Washington, D.C. 20549
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PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT-SUBJECT TO COMPLETION
AVIAT NETWORKS, INC.
5200 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUALSPECIAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015_________, 2016
ThisThe enclosed proxy statement (this “Proxy Statement”) applies to the solicitationis solicited on behalf of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Aviat Networks, Inc. (which we refer to as “Aviat,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” and “ours”, a Delaware corporation (“Aviat”), for use at the 2014 AnnualSpecial Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournment, postponement or other delay thereof (the “Annual Meeting”), to be held at 11:00 a.m., local time, on Tuesday, February 24, 2015._________, 2016 (with any amendments, postponements or adjournments thereof, the “Special Meeting”). The AnnualSpecial Meeting will be held at _____ a.m. Pacific Time at our facilitiesprincipal executive offices located at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054. The telephone number at that location is (408) 567-7000. These proxy solicitation materials are first being sent or made available on or about January 23, 2015,April ___, 2016, to our stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to obtain stockholder action on the matters outlined in the notice of meeting included with this Proxy Statement. All holders of shares of common stock at the close of business on January 15, 2015, are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting, our stockholders will vote (i) to elect eight directors; (ii) on the ratification of the appointment by our Audit Committee of KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2015; and (iii) on an advisory, non-binding resolution to approve the Company’s named executive officer compensation.
What is the record date, and who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
The record date for theall stockholders entitled to vote at our Special Meeting. This proxy statement contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on the Annual Meeting is January 15, 2015matters brought before the Special Meeting. Please read it carefully.
Record Date and Outstanding Shares
Our Board of Directors has set April 25, 2016 (the “Record Date”). The Record Date was established by, as the Board as required byrecord date for the Delaware General Corporation Law and our Bylaws. Owners of shares ofmeeting. Stockholders who owned our common stock at the close of business on the Record Date, are entitled to receive noticevote at and attend the Special Meeting, with each share entitled to one vote. On the Record Date, there were ______________ shares of our common stock outstanding [and ___________ shares held by Aviat in treasury stock].
Voting
The proposals to be considered and acted upon at the Special Meeting are:
1. To approve an amendment to Aviat’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”) to effect, at the discretion of the Annual MeetingBoard of Directors, a reverse stock split of all of the outstanding shares of Aviat’s common stock and those shares held by Aviat in treasury stock, whereby each ______ shares would be combined, converted and changed into _______ share of common stock.
2. Subject to votethe approval of Proposal One, to approve an amendment to the Charter to effect, at the Annual Meeting. You may vote all shares that you owned asdiscretion of the Record Date.
What areBoard of Directors, a reduction in the voting rightstotal number of the holdersauthorized shares of common stock atfrom 300,000,000 to _______.
The effectiveness or abandonment of any amendments to the Annual Meeting?Charter will be determined by the Board of Directors as permitted under Section 242(c) of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
At the Special Meeting, stockholders will also be asked to consider and vote on any other matters that may properly come before the Special Meeting. At this time, our Board of Directors is unaware of any matters, other than those set forth above, that may properly come before the Special Meeting.
Each outstanding share of our common stockstockholder is entitled to one vote onfor each matter considered at the Annual Meeting. Asshare of common stock held by such stockholder on the Record Date, there were 62,328,265 shares of our common stock outstanding.
Who may attend the Annual Meeting?
Subject to space availability, all stockholders as of the Record Date, or their duly appointed proxies, may attend the Annual Meeting. Since seating is limited, admission to the Annual Meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
If your shares are held in “street name” (that is, through a bank, broker or other holder of record) and you wish to attend the Annual Meeting, you must bring to the Annual Meeting a copy of a bank or brokerage statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the Record Date.
Each stockholder may be asked to present valid picture identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at the Annual Meeting. You may contact us by calling (408) 567-7000 for directions to the Annual Meeting.
How do I vote?
Stockholders of record can vote by proxy as follows:
Via the Internet: Stockholders may submit voting instructions through the Internet by following the instructions included with the proxy card.
By Telephone: Stockholders may submit voting instructions by telephone by following the instructions included with the proxy card.
By Mail: Stockholders may sign, date and return their proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided.
At the Annual Meeting: If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person by ballot, even if you have previously returned a proxy card.
If you hold your shares in “street name,” the bank, broker or other holder of record holding your shares will send you separate instructions describing the procedure for voting your shares. If you hold your shares in “street name,” you will not be able to vote in person by ballot at the Annual Meeting unless you have previously requested and obtained a “legal proxy” from your broker, bank or other holder of record and present it at the Annual Meeting.
How can I access the proxy materials and annual report on the Internet?
This Proxy Statement, the form of proxy card, the Notice and our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014 are available at www.proxyonline.com.
Why is Aviat soliciting proxies?
In lieu of personally attending and voting at the Annual Meeting, you may appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. The Board has designated proxy holders to whom you may submit your voting instructions. The proxy holders for the Annual Meeting are Charles Kissner, Chairman of the Board, Michael Pangia, President and CEO, and Meena Elliott, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary.
How do I revoke my proxy?
If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before your shares are voted at the Annual Meeting by:
delivering a written notice of revocation to the Company’s Secretary, Meena Elliott, at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054;
signing, dating and returning a proxy card bearing a later date;
submitting another proxy by Internet or telephone (the latest dated proxy will control); or
attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person by ballot.
If you hold your shares in “street name,” you should follow the directions provided by the bank, broker or other holder of record to revoke your proxy. Regardless of how you hold your shares, your attendance at the Annual Meeting after having executed and delivered a valid proxy card will not in and of itself constitute a revocation of your proxy.
What vote is required to approve each item?
Proposal No. 1 (election of directors): the director nominees will be elected by a plurality. However, Aviat’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide for certain procedures if a director nominee fails to receive more “for” votes than “withhold” votes. See “How is the majority voting policy applied to the election of directors?” below.
Stockholders may not cumulate votes in the election of directors. The Board recommends a vote “FOR” all nominees.
Proposal No. 2 (ratification of KPMG LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm): the affirmative vote by the holders of commoncapital stock entitled to cast a majority of the voting power of all of the common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is necessary for approval of Proposal No. 2. The Board recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 2.
Proposal No. 3 (advisory, non-binding vote on named executive officer compensation): the affirmative vote by the holders of common stock entitled to cast a majority of the voting power of all of the common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal is necessary for approval of Proposal No. 3. The Board recommends a vote “FOR” Proposal No. 3.
How is the majority voting policy applied to the election of directors?
Aviat’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide for a majority voting policy in uncontested elections of directors. An uncontested election is one in which the number of nominees for director does not exceed the number of directors to be elected. The director election taking place at this Annual Meeting is uncontested, and Aviat’s majority voting policy will apply. Under Aviat’s majority voting policy, in order for a nominee to remain on the Board, the votes cast “for” such nominee’s election must exceed the votes “withheld” from such nominee’s election.
Aviat’s majority voting policy requires an incumbent director nominee who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his election than votes “for” his election to promptly offer his resignation from the Board for consideration by the Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board. The Governance and Nominating Committee will then recommend to the Board the action to be taken with respect to such offer of resignation, and the Board will determine whether to accept the nominee’s resignation. See “Majority Vote Policy in Director Elections” for additional information.
What constitutes a quorum, abstention and broker “non-vote”?
The presence at the Annual Meeting either in person or by proxy of the holders of common stock entitled to cast a majority of the voting power of all of the commoncapital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the AnnualSpecial Meeting, present in person or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum at the Special Meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares outstanding and entitled to vote as of the Record Date is required to approve amendments to the Charter. Abstentions, broker nonvotes and the failure to submit a proxy or vote in person at the Special Meeting will have the same effect as a vote against a proposal. Abstentions and broker nonvotes are counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business atbusiness.
Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials
We have chosen to provide access to our proxy materials over the Annual Meeting.
Abstentions and broker “non-votes”Internet. We are counted as present and are, therefore, included for purposessending a Notice of determining whether a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting. An abstention occurs when a stockholder does not vote for or against a proposal but specifically abstains from voting. A broker “non-vote” occurs when a bank, broker or other holderInternet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to our stockholders of record holding shares in street name for aand our beneficial owner signs and submits a proxy or votes with respect to shares of common stock held in a fiduciary capacity, but does not vote on a particular matter because the bank, broker or other holder of record does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that matter and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner or because the bank, broker or other holder of record elects not to vote on a matter as to which it does have discretionary voting power. Under the rules governing banks, brokers and other holders of record who are voting with respect to shares held in street name, such entities have the discretion to vote such shares on routine matters but not on non-routine matters. Only Proposal No. 2 is a routine matter.
For Proposal No. 1, abstentions and broker “non-votes” will be disregarded and have no effect on the outcome of the vote. For Proposals No. 2 and No. 3, abstentionsowners. All stockholders will have the same effect asoption to access the proxy materials on a website referred to in the Notice, or to request a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the Internet or to request a printed copy of the proxy materials are included in the Notice. You may also request to receive proxy materials in printed form by mail or electronically by email on an ongoing basis.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Special Meeting of Stockholders to be held on _________, 2016
Our proxy statement is available at [____].
Proxies
If the form of proxy card is properly signed and returned or if you properly follow the instructions for telephone or Internet voting, against the proposal, and broker non-votes, if any,shares represented thereby will be disregardedvoted at the Special Meeting in accordance with the instructions specified thereon. If you sign and have no effect onreturn your proxy without specifying how the outcomeshares represented thereby are to be voted, the proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors. You may revoke or change your proxy at any time before the vote.
Who pays forSpecial Meeting by filing with our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054, a notice of revocation or another signed proxy with a later date. You may also revoke your proxy by attending the costSpecial Meeting and voting in person by ballot.
Costs of solicitation?Proxy Solicitation
We will bearpay the entire costcosts and expenses of soliciting proxies from stockholders. We have engaged [D.F. King] to assist in the solicitation includingof proxies and provide related advice and informational support, for a services fee and the preparation, assembly, printing,reimbursement of customary disbursements that are not expected to exceed $________ in the aggregate. Certain of our directors, officers, employees and mailingrepresentatives may solicit proxies from our stockholders in person or by telephone, email or other means of this Proxy Statement, the proxy card, the Noticecommunication. Our directors, officers, employees and representatives will not be additionally compensated for any additionalsuch solicitation, materials thatbut may be furnished to our stockholders and the maintenance and operation of the website providing Internet access to these proxy materials. Wereimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses they incur. Arrangements will reimburse banks, brokersbe made with brokerage houses, custodians and other holdersnominees for forwarding of record for reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of our common stock held of record by such nominees and maintaining Internet access for such materials and the submissionreimbursement of proxies. We may supplement the original solicitationreasonable expenses they incur.
Deadline for Receipt of proxies by mail through solicitation by telephone, email, over the Internet or by other means by our directors, officers and other employees. No additional compensation will be paid to these individualsStockholder Proposals for any such services.
In addition, the Company has retained AST Phoenix Advisors to assist it in the solicitation of proxies. The Company has agreed to pay D.F. King & Co. a fee of $9,500, plus reimbursement for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The Company has also agreed to indemnify D.F. King & Co. against certain liabilities and expenses, including certain liabilities and expenses under the federal securities laws.
What is the deadline for submitting proposals and director nominations for the 20152016 Annual Meeting?Meeting
In order for any stockholder to submit nominations of directors or propose business to be considered before our 20152016 Annual Meeting, a stockholder of record must submit a written notice thereof, which notice must be received by our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices not lessearlier than 60 days nor moreAugust 15, 2016, or later than 90 days prior to the date of the 2015 Annual Meeting. We will announce the date of the 2015 Annual Meeting at least 70 days in advance.September 14, 2016. The full requirements for the submission of nominations of directors and proposals of business to be considered are contained in Article II, Sections 13 and 14, respectively, of our Bylaws, which are available for review at our website, www.aviatnetworks.com.
Stockholder proposals intended for inclusion in next year’sour proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) must be directed to the Corporate Secretary, Aviat Networks, Inc., at our principal executive offices, and must be received by September 25, 2015.June 2, 2016.
In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the proxies solicited by the Board of Directors for the 20152016 Annual Meeting will confer discretionary authority on the proxy holders to vote on any director nomination or stockholder proposal presented at the 20152016 Annual Meeting if the CompanyAviat fails to receive notice of such matter in accordance with the periods specified above.
Who
Your vote is important. Thank you for voting.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Although we encourage you to read the enclosed proxy statement in its entirety, we included this Question and Answer section to provide some background information and brief answers to questions that you might have about the Special Meeting.
Q.When and where is the Special Meeting of Stockholders?
A. The Special Meeting of Stockholders is being held on _________, 2016 at _____ a.m., Pacific Time, at our headquarters located at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054.
Q.Why am I receiving this proxy statement?
A. This proxy statement describes the proposals on which we would like you, as a stockholder, to vote. It also gives you information so that you can make an informed decision.
Q.What is the Notice of Internet Availability?
A. Instead of mailing a printed copy of our proxy materials to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, we are furnishing the proxy materials to our stockholders over the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail, you will count the votes?
D.F. King & Co. will tabulate the votes cast by proxy. The Company has retained an independent inspector of elections in connection with Aviat’s solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting. Aviat intends to notify stockholdersnot receive a printed copy of the resultsproxy materials. Instead, the Notice will instruct you as to how you may access and review the proxy materials and submit your vote via the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail and would like to receive a printed copy of the Annualproxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice for requesting such materials.
Q.What proposals am I being asked to consider at the upcoming Special Meeting?
A. The proposals to be considered and acted upon at the Special Meeting by filing a Form 8-K withare:
1. To approve an amendment to the SEC.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We believe in and are committedCharter to sound corporate governance principles. Consistent with our commitment to and continuing evolution of corporate governance principles, we adopted a Code of Business Ethics, corporate governance guidelines and written charters foreffect, at the Governance and Nominating Committee, Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. Each of our Board committees is required to conduct an annual review of its charter and applicable guidelines.
Board Members
The authorized sizediscretion of the Board is currently eight.of Directors, are nominated by the Governance and Nominating Committeea reverse stock split of all of the Board.outstanding shares of Aviat’s common stock and those shares held by Aviat in treasury stock, whereby each ______ shares would be combined, converted and changed into _______ share of common stock.
In January 2015, we reconstituted the Board and Clifford H. Higgerson, Raghavendra Rau, Dr. Moshen Sohi and Edward F. Thompson retired from the Board. At that time, James R. Henderson, John Mutch, Robert G. Pearse and John J. Quicke were appointed2. Subject to the Board. The Board thanks Messrs. Higgerson, Rau and Thompson and Dr. Sohi for their distinguished serviceapproval of Proposal One, to approve an amendment to the Company.
The following areCharter to effect, at the membersdiscretion of the Board of Directors, a reduction in the total number of authorized shares of common stock from 300,000,000 to _______.
The effectiveness or abandonment of any amendments to the Charter will be determined by the Board of Directors as permitted under Section 242(c) of the dateGeneral Corporation Law of this Proxy Statement. See Proposal No. 1 for additional information regarding the nominees for director.State of Delaware.
Q.If the stockholders approve the amendments to the Charter, when would Aviat implement the reverse stock split?
A. We currently expect that the reverse stock split will be implemented as soon as practicable after the receipt of the requisite stockholder approval. However, our Board of Directors will have the discretion to abandon the reverse stock split if it does not believe it to be in the best interests of Aviat and our stockholders.
Q.Why is Aviat seeking to implement a reverse stock split?
A. The reverse stock split is being proposed to increase the market price of our common stock to satisfy the $1.00 minimum closing bid price required to avoid the delisting of our common stock from The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”). In addition, a higher stock price may, among other things, increase the attractiveness of our common stock to the investment community.
Q.What are the consequences of being delisted from Nasdaq? |
| | |
Name |
| Title and Positions |
Charles D. Kissner |
| Director, Chairman of the Board |
William A. Hasler |
| Director |
James R. Henderson | | Director |
John Mutch |
| Director |
Michael A. Pangia |
| Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Robert G. Pearse |
| Director |
John J. Quicke |
| Director |
Dr. James C. Stoffel |
| Lead Independent Director |
The Board has determinedA. If we do not effect the reverse stock split, it is likely that eachwe will not be able to meet the $1.00 minimum closing bid price continued listing requirement of Nasdaq and our current directors except Mr. Kissner and Mr. Pangia has no relationship thatcommon stock would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director and is otherwise independent in accordance with listing rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market (the “NASDAQ Listing Rules”).
All of our directorsbe delisted from Nasdaq. If we are requesteddelisted from Nasdaq, we may be forced to attend our annual meetings of stockholders. Seven of our directors serving at that time attended the 2013 Annual Meeting.
Board and Committee Meetings and Attendance
During fiscal year 2014, the Board held nine meetings. Each of the Board members attended at least 77% of the total number of Board meetings and at least 78% of the total number of meetings of the committee or committees on which the member served during fiscal year 2014.
Board Member Qualifications
Our Board believes that its members should encompass a range of talents, skills and expertise, which enables the Boardseek to provide sound guidance with respect to the Company’s operations and interest. Our Board prefers a variety of professional experiences and backgrounds among its members. In addition to considering a candidate’s experiences and background, candidates are reviewed in the context of the current composition of the Board and evolving needs of our businesses. In particular, the Board has sought to include members that have experience in establishing, growing and leading communications companies in senior management positions and servingbe traded on the board of directors of other companies. In determiningOTC Bulletin Board or the “pink sheets,” which would require our market makers to request that each of the members of the Board is qualified toour common stock be a director, the Board has relied on the attributes listed below and, where applicable, on the direct personal knowledge of each of the members’ prior service on the Board.
Our bylaws provide that a director may not be older than 75 years of age on the date of his or her election or appointment to the Board unless otherwise specifically approved by a resolution passed by the Board.
Directors’ Biographies
The following is a brief description of the business experience and background of each nominee for director, including the capacities in which each has served during at least the past five years:
Mr. Charles D. Kissner, age 67, currently serves as Chairman of the Board. Mr. Kissner served as our Executive Chairman from July 2011 to July 2012 and again from July 2014 to December 2014, and served as non-Executive Chairman from July 2012 to July 2014 and again after December 2014. Mr. Kissner served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Aviat from July 2010 to July 2011. He was CEO of Stratex Networks, Inc., one of our predecessor companies (“Stratex”), from July 1995 through May 2000, and again from October 2001 to May 2006. He was elected a director of Stratex in July 1995 and Chairman in August 1996. Mr. Kissner also served as Vice President and General Manager of M/A-COM, Inc., a manufacturer of radio and microwave communications products, from July 1993 to July 1995. Prior to that, he was President and CEO of Aristacom International Inc. (“Aristacom”), a communications software company, and Executive Vice President and a Director of Fujitsu Network Switching, Inc. He also heldso listed. There are a number of executive positions at AT&T (now Alcatel-Lucent). Mr. Kissner currently serves as Chairmannegative consequences that could result from our delisting from Nasdaq, including, but not limited to, the following:
the liquidity and market price of our common stock may be negatively impacted and the spread between the “bid” and “asked” prices quoted by market makers may be increased;
our access to capital may be reduced, causing us to have less flexibility in responding to our capital requirements;
our institutional investors may be less interested in or prohibited from investing in our common stock, which may cause the market price of our common stock to decline;
we will no longer be deemed a “covered security” under Section 18 of the BoardSecurities Act of Directors1933, as amended, and, as a result, we will lose our exemption from state securities regulations, making the granting of ShoreTel, Inc.stock options and other equity incentives to our employees more difficult; and
if our stock is traded as a “penny stock,” transactions in our stock would be more difficult and cumbersome.
Q.What would be the principal effects of the reverse stock split?
