan’s focus in 2018 was on transitioning his duties and responsibilities in light of his pending retirement, less than 50% of the objectives were met, resulting in no 2018 bonus. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted IBIT amounted to $11.464 million, which is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT, resulting in no Adjusted IBIT bonus. The details of the results of Mr. Shiftan’s full bonus payment opportunity (including individual target bonus opportunity) are provided in the table below.

    

 

Bonus Opportunity

    
    

 

Threshold 

  

 

Target 

  

 

Maximum 

  

 

Actual

Bonus Paid 

  

 

% of
Target 

TOTAL

  $341,250   $682,500  $1,397,500  $-    0%

Individual

  48,750   97,500  97,500  -    0%

Adjusted IBIT

  292,500   585,000  1,300,000  -    0%

Daniel Siegel

Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement entitles Mr. Siegel to receive (a) an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus at a target of 75% of his base salary based on an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table prepared by the Chief Executive Officer and the annual budget reviewed and approved by our Board and (b) an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives (discussed below for 2018). Pursuant to the employment agreement, the threshold Adjusted IBIT would be 50% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Siegel to receive 50% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Similarly, the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year would be 150% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Siegel to receive 150% of the target bonus for such year, consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Table for such year. The employment agreement, as amended, also provides that Mr. Siegel is entitled to receive sliding scale percentages of the target bonus set forth in the Adjusted IBIT Performance Table based upon Adjusted IBIT being more than the threshold Adjusted IBIT but less than the target Adjusted IBIT, or more than the target Adjusted IBIT but less than the maximum Adjusted IBIT. The Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year will be zero if the Adjusted IBIT achieved by the Company for such year is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT for such year, and in no event will an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year be more than the maximum target bonus for such year even if the Adjusted IBIT achieved by the Company for such year exceeds the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year.

Mr. Siegel is also entitled to receive an Annual Individual Goal Bonus up to a maximum of 37.5% of his base salary for such year based on meeting individual measurable objectives set by the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with Mr. Siegel, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer in his sole discretion; provided, however, if, in the sole discretion of the Chief Executive Officer, (y) Mr. Siegel meets at least 50% of such objectives, he shall be entitled to an Annual Individual Goal Bonus equal to not less than 18.75% of his base salary for such year and (z) Mr. Siegel meets less than 50% of such objectives, he shall not be entitled to receive any Annual Individual Goal Bonus for such year.

Mr. Siegel’s individual goals for 20182019 included: improving our core U.S. sales; refining the U.S. sales organization, improving the alignment at retailers between divisionsorganization;re-focusing category management to strategic and sales, developing innovation in all areasmarketing orientation; reducing costs related to meetings and trade shows; establishing methods of the Company, fulfilling his responsibility for our trade shows and showrooms, including integration of Filament in certain trade shows while achieving cost savings, keeping the Board updated with respect toenhanced market research using research data analytics and reducing the costs of such market research to the Company; and enhancing brand development and coordination, and coordinating, developing, and delivering strategic plan presentations to our Board. The amount payable in connection with individual goals was subject to adjustment if our net incomesales strategies for the year was less than $10 million.certain lines of business. Our Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with our Compensation Committee, evaluated Mr. Siegel’s achievement of his individual performance objectivesgoals and determined that at least 50% of the objectivesgoals were met.

For 2018, Mr. Siegel was awarded 14,000 shares of restricted stock, subject to an additional one year vesting period, based upon his attainment of at least 50% of his individual performance objectives. In determining the number of shares to award Mr. Siegel, our Compensation Committee considered the extent to which he achieved each of his individual goals, his extraordinary efforts in integrating Filament with the Company, and the additional vesting conditions imposed on the restricted stock. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted IBIT amounted to $11.464 million, which is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT, resulting in no Adjusted IBIT bonus. The details of the results of Mr. Siegel’s full bonus payment opportunity (including individual target bonus opportunity) are provided in the table below.

    

 

Bonus Opportunity

    
    

 

Threshold

  

 

Target

  

 

Maximum

  

 

Actual
Bonus Paid (1)

  

 

% of
Target

      

TOTAL

  $288,281  $576,563  $768,750  $126,840  22%
      

Individual    

  96,094  192,188  192,188  126,840  66%
      

Adjusted IBIT

  192,188  384,375  576,563  -    0%

(1) Based on the closing price per share on the date of grant of the restricted stock award for 14,000 shares.

Laurence Winoker

Mr. Winoker’s amended and restated employment agreement entitles Mr. Winoker to receive (a) an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus at a target of 37.5% of his base salary based on an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table prepared by the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer and the annual budget reviewed and approved by our Board and (b) an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives (discussed below for 2018). Pursuant to the amended and restated employment agreement, the threshold Adjusted IBIT for any such year would be 50% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Winoker to receive 50% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. Similarly, the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year would be 150% of the target Adjusted IBIT for such year which, if achieved, would entitle Mr. Winoker to receive 200% of the target bonus for such year consistent with the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus Table for such year. The amended and restated employment agreement also provides that Mr. Winoker is entitled to receive sliding scale percentages of the target bonus set forth in the Adjusted IBIT Performance Table based upon Adjusted IBIT being more than the threshold Adjusted IBIT but less than the target Adjusted IBIT, or more than the target Adjusted IBIT but less than the maximum Adjusted IBIT. The amended and restated employment agreement also provides that the Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year would be zero if the Adjusted IBIT we achieved for such year was less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT for such year, and in no event will an Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for any such year be more than the maximum target bonus for such year even if the Adjusted IBIT achieved by the Company for such year exceeds the maximum Adjusted IBIT for such year.

Mr. Winoker’s amended and restated employment agreement further entitles him to receive an Annual Individual Goal Bonus up to a maximum of 25% of his base salary for such year based on meeting individual measurable objectives set by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer. If Mr. Winoker satisfies at least 50% of such objectives, he is entitled to an Annual Individual Goal Bonus equal to at least 12.5% of his base salary for such year. If Mr. Winoker meets less than 50% of such objectives, he is not entitled to receive any Annual Individual Goal Bonus for such year.

Mr. Winoker’s individual goals for 20182019 included: successfully integrating Filament’srestructuring the Company’s accounting function to ensure accurate and finance functions into thosetimely financial reporting and control, redesign of the Company; improvingCompany’s internal management reports; redesign of the Company’s financial planning and analysis function to reflect the Company’s restructuring following the Filament acquisition; and performing certain responsibilities related toassisting Mr. Kay in strengthening the Company’s investor relations. The amount payable in connection with individual goals was subject to adjustment if our net income for the year is less than $10 million.relations program. Our Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with our Compensation Committee, evaluated Mr. Winoker’s achievement of his individual performance objectivesgoals and determined that at least 50% of the objectivesgoals were met.

For 2018, Mr. Winoker

The Compensation Committee determined that in order to further incentivize retention, a portion of each NEO’s annual bonus was awarded 8,000 sharespaid in the form of restricted stock subject to an additionala one year vesting period, based upon his attainment of at least 50% of his individual performance objectives. In determining the number of shares to award Mr. Winoker, our Compensation Committee considered the extent to which he achieved each of his individual goals, his extraordinary efforts in integrating Filament with the Company, and the additional vesting conditions imposed on the restricted stock. For the year ended December 31, 2018, Adjusted IBIT amounted to $11.464 million, whichrather than cash. Each NEO’s 2019 annual bonus is less than the threshold Adjusted IBIT, resulting in no Adjusted IBIT bonus. The details of the results of Mr. Winoker’s full bonus payment opportunity (including individual target bonus opportunity) are providedset forth in the table below.

 

    Bonus Opportunity    
    Threshold   Target   Maximum   Actual
Bonus  Paid(1) 
  % of
Target

TOTAL

  $132,813  $265,625  $425,000  $72,840  27%

Individual

  53,125  106,250  106,250  72,840  69%

Adjusted IBIT

  79,688  159,375  318,750  -    0%
Executive Annual Adjusted
EBITDA
Performance
Bonus Achieved
 Annual Individual Goal
Bonus Achieved
 Total Annual Bonus
Achieved
 Value of
Cash
Payment
 Value of
Restricted
Shares
Granted(1)
 Number of
Restricted
Shares
Granted
 % of Target
Award
Achieved
     

Robert Kay

 $385,000 $150,925 $535,925 $145,500 $390,425 61,195 60%
     

Jeffrey Siegel

 $544,500 $193,916 $738,416 $200,475 $537,941 84,317 60%
     

Daniel Siegel

 $219,141 $133,078 $352,219 $95,625 $256,594 40,218 59%
     

Laurence Winoker

 $87,656 $67,907 $155,563 $42,234 $113,329 17,763 59%
(1)

Based on the closing price per share on the date of grant of the restricted shares granted in lieu of cash and reflects approximately 73% of the total annual bonus achieved.

(1) Based on the closing price per share on the date of grant of the restricted stock award for 8,000 shares.

Equity Compensation

Equity compensation is intended to incentivize and to promote alignment between our employees and our stockholders. Additionally, performance shares reward executives if the Company achieves specified performance goals, and stock options and restricted stock are also aimed atincentivize retention asbased on the vesting period or the period during which the restrictions lapse, which generally ranges from one to four years.

Our Compensation Committee granted stock options, performance shares and/or restricted stockequity awards to Robert Kay, Jeffrey Siegel, Robert Kay, Ronald Shiftan, Daniel Siegel and Laurence Winoker in connection with their entering into their respective employment agreements. In addition, each NEO generally receives an annual equity compensation grant once a year in connection with annual performance reviews based on an assessment of such person’s individual performance and, where appropriate, the performance of such person’s business unit (division), as well as our overall performance and the dilutive effect of the equity awards.

Our annual equity compensation program generally consists of a mix of 50% time-based restricted stock awards and 50% performance-based stock awards.awards called performance shares. The performance shares provide an opportunity for shares to be earned at the end of a three-year performance period ifpre-established financial goals are met. These goals have been tailored to be difficultchallenging to achieve, so as to incentivize our NEOs to maximize their performance. Net sales and adjusted EBITDA (each with a 50% weighting) were established as performance metrics for our performance share awards granted in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2018,2019, each with a three-year performance period. Following the Filament Acquisition, our Compensation Committee increased the net sales and adjusted EBITDA performance targets applicable to our performance share awards granted in 20162017 and 20172018 to account for the addition of Filament. The final number of shares earned pursuant to a performance share award is dependent on the cumulative net sales and cumulative adjusted EBITDA results over the three-year performance period with threshold, target and maximum awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the target number of performance shares awarded on the grant date. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is anon-GAAP financial measure. A reconciliation of Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP measure for 20182019 is included in Appendix A.

Our performance for the performance-based stock awardsshares granted in 20162017 for the three-year performance period that ended on December 31, 2018,2019, resulted in the following percentage payouts:

 

    

Performance Metrics

  Weight  Target (in thousands)  Actual (in thousands)  % Target  Weight  Target (in
thousands)
  Actual (in
thousands)
  % Target
Achieved

Net Sales

  50%  $1,997,200  $1,876,637  94.0%  50%  $2,227,600  $2,018,920  90.7%

Adjusted EBITDA

  50%  $171,000  $140,341  82.1%  50%  $210,000  157,925  75.2%

Actual performance share awards earned for the 2017 performance cycle are shown in the table below for each executive.

    
Executive  Performance Shares
Target
  Performance Shares
Earned as a % of
Target
  Actual Performance
Shares Earned

Robert Kay(1)

  -  -  -

Jeffrey Siegel

  6,000  83%  4,978

Ronald Shiftan(2)

  6,000  57%  3,407

Daniel Siegel

  6,000  83%  4,978

Laurence Winoker

  4,000  83%  3,319

(1)  Mr. Kay was not employed by the Company at the time of grant for the 2017 performance cycle.

(2)  Pursuant to the terms of the Retirement Agreement and Mr. Shiftan’s deferred performance share agreement, payment of Mr. Shiftan’s performance shares waspro-rated, based on the portion of the performance period that he was employed by the Company.

In addition to the typical annual equity awards described above, our Compensation Committee decided to grant to Mr. Kay an award of stock options, which vests over three years. In determining this grant, the Compensation Committee considered the following additional factors: Mr. Kay’s assumption of direct responsibility for legal, finance, supply chain, and human resources functions in connection with Mr. Shiftan’s retirement; Mr. Kay’s continued leadership in connection with the integration of the Filament business, including his achievement of synergies in excess of budgeted amounts; and Mr. Kay’s assumption of certain of Jeffrey Siegel’s responsibilities over the three year vesting period of the award.

In lieu of the typical annual equity awards described above, Mr. Jeffrey Siegel received a restricted stock award in connection with entering into a new employment agreement with us and did not receive any performance shares. The restricted stock award vests in equal installments over the term of the new employment agreement withone-third of the award vesting on each of December 31, 2020, December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2022.

Other Compensation

We maintain a defined contribution 401(k) plan for all employees, including the NEOs. We also offer perquisites that we believe are customary and reasonable, such as Company-paid automobile expenses, and with respect to Messrs. Jeffrey Siegel, Kay and Shiftan, reimbursement or payment of certain insurance and professional expenses.

ACCOUNTING AND TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for compensation in excess of $1 million paid to any of the company’s chief executive officer and certain other executive officers. Prior to the effectiveness of the 2017 Tax CutsCut and Jobs Act, performance-based compensation satisfying certain requirements was not subject to this deduction limitation. Effective January 1, 2018, the performance-based compensation exception is not available to public companies, except for certain limited grandfathered arrangements. We periodically review potential consequences of Section 162(m).

POLICY REGARDING RESTATEMENTS

We do not have a formal policy regarding adjustment or recovery of awards or payments if the relevant performance measures upon which they are based are restated or otherwise adjusted in a manner that would reduce the size of the award or payment. Under those circumstances, our Board or our Compensation Committee would evaluate whether adjustments or recoveries of awards would be appropriate based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the restatement. We will comply with any future regulatory requirements as mandated under the Dodd-Frank Act as they become effective.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Our Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management. Our Compensation Committee also annually evaluates the levels of risks arising from our compensation policies and practices, and reviews suggested practices to mitigate such risks. The risks considered by our Compensation Committee included the following:

Strategic risk, which involves the alignment of performance metrics of executives with the objective of long-term value creation for stockholders;

Governance risk, focused on the independence and level of expertise of Compensation Committee members as well as the use of a compensation consultant; and

Pay-mix risk, which includes the balancing of the fixed and variable performance components of executive compensation.

We concluded that the risks arising from our compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us. Based on this review discussion and evaluation of risks,discussion, our Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in our Proxy Statement.

 

 

The Compensation Committee

 
 

    Cherrie Nanninga – Chair

 
 

    John Koegel

 
     Michael J. Jeary

    Bruce G. Pollack

 

COMPENSATION RISK MANAGEMENT

The Company has reviewed its compensation policies and practices and concluded that any risks arising from the Company’s policies, plans and programs are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company reviewed the elements of compensation to determine whether any portion of the compensation programs encouraged excessiverisk-taking and concluded:

• the allocation of compensation between cash compensation and equity compensation, combined with the vesting schedule under the equity plan, discouragesshort-termrisk-taking; and

• the approach to goal setting, setting of targets with payouts at multiple levels of performance, capping the amount of the Company’s incentive payouts, and the evaluation of performance results assist in mitigating excessiverisk-taking.

To complement the existingrisk-reducing features of the Company’s compensation policies and practices, the Company has stock ownership guidelines and an anti-hedging policy.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

The members of the Compensation Committee during the 20182019 fiscal year were Michael J. Jeary, John Koegel, Bruce G. Pollack and Cherrie Nanninga. During the 20182019 fiscal year, no member of our Compensation Committee was an officer, former officer or employee of the Company or had any direct or indirect material interest in a transaction with us or in a business relationship with the Company that would require disclosure under the applicable rules of the SEC. In addition, no interlocking relationship existed between any member of our Compensation Committee, any member of our Board, or one of our executive officers, on the one hand, and any member of our Compensation Committee (or committee performing equivalent functions, or the full board of directors)directors or an executive officercompensation committee of any other entity, on the other hand.company.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our NEOs.

 

Name,

Principal

Position

    Year      Salary      Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
  Compensation   
  

  Stock

  Awards

    (1)(2)     

   Option
Awards (1)
   All Other
Compensation
(5)
  Total    

Robert Kay (3)

 

Chief Executive Officer

   2018    $649,231   $                        —    $    1,948,800   $    679,650   $            15,280    $    3,292,961

 

Jeffrey Siegel (4)

 

Chairman of our Board, Executive Chairman

 

   2018     990,000   —     156,600    —           124,005    1,270,413
  

 

 

 

2017 

 

 

   990,000   899,406    387,400    454,500   123,675    2,854,981
  

 

 

 

2016 

 

 

   1,000,000   1,412,316    188,280    —           108,136    2,708,732

 

Ronald Shiftan

 

Vice Chairman of our Board, Chief Operating Officer

  

 

 

 

2018 

 

 

   650,000   —     —      —           91,500    741,500
  

 

 

 

2017 

 

 

   650,000   482,717    221,400    —           91,220    1,445,337
  

 

 

 

2016 

 

 

   650,000   798,556    188,280    —           101,961    1,738,797

 

Daniel Siegel

 

    President

  

 

 

 

2018 

 

 

   511,779   —     117,450    —           18,000    647,229
  

 

 

 

2017 

 

 

   475,000   412,712    221,400    —           18,025    1,127,137
  

 

 

 

2016 

 

 

   475,000   592,200    188,280    —           18,000    1,273,480

 

Laurence Winoker

 

Senior Vice
President -
Finance,
Treasurer, Chief
Financial Officer

   2018     425,000   —     117,450    —           12,000    554,450
  

 

 

 

2017 

 

 

   425,000   211,197    147,600    —           12,083    795,880
  

 

 

 

2016 

 

 

   425,000   291,494    125,520    —           11,636    853,650

Name, Principal
Position

 Year  Salary  

Non-Equity
Incentive
Plan

Compensation

(1)

 

 

Stock

Awards
(2) (3) (4)

  Option
Awards (2)
  

All Other
Compensation

(8)

 Total
        

Robert Kay (5)

 

Chief Executive Officer

  2019  $    800,000    $           145,500   $    1,339,250    $    691,075    $           28,836   $    3,004,661  
  2018   649,231    -    1,948,800     679,650    15,280   3,292,961  
        

Jeffrey Siegel (6)

 

Chairman of our Board, Executive Chairman

  2019   990,000    200,475    1,109,000     -    123,640   2,423,115  
  2018   990,000    -    156,600     -    124,005   1,270,605  
  2017   990,000    899,406    387,400     454,500    123,675   2,854,981  
        

Ronald Shiftan (7)

 

Former Vice Chairman of our Board, Chief Operating Officer

  2019   101,042    -    -     -    1,208,170   1,309,212  
  2018   650,000    -    -     -    91,500   741,500  
  2017   650,000    482,717    221,400     -    91,220   1,445,337  
        

Daniel Siegel

 

President

  2019   530,529    95,625    246,725     -    18,000   890,879  
  2018   511,779    -    117,450     -    18,000   647,229  
  2017   475,000    412,712    221,400     -    18,025   1,127,137  
        

Laurence Winoker

 

Senior Vice President-Finance, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer

  2019   425,000    42,234    148,880     -    12,000   628,114  
  2018   425,000    -    117,450     -    12,000   554,450  
  2017   425,000    211,197    147,600     -    12,083   795,880  

 

Notes:

 (1)

Represents the portion of each NEO’s annual bonus that the Board determined to pay in cash, rather than in the form of restricted stock subject to aone-year vesting period.

(2)

Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards as determined under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification TopicNo. 718-20, Awards Classified as Equity, which was recognized by the Company for awards granted during 2019, 2018 2017 and 2016.2017. For information, including assumptions, regarding the valuation of these awards refer to Note IJ to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 20182019 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,2019, and the Company’s discussion of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates under the heading “Share-based compensation” included on page 4143 of that Form10-K.

 (2)(3)

For 2019, includes restricted stock awards granted in 2019 in respect of 2018 annual bonuses. Such awards are subject to a one year vesting period.

(4)

The grant date fair value of the performance share awards included in this column is the target payout based on the probable outcome of the performance-based conditions determined as of the grant date. The maximum potential payout of the stock awards would be 150% of the target shares awarded on the

grant date. The maximum value of the performance share awards for 20182019 determined as of the grant date would be as follows for each respective executive officer: Mr. Kay: $1,774,500, Jeffrey Siegel: $117,450,$863,438, Daniel Siegel: $88,088,$86,345, and Mr. Winoker: $88,088.$55,260. The grant date fair value of the shares of restricted stock granted to the NEOs pursuant to their 2018 annual bonus in lieu of cash compensation was calculated based upon the closing price per share on the date of the grant. The value of those awards to Mr. Kay, Jeffrey Siegel, Daniel Siegel, and Mr. Winoker were $188,000, $188,000, $131,600, and $75,200, respectively.

 (3)(5)

In March 2018, upon the consummation of the Filament Acquisition, Mr. Kay became the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Options awarded and restricted shares and performance share awards granted to Mr. Kay in 2018 include options, restricted shares and performance share awards granted pursuant to Mr. Kay’s employment agreement.

 (4)(6)

Until March 2018, Mr. Siegel held the position of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. Upon the consummation of the Filament Acquisition, Mr. Siegel became the Executive Chairman of the Company. Options awarded and restricted shares granted in 2017 include options and restricted shares granted pursuant to Mr. Siegel’s amended and restated employment agreement.

 (5)(7)

Mr. Shiftan resigned from his position as Chief Operating Officer of the Company effective March 15, 2019.

(8)

All Other Compensation includes the following:

 

 
Name    Year    Insurance
  Reimbursement  
    Automobile  
Related
    Professional
  fees
  Misc  Total All Other
  Compensation  
 

Year

 

 

Insurance
Reimbursement

 

 

Automobile
Related

 

 

Professional
fees

 

 

Misc.

 

 

Total All Other
Compensation

 

Robert Kay

 2019  $                      -   $      18,000   $      10,836   $                 -    $           28,836  
  2018   $                     -    td5,280    $       -    $       -    $          15,280 2018  -   15,280   -   -   15,280  

Jeffrey Siegel

  2018   100,000    24,005    -    -    124,005 2019  100,000   23,640   -   -   123,640  
2017  100,000    23,650    -    25    123,675 2018  100,000   24,005   -   -   124,005  
2016   75,000    25,555    7,581    -    108,136 2017  100,000   23,650   -   25   123,675  

Ronald Shiftan

  2018   68,359    16,500    6,641    -    91,500 2019  -   -   -   1,238,870(1)   1,208,170  
2017   66,270    18,000    6,925    25    91,220 2018  68,359   16,500   6,641   -   91,500  
2016   75,000    25,156    1,805    -    101,961 2017  60,000   20,400   15,000      95,400  

Daniel Siegel

  2018   -    18,000    -    -    18,000 2019  -   18,000   -   -   18,000  
2017   -    18,000    -    25    18,025 2018  -   18,000 -   -   18,000  
2016   -    18,000    -    -    18,000 2017  -   18,000   -   25   18,025  

Laurence Winoker

  2018   -    12,000    -    -    12,000 2019  -   12,000   -   -   12,000  
2017   -    12,033    -    50    12,083 2018  -   12,000   -   -   12,000  
2016   -    11,636    -    -    11,636 2017  -   12,033   -   50   12,083  

(1)

Includes cash severance equal to $1,077,091, the value of accelerated vesting of outstanding shares of restricted stock equal to $81,637, reimbursement of six months of rental payments on an apartment that Mr. Shiftan maintains near the Company’s principal offices equal to $30,900, and payment for accrued but unused vacation equal to $18,542. These amounts were payable to Mr. Shiftan in connection with his retirement and are described below underPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS OF THE NEOs

Robert B. Kay

During 2018,2019, Robert B. Kay was employed by us as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to an employment agreement with the Company, dated as of December 22, 2017, which became effective upon the closing of the Filament Acquisition on March 2, 2018 and was amended as of January 1, 2019 (the “Kay Employment Agreement”).

The Kay Employment Agreement provides for a term through the third anniversary of the consummation of the Filament Acquisition, March 2, 2021, with automatic renewals for additionalone-year periods unless his employmentnotice ofnon-renewal is terminatedprovided by either us or Mr. Kay, an annual base salary of $800,000 and an automobile allowance of up to $1,500 per month. The Kay Employment Agreement further provides for the reimbursement on aone-time basis of up to $10,000 for reasonable legal fees

incurred by Mr. Kay in connection with the preparation, negotiation and execution of the Kay Employment Agreement and ancillary documents and reimbursement to Mr. Kay of up to a total of $35,000 during any calendar year for legal, financial and other professional services.