A. The reverse stock split will have the following effects:
the market price of our common stock immediately upon effect of the reverse stock split will increase substantially over the market price of our common stock immediately prior to the reverse stock split;
the number of outstanding shares of common stock will be reduced to _______ of the number of shares currently outstanding (except for the effect of eliminating fractional shares);
[the number of shares held by us in treasury stock will be reduced to ________ of the number of shares currently held in treasury stock;] and
the number of authorized shares of our common stock will be reduced to ________ of the number of shares currently authorized from 300,000,000 shares.
Q.Are my pre-split stock certificates still good after the reverse stock split? Do I need to exchange them for new stock certificates?
A. As of the effective date of the amendment to our Charter, each certificate representing pre-split shares of common stock will, until surrendered and exchanged, be deemed to represent only the relevant number of post-split shares of common stock and the right to receive the amount of cash for any fractional shares as a result and at the time of the reverse stock split. As soon as practicable after the effective date of the reverse stock split, our transfer agent, Computershare, will mail you a letter of transmittal. Upon receipt of your properly completed and executed letter of transmittal and your stock certificate(s), an IP business telephony systems company. He also serves onyou will be issued the Boardappropriate number of Directorsshares of Meru Networks Inc.common stock either as stock certificates (including legends, if appropriate) or electronically in book-entry form, as determined by Aviat.
Q.What if I hold some or all of my shares electronically in book-entry form? Do I need to take any action to receive post-split shares?
A. If you hold shares of our common stock in book-entry form (that is, you do not have stock certificates evidencing your ownership of our common stock but instead received a statement reflecting the number of shares registered in your account), you do not need to take any action to receive your post-split shares or, if applicable, your cash payment in lieu of any fractional share interest. If you are entitled to post-split shares, a providertransaction statement will be sent automatically to your address of advanced enterprise wireless networking systems, Rambus, Inc., a technology licensing company focusing onrecord indicating the developmentnumber of technologies that enrich the end-user experience of electronic systems, and KQED Public Media, a non-profit organization.shares you hold.
Mr. Kissner brings extensive knowledgeQ.What happens to any fractional shares resulting from the reverse stock split?
A. If you would be entitled to receive fractional shares as a result of our business, having served on our Boardthe reverse stock split because you hold a number of shares of common stock before the reverse stock split that is not evenly divisible (in other words, it would result in a fractional interest following the reverse split), you will be entitled, upon surrender of certificate(s) representing your shares, to a cash payment in lieu of the fractional shares without interest.
Q.What happens to equity awards under Aviat’s 2007 Stock Equity Plan as non-executive Chairman for over three years. He also brings nearly fifteen yearsa result of relevant CEO experience having served in that capacity at technology driven companies such as Stratex and Aristacom. Mr. Kissner also brings extensive public company directorship and committee experiencethe reverse stock split?
A. All shares of common stock subject to the Board, which has been an invaluable resource as our company regularly assesses its corporate governance, corporate complianceoutstanding equity awards (including stock options, performance shares and risk management obligations. Mr. Kissner has also directly supervised nearly thirty mergerrestricted stock) under Aviat’s 2007 Stock Equity Plan (the “Equity Plan”) will be converted upon the effective date of the reverse stock split into _______ of the number of such shares immediately preceding the reverse stock split (subject to adjustment for fractional interests). In addition, the exercise price of outstanding equity awards (including stock options and acquisition activities, which experience has been vitalstock appreciation rights) will be adjusted to _______ times the exercise price specified before the reverse stock split. As a result, the approximate aggregate exercise price will remain the same following the reverse stock split. No fractional shares will be issued pursuant to the assessmentEquity Plan following the reverse stock split. Therefore, if the number of shares subject to the outstanding equity awards immediately before the reverse stock split is not evenly divisible (in other words, it would result in a fractional interest following the reverse stock split), the number of shares of common stock issuable pursuant to such equity awards (including upon exercise of stock options and integration of acquisition opportunities.stock appreciation rights) will be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Mr. William Q.Who can vote at the Special Meeting?
A. Hasler, age 73, has served as a member of the Board since January 2007. He also serves on theOur Board of Directors has set April 25, 2016, as the record date for the Special Meeting. All stockholders who owned common stock at the close of Globalstar, Inc. (“Globalstar”), a supplierbusiness on the Record Date may attend and vote at the Special Meeting. Each stockholder is entitled to one vote for each share of satellite communication services,common stock held as of the record date on all matters to be voted on. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate votes. On the Record Date, there were ______________ shares of our common stock outstanding. Shares held as of the Record Date include shares that are held directly in your name as the stockholder of record and Rubicon, Ltd.(“Rubicon”), which holds subsidiaries focused in forestry biotechnology. Mr. Hasler servedthose shares held for you as a member ofbeneficial owner through a broker, bank or other nominee.
Q.What is the Stratex Board of Directors from August 2001 through January 2007, and was Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Hasler served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Solectron Corporation from 2003 to 2007 and was a member of that Board from 1998 to 2007. He was co-CEO and a Director of Aphton Corp., a biopharmaceutical company, from 1998 to 2003. From 1991 to 1998, Mr. Hasler was Dean of both the Graduate and Undergraduate Schools of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to his deanship at UC Berkeley, Mr. Hasler was Vice Chairman of KPMG Peat Marwick. He also serveddifference between holding shares as a trusteestockholder of Schwab Funds.
Mr. Hasler’s current and prior service on the boards of several technology-driven companies, including Globalstar and Rubicon, and his prior service as Chairman of a large publicly traded company provide him with an extensive knowledge base of complex management, financial, operational and governance issues faced by public companies with international operations. He is a member of the audit committee of various public and private companies. Mr. Hasler has extensive experience in Silicon Valley companies and this experience brings our Board important knowledge and expertise related to corporate finance and accounting, strategic planning, manufacturing and operations. He brings valuable financial expertise, including extensive knowledge of accounting, auditing and investments in both public and private companies. Additionally, through his service on public company boards, Mr. Hasler has gained an understanding and expertise in public company governance.
Mr. James R. Henderson, age 57, has served as a director and Chairman of the Board of Directors of School Specialty, Inc. (“School Specialty”), a distributor of supplies, furniture and both supplemental and curriculum products to the education marketplace, since June 2013 and served as its Chief Executive Officer from July 2013 to April 2014. From August 2013 to April 2014, Mr. Henderson also served as the interim Chief Executive Officer of School Specialty. Mr. Henderson has been a director of RELM Wireless Corporation, a maker of high-specification two-way communications equipment, since March 2014record and as a directorbeneficial owner?
A. Most stockholders hold their shares through a broker, bank or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of GenCorp Inc., a technology-based manufacturerrecord and those owned beneficially.
Stockholders of aerospacerecord - If your shares are registered directly in your name with Aviat’s transfer agent, Computershare, you are considered the stockholder of record with respect to those shares and defense products and systems, since 2008. Mr. Henderson served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Point Blank Solutions, Inc., a designer and producer of technologically advanced body armor systems, from June 2009 until October 2011, having previously served as its Chairman of the Board from August 2008 until June 2009 and as Acting Chief Executive Officer from April 2009 until June 2009. He subsequently served as Chief Executive Officer of Point Blank Enterprises, Inc., the successor to the business of Point Blank Solutions, Inc., from October 2011 to September 2012. Mr. Henderson was also a Managing Director and operating partner of Steel Partners LLC, a subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings L.P., until April 2011. In addition, Mr. Henderson was associated with Steel Partners LLC and its affiliates from August 1999 until April 2011. Mr. Henderson served as a director of DGT Holdings Corp., a developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical and dental imaging systems and power conversion subsystems and components (“DGT”), from November 2003 until December 2011, as a director of SL Industries, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and marketer of power electronics, motion control, power protection, power quality electromagnetic and specialized communication equipment, from January 2002 to March 2010 and as a director of Angelica Corporation, a provider of textile rental and linen management services (“Angelica”), from August 2006 to August 2008.
Mr. Henderson brings to the Board significant experience as a member of the Boards of Directors of several public companies. He also has extensive experience as a senior executive at a number of companies.
Mr. John Mutch, age 58, has served on the Board of Directors of Steel Excel Inc., a provider of drilling and production services to the oil and gas industry and a provider of event-based sports services and other health-related services (“Steel Excel”), since 2007. From December 2008 to January 2014, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Beyondtrust Software, a privately-held security software company. Mr. MutchNotice has been sent directly to you. As the founder and managing partnerstockholder of MV Advisors LLC (“MV Advisors”), a strategic block investment firm that provides focused investment and strategic guidancerecord, you have the right to small and mid-cap technology companies, since December 2005. Priorgrant your voting proxy directly to founding MV Advisors,Aviat or to vote in March 2003, Mr. Mutch was appointedperson by ballot at the U.S. Bankruptcy court to the Board of Directors of Peregrine Systems, Inc. (“Peregrine Systems”), a provider of enterprise asset and service management solutions. He assisted that companySpecial Meeting.
Beneficial owners - If your shares are held in a bankruptcy work-out proceedingstock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in “street name,” and was named Presidentthe Notice has been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee on how to vote and Chief Executive Officerare also invited to attend the Special Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in July 2003. Previousperson at the Special Meeting unless you request a “legal proxy” from the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares, giving you the right to running Peregrine Systems, Mr. Mutch served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of HNC Software, an enterprisevote the shares at the Special Meeting.
analytics software provider. Before HNC Software, Mr. Mutch spent seven yearsQ.How can I vote my shares in person at Microsoft Corporationthe Special Meeting?
A. Shares held directly in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person by ballot at the Special Meeting. If you choose to vote in person by ballot, please bring your proxy card or proof of identification to the Special Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting, Aviat recommends that you vote your shares in advance as described below so that your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the Special Meeting. If you hold your shares in street name, you must request a variety“legal proxy” from your broker, bank or other nominee in order to vote in person by ballot at the Special Meeting.
Q.How can I vote my shares without attending the Special Meeting?
A. Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of executive sales and marketing positions. Mr. Mutch previously servedrecord or beneficially in street name, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Special Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by submitting a proxy; please refer to the voting instructions in the Notice or below. If you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may vote by submitting voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee; please refer to the voting instructions provided to you by your broker, bank or other nominee.
Internet - Stockholders of record with Internet access may submit proxies by following the “Vote by Internet” instructions on the BoardsNotice until 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on_____, 2016, or by following the instructions at www.proxyvote.com. Most of Directorsour stockholders who hold shares beneficially in street name may vote by accessing the website specified in the voting instructions provided by their brokers, banks or other nominees. A large number of Phoenix Technologies Ltd.,banks and brokerage firms are participating in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc.’s online program. This program provides eligible stockholders the opportunity to vote over the Internet or by telephone. Voting forms will provide instructions for stockholders whose bank or brokerage firm is participating in Broadridge’s program.
Telephone - If you request a leaderprinted set of the proxy materials, you will be eligible to submit your vote by telephone.
Mail - If you request a printed set of the proxy materials, you may indicate your vote by signing and dating the proxy card or voting instruction form where indicated and by returning it in core systems software products, servicesthe prepaid envelope.
Q.What happens if I do not cast a vote?
A. Stockholders of record - If you are a stockholder of record and embedded technologies, Edgar Online, Inc., a provideryou do not cast your vote, no votes will be cast on your behalf on any of financial data, analytics and disclosure management solutions, Aspyra, Inc., a provider of clinical and diagnostic information systems for the healthcare industry, Overland Storage, Inc., a provider of unified data management and data protection solutions, and Brio Software, Inc., a provideritems of business intelligence software. He has served asat the Special Meeting.
Beneficial owners - If you hold your shares in street name and you do not cast your vote, your bank, broker or other nominee will have discretion to vote any uninstructed shares on Proposal One and Proposal Two. Accordingly, and, thus, we do not expect to receive any broker nonvotes on this proposal.
Q.How can I change or revoke my vote?
A. Subject to any rules your broker, bank or other nominee may have, you may change your proxy instructions at any time before your proxy is voted at the Special Meeting.
Stockholders of record - If you are a directorstockholder of record, you may change your vote by (1) filing with our Corporate Secretary, prior to your shares being voted at Agilysys, Inc.,the Special Meeting, a providerwritten notice of information technology solutions, since March 2009.
Mr. Mutch bringsrevocation or a duly executed proxy card, in either case dated later than the prior proxy relating to the Board extensive experience as an executivesame shares; or (2) attending the Special Meeting and voting in person by ballot (although attendance at the technology sector. He also has experience asSpecial Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a director at several public companies inproxy). Any written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy card must be received by our Corporate Secretary prior to the technology sector. He is or has been a membertaking of the audit committeevote at the Special Meeting. Such written notice of various public and private companies, and brings valuable financial expertiserevocation or subsequent proxy card should be hand delivered to the Board.
Mr. Michael A Pangia, age 53, has been our President and CEO and a member of the Board since July 18, 2011. From March 2009Corporate Secretary or should be sent so as to July 2011, he served asbe delivered to our Chief Sales Officer where he was responsible for company-wide operations of the Global Sales and Services organization. Prior to joining Aviat, Mr. Pangia served as senior vice president, Global Sales Operations and Strategy, at Nortel, where he was responsible for all operational aspects of the Global Sales function. Prior to that, he was president of Nortel’s Asia region, where his key responsibilities included sales and overall business management for all countries in the region where Nortel did business.
Mr. Pangia’s current and prior service as a seniorprincipal executive officer with large technology driven companies with international operations provide him with an extensive knowledge base of complex management, financial, operational and governance issues faced by public companies with global operations. He also brings a high level of financial literacy to the Board through both formal education and over 15 years’ experience in multiple finance functional areas, including cost accounting, financial planning and analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.
Mr. Robert G. Pearse, age 55, currently serves as a Managing Partner at Yucatan Rock Ventures, a firm he co-founded in 2004. Mr. Pearse has served as a director for Crossroads Systems, Inc., an intellectual property development company and global provider of data storage solutions, since 2013. From 2005 to 2012, Mr. Pearse served as Vice President of Strategy and Market Development at NetApp, Inc., a provider of storage solutions, from 1987 to 2004, Mr. Pearse held leadership positions at Hewlett-Packard, a global technology company, most recently as the vice president of Strategy andoffices, Attention: Corporate Development from 2001 to 2004. Mr. Pearse’s professional experience also includes positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Eastman Chemical Company and General Motors Company.
Mr. Pearse brings to the Board extensive operational experience in the technology sector.
Mr. John J. Quicke, age 65, has served on the Board of Directors of Steel Excel since 2007 and served as its Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from January 2010 until March 2013. In March 2013, he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Steel Excel’s Steel Energy segment. Mr. Quicke is a Managing Director and operating partner of Steel Partners LLC, a subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings L.P. Mr. Quicke has been associated with Steel Partners and its affiliates since September 2005. Previously, Mr. Quicke served in various capacities at Sequa Corporation, a diversified manufacturer, including Vice Chairman and Executive Officer, President, and as a director of the company. Mr. Quicke has served as a director of Rowan Companies, plc, an offshore contract drilling company, since January 2009. He has served as a director of JPS Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of mechanically formed glass and aramid substrate materials for specialty applications, since May 2013. Mr. Quicke also serves as a Vice President of Handy & Harman Ltd. (“H&H”), a diversified manufacturer of engineered niche industrial products, a position he has held since October 2005. Mr. Quicke previously served as a director, President and Chief Executive Officer of DGT and as a director of Angelica, Layne Christensen Company, a global solutions provider for essential natural resources, NOVT Corporation, a vascular brachytherapy business, and H&H.
Mr. Quicke brings to the Board significant experience as a member of the Boards of Directors of several public companies. He also has extensive experience as a senior executive at a number of companies.
Dr. James C. Stoffel, age 68, currently serves as our lead independent director and has served as a member of the Board since January 2007. Presently, Dr. Stoffel is on the Board of Directors of Harris Corporation, of which he has been a member since August 2003, and is also a member of its Business Conduct and Corporate Responsibility Committee and Corporate Governance Committee. Additionally, he serves as General Partner of Trillium International, LLC, a private equity company, and is a senior advisor to other private equity companies. He also serves on the boards of the following privately held companies:Display Data, Omni-ID Ltd., Quintel Ltd., Clear Momentum and Intrinsiq Ltd. Prior to his retirement, Dr. Stoffel was Senior Vice President, Chief Technical Officer and Director of Research and Development of Eastman Kodak CompanySecretary.
(“Kodak”). HeBeneficial owners - If you are a beneficial owner of shares held this positionin street name, you may change your vote by (1) submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other nominee; or (2) attending the Special Meeting and voting in person by ballot if you have obtained a “legal proxy” giving you the right to vote the shares from 2000the broker, bank or other nominee who holds your shares.
In addition, a stockholder of record or a beneficial owner who has voted via the Internet or by telephone may also change his, her or its vote by making a timely and valid later Internet or telephone vote no later than 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on_____, 2016.
Q.What is a proxy card?
A. The proxy card enables you to April 2005. He joined Kodakappoint John Mutch, Michael Pangia and Meena Elliott, with full power of substitution, who we refer to as the proxyholders, as your representatives at the Special Meeting. By signing, dating and returning the proxy card, you are authorizing the proxyholders to vote your shares at the Special Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Special Meeting, it is a good idea to sign, date and return your proxy card or vote by proxy via the Internet or telephone in 1997 as Vice President and Director, Electronic Imaging Products Research and Development, and became Directoradvance of Research and Engineeringthe Special Meeting just in 1998. Prior to joining Kodak, he was with Xerox Corporation (“Xerox”), where he began his careercase your plans change. You can vote in 1972. His most recent position with Xerox was Vice President, Corporate Research and Technology. Dr. Stoffel servesperson by ballot at the Special Meeting even if you have already sent in your proxy card.
If a proposal comes up for vote at the Special Meeting that is not on the Advisory Board for Researchproxy card, the proxyholders will vote your shares according to their best judgment.
Q.What if I return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?
A. Proxies that are signed and Graduate Studies atreturned but do not contain instructions will be voted “FOR” the Universityproposals.
Q.If I hold shares through a broker, how do I vote them?
A. Your broker will forward instructions to you regarding the manner in which you can direct your broker as to how you would like your shares to be voted. If you have not received these instructions or have questions about them, you should contact your broker directly.
Q.What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card?
A. It means that you have multiple accounts with brokers or our transfer agent, Computershare. Please vote all of Notre Dame and isthese shares.
Q.How may I obtain a memberseparate Notice or a separate set of proxy materials?
A. If you share an address with another stockholder, each stockholder may not receive a separate Notice or a separate copy of the advisory boardproxy materials. Stockholders who do not receive a separate Notice or a separate copy of the Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, Hong Kong.
Dr. Stoffel’s prior service asproxy materials may request to receive a senior executive of large, publicly traded, technology driven companies, and his more than 30 years’ experience focused on technology development, provide him with an extensive knowledgeseparate Notice or a separate copy of the complex technical researchproxy materials by contacting our Investor Relations department (1) by mail at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054, (2) by calling us at 408-567-7000, or (3) by sending an email to investorinfo@aviatnet.com. Alternatively, stockholders who share an address and development, management, financial and governance issues faced by a public company with international operations. This experience brings our Board important knowledge and expertise related to research and development, new product introductions, strategic planning, manufacturing, operations and corporate finance. His experience as an advisor to private equity firms also provides him with additional knowledge related to strategic planning, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions and economic analysis. Dr. Stoffel also has gained an understanding of public company governance and executive compensation through his service on public company boards, including as a lead independent director.
Board Leadership
The Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of CEO and Chairman of the Board as the Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company for the Board to make that determination based on the position and direction of the Company and the membership of the Board. The members of the Board possess considerable experience and unique knowledge of the challenges and opportunities that the Company faces, and are in the best position to evaluate the needs of the Company and how to best organize the capabilities of the directors and management to meet those needs.