Pursuant to the Kay Employment Agreement, we granted Mr. Kay, 50,000 restricted shares and an option to purchase 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The restrictions onone-third of these 50,000 restricted shares terminateterminated on March 2, 2019, and the restrictions on the remaining portion of the restricted shares vest in equal installments on each of the first, second,March 2, 2020 and third anniversaries of the consummation of the Filament Acquisition.March 2, 2021. The option shall vestvested as to 50,000 shares on March 2, 2019 and an additional 50,000 shares subject to the option vest on each of the first, second,March 2, 2020, and third anniversaries of the consummation of the Filament Acquisition.March 2, 2021. Pursuant to the Kay Employment Agreement, we also granted Mr. Kay performance-based deferred stock unitsperformance shares in a target amount of 50,000 shares, subject to the terms and conditions established by theour Compensation Committee of our Board.Committee. The performance goals and other vesting terms applicable to these performance-based deferred stock unitsperformance shares are consistent with those granted to other NEOs in respect of the performance period commencing in 2018.

The Kay Employment Agreement also entitles Mr. Kay to receive an Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus and an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives as described underAnnual Bonuses.

The Kay Employment Agreement further provides for payments to Mr. Kay upon the termination of his employment under certain circumstances, as described underPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.

The complete text of the Kay Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to aForm8-K filed on December 29, 2017. The complete text of the amendment to the Kay Employment Agreement iswas filed with the SEC on October 15, 2019 as an exhibit to a Form8-K. The Kay Employment Agreement and the amendment thereto are incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing description of such agreementagreements is qualified in its entirety by the text of such agreement.agreements.

Jeffrey Siegel

Employment Agreement effective as of January 1, 2017

During 2018,2019, Jeffrey Siegel was employed by us as Executive Chairman and a director pursuant to an employment agreement, dated as of March 12, 2014, as amended and restated as of January 12, 2017 and as amended as of November 8, 2017 and January 1, 2019 (the “J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement”). Prior to the consummation of the Filament Acquisition on March 2, 2018, Mr. Siegel was the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

The J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, which was effective as of January 1, 2017, extended the term of Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement through December 31, 2019, with automatic renewals for two additionalone-year periods unless his employmentnotice ofnon-renewal is terminatedprovided either by either us or Mr. Siegel. In connection with the expiration of the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement on December 31, 2019, we entered into a new employment agreement with Mr. Siegel which is effective as of January 1, 2020, as further described below. However, during 2019, Mr. Siegel continued to be employed pursuant to the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement.

The J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $990,000; Company-paid automobile expenses; reimbursement of insurance premiums and certain legal, financial and other professional services up to $100,000 during any calendar year.

Pursuant to the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, we granted Mr. Siegel an option to purchase 75,000 shares of our common stock at a price per share equal to the closing stock price on January 12, 2017. The option shall vestvested as to 25,000 shares on each of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019. Pursuant to the J. Siegel Amended and Restated

Employment Agreement, we also granted Mr. Siegel 10,000 restricted shares of our common stock. The restrictions on 3,333 restricted shares shall terminateterminated on each of December 31, 2017, and December 31, 2018 and the restrictions on 3,334 restricted shares shall terminate on December 31, 2019.

The J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement also entitles Mr. Siegel to receive an Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus and an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives as described underAnnual Bonuses.

The J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement further provides for payments to Mr. Siegel upon the termination of his employment under certain circumstances as described underPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control. The J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement provides that under certain circumstances, including a change in Mr. Siegel’s position or material reduction in Mr. Siegel’s responsibilities, Mr. Siegel may terminate his employment for “Good Reason” and be entitled to receive such payments. Mr. Siegel waived such termination right and any entitlement to such payments resulting from the change in Mr. Siegel’s position from Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chairman in connection with the Filament Acquisition.

The complete text of the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated January 19, 2017. The complete text of the first amendment to his employment agreementJ. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2017 as an exhibit to the Form10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2017 and the complete text of the second amendment to the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC on October 15, 2019 as an exhibit to a Form8-K. Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement and the amendments thereto are incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing description of such agreements is qualified in its entirety by the text of such agreements.

Employment Agreement Effective as of January 1, 2020

In 2020, Jeffrey Siegel continues to be employed by us as Executive Chairman of the Board pursuant to an employment agreement, dated as of June 27, 2019, and subsequently amended on October 11, 2019 (as amended, the “J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement”), which is effective as of January 1, 2020.

Pursuant to the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement, the term of Mr. Siegel’s employment has been extended until December 31, 2022, unless Mr. Siegel’s employment with the Company is earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement. During the term of the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement, the Company will recommend that Mr. Siegel be nominated by the Board forre-election to the Board and bere-elected by the Board as Executive Chairman.

Under the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement, Mr. Siegel’s base salary will be $700,000 for each of 2020 and 2021, and $675,000 for 2022. Mr. Siegel will be eligible receive performance bonuses based on the Company’s Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization for each year (the “Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus”) in a target amount equal to 75% of Mr. Siegel’s base salary, and based on Mr. Siegel having met certain individual performance goals for such year (the “Annual Individual Goal Bonus”) in a target amount equal to 25% of his base salary. Annual bonus payments may range from 50% to 200% of the target Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus, and from 50% to 100% of the target Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on the extent to which the performance goals are achieved.

During the term of the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement, the Company will provide Mr. Siegel with the automobile provided to him as an officer of the Company during the year ending December 31,

2019. Upon the expiration of the lease of such automobile, the Company will provide Mr. Siegel with a monthly cash payment equal to the monthly lease payment paid by the Company in respect of such automobile and reimbursement for automobile insurance premiums. The J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement also provides for the reimbursement of insurance premiums and certain legal, financial and other professional services up to $100,000 during any calendar year.

The J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement provides for certain payments and benefits in the event that Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated under certain circumstances.

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by us for Cause or if Mr. Siegel resigns other than for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement), Mr. Siegel will be entitled to be paid the following amounts (collectively, the “J. Siegel Accrued Obligations”): base salary accrued up to and including the date of termination; payment for any accrued but unused vacation time; and any unreimbursed expenses. Mr. Siegel will also be entitled to exercise any then-outstanding stock options granted to Mr. Siegel that vested on or prior to such termination or resignation of employment.

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated (i) by us for any reason other than Cause, (ii) by Mr. Siegel for Good Reason, (iii) by us or Mr. Siegel due to Mr. Siegel’s Disability (as defined in the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement) or (iv) by reason of Mr. Siegel’s death (collectively, a “Siegel Involuntary Termination”), Mr. Siegel will be entitled to payment of the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations, as well as the following severance payments (the “J. Siegel Severance Payments”), conditioned (except in the case of death) upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company: payment equal to 3.0 times Mr. Siegel’s base salary in effect at the time of termination; payment equal to 3.0 times Mr. Siegel’s target bonus (which is equal to 100% of his base salary in effect in effect for the year in which the termination occurs); and the Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus accrued to the date of termination. In addition, all of Mr. Siegel’s then outstanding stock options and restricted stock will be immediately vested, to the extent consistent with the LTIP.

If Mr. Siegel receives the J. Siegel Severance Payments in connection with change of control of the Company and all or any portion of the payments and benefits would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or a similar or successor provision), we will reduce such payments to the extent necessary so that (i) no portion thereof will be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or a similar or successor provision); and (ii) by reason of such reduction, the netafter-tax benefit to Mr. Siegel will exceed the netafter-tax benefit to him if such reduction were not made.

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated as a result of the expiration of the term of the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement, Mr. Siegel is entitled to payment of the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations and, conditioned upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company, he is entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to one times the amount of his average base salary for each of 2020, 2021 and 2022, and one times the average of the sum of his annual bonuses for each of 2020, 2021 and 2022. In addition, all of Mr. Siegel’s then outstanding stock options and restricted stock will be immediately vested, to the extent consistent with the LTIP.

The complete text of the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated June 27, 2019. The complete text of the first amendment to the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated October 11, 2019. The J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement and the amendment thereto are incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing description of such agreements is qualified in its entirety by the text of such agreements.

Ronald Shiftan

During 2018, Ronald Shiftan was employed by us until March 15, 2019 (the “Retirement Date”) as our Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer pursuant to the Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Mr. Shiftan, dated as of November 24, 2015, as amended by an amendment dated November 8, 2017 (as amended, the “Shiftan Employment Agreement”) and further amended by the Retirement Agreement between the Company and Mr. Shiftan, dated June 11, 2018 (the “Retirement Agreement”). The Retirement Agreement sets forth (collectively, the terms of Mr. Shiftan’s continued employment through his retirement as an officer of the Company effective March 15, 2019 (the “Retirement Date”“Shiftan Employment Agreement”). Prior to the Retirement Date, the Company and Mr. Shiftan agreed that neither party will terminate Mr. Shiftan’s employment pursuant to the Shiftan Employment Agreement, except that prior to the Retirement Date the Company may terminate Mr. Shiftan’s employment for cause, Mr. Shiftan could terminate his employment for good reason (as such definition is amended by the Retirement Agreement), or Mr. Shiftan’s employment could be terminated on account of his death or disability.

The Retirement Agreement extended the term of Mr. Shiftan’s employment agreement through the Retirement Date. During the period from June 11, 2018 through the Retirement Date (the Transition Period“Transition Period”), Mr. Shiftan continued to perform such duties as were assigned to him by theour Chief Executive Officer, provided, however, thatOfficer. However, during the period from January 1, 2019 through the Retirement Date, his time commitment was reduced to 50% of what it had been over the prior 36 months.

Pursuant to the Retirement Agreement, the Company continued to pay Mr. Shiftan his base salary of $650,000 under the Shiftan Employment Agreement through December 31, 2018. For the remainder of the Transition Period,months, and the Company paid him at thean annual rate of base salary equal to $325,000 (which was 50% of suchhis base salary.salary in effect for 2018). The Retirement Agreement further providesprovided Mr. Shiftan with Company-paid automobile expenses;expenses and reimbursement offor insurance premiums, and certain legal, financial and other professional services up to $75,000 during any calendar year.

The Retirement Agreement also entitlesyear during his employment. Mr. Shiftan was not eligible to receive an Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus and an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives as described underAnnual Bonuses and in accordance withannual bonus for 2019 pursuant to the Shiftan Employment Agreement. Mr. Shiftan’s 2018 bonus eligibility was determined and paid in accordance withRetirement Agreement.

Upon the Shiftan Employment Agreement; he is not entitled to any other bonus compensation, including in respect of the portion of the year that he works in 2019.

The Retirement Agreement further provides for payments toDate, Mr. Shiftan uponbecame eligible for certain payments and benefits pursuant to the termination of his employmentRetirement Agreement, as described underPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.

The complete text of the Retirement Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated June 12, 2018. The complete text of the Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated November 30, 2015. The complete text of the Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2017 as an exhibit to the Form10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Third Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, the amendment thereto dated November 8, 2017, and the Retirement Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing descriptionsdescription of such agreements areis qualified in theirits entirety by the text of such agreements.

Daniel Siegel

During 2018,2019, Daniel Siegel was employed by us as our President pursuant to an employment agreement dated as of November 8, 2017, effective as of January 1, 2018 and amended as of January 1, 2019 (the “D. Siegel Employment Agreement”).

The D. Siegel Employment Agreement provides that the term of Mr. Siegel’s employment shallwill be through December 31, 2020, with automatic renewals for additionalone-year periods unless his employmentnotice ofnon-renewal is terminatedprovided by either us or Mr. Siegel, and provides for an annual base salary of $512,500, for the period from January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019 and a base salary of $550,000 for the period from July 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. The D. Siegel Employment Agreement provides certain perquisites including Company-paidan automobile expenses.allowance of $1,500 per month. The D. Siegel Employment Agreement also entitles Mr. Siegel to receive an Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus and an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives as described underAnnual Bonuses.

Mr. Siegel’s employment agreementThe D. Siegel Employment Agreement further provides for payments to Mr. Siegel upon the termination of his employment under certain circumstances as described underPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.

The complete text of the D. Siegel Employment Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2017, was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2017 as an exhibit to the Form10-Q for the nine months ended

September 30, 2017. The complete text of the amendment to his employment agreement was filed with the SEC on October 15, 2019 as an exhibit to a Form8-K. The D. Siegel Employment Agreement isand the amendment thereto are incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing description of such agreementagreements is qualified in its entirety by the text of such agreement.agreements.

Laurence Winoker

During 2018,2019, Laurence Winoker was employed by us as our Senior Vice-President — Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to an employment agreement, dated as of June 28, 2007, as amended as of March 8, 2010 and April 12, 2012, as amended and restated as of September 10, 2015 and further amended as amendedof November 8, 2017 and January 1, 2019 (the “Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement”).

The Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement provides for an annual base salary of $425,000 for 2018 and an Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus and an Annual Individual Goal Bonus based on certain measurable objectives as described underAnnual Bonuses. The Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement also provides for certain perquisites including Company-paidan automobile related expenses.allowance of $1,000 per month.

The Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement further provides for payments to Mr. Winoker upon the termination of his employment under certain circumstances as described underPotential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.

The complete text of Mr. Winoker’s employment agreement, dated as of June 28, 2007, was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated July 3, 2007. The complete text of the first amendment to Mr. Winoker’s employment agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated March 10, 2010. The complete text of the second amendment to Mr. Winoker’s employment agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated April 16, 2012. The complete text of theWinoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC as an exhibit to a Form8-K dated September 16, 2015. The complete text of the first amendment to the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC on November 9, 2017 as an exhibit to the Form10-Q for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Mr. Winoker’s employment agreement,2017 and the first amendment to his employment agreement,complete text of the second amendment to his employment agreement, the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement was filed with the SEC on October 15, 2019 as an exhibit to a Form8-K. The Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement and the amendmentamendments to the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement are incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing descriptionsdescription of such agreements areis qualified in theirits entirety by the text of such agreements.

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20182019

The following table sets forth information regarding grants of plan-based compensation to the NEOs during 2018.2019.

 

Name  

Grant    

date    

  

Estimated possible payouts
under non-equity incentive  

plan awards(1)  

  Estimated future payouts  
under  equity incentive  
plan awards(2)  
  All  other
stock
awards:
Number
of
shares
of stock
(#)
 All  other
option
awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
options (#)
 Exercise
or  base
price of
option
awards
($)
 

Grant

date fair
value of
stock and
option
awards

($)

  

Grant

date

  Estimated possible payouts
under  non-equity incentive
plan awards (1)
  Estimated future payouts
under equity incentive
plan awards (2)
  All other
stock
awards:
Number  of
shares of
stock (#)
 All other
option
awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
options (#)
 Exercise
or base
price of
option
awards
($)
 

Grant
date fair
value of
stock

and
option
awards
($)

 

Threshold

($)

  

Target

($)

  

 Maximum 

($)

  Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
  Maximum 
(#)
  Threshold
($)
  

Target

($)

  Maximum
($)
  Threshold
(#)
 Target
(#)
 Maximum
(#)
 
     

Robert Kay

                                                        
     

Annual Incentive Plan

     $450,000   $900,000   $1,600,000                     $450,000  $900,000  $1,600,000                 

Stock Options

        March 2, 2018                    150,000(3) $13.75  679,650 
     

Restricted shares

  March 2, 2018                  50,000(4)      687,500   
March 15,
2019
 
 
                   20,000 (3)     $188,000 
     

Restricted shares

  June 28, 2018                    6,000(5)      78,300   
June 27,
2019
 
 
                   62,500 (4)      575,625 
     

Stock options

  
June 27,
2019
 
 
                   250,000 (5) $9.21  691,075 
     

Performance shares

  June 28, 2018(6)           42,000 56,000  84,000         730,800   
June 27,
2019
 
 
          46,875 62,500  93,750         575,625 
     

Jeffrey Siegel

                            
     

Annual Incentive Plan

     618,750   1,237,500   2,227,500                 
     

Restricted shares

  
March 15,
2019
 
 
                   20,000 (3)      188,000 
     

Restricted shares

  
June 27,
2019
 
 
                 100,000 (6)      921,000 
     

Ronald Shiftan(7)

                            
     
                            
     

Daniel Siegel

                            
     

Annual Incentive Plan

     298,828   597,656   796,875                 
     

Restricted shares

  
March 15,
2019
 
 
                   14,000 (3)      131,600 
     

Restricted shares

  
June 27,
2019
 
 
                     6,250 (4)      57,563 
     

Performance shares

  August 8, 2018(6)           28,500 38,000  57,000         452,200   
June 27,
2019
 
 
          4,688 6,250  9,375         57,563 

Jeffrey Siegel

                            
     

Laurence Winoker

                            
     

Annual Incentive Plan

     618,750   1,237,500   2,227,500                      132,813   265,625   425,000                 
     

Restricted shares

  June 28, 2018                    6,000(5)      78,300   
March 15,
2019
 
 
                     8,000 (3)      75,200 
     

Restricted shares

  
June 27,
2019
 
 
                     4,000 (4)      36,840 
     

Performance shares

  June 28, 2018           4,500 6,000  9,000         78,300   
June 27,
2019
 
 
          3,000 4,000  6,000         36,840 

Ronald Shiftan

                            

Annual Incentive Plan

     341,250   682,500   1,397,500                 

Daniel Siegel

                            

Annual Incentive Plan

     288,281   576,563   768,750                 

Restricted shares

  June 28, 2018                    4,500(5)      58,725 

Performance shares

  June 28, 2018           3,375 4,500  6,750         58,725 

Laurence Winoker

                            

Annual Incentive Plan

     132,813   265,625   425,000                 

Restricted shares

  June 28, 2018                    4,500(5)      58,725 

Performance shares

  June 28, 2018           3,375 4,500  6,750         58,725 

Notes:

(1)

The threshold, target and maximum payouts disclosed in the table above include the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus and the Annual Individual Goal Bonus for each of the NEOs.

 

(2)

The threshold, target and maximum performance share awards represent possible future payouts of the Company’s common stock underlying performance share awards granted in 2018.2019. These awards will vest upon the achievement of performance measures based on cumulative performance metrics over a three-year performance period (January 1, 20182019 through December 31, 2020)2021), with threshold, target and maximum awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the number of performance share awards granted. If the minimum financial goals are not met at the end of the three-year period, no awards will be paid out under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan.

 

(3)

These options were granted under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan pursuant to Mr. Kay’s employment agreement. The options vest in equal annual installments over three years on March 2, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

(4)

Represents restricted stock granted under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan pursuant to Mr. Kay’s employment agreement.in respect of 2018 annual bonuses. The restricted stock vests in equal installments on March 2, 2019, 2020 and 2021.the first anniversary of the grant date.

(5)(4)

Represents restricted stock granted under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan. The restricted stock vests in equal installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.

 

(6)(5)

These performance sharesoptions were granted under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive PlanPlan. The options vest in equal annual installments over three years on June 27, 2020, 2021 and include performance shares granted pursuant to Mr. Kay’s employment agreement, as well as additional performance shares granted to further incentivize Mr. Kay’s performance.2022.

(6)

Represents restricted stock granted under the Amended and Restated 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan. The restricted stock vests in equal annual installments over three years on December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

(7)

Mr. Shiftan did not receive any grants of plan-based awards as an executive officer during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 20182019

 

  Option Awards  Restricted Stock Awards Option Awards Restricted Stock Awards and
Performance Share Awards
 
Name  

 

Number of shares
acquired on exercise

      Value realized on    
exercise ($)
  

 

Number of shares
acquired on vesting

  Value realized on
Vesting ($)
 

 

Number of shares
acquired on

exercise

  Value realized
on exercise ($)
  

 

Number of shares
acquired on vesting

  Value realized on
Vesting ($)
 
Robert Kay  -    $ -    -    $ -    - $-                       18,166  $            188,516 
Jeffrey Siegel  15,000  107,250  12,229  146,119  -   -   14,366   122,796 
Ronald Shiftan  15,000  83,250  10,562  129,399  -   -   14,032   129,492 

Daniel Siegel

  -    -    8,896  112,689  -   -   10,657   96,077 
Laurence Winoker   5,000  33,250  4,948  62,357                  25,000           180,500   7,272   65,784 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS HELD BY NEOs AT DECEMBER 31, 20182019

 

  Option Awards  Stock Awards 
  Option Awards Stock Awards
Name  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
   

Number

of

securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable

 Option
exercise
price ($)
   

        Option

      expiration date

      Number of
    Shares or
    Units of
    Stock  that
    have not
    vested (#)
   

    Market Value of
    Shares or Units

    of Stock That

    have not vested
    ($)

   Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights that
have not
vested (#)
   

Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of Unearned

Shares, Units or

Other Rights that

have not vested ($)

  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
 Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
 Option
exercise
price ($)
 

Option

expiration

date

 Number of
Shares or Units
of Stock that
have not
vested (#)
 Market Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
have not
vested ($)
 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights
that have not
vested (#)
 

 

Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights that
have not vested
($)

 

 

Robert Kay

                               
  

Stock Options

   -     150,000  (1)  13.75   March 2, 2028              50,000 (1)  100,000 (1)  13.75  March 2, 2028     
 
  250,000 (2)  9.21  June 27, 2029     
  

Restricted Shares

            50,000  (2)    501,500  (3)             33,334 (3)  231,671 (4)    
  
            6,000  (4)    60,180  (3)             4,500 (5)  31,275 (4)    
  
     20,000 (6)  139,000 (4)    
 
     62,500 (7)  434,375 (4)    
 

Performance Shares

                  56,000  (5)    561,680  (3)      �� 56,000 (8)  389,200 (4) 
 
       38,000 (9)  264,100 (4) 
 
       62,500 (10)  434,375 (4) 
 
          
                  38,000  (6)    381,140  (3)     

Jeffrey Siegel

                               
  

Stock Options

   100,000      (7)     13.27   May 6, 2020              100,000 (11)   13.27  May 6, 2020     
  
   150,000      (8)     11.73   March 3, 2021              150,000 (12)   11.73  March 3, 2021     
  
   30,000      (9)     11.64   April 30, 2022              30,000 (13)   11.64  April 30, 2022     
  
   24,000      (10)     12.79   May 6, 2023              24,000 (14)   12.79  May 6, 2023     
  
   100,000      (11)     18.04   March 11, 2024              100,000 (15)   18.04  March 12, 2024     
  
   16,000      (12)     19.10   April 29, 2024              16,000 (16)   19.10  April 29, 2024     
  
   50,000      (13)    25,000  (13)  16.60   January 1, 2027              75,000 (17)   16.60  January 1, 2027     
  

Restricted Shares

            1,250  (14)    12,538  (3)             1,500 (18)  10,425 (4)    
  
            3,000  (15)    30,090  (3)             3,000 (19)  20,850 (4)    
  
            3,334  (16)    33,440  (3)             4,500 (5)  31,275 (4)    
  
            4,500  (17)    45,135  (3)             20,000 (6)  139,000 (4)    
  
            6,000  (4)    60,180  (3)             100,000 (20)  695,000 (4)    
  

Performance Shares

                  6,000  (18)    60,180  (3)        6,000 (21)  41,700 (4) 
  
                  6,000  (19)    60,180  (3)        6,000 (8)  41,700 (4) 
  
                  6,000  (5)    60,180  (3)   
 

Daniel Siegel

         
 

Stock Options

 25,000 (11)   13.27  May 6, 2020     
 
 10,000 (13)   11.64  April 30, 2022     
 
 16,000 (14)   12.79  May 6, 2023     
 
 16,000 (16)   19.10  April 29, 2024     
 

Restricted Shares

     1,500 (18)  10,425 (4)    
 
     3,000 (19)  20,850 (4)    
 
     3,375 (5)  23,456 (4)    
 
     14,000 (6)  97,300 (4)    
 
     6,250 (7)  43,438 (4)    
 

Performance Shares

       6,000 (21)  41,700 (4) 
 
       4,500 (8)  31,275 (4) 
 
       6,250 (10)  43,438 (4) 
 
  

    Option Awards  Stock Awards 
  
Name  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
   Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
  Option
exercise
price ($)
   