When the CEO also serves as Chairman of the Board, our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide for the appointment of a lead independent director. Accordingly, when our Chairman, Charles Kissner, was appointed CEO in June 2010, the Board appointed Dr. Stoffel, an independent director, as lead independent director. Although, currently, the roles of the CEO and the Chairman remain separate, upon the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, the Board has determined to continue the role of the lead independent director for the present time.
The lead independent director is responsible for coordinating the activities of the other independent directors and has the authority to preside at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors. The lead independent director may also recommend the retention of outside advisors and consultants who report directly to the Board. The Board believes that appointing a lead independent director to serve along with a CEO and a non-executive Chairman of the Board has enhanced the Board’s oversight of, and independence from, Company management, the ability of the Board to carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalfreceive multiple Notices or multiple copies of our stockholdersproxy materials may request to receive a single copy by following the instructions above.
Q.How can I attend the Special Meeting?
A. The Special Meeting is open to all holders of common stock. The Special Meeting will be held at Aviat’s headquarters located at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054, and directions may be found on our overall corporate governance.
The Board has determined that having Mr. Kissner serve as Chairman is in the best interest of the Companywebsite at this time. This structure ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of the Company and active participation of the independent directors in setting agendas and establishing Board priorities and procedures, and is useful in establishing a system of corporate checks and balances. Separating the Chairman position from the CEO position allows the CEO to focus on setting the strategic direction of the Company and the day-to-day leadership and performance of the Company, while the Chairman leads the Board in its role of, among other things, providing advice to, and overseeing the performance of, the CEO. In addition, managing the Board can be a time-intensive responsibility, and this structure permits Mr. Pangia, our CEO, to focus on the management of the Company’s day-to-day operations.
In January 2015, Mr. Kissner announced that he would step down as Chairman after the Annual Meeting. The Board has selected Mr. Mutch to serve as Chairman after the Annual Meeting.
The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
Assessing and managing risk is the responsibility of the management of the Company. The Board, through the Governance and Nominating Committee, oversees and reviews certain aspects of the Company’s risk management efforts, focusing on the adequacy of the Company’s risk management and risk mitigation processes. At the Board’s request, management proposed a process for identifying, evaluating and monitoring material risks and such process has been approved by the Board and is currently in effect. This risk management program is overseen by senior management who, in connection with their regular review of the overall business, identify and prioritize a broad range of material risks (e.g., financial, strategic,www.aviatnet.com.
compliance and operational). Senior management also discusses mitigation plans to address such material risks. Prioritized risks and management’s plans for mitigating such risks are regularly presented toQ.Why is my vote important?
A. Your vote is important because the full Board for discussion andproposal must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of shares outstanding in order to ensure monitoring.pass. Also, unless a majority of the shares outstanding as of the Record Date are voted or present at the Special Meeting, we will not have a quorum, and we will be unable to transact any business at the Special Meeting. In additionthat event, we would need to adjourn the risk management program, the Board encourages management to promoteSpecial Meeting until such time as a corporate culture that incorporates risk management into the Company’s corporate strategy and day-to-day business operations.
A discussion of risk factors in the Company’s compensation designquorum can be found below under the heading “Risk Considerations in Our Compensation Program.”obtained.
PROPOSAL ONE
APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
AVIAT’S AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Principles of Corporate Governance, Bylaws and Other Governance Documents
Overview
The Board of Directors has unanimously adopted Corporate Governance Guidelinesresolutions approving and other corporate governance documentsrecommending to the stockholders for their approval a proposed amendment to the Charter that supplement certain provisions of our Bylaws and relate to, among other things,would, at the composition, structure, interaction and operationdiscretion of the Board. SomeBoard of the key governance featuresDirectors, effect a reverse stock split of our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Bylaws and other governance documents are summarized below.
Majority Vote Policy in Director Elections. Aviat’s Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that any nominee for director in an uncontested election (i.e., an election where the number of nominees is not greater than the number of directors to be elected) who receives a greater number of votes “withheld” from his election than votes “for” such election must, promptly following certification of the stockholder vote, offer his resignation to the Board for consideration in accordance with the following procedures. All of these procedures will be completed within 90 days following certification of the stockholder vote.
The Board, through its Qualified Independent Directors (as defined below), will evaluate the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and decide the action to be taken with respect to such offered resignation, which can include, without limitation: (i) accepting the resignation; (ii) accepting the resignation effective as of a future date not later than 180 days following certification of the stockholder vote; (iii) rejecting the resignation but addressing what the Qualified Independent Directors believe to be the underlying cause of the withhold votes; (iv) rejecting the resignation but resolving that the director will not be re-nominated in the future for election; or (v) rejecting the resignation.
In reaching their decision, the Qualified Independent Directors will consider all factors they deem relevant, including but not limited to: (i) any stated reasons why stockholders withheld votes from such director; (ii) the extent to which the “withhold” votes exceed the votes “for” the election of the director and whether the “withhold” votes represent a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock; (iii) any alternatives for curingstock and those shares held by Aviat in treasury stock, whereby each ______ shares would be combined, converted and changed into _______ share of common stock.
The par value per share of common stock would remain unchanged at $0.01 per share after the underlying causereverse stock split. Please see the table below under the heading “Principal Effects of the withheld votes; (iv)Reverse Stock Split” for an illustration of the director’s tenure; (v) the director’s qualifications; (vi) the director’s past and expected future contributionseffects of this proposed amendment to the Company; (vii)Charter (which is referred to in this proxy statement as the overall composition“reverse stock split”).
The text of the proposed form of certificate of amendment to the Charter to effect the reverse stock split and reduce the total number of authorized shares of common stock (as further described in Proposal Two) is attached to this proxy statement as Appendix A. However, such text is subject to amendment to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or as the Board of Directors deems necessary and advisable to effect the reverse stock split. The effectiveness or abandonment of such amendment will be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has recommended that the proposed amendment be presented to stockholders for approval. Upon receiving stockholder approval of the proposed amendment, the Board of Directors will have the sole discretion [, until the 2016 Annual Meeting,] to elect, as it determines to be in the best interests of Aviat and its stockholders, whether to effect the reverse stock split. As described in greater detail below, the reverse stock split is proposed to be effected to increase the price of the common stock to, among other things, meet the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq.
If the Board of Directors determines to effect the reverse stock split by causing the amendment to the Charter to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, the Charter would be amended accordingly. Approval of the reverse stock split will authorize the Board of Directors in its discretion to effectuate the reverse stock split. As noted, the Board of Directors will have the discretion to abandon the reverse stock split if it no longer believes it to be in the best interests of Aviat and its stockholders, including if the Board of Directors determines that the reverse stock split will not impact Aviat’s ability to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq or if such objective is no longer necessary or desirable, or for any other reason in the business judgment and discretion of the Board including whether acceptingof Directors. Aviat currently expects that the resignation wouldBoard of Directors will cause Aviat to effect the Company to fail or potentially fail to comply with any applicable law, rule or regulationreverse stock split as soon as practicable after the receipt of the SEC or the NASDAQ Listing Rules; and (viii) whether such director’s continued service onrequisite stockholder approval.
If the Board for a specified period of time is appropriateDirectors elects to effect the reverse stock split following stockholder approval, the number of issued and outstanding shares of common stock and those shares held by Aviat in light of current or anticipated events involving the Company.
Following the Board’s determination, the Company will, within four business days, disclose publicly in a document furnished or filed with the SEC the Board’s decision as to whether or not to accept the resignation offer. The disclosure will also include a description of the process by which the decision was reached, including, if applicable, the reason or reasons for rejecting the offered resignation.
A director who is required to offer his or her resignation in accordance with this policy may nottreasury stock would be present during the deliberations or voting whether to accept his or her resignation or, except as otherwise provided below, a resignation offered by any other director in accordance with this policy. Prior to voting, the Qualified Independent Directors may afford the affected director an opportunity to provide any information or statement that he or she deems relevant.
For purposes of this policy, “Qualified Independent Directors” means all directors who (i) are independent directors (as definedreduced in accordance with the NASDAQ Listing Rules); and (ii) are not required to offer their resignation in connection with an election in accordance with this majority voting policy. If there are fewer than three independent directors then serving onreverse stock split ratio. Except for adjustments that may result from the Board who are not required to offer their resignations in accordance with this majority voting policy, thentreatment of fractional shares, each stockholder will hold the Qualified Independent Directors means allsame percentage of the independent directors, and each independent director who is requiredoutstanding common stock immediately following the reverse stock split as such stockholder held immediately prior to offer his resignationthe reverse stock split. As described in accordance with this majority voting policy must recuse himself from the deliberations and voting only with respect to his individual offer to resign.
All nominees for electiongreater detail below, as a director in an uncontested election are deemed to have agreed to abide by this majority voting policy andresult of the reverse stock split, stockholders who hold less than ______ shares of common stock will offer to resign and will resign if requested to do so in accordance with this majority voting policy (andno longer be stockholders of Aviat on a post-split basis.
The Board of Directors, with input from senior management, regularly reviews and evaluates Aviat’s business, strategic plans and prospects, including the performance of the common stock, with the goal of maximizing stockholder value. On [April __, 2016], the Board of Directors reviewed benchmarking data concerning various paths to maximizing stockholder value, including the review and evaluation of a reverse stock split. After review and discussion with an independent advisor, the Board of Directors determined that the proposed reverse stock split is necessary for execution of Aviat’s standalone business plan, including the continued listing of the common stock on Nasdaq. In addition, the Board of Directors believes the reverse stock split will if requested submit an irrevocable resignation letter, subjectprovide a number of other benefits to Aviat and its stockholders, including enhancing the desirability and marketability of the common stock to the financial community and the investing public.
The Board of Directors does not intend for this majority voting policy,transaction to be the first step in a series of plans or proposals of a “going private transaction” within the meaning of Rule 13e3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as a condition to being nominated for election)amended (the “Exchange Act”).
Purposes of the Reverse Stock Split
Prohibition Against PledgingNasdaq Listing. The common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “AVNW.” Among other requirements, the listing maintenance standards established by Nasdaq require the common stock to have a minimum closing bid price of at least $1.00 per share. Pursuant to the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, if the closing bid price of the common stock is not equal to or greater than $1.00 for 30 consecutive business days, Nasdaq will send a deficiency notice to Aviat. Thereafter, if the common stock does not close at a minimum bid price of $1.00 or more for 10 consecutive trading days within 180 calendar days of the deficiency notice, Nasdaq may determine to delist the common stock.
Through the date of filing this proxy statement, the last date the closing bid price of the common stock satisfied the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement was ___________. As a result, on January 4, 2016, Aviat Securitiesreceived a notice of deficiency from Nasdaq indicating that if Aviat does not comply with the minimum bid price rules by July 5, 2016, Nasdaq may delist the common stock. Consequently, the Board of Directors has determined that, absent approval by stockholders of the reverse stock split, Aviat will likely be unable to meet the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement for continued listing on Nasdaq.
If the stockholders do not approve the reverse stock split proposal and Hedging Transactions. the closing price of the common stock does not otherwise meet the $1.00 minimum closing bid price requirement, the Board of Directors expects that the common stock will be delisted from Nasdaq. If, however, the common stock satisfies applicable listing criteria for listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market (other than compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement), the common stock might be eligible for transfer to The Nasdaq Capital Market. Because the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules also require a $1.00 minimum closing bid price for continued listing on The Nasdaq Capital Market, in the event that the common stock is transferred to The Nasdaq Capital Market, Aviat will be afforded an additional 180 calendar days to comply with the minimum bid price requirement.
In accordancethe event the common stock is no longer eligible for continued listing on either The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market, Aviat would be forced to seek to be traded on the OTC Bulletin Board or in the “pink sheets.” These alternative markets are generally considered to be less efficient than, and not as broad as, The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market, and therefore less desirable. Accordingly, the Board of Directors believes delisting of the common stock would likely have a negative impact on the liquidity and market price of the common stock and may increase the spread between the “bid” and “asked” prices quoted by market makers.
The Board of Directors has considered the potential harm to Aviat of a delisting from Nasdaq and believes that delisting could, among other things, adversely affect (i) the trading price of the common stock and (ii) the liquidity and marketability of shares of the common stock. This could reduce the ability of holders of the common stock to purchase or sell shares of common stock as quickly and as inexpensively as they have done historically.
Delisting could also adversely affect Aviat’s relationships with vendors and customers who may perceive Aviat’s Code of Conduct, directorsbusiness less favorably, which would have a detrimental effect on Aviat’s relationships with these entities.
Furthermore, if the common stock was no longer listed on Nasdaq, it may reduce Aviat’s access to capital and executive officers arecause Aviat to have less flexibility in responding to Aviat’s capital requirements. Certain institutional investors may also be less interested or prohibited from pledginginvesting in the common stock, which may cause the market price of the common stock to decline.
In addition, Aviat would no longer be deemed a “covered security” under Section 18 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore would lose its exemption from state securities and engaging in hedging transactionsregulations. As a result, Aviat would need to comply with various state securities laws with respect to issuances of its securities, including equity award grants to employees. As a public company, Aviat securities.would not have the benefit of certain exemptions applicable to privately-held entities, which would make granting equity awards to Aviat’s employees more difficult.
Potential Increased Investor Interest. The Board of Directors believes that the reverse stock split will provide a number of benefits to Aviat specifically prohibits directors and executive officersits existing stockholders, which may lead to an increase in investor interest, including:
1. Reduced Short-Term Risk of Illiquidity. The Board of Directors understands that a higher stock price may increase investor confidence by reducing the short-term risk of illiquidity and lack of marketability of the common stock that may result from holding Aviat securitiesthe delisting of the common stock from Nasdaq.
2. Decreasing Transaction Costs. Investors may also be dissuaded from purchasing stocks below certain prices because the brokerage commissions, as a percentage of the total transaction value, tend to be higher for such low-priced stocks.
3. Stock Price Requirements. The Board of Directors understands that some brokerage houses and institutional investors may have internal policies and practices that either prohibit them from investing in any margin account for investment purposeslow-priced stocks or tend to discourage individual brokers from recommending low-priced stocks to their customers or by restricting or limiting the ability to purchase such stocks on margin. In addition, analysts at brokerage firms may not monitor the trading activity or otherwise usingprovide coverage of lower priced stocks.
Other Potential Benefits. The Board of Directors believes that a higher stock price would help Aviat securities as collateralattract and retain employees and other service providers. It is the view of the Board of Directors that some potential employees and service providers are less likely to work for a loan. Such persons are also prohibited from purchasing certain instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps,company with a low stock price, regardless of the size of the company’s market capitalization. Accordingly, if the reverse stock split successfully increases the per share price of the common stock, the Board of Directors believes this increase will enhance Aviat’s ability to attract and collars)retain employees and engaging in transactions designed to hedge or offset any decrease in the value of Aviat securities.service providers.
Board CommitteesRisks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split
The reverse stock split could result in a significant devaluation of Aviat’s market capitalization and trading price of the common stock.
The Board maintains an Audit Committee,of Directors expects that a Compensation Committee and a Governance and Nominating Committee. Copiesreverse stock split of the chartersoutstanding common stock will increase the market price of the common stock. However, Aviat cannot be certain whether the reverse stock split would lead to a sustained increase in the trading price or the trading market for the Audit Committee, common stock. The history of similar stock split combinations for companies in like circumstances is varied. There is no assurance that:
•the Compensation Committee andmarket price per share of the Governance and Nominating Committee are available on our website at www.investors.aviatnetworks.com/documents.cfm.
The following table shows, for fiscal year 2014,common stock after the Chairman and members of each committee,reverse stock split will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number of committee meetings heldpre-split shares of common stock outstanding before the reverse stock split;
•the reverse stock split will result in a per share price that will attract brokers and investors, including institutional investors, who do not trade in lower priced stocks;
•the reverse stock split will result in a per share price that will increase Aviat’s ability to attract and retain employees and other service providers;
•the market price per post-split share will remain in excess of the $1.00 minimum closing bid price as required by the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules or that Aviat would otherwise meet the requirements of Nasdaq for continued inclusion for trading on The Nasdaq Global Select Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market; and
•the reverse stock split will increase the trading market for the common stock, particularly if the stock price does not increase as a result of the reduction in the number of shares of common stock available in the public market.
The market price of the common stock will also be based on Aviat’s performance and other factors, some of which are unrelated to the number of shares outstanding. If the reverse stock split is consummated and the principal functions performedtrading price of the common stock declines, the percentage decline as an absolute number and as a percentage of Aviat’s overall market capitalization may be greater than would occur in the absence of the reverse stock split. Furthermore, the liquidity of the common stock could be adversely affected by the reduced number of shares that would be outstanding after the reverse stock split and this could have an adverse effect on the price of the common stock. If the market price of the shares of common stock declines subsequent to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split, this will detrimentally impact Aviat’s market capitalization and the market value of Aviat’s public float.
The reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” that may be more difficult to sell or require greater transaction costs per share to sell.
The reverse stock split may result in some stockholders owning “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of common stock on a post-split basis. These odd lots may be more difficult to sell, or require greater transaction costs per share to sell, than shares in “round lots” of even multiples of 100 shares.
Because of the reverse stock split ratio, certain stockholders may no longer have any equity interest in Aviat.
Based on the reverse stock split ratio of [___], certain stockholders might be fully cashed out in the reverse stock split and thus, after the reverse stock split takes effect, such stockholders would no longer have any equity interest in Aviat and therefore would not participate in our future earnings or growth, if any. It will not be possible for cashed out stockholders, if any, to re-acquire an equity interest in Aviat unless they purchase an interest from a remaining stockholder or in a future equity by Aviat.
The reverse stock split may not help generate additional investor interest.
There can be no assurance that the reverse stock split will result in a per share price that will attract institutional investors or investment funds or that such share price will satisfy the investing guidelines of institutional investors or investment funds. As a result, the trading liquidity of our common stock may not necessarily improve.
Effective Date
Assuming the Board of Directors exercises its discretion to effect the reverse stock split, the reverse stock split and the reduction in the total number of authorized shares of common stock will become effective as of the date and time (the “Effective Date”) that the certificate of amendment to the Charter to effect the foregoing is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), without any further action on the part of stockholders and without regard to the date that any stockholder
physically surrenders the stockholder’s certificates representing pre-split shares of common stock for certificates representing post-split shares. The Board of Directors, in its discretion, may delay or decide against effecting the reverse stock split and the filing of the certificate of amendment to the Charter to effect the reverse stock split without resoliciting stockholder approval. It is currently anticipated that if stockholder approval is obtained for the reverse stock split and reduction in the total number of authorized shares of the common stock described in this proposal, the Board of Directors would cause Aviat to effect the foregoing as soon as practicable after obtaining such stockholder approval.
Principal Effects of the Reverse Stock Split
After the Effective Date, each committee.stockholder will own a reduced number of shares of the common stock. However, Aviat expects that the market price of the common stock immediately after the reverse stock split will increase substantially above the market price of the common stock immediately prior to the reverse stock split. The proposed reverse stock split will be effected simultaneously for all of the common stock and shares held in treasury stock, and the ratio for the reverse stock split will be the same for all of the common stock and shares held in treasury stock. The reverse stock split will affect all stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in Aviat (except to the extent that the reverse stock split would result in any of the stockholders owning a fractional share as described below). Likewise, the reverse stock split will affect all holders of outstanding equity awards under the Equity Plan substantially the same (except to the extent that the reverse stock split would result in a fractional interest as described below). Proportionate voting rights and other rights and preferences of the holders of common stock will not be affected by the proposed reverse stock split (except to the extent that the reverse stock split would result in any stockholders owning a fractional share as described below). For example, a holder of 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately prior to the reverse stock split would continue to hold approximately 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of common stock immediately after the reverse stock split. The number of stockholders of record also will not be affected by the proposed reverse stock split (except to the extent that the reverse stock split would result in any stockholders owning only a fractional share as described below).
Assuming Proposal Two is approved, on the Effective Date, the total number of authorized shares of the common stock will be reduced from 300,000,000 to _______. The par value per share of the common stock would remain unchanged at $0.01 per share after the reverse stock split. Based on the number of shares of the common stock issued or reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan as of April 25, 2016, ______ shares of common stock will be issued or reserved for issuance following the reverse stock split, leaving _________ shares unissued and unreserved for issuance. Aviat will continue to have 50,000,000 million shares of authorized but unissued preferred stock.
The proposed reverse stock split will reduce the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Equity Plan. All shares of common stock subject to outstanding equity awards (including stock options, performance shares and stock appreciation rights) under the Equity Plan and the number of shares of common stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Equity Plan but as to which no equity awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Equity Plan upon cancellation or expiration of such equity awards will be converted on the Effective Date into _________ of the number of such shares immediately preceding the reverse stock split (subject to adjustment for fractional interests). In addition, the exercise price of outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights will be adjusted to ________ times the exercise price specified before the reverse stock split. This will result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid as immediately preceding the reverse stock split. No fractional shares with respect to the shares subject to the outstanding equity awards (including stock options, performance shares and stock appreciation rights) under the Equity Plan will be issued following the reverse stock split. Therefore, if the number of shares subject to any outstanding equity award under the Equity Plan immediately before the reverse stock split is not evenly divisible (in other words, it would result in a fractional interest following the reverse stock split), the number of shares of common stock subject to such equity award (including upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights) will be rounded up to the nearest whole number. For additional information on the treatment of any fractional
interest that may arise as a result of the reverse stock split relating to equity awards under the Equity Plan, please see the section below under the heading “Effect of the Reverse Stock Split on Equity Awards.”
The effects of the proposed amendment to the Charter are illustrated in the below table as of April ____, 2016, including (1) the approximate percentage reduction in the outstanding number of shares of common stock, (2) the approximate number of shares of common stock that would be (i) authorized, (ii) issued and outstanding, (iii) issued but held by Aviat in treasury stock, (iv) authorized but reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding equity awards pursuant to the Equity Plan, (v) authorized but reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan (but not subject to outstanding equity awards), and (vi) authorized but not issued or outstanding, or reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan, and (3) the approximate percentage of authorized shares not issued or outstanding, or reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan:
|
| | | | | | |
Committee | | Number of Meetings in Fiscal Year 2014 | | Members | | Principal Functions |
Audit | | 19 | | Edward F. Thompson*
William A. Hasler
Raghavendra Rau | | • Selects our independent registered public accounting firm
• Reviews reports of our independent registered public accounting firm
• Reviews and pre-approves the scope and cost of all services, including all non-audit services, provided by the firm selected to conduct the audit
• Monitors the effectiveness of the audit process
• Reviews management’s assessment of the adequacy of financial reporting and operating controls
• Monitors corporate compliance program
|
| | Pre-Reverse Stock Split | Amendment (see Appendix A) |
| Reverse Stock Split Ratio | — |
| |
| Percentage Reduction of Shares Outstanding Post-Reverse Stock Split | — |
| |
| Authorized Shares of Common Stock | | |
Compensation | | 4 | | Dr. James C. Stoffel*
Clifford H. Higgerson
Dr. Mohsen Sohi | | • Reviews our executive compensation policies and strategies
• Oversees and evaluates our overall compensation structure and programs
|
| | | | Shares Outstanding | | |
Governance and
Nominating
Issued But Not Outstanding (Held by Aviat in Treasury Stock) | | 5 |
| Reserved for Issuance Upon Exercise/Release of Outstanding Equity Awards Under the Equity Plan | | William A. Hasler*
James C. Stoffel
Clifford H. Higgerson |
| Reserved for Issuance Under the Equity Plan (but not Subject to Outstanding Equity Awards) | | • Develops and implements policies and practices relating to corporate governance
• Reviews and monitors implementation
|
| Authorized but not Issued or Outstanding, or Reserved for Issuance Under the Equity Plan | | |
Percentage of our policies and procedures• ReviewsAuthorized Shares not Issued or Outstanding, or Reserved for Issuance Under the process by which management identifies and mitigates key areas of risk and reviews critical risk areas with the Board
• Assists in developing criteria for open positions on the Board
• Reviews and recommends nominees for election of directors to the Board
• Reviews and recommends policies, if needed for selection of candidates for directors
Equity Plan | | |
______________________As illustrated in the above table, the proposed reduction in the total number of shares of the common stock for the ________ reverse stock split is designed to maintain approximately the same proportion of the total number of authorized shares that are not issued or outstanding, or reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan, following the reverse stock split.
* ChairmanIn addition, on the Effective Date, those shares held by Aviat in treasury stock will be combined and converted automatically from ________ to _________ shares of Committeetreasury stock.
If the proposed reverse stock split is implemented, it may increase the number of stockholders who own “odd lots” of less than 100 shares of common stock. Brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd lots may be higher than the costs of transactions of more than 100 shares of common stock.
The common stock is currently registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act, and Aviat is subject to the periodic reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The proposed reverse stock split will not affect the registration of the common stock under the Exchange Act. If the proposed reverse stock split is implemented, the common stock will continue to be reported on Nasdaq under the symbol “AVNW” (although Nasdaq will add the letter “D” to the end of the trading symbol for a period of 20 trading days to indicate that the reverse stock split has occurred). After the end of this period, Aviat’s ticker symbol will revert to “AVNW.”
The proposed amendment to the Charter will not change the terms of the common stock. After the reverse stock split, the shares of the common stock will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions and will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now authorized. Each stockholder’s percentage ownership of the new common stock will not be altered except for the effect of eliminating fractional shares (which is discussed in more detail below). The common stock issued pursuant to the reverse stock split will remain fully
In January 2015,paid and nonassessable. Following the Board reconstitutedreverse stock split, Aviat will continue to be subject to the membershipperiodic reporting requirements of its committees as follows:
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| | | | |
Audit Committee | | Governance and Nominating Committee | | Compensation Committee |
John Mutch* | | John J. Quicke* | | Dr. James C. Stoffel* |
James R. Henderson | | Robert G. Pearse | | John J. Quicke |
William A. Hasler | | William A. Hasler | | Robert G. Pearse |
______________________
* Chairman of Committeethe Exchange Act.
Audit CommitteeTreatment of Fractional Shares
The Audit Committee is primarily responsible for selecting, and approvingNo scrip or fractional shares would be issued if, as a result of the services performed by, our independentreverse stock split, a registered public accounting firm, as well as reviewing our accounting practices, corporate financial reporting and system of internal controls over financial reporting. During fiscal year 2014, the Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Thompson (Chairman), Hasler and Rau. No material amendmentsstockholder would otherwise become entitled to a fractional share. Instead, Aviat would pay to the Audit Committee Charter wereregistered stockholder, in cash, the value of any fractional share interest arising from the reverse stock split. The cash payment would equal the fraction to which the stockholder would otherwise be entitled multiplied by the closing sales price of the common stock as reported on Nasdaq as of the Effective Date. No transaction costs would be assessed to stockholders for the cash payment. Stockholders would not be entitled to receive interest for the period of time between the Effective Date and the date payment is made during fiscal year 2014. During fiscal year 2014,for their fractional shares. The ownership of a fractional interest will not give the Audit Committee was comprisedholder thereof any voting, dividend or other rights except to receive payment as described herein. This cash payment merely represents a mechanical rounding off of independent, non-employee membersthe fractions in the exchange. For a discussion of our Board who were “financially sophisticated”the treatment of any fractional interest that may arise as a result of the reverse stock split relating to equity awards under the NASDAQ Listing Rules.
For fiscal year 2014,Equity Plan, please see the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Thompson and Hasler qualified as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined under Item 407(d)(5)(i) of Regulation S-Ksection below under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Exchange Act. Following the reconstitutionheading “Effect of the Board,Reverse Stock Split on Equity Awards.”
As a result of the Board determined that eachreverse stock split, stockholders who hold less than _____ shares of Messrs. Hasler and Mutch qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.” Such status does not impose on any director duties, liabilities or obligations that are greater than the duties, liabilities or obligations otherwise imposedcommon stock will no longer be stockholders of Aviat on a director as memberspost-split basis. In other words, any holder of our Audit Committee and the Board.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee has the authority and responsibility to approve our overall executive compensation strategy, to administer our annual and long-term compensation plans and to review and make recommendations_____ or fewer shares of common stock prior to the Board regarding executive compensation. The Compensation Committee is comprised of independent, non-employee memberseffectiveness of the Board in accordance with NASDAQ Listing Rules. During fiscal year 2014,reverse stock split would only be entitled to receive cash for the Compensation Committee utilized Pearl Meyer & Partners, LLC (“Pearl Meyer”) as an independent, third-party consulting firm.
Compensation Committee Interlock and Insider Participation
During fiscal year 2014,fractional share of common stock such stockholder would hold on a post-split basis. The actual number of stockholders that will be eliminated will depend on the Compensation Committee consistedactual number of Messrs. Stoffel (Chairman), Higgerson and Sohi. Nonestockholders holding less than _____ shares of these individuals was an officer or employee or former officercommon stock on the Effective Date. Reducing the number of post-split stockholders, however, is not the purpose of the Company. None of our executive officers currently serves or in the past year has served as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board or Compensation Committee.
Governance and Nominating Committeereverse stock split.
During fiscal year 2014, the Governance and Nominating Committee consisted of Messrs. Hasler (Chairman), Higgerson and Stoffel. Each member of the Governance and Nominating Committee met the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Listing Rules.
The Governance and Nominating Committee develops and implements policies and practices related to corporate governance consistent with sound corporate governance principles. The Governance and Nominating Committee also reviews the process by which management identifies and mitigates key areas of risk and reviews critical risk areas with the Board.
The Governance and Nominating Committee also recommends candidates to the Board and periodically reviews whether a more formal selection policy should be adopted. There is no difference in the manner in which the committee members evaluate nominees for director based on whether the nominee is recommended by a stockholder. We currentlyIf you do not pay a third partyhold sufficient shares of pre-split common stock to identify or assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees, although we may inreceive at least one post-split share of common stock and you want to hold common stock after the future utilize the services of such third parties.
In reviewing potential candidates for the Board, the Governance and Nominating Committee considers the individual’s experience and background. Candidates for the position of director should exhibit proven leadership capabilities, high integrity, exercise high level responsibilities within their chosen career, and possess an ability to quickly grasp complex principles of business, finance, international transactions and communications technologies. In general, candidates who have held an established executive level position in business, finance, law, education, research, government or civic activity will be preferred.
Although the Governance and Nominating Committee has not adopted a formal diversity policy with regard to the selection of director nominees, diversity is one of the factors that the committee considers in identifying director nominees. When identifying and recommending director nominees, the Governance and Nominating Committee views diversity expansively to include, without limitation, concepts such as race, gender, national origin, differences of viewpoint, professional experience, education, skill and other qualities or attributes that contribute to board diversity. As part of this process, the Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates how a particular candidate would strengthen and increase the diversity of the Board in terms of how that candidate may contribute to the Board’s overall balance of perspectives, backgrounds, knowledge, experience, skill sets and expertise in substantive matters pertaining to the Company’s business.
In making its recommendations, the Governance and Nominating Committee bears in mind that the foremost responsibility of a director of a corporation is to represent the interests of the stockholders as a whole. The Governance and Nominating Committee intends to continue to evaluate candidates for election to the Board on the basis of the foregoing criteria.
Stockholder Communications with the Board
Stockholders who wish to communicate directly with the Boardreverse stock split, you may do so by submittingtaking either of the following actions far enough in advance so that it is completed before the reverse stock split is effected:
•purchase a comment via the Company’s websitesufficient number of shares of common stock so that you would hold at www.investors.aviatnetworks.com/contactBoard.cfm or by sending a letter addressed to: Aviat Networks, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. The Corporate Secretary monitors these communications and provides a summaryleast ____ shares of all received messagescommon stock in your account prior to the Boardimplementation of the reverse stock split that would entitle you to receive at least one share of common stock on a post-split basis; or
•if applicable, consolidate your accounts so that you hold at least _______ shares of common stock in one account prior to the reverse stock split that would entitle you to at least one share of common stock on a post-split basis. Common stock held in registered form (that is, shares held by you in your own name on Aviat’s share register maintained by its regularly scheduled meetings. When warrantedtransfer agent) and common stock held in “street name” (that is, shares held by you through a bank, broker or other nominee) for the same investor would be considered held in separate accounts and would not be aggregated when implementing the reverse stock split. Also, shares of common stock held in registered form but in separate accounts by the nature of communications,same investor would not be aggregated when implementing the Corporate Secretary will request prompt attention byreverse stock split.
Stockholders should be aware that, under the appropriate committee or independent directorescheat laws of the Board, independent advisors or management. The Corporate Secretaryvarious jurisdictions where stockholders reside, where Aviat is domiciled and where the funds for fractional shares would be deposited, sums due to stockholders in payment for fractional shares that are not timely claimed after the effective time may decide in her judgment whether a response to any stockholder communication is appropriate.
Code of Conduct
We implemented our Code of Conduct effective January 26, 2007. All of our employees, including the CEO, CFO and Principal Accounting Officer, arebe required to abide by the Code of Conduct to help ensure that our business is conducted in a consistently ethical and legal manner. The Audit Committee has adopted a written policy, and management has implemented a reporting system, intended to encourage our employees to bringbe paid to the attention of management anddesignated agent for each such jurisdiction. Thereafter, stockholders otherwise entitled to receive such funds may have to seek to obtain them directly from the Audit Committee any complaints regarding the integrity of our internal system of controls over financial reporting, or the accuracy or completeness of financial or other information related to our financial statements.
TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS
During fiscal year 2014, we believe there were no transactions, or series of similar transactions,state to which wethey were or are to be a party in which the amount exceeded $120,000, and in which any of our directors or executive officers, any holders of more than 5% of our common stock or any members of any such person’s immediate family, had or will have a direct or indirect material interest, other than compensation described in the sections titled “Director Compensation and Benefits” and “Executive Compensation.”paid.
It is the policy and practice of our Board to review and assess information concerning transactions involving related persons. Related persons include our directors and executive officers and their immediate family members. If the determination is made that a related person has a material interest in a transaction involving us, then the disinterested members of our Board would review and approve or ratify it, and we would disclose the transaction in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. If the related person is a member of our Board, or a family member of a director, then that director would not participate in any discussion involving the transaction at issue.
Our Code of Conduct prohibits all employees, including our executive officers, from benefiting personally from any transactions with us other than approved compensation benefits.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSEffect of the Reverse Stock Split on Equity Awards
The form and amount of director compensation is reviewed and assessed from time to time byOn the Compensation Committee with changes, if any, recommended toEffective Date, the Board for action. Director compensation may takeproposed reverse stock split will reduce the form of cash, equity, and other benefits ordinarily available to directors.
Directors who are not employees of ours received the following fees, as applicable, for their services on our Board during fiscal year 2014:
$60,000 basic annual cash retainer, payable on a quarterly basis, which a director may elect to receive in the formnumber of shares of common stock;
$18,000 annual cash retainer, payable on a quarterly basis,stock available for service asissuance under the lead independent director of our Board;
$10,000 annual cash retainer, payable on a quarterly basis, for service as Chairman of the Audit Committee;
$5,000 annual cash retainer, payable on a quarterly basis, for service as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee;
$8,000 annual cash retainer, payable on a quarterly basis, for service as Chairman of the Compensation Committee;
Annual grant of restrictedEquity Plan. All shares of common stock valued (based on market pricessubject to outstanding equity awards (including stock options, performance shares and stock appreciation rights) under the Equity Plan and the number of shares of common stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Equity Plan but as to which no equity awards have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Equity Plan upon cancellation or expiration of such equity awards will be converted on the dateEffective Date into ______ of grant) at $30,000,the number of such shares immediately preceding the reverse stock split (subject to adjustment for fractional interests). In addition, the exercise price of outstanding equity awards will be adjusted to _____ times the exercise price specified before the reverse stock split. This will result in approximately the same aggregate price being required to be paid as immediately preceding the reverse stock split. No fractional shares with 100% vesting in one year,respect to the shares subject to continuing service asthe outstanding equity awards under the Equity Plan will be issued following the reverse stock split. Therefore, if the number of shares subject to any outstanding equity award under the Equity Plan immediately before the reverse stock split is not evenly divisible (in other words, it would result in a director; and
Annual grantfractional interest following the reverse stock split), the number of options to purchaseshares of common stock valued (based on U.S. GAAP (as defined below) valuessubject to such equity award (including upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights) will be rounded up to the nearest whole number. This will result in an increase to the proportion of shares reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan to the number of authorized shares of common stock following the reverse stock split.
Board Discretion to Implement the Reverse Stock Split
If the reverse stock split is approved by stockholders at the Special Meeting, the actual reverse stock split will be effected, if at all, only upon a subsequent determination by the Board of Directors that the reverse stock split is in the best interests of Aviat and its stockholders at the time. Such determination will be based upon certain factors, including existing and expected marketability and liquidity of the optionscommon stock, prevailing market conditions, the likely effect on the date of grant) at $30,000, with an exercise price per share equal to the market price of the common stock and the ability and desirability of Aviat to satisfy the continued listing requirements for Nasdaq and such other considerations as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, determines. Notwithstanding approval of the reverse stock split by the stockholders, the Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, abandon the proposed amendment and determine prior to the effectiveness of any filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware not to effect the reverse stock split, as permitted under Section 242(c) of the DGCL. If the Board of Directors fails to implement the reverse stock split prior to the annual meeting of stockholders in 2016, stockholder approval again would be required prior to implementing the reverse stock split.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
As soon as practicable after the Effective Date, stockholders will be notified that the reverse stock split has been effected. Aviat’s transfer agent will act as “exchange agent” for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. If any of your shares are held in certificated form (that is, you do not hold all of your shares electronically in book-entry form), you will receive a letter of transmittal from Aviat’s exchange agent as soon as practicable after the Effective Date, which will contain instructions on how to obtain post-split shares. You must complete, execute and submit to the exchange agent the letter of transmittal in accordance with its instructions and surrender your stock certificate(s) formerly representing shares of stock prior to the reverse stock split (or an affidavit of lost stock certificate containing an indemnification of Aviat for claims related to such lost stock certificate). Upon receipt of your properly completed and executed letter of transmittal and your stock certificate(s), you will be issued the appropriate number of shares of common stock either as stock certificates (including legends, if appropriate) or electronically in book-entry form, as determined by Aviat. This means that, instead of receiving a new stock certificate, you may receive a direct registration statement that indicates the number of post-split shares you own in book-entry form. At any time after receipt of your direct registration statement, you may request a stock certificate representing your post-split ownership interest. If you are entitled to payment in lieu of any fractional share interest, payment will be made as described above under the heading “Treatment of Fractional Shares.” No
direct registration statements, new stock certificates or payments in lieu of fractional shares will be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder has properly completed and executed a letter of transmittal and surrendered such stockholder’s outstanding certificate(s) to the exchange agent. If you hold any or all of your shares electronically in book-entry form, please see the section below under the heading “Effect on Registered Book-Entry Holders.”
STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT DESTROY ANY PRE-SPLIT STOCK CERTIFICATE AND SHOULD NOT SUBMIT ANY CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO.
In connection with the reverse stock split, the common stock will change its current CUSIP number. This new CUSIP number will appear on any new stock certificates issued representing shares of the post-split common stock.