        Option

    expiration date

      Number of
    Shares or
    Units of
    Stock  that
    have not
    vested (#)
       Market Value of
    Shares or Units
    of Stock  That
    have not vested
    ($)
   Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights that
have  not
vested (#)
   Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights  that
have not vested ($)
 

Ronald Shiftan

                                                             
  

Stock Options

   50,000       (7)       13.27   May 6, 2020             
  
    20,000       (20)       10.79   June 15, 2021             
  
    20,000       (9)       11.64   April 30, 2022             
  
    16,000       (10)       12.79   May 6, 2023             
  
    16,000       (12)       19.10   April 29, 2024             
  
    50,000       (21)       13.26   January 1, 2021             
  

Restricted Shares

            1,250   (14)    12,538   (3)         
  
             3,000   (15)    30,090   (3)         
  
             4,500   (17)    45,135   (3)         
  

Performance Shares

                  6,000   (18)    60,180   (3)  
  
                   6,000   (19)    60,180   (3)  

Daniel Siegel

                                                             
  

Stock Options

   25,000       (7)       13.27   May 6, 2020             
  
    10,000       (9)       11.64   April 30, 2022             
  
    16,000       (10)       12.79   May 6, 2023             
  
    16,000       (12)       19.10   April 29, 2024             
  

Restricted Shares

            1,250   (14)    12,538   (3)         
  
             3,000   (15)    30,090   (3)         
  
             4,500   (17)    45,135   (3)         
  
             4,500   (4)    45,135   (3)         
  

Performance Shares

                  6,000   (18)     60,180   (3)  
  
                   6,000   (19)     60,180   (3)  
  
                   4,500   (5)     45,135   (3)  

Laurence Winoker

                                                             
  
    25,000       (22)       2.19   April 2, 2019             
  
    20,000       (7)       13.27   May 6, 2020             
  
    10,000       (20)       10.79   June 15, 2021             
  
    10,000       (9)       11.64   April 30, 2022             
  
    8,000       (10)       12.79   May 6, 2023             
  
    8,000       (12)       19.10   April 29, 2024             
  

Restricted Shares

            625   (14)    6,269   (3)         
  
             2,000   (15)    20,060   (3)         
  
             3,000   (17)    30,090   (3)         
  
             4,500   (4)    45,135   (3)         
  

Performance Shares

                  4,000   (18)     40,120   (3)  
  
                   4,000   (19)     40,120   (3)  
  
                                               4,500   (5)     45,135   (3)  

   Option Awards Stock Awards
Name Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
 Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
 Option
exercise
price ($)
 

Option

expiration

date

 Number of
Shares or Units
of Stock that
have not
vested (#)
 Market Value
of Shares or
Units of
Stock That
have not
vested ($)
 Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights
that have not
vested (#)
 

 

Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights that
have not vested
($)

 

  

Laurence Winoker

         
  
   20,000 (11)    13.27  May 6, 2020     
  
   10,000 (22)    10.79  June 15, 2021     
  
   10,000 (13)    11.64  April 30, 2022     
  
   8,000 (14)    12.79  May 6, 2023     
  
   8,000 (16)    19.10  April 29, 2024     
  

Restricted Shares

      1,000 (18)   6,950 (4)    
  
       2,000 (19)   13,900 (4)    
  
       3,375 (5)   23,456 (4)    
  
       8,000 (6)   55,600 (4)    
  
       4,000 (7)   27,800 (4)    
  

Performance Shares

        4,000 (21)   27,800 (4) 
  
         4,500 (8)   31,275 (4) 
  
         4,000 (10)   27,800 (4) 
         

Ronald Shiftan

         
  

Performance Shares

        4,106 (23)   28,537 (4) 
  
                               

Notes:

(1)

This option was granted on March 2, 2018 and vests 33% a year in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(2)

This option was granted on June 27, 2019 and vests 33% a year in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(3)

These restricted shares were granted on March 2, 2018 and vest 33% a year in three equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(3)(4)

Calculated using a price per share of $10.03,$6.95, the closing market price of the Company’s common stock as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market on December 31, 2018,2019, the end of the Company’s last completed fiscal year.

(4)(5)

These restricted shares were granted on June 28, 2018 and vest 25% per year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(5)(6)

These restricted shares were granted on March 15, 2019 in respect of the 2018 annual bonus and vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(7)

These restricted shares were granted on June 27, 2019 and vest 25% per year in four equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(8)

These performance share awards were granted on June 28, 2018. These awards will vest upon the achievement of performance measures based on cumulative performance metrics over a three-year performance period (January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020), with threshold, target and maximum awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the number of performance share awards granted.The number of shares reflected assumes the target level of performance achievement which would result in the performance share awards vesting at 100% of the target.

(6)(9)

These performance share awards were granted on August 8, 2018. These awards will vest upon the achievement of performance measures based on cumulative performance metrics over a three-year performance period (January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020), with threshold, target and maximum awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the number of performance share awards granted.The number of shares reflected assumes the target level of performance achievement which would result in the performance share awards vesting at 100% of the target.

(7)

This option was granted on May 7, 2010 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(8)

This option was granted on March 4, 2011 and vested 33% a year in three equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

(9)

This option was granted on May 1, 2012 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(10)

This option was granted on May 7, 2013 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(11)

This option was granted on March 13, 2014 and vested 33% a year in three equal annual installments commencing on December 31, 2014.

(12)

This option was granted on April 30, 2014 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(13)

This option was granted on January 12, 2017 and vests 33% a year in three equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

(14)

These restricted shares were granted on June 10, 2015 and vest 25% per year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(15)

These restricted shares were granted on June 9, 2016 and vest 25% per year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(16)

These restricted shares were granted on January 12, 2017 and vest 33% a year in three equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

(17)

These restricted shares were granted on June 22, 2017 and vest 25% per year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(18)

These performance share awards were granted on June 9, 2016.27, 2019. These awards will vest upon the achievement of performance measures based on cumulative performance metrics over a three-year performance period (January 1, 20162019 through December 31, 2018)2021), with threshold, target and maximum

awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the number of performance share awards granted.The number of shares reflected assumes the target level of performance achievement which would result in the performance share awards vesting at 100% of the target.

(11)

This option was granted on May 7, 2010 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(12)

This option was granted on March 4, 2011 and vested 33% a year in three equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

(13)

This option was granted on May 1, 2012 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(14)

This option was granted on May 7, 2013 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(15)

This option was granted on March 13, 2014 and vested 33% a year in three equal annual installments commencing on December 31, 2014.

(16)

This option was granted on April 30, 2014 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(17)

This option was granted on January 12, 2017 and vested 33% a year in three equal annual installments on each of December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

(18)

These restricted shares were granted on June 9, 2016 and vest 25% per year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(19)

These restricted shares were granted on June 22, 2017 and vest 25% per year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(20)

These restricted shares were granted on June 27, 2019 and vest 33% per year in three equal annual installments commencing on December 31, 2020.

(21)

These performance share awards were granted on June 22, 2017. These awards will vestvested as of December 31, 2019 based upon the achievement of performance measures based on cumulative performance metrics over a three-year performance period (January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019), with threshold, target and maximum awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the number of performance share awards granted.The number of shares reflected above assumes the target level of performance achievement which would result in the performance share awards vesting at 100% of the target. The actual number of shares earned by Jeffrey Siegel, Daniel Siegel and Mr. Winoker were 4,978, 4,978, and 3,319, respectively.

(20)(22)

This option was granted on June 16, 2011 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

(21)(23)

This option wasThese performance share awards were granted on December 31, 2015 andJune 22, 2017. These awards vested 33% a year in three equal annual installments on eachas of December 31, 2016,2019 based upon the achievement of performance measures based on cumulative performance metrics over a three-year performance period (January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019), with threshold, target and 2018.maximum awards equal to 75%, 100% and 150%, respectively, of the number of performance share awards granted. Pursuant to the terms of the Retirement Agreement and Mr. Shiftan’s performance share award agreement, payment of Mr. Shiftan’s performance shares waspro-rated, based on the portion of the performance period that he was employed by the Company. The number of shares reflected above assumes for thepro-rated award the target level of performance achievement which would result in the performance share awards vesting at 100% of the target. The actual number of shares earned by Mr. Shiftan based upon performance during the performance period was 3,407.

(22)

This option was granted on April 3, 2009 and vested 25% a year in four equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2018.

Plan Category  Number of Shares of
Common Stock to be
Issued upon  Exercise
of Outstanding
Options, Warrants or
Rights(1)
  Weighted-Average
Exercise Price  of
Outstanding Options (2)
  Number of Shares
of Common  Stock
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance
    

Equity Compensation Plan Approved by Security Holders

  2,057,756  $13.87  946,109
    

Equity Compensation Plan Not Approved by Security Holders

  -    -    -  
    

Total

  2,057,756  $13.87  946,109

(1)

Securities reported in this column include outstanding options to purchase 1,548,825 shares of common stock as well as 508,931 deferred stock awards, the maximum number of performance-based deferred stock awards that may be issued where the underlying shares have not been issued as the period over which performance is determined has not yet expired.

(2)

The weighted average exercise price takes into account option awards but not the shares subject to performance-based deferred stock awards.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROL

The employment agreements that we have entered into with each of the NEOs require us to make certain payments to these individuals in the event of a termination of their employment or a change of control of the Company. We believe that the arrangements with respect to a change of control are appropriate to allow the NEOs to focus on our interests in a change of control situation without distractions relating to their employment. Notwithstanding provisions contained in the respective NEO’s employment agreements, all equity awards are subject to the provisions of the Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.

The following table shows estimated payments that would have been made to each of our NEOs pursuant to their employment agreements and outstanding equity award agreements as of December 31, 20182019 under various scenarios involving a termination of employment or a change of control of the Company, assuming that each individual’s employment was terminated or a change of control of the Company had occurred on December 31, 20182019 and using the closing market price of our common stock as of December 31, 2018:2019:

 

Upon Termination as a Result of a Disability

Upon Termination as a Result of a Disability

Upon Termination as a Result of a Disability

 

    
Payment   Robert Kay      Jeffrey Siegel      Ronald Shiftan      Daniel Siegel      Laurence Winoker  Robert Kay   Jeffrey Siegel (1)   Daniel Siegel   Laurence Winoker 
  

Cash severance

  $400,000  $6,682,500  $3,997,500  $256,250  $212,500   $400,000    $6,682,500    $275,000    $212,500 
  

Awarded but unpaid bonus

  -  -  -  -  -   $385,000    $544,500    $219,141    $155,563 
  

Options (intrinsic value)

  -  -  -  -  -   -    -    -    - 
  

Restricted shares (intrinsic value)

  -  181,383  87,763  -  -   -    $896,550    -    - 
  

Accrued salary

  18,462  22,846  15,000  11,827  9,808   $21,538    $26,654    $14,808    $11,442 
  

Accrued vacation

  122,530  139,133  25,000  19,712  16,346   $123,076    $152,307    $21,154    $16,346 
  

Insurance or professional fee reimbursement

  -  100,000  -  -  -   -    $100,000    -    - 
  

TOTAL

  $540,992  $7,125,862  $4,125,263  $287,789  $238,654   $929,614    $8,402,511    $530,103    $395,851 
          

Upon Termination as a Result of a Death

  
Payment  Robert Kay  Jeffrey Siegel  Ronald Shiftan  Daniel Siegel  Laurence Winoker
  

Cash severance

  $ -  $6,682,500  $3,997,500  $ -  $ -
  

Awarded but unpaid bonus

  -  -  -  -  -
  

Options (intrinsic value)

  -  -  -  -  -
  

Restricted shares (intrinsic value)

  -  181,383  87,763  -  -
  

Accrued salary

  18,462  22,846  15,000  11,827  9,808
  

Accrued vacation

  122,530  139,133  25,000  19,712  16,346
  

TOTAL

  $140,992  $7,025,862  $4,125,263  $31,539  $26,154

 

 

Upon Termination as a Result of a Death

 

 

     
Payment  Robert Kay   Jeffrey Siegel (1)   Daniel Siegel   Laurence Winoker 

Cash severance

   -    $6,682,500    -    - 

Awarded but unpaid bonus

   $385,000    $544,500    $219,141    $155,563 

Options (intrinsic value)

   -    -    -    - 

Restricted shares (intrinsic value)

   -    $896,550    -    - 

Accrued salary

   $21,538    $26,654    $14,808    $11,442 

Accrued vacation

   $123,076    $152,307    $21,154    $16,346 

TOTAL

   $529,614    $8,302,511    $255,103    $183,351 

 

Upon Termination by the Company for Cause or by the Executive Without Good Reason

 

      
Payment      Robert Kay          Jeffrey Siegel          Ronald Shiftan          Daniel Siegel      Laurence Winoker
      

Awarded but unpaid bonus

  $ -    $ -    $ -    $ -    $ -  
      

Accrued salary

  18,462  22,846  15,000  11,827  9,808
      

Accrued vacation

  122,530  139,133  25,000  19,712  16,346
      

TOTAL

  $140,992  $161,979  $40,000  $31,539  $26,154
              

 

Upon Termination as a Result of a Change of Control of the Company by the Company without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason

 

      
Payment  Robert Kay  Jeffrey Siegel  Ronald Shiftan (3)  Daniel Siegel  Laurence Winoker
      

Cash severance

  $3,400,000  $6,682,500  $3,997,500  $2,178,125  $1,381,250
      

Awarded but unpaid bonus

  -  -  -  -  -
      

Options (intrinsic value)

  -  -  -  -  -
      

Restricted shares (intrinsic value)

  561,680  181,383  87,763  132,898  101,554
      

Health benefits

  4,639  6,332  -  8,580  6,037
      

Insurance or professional fee reimbursement

  -  100,000  -  -  -
      

Accrued salary

  18,462  22,846  15,000  11,827  9,808
      

Accrued vacation

  122,530  139,133  25,000  19,712  16,346
      

TOTAL

  $4,107,311  $7,132,194  $4,125,263  $2,351,142  $1,514,995
              

 

Upon All Other Termination by the Company or by the Executive for Good Reason

 

      
Payment  Robert Kay (1)  Jeffrey Siegel (2)  Ronald Shiftan (3)  Daniel Siegel (4)  Laurence Winoker(5)
      

Cash severance

  $3,400,000  $6,682,500  $3,997,500  $2,178,125  $1,381,250
      

Awarded but unpaid bonus

  -  -  -  -  -
      

Options (intrinsic value)

  -  -  -  -  -
      

Restricted shares (intrinsic value)

  561,680  181,383  87,763  132,898  101,554
      

Health benefits

  4,639  6,332  -  8,580  6,037
      

Insurance or professional fee reimbursement

  -  100,000  -  -  -
      

Accrued salary

  18,462  22,846  15,000  11,827  9,808
      

Accrued vacation

  122,530  139,133  25,000  19,712  16,346
      

TOTAL

  $4,107,311  $7,132,194  $4,125,263  $2,351,142  $1,514,995

                              

 

Upon Termination by the Company for Cause or by the Executive Without Good Reason

 

 
Payment  Robert Kay           Jeffrey Siegel (1)      Daniel Siegel  Laurence Winoker   

Awarded but unpaid

bonus

   -    -  -     $155,563 

Accrued salary

   $21,538    $26,654  $14,808     $11,442 

Accrued vacation

   $123,076    $152,307  $21,154     $16,346 

TOTAL

   $144,614    $178,961  $35,962     $183,351 
       

 

Upon Termination as a Result of a Change of Control of the Company by the Company without Cause or
by the Executive for Good Reason

 

 
Payment  Robert Kay           Jeffrey Siegel (1)      Daniel Siegel  Laurence Winoker   

Cash severance

   $3,400,000    $6,682,500  

$2,337,500  

   $1,381,250 

Awarded but unpaid bonus

   $385,000    $544,500  

$219,141  

   $155,563 

Options (intrinsic value)

   -    -  

-  

   - 

Restricted shares and

performance shares

(intrinsic value)(2)

   $1,923,996    $938,250  

$270,182  

   $186,781 

Health benefits

   $5,266    $7,531  

$9,168  

   $6,447 

Insurance or professional

fee reimbursement

   -    $100,000  

-  

   - 

Accrued salary

   $21,538    $26,654  

$14,808  

   $11,442 

Accrued vacation

   $123,076    $152,307  

$21,154  

   $16,346 

TOTAL

   $5,858,876    $8,451,742  

$2,871,953  

   $1,757,829 

                              

 

Upon All Other Termination by the Company or by the Executive for Good Reason or Retirement

 

 
Payment  Robert Kay (3)   Jeffrey Siegel (1)(4)  Ronald Shiftan
(5)
  Daniel Siegel
(6)
   

Laurence    

Winoker (7)    

 

Cash severance

   $3,400,000    $6,682,500   $1,077,091   $2,337,500    $1,381,250 

Awarded but unpaid

bonus

   $385,000    $544,500   -   $219,141    $155,563 

Options (intrinsic value)

   -    -   -   -    - 

Restricted shares

(intrinsic value)

   $836,321    $896,550   $81,637   $195,469    $127,706 

Health benefits

   -    $7,351   -   $9,168    $6,447 

Insurance or professional

fee reimbursement

   -    $100,000   -   -    - 

Rental payment

reimbursement

   -    -   $30,900          

Accrued salary

   $18,462    $22,846   -   $14,808    $11,442 

Accrued vacation

   $123,076    $139,133   $18,542   $21,154    $16,346 

TOTAL

   $4,762,859    $7,132,194   $1,208,170   $2,797,240    $1,698,754 

Notes:

(1)

The term of Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement would have expired on December 31, 2019 if we had provided 180 days notice ofnon-renewal. Because no such notice was provided, these termination tables assume that the term of Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement was extended for an additional one year. Mr. Siegel’s new employment agreement became effective on January 1, 2020. For more information, see the discussion of the J. Siegel 2020 Employment Agreement underEmployment Agreements of NEOs.

(2)

Includes the vesting at target value of performance shares with open performance periods as of December 31, 2019, which would vest in the event of such termination within 24 months following a Change of Control.

(3)

$800,000 of such cash severance amount would be payable to Mr. Kay pursuant to his current employment agreement if the agreement werehis employment was terminated bynon-renewal upon the expiration of the term of his employment under his employment agreement.

(2)(4)

$3,521,1483,197,215 of such cash severance amount would be payable to Mr. Siegel pursuant to his current employment agreement if the agreement werehis employment was terminated bynon-renewal upon the expiration of the term of his employment under his employment agreement.

(3)(5)

Pursuant to the Retirement Agreement, the Company could not terminate Mr. Shiftan’s employment without causeterminated on December 31, 2018.March 15, 2019 on account of his retirement. The amounts in the table reflect the severance payable if Mr. Shiftan had terminated his employment for good reason on December 31, 2018. Mr. Shiftan received severancetermination payments and benefits on accountpayable to Mr. Shiftan pursuant to the terms of his termination of employment on March 15, 2019 asthe Retirement Agreement, which are further described below. Mr. Shiftan’s outstanding performance shares granted in 2017 remained outstanding following his retirement, and he was entitled to vest in apro-rated portion of the amount of such shares that would have otherwise vested based on achievement of performance goals. In March 2020, Mr. Shiftan became vested in 3,407 performance shares.

(4)(6)

$512,500550,000 of such cash severance amount would be payable to Mr. Siegel pursuant to his employment agreement if the agreement werehis employment was terminated bynon-renewal upon expiration of the term of his employment under his employment agreement.

(5)(7)

$425,000 of such cash severance amount would be payable to Mr. Winoker pursuant to his employment agreement if the agreement werehis employment was terminated bynon-renewal upon expiration of the term of his employment under his employment agreement.

Robert B. Kay

 

Robert B. Kay’s employment agreement, dated as of December 23, 2017,

The Kay Employment Agreement contains the following provisions regarding the termination of hisMr. Kay’s employment and a change of control of the Company.

Termination for Cause; Resignation Without Good Reason

If Mr. Kay’s employment is terminated by us for causeCause or if Mr. Kay resigns other than for good reason,Good Reason (in each case, as defined by the Kay Employment Agreement), Mr. Kay shallwill be entitled to be paid the following amounts (collectively, the “Kay Accrued Obligations”):

 

 

His base salary accrued up to and including the date of termination or resignation of his employment;

 

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time;

 

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses; and

 

All benefits that are accrued and vested through the date of termination under all employee benefit plans of the Company.

All payments, salary and other benefits thereunder shall cease as of the date of termination with the exception of the Kay Accrued Obligations.

Death

In the eventIf Mr. Kay’s employment terminates on account of Mr. Kay’shis death, then Mr. Kay’s estate shallwill receive payment of the Kay Accrued Obligations plus anyPro-Rated Performance Bonus (defined as follows) accrued through the effective date of his termination of employment to which Mr. Kay may be entitled.employment. The“Pro-Rated Performance Bonus” for a particular fiscal year is the amount equal to the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for the fiscal year that would have been payable to Mr. Kay, by the Company, as determined by the Board, if Mr. Kay’shis employment had not been terminated during the year,pro-rated for the months during the year preceding the termination.

Termination Due to Disability

In the event of Mr. Kay’s total disability, we shall be entitled to terminate Mr. Kay’s employment. In the event thatIf Mr. Kay’s employment is terminated due to total disability,terminates on account of Total Disability (as defined by the Kay Employment Agreement), then in addition to the Kay Accrued Obligations, Mr. Kay shallwill receive, an amount equal toconditioned on his execution andnon-revocation of a release of claims against the Company, continued payments of base salary for a period of six months from the datefollowing his termination of termination (providedemployment (except that such payment will be made in a lump sum if Mr. Kay’s termination due to total disabilityTotal Disability occurs within two years following a “Change of Control”, as defined inby the Kay Employment Agreement) plusand anyPro-Rated Performance Bonus (as defined above) accrued through the effective date of his termination of employment to which Mr. Kay may be entitled.termination.

Termination by the Company without Cause; Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason

In the event that (i)If Mr. Kay’s employment is terminated (i) by us without causeCause or (ii) his employment is terminated by Mr. Kay for good reason,Good Reason, in each case outside of the context of a Change of Control, then Mr. Kay shall be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respectin addition to the Kay Accrued Obligations) uponObligations, Mr. Kay will receive, conditioned on his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

The Kay Accrued Obligations;

 

Reimbursement for certain medical and dental benefitsexpenses set forth in the Kay Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

 

2.0 times Mr. Kay’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 24 months fromfollowing the date of termination;

 

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus (as defined above) for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the performance bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid; and

 

2.0 times an amount equal to 112.5% of Mr. Kay’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination (such amount, the “Kay Target Bonus”). payable within 60 days following the termination date; and

Mr. Kay’s then-outstanding stock options shall immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shall

Mr. Kay’s then-outstanding stock options will immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock will immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

Termination upon Expiration of Term

If Mr. Kay’s employment is terminated by reason of our failure to renew the term of his employment under his employment agreement, outside the context of a Change of Control, as defined below, then Mr. Kay shall be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respectin addition to the Kay Accrued Obligations)Obligations, Mr. Kay will receive, conditioned upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company, as severance, an amount equal to:Company:

 

The Kay Accrued Obligations;

 

Reimbursement for certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the Kay Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

 

1.0 times Mr. Kay’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 12 months fromfollowing the date of expiration of the initial term or any renewal term of his employment, as applicable; andtermination;

 

The Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the expirationtermination occurs, payable at the same time as the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid.paid; and

Mr. Kay’s then-outstanding stock options shall immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shall

Mr. Kay’s then-outstanding stock options will immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock will immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

Termination by the Company without Cause;Cause or on account ofNon-Renewal, Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason in Connection with Certain Changes of Control

In the event thatIf Mr. Kay’s employment is terminated by Mr. Kay for good reasonGood Reason or by us without causeCause or by us upon expiration of the term following delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal, in each case upon or within two years following a Change of Control, Mr. Kay shall be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respectthen in addition to the Kay Accrued Obligations)Obligations, Mr. Kay will receive, conditioned upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

 

TheReimbursement for certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the Kay Accrued Obligations;Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

 

A cash payment equal to 2.0 times hisMr. Kay’s annual base salary in effect at the effective date of the Change of Control, or if greater, 2.0 times his annual base salary in effect as of his termination of employment;employment payable in a lump sum within 60 days following the date of termination;

 

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus (as defined above) for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid;

 

2.0 times the Kay Target Bonus, (as defined above), using the greater of Mr. Kay’s base salary in effect at the time of termination and base salary in effect at the time of the Change of Control;Control, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following the date of termination; and

 

Reimbursement for certain medicalMr. Kay’s then-outstanding stock options will vest and dental benefits set forth inbecome immediately exercisable and all restrictions on his employment agreement for a periodshares of 12 months.restricted stock will immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

All of Mr. Kay’s then-outstanding stock options shall vest and become immediately exercisable and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shall immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

In the event thatIf Mr. Kay’s employment is terminated by Mr. Kay for good reasonGood Reason or by us without causeCause or upon expiration of the term following delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal, and in each case, within 90 days following such termination, a Change of Control occurs, then Mr. Kay shallwill be entitled to receive a payment equal to the excess of the base salary severance payments that would have been due to him had he been terminated within two years following a Change of Control, less the amount of base salary severance payments already paid to him. Additionally, in the event that termination is on account of our delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal, Mr. Kay shallwill be entitled to receive two times the Kay Target Bonus, (as defined above),and both amounts are payable within 60 days following the Change of Control.