Effect on Beneficial Owners
Stockholders holding common stock through a bank, broker or other nominee should note that such banks, brokers or other nominees may have different procedures for processing the reverse stock split than those that would be put in place by Aviat for registered stockholders that hold such shares directly, and their procedures may result, for example, in differences in the precise cash amounts being paid by such nominees in lieu of a fractional share. If you hold your shares with such a bank, broker or other nominee and if you have questions in this regard, you are encouraged to contact your bank, broker or nominee.
Effect on Registered Book-Entry Holders
Aviat’s registered stockholders may hold some or all of their shares electronically in book-entry form under the direct registration system for securities. These stockholders will not have stock certificates evidencing their ownership of the common stock. They are, however, provided with a statement reflecting the number of shares registered in their accounts.
•If you hold shares in a book-entry form, you do not need to take any action to receive your post-split shares or your cash payment in lieu of any fractional share interest, if applicable. If you are entitled to post-split shares, a transaction statement will automatically be sent to your address of record indicating the number of shares you hold.
•If you are entitled to a payment in lieu of any fractional share interest, a check will be mailed to you at your registered address as soon as practicable after Aviat’s transfer agent completes the aggregation and sale described above in “Treatment of Fractional Shares.” By signing and cashing this check, you will warrant that you owned the shares for which you receive a cash payment.
Accounting Consequences
The par value per share of the common stock would remain unchanged at $0.01 per share after the reverse stock split. As a result, on the dateEffective Date, the par value per share on Aviat’s balance sheet attributable to the common stock will be reduced proportionally from its present amount, and the additional paid in capital account shall be credited with the amount by which the par value per share is reduced. The per share common stock net income or loss and net book value will be increased because there will be fewer shares of grant and with 100% vestingcommon stock outstanding or held by Aviat in one year, subject to continuing servicetreasury stock. Aviat does not anticipate that any other accounting consequences would arise as a director.
During fiscal year 2014, Mr. Kissner received $130,000 for services provided concerning strategic transactions and investor relations, and was not paid a cash retainer in connection with this service as a director or as Chairman.
Directors are eligible to defer payment of all or a portionresult of the retainer fees and restrictedreverse stock awards that are payable to them. Directors may choose either a lump sum or installment distribution of such fees and awards. Installment distributions are payable in annual installments over a period no longer than 10 years.split.
We reimburse each non-employee director for reasonable travel expenses incurred and in connection with attendance at Board and committee meetings on our behalf, and for expenses such as supplies and continuing director education costs, including travel for one course per year. Employee directors are not compensated for service as a director.
Fiscal Year 2014 CompensationNo Appraisal Rights
Stockholders are not entitled to appraisal rights under Delaware law with respect to the proposed amendment to the Charter to effect the reverse stock split.
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of Non-Employee Directorsthe Reverse Stock Split
Our non-employee directors receivedThe following is a discussion of certain material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the following aggregate amountsreverse stock split. This discussion is included for general information purposes only and does not purport to address all aspects of compensationU.S. federal income tax law that may be relevant to stockholders in light of their particular circumstances. Further, this discussion does not address any state, local or non-U.S. tax consequences of the reverse stock split. This discussion is based on the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and current Treasury Regulations, administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change, possibly on a retroactive basis, and any such change could affect the continuing validity of this discussion.
All stockholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisors with respect to the tax consequences of fiscal year 2014.the reverse stock split. This discussion does not address the tax consequences to stockholders who are subject to special tax rules, such as banks, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, personal holding companies, partnerships (or entities treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes), stockholders who are not U.S. holders (as defined herein), stockholders who hold their shares as “qualified small business stock” or “Section 1244” stock, broker-dealers and tax-exempt entities. This summary also assumes that the pre-reverse stock split shares were, and the post-reverse stock split shares will be, held as a “capital asset,” as defined in Section 1221 of the Code.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash (1) | | Stock Awards (2) | | Option Awards (2) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation | | Changes in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings | | All Other Compensation | | Total |
| | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) |
| William A. Hasler | | 65,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 123,492 |
|
| Clifford H. Higgerson | | 60,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 118,492 |
|
| Charles D. Kissner | | 130,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 188,492 |
|
| Raghavendra Rau | | 60,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 118,492 |
|
| Dr. Mohsen Sohi | | 60,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 118,492 |
|
| Dr. James C. Stoffel | | 86,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 144,492 |
|
| Edward F. Thompson | | 70,000 |
| | 29,253 |
| | 29,239 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 128,492 |
|
___________________
| |
(1) | During fiscal year 2014, Mr. Kissner received $130,000 for services provided concerning strategic transactions and investor relations, and was not paid a cash retainer in connection with this service as a director or as Chairman. |
| |
(2) | The amounts shown in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock awards and option awards granted to our non-employee directors computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions made in determining the fair values of our stock awards and option awards are set forth in Notes 1 and 10 to our fiscal year 2014 Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014, as filed with the SEC on December 22, 2014. |
As used herein, the term “U.S. holder” means a holder that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
•an individual who is a citizen or resident of June 27, 2014, our non-employee directors held the following numbersUnited States;
•a corporation or other entity taxed as a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of unvested restrictedthe United States or any political subdivision thereof;
•an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of its source; or
•a trust (A) if a U.S. court is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more “U.S. persons” (as defined in the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (B) that has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person.
Other than the cash payments for fractional shares of common stock discussed above, no gain or loss should be recognized by a stockholder upon the exchange of prereverse stock split shares for postreverse stock split shares. The aggregate tax basis of the postreverse stock split shares will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the prereverse stock split shares exchanged in the reverse stock split, reduced by any amount allocable to a fractional share for which cash is received. A stockholder’s holding period in the post-reverse stock split shares will include the period during which the stockholder held the prereverse stock split shares exchanged in the reverse stock split.
In general, the receipt of cash by a U.S. holder instead of a fractional share will result in a taxable gain or loss to such holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The amount of the taxable gain or loss to the U.S. holder will be determined based upon the difference between the amount of cash received by such holder and the portion of the basis of the prereverse stock options, allsplit shares allocable to such fractional interest. The gain or loss recognized will constitute capital gain or loss and will constitute longterm capital gain or loss if the holder’s holding period is greater than one year as of which were grantedthe Effective Date.
A U.S. holder may be subject to information reporting with respect to any cash received in exchange for a fractional share interest in a new share in the reverse stock split. U.S. holders who are subject to information reporting and who do not provide a correct taxpayer identification number and other required information (e.g., by submitting a properly completed IRS Form W-9 or applicable IRS Form W-8) may also be subject to backup withholding, at their applicable rate. Any amount withheld under such rules is not an additional tax and may be refunded or credited against the 2007 Plan:U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is properly furnished in a timely manner to the Internal Revenue Service.
The tax treatment of a stockholder may vary depending upon the particular facts and circumstances of such stockholder. Each stockholder is urged to consult with such stockholder’s own tax advisor with respect to the tax consequences of the reverse stock split. |
| | | | | | |
| Name | | Unvested Stock Awards | | Unvested Option Awards |
| William A. Hasler | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
| Clifford H. Higgerson | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
| Charles D. Kissner | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
| Raghavendra Rau | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
| Dr. Mohsen Sohi | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
| Dr. James C. Stoffel | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
| Edward F. Thompson | | 14,925 |
| | 36,403 |
|
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” Proposal One.
PROPOSAL TWO
APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
AVIAT’S AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO REDUCE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
IndemnificationOverview
Our Bylaws require usIn connection with the reverse stock split, the Board of Director is proposing that the total number of authorized shares of common stock would be reduced from 300,000,000 to indemnify each_______. The par value per share of our directorsthe common stock would remain unchanged at $0.01 per share after the reverse stock split.
The text of the proposed certificate of amendment to the Charter to effect the reverse stock split and officers with respectreduce the total number of authorized shares of common stock is attached to their activitiesthis proxy statement as a director, officer,Appendix A. However, such text is subject to amendment to include such changes as may be required by the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware or employeeas the Board of ours,Directors deems necessary and advisable to effect the reverse stock split under Proposal One. The effectiveness or when serving at our requestabandonment of such amendment will be determined by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has recommended that the proposed amendment be presented to stockholders for approval. Upon receiving stockholder approval of the proposed amendment, the Board of Directors will have the sole discretion [, until the 2016 Annual Meeting,] to elect, as a director, officer, or trustee of another corporation, trust, or other enterprise, against losses and expenses (including attorney fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement) incurred by them in any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative, to which they are, or are threatenedit determines to be made,in the best interests of Aviat and its stockholders, whether to effect the reverse stock split.
Proposal Two is conditioned on the approval of Proposal One. Therefore, if Proposal One is not approved by the stockholders, Proposal Two will automatically be deemed to have not been approved by the stockholders, regardless of the number of shares actually voted “FOR” Proposal Two. Proposal One is not conditioned on the approval of Proposal Two.
Purposes and Effects of Decreasing our Total Number of Authorized Shares of Common Stock
As a party(ies)matter of Delaware law, implementation of the reverse stock split does not require a change in the total number of shares of common stock authorized under the Charter. However, the proposed reduction in the total number of authorized shares of common stock is designed to maintain approximately the same proportion of the total number of authorized shares that are not issued or outstanding following the reverse stock split. The Board of Directors believes that, due to the decrease in the number of outstanding shares of common stock resulting from the [__] for [__] reverse stock split, if Proposal One is approved by the stockholders, Aviat will no longer have a need for 300,000,000 authorized shares of common stock and that [_______] authorized shares of common stock is sufficient for Aviat at this time.
The proposed reduction from 300,000,000 to _______ authorized shares of common stock is also intended to conform to the requirements of certain entities that make recommendations to stockholders regarding proposals submitted by Aviat and to ensure that Aviat does not have what some stockholders might view as a resultan unreasonably high number of their serviceauthorized but unissued shares of common stock. In the event that we need to us.increase our authorized shares of common stock in the future, Aviat may, subject to stockholder approval, seek to amend the Charter to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock. In addition, we carry directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, which includes similar coverage for our directors and executive officers. We will indemnify eachthe Board of Directors believes that the reduction in the number of authorized shares of common stock may also reduce certain of Aviat’s costs, such director or officer for any one or a combination of the following, whichever is most advantageous to such director or officer:
The benefits provided by our Bylaws in effect on the date of the indemnification agreement or at the time expenses are incurred by the director or officer;
The benefits allowable under Delaware law in effect on the date the indemnification bylaw was adopted, or as such law may be amended;
The benefits available under liability insurance obtained by us; and
Such benefits as may otherwise be availableannual franchise taxes paid to the director or officer under our existing practices.State of Delaware.
Under our Bylaws, each director or officer will continue to be indemnified even after ceasing to occupy a position as an officer, director, employee or agent of ours with respect to suits or proceedings arising from his or her service with us.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote “FOR” Proposal Two.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Except as noted below, the following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of November 18, 2014April 25, 2016 by each person or entity known by us to beneficially own more than 5 percent of our common stock, by our directors, by our named executive officers and by all our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table, and subject to applicable community property laws, the persons listed in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the beneficial owners identified is c/o Aviat Networks, Inc., 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054. As of November 18, 2014,the Record Date, there were 62,223,790______________ shares of our common stock outstanding.
|
| | | | | |
| | | Shares Beneficially Owned as of
April 25, 2016(1) |
| | | Number of Shares of Common Stock(2) | | Percentage of Voting Power of Common Stock |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | | | | |
| Steel Partners Holdings L.P. | | 8,042,892 |
| (3) | |
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY | | | | |
| Schneider Capital Management Corporation | | 5,158,477 |
| (4) | |
460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 2000
Wayne, PA 19087 | | | | |
| Royce & Associates, LLC | | 4,085,983 |
| (5) | |
745 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10151 | | | | |
Group comprised of Julian D. Singer, David S. Oros and John H. Burke
c/o Julian D. Singe | | 3,982,973 |
| (6) | |
2200 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 501
Fort Lee, NJ 07024 | | | | |
| | | | | |
| Named Executive Officers and Directors | | | | |
| Meena Elliott | | | (7) | |
| William A. Hasler | | | (8) | |
| James R. Henderson | | | (9) | |
| Ralph S. Marimon | | | (10) | |
| Shaun McFall | | | (11) | |
| John Mutch | | | (12) | |
| Michael Pangia | | | (13) | |
| Robert G. Pearse | | | (14) | |
| John J. Quicke | | | (15) | |
| Dr. James C. Stoffel | | | (16) | |
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | | (17) | |
| All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons) | | | (18) | |
|
| | | | | | | |
| | | Shares Beneficially Owned as of November 18, 2014(1) |
| | | Number of Shares of Common Stock(2) | | | Percentage of Voting Power of Common Stock |
| Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | | | | | |
| Steel Partners Holdings L.P. | | 8,020,865 |
| (3) | | 12.89 | % |
590 Madison Avenue, 32nd Floor
New York, NY | | | | | |
| PENN Capital Management | | 3,665,602 |
| (4) | | 5.89 | % |
Navy Yard Corporate Center
Three Crescent Drive, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19112 | | | | | |
| Schneider Capital Management Corporation | | 3,654,866 |
| (5) | | 5.87 | % |
460 E. Swedesford Road, Suite 2000
Wayne, PA 19087 | | | | | |
| Dimensional Fund Advisors LP | | 3,558,261 |
| (6) | | 5.72 | % |
Palisades West, Building One
6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One
Austin, TX 78746 | | | | | |
| Royce & Associates, LLC | | 3,484,244 |
| (7) | | 5.60 | % |
745 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10151 | | | | | |
| | | | | | |
| Named Executive Officers and Directors | | | | | |
| Meena Elliott | | 331,514 |
| (8) | | * |
|
| William A. Hasler | | 199,124 |
| (9) | | * |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr. | | 784,246 |
| (10) | | 1.25 | % |
| James R. Henderson | | — |
| (11) | | * |
|
| Charles D. Kissner | | 805,583 |
| (12) | | 1.29 | % |
| Shaun McFall | | 408,035 |
| (13) | | * |
|
| John Mutch | | 100,000 |
| (11) | | * |
|
| Michael Pangia | | 1,113,516 |
| (14) | | 1.77 | % |
| Robert G. Pearse | | 10,000 |
| (11) | | * |
|
| John J. Quicke | | — |
| (11) | | * |
|
| Michael Shahbazian | | 44,444 |
| (15) | | * |
|
| Dr. James C. Stoffel | | 190,436 |
| (16) | | * |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | 425,787 |
| (17) | | * |
|
| All directors and executive officers as a group (13 persons) | | 4,412,685 |
| (18) | | 6.80 | % |
__________________________
* Less than one percent
| |
| (1) | Beneficial ownership is determined under the rules and regulations of the SEC, and generally includes voting or dispositive power with respect to such shares. |
| |
| (2) | Shares of common stock that a person has the right to acquire within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by that person for the purpose of computing the total number of shares beneficially owned by that person and the percentage ownership of that person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person or group. Accordingly, the amounts in the table include shares of common stock that such person has the right to acquire within 60 days of November 18, 2014April 25, 2016 by the exercise of stock options. |
| |
| (3) | Based solely on a review of Amendment No. 56 to the Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on November 10, 2014January 13, 2015 by Steel Excel Inc., Steel Partners Holdings L.P., SPH Group LLC, SPH Group Holdings LLC and Steel Partners Holdings GP Inc. Each of the foregoing entities reported shared voting and dispositive power with respect to all of such shares. |
| |
| (4) | Based solely on a review of Amendment No. 2 to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 15, 2013 by PENN Capital Management. PENN Capital Management reported sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all such shares. |
| |
(5) | Based solely on a review of the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 14, 201412, 2016 by Schneider Capital Management Corporation. Schneider Capital Management Corporation reported sole voting power with respect to 3,630,2405,158,477 of such shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all of such shares. |
| |
(6)(5) | Based solely on a review of Amendment No. 1 to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 10, 2014 by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP reported sole voting power with respect to 3,449,131 of such shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all such shares. |
| |
(7) | Based solely on a review of Amendment No. 23 to the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 6, 20157, 2016, by Royce & Associates, LLC. Royce & Associates, LLC reported sole voting and dispositive power with respect to all such shares. |
| |
| (6) | Based solely on a review of the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on March 28, 2016 by Julian D. Singer, David S. Oros and John H. Burke. Mr. Singer reported sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 3,175,473 shares. Mr. Oros reported sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 600,000 shares. Mr. Burke reported sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 207,500 shares. |
| |
| (8) | Includes 231,882 shares of common stock that are subject to option that may be exercised within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (9) | Includes 118,745 shares of common stock that are subject to option or restricted stock units that may be exercised or that will vest within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (10) | Includes 550,987 shares of common stock that are subject to option that may be exercised within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (11) | Information is as of January 12, 2015.
|
| |
| (12) | Includes 360,561 shares of common stock that are subject to option or restricted stock units that may be exercised or that will vest within 60 days of November 18, 2014. Includes 239,041 shares of common stock held by, or in trusts for, members of Mr. Kissner’s family. Mr. Kissner disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares held in trust.
|
| |
| (13) | Includes 276,472 shares of common stock that are subject to option that may be exercised within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (14) | Includes 722,939 shares of common stock that are subject to option that may be exercised within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (15) | Information is as of January 12, 2015. Represents restricted stock units that will vest within 60 days of January 12, 2015.
|
| |
| (16) | Includes 118,745 shares of common stock that are subject to option or restricted stock units that may be exercised or that will vest within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (17) | Includes 308,807 shares of common stock that are subject to option that may be exercised within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
| |
| (18) | Includes 2,689,138 shares of common stock that are subject to option or restricted stock units that may be exercised or that will vest within 60 days of November 18, 2014.
|
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For fiscal year 2014, the Audit Committee consisted of three members of the Board, each of whom was independent of the Company and its management, as defined in the NASDAQ Listing Rules. The Board has adopted, and periodically reviews, the Audit Committee charter. The charter specifies the scope of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities and how it carries out those responsibilities.WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
The Audit Committee reviews management’s procedures for the design, implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive system of internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures focused on the accuracy of our financial statements and the integrity of our financial reporting systems. The Audit Committee provides the BoardSEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this proxy statement, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to other documents filed separately with the results of its examinations and recommendations and reports to the Board as it may deem necessary to make the Board aware of significant financial matters requiring the attention of the Board.
SEC. The Audit Committee does not conduct auditing reviews or procedures. The Audit Committee monitors management’s activities and discusses with management the appropriateness and sufficiency of our financial statements and system of internal control over financial reporting. Management has primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements, the overall reporting process and our system of internal control over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accounting firm audits the financial statements preparedinformation incorporated by management, expresses an opinion as to whether those financial statements fairly present our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) and discusses with the Audit Committee any issues they believe should be raised with us.
The Audit Committee reviews reports from our independent registered public accounting firm with respect to their annual audit and approves in advance all audit and non-audit services provided by our independent auditors in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee also considers, in advance of the provision of any non-audit services by our independent registered public accounting firm, whether the provision of such servicesreference is compatible with maintaining their independence.
In accordance with its responsibilities, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements for the year ended June 27, 2014 and the process designed to achieve compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Audit Committee has also discussed with our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, the matters requireddeemed to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, “Communications with Audit Committees” issued by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and letter from KPMG LLP required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding KPMG LLP’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with KPMG LLP its independence, including whether KPMG LLP’s provision of non-audit services is compatible with its independence.
Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended June 27, 2014 be included in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
William A. Hasler
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES
KPMG LLP has been approved by our Audit Committee to act as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June 27, 2014. Representatives of KPMG LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting , will have opportunity to make a statement should they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Audit and other fees billed to us for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014 and June 28, 2013 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | | Fiscal Year 2014(2) | | Fiscal Year 2013(1) |
Audit Fees(3) | | $ | 2,989,380 |
| | $ | 1,428,917 |
|
Audit-Related Fees(4) | | — |
| | 7,500 |
|
Tax Fees(5) | | 104,356 |
| | 64,185 |
|
All Other Fees(6) | | 10,000 |
| | — |
|
| Total Fees for Services Provided | | $ | 3,103,736 |
| | $ | 1,500,602 |
|
________________________
| |
(1) | On September 6, 2012, the Audit Committee approved the engagement of KPMG LLP as its new independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending June 28, 2013. The appointment of KPMG LLP was ratified by our stockholders at our 2012 Annual Meeting held on November 13, 2012. |
| |
(2) | Includes the following fees billed to us by KPMG LLP for the period June 27, 2014 through December 19, 2014: audit fees totaling $1,488,698 and tax fees totaling $16,601. |
| |
(3) | Audit fees include fees associated with the annual audit, as well as reviews of our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, SEC registration statements, accounting and reporting consultations and statutory audits required internationally for our subsidiaries. |
| |
(4) | Audit-related fees include fees for completion of certain statutory registration requirements. |
| |
(5) | Tax fees were for services related to tax compliance and tax planning services. |
| |
(6) | Other fees include fees billed for other services rendered not included within Audit Fees, Audit Related Fees or Tax Fees. |
KPMG LLP did not perform any professional services related to financial information systems design and implementation for us in fiscal year 2014 or fiscal year 2013.
The Audit Committee has determined in its business judgment that the provision of non-audit services described above is compatible with maintaining KPMG LLP's independence. Information regarding our principal accountant fees and services will appear in our definitive Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Overview and Summary
This Compensation Discussion and Analysis, which has been prepared by management, is intended to help our stockholders understand our executive compensation philosophy, objectives, elements, policies, practices, and decisions. It is also intended to provide context for the compensation information for our CEO, CFO and the three other most highly compensated executive officers (our “named executive officers”) detailed in the Summary Compensation Table below and in the other tables and narrative discussion that follow.
To understand our approach to executive compensation, you should read the entire Compensation Discussion and Analysis that follows. The following brief summary introduces the major topics covered:
the cornerstone of our executive compensation program is pay for performance. Accordingly, while we pay competitive base salaries and other benefits, the majority of our named executive officers’ compensation opportunity is based on variable pay.
the objectives of our executive compensation program are to reward superior performance, motivate our executives to achieve our goals and attract and retain a world-class management team.
the Compensation Committee oversees our compensation program. The Compensation Committee makes most executive compensation decisions, but also makes recommendations on certain aspects of the program to the full Board. The Compensation Committee is composed solely of independent directors. In its work, the Compensation Committee is assisted by independent compensation consultants engaged by the Compensation Committee.
in reviewing the elements of our executive compensation program — base salary, annual incentives, long-term incentives and post-termination compensation — our Compensation Committee reviews market data from similar companies.
our competitive positioning philosophy is to set compensation at the 50th percentile of compensation at peer group companies with allowances for internal factors such as tenure, individual performances and the specific importance of the job to the Company.
our annual incentive program is based on specific Company financial performance goals for the fiscal year, and includes provisions to “claw back” any excess amounts paid in the event of a later correction or restatement of our financial statements.
The Company believes the compensation program for the named executive officers supported our strategic priorities and aligned compensation earned with the Company’s financial performance in fiscal year 2014. Moreover, we believe that in emphasizing long term stockholder value creation over short term operating results the structure of our executive compensation program has benefited our Company.
Compensation Governance Best Practices
The Compensation Committee believes that a demonstrated commitment to best practices in compensation governance is itself an essential component of our approach to executive compensation. The following practices are some examplespart of this commitment:
Pay for Performance: A substantial portion of our executives’ compensation opportunity is tied to achieving specified corporate objectives. In fiscal year 2014, for example, 100% of the awards made to our executive officers under the Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”) were performance based and at-risk, subject to achievement of earnings per share (“EPS”) objectives. Under the Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”), 100% of fiscal year 2014 equity awards were in the form of stock options, which provide no value to our executives if our share price does not increase above the exercise price and vest ratably over three years, reinforcing the long-term focus of our executive compensation programs.
Mix of short term and long-term compensation: Short term compensation for our executive officers is comprised of base salaries and the AIP, which pays out only to the extent that the Company meets its financial targets. Long term compensation is composed of stock options which vest over a three year period.
Independent Compensation Consultant: The Compensation Committee directly retains the services of Pearl Meyer, an independent compensation consultant, to advise it in determining reasonable and market-based compensation policies.
Prohibition on hedging: Our executive officers, together with all other employees, are prohibited from engaging in hedging or similar transactions with respect to our securities.
No perquisites: Our executive officers are not provided with club memberships, personal use of corporate aircraft or any other perquisite or special benefits other than our occasional provision of relocation expense reimbursement.
No single trigger change of control acceleration: All change of control arrangements with our executive officers provide for acceleration of vesting for outstanding equity awards only in the event that we are both subject to a change in control and the executive officer’s employment terminates thereafter for specified reasons.
Strong compensation risk management: The Compensation Committee reviews and analyzes the risk profile of our compensation programs and practices at least annually.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The primary objectives of our total executive compensation program are to recruit, retain, and develop exceptional executives, incentivize those individuals to achieve strategic, operational, and financial goals, rewarding superior performance and aligning the long term interests of our executives with our stockholders. The following principles guide our overall compensation program:
reward superior performance;
motivate our executives to achieve strategic, operational, and financial goals;
enable us to attract and retain a world-class management team; and
align outcomes and rewards with stockholder expectations.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews the executive compensation program to ensure our executive compensation policies and programs remain appropriately aligned with evolving business needs and to consider best compensation practices. Our executive compensation programs are reviewed to ensure that they achieve a balance between providing strong retention and performance incentives to our executives while accommodating a meaningful and continuing effort to manage both the Company’s share burn rate and the dilutive effects of equity awards to the Company’s stockholders.
Executive Compensation Process
The Compensation Committee is responsible for establishing and implementing executive compensation policies and programs in a manner consistent with our compensation objectives and principles. The Compensation Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, reviews and approves the features and design of our executive compensation program, and approves the compensation levels, individual bonus objectives and total compensation targets for our executive officers other than our CEO. The Board approves the compensation level, individual bonus objectives, and financial targets for our CEO. The Compensation Committee also monitors executive succession planning and monitors our performance as it relates to overall compensation policies for employees, including benefit and savings plans.
In discharging its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee may engage outside consultants and consult with our Human Resources Department as well as internal and external legal or accounting advisors, as the Compensation Committee determines to be appropriate. The Compensation Committee considers recommendations from our CEO and senior management when making decisions regarding our executive compensation program and compensation of our executive officers. Following each fiscal year end, our CEO, assisted by our Human Resources Department, assesses the performance of all named executive officers and other officers. Following this annual performance review process, our CEO recommends base
salary and incentive and equity awards for our named executive officers and other officers to the Compensation Committee. Based on input from our CEO and management, as well as from independent consultants, if any are used, and, in the case of the CEO’s compensation, the Compensation Committee’s evaluation of the CEO’s performance, the Compensation Committee determines what changes, if any, should be made to the executive compensation program and either sets or recommends to the full Board the level of each compensation element for all of our officers.
Independent Compensation Consultant for Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to engage the services of outside advisors, experts and others to assist it. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee has hired Pearl Meyer as an independent consultant to advise the Compensation Committee on matters related to the compensation of the Company’s executive officers. All services that Pearl Meyer provided Aviat in fiscal year 2014 were approved by the Compensation Committee and were related to executive or Board compensation. Pearl Meyer provides an annual review of the Company’s compensation practices, reviews and makes recommendations regarding the compensation peer groups, and provides independent input to the Compensation Committee on programs and practices.
Compensation Committee Advisor Independence
The Compensation Committee has considered the independence of Pearl Meyer pursuant to the NASDAQ Listing Rules and related SEC rules finalized in 2012, and has found no conflict of interest in Pearl Meyer continuing to provide advice to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is also regularly advised by the Company’s primary outside counsel, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (“WSGR”). Pursuant to the NASDAQ Listing Rules and related SEC rules finalized in 2012, the Compensation Committee has found no conflict of interest in WSGR continuing to provide advice to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee intends to reassess the independence of its advisors at least annually.
Consideration of Say on Pay Results
We conducted our advisory vote on executive compensation last year at our annual meeting. Although this vote was not binding on the Board or us, we believe that it is important for our stockholders to have an opportunity to express their views regarding our executive compensation philosophy, program and practices as disclosed in our proxy statement, on an annual basis. The Board and our Compensation Committee value stockholders’ opinions and, to the extent there is any significant vote against the compensation of our named executive officers, the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are warranted or appropriate.
At our 2013 Annual Meeting, 93.85% of the votes cast on the advisory vote on executive compensation supported our named executive officers’ compensation as disclosed in the proxy statement. Our Compensation Committee reviewed the favorable results of this advisory vote, noting the widespread support from our stockholders. Although none of our Compensation Committee’s subsequent actions or decisions with respect to the compensation of our executive officers were directly attributable to the results of the vote, our Compensation Committee took the vote outcome into consideration in the course of its deliberations. Our Compensation Committee believes that stockholder feedback and concerns on executive compensation matters should be considered as part of its deliberations and intends to consider the results of future advisory votes in its compensation review process.
Competitive Benchmarking
Our compensation program for all of our officers is addressed in the context of competitive compensation practices. Our management and Compensation Committee consider external data to assist in benchmarking total target compensation. For fiscal year 2014, targets for total cash and cash based compensation (base salary and short-term incentive), long-term incentives and total direct compensation (base salary and short-term and long-term incentives) for all officers were set based on data collected from our peer group companies (for Messrs. Pangia, Hayes and Stumpe) and from a published survey source, the Radford Global Technology Survey for our other named executive officers . In considering data from the Radford Global Technology Survey , we focused on results for technology companies with annual revenues of less than $500 million. The peer group companies selected for benchmarking are reflective of our market for executive talent and business line competitors. Also, the overall composition of the peer group reflects companies of similar complexity and size to us.
For fiscal year 2014, these peer group companies included:
|
| |
ADTRAN Inc. | Aruba Networks, Inc. |
Bel Fuse, Inc. | Black Box Corp. |
Calix, Inc. | Comtech Telecommunications Corp. |
Extreme Networks, Inc. | Finisar Corp. |
Harmonic Inc. | Infinera Corp. |
Ixia | Plantronics Inc. |
Riverbed Technology, Inc. | Sonus Networks, Inc. |
Symmetricom, Inc. | |
The Compensation Committee annually reviews the appropriateness of the comparison group used for assessing the compensation of our CEO and other named executive officers. Modifications to the peer group since fiscal year 2013 included removal of Loral Space & Communications, Inc. following the divestiture of its principal subsidiary Space Systems/Loral, removal of Opnext, Inc. following its acquisition by Oclaro, removal of PowerWave Technologies following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in January 2013, and removal of NETGEAR, Inc. and ViaSat, Inc. in recognition that these two companies had become dissimilar to us in size. We also added Bel Fuse, Inc. and Infinera Corp. to replace these removals and also to better align the revenue size of each of our peer group companies with our own.
Data for our peer group companies was collected directly from these companies’ proxy statements.
Total Compensation Elements
Our executive compensation program includes four major elements:
base salary
annual cash incentive
long-term compensation — equity incentives
post-termination compensation
Each named executive officer’s performance is measured against factors such as long and short-term strategic goals and financial measures of our performance, including factors such as revenue, operating income, cash flow from operations and earnings per share.
Our compensation policy and practice is to target total compensation levels for all officers, including our named executive officers, nominally at the 50th percentile for similar positions as derived from the market composite data, assuming experience in the position and competent performance. The Compensation Committee may decide to target total compensation above or below the 50th percentile for similar positions in unique circumstances based on an individual’s background, experience, or position. Though compensation levels may differ among our named executive officers based upon competitive factors and the role, responsibilities and performance of each named executive officer, there are no material differences in our compensation policies or in the manner in which total direct compensation opportunity is determinedexcept for any of our named executive officers. Because our CEO has significantly greater duties, responsibilities and accountabilities than our other named executive officers, the total compensation opportunity for the CEO is higher than for our other named executive officers. In determining CEO and other named executive officer compensation, the Board also considers the ratio between our CEO’s compensation and the average compensation of our other named executive officers as compared with similar ratios for peer group companies. For fiscal year 2014, that ratio was 1.97, comparedinformation superseded by information in this proxy statement or incorporated by reference subsequent to a median ratio of 1.37 in the peer group companies.
Base Salary
Base salaries are provided as compensation for day-to-day responsibilities and services to us. Executive salaries are reviewed annually. Our CEO generally makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee in August of each year regarding the base pay of each named executive officer (other than himself). The Compensation Committee considers each executive officer’s responsibilities, as well as the Company’s performance and recommended increases in base salary for select named executive officers and other officers. In fiscal year 2014, the CEO recommended and the Compensation Committee
approved, that named executive base salaries be held flat at fiscal year 2013 levels. Additional details concerning the compensation for our named executive officers for fiscal year 2014 are set forth in the Summary Compensation Table.
Annual Incentive
The short-term incentive element of our executive compensation program is currently comprised of our Annual Incentive Plan (“AIP”). The CEO reviews his recommendations for each named executive officer with the Compensation Committee, taking into account benchmarked market data obtained from Pearl Meyer, the Compensation Committee’s independent consultant. Based on recommendations by the CEO, and as specified in any applicable employment agreement, the Compensation Committee recommends to the Board an annual incentive compensation target, expressed as a percentage of base salary, for each executive officer in August. Each named executive officer’s target annual incentive percentage is benchmarked against the 50th percentile within the market composite for his or her specific role. The Compensation Committee also recommends to the Board specific Company financial performance measures and targets including the relative weighting and payout thresholds. The financial targets are aligned with our Board-approved annual operating plan, and during the year periodic reports are made to the Board about our performance compared with the targets. Under the AIP, a significant portion of the executive’s annual compensation is tied directly to our financial performance. The target amount of annual incentive compensation under our AIP, expressed as a percentage of base salary, generally increases with an executive’s level of management responsibility. AIP target incentive can represent up to 100% of the base cash compensation for our named executive officers and may be paid in the form of cash, stock or a combination of the two. If performance results meet target levels, our executives can earn up to a maximum of 100% of their target incentive. No incentive can be earned for performance below the minimum threshold. Equity awards under the AIP are granted under the 2007 Plan.
For fiscal year 2014, the AIP provided for a cash payout and contained minimum, target and maximum performance thresholds based on the performance measures, using EPS as the performance metric. The threshold amounts were established in August 2013, and the plan provided for no payout if the minimum threshold was not met, a 50% payout if the minimum threshold was met and a 100% payout if the target was achieved. If the maximum target threshold was met, the plan was capped at 150% payout. The EPS performance thresholds for fiscal year 2014 were based on a non-GAAP measure that excluded share-based compensation, amortization of purchased technology, transactional tax assessments, amortization of intangible assets, restructuring charges, excess and obsolete inventory writedowns associated with legacy products, costs related to liquidation of foreign subsidiaries, property plant and equipment impairment charges, adjustments to the pro forma tax rate, non-recurring income and other non-recurring charges.
Table 1
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| | | | | | |
| | | | | Results-Driven Entitlement |
| Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Incentive Plan | | Performance | | Payout |
| Metric | | Tiers | | (As % of Financial Target) | | (As % of Award Target) |
| Earnings Per Share | | Minimum Threshold | | 50% | | 50% |
| | Target | | 100% | | 100% |
| | Maximum Threshold | | 150% | | 150% |
In fiscal year 2014, the AIP did not guarantee payout of the target amounts, and the Compensation Committee considered the EPS performance thresholds to be challenging. During the 2014 fiscal year, we did not achieve the minimum threshold target for AIP awards; therefore, no named executive officer received a cash payout. The minimum threshold target required the Company to achieve an EPS target of $0.26, a target of EPS of $0.31 or a maximum target of $0.36 in order to achieve the respective payouts.
Long-Term Compensation — Equity Incentives
The Compensation Committee uses the Long Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) as a means for determining awards of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, performance shares, and other stock-based awards to our officers and other executives based on multi-year performance. All of the awards are granted under the 2007 Plan.
Our LTIP is designed to motivate our executives to focus on achievement of our long-term financial goals. Equity awards motivate our executives to achieve our long-term goals and to the extent our results affect our stock price, link such results with the performance of our stock over a three to four -year period. Using equity awards helps us to retain executives,
encourage share ownership and maintain a direct link between our executive compensation program and the value and appreciation in the value of our stock.
In fiscal year 2014, LTIP awards were composed solely of stock options. Stock options vested one third on the first anniversary of the grant date, with one third vesting each year thereafter. The Committee believes that stock options provide clear alignment with stockholder interests.
Performance Shares. In past fiscal years, the Compensation Committee recommended performance share awards that are earned, if the performance criteria are met, at the end of a three year plan cycle. The maximum possible entitlement to performance shares will occur if 100% of the target is achieved. In addition, irrespective of Company performance versus target, there is no entitlement to performance shares unless the award recipient continues to be employed throughout the multi-year period. Performance shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $0.01 per share if eligible employment ends during the performance measurement period and to the extent the maximum performance is not achieved during the performance measurement period. For fiscal year 2014, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, all of the performance based restricted shares under the fiscal year 2011 LTIP, were repurchased by the Company since the Compensation Committee determined that the threshold targets had not been met. For compensation planning purposes, awards of performance-based restricted stock are valued at the fair market value of the shares on the date of award, which isthis proxy statement. This proxy statement incorporates by reference the closing price ondocuments set forth below that we have previously filed with the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date, without reduction to reflect vesting or other conditions.
Stock Options. The Compensation Committee believes that stock options directly align the interests of executivesSEC. These documents contain important information about us and stockholders as the options only result in gain to the recipient if our stock price increases above the exercise price of the options. In addition, options are intended to help retain key employees because they vest over a period of time, and to assist in the hiring of new executives by replacing the value of stock options that may have been forfeited as a result of leaving a former employer. Generally, options are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the grant date, which is the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date. Typically, the Compensation Committee awards stock options that vest and become exercisable solely on the basis of continued employment, or other service, over three or four years. Duration of stock options (subject to the terms of the 2007 Plan) is seven years from grant date. For compensation planning purposes, awards of stock options are valued using the Black-Scholes valuation method, without reduction to reflect vesting or other conditions. In fiscal year 2014, the Black-Scholes valuations were approximately 50% of the grant-date exercise price value of the shares subject to the option.
Service-Based Restricted Stock. Service-based restricted stock awards are awards of stock at the start of a vesting period which is subject to repurchase for nominal consideration if the specified vesting conditions are not satisfied. In addition to their use as a component of the LTIP, awards of service-based restricted stock may be made on a selective basis to individual executives primarily to facilitate retention and succession planning or to replace the value of equity awards that may have been forfeited as a result of the executive’s leaving a former employer. For compensation planning purposes, awards of service-based restricted stock are valued at the fair market value of the shares on the date of award, which is the closing price on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on that date, without reduction to reflect vesting or other conditions. Typically, the Compensation Committee awards restricted stock that vests and becomes exercisable solely on the basis of continued employment, or other service, usually over three years, with 33 1/3 % vesting on the first anniversary of the date of the grant and an additional 33 1/3 % vesting on the second and third anniversaries of the date of the grant. Unvested shares are subject to repurchase by the Company at $0.01 per share if employment ends before the third anniversary of the grant date.