If all or any portion of the payments and benefits would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or a similar or successor provision), we shallwill reduce such payments to the extent necessary so that (i) no portion thereof shallwill be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or a similar or successor provision) and (ii) by reason of such reduction, the netafter-tax benefit to Mr. Kay shallwill exceed the netafter-tax benefit to him if such reduction were not made.

Jeffrey Siegel

 

Jeffrey Siegel’s employment agreement dated as of March 12, 2014The J. Siegel Amended and as amended and restated as of January 12, 2017 and as further amended on November 8, 2017Restated Employment Agreement contains the following provisions regarding the termination of hisMr. Siegel’s employment and a change of control of the Company.

Termination for Cause; Resignation without Good Reason

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by us for causeCause or if Mr. Siegel resigns other than for good reason,Good Reason (in each case as defined by the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement), Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to be paid the following amounts (collectively, the “J. Siegel Accrued Obligations”):

 

 

His base salary accrued up to and including the date of termination or resignation of his employment;

 

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time; and

 

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in his employment agreement, Mr. Siegel shallwill also be entitled to exercise any then-outstanding stock options granted to Mr. Siegel that shall have vested on or prior to suchhis termination or resignation of employment.

Termination by the Company without Cause; Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason; Termination due to Disability; Death

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated (i) by us for any reason other than cause,Cause, (ii) by Mr. Siegel for good reason (inGood Reason, in the case of (i) or (ii), outside the context of a “Change of Control,” as defined inby the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement),Agreement, (iii) by us or Mr. Siegel due to Mr. Siegel’s disabilityDisability (as defined by the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement) or (iv) by reason of Mr. Siegel’s death (collectively, a “Siegel Involuntary Termination”), Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to payment of the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations, as well asand subject to Mr. Siegel’s execution andnon-revocation of a release of claims against the Company (except in the case of death), he will receive the following severance payments (the “J. Siegel Severance Payments”), conditioned (except in the case of death) upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

:

 

3.0 times hisMr. Siegel’s base salary;

 

3.0 times the “J. Siegel Target Bonus,” which includes both hisMr. Siegel’s Annual Individual Goal Bonus and Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus, in effect for the year in which the termination occurs; and

 

If termination occurs on or prior to June 30 of any year, apro-rated amount of Mr. Siegel’s Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for the year in which such Siegel Involuntary Termination occurs, accrued to the date of termination and if termination occurs on or following July 1 of any year, the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for the year in which such Siegel Involuntary Termination occurs accrued to the date of termination (withoutpro-ration).

These payments will be made in a lump sum within 60 days of termination, except for thepro-rated amount payment in respect of Mr. Siegel’s Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus, which will be paid in the following calendar year pursuant to the terms of the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement.following termination. In addition, Mr. Siegel shallwill continue to participate, at our expense, in our health and medical plans and in any other benefits provided by us to Mr. Siegel at the time of such Involuntary Termination until the end of the term of his employment under his employment agreementthe J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement or until Mr. Siegel obtains other employment, whichever occurs first. In addition, in the event of a Siegel Involuntary Termination, allAll of Mr. Siegel’s then outstanding stock options shallwill be immediately vested and exercisable and the restrictions on his restricted stock shallwill immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP.

No J. Siegel Severance Payments shall be payable ifSolely in the event Mr. Siegel’s employment with us ends at the expiration ornon-renewal of the termis terminated on account of his employmentdeath or Disability, then in addition to the payments and benefits described above, he will also be eligible to receive any death or disability benefits (as applicable) that are provided under his employment agreement.the terms of any pension, medical, disability and life insurance plan applicable to Mr. Siegel.

Siegel Involuntary Termination or Termination on Account ofNon-Renewal in Connection with Certain Changes of Control

If, during the term of his employment, we undergo a Change of Control and either (i) Mr. Siegel’s employment is, within two years thereafter, terminated under circumstances that would constitute a Siegel Involuntary Termination or Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated upon expiration of the term following a notice ofnon-renewal provided by us, or (ii) Mr. Siegel undergoes a Siegel Involuntary Termination or Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated upon expiration of the term following a notice ofnon-renewal provided by us and within 90 days of the Siegel Involuntary Termination or such expiration of the term we execute a definitive agreement to enter into a transaction the consummation of which would result in a Change of Control and such transaction is actually consummated, then Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to all payments and benefits as described above with respect to a Siegel Involuntary Termination, calculated using the J. Siegel Target Bonus for the year in which the Change of Control occurs, and using the greater of Mr. Siegel’s base salary in effect at the time of termination and base salary in effect at the time of the Change of Control. These payments and benefits, other than the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations, are conditioned upon hisMr. Siegel’s execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company. All of Mr. J. Siegel’s then-outstanding stock options shall be immediately vested and exercisable and all restrictions on his restricted stock shall immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP. If all or any portion of the payments and benefits made in connection with such termination would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or a similar or successor provision), we shallwill reduce such payments to the extent necessary so that (i) no portion thereof shallwill be subject to the excise tax imposed by

Section 4999 of the Code (or a similar or successor provision); and (ii) by reason of such reduction, the netafter-tax benefit to Mr. Siegel shallwill exceed the netafter-tax benefit to him if such reduction were not made.

Termination Due to Disability

In the event of Mr. Siegel’s disability, either we or Mr. Siegel shall be entitled to terminate Mr. Siegel’s employment. In the event that Mr. Siegel elects to terminate his employment due to disability, such termination shall be deemed to be an Involuntary Termination and Mr. Siegel shall be entitled to payment of the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations, the J. Siegel Severance Payments and any disability benefits that are provided under the terms of any pension, medical, disability and life insurance plan applicable to our senior executives, applicable to Mr. Siegel at the time of his disability. All of Mr. Siegel’s then outstanding stock options shall be immediately vested and exercisable and the restrictions on his restricted stock shall immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP.

Death

In the event of Mr. Siegel’s death, the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations and the J. Siegel Severance Payments shall be paid to Mr. Siegel’s beneficiary. Mr. Siegel’s beneficiary shall also be entitled to any death benefits that are provided under the terms of any pension, medical, disability and life insurance plan applicable to our senior executives, applicable to Mr. Siegel at the time of death. All of Mr. Siegel’s then outstanding stock options shall be immediately vested and exercisable and the restrictions on his restricted stock shall immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP.

Termination upon Expiration of Term

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by reason of the expiration of the term of his employment under his employment agreement other than in connection with a Change of Control as described above, Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to payment of the J. Siegel Accrued Obligations. In addition, in such event, we shall payand subject to Mr. Siegel as severance, conditioned upon hisSiegel’s execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company, an amount equal to:Mr. Siegel will be entitled to the following severance payments and benefits:

 

 

2.0 times hisMr. Siegel’s base salary; and

 

2.0 times the average of the sum of the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus and the Annual Individual Goal Bonus paid by us to Mr. Siegel, with respect to the year ending on the date on which Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by reason of the expiration of the term and each of the two immediately preceding years.

Both payments will be paid in a lump sum. The formerfirst payment will be made in a lump sum within 60 days of termination, and the lattersecond payment will be paid in the following calendar year pursuant to the terms of the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement.following termination. In addition, all of Mr. Siegel’s then-outstanding stock options shallwill be immediately vested and exercisable and the restrictions on his restricted stock shallwill immediately terminate.

Continuation of Life Insurance

NotwithstandingPursuant to the J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, following any termination of Mr. Siegel’s employment (other than for causeCause or by reason of his death), we shallwill continue to provide reimbursement for the premiums on the life insurance policies on the life of Mr. Siegel that we are required to provide reimbursement for pursuant to his employment agreementthe J. Siegel Amended and Restated Employment Agreement immediately prior to such termination. If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated for any reason other than by reason of his death, Mr. Siegel will have the right to assume the life insurance policypolicies in his name owned by the Company.

Ronald Shiftan

 

The Shiftan Employment Agreement, as amended byUpon the Retirement Agreement, containsDate, Mr. Shiftan was entitled to receive his base salary accrued up to and including the following provisions regarding thedate of termination of Mr. Shiftan’s employment.

Terminationemployment, payment for Cause; Resignation without Good Reason

If Mr. Shiftan’s employment is terminated by us for cause or if Mr. Shiftan resigns other than for good reason, Mr. Shiftan shall be entitled to be paid the following amountsany accrued but unused vacation time, and any unreimbursed expenses (collectively, the “Shiftan Accrued Obligations”):

His salary accrued up to and including the date of termination or resignation of his employment;

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time; and

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses.

Notwithstanding anything. In addition, subject to Mr. Shiftan’s execution andnon-revocation of a release of claims against the contrary in his employment agreement,Company, Mr. Shiftan shall bebecame entitled to exercise any then-outstanding stock options grantedreceive the following payments and benefits pursuant to him that shall have vested on or prior to such termination or resignation of employment.

Involuntary Termination

Pursuant to the Retirement Agreement, the Company may not terminate Mr. Shiftan’s employment without cause and severance is only payable under the Shiftan Employment Agreement if Mr. Shiftan’s employment is terminated (i) by Mr. Shiftan for good reason as defined in the Shiftan Employment Agreement, as amended by the Retirement Agreement, (ii) by us or Mr. Shiftan due to Mr. Shiftan’s disability or (iii) by reason of Mr. Shiftan’s death (such a resignation or termination being hereinafter referred to as a “Shiftan Involuntary Termination”), Mr. Shiftan shall be entitled to payment of the Shiftan Accrued Obligations as well as the following amounts (the “Shiftan Severance Payments”), conditioned (except in the case of death) upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

Agreement:

 

3.0 times his annual base salary;A lump sum payment equal to $1, 077,091, which is the sum of $650,000 and the average of the bonuses paid to Mr. Shiftan for each of 2016, 2017 and 2018;

 

3.0 times his annual target bonus in effectAll restrictions on outstanding shares of restricted stock lapsed;

Performance shares remain outstanding and will vest to the extent that the applicable performance goals are achieved, but will bepro-rated for the year in whichportion of the termination occurs;performance period ending on the Retirement Date;

Reimbursement of six months of rental payments on an apartment that Mr. Shiftan maintains near the Company’s principal offices; and

 

Thepro-rated Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus accruedMr. Shiftan continued to serve out the dateremainder of termination.his term as a member of the Board.

In addition, Mr. Shiftan shall continue to participate, at our expense, in our health and medical plans and in any other benefits provided by us to Mr. Shiftan at the time of such Shiftan Involuntary Termination until the Retirement Date or until Mr. Shiftan obtains other employment, whichever occurs first. Furthermore, in the event of a Shiftan Involuntary Termination, all of Mr. Shiftan’s then-outstanding stock options shall be immediately vested and exercisable and all restrictions on Mr. Shiftan’s restricted shares shall immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP.

Termination Due to Disability

In the event of Mr. Shiftan’s disability, either we or Mr. Shiftan shall be entitled to terminate Mr. Shiftan’s employment. In the event that Mr. Shiftan elects to terminate his employment due to disability, such termination shall be deemed to be a Shiftan Involuntary Termination and Mr. Shiftan shall be entitled to payment of the Shiftan Accrued Obligations, the Shiftan Severance Payments and any disability benefits that are provided under the terms of any pension, medical, disability and life insurance plan applicable to Mr. Shiftan at the time of his disability. In addition, all of Mr. Shiftan’s then-outstanding stock options shall be immediately vested and exercisable and all restrictions on Mr. Shiftan’s restricted shares shall immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP.

Death

In the event of Mr. Shiftan’s death, the Shiftan Accrued Obligations and the Shiftan Severance Payments shall be paid to Mr. Shiftan’s beneficiary. Mr. Shiftan’s beneficiary shall also be entitled to any death benefits that are provided under the terms of any pension, medical, disability and life insurance plan applicable to Mr. Shiftan at the time of death. In addition, all of Mr. Shiftan’s then-outstanding stock options shall be immediately vested and exercisable and all restrictions on Mr. Shiftan’s restricted shares shall immediately terminate, to the extent permitted under the LTIP.

Upon the Retirement Date

In the event that Mr. Shiftan’s employment terminates on the Retirement Date, as long as Mr. Shiftan remains employed by the Company until the Retirement Date, (i) his unvested time-based equity awards will vest, (ii) his performance-based equity awards will vest to the extent that the applicable performance goals are obtained and will bepro-rated for the portion of the performance period ending on the Retirement Date, (iii) he will receive a lump sum payment equal to the sum of (a) $650,000 and (b) the average of the bonuses paid to him pursuant to the Shiftan Employment Agreement for each of 2016, 2017 and 2018, (iv) he will be eligible to receive reimbursement of up to six months of rental payments on an apartment that he maintains near the Company’s principal offices, and (v) he will be permitted to serve out the remainder of his term as a member of the Board (subject to the Board’s right to remove him for cause), in each case upon the effectiveness of a customary release executed by him on or after the Retirement Date but no later than April 22, 2019. On March 26, 2019, Mr. Shiftan executed the release and on April 3, 2019, Mr. Shiftan’s unvested stock options and unvested shares of restricted stock became fully vested. He also received 2,172 shares of restricted stock on April 3, 2019 as director compensation due to his change in director status as of March 16, 2019 to anon-employee director. In addition, on April 3, 2019, he received a lump sum severance payment equal to $1,107,991. Mr. Shiftan is eligible to receive reimbursement of rental payments through September 2019. Apro-rated portion ofHowever, these shares were forfeited upon Mr. Shiftan’s outstanding deferred stock units will vest at the end of each performance period, based on the achievement of the applicable performance goals. Mr. Shiftan has continued to serve as a member oftermination from the Board since his termination of employment.on June 28, 2019.

Daniel Siegel

 

Daniel Siegel’s employment agreement dated as of November 8, 2017The D. Siegel Employment Agreement contains the following terms regarding the termination of hisMr. Siegel’s employment and a change of control of the Company.

GeneralTermination for Cause; Resignation without Good Reason

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated duringby us for Cause or by Mr. Siegel without Good Reason (in each case, as defined by the term of his employment agreement for any reason, we shall payD. Siegel Employment Agreement), Mr. Siegel will be entitled to be paid the following amounts (collectively, “D. Siegel Accrued Obligations”):

 

His base salary for the period accrued up to and including the date of termination of his employment;

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time;

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses; and

All benefits that are accrued and vested through the date of termination under all employee benefit plans of the Company.

His base salary for the period accrued up to and including the date of termination of his employment;

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time;

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses; and

All benefits that are accrued and vested through the date of termination under all employee benefit plans of the Company.

Death

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by reasonterminates on account of Mr. Siegel’shis death, then Mr. Siegel’s estate shallwill receive payment of the amounts provided asD. Siegel Accrued Obligations plus anyPro-Rated Performance Bonus”Bonus accrued through the effective date of his termination of employment to which Mr. Siegel may be entitled.employment. ThePro-Rated Performance BonusBonus” for a particular fiscal year is the amount equal to the Annual Adjusted IBITEBITDA Performance Bonus for the fiscal year that would have been payable to Mr. Siegel, by the Company, as determined by the Board, if the agreementhis employment had not been terminated during the year,pro-rated for the months during the year preceding the termination.

Termination Due to Disability

In the event of Mr. Siegel’s total disability, we shall be entitled to terminate Mr. Siegel’s employment. In the event thatIf Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated due to total disability, contingent upon his execution andnon-revocationterminates on account of a release of all claims againstTotal Disability (as defined by the Company,D. Siegel Employment Agreement), then in addition to the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations, Mr. Siegel shallwill receive, conditioned upon his execution andnon-revocation of an amount equal to hiseffective release of all claims against the Company, continued payments of base salary for a period of six months from the datefollowing his termination of termination (providedemployment (except that such payment will be made in a lump sum if Mr. Siegel’s termination due to total disabilityTotal Disability occurs within two years following a “ChangeChange of Control, as defined inby the D. Siegel Employment Agreement) plusand anyPro-Rated Performance Bonus accrued through the effective date of his termination of employment to which Mr. Siegel may be entitled.termination.

Termination for Cause; Resignation without Good Reason

Upon any termination of Mr. Siegel’s employment either (i) voluntarily by Mr. Siegel (other than for good reason, as defined in the employment agreement) or (ii) by us for cause (as defined in the employment agreement), all payments, salary and other benefits thereunder shall cease at the date of termination, with the exception of the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations.

Termination by the Company without Cause; Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason

In the event thatIf (i) Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by us without cause,Cause, or (ii) hisMr. Siegel’s employment agreement is terminated by Mr. Siegel for good reason,Good Reason, in each case outside of the context of a Change of Control, then Mr. Siegel shall be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respectin addition to the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations)Obligations, Mr. Siegel will receive, conditioned upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the D. Siegel Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

The D. Siegel Accrued Obligations;

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in Mr. Siegel’s employment agreement for a period of 12 months;

2.0 times Mr. Siegel’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 24 months from the date of termination;

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid; and

2.0 times an amount equal to 112.5% of Mr. Siegel’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination (such amount, the “D. Siegel Target Bonus”).

2.0 times Mr. Siegel’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 24 months following the date of termination;

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid;

2.0 times an amount equal to 112.5% of Mr. Siegel’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination (such amount, the “D. Siegel Target Bonus”) payable within 60 days following termination; and

Mr. Siegel’s then-outstanding stock options shallwill immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shallwill immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

Termination upon Expiration of Term

If Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by reason of our failure to renew the term of his employment under his employment agreement, then in addition to the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations, Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respect to the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations) uponon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company, as severance, an amount equal to:Company:

 

The D. Siegel Accrued Obligations;

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the employment agreement for a period of 12 months;

1.0 times Mr. Siegel’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 12 months from the date of expiration of the initial term or any renewal term of his employment, as applicable; and

The Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the expiration occurs, payable at the same time as the Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid.

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the D. Siegel Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

1.0 times Mr. Siegel’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 12 months following the date of termination;

The Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which termination occurs; and

Mr. Siegel’s then-outstanding stock options shallwill immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shallwill immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

Termination by the Company without Cause or on Account ofNon-Renewalin Connection with Certain Changes of Control;Control, Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason in Connection with Certain Changes of Control

In the event thatIf Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by Mr. Siegel for good reasonGood Reason or by us without causeCause or upon expiration of the term following our delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal, in each case upon or within two years following a Change of Control, then in addition to the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations, Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respect to the D. Siegel Accrued Obligations) uponon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in his employment agreement for a period of 12 months;

The D. Siegel Accrued Obligations;

A cash payment equal to 2.0 times his annual base salary in effect at the effective date of the Change of Control, or if greater, 2.0 times his annual base salary in effect as of his termination of employment;

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid;

2.0 times the D. Siegel Target Bonus, using the greater of Mr. Siegel’s base salary in effect at the time of termination and base salary in effect at the time of the Change of Control; and

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in his employment agreement for a period of 12 months.

2.0 times his annual base salary in effect at the effective date of the Change of Control, or if greater, 2.0 times his annual base salary in effect as of his termination of employment, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following termination;

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Annual Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid;

2.0 times the D. Siegel Target Bonus, using the greater of Mr. Siegel’s base salary in effect at the time of termination and base salary in effect at the time of the Change of Control, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following termination; and

All of Mr. Siegel’s then-outstanding stock options shallwill vest and become immediately exercisable and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock granted shallwill immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

In the event thatIf Mr. Siegel’s employment is terminated by Mr. Siegel for good reasonGood Reason or by us without causeCause or upon expiration of the term following our delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal, and in each case, within 90 days following such termination, a Change of Control occurs, then Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to receive a payment equal to the excess of the base salary severance payments that would have been due to him had he been terminated within two years following a Change of Control, less the amount of base salary severance payments already paid to him. Additionally, in the event that termination is on account of our delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal, Mr. Siegel shallwill be entitled to receive two times the D. Siegel Target Bonus, payable within 60 days following the changeChange of control.Control.

If all or any portion of the payments and benefits would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or a similar or successor provision), we shallwill reduce such payments to the extent necessary so that (i) no portion thereof shallwill be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or a similar or successor provision) and (ii) by reason of such reduction,

the netafter-tax benefit to Mr. Siegel shallwill exceed the netafter-tax benefit to him if such reduction were not made.

Laurence Winoker

 

Laurence Winoker’s employment agreement dated as of June 28, 2007, as amended as of March 8, 2010, as amended as of April 12, 2012, as amended and restated as of September 10, 2015 and as amended as of November 8, 2017The Winoker Employment Agreement contains the following terms regarding the termination of his employment and a change of control of the Company.

GeneralTermination for Cause; Resignation Without Good Reason

Without limiting the generality of the termination provisions contained in Mr. Winoker’s employment agreement, as amended and restated, ifIf Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated during the term of his employment agreementby us for any reason, we shall payCause or by Mr. Winoker without Good Reason (in each case, as defined by the Winoker Employment Agreement), Mr. Winoker will be entitled to the following amounts (collectively, the “Winoker Accrued Obligations”):

 

His base salary for the period accrued up to and including the date of termination of his employment;

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time;

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses; and

The amount of any unpaid Annual Adjusted IBIT Performance Bonus or an Annual Individual Goal Bonus (each, a “Performance Bonus”), including any“Pro-Rated Performance Bonus” under the employment agreement. ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for a particular fiscal year is the amount equal to the Performance Bonuses for the fiscal year that would have been payable to Mr. Winoker by the Company if the employment agreement had not been terminated during the year,pro-rated for the months during the year preceding the termination.

His base salary accrued up to and including the date of termination of his employment;

An amount in lieu of any accrued but unused vacation time;

The amount of any unreimbursed expenses; and

Any vested rights that Mr. Winoker may have pursuant to any insurance or other death benefit, bonus, retirement, or stock award plans or arrangements of the Company or any other employee benefit program.

Death

If Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated by reason of Mr. Winoker’s death, then Mr. Winoker’s estate shallwill receive payment for amounts provided asthe Winoker Accrued Obligations. In addition, if Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated prior to December 1 of any year, Mr. Winoker’s estate will receive anyPro-Rated Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus accrued through the date of termination of employment. The“Pro-Rated Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus” for a particular fiscal year is the amount equal to the Adjusted EBITDA Performance Bonus for the fiscal year that would have been payable to Mr. Winoker by the Company, as determined by the Board, if Mr. Winoker’s employment had not terminated during the year,pro-rated for the months during the year preceding the termination.

Termination Due to Disability

Mr. Winoker’s employment shall automatically terminate as a result of his total disability. In the event thatIf Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated due to total disability,on account of Total Disability (as defined by the Winoker Employment Agreement), then in addition to the Winoker Accrued Obligations, Mr. Winoker shallwill receive, an amount equal toconditioned on his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company, continued payments of his base salary for a period of six months from the date of termination.

Termination for Cause; Resignation Without Good Reason

Upon any termination of Mr. Winoker’s employment agreement either (i) voluntarily by Mr. Winoker (except if he is voluntarily terminating his employment for good reason) or (ii) by us for cause, all payments, salary and other benefits thereunder shall cease atfollowing the date of termination, withand if such termination occurs prior to December 1, the exceptionPro-Rated Bonus for the year of the Winoker Accrued Obligations, and any vested rights that Mr. Winoker may have at the time of discharge and termination pursuant to any insurance or other death benefit, bonus, retirement, severance pay or stock award plans or arrangements of the Company or any subsidiary, or any stock option plan or any options granted thereunder, or any other employee benefit program which rights shall continue to be governed by the provisions of such plans and arrangements.termination.