Recovery of Executive Compensation
Our executive compensation program permits us to recover or “clawback” all or a portion of any performance-based compensation if our financial statementscondition and are restated as a result of errors, omissions, or fraud. The amount which may be recovered will be the amount by which the affected compensation exceeded the amount that would have been payable had the financial statements been initially filed as restated, or any greater or lesser amount that the Compensation Committee or our Board shall determine. In no case will the amount to be recovered by us be less than the amount required to be repaid or recovered as a matter of law. Recovery of such amounts by us would be in addition to any actions imposed by law, enforcement agencies, regulators, or other authorities.
Hedging Prohibition
Our executive officers, as well as other employees, are prohibited from engaging in hedging or similar transactions with respect to our securities where the transaction is designed or intended to decrease the risks associated with holding our securities. This prohibition includes transactions involving puts, call, collars or other derivative securities.
Perquisites
Our executive officers participate in the same group insurance and employee benefit plans as our other full-time U.S. employees. We do not provide special benefits or other perquisites to our executive officers.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
While we do not have a minimum stock ownership requirement for members of the Board and our named executive officers, the corporate governance guidelines adopted by the Board encourage the ownership of our common stock. The Compensation Committee is satisfied that the stock and other equity holdings among our executive officers are sufficient at this time to provide appropriate motivation to align this group’s long-term interests with those of our stockholders.
Tax and Accounting Considerations
Tax Considerations. The Compensation Committee generally considers the federal income tax and financial accounting consequences of the various components of the executive compensation program in making decisions about executive compensation. The Compensation Committee believes that achieving the compensation objectives discussed above is more important than the benefit of tax deductibility and the executive compensation programs may, from time to time, limit the tax deductibility of compensation. Nevertheless, when not inconsistent with these objectives, the Compensation Committee endeavors to award compensation that will be deductible for income tax purposes. Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m) may limit the tax deductions that a public company can claim for compensation to some of its named executive officers. The Company does not guarantee that any compensation intended to qualify as deductible performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) so qualifies.
Accounting Considerations. The Compensation Committee also considers the accounting implications of various forms of executive compensation. In its financial statements, the Company records salaries and performance-based compensation such as bonuses as expenses in the amount paid or to be paid to the named executive officers. Accounting rules also require the Company to record an expense in its financial statements for equity awards, even though equity awards are not paid as cash to employees. The accounting expense of equity awards to employees is calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Compensation Committee believes that the many advantages of equity compensation, as discussed above, more than compensate for the non-cash accounting expense associated with them.
Benefits under the 401(k) Plan and Generally Available Benefit Programs
In fiscal year 2014, our named executive officers were eligible to participate in the health and welfare programs that are generally available to all full-time U.S.-based employees, including medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, employee assistance, flexible spending and accidental death and dismemberment.
In addition, the named executive officers and all other eligible U.S.-based employees can participate in our tax-qualified 401(k) Plan. Under the 401(k) Plan, all eligible employees can receive matching contributions from the Company; however, the Company suspended matching effective January 1, 2014 for an indefinite period of time. Our company-matching contribution for the 401(k) Plan prior to January 1, 2014 was 100% of the first 5% of contributions by the employee to the 401(k) Plan. Employees under the age of 50 can contribute a maximum per participating employee of $17,500 during each calendar year, and employees over the age of 50 can contribute a maximum per participating employee of $23,000. We do not provide defined benefit pension plans or defined contribution retirement plans to the named executive officers or other employees other than the 401(k) Plan, or as required in certain countries other than the United States, for legal or competitive reasons.
We adopted an employee stock purchase plan effective November 19, 2009 and commencing on July 3, 2010, under which named executive officers and all other eligible U.S.-based employees can elect, on a quarterly basis, to apply a portion of their cash compensation to purchase shares of our common stock at a 5% discount. An employee’s total purchases in any year cannot exceed $25,000 in value or 15% of his or her salary, whichever is less. Furthermore, an employee may not purchase more than 608 shares of common stock annually under the employee stock purchase plan.
The 401(k) Plan, employee stock purchase plan and the other benefit programs allow us to remain competitive and enhance employee loyalty and productivity. These benefit programs are primarily intended to provide all eligible employees with competitive and quality healthcare, financial contributions for retirement and to enhance hiring and retention.
Post-Termination Compensation
Employment agreements have been established with each of our named executive officers. These agreements provide for certain payments and benefits to the employee if his or her employment with us is terminated. These arrangements are discussed in more detail below. We have determined that such payments and benefits are an integral part of a competitive compensation package for our named executive officers. For additional information regarding our employment agreements with our named executive officers, see the discussion under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.”
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and incorporated by reference into ourthis proxy statement.
The following Aviat filings with the SEC are incorporated by reference:
•Aviat’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014.July 3, 2015;
•Aviat’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended October 2, 2015, and January 1, 2016;
Compensation Committee•Aviat’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2015, November 16, 2015, December 7, 2015, January 5, 2016, January 21, 2016, April 1, 2016 and April 12, 2016; and
•Aviat’s Form S-8 filed on February 10, 2016.
We also incorporate by reference into this proxy statement additional documents that we may file with the SEC between the date of this proxy statement and the date of the Board of Directors
Dr. James C. Stoffel, Chairman
Risk Considerations in Our Compensation Program
Special Meeting. These documents include periodic reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as Current Reports on Form 8-K and proxy soliciting materials. The Compensation Committee, pursuant to its charter, is responsible for reviewing and overseeing the compensation benefits structure applicable to our employees, generally. We do not believe that our compensation policies and practices for our employees give rise to risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effectinformation provided on our company. In reachingwebsite is not part of this conclusion,proxy statement, and therefore is not incorporated by reference herein.
Information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of any Current Report on Form 8-K, including related exhibits, is not and will not be incorporated by reference into this proxy statement.
You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information that we consideredfile with the Securities and Exchange Commission at the SEC’s public reference room at the following factors:location: 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, DC 20549. You may also obtain copies of those documents at prescribed rates by writing to the Public Reference Section of the SEC at that address. Please call the SEC at (800) SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. These SEC filings are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and at www.sec.gov.
You may obtain any of the documents we file with the SEC, without charge, by requesting them in writing or by telephone from us at the following address:
Our compensation program is designedAviat Networks, Inc.
Attn: Corporate Secretary
5200 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
If you would like to provide a mix of both fixed and “at risk” incentive compensation.
The incentive elementsrequest documents from us, please do so as soon as possible to receive them before the Special Meeting. If you request any documents from us, we will mail them to you by first class mail, or another equally prompt method. Please note that all of our compensation program (annual incentives and multi-year equity LTIP awards)documents that we file with the SEC are designed to reward both annual performance (underalso promptly available through the annual incentive plan) and longer-term performance (under the LTIP). We believeInvestor Relations section of our website, www.aviatnetworks.com. The information included on our website is not incorporated by reference into this design mitigates any incentive for short-term risk-taking that could be detrimental to our company’s long-term best interests.proxy statement.
Maximum payouts under our annual incentive plan are currently capped at 100% of target payouts. We believe these limits mitigate excessive risk-taking, since the maximum amount that can be earned is limited.
Finally, our annual incentive plan and our long-term incentive plan both contain provisions under which awards may be recouped or forfeited if the recipient has not complied with our policies. In addition, our performance-based plans (cash incentive and performance shares) both contain provisions under which awards may be recouped or forfeited if the financial results for a period affecting the calculation of an award are later restated.
YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO VOTE ON THE PROPOSALS. AVIAT HAS NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table summarizes the total compensation for each of our fiscal years ended June 27, 2014, June 28, 2013 and June 29, 2012 of our named executive officers, who consisted of our CEO, CFO and the next three other most highly compensated executive officers.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name/Principal Position | | Fiscal Year
(1) | | Salary
(3) | | Bonus
(4) | | Stock Awards
(5) | | Option Awards
(6) | | Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation (7) | | Change in Pension Value and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
(8) | | All Other Compensation
(9) | | Total |
| | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) |
| Michael Pangia, Chief Executive Officer (2) | | 2014 | | 550,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 495,542 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,142 |
| | 1,047,684 |
|
| | 2013 | | 550,000 |
| | — |
| | 539,809 |
| | 160,999 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 92,778 |
| | 1,343,586 |
|
| | 2012 | | 542,500 |
| | — |
| | 405,533 |
| | 366,576 |
| | 275,000 |
| | — |
| | 234,689 |
| | 1,824,298 |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr., Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (2) | | 2014 | | 360,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 243,265 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,284 |
| | 609,549 |
|
| | 2013 | | 360,000 |
| | — |
| | 264,997 |
| | 79,036 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14,996 |
| | 719,029 |
|
| | 2012 | | 235,385 |
| | 75,000 |
| | 355,937 |
| | 458,068 |
| | 96,250 |
| | — |
| | 54,426 |
| | 1,275,066 |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe, Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer (formerly Chief Operations Officer) (2) | | 2014 | | 345,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 217,588 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,415 |
| | 565,003 |
|
| | 2013 | | 340,385 |
| | — |
| | 237,026 |
| | 70,693 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,379 |
| | 650,483 |
|
| | 2012 | | 325,000 |
| | — |
| | 92,430 |
| | 97,476 |
| | 97,500 |
| | — |
| | 2,260 |
| | 614,666 |
|
| Shaun McFall, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer | | 2014 | | 320,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 187,405 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 5,940 |
| | 513,345 |
|
| | 2013 | | 315,385 |
| | — |
| | 204,146 |
| | 60,887 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 14,170 |
| | 594,588 |
|
| | 2012 | | 300,000 |
| | — |
| | 85,320 |
| | 89,977 |
| | 90,000 |
| | — |
| | 9,181 |
| | 574,478 |
|
| Meena Elliott, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | | 2014 | | 300,000 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 162,178 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,569 |
| | 466,747 |
|
| | 2013 | | 300,000 |
| | — |
| | 176,665 |
| | 52,691 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 13,414 |
| | 542,770 |
|
| | 2012 | | 295,385 |
| | — |
| | 85,320 |
| | 89,977 |
| | 90,000 |
| | — |
| | 13,584 |
| | 574,266 |
|
_______________________
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(1) | Our fiscal year 2014 ended June 27, 2014, fiscal year 2013 ended June 28, 2013 and our fiscal year 2012 ended June 29, 2012. The amounts in this table represent total compensation paid or earned for our fiscal year as included in our annual financial statements. |
| |
(2) | Effective July 18, 2011, Mr. Pangia was appointed President and CEO. Effective October 31, 2011, Mr. Hayes was appointed Senior Vice President and CFO. Effective June 24, 2012, Mr. Stumpe was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Sales Officer. |
| |
(3) | The annual base salary for Mr. Pangia as our CEO is $550,000. The amount in the Summary Compensation table for the fiscal year ended June 29, 2012 of $542,500 reflects Mr. Pangia’s salary as our Chief Sales Officer for the period July 2, 2011 through July 17, 2011 and as our CEO for the period July 18, 2011 through June 29, 2012. |
The annual base salary for Mr. Hayes is $360,000. The amount in the Summary Compensation table for fiscal year 2012 of $235,385 reflects Mr. Hayes’ salary for the period October 31, 2011 through June 29, 2012. The annual base salary for Mr. Stumpe is $345,000 effective July 1, 2012. The annual base salary for Mr. McFall is $320,000 effective August 15, 2012.
| |
(4) | Represents a one-time bonus earned by Mr. Hayes in respect of fiscal year 2012 performance for the achievement of certain management objectives. |
| |
(5) | The “Stock Awards” column shows the full grant date fair value of the performance shares (at target) and restricted stock granted in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. |
The grant date fair value of the performance shares and restricted stock was determined under FASB ASC Topic 718 and represents the amount we would expense in our financial statements over the entire vesting schedule for the awards. The grant date fair value for performance awards and restricted stock was based on the closing market price of our common stock on the respective award dates, except for the performance shares granted during fiscal year 2011 as discussed above. The assumptions used for determining values are set forth in Notes 1 and 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
June 27, 2014. These amounts reflect our accounting for these grants and do not correspond to the actual values that may be recognized by the named executive officers.
| |
(6) | The “Option Awards” column shows the full grant date fair value of the stock options granted in fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The grant date fair value of the stock option awards was determined under FASB ASC Topic 718 and represents the amount we would expense in our financial statements over the entire vesting schedule for the awards. The assumptions used for determining values are set forth in Notes 1 and 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014. These amounts reflect our accounting for these grants and do not correspond to the actual values that may be recognized by the named executive officers.
|
| |
(7) | There was no non-equity incentive compensation under the AIP for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, respectively. For fiscal year 2012, this figure represents amounts earned in respect of fiscal year 2012 performance under the fiscal year 2012 AIP as though 100% of revenue and operating income (non-GAAP) targets had been achieved with actual achievement of 100% of both targets. |
| |
(8) | We do not currently have our own pension plan or deferred compensation plan. |
| |
(9) | The following table describes the components of the “All Other Compensation” column. |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | Life Insurance (a) | | Other Bonus (b) | | Relocation Benefits (c) | | Company Matching Contributions Under 401(k) Plan (d) | | Total All Other Compensation |
| Name | | Year | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) |
| Michael Pangia | | 2014 | | 2,142 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,142 |
|
| | | 2013 | | 2,142 |
| | — |
| | 90,636 |
| | — |
| | 92,778 |
|
| | | 2012 | | 2,100 |
| | — |
| | 232,589 |
| | — |
| | 234,689 |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr. | | 2014 | | 2,534 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,750 |
| | 6,284 |
|
| | | 2013 | | 2,534 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12,462 |
| | 14,996 |
|
| | | 2012 | | 1,657 |
| | 50,000 |
| | — |
| | 2,769 |
| | 54,426 |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | 2014 | | 2,415 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,415 |
|
| | | 2013 | | 2,379 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,379 |
|
| | | 2012 | | 2,260 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 2,260 |
|
| Shaun McFall | | 2014 | | 1,190 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,750 |
| | 5,940 |
|
| | | 2013 | | 1,170 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 13,000 |
| | 14,170 |
|
| | | 2012 | | 1,104 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8,077 |
| | 9,181 |
|
| Meena Elliott | | 2014 | | 1,107 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,462 |
| | 4,569 |
|
| | | 2013 | | 914 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12,500 |
| | 13,414 |
|
| | | 2012 | | 709 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12,875 |
| | 13,584 |
|
_____________________
| |
(a) | Represents premiums paid for life insurance that represent taxable income for the named executive officer. |
| |
(b) | Represents a sign-on bonus paid to Mr. Hayes. |
| |
(c) | Represents taxable benefits paid in connection with the relocation of Mr. Pangia’s household to California from Georgia. |
| |
(d) | Represents matching contributions made by us to the 401(k) account of the respective named executive. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2014
The following table lists our grants and incentives during our fiscal year ended June 27, 2014 of plan-based awards, both equity and non-equity based and including our Annual Incentive Plan and Long-Term Incentive Plan, to the named executive officers listed in the Summary Compensation Table. There is no assurance that the grant date fair value of stock and option awards will ever be realized.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | All Other Stock Awards in Fiscal Year 2014 |
| | | | | Estimated Possible Payouts Under Short-Term Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards in Fiscal Year 2014 (2) | | Estimated Future Payments Under Equity Incentive Plan Awards in Fiscal Year 2014 (3) | | Number of Shares of Stock or Units | | Number of Securities Underlying Options (4) | | Exercise or Base Price of Option Awards | | Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards (5) |
| | | Grant Date | | Threshold | | Target | | Maximum | | Threshold | | Target | | Maximum | | | | |
| Name | | (1) | | ($) | | ($) | | ($) | | (#) | | (#) | | (#) | | (#) | | (#) | | ($/Share) | | ($) |
| Michael Pangia | | 9/9/2013 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 416,667 |
| | 2.60 |
| | 495,542 |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr. | | 9/9/2013 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 204,545 |
| | 2.60 |
| | 243,265 |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | 9/9/2013 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 182,955 |
| | 2.60 |
| | 217,588 |
|
| Shaun McFall | | 9/9/2013 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 157,576 |
| | 2.60 |
| | 187,405 |
|
| Meena Elliott | | 9/9/2013 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 136,364 |
| | 2.60 |
| | 162,178 |
|
______________________
| |
(1) | Grant Date of Common Stock under the 2007 Plan. |
| |
(2) | There were no Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards granted under our fiscal year 2014 Annual Incentive Plan. |
| |
(3) | There were no Equity Incentive Plan Awards granted under our fiscal year 2014 Annual Incentive Plan. |
| |
(4) | Stock options vest in installments of 33 1/3% one year from the grant date, 33 1/3% two years from the grant date and 33 1/3% three years from the grant date based on continuous employment through those dates. |
| |
(5) | The “Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards” column shows the full grant date fair value of the stock options granted in fiscal year 2014. The grant date fair value of the stock options was determined under FASB ASC Topic 718 and represents the amount we would expense in our financial statements over the entire vesting schedule for the awards in the event the vesting provisions are achieved. |
The assumptions used for determining values are set forth in Notes 1 and 10 to our audited consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014. These amounts reflect our accounting for these grants and do not correspond to the actual values that may be recognized by the named executive officers.THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS DATED _________________, 2016. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN SUCH DATE, AND THE SENDING OR MAKING AVAILABLE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO STOCKHOLDERS SHALL NOT CREATE ANY IMPLICATION TO THE CONTRARY.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2014
The following table provides information regarding outstanding unexercised stock options and unvested stock awards held by each of our named executive officers as of June 27, 2014. Each grant of options or unvested stock awards is shown separately for each named executive officer. The vesting schedule for each award of options is shown in the footnotes following this table based on the option grant date. The material terms of the option awards, other than exercise price and vesting are generally described in the 2007 Plan.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| | | Award Grant Date | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable | | | Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options | | Option Exercise Price | | Option Expiration Date | | Number of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested (3) | | Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock that have not Vested (4) | | 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 (3) |
| Name | | | | (#) | | (#) | | | (#) | | ($) | | | | (#) | | ($) | | (#) | | | ($) |
| Michael Pangia | | 09/09/2013 | | — |
| | 416,667 |
| (1) | | — |
| | 2.60 |
| | 9/9/2020 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/29/2012 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 22,298 |
| (5) | | 27,873 |
|
| | | 10/03/2012 | | 68,750 |
| | 68,750 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.28 |
| | 10/3/2019 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | 225,965 |
| | 75,322 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.37 |
| | 9/8/2018 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 32,592 |
| | 40,740 |
| | — |
|
| | — |
|
| | | 11/11/2010 | | 50,000 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 4.36 |
| | 11/11/2017 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/12/2009 | | 49,052 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 6.00 |
| | 11/12/2016 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 03/30/2009 | | 80,586 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 4.05 |
| | 3/30/2016 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr. | | 09/09/2013 | | — |
| | 204,545 |
| (1) | | — |
| | 2.6 |
| | 9/9/2020 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/29/2012 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 10,946 |
| (5) | | 13,683 |
|
| | | 10/03/2012 | | 33,750 |
| | 33,750 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.28 |
| | 10/3/2019 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 10/31/2011 | | 222,175 |
| | 74,059 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.05 |
| | 10/31/2018 |
| | — |
| | __ |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 10/31/2011 | | 101,959 |
| | 33,987 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.05 |
| | 10/31/2018 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 10/31/2011 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 30,487 |
| | 38,109 |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 10/31/2011 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 11,738 |
| | 14,673 |
| | — |
|
| | — |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | 09/09/2013 | | — |
| | 182,955 |
| (1) | | — |
| | 2.6 |
| | 9/9/20 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/29/2012 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,791 |
| (5) | | 12,239 |
|
| | | 10/03/2012 | | 30,187 |
| | 30,188 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.28 |
| | 10/3/2019 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | 60,086 |
| | 20,029 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.37 |
| | 9/8/2018 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,333 |
| | 5,416 |
| | — |
|
| | — |
|
| | | 11/11/2010 | | 55,000 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 4.36 |
| | 11/11/2017 |
| | — | | — | | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/12/2009 | | 30,100 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 6.00 |
| | 11/12/2016 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/05/2008 | | 37,326 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 5.97 |
| | 11/5/2015 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| Shaun McFall | | 09/09/2013 | | — |
| | 157,576 |
| (1) | | — |
| | 2.6 |
| | 9/9/2020 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/29/2012 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8,433 |
| (5) | | 10,541 |
|
| | | 10/03/2012 | | 26,000 |
| | 26,000 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.28 |
| | 10/3/2019 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | 55,464 |
| | 18,488 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.37 |
| | 9/8/2018 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,000 |
| | 5,000 |
| | — |
|
| | — |
|
| | | 11/11/2010 | | 55,000 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 4.36 |
| | 11/11/2017 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/12/2009 | | 26,198 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 6.00 |
| | 11/12/2016 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/05/2008 | | 29,796 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 5.97 |
| | 11/5/2015 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| Meena Elliott | | 09/09/2013 | | — |
| | 136,364 |
| (1) | | — |
| | 2.6 |
| | 9/9/2020 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/29/2012 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 7,298 |
| (5) | | 9,123 |
|
| | | 10/03/2012 | | 22,500 |
| | 22,500 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.28 |
| | 10/3/2019 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | 55,464 |
| | 18,488 |
| (2) | | — |
| | 2.37 |
| | 9/8/2018 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 09/08/2011 | | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 4,000 |
| | 5,000 |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/11/2010 | | 40,000 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 4.36 |
| | 11/11/2017 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/12/2009 | | 22,297 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 6.00 |
| | 11/12/2016 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
| | | 11/05/2008 | | 16,428 |
| | — |
| (2) | | — |
| | 5.97 |
| | 11/5/2015 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | | — |
|
______________________
| |
(1) | Stock options vest in installments of 33 1/3% one year from the grant date, 33 1/3% two years from the grant date and 33 1/3% three years from the grant date based on continuous employment through those dates. |
| |
(2) | Stock options vest in installments of 50% one year from the grant date, 25% two years from the grant date and 25% three years from the grant date based on continuous employment through those dates. |
| |
(3) | Restricted stock that vests in installments of 33 1/3% one year from the grant date, 33 1/3% two years from the grant date and 33 1/3% three years from the grant date based on continuous employment through those dates. |
| |
(4) | Market value is based on the $1.25 closing price of a share of our common stock on June 27, 2014, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
|
| |
(5) | Performance shares were granted under the fiscal year 2013 LTIP, and vest if performance target is met: 1/3 upon performance target is met, 1/3 at the end of fiscal year 2014 and 1/3 at the end of fiscal year 2015. The performance target is $0.17 of Non-GAAP EPS for fiscal year 2013. The shares may vest following the end of our fiscal years 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, based on continuous employment and achievement of performance results as stated above. The first one-third of the performance shares vested on August 28, 2013. |
Option Exercised and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2014
The following table provides information for each of our named executive officers regarding the number of shares of our common stock acquired upon the vesting of stock awards during fiscal year 2014. No options to purchase common stock were exercised during fiscal year 2014. Stock awards vesting during fiscal year 2014 consisted of restricted stock with service-based and performance-based vesting provisions.