Termination by the Company without Cause;Cause, Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason

In the event thatIf (i) Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated by us without cause,Cause, or (ii) Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated by Mr. Winoker for good reason,Good Reason, in each case outside of the context of a “ChangeChange of Control”, asControl (as defined inby the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement,Agreement), then in addition to the Accrued Obligations, Mr. Winoker shallwill be entitled to receive, conditioned (except with respect to the Winoker Accrued Obligations) uponon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

 

The Winoker Accrued Obligations;

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in his amended and restated employment agreement

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

2.0 times Mr. Winoker’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 24 months from the date of termination;

2.0 times Mr. Winoker’s base salary as in effect at the date of termination payable over a period of 24 months from the date of termination;

ThePro-Rated Annual Bonus for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid. The“Pro-Rated Annual Bonus” for a particular fiscal year is the amount equal to the annual bonus for

the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Performance Bonus for such fiscal yearthat would otherwise have been paid;payable to Mr. Winoker by the Company, as determined by the Board, if Mr. Winoker’s employment had not terminated during the year,pro-rated for the months during the year preceding the termination; and

2.0 times an amount equal to 62.5% of Mr. Winoker’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination (such amount, the “Winoker Target Bonus”).

2.0 times an amount equal to 62.5% of Mr. Winoker’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination (such amount, the “Winoker Target Bonus”), payable within 60 days following termination.

Mr. Winoker’s then-outstanding stock options shallwill immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shallwill immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

Termination Upon Expiration of Term

If we do not offerMr. Winoker’s employment is terminated by reason of our failure to renew the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, outside the context of a Change of Control, then in addition to the Accrued Obligations, Mr. Winoker beyond the initial term or any renewal term, upon the normal expiration of the initial term or any renewal term of his employment, as applicable, Mr. Winoker shall be entitled towill receive, conditioned (except with respect to the Winoker Accrued Obligations) uponon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

Reimbursement for certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

The Winoker Accrued Obligations;

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months;

An amount equal to Mr. Winoker’s base salary as in effect upon the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term of the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, as applicable, payable over a period of 12 months from the expiration of the initial term or any renewal term, as applicable;

The Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid; and

Mr. Winoker’s then-outstanding stock options shall immediately vest and become exercisable in their entirety and all restrictions on shares of restricted stock granted by us to Mr. Winoker on which any restrictions shall not have terminated shall

An amount equal to Mr. Winoker’s base salary as in effect upon termination, payable over a period of 12 months from the date of termination; and

The annual bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the annual bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid.

Mr. Winoker’s then-outstanding stock options will immediately vest and become exercisable and all restrictions on shares of restricted stock granted by us to Mr. Winoker will immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

Termination by the Company without Cause;Cause or on Account ofNon-Renewal, Resignation by the Executive for Good Reason

in Connection with Certain Changes of Control

If, during the term of Mr. Winoker’s employment, we undergo a Change of Control and either (i) upon or within two years thereafter, Mr. Winoker is terminated by the Company without cause,Cause, Mr. Winoker voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason,Good Reason, or Mr. Winoker’s employment terminates upon expiration of the term following a notice ofnon-renewal provided by us;us, in each case upon or (ii)within two years following a Change of Control, then in addition to the Winoker Accrued Obligations, Mr. Winoker will be entitled to receive, conditioned upon his execution andnon-revocation of a release of all claims against the Company:

Reimbursement for certain medical and dental benefits set forth in the Winoker Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for a period of 12 months.

A cash payment equal to 200% of Mr. Winoker’s base salary in effect at the effective date of the Change of Control or if greater, 200% of Mr. Winoker’s base salary in effect at the effective date of termination, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following termination;

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which termination occurs, payable at the same time as the annual bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid; and

2.0 times the Winoker Target Bonus, using the greater of Mr. Winoker’s annual base salary in effect at the time of termination and annual base salary in effect at the time of the Change of Control, payable in a lump sum within 60 days following termination.

All of Mr. Winoker’s then-outstanding stock options will vest and become immediately exercisable and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock will immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP.

In the event that Mr. Winoker’s employment is terminated by Mr. Winoker for Good Reason or by us without cause, Mr. Winoker voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason,Cause or Mr. Winoker’s employment terminates upon expiration of the term following delivery of a notice ofnon-renewal provided by us, and in each case, within 90 days of the termination, we execute a definitive agreement to enter into

a transaction the consummation of which would result in a Change of Control and such transaction is actually consummated, then Mr. Winoker shallwill be entitled to receive conditioned (except with respecta payment equal to the Winoker Accrued Obligations) upon his execution andnon-revocationexcess of the base salary severance payments that would have been due to him had he been terminated within two years following a Change of Control, less the amount of base salary severance payments already paid to him. Additionally, in the event that termination is on account of our delivery of a releasenotice of all claims againstnon-renewal, Mr. Winoker will be entitled to receive two times the Company:

The Winoker Accrued Obligations;

A cash payment equal to 200% of Mr. Winoker’s annual base salary in effect atWinoker Target Bonus within 60 days following the effective date of the Change of Control or if greater, 200% of Mr. Winoker’s base salary in effect at the effective date of termination;

ThePro-Rated Performance Bonus for the fiscal year in which the effective date of the termination occurs, payable at the same time as the Performance Bonus for such fiscal year would otherwise have been paid;

2.0 times the Winoker Target Bonus payable within 60 days of termination; and

Certain medical and dental benefits set forth in his amended and restated employment agreement for a period of 12 months.

All of Mr. Winoker’s then-outstanding stock options shall vest and become immediately exercisable and all restrictions on his shares of restricted stock shall immediately terminate, subject to the terms of the LTIP. Change of Control.

If however, all or any portion of the payments and benefits would constitute a “parachute payment” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (or a similar or successor provision), we shallwill reduce such payments to the extent necessary so that (i) no portion thereof shallwill be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (or a similar or successor provision) and (ii) by reason of such reduction, the netafter-tax benefit to Mr. Winoker shallwill exceed the netafter-tax benefit to him if such reduction were not made.

Pay Ratio

In accordance with Item 402(u) of RegulationS-K, the Company is providing the following information about the relationship of the annual total compensation of our employees and the annual total compensation of Mr. Robert Kay, our Chief Executive Officer (our “CEO”) in fiscal 2018:2019:

 

The median of annual compensation of all employees excluding the CEO - $36,248.78

The annual total compensation of the CEO in 2018 - $3,446,450

The ratio of the CEO’s annual total compensation to the median employee’s compensation – 95.1:1

The median of annual compensation of all employees excluding the CEO—$34,654.82

The annual total compensation of the CEO in 2019 – $3,004,661.00

The ratio of the CEO’s annual total compensation to the median employee’s compensation – 86.7:1

In order to determine the median employee from a compensation perspective, the Company collected cash compensation (salary and cash bonuses) paid in 20182019 for all employees worldwide that were compensated during 2018,2019, as of December 31, 20182019 (the “determination date”). For those employees compensated in foreign currencies, exchange rates atyear-end were used to convert their compensation into U.S. dollars. To determine the ratio disclosed above, the Company calculated the median employee’s compensation for fiscal 20182019 in accordance with the rules applicable to the compensation elements included in the Summary Compensation Table and compared such compensation to the annualized compensation of our CEO, Mr. Robert Kay. Mr. Kay served as the Company’s CEO beginning on March 2, 2018. The annualized compensation of our CEO was calculated based on the annualized salary and annualized additional compensation components of the CEO as reportedset forth in the Summary Compensation Table.

Proposal No. 2

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 20192020

 

Our Audit Committee appointed the firm of Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year endedending December 31, 2019.2020. Ernst & Young has audited our financial statements since 1984.

Our Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit, audit-related and tax services and other services performed by the independent auditor. The policy provides forpre-approval by our Audit Committee of specifically defined audit andnon-audit services. Unless the specific service has been previouslypre-approved with respect to that year, our Audit Committee must approve the permitted service before the independent auditor is engaged to perform it. Our Audit Committee has delegated to the Chair of the Audit Committee authority to approve permitted services costing up to $50,000 provided that the Chair reports any decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

The following table sets forth fees paid or payable to Ernst & Young for services provided in each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:2019:

 

   

 

2018

 

   

 

2017

 

 

Audit fees

               $2,277,400                                    $1,880,500(1)                   

Audit-related fees

   390,000                        281,000                    

Tax fees

   877,915                        660,000                    

All other fees

   2,000                        2,000                    

TOTAL

   $3,547,315                        $2,823,500                    

(1)

Audit fees reported for 2017 have been adjusted for fees that were not finalized at the time of the filing date of the Company’s proxy statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

     

 

2019

     

 

2018

 

Audit fees

    $1,832,500     $2,277,400 

Audit-related fees

     0      390,000 

Tax fees

     185,696      877,915 

All other fees

     3,000      2,000 

TOTAL

    $2,021,196     $3,547,315 

Audit fees

Audit fees are fees paid to Ernst & Young for the annual audit of our financial statements, the quarterly reviews of our financial statements included in our Forms10-Q, fees related to our annual audit of internal controls over financial reporting, statutory audit fees and fees for regulatory filings.

Audit-related fees

Audit related fees are fees paid to Ernst & Young for assurance and related services that are related to the performance of the audit or review of the financial statements but not reported as audit fees as well as other audit and due diligence procedures in connection with acquisitions or dispositions.

Tax fees

Tax fees are billed for services rendered for tax compliance including the preparation of tax returns and tax advisory services.

All other fees

All other fees consist of fees paid to Ernst & Young for access to Ernst & Young’s online accounting research tool.

In making its appointment of Ernst & Young to audit our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019,2020, our Audit Committee reviewed past audit, audit related and othernon-audit services performed during 2018.2019. In selecting Ernst & Young, our Audit Committee carefully considered their independence. Our Audit Committee has determined that the performance of suchnon-audit services did not impair the independence of Ernst & Young.

Ernst & Young has confirmed to our Audit Committee that it is in compliance with all rules, standards and policies of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC governing auditor independence.

If the stockholders do not ratify this appointment, our Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain Ernst & Young, but may ultimately decide to retain them. Any decision to retain Ernst & Young or another independent registered public accounting firm will be made by the Audit Committee and will not be resubmitted to stockholders. In addition, even if stockholders ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young, the Audit Committee retains the right to appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 20192020 if it determines that it would be in the Company’s and its stockholders’ best interests.

Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to be presentavailable to respond to appropriate questions of stockholders at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting if they desire and to respond to appropriate questions of stockholders.desire.

Our Board and Audit Committee unanimously recommend that stockholders vote FOR

the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young.

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors (the “Audit Committee”) reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our subsidiaries that are set forth in our 20182019 Annual Report to Stockholders and in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 20182019 with our management and with Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm.

Our Audit Committee discussed with Ernst & Young LLP the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as amended, which includes, among other items, matters relating to the conduct of an audit of our financial statements and the adequacy of internal controls.

Our Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from Ernst & Young LLP required by Rule 3256 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, Communications Concerning Independence, and discussed with Ernst & Young LLP that firm’s independence from the Company. The Committee concluded that the provision by Ernst & Young LLP ofnon-audit services, including tax preparation services, to the Company is compatible with its independence.

Based on the review and discussions with our management and with Ernst & Young LLP, referred to above, our Audit Committee recommended to our Board that we publish the consolidated financial statements of the Company and our subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 20182019 in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

 

The Audit Committee

Michael J. Regan – Chair

John Koegel

Cherrie NanningaDennis E. Reaves

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS

Certain relatives of Jeffrey Siegel, our Executive Chairman, are employed by us, as follows:

 

Clifford Siegel, a son of Jeffrey Siegel, is employed by us as our Executive Vice-President – Global Supply Chain. His compensation in 2018 included earned cash compensation of $535,056, a grant of 4,000 restricted shares of our common stock, and a grant of 4,000 performance share awards.

Clifford Siegel, a son of Jeffrey Siegel, is employed by us as our Executive Vice-President – Global Supply Chain. His compensation in 2019 included earned cash compensation of $528,025, a grant of 12,000 restricted shares of our common stock, and a grant of 4,000 performance share awards.

 

James Wells, ason-in-law of Jeffrey Siegel, is employed by us as our Executive Vice-President and President of the Kitchenware Division. His compensation in 2018 included earned cash compensation of $484,600, a grant of 2,500 restricted shares of our common stock, and a grant of 2,500 performance share awards.

James Wells, ason-in-law of Jeffrey Siegel, is employed by us as our Executive Vice-President and President of the Kitchenware Division. His compensation in 2019 included earned cash compensation of $460,000, a grant of 4,500 restricted shares of our common stock, and a grant of 2,500 performance share awards.

As previously described, Jeffrey Siegel is also the father of Daniel Siegel, who is an NEO, and a cousin of Craig Phillips, who is a director. Other than these employment relationships, there were no transactions with related persons requiring disclosure pursuant to Item 404 of RegulationS-K.

RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our policies and procedures regarding transactions with related persons are set forth in writing in our Code of Ethics, as supplemented by the Code of Conduct, which requiresand require that our Audit Committee must review and approve any “related party” transaction, as defined in Item 404(a) ofRegulation S-K, before it is consummated. The Audit Committee of our Board is responsible for reviewing such policies and procedures pursuant to its charter, which states that the

Audit Committee will “review and approve all related-party transactions required to be disclosed according to SEC RegulationS-K, Item 404, and discuss with management the business rationale for the transactions and whether appropriate disclosures have been made.” We also attempt to identify related party transactions each year by requiring directors and executive officers to complete a questionnaire that provides relevant information to assist in identifying such transactions.

DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE16(A) REPORTS

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of any of our equity securities. During 2019, the following persons failed to file a Form 4 on a timely basis:

Daniel Siegel: One transaction occurring on June 10, 2019 was reported late on July 1, 2019.

Jeffrey Siegel: Three transactions, occurring on June 9, 2019, June 10, 2019 and June 22, 2019, respectively, were reported late on July 1, 2019.

Laurence Winoker: Three transactions, occurring on June 9, 2019, June 10, 2019 and June 22, 2019, respectively, were reported late on July 1, 2019.

Based solely upon a review of copies of such reports furnished tofiled with the CompanySEC through the date hereof and written representations as to transactions consummatedForms 5 by the Company’s executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders during the year, we believe that, with the exception of the persons named above, all Section 16 filing requirements applicable to our executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders were complied with during 2018.2019.

Proposal No. 3

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Company is providing stockholders with an advisory(non-binding) vote on the overall compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

As described in detail under the heading “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Compensation Philosophy and Objectives,” the Company’s compensation program has been designed to attract, reward and retain capable executives and to provide incentives for the attainment of short-term performance objectives and strategic long-term performance goals. A strong link between compensation and performance provides incentives for achieving short-term and long-term financial and business objectives and increasing the value of the Company’s common stock, thereby increasing value to the Company’s stockholders. The Company is committed to tying pay to performance. Reflecting this commitment, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, in 2015 the Board of Directors restructured the Company’s historical annual equity compensation program to be a program generally consisting of a mix of 50% time-based restricted stock awards and 50% performance-based stock awards. The performance shares provide an opportunity for shares to be earned at the end of a three-year performance period ifpre-established financial goals are met. The Company also uses other selected performance measures for the 20182019 Annual Bonuses awarded pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan and each executive’s employment agreement. Please read the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” for additional details about the Company’s executive compensation programs, including information about the fiscal year 20182019 compensation of the Company’s named executive officers.

The Board requests stockholders indicate their support of the named executive officers’ compensation as described in this Proxy Statement. This proposal, commonly known as a“say-on-pay” proposal, gives the Company’s stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the Company’s named executive officers’ compensation. This vote is not intended to address any specific item of compensation, but rather the overall compensation of the named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this Proxy Statement. Accordingly, the Board asks its stockholders to voteFOR the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:

“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 20192020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with Item 402 of RegulationS-K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the 20182019 Summary Compensation Table and other related tables and disclosures.”

The“say-on-pay” vote is advisory and therefore not binding on the Company, the Compensation Committee or the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors and Compensation Committee, which is comprised entirely of independent directors, value the opinions of itsour stockholders and to the extent there are any significant votes against any named executive officer compensation as disclosed in this Proxy Statement, the Board will consider stockholders’ concerns and the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns. The“say-on-pay” vote is proposed annually, and will be on the ballot for the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the SEC.

Proposal No. 4

APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF

THE COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED 2000 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

Subject to stockholder approval, our Board of Directors has approved an amendment and restatement of the Company’s Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The principal changes included in the amended and restated Plan are:

An increase in the number of shares of our common stock for which awards may be granted under the amended and restated Plan by 850,000 shares so that the aggregate number of shares issuable under the amended and restated Plan since the Plan’s inception is equal to 7,037,500;

Additional revisions to account for certain changes to Section 162(m) of the Code made by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act enacted in December 2017, which generally eliminated the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) of the Code; and

Corresponding and appropriate clarifying changes and updates.

The proposed amended and restated Plan is set forth as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement. The discussion of the amended and restated Plan that follows is intended to provide only a summary of the principal features of the amended and restated Plan and is in all respects qualified by, and subject to, the actual terms and provisions of the attached amended and restated Plan.

Stockholder approval of the amended and restated Plan is being sought in order to (i) meet Nasdaq listing requirements and (ii) allow for incentive stock options to meet the requirements of the Code. If our stockholders approve the amended and restated Plan, awards granted on or after June 25, 2020 will be governed by the terms of the amended and restated Plan. Awards previously granted under the Plan will continue to be governed by the applicable terms of the Plan and award agreements, and the Compensation Committee will administer such awards in accordance with the Plan, without giving effect to the amendments made pursuant to the amended and restated Plan. If our stockholders do not approve the amended and restated Plan, the increase in shares available for issuance under the amended and restated Plan and other changes described above will not be given effect, and the Plan will remain in effect according to its terms.

INCREASE OF SHARES AVAILABLE FOR AWARD

In 2018, an amendment was made to the Plan to increase the aggregate limit on the number of shares of our common stock for which awards may be granted under the Plan (since its inception) to 6,187,500 shares of our common stock. Prior to this amendment, the Plan provided that awards could be granted for no more than 5,287,500 shares of our common stock. If approved, the amended and restated Plan will increase the number of shares of our common stock for which awards may be granted by 850,000 shares to 7,037,500 shares, subject to the adjustment provisions of the amended and restated Plan.

As of December 31, 2019, the number of shares available for which awards may be granted under the Plan was 337,230 shares (assuming maximum performance of performance-based awards outstanding). Subsequent to December 31, 2019, and prior to April 20, 2020, options to purchase 22,675 shares of common stock were cancelled, expired or otherwise terminated without issuance of shares, restricted stock and deferred stock in respect of 58,507 shares in the aggregate were forfeited (including shares underlying performance share awards for the performance period ending on

December 31, 2019 to the extent that performance was not achieved) and awards in respect of an aggregate of 225,285 shares (comprised solely of restricted stock) were granted under the Plan.

As of April 20, 2020, 193,127 shares were available for awards granted under the Plan, assuming maximum performance of performance-based awards, and 357,287 shares were available for awards granted under the Plan, assuming target performance of performance-based awards.

Our Board of Directors believes that this amount is not sufficient for future grants in light of our compensation structure and strategy. If this Proposal 4 is approved by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting, the maximum aggregate number of shares for which awards may be granted under the amended and restated Plan (since inception of the Plan) will be 7,037,500, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the amended and restated Plan. As further described below, awards made under the Plan and awards which are made under the amended and restated Plan, which are forfeited, terminated, surrendered, cancelled or have expired, will be disregarded for purposes of this limit.

When deciding on the number of shares to be available for awards under the amended and restated Plan, our Compensation Committee considered a number of factors, including the Company’s compensation structure and strategy, the number of shares currently available under the Plan, our past share usage, the number of shares needed for future grants, and input from our stockholders.

GOVERNANCE ASPECTS OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN

The amended and restated Plan includes several provisions that promote good governance. These features include the following:

Options may not be granted with exercise prices lower than the market value of the underlying stock at the time of grant.

The Compensation Committee is not permitted to reprice options and stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) without stockholder approval.

There is no “evergreen” feature; rather, stockholder approval is required to increase the number of shares available for grant under the plan.

Shares withheld for taxes or payment of option exercise prices are not available for future grant.

Taxgross-ups are not provided.

There is a limit on the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards granted under the amended and restated Plan during any calendar year to anynon-employee director equal to 150,000 shares (subject to adjustment), and a limit on the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards granted under the amended and restated Plan during any calendar year to any other participant equal to 500,000 shares (subject to adjustment). In the case of awards that may be settled in cash, the maximum amount that may be paid to any participant during any calendar year is the greater of the fair market value of 500,000 shares (subject to adjustment) on the date of grant or the date of settlement of the award.

There is aone-year minimum vesting period for all awards granted under the amended and restated Plan, so that at the time of grant, the terms of awards granted under the amended and restated Plan must provide for a vesting period of not less than one year, except in the event of a participant’s death or disability, or in the event of a change in control. Awards covering up to 5% of the shares subject to the share reserve under the amended and restated Plan as of the effective date of the amended and restated Plan may be granted without regard to this minimum vesting requirement, and awards granted tonon-employee directors on the date of an annual stockholders’ meeting satisfy this requirement if they provide for vesting at the stockholders’ meeting immediately following the grant date.

Dividends on restricted stock awards and dividend equivalents granted with respect to deferred stock and other awards may vest and be paid only if and to the extent that the related restricted stock awards, deferred stock or other awards vest and become payable.

The grant of dividend equivalents in connection with stock options and SARs is expressly prohibited.

The term of stock options and SARs granted under the amended and restated Plan is expressly limited to ten years from the date of grant.

PURPOSE OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN

The purpose of the amended and restated Plan is to provide a means to attract, retain, motivate and reward selected directors, officers, employees, consultants and certain service providers of the Company and its affiliates and to increase their ownership interests in the Company. Such directors, officers and employees as well as persons who provide consulting or other services to the Company or its affiliates deemed by the Compensation Committee to be of substantial value to the Company or its affiliates are eligible to be granted awards under the amended and restated Plan. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, tennon-employee directors, four executive officers and approximately 1,376 other employees could be eligible to participate in the amended and restated Plan. Under current Company practice, we do not grant equity awards to consultants and other service providers. In addition, persons who have been offered employment by or have agreed to become a director of the Company or its affiliates, and persons employed by any entity that the Compensation Committee reasonably expects to become a subsidiary of the Company are also eligible to be granted awards under the amended and restated Plan, and as of the date of this Proxy Statement, no such persons were eligible to participate in the amended and restated Plan.

Because our executive officers andnon-employee directors are eligible to receive awards under the amended and restated Plan, they may be deemed to have a personal interest in the approval of this Proposal.

LIMITS UNDER THE AMENDED AND RESTATED PLAN

As noted above, subject to stockholder approval, the amended and restated Plan will limit the aggregate number of shares of stock for which awards may be granted under the amended and restated Plan (including awards granted under the Plan since its inception) to 7,037,500 shares, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the amended and restated Plan.

Awards granted under the Plan and awards granted under the amended and restated Plan, which are forfeited, terminated, surrendered, cancelled or have expired, shall be disregarded for purposes of this limit. Shares of stock shall not again be available for award if such shares are surrendered or withheld as payment either of the exercise price of an option or SAR or of withholding taxes in respect of the exercise, settlement or payment of, or the lapse of restrictions with respect to, any award. Shares purchased in the open market with proceeds from option exercises shall not be available for award. The exercise or settlement of an SAR shall reduce the shares of stock available under the amended and restated Plan by the total number of shares to which the exercise or settlement of the SAR relates, not just the net amount of shares actually issued upon exercise or settlement. Awards settled solely in cash shall not reduce the number of shares of stock available for issuance under the amended and restated Plan. Any shares subject to an option (or portion thereof) that is cancelled upon exercise of a tandem SAR when settled wholly or partially in shares shall to the extent of such settlement in shares be treated as if the option itself had been exercised and such shares shall no longer be available for award.

During any calendar year, no participant may be granted awards that may be settled by delivery of more than 500,000 shares of stock, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the amended and restated Plan. With respect to awards that may be settled in cash (in whole or in part), no participant may be paid during any calendar year cash amounts relating to such awards that exceed the greater of the fair market value of 500,000 shares (subject to certain adjustments as provided in the amended and restated Plan) at the date of grant or the date of settlement of the award. In addition, during any

calendar year, no participant who is anon-employee director may be granted awards that may be settled by delivery of more than 150,000 shares of stock in the aggregate, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the amended and restated Plan.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN; AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors, our Compensation Committee administers the amended and restated Plan and has the authority to:

Select persons to whom awards may be granted;

Determine the type or types of awards to be granted to each such person;

Determine the terms and conditions of awards (including, any exercise price, grant price or purchase price, any restriction or condition, any schedule for lapse of restrictions or conditions relating to transferability or forfeiture, vesting, exercisability or settlement of an award, and performance conditions relating to an award);

Accelerate vesting of any award in connection with a participant’s death, retirement, disability or involuntary termination of employment or service, in the event of a change in control or a corporate transaction or event, or in other circumstances as the Compensation Committee deems appropriate;

Determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances an award may be settled, or the exercise price of an award may be paid in cash, stock, other awards, or other property, or an award may be canceled, forfeited or surrendered;

Determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, stock, other awards or other property payable with respect to an award will be deferred either automatically, at the election of the Compensation Committee or at the election of the participant, consistent with Section 409A of the Code;

Determine the restrictions, if any, to which stock received upon exercise or settlement of award shall be subject and condition the delivery of such stock upon the execution by the participant of any agreement providing for such restrictions;

Prescribe the form of each award agreement;

Adopt, amend, suspend, waive and rescind such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Compensation Committee may deem advisable to administer the amended and restated Plan;

Correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the amended and restated Plan and to interpret the amended and restated Plan and any award, rules and regulations, award agreement or other instrument thereunder; and

Make all other decisions as may be required under the terms of the amended and restated Plan or as the Compensation Committee may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the amended and restated Plan.

Any action of the Compensation Committee with respect to the amended and restated Plan is final, conclusive and binding on all persons. Our Board will perform the functions of the Compensation Committee for purposes of granting awards to directors who serve on the Compensation Committee.

Unless the Board determines otherwise, the committee administering the amended and restated Plan shall be comprised of solely not less than two members who each qualify as (i) a“Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule16b-3(b)(3) of the Exchange Act and (ii) an “independent director,” as determined in accordance with the independence standards established by Nasdaq.

The amended and restated Plan may be amended, altered, suspended, discontinued, or terminated by our Board without stockholder approval unless such approval is required by law or regulation or under the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which our common stock is then listed or quoted. Stockholder approval will not be deemed to be required under laws or regulations that

condition favorable tax treatment on such approval, although our Board may, in its discretion, seek stockholder approval in any circumstances in which it deems such approval advisable. No such action by our Board may materially impair the rights of a participant under any outstanding award.

The Compensation Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate, any award previously granted. However, subject to the adjustment provisions of the amended and restated Plan, no such action may materially impair a participant’s rights without the participant’s consent.

TYPES OF AWARDS

Awards under the amended and restated Plan may take the form of:

Options to purchase shares of common stock, including incentive stock options (“ISOs”),non-qualified stock options or both;

Stock appreciation rights, whether in conjunction with the grant of stock options or independent of such grant, or stock appreciation rights that are only exercisable in the event of a change in control of the Company;

Restricted stock, consisting of shares that are subject to forfeiture based on the failure to satisfy employment-related restrictions;

Deferred stock, representing the right to receive shares of stock in the future;

Bonus stock and awards in lieu of cash compensation;

Dividend equivalents, consisting of a right to receive cash, other awards, or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of common stock; or

Other awards not otherwise provided for, denominated or payable in, or based upon or related to the common stock and factors which may influence the value of common stock.

Awards granted under the amended and restated Plan are generally not assignable or transferable except by the laws of descent and distribution; however, the amended and restated Plan provides that awards and rights (other than ISOs and SARs in tandem therewith) may be transferred during a participant’s lifetime to the participant’s spouse, children or grandchildren (including adopted and step children or grandchildren), parents, grandparents, and siblings, as permitted by the Compensation Committee. In addition, the same awards and rights may also be transferred to a trust for the benefit of the participant or a family member listed in the previous sentence; to a partnership, limited liability company, or corporation that is wholly owned by one or more of participant or the family members listed in the previous sentence; or to a charitable organization. Such transfers, if any, are conditioned on the requirement that the permitted assignee be bound by and subject to the terms of the amended and restated Plan and any applicable award agreement, and that the participant remain bound by the terms and conditions of the amended and restated Plan.

Options

The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant options to purchase stock. The Compensation Committee will determine the exercise price per share of stock purchasable under an option, the time and method of exercise, and the period during which options shall be exercisable following the termination of the participant’s employment or service relationship with the Company. The exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of such stock on the grant date of the option, and the term of options may not be more than ten years from the date of grant. The Compensation Committee determines the method by which the exercise price may be paid and the form of such payment, which may include cash, stock, other awards, or other property, to the extent permitted by the terms of the amended and restated Plan. The Compensation Committee may grant options that would afford the participant favorable treatment under the applicable tax laws, including, but not limited to ISOs. ISOs may only be granted to employees of the Company or parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company (as defined by Section 422 of the Code).

Stock Appreciation Rights

The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant SARs. An SAR shall confer on the participant to whom it is granted a right to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of the fair market value of one share of stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price of the SAR as determined by the Compensation Committee as of the grant date of the SAR, which, except with respect to tandem awards, shall not be less than the fair market value of one share on the grant date of the SAR. The Compensation Committee will determine the conditions to the exercisability of the SAR, including the times at which an SAR may be exercised in whole or in part, the method of exercise, method of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, method by which stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered, whether or not an SAR shall be in tandem with any other award, and any other terms of any SAR. The term of an SAR may not be more than ten years from the date of grant.

Restricted Stock

The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant restricted stock. Restricted stock shall be subject to restrictions on transferability and any other restrictions that the Compensation Committee may impose. Except as restricted by the amended and restated Plan or any award agreement related to the restricted stock, a participant granted restricted stock shall have all the rights of a stockholder.

Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, restricted stock shall be forfeited and reacquired by us upon termination of employment or service during the applicable restriction period; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee may provide by rule or regulation, in an award agreement or determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions related to restricted stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specific causes. Dividends paid on restricted stock shall be either paid in cash or in shares of unrestricted stock having a fair market value equal to the amount of such dividends, or the payment of such dividends shall be deferred and/or the amount or value thereof automatically reinvested in additional restricted stock, other awards or other investment vehicles. However, dividends with respect to restricted stock shall vest and be paid only if and to the extent the underlying shares of restricted stock vest and are paid.

Deferred Stock

The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant units representing the right to receive stock at a future date. Such deferred stock shall be subject to restrictions that the Compensation Committee may impose. Except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, upon termination of employment or service during the applicable deferral period or portion thereof to which forfeiture conditions apply, all deferred stock that is at the time subject to such forfeiture conditions shall be forfeited; provided, however, that the Compensation Committee may provide by rule or regulation or in an award agreement or determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions related to deferred stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specific causes.

Bonus Stock and Awards in Lieu of Cash Obligations

The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant stock as a bonus, or to grant stock or other awards in lieu of our obligations to pay cash under other plans or compensatory arrangements.

Dividend Equivalents

The Compensation Committee is authorized to grant awards entitling the participant to receive cash, stock, other awards, or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of stock (“Dividend Equivalents”). Dividend Equivalents may be awarded on a free standing basis or in connection with another award; provided that, Dividend Equivalents may not accrue or be paid with respect to shares subject to stock options or SARs. The Compensation

Committee may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be paid or distributed when accrued or shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional stock, awards or other investment vehicles, and subject to any restrictions on transferability and risks of forfeiture, as the Compensation Committee may specify. However, Dividend Equivalents granted in connection with an award shall vest and be paid only if and to the extent that the underlying shares subject to the award vest and are paid.

Other Stock-Based Awards

Subject to applicable law and the terms of the amended and restated Plan, the Compensation Committee is authorized to grant such other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, stock and factors that may influence the value of the stock, as deemed by the Compensation Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the amended and restated Plan, including, without limitation, convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into stock, purchase rights for stock, awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or any other factors designated by the Compensation Committee and awards valued by reference to the book value of stock or the value of securities of or the performance of specified subsidiaries of the Company. The Compensation Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such awards. Cash awards, as an element of, or supplement to any other award under the amended and restated Plan may be granted under the amended and restated Plan.

Performance-Based Awards

The Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, determine that an award granted to an employee will be contingent upon achievement ofpre-established performance objectives in accordance with certain provisions of the amended and restated Plan (“Performance Awards”). The performance objectives for Performance Awards will consist of one or more business criteria and a targeted level or levels of performance with respect to such criteria, as specified by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee may determine that Performance Awards will be granted, exercised, and/or settled upon achievement of any one performance objective or that two or more of the performance objectives must be achieved as a condition to grant, exercise, and/or settlement of such Performance Awards. Business criteria used by the Compensation Committee in establishing performance objectives for Performance Awards will be selected from among the following criteria, or any such other criteria determined by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion, which in either case may be applied to the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified subsidiaries, divisions, or other business units of the Company (where the criteria are applicable):

Return on capital;

Earnings or earnings per share (which earnings may include equity in earnings of investees, and may be determined without regard to interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization);

Cash flow provided by operations;

Increase in stock price;

Changes in annual revenues;

Net sales;

Total shareholder return;

Inventory control measures;

Internet sales, including as it relates to total or net sales; and/or

Strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue; market penetration; geographic business expansion goals; cost targets; and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures.

The levels of performance required with respect to business criteria may be expressed in absolute or relative levels. Performance objectives may differ for Performance Awards granted to different participants. Performance objectives, amounts payable upon achievement of such objectives, the

applicable performance period and other material terms of Performance Awards will be established by the Compensation Committee. In addition, the Compensation Committee will specify the circumstances in which Performance Awards will be paid or forfeited in the event of termination of employment by the participant prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of Performance Awards.

To the extent applicable, unless the Compensation Committee decides otherwise, the determination of achievement of performance objectives for Performance Awards will be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and a manner consistent with the methods used in the Company’s audited financial statements. Unless the Compensation Committee decides otherwise, the determination of achievement of performance objectives for Performance Awards shall be made without regard to (i) changes in accounting methods,(ii) non-recurring acquisition expenses and restructuring charges; or (iii) other costs or charges associated with refinancings, write-downs, impairments, closures, consolidations, divestitures, strategic initiatives, and items associated with acquisitions, including but not limited to, earn-outs and bargain purchase gains. In calculating earnings or earnings per share, the Compensation Committee may provide that such calculation shall be made on the same basis as reflected in a release of the Company’s earnings for a previously completed period as specified by the Compensation Committee. In setting the performance objectives, the Compensation Committee may provide for adjustments in respect of unusual or infrequently occurring items determined in accordance with applicable accounting standards, adjustments for equity compensation expenses, and such other adjustments as it deems appropriate. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may, after Performance Awards have been granted, make adjustments to the performance criteria applicable to the Performance Awards, the amounts payable in respect of the applicable performance criteria, and performance results, to the extent consistent with the terms of the applicable award agreement.

Minimum Vesting

At the time of grant, the terms of awards granted under the amended and restated Plan will provide that the awards will not vest prior to theone-year anniversary of the date of grant, except as may be provided in the event of a participant’s death or disability, or in the event of a change in control. However, awards covering up to 5% of the shares subject to the share reserve under the amended and restated Plan as of the effective date of the amended and restated Plan may be granted without regard to this minimum vesting requirement. In addition, awards granted tonon-employee directors on the date of an annual stockholders’ meeting satisfy this requirement if they provide for vesting at the annual stockholders’ meeting immediately following the grant date.

Change in Control

The amended and restated Plan includes a double trigger change in control provision. Notwithstanding anything in the amended and restated Plan to the contrary, the following provisions will apply on a change in control.

An award shall not vest upon the occurrence of a change in control and shall continue to the extent qualifying as a Replacement Award. A “Replacement Award” includes an outstanding award that continues upon and after the occurrence of a change in control and an award provided to a participant in replacement of an outstanding award in connection with a change in control satisfying the following conditions:

It has a value at least equal to that of the replaced award;

It relates to publicly traded equity securities of the Company or its successor in the change in control or another entity affiliated with the Company or its successor following the change in control;

Its other terms and conditions are not less favorable to the participant than the terms and conditions of the replaced award; and

Upon an involuntary termination of employment or separation from service of a participant by the Company other than for cause (as defined in the amended and restated Plan) (and not due to disability), or a voluntary termination of employment or service by the participant for good reason (as defined in the amended and restated Plan to the extent applicable), occurring on or during the 24 months after the change in control, the Replacement Award, to the extent not vested and unrestricted as of such termination of employment or separation from service, shall become fully vested and (if applicable) exercisable and free of restrictions.

If a Replacement Award is not provided to a participant upon the occurrence of a change in control, or, except as otherwise determined by the Compensation Committee, if a change in control occurs following an involuntary termination of employment or separation from service of a participant by the Company other than for cause (and not due to disability), or a voluntary termination of employment or separation from service for good reason by the participant, occurring (i) at the request of a third party taking steps reasonably calculated to effect such change in control or (ii) otherwise in contemplation of and within 180 days before such change in control, then:

Any and all options and SARs granted under the amended and restated Plan shall become immediately exercisable;

Any restrictions imposed on restricted stock shall lapse and the restricted stock shall become freely transferable, and all other awards shall become fully vested; and

Except as otherwise provided in an award agreement, the payout opportunities attainable at target or, if greater, in the amount determined by the Compensation Committee to have been earned thereunder based on performance through the date of the change in control, under all outstanding awards of performance-based stock, cash awards and other awards shall be deemed to have been earned for the entire performance period(s) as of the effective date of the change in control. The vesting of all such earned awards shall be accelerated as of the effective date of the change in control, and in full settlement of such awards, there shall be paid out in cash, or in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, shares of stock with a fair market value equal to the amount of such cash.

For purposes of the amended and restated Plan, “Change in Control” shall mean:

Any person becoming the beneficial owner of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

Individuals who serve on the Board immediately prior to the event, or whose election to the Board or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at leasttwo-thirds of the directors who either serve on the Board immediately prior to the event, or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, ceasing for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board;

Consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any subsidiary into any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that results in the holders of the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto holding immediately thereafter securities representing more than sixty percent (60%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company; or

The stockholders of the Company approving a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets and such liquidation, sale or disposition is consummated.

Adjustments Due to Changes in the Company’s Capital Structure

If there is a recapitalization, reclassification, forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spinoff, combination, repurchase or exchange of stock or other securities, stock dividend

or other special, large andnon-recurring dividend or distribution (whether in the form of cash, securities or other property), liquidation, dissolution, or any other extraordinary or unusual event affecting the Company’s outstanding common stock as a class, then the Compensation Committee shall equitably adjust any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of common stock reserved and available for awards under the amended and restated Plan, including shares reserved for ISOs and the number of shares which may be issued without regard to the minimum vesting requirements, (ii) the number and kind of shares of outstanding restricted stock or other outstanding awards in connection with which the shares have been issued, (iii) the number and kind of shares that may be issued in respect of other outstanding awards, (iv) the maximum number and kind of shares of stock for which any individual may receive awards in any year, and (v) the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any award (or, if deemed appropriate, the Compensation Committee may make provision for a cash payment with respect to any outstanding award), to preclude, to the extent practicable, the enlargement or dilution of rights and benefits under the amended and restated Plan and such outstanding awards. However, any fractional shares resulting from such adjustment shall be eliminated. The Compensation Committee is also authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards (including, without limitation, cancellation of unexercised or outstanding awards (to the extent permitted by the repricing provisions of the amended and restated Plan described below), or substitution of awards using stock of a successor or other entity) in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, events described in the preceding sentence) affecting the Company, any parent or any subsidiary or the financial statements of the Company, any parent or any subsidiary, or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles.

No Repricing

Except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, any stock dividend, distribution (whether in the form of cash, stock, other securities or other property), stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, change in control, reorganization, merger, consolidation,split-up,spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of stock or other securities, or similar transactions), the Company may not, without obtaining stockholder approval, (i) amend the terms of outstanding stock options or SARs to reduce the exercise price of such outstanding stock options or SARs, (ii) cancel outstanding stock options or SARs in exchange for stock options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original options or SARs or (iii) cancel outstanding options or SARs with an exercise price above the current stock price in exchange for cash or other securities.

Company Policies

All awards made under the amended and restated Plan shall be subject to any applicable clawback or recoupment policies, share trading policies and other policies that may be implemented by the Board from time to time.

Federal Tax Consequences

The following is a brief description of the federal income tax consequences generally arising with respect to awards that may be granted under the amended and restated Plan. This discussion is intended for the information of stockholders considering how to vote and not as tax guidance to individuals who participate in the amended and restated Plan.

The grant of an option or SAR (including a stock-based award in the nature of a purchase right) will create no tax consequences for the participant or for us at the time of grant. A participant will not recognize taxable income upon exercising an ISO (except that the alternative minimum tax may apply), and we will receive no deduction at that time. Upon exercising an option other than an ISO (including a

stock-based award in the nature of a purchase right) or SAR, the participant must generally recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the exercise price and fair market value of the freely transferable and nonforfeitable stock (or cash, as applicable) received. In each such case, we will generally be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the participant.

A participant’s disposition of shares acquired upon the exercise of an option, SAR or other stock-based award in the nature of a purchase right generally will result in capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the sale price and the participant’s tax basis in such shares (or the exercise price of the option in the case of shares acquired by exercise of an ISO and held for the applicable ISO holding periods). Generally, there will be no tax consequences to us in connection with a disposition of shares acquired upon exercise of an option or other award, except that we will generally be entitled to a deduction (and the participant will recognize ordinary income) if shares acquired upon exercise of an ISO are disposed of before the applicable ISO holding periods have been satisfied.

With respect to awards granted under the amended and restated Plan that may be settled either in cash or in stock or other property that is either not restricted as to transferability or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture (including payment in respect of deferred stock), the participant must generally recognize ordinary income equal to the cash or the fair market value of stock or other property received. We will generally be entitled to a deduction for the same amount. With respect to awards involving stock or other property that is restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant must generally recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the shares or other property received at the first time the shares or other property become transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, whichever occurs earlier. We will generally be entitled to a deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant. A participant may elect to be taxed at the time of receipt of shares or other property rather than upon lapse of restrictions on transferability or substantial risk of forfeiture, but if the participant subsequently forfeits such shares or property he will not be entitled to any tax deduction, including a capital loss, for the value of the shares or property on which he previously paid tax. Such election must be made and filed with the Internal Revenue Service within thirty days of the receipt of the shares or other property.

The Company’s deductibility of awards granted under the amended and restated Plan will be limited by Section 162(m) of the Code, which generally disallows a public company’s tax deduction for compensation to its NEOs in excess of $1 million per year.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2019.

 

Plan Category

 

 

Number of Shares of
Common Stock to be
Issued upon Exercise
of Outstanding
Options, Warrants or
Rights(1)

 

 

 

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options (2)

 

 

Number of Shares
of Common Stock
Remaining
Available for
Future Issuance

 

Equity Compensation Plan Approved by Security Holders

 

 

 

2,115,914

 

 

$13.43

 

 

337,230

    

Equity Compensation Plan Not Approved by Security Holders

 

 - - -

 

Total

 

 

 

 

2,115,914

 

 

$13.43

 

 

337,230

(1)

Securities reported in this column include outstanding options to purchase 1,508,325 shares of common stock as well as 607,589 deferred stock awards, the maximum number of performance-based stock awards that may be issued where the underlying shares have not been issued as the period over which performance is determined has not yet expired.

(2)

The weighted average exercise price takes into account option awards but not the shares subject to performance-based stock awards.

New Plan Benefits under the Amended and Restated Plan

No awards have been granted under the amended and restated Plan. Future awards under the amended and restated Plan will be made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Therefore, the benefits and amounts that will be received or allocated under the amended and restated Plan in the future are not determinable at this time. For information regarding outstanding equity awards held by our named executive officers andnon-employee directors as of December 31, 2019 under the Plan, please refer to the Outstanding Equity Awards Held by NEOs at December 31, 2019 andNon-Employee Director Compensation tables on pages 48 and27-28, respectively of this Proxy Statement.

Market Price of Shares

The closing price of our common stock, as reported on Nasdaq on April 20, 2020 was $4.83.

Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote FOR approval of the amendment and restatement of the Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS

Stockholder Proposals Submitted Pursuant to Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act

To be considered for inclusion in next year’s Proxy Statement and form of proxy pursuant to Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act, and acted upon at the 20202021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2020“2021 Annual Meeting”), stockholder proposals must be submitted in writing to the attention of our Secretary at our principal office, no later than January 7, 2020.5, 2021. In order to avoid controversy, stockholders should submit proposals by means (including electronic) that permit them to prove the date of delivery. Such proposals also need to comply with Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act and the interpretations thereof, and may be omitted from the Company’s proxy materials for the 20202021 Annual Meeting if such proposals are not in compliance with applicable requirements of the Exchange Act.

Director Nominations and Stockholder Proposals Not Submitted Pursuant to Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act

Our Amended and Restated Bylaws also establish advance notice procedures with regard to stockholder proposals or director nominations that are not submitted for inclusion in the Proxy Statement. With respect to such stockholder proposals or director nominations, a stockholder’s advance notice must be made in writing, must meet the requirements set forth in our Amended and Restated Bylaws and must be delivered to, or mailed by first class United States mail, postage prepaid, and received by, our Secretary at our principal office no earlier than February 28, 202025, 2021 and no later than the close of business on March 29, 2020.27, 2021. However, in the event the 20202021 Annual Meeting is scheduled to be held on a date before May 28, 2020,26, 2021, or after August 26, 2020,24, 2021, then such advance notice must be received by us not later than the close of business on the later of (1) the ninetieth (90th) calendar day prior to the 20202021 Annual Meeting and (2) the 10th calendar day following the day on which we first make public disclosure of the date of the 20202021 Annual Meeting (or if that day is not a business day for the Company, on the next succeeding business day).

General Requirements

Each proposal submitted must be a proper subject for stockholder action at the 20202021 Annual Meeting, and all proposals and nominations must be submitted to: Secretary, Lifetime Brands, Inc., 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530. The stockholder proponent must appear in person to present the proposal or nomination at the 20202021 Annual Meeting or send a qualified representative to present such proposal or nomination. If a stockholder gives notice after the applicable deadlines or otherwise does not satisfy the relevant requirements of Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act or our Bylaws, the stockholder will not be permitted to present the proposal or nomination for a vote at the 20202021 Annual Meeting.

Discretionary Authority Pursuant to Rule14a-4(c) of the Exchange Act

If a stockholder who wishes to present a proposal before the 20202021 Annual Meeting outside of Rule14a-8 of the Exchange Act fails to notify us by the required dates indicated above for the receipt of advance notices of stockholder proposals and proposed director nominations, the proxies that our Board solicits for the 20202021 Annual Meeting will confer discretionary authority on the person named in the proxy to vote on the stockholder’s proposal if it is properly brought before that meeting subject to compliance with Rule14a-4(c) of the Exchange Act. If a stockholder makes timely notification, the proxies may still confer discretionary authority to the person named in the proxy under circumstances consistent with the SEC’s proxy rules, including Rule14a-4(c) of the Exchange Act.

HOUSEHOLDING OF MATERIALS

We, in addition to some banks, brokers, and other nominee record holders participate in the practice of “householding” notices of internet availability of proxy materials, proxy statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of our Notice, proxy statement or annual report is sent to multiple stockholders in the same household unless we or such bank, broker or other nominee holder have

received contrary instructions from one or more of the stockholders. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of either documentthese documents to any stockholder upon request by writing the Company at the following address: Lifetime Brands, Inc., 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530, Attention: Mr. Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer; or by calling us at the following phone number:(516) 683-6000. Any stockholder who wants to receive separate copies of the Notice, annual report and proxy statement in the future, or who is currently receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for his or her household, should contact his or her bank, broker, or other nominee record holder, or contact us at the above address and phone number.

OTHER MATTERS

Our management does not know of any matters other than those stated in this Proxy Statement which are to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters should properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that proxies in the accompanying form will be voted on such other matters in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting such proxies, subject to compliance with Rule14a-4(c) of the Exchange Act. Discretionary authority to vote on such matters is conferred by such proxies upon the persons voting them.

Our financial statements are included in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.2019.