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Option Awards | | Stock Awards |
| Name | | Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#) | | Value Realized on Exercise ($) | | Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#) | | Value Received on Vesting ($) (3) |
| Michael Pangia | | — | | — | | 40,926 |
| (1) | 101,006 |
|
| | | | 205,365 |
| (2) | 498,355 |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr. | | — | | — | | 42,226 |
| (1) | 86,986 |
|
| | | | 100,816 |
| (2) | 244,647 |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | — | | — | | 13,499 |
| (1) | 29,786 |
|
| | | | 90,174 |
| (2) | 218,823 |
|
| Shaun McFall | | — | | — | | 13,166 |
| (1) | 28,927 |
|
| | | | 77,665 |
| (2) | 188,467 |
|
| Meena Elliott | | — | | — | | 10,666 |
| (1) | 23,852 |
|
| | | | | | | 67,210 |
| (2) | 163,096 |
|
_________________________
| |
(1) | Vested number of shares of service-based restricted common stock. |
| |
(2) | Vested number of shares of performance-based restricted common stock. |
| |
(3) | Amount shown is the aggregate market value of the vested shares of restricted common stock based on the closing price of our stock on the vesting date. |
Equity Compensation Plan Summary
The following table provides information as of June 27, 2014, relating to our equity compensation plan pursuant to which grants of options, restricted stock and performance shares may be granted from time to time and the option plans and agreements assumed by us in connection with the Stratex acquisition:
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Plan Category | | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (1) | | Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options (2) | | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Further Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in the First Column) |
| Equity Compensation plan approved by security holders(3) | | 7,708,529 |
| | $ | 3.21 |
| | 3,599,382 |
|
| Equity Compensation plans not approved by security holders(4) | | 32,625 |
| | $ | 24.60 |
| | — |
|
| Total | | 7,741,154 |
| | $ | 3.30 |
| | 3,599,382 |
|
_____________________
| |
(1) | Under the 2007 Plan, in addition to options, we have granted share-based compensation awards in the form of performance shares, restricted stock, performance share units and restricted stock units. As of June 27, 2014, there were 389,612 such awards outstanding under that plan. The outstanding awards consisted of (i) performance share awards at target and restricted stock awards, for which all 197,457 shares were issued and outstanding; and (ii) 192,155 performance share unit awards at target and restricted stock unit awards, for which all 192,155 were payable in shares but for which no shares were yet issued and outstanding. The 7,708,529 shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights as listed in the first column consisted of shares to be issued in respect of the exercise of 7,516,374 outstanding options and in respect of the 192,155 combined performance share awards, performance share unit awards, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units awards payable in shares.
|
| |
(2) | Excludes weighted average fair value of performance share awards, performance share unit awards, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units at issuance date. |
| |
(3) | Consists solely of the 2007 Plan. |
| |
(4) | Consists of common stock that may be issued pursuant to option plans and agreements assumed pursuant to the Stratex acquisition. The Stratex plans were duly approved by the stockholders of Stratex prior to the merger with us. No shares are available for further issuance. |
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
Employment agreements have been established with each of the continuing named executive officers, which provide for such executives to receive certain payments and benefits if their employment with us is terminated. These arrangements are set forth in detail below assuming a termination event on June 27, 2014 based on our stock price on that date. The Board has determined that such payments and benefits are an integral part of a competitive compensation package for our executive officers.
The table below reflects the compensation and benefits due to each of the named executive officers in the event of termination of employment by us without cause or termination by the executive for good reason (other than within 18 months after a Change of Control, as defined below) and in the event of disability and in the event of termination of employment by us without cause or termination by the executive for good reason within 18 months after a Change of Control. The amounts shown in the table are estimates of the amounts that would be paid upon termination of employment. There are no compensation and benefits due to any named executive officer in the event of death, or of termination of employment by us for cause or voluntary termination. The actual amounts would be determined only at the time of the termination of employment.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Name | | Conditions for Payouts | | Number of Months (#) | | Base per Month (1) ($) | | Months Times Base ($) | | Total Severance Payments ($) | | Accelerated Equity Vesting (3) ($) | | Continuation of Insurance Benefit (4) ($) | | Out-Placement Services (5) ($) | | Total ($) |
| Michael Pangia | | Termination without cause or for good reason, or due to disability | | 12 | | 45,833 |
| | 550,000 |
| | 550,000 |
| | — |
| | 20,362 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 600,362 |
|
| | | Within 18 months after Change of Control | | 24 | | 45,833 |
| | 1,100,000 |
| | 1,100,000 |
| | 68,613 |
| | 40,724 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 1,239,337 |
|
| Edward J. Hayes, Jr. | | Termination without cause or for good reason, or due to disability | | 12 | | 30,000 |
| | 360,000 |
| | 360,000 |
| | — |
| | 18,072 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 408,072 |
|
| | | Within 18 months after Change of Control | | 24 | | 30,000 |
| | 720,000 |
| | 720,000 |
| | 66,464 |
| | 36,145 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 852,609 |
|
| Heinz H. Stumpe | | Termination without cause or for good reason, or due to disability | | 12 | | 28,750 |
| | 345,000 |
| | 345,000 |
| | — |
| | 16,520 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 391,520 |
|
| | | Within 18 months after Change of Control | | 24 | | 28,750 |
| | 690,000 |
| | 690,000 |
| | 17,655 |
| | 33,040 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 770,695 |
|
| Shaun McFall | | Termination without cause or for good reason, or due to disability | | 12 | | 26,667 |
| | 320,000 |
| | 320,000 |
| | — |
| | 25,124 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 375,124 |
|
| | | Within 18 months after Change of Control | | 24 | | 26,667 |
| | 640,000 |
| | 640,000 |
| | 15,541 |
| | 50,247 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 735,788 |
|
| Meena Elliott | | Termination without cause or for good reason, or due to disability | | 12 | | 25,000 |
| | 300,000 |
| | 300,000 |
| | — |
| | 18,072 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 348,072 |
|
| | | Within 18 months after Change of Control | | 24 | | 25,000 |
| | 600,000 |
| | 600,000 |
| | 14,123 |
| | 36,145 |
| | 30,000 |
| | 680,268 |
|
______________________
| |
(1) | The monthly base salary represents the total gross monthly payments to each named executive officer at the current salary. |
| |
(2) | Reflects acceleration of outstanding equity awards as of June 27, 2014.
|
| |
(3) | The insurance benefit provided is paid directly to the insurer benefit provider and includes amounts for COBRA. |
| |
(4) | The estimated dollar amounts for outplacement services would be paid directly to an outplacement provider selected by us. |
The employment agreements with our named executive officers define a “Change of Control” as follows:
any merger, consolidation, share exchange or acquisition, unless immediately following such merger, consolidation, share exchange or acquisition of at least 50% of the total voting power (in respect of the election of directors, or similar officials in the case of an entity other than a corporation) of the entity resulting from such merger, consolidation or share exchange, or the entity which has acquired all or substantially all of our assets (in the case of an asset sale that satisfies the criteria of an acquisition) (in either case, the “Surviving Entity”); or
if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% or more of the total voting power (in respect of the election of directors, or similar officials in the case of an entity other than a corporation) of the Surviving Entity is represented by our securities that were outstanding immediately prior to such merger, consolidation, share exchange or acquisition (or, if applicable, is represented by shares into which such Company securities were converted pursuant to such merger, consolidation, share exchange or acquisition); or
any person or group of persons (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) directly or indirectly acquires beneficial ownership (determined pursuant to SEC Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of securities possessing more than 30% of the total combined voting power of our outstanding securities pursuant to a tender or exchange offer made directly to the our stockholders that the Board does not recommend such stockholders accept, other than: (i) an employee benefit plan of ours or any of our affiliates; (ii) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of our or any of our affiliates; or (iii) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities; or
over a period of 36 consecutive months or less, there is a change in the composition of the Board such that a majority of the Board members (rounded up to the next whole number, if a fraction) ceases, by reason of one or more proxy contests for the election of Board members, to be composed of individuals each of whom meet one of the following criteria: (i) have been a Board member continuously since the adoption of this plan or the beginning of such 36-month period; (ii) have been appointed by Harris Corporation; or (iii) have been elected or nominated during such 36-month period by at least a majority of the Board members that belong to the same Class of director as such Board member; and (iv) satisfied one of the above criteria when they were elected or nominated; or
a majority of the Board determines that a Change of Control has occurred; or
the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
Employment agreements are in effect for the other current named executive officers, which provide that if they are terminated without cause or should they resign for good reason or become disabled and they sign a general release they will be entitled to receive the following severance benefits:
severance payments at their final base salary for a period of 12 months following termination;
payment of premiums necessary to continue their group health insurance under COBRA (or to purchase other comparable health coverage on an individual basis if the employee is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage) until the earlier of (i) 12 months; or (ii) the date on which they first became eligible to participate in another employer’s group health insurance plan;
the prorated portion of any incentive bonus they would have earned during the incentive bonus period in which their employment was terminated;
any equity compensation subject to service-based vesting granted to the executive officer will stop vesting as of their termination date; however, they will be entitled to purchase any vested share(s) of stock that are subject to the outstanding options until the earlier of: (i) 12 months; or (ii) the date on which the applicable option(s) expire; and
outplacement assistance selected and paid for by us.
In addition, these agreements provide that if there is a Change of Control, and employment with us is terminated by us without cause or by the employee for good reason within 18 months after the Change of Control and they sign a general release of known and unknown claims in a form satisfactory to us, (i) the severance benefits described shall be increased by an additional 12 months; (ii) they will receive a payment equal to the greater of (a) the average of the annual incentive bonus payments received by them, if any, for the previous three years; or (b) their target incentive bonus for the year in which their
employment terminates; and (iii) the vesting of all unvested stock option(s) and unvested equity-compensation awards subject to service-based vesting will accelerate, such that all of such stock option(s) and equity-compensation awards will be fully vested as of the date of their termination/resignation.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Directors, executive officers and greater than 10% holders are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on our review of Forms 3 and 4 received during fiscal year 2014, and Forms 5 (or any written representations) received with respect to fiscal year 2014, we believe that all directors, officers, executive officers and 10% stockholders complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements during fiscal year 2014.
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Annual Meeting, directors are being nominated for election to serve until the 2015 Annual Meeting or until their successors are elected and qualified.
In the unanticipated event that a nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, all proxies received by the proxy holders will be voted for any subsequent nominee named by the Board to fill the vacancy created by the earlier nominee’s withdrawal from the election. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board is not aware of any director nominee who is unable or will decline to serve as a director. Each of the nominees has consented to being named in this Proxy Statement and to serve as a director if elected. Ages are as of the date of this Proxy Statement.
Director Nominees
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| | | | |
Name | | Title | | Age |
Charles D. Kissner | | Chairman of the Board | | 67 |
William A. Hasler | | Director | | 73 |
James R. Henderson | | Director | | 57 |
John Mutch | | Director | | 58 |
Michael A. Pangia | | Director, President and CEO | | 53 |
Robert G. Pearse | | Director | | 55 |
John J. Quicke | | Director | | 65 |
Dr. James C. Stoffel | | Lead Independent Director | | 68 |
Agreement with Certain Stockholders
On January 11, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) with Steel Partners Holdings L.P. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Steel Partners”) and Lone Star Value Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “Lone Star,” and together with Steel Partners, the “Stockholder Parties”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company agreed to appoint Messrs. Henderson, Mutch, Pearse and Quicke to the Board following the retirements of Messrs. Higgerson, Rau, Sohi and Thompson. In addition, the Company has agreed that its slate of nominees at the Annual Meeting will be Messrs. Kissner, Hasler, Henderson, Mutch, Pangia, Pearse and Quicke and Dr. Stoffel. In connection with entering into the Agreement, Lone Star and its affiliates withdrew their nomination of six candidates to the Board.
Pursuant to the Agreement, the Stockholder Parties have agreed to vote for the Board’s slate of nominees for directors at the Annual Meeting. In addition, the Stockholder Parties have agreed, until 30 days prior to the advance notice deadline for the submission of director nominations in respect of the 2015 Annual Meeting (such period, the “Restricted Period”) to customary standstill provisions during that time that provide, among other things, that the Stockholder Parties will not (a) engage in or in any way participate in a solicitation of proxies or consents with respect to the Company; or (b) initiate any shareholder proposals.
Prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, Steel Partners has agreed not to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 24.9% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The Company and Steel Partners have agreed that the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware will not be applicable to Steel Partners unless it acquires more than 24.9% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
Prior to the expiration of the Restricted Period, Lone Star has agreed not to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 9.9% of the Company’s outstanding common stock.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has appointed KPMG LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending July 3, 2015 and our Board has ratified such appointment. During fiscal year 2014, KPMG LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm and provided certain tax and other audit related services. See “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees.”
Notwithstanding its selection, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may appoint another independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee believes that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. If the appointment is not ratified by our stockholders, the Audit Committee may reconsider whether it should appoint another independent registered public accounting firm.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION
OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE’S APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP AS THE
COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
ADVISORY, NON-BINDING VOTE ON NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
A “say on pay” advisory vote is required for all U.S. public companies under Section 14A of the Exchange Act . We are asking stockholders to approve, on an advisory, non-binding basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers disclosed in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section, and the related compensation tables, notes and narrative, in this Proxy Statement.
The Board recommends that you vote “FOR” approval of the advisory, non-binding vote on executive compensation because it believes that the policies and practices described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section are effective in achieving the Company’s goals of rewarding sustained financial and operating performance and leadership excellence, aligning the executives’ long-term interests with those of the stockholders and motivating the executives to remain with the Company for long and productive careers. Named executive officer compensation of the past three years reflects amounts of cash and long-term equity awards consistent with periods of economic stress and lower earnings, and equity incentives aligning with our actions to stabilize the Company and to position it for a continued recovery.
We urge stockholders to read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and related compensation tables, notes and narrative, which provide detailed information on the Company’s compensation policies and practices and the compensation of our named executive officers.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVAL OF THE ADVISORY, NON-BINDING VOTE ON NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION.
OTHER MATTERS
2014 Annual Report
Our annual report for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014 willAviat knows of no other matters to be available over the Internet and is being mailed with this Proxy Statement.
Form 10-K
We filed an annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 27, 2014 with the SEC on December 22, 2014. Stockholders may obtain a copy of the annual report on Form 10-K, without charge, by writing to our Corporate Secretary,submitted at the address of our offices located at 5200 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California 95054, or through our website at www.aviatnetworks.com.
Other Business
The Board is not aware ofSpecial Meeting. If any other matter that may be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. Should any other mattermatters properly come before the AnnualSpecial Meeting, yourit is the intention of the proxy holders named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the shares they represent according to their best judgment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF AVIAT NETWORKS, INC.
Santa Clara, California
APPENDIX A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
AVIAT NETWORKS, INC.
Aviat Networks, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the “Corporation”), hereby certifies that:
A. The name of the Corporation is Aviat Networks, Inc.
B. The Corporation was originally incorporated under the name Harris Stratex Networks, Inc., and the original Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on October 5, 2006.
C. Article IV(a) of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
“(a) Capitalization. The total number of shares of all classes that this Corporation is authorized to issue is [ ],000,000 shares, of which (i) 50,000,000 shares shall be designated as preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”), and (ii) [300],000,000 shares shall be designated as common stock, willpar value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”). Upon the filing and effectiveness (the “Effective Time”) pursuant to the DGCL of this Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, each [ ] shares of Common Stock either issued and outstanding or held by the Corporation in treasury stock immediately prior to the Effective Time shall, automatically and without any action on the part of the respective holders thereof, be votedcombined and converted into one share of Common Stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”). No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with the Reverse Stock Split. Stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive cash (without interest or deduction) in lieu of such fractional share interests, in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying (a) the fraction of one share owned by the stockholder by (2) the closing price per share of the Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market as of the date of the Effective Time. Each certificate that immediately prior to the Effective Time represented shares of Common Stock (an “Old Certificate”) shall thereafter represent that number of shares of Common Stock into which the shares of Common Stock represented by the Old Certificate shall have been combined, subject to the elimination of fractional share interests as described above.”
D. This Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted by the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with the discretionprovisions of Section 242 of the proxy holders.Delaware General Corporation Law.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Aviat Networks, Inc. has caused this Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed this [•] day of [•], 2016.
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| AVIAT NETWORKS, INC |
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| By: |
| Name: |
| Title: |