Upon the written request of any person who on the record date was a record owner of our common stock, or who represents in good faith that he or she was on such date a beneficial owner of our common stock, we will send to such person, without charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018,2019, including financial statements and schedules, as filed with the SEC. Requests for this report should be directed to Mr. Laurence Winoker, Senior Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Lifetime Brands, Inc., 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, New York 11530.

By Order of our Board of Directors,

/s/ Sara Shindel

Sara Shindel

Secretary

Dated: April 30, 2019

/s/ Sara Shindel

Sara Shindel

Secretary

Dated: April 29, 2020

Appendix A

Reconciliation ofNon-GAAP Financial Measures

 

 

 

Consolidated Adjusted IBIT (in thousands):
Year Ended
December 31,
          2018          

Income before income taxes and equity in earnings as reported

$509    

Add back:

Loss on early retirement of debt

66    

Restructuring expenses

2,324    

Integration charges

681    

Permitted acquisition related expenses

1,766    

Warehouse relocation

2,725    

Impairment of goodwill

2,205    

Adjustment for additional purchase accounting amortization

1,791    

Adjustment for amortization of new financing costs

1,442    

Include:

Before tax equity earnings

1,671    

Exclude:

Contingent consideration

(1,774)    

Unrealized gain on foreign currency contracts

(1,942)    

Adjusted IBIT

$11,464    

   Year Ended December 31, 
   2019  2018  2017 

Net (loss) income as reported

  $    (44,415) $(1,720) $2,154 

Subtract out:

    

Undistributed equity earnings, net

   (343  (545  (379

Add back:

    

Income tax provision

   1,109   2,889   9,032 

Interest expense

   20,378   18,004   4,291 

Depreciation and amortization

   25,115   23,329   14,165 

Impairment of goodwill

   42,990   2,205   - 

Stock compensation expense

   5,041   4,135   3,390 

SKU Rationalization

   8,500   -   - 

Loss on early retirement of debt

   -   66   110 

Contingent consideration

   -   (1,774  - 

Restructuring expenses

   1,435   2,324   1,024 

Severance expense

   -   -   321 

Warehouse relocation

   2,785   2,725   667 

Integration charges

   1,263   681   - 

Other permittednon-cash charges

   -   1,510   - 

Acquisition and divestment related expenses

   206   1,766   2,616 

Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency contracts

   -   (1,942  2,817 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, before limitation

  $    64,064  $    53,653  $    40,208 
    

 

 

 

Pro forma Filament adjustment

   -   3,326  

Projected synergies

   -   8,546  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, before limitation

  $64,064  $65,525  

Permittednon-recurring charge limitation

   (8,929  (605 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, after limitation

  $55,135  $64,920  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

   Year Ended December 31,
         2018          2017      2016  

Net (loss) income as reported

      $(1,720)       $2,154       $    15,720 

Subtract out:

      

Undistributed equity earnings, net

   (545)    (379)    (544) 

Add back:

      

Income tax provision

   2,889    9,032    7,030 

Interest expense

   18,004    4,291    4,803 

Depreciation and amortization

   23,329    14,165    14,148 

Impairment of goodwill

   2,205    -    - 

Stock compensation expense

   4,135    3,390    2,942 

Loss on early retirement of debt

   66    110    272 

Contingent consideration

   (1,774)    -    - 

Restructuring expenses

   2,324    1,024    2,420 

Severance expense

   -    321    - 

Warehouse relocation

   2,725    667    - 

Integration charges

   681    -    - 

Other permitted non-cash charges

   1,510    -    - 

Permitted acquisition related expenses, net of recoveries and acquisition not completed

   1,766    2,616    435 

Unrealized loss (gain) on foreign currency contracts

   (1,942)    2,817    (745) 
  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA

      $    53,653       $    40,208       $    46,481 
    

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pro forma Filament adjustment

   3,326     

Projected synergies

   8,546     
  

 

 

 

    

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, before limitation

      $65,525     

Permitted non-recurring charge limitation

   (605)     
  

 

 

 

    

Consolidated adjusted EBITDA, after limitation

      $64,920     
  

 

 

 

    


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Appendix B

LOGOAMENDED AND RESTATED 2000 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN

(Amended and Restated as of June 25, 2020)

1.        Purpose. The purpose of this amended and restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) of Lifetime Brands, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), is to advance the interests of the Company and its stockholders by providing a means to attract, retain, motivate and reward directors, officers, employees and consultants of and service providers to the Company and its affiliates and to enable such persons to acquire or increase a proprietary interest in the Company, thereby promoting a closer identity of interests between such persons and the Company’s stockholders. This amended and restated Plan will be effective as of June 25, 2020 (the “2020 Amendment Effective Date”). Changes made pursuant to this amendment and restatement shall apply to Awards (as defined below) granted on or after the 2020 Amendment Effective Date. Awards granted prior to the 2020 Amendment Effective Date shall continue to be governed by the applicable Award Agreements and the terms of the Plan without giving effect to changes made pursuant to this 2020 Plan restatement, and the Committee shall administer such Awards in accordance with the Plan without giving effect to changes made pursuant to this 2020 Plan restatement.

2.        Definitions. The definitions of awards under the Plan, including Options, SARs (including Limited SARs), Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock, Stock granted as a bonus or in lieu of other awards, Dividend Equivalents and Other Stock-Based Awards are as set forth in Section 6 of the Plan. Such awards, together with any other right or interest granted to a Participant under the Plan, are termed “Awards.” For purposes of the Plan, the following additional terms shall be defined as set forth below:

(a)        “Award Agreement” means any written agreement, contract, notice or other instrument or document evidencing an Award.

(b)        “Beneficiary” means the person, persons, trust or trusts which have been designated by a Participant in his or her most recent written beneficiary designation filed with the Committee to receive the benefits specified under the Plan upon such Participant’s death or, if there is no designated Beneficiary or surviving designated Beneficiary, then the person, persons, trust or trusts entitled by will or the laws of descent and distribution to receive such benefits.

(c)        “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(d)        “Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Award Agreement; provided that, if such Award Agreement does not include a definition of Cause, then (i) if there is an employment agreement or severance plan or agreement applicable to the Participant, Cause shall have the same definition as set forth in such plan or agreement; or (ii) if Cause is not defined in such plan or agreement or there is no such plan or agreement applicable to the Participant, then Cause shall mean: (i) Participant is convicted of a felony; (ii) Participant commits an act of fraud, willful misconduct or dishonesty in connection with Participant’s employment or which results in material harm to the Company; or (iii) Participant commits a material violation of any law, rule, or regulation of any governmental authority.

(e)        “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time. References to any provision of the Code shall be deemed to include regulations thereunder and successor provisions and regulations thereto.

(f)        “Committee” means the committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan, or if no committee is appointed, the Board. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board shall be the Committee. Unless the Board determines


otherwise, the Committee shall be comprised of solely not less than two members who each qualify as (i) a“Non-Employee Director” within the meaning of Rule16b-3(b)(3) and (ii) an “independent director,” as determined in accordance with the independence standards established by the stock exchange on which the Stock is at the time primarily traded.

(g)        “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time. References to any provision of the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include rules thereunder and successor provisions and rules thereto.

(h)        “Fair Market Value” means, with respect to Stock, Awards, or other property, the fair market value of such Stock, Awards, or other property determined by such methods or procedures as shall be established from time to time by the Committee, provided, however, that if the Stock is listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in an interdealer quotation system, the Fair Market Value of such Stock on a given date shall be based upon the last sales price at the end of regular trading or, if unavailable, the average of the closing bid and asked prices per share of the Stock at the end of regular trading on such date (or, if there was no trading or quotation in the Stock on such date, on the next preceding date on which there was trading or quotation) as provided by one of such organizations.

(i)        “Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in the applicable Award Agreement; provided that, if such Award Agreement does not include a definition of Good Reason, then (i) if there is an employment agreement applicable to the Participant, Good Reason shall have the meaning set forth in such agreement; or (ii) if Good Reason is not defined in such agreement or there is no such agreement applicable to the Participant, then Good Reason shall not apply to the Participant.

(j)        “ISO” means any Option that is designated as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, and qualifies as such.

(k)        “Parent” means any “person” (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) that controls the Company, either directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

(l)        “Participant” means a person who, at a time when eligible under Section 5 hereof, has been granted an Award under the Plan.

(m)        “Rule16b-3” means Rule16b-3, as from time to time in effect and applicable to the Plan and Participants, promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

(n)        “Stock” means the Company’s common stock, and such other securities as may be substituted for Stock pursuant to Section 4.

(o)        “Subsidiary” means each entity that is controlled by the Company or a Parent, either directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

3.        Administration.

(a)        Authority of the Committee. Except as otherwise provided below, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall have full and final authority to take the following actions, in each case subject to and consistent with the provisions of the Plan:

(i)        to select persons to whom Awards may be granted;


(ii)        to determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to each such person;

(iii)        to determine the number of Awards to be granted, the number of shares of Stock to which an Award will relate, the terms and conditions of any Award granted under the Plan (including, but not limited to, any exercise price, grant price or purchase price, any restriction or condition (including, but not limited to, restrictive covenant obligations (such as confidentiality,non-competition andnon-solicitation covenants), and clawback or recoupment provisions), any schedule for lapse of restrictions or conditions relating to transferability or forfeiture, vesting, exercisability or settlement of an Award (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)), performance conditions relating to an Award (including performance conditions relating to Awards not intended to be governed by Section 7(e)) and waivers and modifications thereof (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)), based in each case on such considerations as the Committee shall determine), and all other matters to be determined in connection with an Award;

(iv)        to accelerate vesting of any Award in connection with a Participant’s death, retirement, disability or involuntary termination of employment or service, in the event of a Change in Control or a corporate transaction or event described in Section 4(c), or in other circumstances as the Committee deems appropriate;

(v)        to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances an Award may be settled, or the exercise price of an Award may be paid, in cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property, or an Award may be canceled, forfeited, or surrendered;

(vi)        to determine whether, to what extent and under what circumstances cash, Stock, other Awards or other property payable with respect to an Award will be deferred either automatically, at the election of the Committee or at the election of the Participant, consistent with Section 409A of the Code;

(vii)        to determine the restrictions, if any, to which Stock received upon exercise or settlement of an Award shall be subject (includinglock-ups and other transfer restrictions) and condition the delivery of such Stock upon the execution by the Participant of any agreement providing for such restrictions;

(viii)        to prescribe the form of each Award Agreement, which need not be identical for each Participant;

(ix)        to adopt, amend, suspend, waive and rescind such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable to administer the Plan;

(x)        to correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Plan and to construe and interpret the Plan and any Award, rules and regulations, Award Agreement or other instrument hereunder; and

(xi)        to make all other decisions and determinations as may be required under the terms of the Plan or as the Committee may deem necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

Other provisions of the Plan notwithstanding, (i) the Board shall perform the functions of the Committee for purposes of granting awards to directors who serve on the Committee and (ii) the Board may perform any function of the Committee under the Plan for any other purpose, including without limitation for the purpose of ensuring that transactions under the Plan by Participants who are then


subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act in respect of the Company are exempt under Rule16b-3. In any case in which the Board is performing a function of the Committee under the Plan, each reference to the Committee herein shall be deemed to refer to the Board, except where the context otherwise requires.

(b)        Manner of Exercise of Committee Authority. Any action of the Committee with respect to the Plan shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, its Parent and Subsidiaries, Participants, any person claiming any rights under the Plan from or through any Participant and stockholders, except to the extent the Committee may subsequently modify, or take further action not consistent with, its prior action. If not specified in the Plan, the time at which the Committee must or may make any determination shall be determined by the Committee, and any such determination may thereafter be modified by the Committee (subject to Section 9(f)). The express grant of any specific power to the Committee, and the taking of any action by the Committee, shall not be construed as limiting any power or authority of the Committee. The Committee may delegate to officers or managers of the Company, its Parent or Subsidiaries the authority, subject to such terms as the Committee shall determine, to perform such functions as the Committee may determine, to the extent permitted under applicable law.

(c)        Limitation of Liability; Indemnification. Each member of the Committee shall be entitled to, in good faith, rely or act upon any report or other information furnished to him by any officer or other employee of the Company, its Parent or Subsidiaries, the Company’s independent certified public accountants or any executive compensation consultant, legal counsel or other professional retained by the Company to assist in the administration of the Plan. No member of the Committee, or any officer or employee of the Company acting on behalf of the Committee, shall be personally liable for any action, determination or interpretation taken or made in good faith with respect to the Plan, and all members of the Committee and any officer or employee of the Company acting on its behalf shall, to the extent permitted by law, be fully indemnified and protected by the Company with respect to any such action, determination or interpretation.

4.        Stock Subject to Plan.

(a)        Amount of Stock Reserved. Subject to Section 4(c), the aggregate number of shares of Stock for which Awards may be granted under this Plan (since its inception) shall not exceed 7,037,500. Awards made under this Plan which are forfeited (including a repurchase or cancellation of shares of Stock subject thereto by the Company in exchange for the price, if any, paid to the Company for such shares, or for their par value or other nominal value), terminated, surrendered, cancelled or have expired, shall be disregarded for purposes of the preceding sentence and shall not be considered as having been theretofore made subject to an Award. Shares of Stock shall not again be available for award if such shares are surrendered or withheld as payment either of the exercise price of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or of withholding taxes in respect of the exercise, settlement or payment of, or the lapse of restrictions with respect to, any Award. Shares purchased in the open market with proceeds from Option exercises shall not be added to the pool of available shares. The exercise or settlement of a Stock Appreciation Right shall reduce the shares of Stock available under the Plan by the total number of shares to which the exercise or settlement of the Stock Appreciation Right relates, not just the net amount of shares actually issued upon exercise or settlement. Awards settled solely in cash shall not reduce the number of shares of Stock available for issuance under the Plan. Any shares of Stock subject to an Option (or part thereof) that is cancelled upon exercise of a tandem Stock Appreciation Right when settled wholly or partially in shares shall to the extent of such settlement in shares be treated as if the Option itself had been exercised and such shares shall no longer be available for award. Any shares of Stock delivered pursuant to an Award may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares acquired in the market on a Participant’s behalf.


(b)        AnnualPer-Participant Limitations. During any calendar year, no Participant may be granted Awards that may be settled by delivery of more than 500,000 shares of Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c). In addition, with respect to Awards that may be settled in cash (in whole or in part), no Participant may be paid during any calendar year cash amounts relating to such Awards that exceed the greater of the Fair Market Value of the number of shares of Stock set forth in the preceding sentence at the date of grant or the date of settlement of the Award. The preceding sentences set forth two separate limitations, so that Awards that may be settled solely by delivery of Stock will not operate to reduce the amount of cash-only Awards, and vice versa; nevertheless, Awards that may be settled in Stock or cash must not exceed either limitation. In addition to the foregoing limitations, the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be subject to Awards granted under the Plan during any calendar year to a Participant who is anon-employee director shall not exceed 150,000 shares of Stock in the aggregate, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4(c).

(c)        Adjustments. In the event of any recapitalization, reclassification, forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spinoff, combination, repurchase or exchange of Stock or other securities, Stock dividend or other special, large andnon-recurring dividend or distribution (whether in the form of cash, securities or other property), liquidation, dissolution, or any other extraordinary or unusual event affecting the outstanding Stock as a class, then the Committee shall equitably adjust any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of Stock reserved and available for Awards under Section 4(a) and 4(b), including shares reserved for ISOs and the number of shares which may be issued without regard to the vesting requirements set forth in Section 7(f), (ii) the number and kind of shares of outstanding Restricted Stock or shares subject to other outstanding Awards in connection with which the shares have been issued, (iii) the number and kind of shares that may be issued in respect of other outstanding Awards, (iv) the maximum number and kind of shares of Stock for which any individual may receive Awards in any year, and (v) the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any Award (or, if deemed appropriate, the Committee may make provision for a cash payment with respect to any outstanding Award), to preclude, to the extent practicable, the enlargement or dilution of rights and benefits under the Plan and such outstanding Awards; provided, however, that any fractional shares resulting from such adjustment shall be eliminated. In addition, the Committee is authorized to make adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, Awards (including, without limitation, cancellation of unexercised or outstanding Awards (to the extent permitted by Section 9(f)(ii)), or substitution of Awards using stock of a successor or other entity) in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, events described in the preceding sentence) affecting the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary or the financial statements of the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary, or in response to changes in applicable laws, regulations, or accounting principles.

Any adjustments to outstanding Awards shall be consistent with Section 409A or 424 of the Code, to the extent applicable. Any adjustments determined by the Committee shall be final, binding and conclusive.

5.        Eligibility. Directors, officers and employees of the Company or its Parent or any Subsidiary, and persons who provide consulting or other services to the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary deemed by the Committee to be of substantial value to the Company or its Parent and Subsidiaries, are eligible to be granted Awards under the Plan. In addition, persons who have been offered employment by, or agreed to become a director of, the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary, and persons employed by an entity that the Committee reasonably expects to become a Subsidiary of the Company, are eligible to be granted an Award under the Plan.

6.        Specific Terms of Awards.

(a)        General. Awards may be granted on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 6. In addition, the Committee may impose on any Award or the exercise thereof such


additional terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, as the Committee shall determine, including terms requiring forfeiture of Awards in the event of termination of employment or service of the Participant. Except as expressly provided by the Committee (including for purposes of complying with the requirements of the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to lawful consideration for the issuance of shares), no consideration other than services will be required as consideration for the grant (but not the exercise) of any Award.

(b)        Options. The Committee is authorized to grant options to purchase Stock on the following terms and conditions (“Options”):

(i)        Exercise Price. The exercise price per share of Stock purchasable under an Option shall be determined by the Committee; provided, however, such exercise price may not be less than one hundred percent (100%) of the Fair Market Value of such Stock on the date of grant of such Option.

(ii)        Time and Method of Exercise. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole or in part (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)), the methods by which such exercise price may be paid or deemed to be paid, the form of such payment, including, without limitation, cash, Stock, other Awards or awards granted under other Company plans or other property (including notes or other contractual obligations of Participants to make payment on a deferred basis, such as through “cashless exercise” arrangements, to the extent permitted by applicable law), and the methods by which Stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants.

(iii)        Termination of Employment or Service. The Committee shall determine the period, if any, during which Options shall be exercisable following a Participant’s termination of his employment or service relationship with the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary. For this purpose, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, any sale of a Subsidiary of the Company pursuant to which it ceases to be a Subsidiary of the Company shall be deemed to be a termination of employment or service by any Participant employed or retained by such Subsidiary. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, (x) during any period that an Option is exercisable following termination of employment or service, it shall be exercisable only to the extent it was exercisable upon such termination of employment or service, and (y) if such termination of employment or service is for Cause, as determined in the discretion of the Committee, all Options held by the Participant shall immediately terminate.

(iv)        Options Providing Favorable Tax Treatment. The Committee may grant Options that may afford a Participant with favorable treatment under the tax laws applicable to such Participant, including, but not limited to ISOs. If Stock acquired by exercise of an ISO is sold or otherwise disposed of within two years after the date of grant of the ISO or within one year after the transfer of such Stock to the Participant, the holder of the Stock immediately prior to the disposition shall promptly notify the Company in writing of the date and terms of the disposition and shall provide such other information regarding the disposition as the Company may reasonably require in order to secure any deduction then available against the Company’s or any other corporation’s taxable income. The Company may impose such procedures as it determines may be necessary to ensure that such notification is made. Each Option granted as an ISO shall be designated as such in the Award Agreement relating to such Option. ISOs may only be granted to individuals who are employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company (as defined by Section 422 of the Code).


(c)        Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee is authorized to grant stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) on the following terms and conditions:

(i)        Right to Payment. An SAR shall confer on the Participant to whom it is granted a right to receive, upon exercise thereof, the excess of (A) the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of exercise, over (B) the exercise price of the SAR as determined by the Committee as of the date of grant of the SAR, which, except as provided in Section 7(a), shall be not less than the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of grant.

(ii)        Other Terms. The Committee shall determine the time or times at which a SAR may be exercised in whole or in part (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)), the method of exercise, method of settlement, form of consideration payable in settlement, method by which Stock will be delivered or deemed to be delivered to Participants, whether or not a SAR shall be in tandem with any other Award, and any other terms and conditions of any SAR. Limited SARs that may only be exercised upon the occurrence of a Change in Control of the Company may be granted on such terms, not inconsistent with this Section 6(c), as the Committee may determine. Limited SARs may be either freestanding or in tandem with other Awards.

(d)        Restricted Stock. The Committee is authorized to grant Stock that is subject to restrictions based on continued employment on the following terms and conditions (“Restricted Stock”):

(i)        Grant and Restrictions. Restricted Stock shall be subject to such restrictions on transferability and other restrictions, if any, as the Committee may impose, which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination at such times, under such circumstances, in such installments, or otherwise, as the Committee may determine (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)). Except to the extent restricted under the terms of the Plan (including subsection (iv) below) and any Award Agreement relating to the Restricted Stock, a Participant granted Restricted Stock shall have all of the rights of a stockholder including, without limitation, the right to vote Restricted Stock or the right to receive dividends thereon.

(ii)        Forfeiture. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, upon termination of employment or service (as determined under criteria established by the Committee) during the applicable restriction period, Restricted Stock that is at that time subject to restrictions shall be forfeited and reacquired by the Company; provided, however, that the Committee may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Restricted Stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specified causes.

(iii)        Certificates for Stock. Restricted Stock granted under the Plan may be evidenced in such manner as the Committee shall determine. If certificates representing Restricted Stock are registered in the name of the Participant, such certificates may bear an appropriate legend referring to the terms, conditions, and restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock and the Company may retain physical possession of the certificate, in which case the Participant shall be required to have delivered a stock power to the Company, endorsed in blank, relating to the Restricted Stock.

(iv)        Dividends. Dividends paid on Restricted Stock shall be either paid in cash or in shares of unrestricted Stock having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividends, or the payment of such dividends shall be deferred and/or the amount or value thereof automatically reinvested in additional Restricted Stock, other Awards, or other


investment vehicles, as the Committee shall determine or permit the Participant to elect consistent with Section 409A of the Code; provided that, dividends with respect to Restricted Stock shall vest and be paid only if and to the extent the underlying shares of Restricted Stock vest and are paid. Stock distributed in connection with a Stock split or Stock dividend, and other property distributed as a dividend, shall be subject to restrictions and a risk of forfeiture to the same extent as the Restricted Stock with respect to which such Stock or other property has been distributed.

(e)        Deferred Stock. The Committee is authorized to grant units representing the right to receive Stock at a future date subject to the following terms and conditions (“Deferred Stock”):

(i)        Award and Restrictions. Delivery of Stock will occur upon expiration of the deferral period specified for an Award of Deferred Stock by the Committee (or, if permitted by the Committee, as elected by the Participant, consistent with Section 409A of the Code). In addition, Deferred Stock shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may impose, which restrictions may lapse at the expiration of the deferral period or at earlier specified times, separately or in combination, in installments or otherwise, as the Committee may determine (subject to the limitations set of Section 7(f)).

(ii)        Forfeiture. Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, upon termination of employment or service (as determined under criteria established by the Committee) during the applicable deferral period or portion thereof to which forfeiture conditions apply (as provided in the Award Agreement evidencing the Deferred Stock), all Deferred Stock that is at that time subject to such forfeiture conditions shall be forfeited; provided, however, that the Committee may provide, by rule or regulation or in any Award Agreement, or may determine in any individual case, that restrictions or forfeiture conditions relating to Deferred Stock will be waived in whole or in part in the event of termination resulting from specified causes.

(f)        Bonus Stock and Awards in Lieu of Cash Obligations. The Committee is authorized to grant Stock as a bonus, or to grant Stock or other Awards in lieu of Company obligations to pay cash under other plans or compensatory arrangements (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)).

(g)        Dividend Equivalents. The Committee is authorized to grant awards entitling the Participant to receive cash, Stock, other Awards or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of Stock (“Dividend Equivalents”). Dividend Equivalents may be awarded on a free-standing basis or in connection with another Award; provided that, in no event shall dividend rights or Dividend Equivalents accrue or be paid with respect to shares of Stock subject to Options or SARs. The Committee may provide that Dividend Equivalents shall be paid or distributed when accrued or shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Stock, Awards or other investment vehicles, and subject to such restrictions on transferability and risks of forfeiture, as the Committee may specify; provided that, Dividend Equivalents granted in connection with an Award shall vest and be paid only if and to the extent the underlying shares subject to the Award vest and are paid.

(h)        Other Stock-Based Awards. The Committee is authorized, subject to limitations under applicable law, to grant such other Awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, Stock and factors that may influence the value of Stock, as deemed by the Committee to be consistent with the purposes of the Plan, including, without limitation, convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into Stock, purchase rights for Stock, Awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or any other factors designated by the Committee and Awards valued by reference to the book value of Stock or the value of securities of or the performance of specified Subsidiaries (“Other Stock-Based Awards”). The Committee shall determine the terms and conditions of such Awards (subject to the limitations of Section 7(f)). Stock issued pursuant to an


Award in the nature of a purchase right granted under this Section 6(h) shall be purchased for such consideration, paid for at such times, by such methods, and in such forms, including, without limitation, cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property, as the Committee shall determine. Cash awards, as an element of or supplement to any other Award under the Plan, may be granted pursuant to this Section 6(h).

7.        Certain Provisions Applicable to Awards.

(a)        Stand-Alone, Additional, Tandem, and Substitute Awards. Subject to Section 9(f)(ii), Awards granted under the Plan may, in the discretion of the Committee, be granted either alone or in addition to, in tandem with or in substitution for any other Award granted under the Plan or any award granted under any other plan of the Company, its Parent or Subsidiaries or any business entity to be acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary, or any other right of a Participant to receive payment from the Company its Parent or Subsidiaries. Awards granted in addition to or in tandem with other Awards or awards may be granted either as of the same time as or a different time from the grant of such other Awards or awards.

(b)        Term of Awards. The term of each Award shall be for such period as may be determined by the Committee; provided, however, that in no event shall the term of any Option or an SAR exceed a period of ten years from the date of its grant (or such shorter period as may be applicable under Section 422 of the Code).

(c)        Form of Payment Under Awards. Subject to the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, payments to be made by the Company, its Parent or Subsidiaries upon the grant, exercise or settlement of an Award may be made in such forms as the Committee shall determine, including, without limitation, cash, Stock, other Awards or other property, and may be made in a single payment or transfer, in installments or on a deferred basis. Such payments may include, without limitation, provisions for the payment or crediting of reasonable interest on installment or deferred payments or the grant or crediting of Dividend Equivalents in respect of installment or deferred payments denominated in Stock.

(d)        Loan Provisions. With the consent of the Committee, and subject at all times to, and only to the extent, if any, permitted under and in accordance with, laws and regulations and other binding obligations or provisions applicable to the Company, the Company may make, guarantee or arrange for a loan or loans to a Participant with respect to the exercise of any Option or other payment in connection with any Award, including the payment by a Participant of any or all federal, state or local income or other taxes due in connection with any Award. Subject to such limitations, the Committee shall have full authority to decide whether to make a loan or loans hereunder and to determine the amount, terms and provisions of any such loan or loans, including the interest rate to be charged in respect of any such loan or loans, whether the loan or loans are to be with or without recourse against the borrower, the terms on which the loan is to be repaid and conditions, if any, under which the loan or loans may be forgiven. For the avoidance of doubt, no such loans shall be made to a Participant who is an executive officer of the Company or a member of the Board.

(e)        Performance-Based Awards. The Committee may, in its discretion, determine that an Award granted to an employee shall be contingent upon the achievement ofpre-established performance objectives and other terms set forth in this Section 7(e) (“Performance Award”).

(i)        Performance Objectives. The performance objectives for an Award subject to this Section 7(e) shall consist of one or more business criteria and a targeted level or levels of performance with respect to such criteria, as specified by the Committee consistent with this Section 7(e). The Committee may determine that such Performance Awards shall be granted, exercised, and/or settled upon achievement of any one performance objective or that two or more of the performance objectives must be


achieved as a condition to grant, exercise, and/or settlement of such Performance Awards. Business criteria used by the Committee in establishing performance objectives for Awards subject to this Section 7(e) shall be selected from among the following criteria, or any such other criteria determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, which in either case may be applied to the Company, on a consolidated basis, and/or for specified Subsidiaries, divisions, or other business units of the Company (where the criteria are applicable):

(1)        Return on capital;

(2)        Earnings or earnings per share (which earnings may include equity in earnings of investees, and may be determined without regard to interest, taxes, depreciation, and/or amortization);

(3)        Cash flow provided by operations;

(4)        Increase in stock price;

(5)        Changes in annual revenues;

(6)        Net sales;

(7)        Total shareholder return;

(8)        Inventory control measures;

(9)        Internet sales, including as it relates to total or net sales; and/or

(10)        Strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based on meeting specified revenue, market penetration, geographic business expansion goals, cost targets, and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures.

The levels of performance required with respect to such business criteria may be expressed in absolute or relative levels. Performance objectives may differ for such Awards to different Participants. The Committee shall specify the weighting to be given to each performance objective for purposes of determining the final amount payable with respect to any such Award.

(ii)        Performance Award Terms. Performance objectives, amounts payable upon achievement of such objectives, the applicable performance period and other material terms of Performance Awards shall be established by the Committee. In addition, the Committee shall specify the circumstances in which such Performance Awards shall be paid or forfeited in the event of termination of employment by the Participant prior to the end of a performance period or settlement of Performance Awards.

(iii)        Certain Adjustments. To the extent applicable, unless the Committee decides otherwise, the determination of achievement of performance objectives for Performance Awards shall be made in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and a manner consistent with the methods used in the Company’s audited financial statements. Unless the Committee decides otherwise, the determination of achievement of performance objectives for Performance Awards shall be made without regard to (A) changes in accounting methods,(B) non-recurring acquisition expenses and restructuring charges; or (C) other costs or charges associated


with refinancings, write-downs, impairments, closures, consolidations, divestitures, strategic initiatives, and items associated with acquisitions, including but not limited to, earn-outs and bargain purchase gains. In calculating earnings or earnings per share, the Committee may provide that such calculation shall be made on the same basis as reflected in a release of the Company’s earnings for a previously completed period as specified by the Committee. In setting the performance objectives for Performance Awards, the Committee may provide for adjustments in respect of unusual or infrequently occurring items determined in accordance with applicable accounting standards, adjustments for equity compensation expenses, and such other adjustments as it deems appropriate. In addition, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may make adjustments to the performance objectives, the amounts payable in respect of the applicable performance objectives, and performance results, to the extent consistent with the terms of the applicable Award Agreement.

(iv)        Committee Determinations. The Committee shall determine the achievement of performance objectives relating to Performance Awards, and the amount of any payment in respect of Performance Awards.

(f)        Minimum Vesting Requirement. At the time of grant, the terms of Awards granted under the Plan shall provide that the Awards shall not vest prior to theone-year anniversary of the date of grant, except as may be provided in the event of a Participant’s death or disability, or in the event of a Change in Control; provided that, (i) Awards granted tonon-employee directors will be deemed to satisfy this minimum vesting requirement if they are granted on the date of our annual meeting of stockholders and vest on the date of our next annual meeting of stockholders immediately following the date of grant and (ii) subject to any adjustments made in accordance with Section 4(c), Awards covering up to 5% of the shares subject to the share reserve set forth in Section 4(a) as of the 2020 Plan Effective Date may be granted without regard to the minimum vesting requirement.

8.        Change in Control. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan to the contrary, the provisions of this Section 8 shall apply in the event of a Change in Control.

(a)        Replacement Awards; No Immediate Vesting.

(i)        An Award shall not vest upon the occurrence of a Change in Control and shall continue to the extent qualifying as a Replacement Award.

(ii)        A “Replacement Award” includes an outstanding Award that continues upon and after the occurrence of a Change in Control and an Award provided to a Participant in replacement of an outstanding Award (such replaced Award, a “Replaced Award”) in connection with a Change in Control that satisfies the following conditions:

(A)        It has a value at least equal to the value of the Replaced Award;

(B)        It relates to publicly traded equity securities of the Company or its successor in the Change in Control or another entity that is affiliated with the Company or its successor following the Change in Control;

(C)        Its other terms and conditions are not less favorable to the Participant than the terms and conditions of the Replaced Award (including the provisions that would apply in the event of a subsequent change in control); and

(D)        Upon an involuntary termination of employment or separation from service of a Participant by the Company other than for Cause (and not due to disability), or a voluntary termination of employment or separation from service by the Participant for


Good Reason (if applicable), occurring on or during the period of twenty-four (24) months after the Change in Control, the Replacement Award, to the extent not vested and unrestricted as of such termination of employment or separation from service, shall become fully vested and (if applicable) exercisable and free of restrictions.

The Committee, as constituted immediately before the Change in Control, shall have the discretion to determine whether the conditions of this Section 8(a)(ii) are satisfied.

(b)        Vesting if No Replacement Award. To the extent that a Replacement Award is not provided to the Participant, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control:

(i)        Any and all Options and SARs granted hereunder shall become immediately exercisable;

(ii)        Any restrictions imposed on Restricted Stock shall lapse and become freely transferable, and all other Awards shall become fully vested; and

(iii)        Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, the payout opportunities attainable at target or, if greater, in the amount determined by the Committee to have been earned thereunder based on performance through the date of the Change in Control, under all outstanding Awards of performance-based Stock, cash Awards and other Awards shall be deemed to have been earned for the entire performance period(s) as of the effective date of the Change in Control. The vesting of all such earned Awards shall be accelerated as of the effective date of the Change in Control, and in full settlement of such Awards, there shall be paid out in cash, or in the discretion of the Committee, shares of Stock with a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such cash.

Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, the foregoing provisions of this Section 8(b) shall apply, and a Participant’s outstanding Awards shall not become Replacement Awards, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control following an involuntary termination of employment or separation from service of the Participant by the Company other than for Cause (and not due to disability), or a voluntary termination of employment or separation from service for Good Reason by the Participant (if applicable), occurring (x) at the request of a third party who was taking steps reasonably calculated to effect such Change in Control or (y) otherwise in contemplation of and within 180 days before such Change in Control.

(c)        Change in Control. For purposes of the Plan, “Change in Control” shall mean:

(i)        Any person becoming the beneficial owner of securities of the Company representing thirty percent (30%) or more of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities;

(ii)        Individuals who serve on the Board immediately prior to the event, or whose election to the Board or nomination for election to the Board was approved by a vote of at leasttwo-thirds of the directors who either serve on the Board immediately prior to the event, or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved, ceasing for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board;

(iii)        Consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any Subsidiary into any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation that results in the holders of the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto holding immediately thereafter securities representing more than sixty percent (60%) of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company; or


(iv)        The stockholders of the Company approving a plan of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets and such liquidation, sale or disposition is consummated.

9.        General Provisions.

(a)        Compliance With Laws and Obligations. The Company shall not be obligated to issue or deliver Stock in connection with any Award or take any other action under the Plan in a transaction subject to the requirements of any applicable securities law, any requirement under any listing agreement between the Company and any national securities exchange or automated quotation system or any other law, regulation or contractual obligation of the Company until the Company is satisfied that such laws, regulations, and other obligations of the Company have been complied with in full. Certificates representing shares of Stock issued under the Plan will be subject to such stop-transfer orders and other restrictions as may be applicable under such laws, regulations and other obligations of the Company, including any requirement that a legend or legends be placed thereon. In addition, the Company may adopt policies that impose restrictions on the timing of exercise of Options, SARs or other Awards (e.g., to enforce compliance with Company-imposedblack-out periods).

(b)        Limitations on Transferability. Awards and other rights under the Plan will not be transferable by a Participant except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or to a Beneficiary in the event of the Participant’s death, shall not be pledged, mortgaged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered, or otherwise subject to the claims of creditors, and, in the case of ISOs and SARs in tandem therewith, shall be exercisable during the lifetime of a Participant only by such Participant or his guardian or legal representative; provided, however, that such Awards and other rights (other than ISOs and SARs in tandem therewith) may be transferred to one or more of the following transferees (each transferee a “Permitted Assignee”) during the lifetime of the Participant to the extent and on such terms as then may be permitted by the Committee: (i) to the Participant’s spouse, children or grandchildren (including any adopted and step children or grandchildren), parents, grandparents or siblings; (ii) to a trust for the benefit of one or more of the Participant or the persons referred to in clause (i); (iii) to a partnership, limited liability company or corporation in which the Participant or the persons referred to in clause (i) are the only partners, members or stockholders; or (iv) for charitable donations to a charitable organization; provided that such Permitted Assignee shall be bound by and subject to all the terms and conditions of the Plan and the Award Agreement relating to the transferred Award and shall execute an agreement satisfactory to the Company evidencing such obligations and provided further that such Participant shall remain bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan.

(c)        No Right to Continued Employment or Service. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any employee, director or other person the right to be retained in the employ or service of the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary, nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary to terminate any employee’s employment or other person’s service at any time or with the right of the Board or stockholders to remove any director.

(d)        Taxes. The Company, its Parent and Subsidiaries are authorized to withhold from any Award granted or to be settled, any delivery of Stock in connection with an Award, any other payment relating to an Award or any payroll or other payment to a Participant amounts of withholding and other taxes due or potentially payable in connection with any transaction involving an Award, and to take such other action as the Committee may deem advisable to enable the Company, its Parent and Subsidiaries and Participants to satisfy obligations for the payment of withholding taxes and other tax obligations relating to any Award. This authority shall include authority to withhold or receive Stock or other property and to make cash payments in respect thereof in satisfaction of a Participant’s tax obligations.


(e)        Section 409A. Notwithstanding the other provisions hereof, the Plan and the Awards are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, to the extent applicable. Accordingly, all provisions herein and with respect to any Awards shall be construed and interpreted such that the Award either (i) qualifies for an exemption from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code or (ii) satisfies the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible; provided, however, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to reimburse a Participant or Beneficiary for any additional tax (or related penalties and interest) incurred by reason of application of Section 409A, and the Company makes no representations that Awards are exempt from or comply with Section 409A and makes no undertakings to ensure or preclude that Section 409A will apply to any Awards. If an Award is subject to Section 409A, (A) distributions shall only be made in a manner and upon an event permitted under Section 409A, (B) payments to be made upon a termination of employment shall only be made upon a “separation from service” under Section 409A, (C) payments to be made upon or in connection with a Change in Control shall only be made upon or in connection with a “change of control event” under Section 409A, to the extent required by Section 409A, (D) unless the Award Agreement specifies otherwise, each installment payment shall be treated as a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, and (E) in no event shall a Participant, directly or indirectly, designate the calendar year in which a distribution is made except in accordance with Section 409A. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that any Awards constitute nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, if (x) the Participant is a “specified employee” of the Company as of the specified employee identification date for purposes of Section 409A (as determined in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Company) and (y) the delivery of any cash or Stock payable pursuant to an Award is required to be delayed for a period of six months after separation from service pursuant to Section 409A, such cash or Stock shall be paid within 15 days after the end of thesix-month period. If the Participant dies during suchsix-month period, the amounts withheld on account of Section 409A shall be paid to the Participant’s Beneficiary within 30 days of the Participant’s death.

(f)        Changes to the Plan and Awards.

(i)        The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate the Plan or the Committee’s authority to grant Awards under the Plan without the consent of stockholders or Participants, except that any such action shall be subject to the approval of the Company’s stockholders at or before the next annual meeting of stockholders for which the record date is after such Board action if such stockholder approval is required by any federal or state law or regulation or the rules of any stock exchange or automated quotation system on which the Stock may then be listed or quoted, and the Board may otherwise, in its discretion, determine to submit other such changes to the Plan to stockholders for approval; provided, however, that, without the consent of an affected Participant, no such action may materially impair the rights of such Participant under any Award theretofore granted to him (as such rights are set forth in the Plan and the Award Agreement). The Committee may waive any conditions or rights under, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate, any Award theretofore granted and any Award Agreement relating thereto; provided, however, that, (subject to Section 4(c)) without the consent of an affected Participant, no such action may materially impair the rights of such Participant under such Award (as such rights are set forth in the Plan and the Award Agreement). The Board or the Committee shall also have the authority to establish separatesub-plans under the Plan with respect to Participants resident in a particular jurisdiction (the terms of which shall not be inconsistent with those of the Plan) if necessary or desirable to comply with the applicable laws of such jurisdiction.

(ii)        Notwithstanding any provision herein, except in connection with a corporate transaction involving the Company (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, distribution (whether in the form of cash, Stock, other securities or other property), stock split, extraordinary cash dividend, recapitalization, change in control, reorganization,


merger, consolidation,split-up,spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of Stock or other securities, or similar transactions), the Company may not, without obtaining stockholder approval, (A) amend the terms of outstanding Options or SARs to reduce the exercise price of such outstanding Options or SARs, (B) cancel outstanding Options or SARs in exchange for Options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the exercise price of the original Options or SARs or (C) cancel outstanding Options or SARs with an exercise price above the current Stock price in exchange for cash or other securities.

(g)        No Rights to Awards; No Stockholder Rights. No person shall have any claim to be granted any Award under the Plan, and there is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants and employees. No Award shall confer on any Participant any of the rights of a stockholder of the Company unless and until Stock is duly issued or transferred and delivered to the Participant in accordance with the terms of the Award or, in the case of an Option, the Option is duly exercised.

(h)        Company Policies. All Awards made under the Plan shall be subject to any applicable clawback or recoupment policies, share trading policies and other policies that may be implemented by the Board from time to time.

(i)        Unfunded Status of Awards; Creation of Trusts. The Plan is intended to constitute an “unfunded” plan for incentive and deferred compensation. With respect to any payments not yet made to a Participant pursuant to an Award, nothing contained in the Plan or any Award shall give any such Participant any rights that are greater than those of a general creditor of the Company; provided, however, that the Committee may authorize the creation of trusts or make other arrangements to meet the Company’s obligations under the Plan to deliver cash, Stock, other Awards, or other property pursuant to any Award, which trusts or other arrangements shall be consistent with the “unfunded” status of the Plan unless the Committee otherwise determines with the consent of each affected Participant.

(j)        Nonexclusivity of the Plan. Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor any submission of the Plan or amendments thereto to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other compensatory arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of stock options otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.

(k)        No Fractional Shares. No fractional shares of Stock shall be issued or delivered pursuant to the Plan or any Award. The Committee shall determine whether cash, other Awards, or other property shall be issued or paid in lieu of such fractional shares or whether such fractional shares or any rights thereto shall be forfeited or otherwise eliminated.

(l)        Governing Law. The validity, construction and effect of the Plan, any rules and regulations relating to the Plan and any Award Agreement shall be determined in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to principles of conflicts of laws, and applicable federal law.

(m)        Severability. If any provision of the Plan shall be held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such provisions had not been included.

(n)        Successors and Assigns. The Plan and Award Agreements may be assigned by the Company to any successor to the Company’s business. The Plan and any applicable Award Agreement shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Company and a Participant, including


any permitted transferee of a Participant, the Beneficiary or estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator or trustee of such estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the Participant’s creditors.

(o)        Plan Provisions. In the event there is any express conflict between the terms of the Plan and any Award agreement or other agreement setting forth the terms of an Award, the terms of the Plan shall govern.

(p)        Effective Date. The amended and restated Plan shall be effective as of the 2020 Amendment Effective Date.


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MR DESIGNATION A SAMPLE (IF ANY) You may vote online or by phone instead of mailing this card.
ADD 1 Votes submitted electronically or by phone
ADD ADD 3 2 must be received by 10:30 a.m., Eastern Time,
ADD 4 on June 25, 2020.
MMMMMMMMM ADD 5 Online
ADD 6 Go to www.envisionreports.com/LCUT
or scan the QR code — login details are
located in the shaded bar below.
Phone
Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) within
the USA, US territories and Canada
Save paper, time and money!
Sign up for electronic delivery at
Using a black ink pen, mark your votes with an X as shown in this example.
Please do not write outside the designated areas. www.envisionreports.com/LCUT
Annual Meeting Proxy Card
IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

qA Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees for director, FOR Proposal 2, FOR Proposal 3, and FOR Proposal 4.


1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS +
Nominees:
01 - Jeffrey Siegel 02 - Robert B. Kay 03 - Rachael A. Jarosh 04 - John Koegel
05 - Cherrie Nanninga 06 - Craig Phillips 07 - Veronique Gabai-Pinsky 08 - Bruce G. Pollack
09 - Michael J. Regan 10 - Michael Schnabel
Mark here to vote Mark here to WITHHOLD For All EXCEPT - To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s),
FOR all nominees vote from all nominees write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below.
For Against Abstain For Against Abstain
2. TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE 3. TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
COMPANY FOR 2020.
4. TO APPROVE AN AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE
COMPANY’S AMENDED AND RESTATED 2000 LONG-TERM
INCENTIVE PLAN.
B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below
 A 
Proposals — The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees for director, FOR Proposal 2, and FOR Proposal 3.

1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

    Nominees:

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    01 - Jeffrey Siegel02 - Robert B. Kay03 - Craig Phillips04 - Bruce G. Pollack
    05 - Michael J. Jeary06 - John Koegel07 - Cherrie Nanninga08 - Dennis E. Reaves
    09 - Michael J. Regan10 - Michael Schnabel

  ☐

Mark here to voteFOR all nomineesMark here toWITHHOLDvote from all nomineesFor All EXCEPT - To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below.

    For Against Abstain     For      Against     Abstain  

 

2.

 

 

TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2019.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 3. TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS. 

 

  

 

 

 

 B Authorized Signatures — This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. — Date and Sign Below

(Please sign proxy as name appears on corporate records. Joint owners should each sign personally. Trustees and others signing in a representative capacity should indicate the capacity in which
they sign.)
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below. Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box. Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.
C 1234567890 J N T MR140 A CHARACTERS) SAMPLE (THISMRAREA A SAMPLE IS SET AND UP TOMR ACCOMMODATE A SAMPLE AND
MMMMMMM 1 U P X 4 6 0 3 4 2 MRMR AA SAMPLESAMPLE ANDAND MRMR AA SAMPLESAMPLE ANDAND MRMR AA SAMPLESAMPLE AND AND +
038SIC

Date (mm/dd/yyyy) — Please print date below.

      Signature 1 — Please keep signature within the box.

    Signature 2 — Please keep signature within the box.

/                /

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The 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Lifetime Brands, Inc. will be held on
Thursday, June 25, 2020, 10:30 a.m., ET, virtually via the internet at www.meetingcenter.io/247518216.
To access the virtual meeting, you must have the information that is printed in the shaded bar located on the reverse side of this form.
The password for this meeting is LCUT2020.
Proxy materials for the Annual Meeting

of Shareholders are available at:

www.envisionreports.com/LCUT

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Small steps make an impact.

Help the environment by consenting to receive electronic

delivery, sign up at www.envisionreports.com/LCUT

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Small steps make an impact.
qHelp the environment by consenting to receive electronic delivery, sign up at www.envisionreports.com/LCUT
IF VOTING BY MAIL, SIGN, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.

qProxy — LIFETIME BRANDS, INC. +

PROXY — LIFETIME BRANDS, INC.

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This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors


Jeffrey Siegel and Robert B. Kay and each of them, are hereby constituted and appointed the lawful attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the undersigned with all powers that the undersigned would have if personally present at the 20192020 Annual Meeting, with respect to all shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of LIFETIME BRANDS, INC. standing in the name of the undersigned on the Company’s books at the close of business on April 29, 2019,27, 2020, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at 1000 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530,virtually via the Internet at 10:30 A.M.a.m., Eastern Time, on June 27, 201925, 2020 or at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof (the “2019“2020 Annual Meeting”), as directed on the reverse side. The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement dated April 30, 2019.

29, 2020.
The powers hereby granted may be exercised by any of said attorneys or proxies or their substitutes present and acting at the above-described 20192020 Annual Meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. The undersigned hereby revokes any and all proxies heretofore given by the undersigned to vote at said meeting.


The proxy holder is authorized to act, in accordance with his or her discretion, upon all matters incident to the conduct of the meeting and upon other matters that properly come before the 20192020 Annual Meeting, subject to compliance with Rule14a-4(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no direction is made with respect to any proposal, this proxy will be voted FOR all nominees listed in Proposal 1, FOR Proposal 2, FOR Proposal 3, and FOR Proposal 3.

4.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)
CNon-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print new address below. Comments — Please print your comments below.

 C Non-Voting Items
Change of Address — Please print new address below.

Comments — Please print your comments below.

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