Item 10.
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Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
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Controlled Company
Eagle River Satellite Holdings, LLC and its affiliates (Eagle River) control approximately 64.9% of the voting power of
our outstanding common stock as of April 20, 2016. As a result, we are a controlled company within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market (Nasdaq) corporate governance rules and, as such, need not comply with certain
Nasdaq corporate governance requirements, including (1) the requirement that a majority of the board of directors consist of independent directors, (2) the requirement that the compensation of officers be determined, or recommended to the
board of directors for determination, by a majority of the independent directors or a compensation committee comprised solely of independent directors, and (3) the requirement that director nominees be selected, or recommended for the board of
directors selection, by a majority of the independent directors or a nominating committee comprised solely of independent directors with a written charter or board resolution addressing the nomination process. We do not currently rely on any
of these exemptions, but reserve the right to do so in the future. If we choose to do so, our shareholders may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the Nasdaq corporate governance
requirements.
Information Concerning our Directors
The name and certain background information regarding each director of Pendrell are set forth below. There are no family relationships among
directors or executive officers of Pendrell. In addition to the information presented below regarding each directors specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills that led the Board to conclude that he is qualified to serve as a
director of the Company, each of our directors has demonstrated business acumen and an ability to exercise sound judgment, as well as a commitment to Pendrell and our Board as demonstrated by his past service.
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Name
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Age
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Position Held with the Company
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Richard P. Emerson
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54
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Director
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Nicolas Kauser
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76
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Director
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Craig O. McCaw
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66
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Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors
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Lee E. Mikles
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60
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Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
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R. Gerard Salemme
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62
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Consultant and Director
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Stuart M. Sloan
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72
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Director
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H. Brian Thompson
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77
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Director
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Richard P. Emerson
Became Director:
October 2010
Mr. Emerson has spent his entire career in investment banking and corporate finance. Since 2008, Mr. Emerson has been a private
investor and pursued personal interests. From 2009 to 2012, Mr. Emerson attended Stanford University Law School from which he earned a juris doctor degree. From 2004 through 2008, he was Senior Managing Director of Evercore Partners Inc.,
a public investment banking advisory firm. From 2000 through 2003, Mr. Emerson served as Senior Vice President for Microsoft Corporation, a leading provider of software and technology solutions, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer
and serving on the executive leadership team, with responsibility for all acquisitions, investments and corporate strategy. Mr. Emerson joined Microsoft from investment bank Lazard Ltd., where as a Senior Managing Director, he advised telecom
and technology clients on significant mergers, acquisitions and related financial transactions from 1994 to 2000. Prior to Lazard, Mr. Emerson held senior roles with The Blackstone Group and Morgan Stanley & Co., both of which are
financial services companies. Mr. Emerson previously served on the Board of Directors of Clearwire Corporation, a leading provider of wireless broadband services (Clearwire), from 2003 through 2008, where he also served on the Audit
Committee.
Qualifications and Skills:
With a career dedicated to corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions,
Mr. Emerson is well suited to assist the Company with future financing and investment opportunities. His extensive background in corporate finance, his prior experience as a member of the Audit Committees of two public companies and a
non-profit entity, and his experience analyzing and evaluating financial statements qualifies him as an audit committee financial expert as defined in the applicable rules of the SEC and applicable NASDAQ listing standards. As such, the
Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Emerson to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.
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Nicolas Kauser
Became Director:
December 2008 (also served from May 2000 through May 2004)
Mr. Kauser is now retired after spending over 40 years in the communications industry. He was President of Clearwire International LLC
and Chief Technology Officer of Clearwire from 2005 to 2008, and he also served on the board of directors of Clearwire. From 1990 to 1998, Mr. Kauser served as Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of AT&T Wireless Services,
Inc. (formerly McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc.) and from 1984 to 1990, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations and Vice President of Engineering of Rogers Cantel, Inc., a Canadian wireless service provider. He also spent 20 years in
Venezuela where he first worked for the National Telephone Co. and subsequently co-founded two companies in the communications industry. From 1999 to January 2015, Mr. Kauser served on the board of directors of TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc., a
provider of radio frequency solutions and technology, where at various times he served on the boards Compensation, Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees. In 1998, Mr. Kauser received the prestigious Gold Prize awarded by The
Carnegie Mellon Institute and American Management Systems for excellence in the application of information technology. In recognition of his contributions to the communications industry, Mr. Kauser was inducted to the Wireless Hall of Fame in
October 2011.
Qualifications and Skills:
Mr. Kauser was a director of Pendrell from 2000 to 2004 and is familiar with
our operations and history. He has been involved in the technology industry for many years and has particular experience with communications companies. In addition, Mr. Kausers experience as a senior officer at Clearwire and AT&T
provides him with the management experience to assist in the oversight of our operations and strategic objectives. He has served on the boards of directors of a number of companies, including TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc. and various private
companies. Mr. Kauser has prior experience serving on the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees of a publicly traded company. As such, the Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Kauser to serve as Chair of the Nominating and
Governance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee.
Craig O. McCaw
Became Director:
May 2000; Chairman of the Board since June 2011 (also served as Chairman from 2000 until 2009); Executive Chairman
since November 2014.
Since 1993, Mr. McCaw has been Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and the beneficial member of the Eagle River
group of investment companies which focus on strategic investments in the telecommunications industry. Mr. McCaw served as a director and Chairman of DBSD North America, Inc., a satellite communications company, from 2005 to 2008.
Mr. McCaw founded Clearwire in 2003 and served as its Chairman of the Board of Directors from 2003 to December 2010. Mr. McCaw was a director of Nextel Communications, Inc., a wireless service provider that was acquired by Sprint
Corporation in 2005, from 1995 until 2003, and a director of XO Communications, Inc., a communications network services provider formerly known as NEXTLINK Communications, Inc. (XO), from 1997 until 2002. From 1994 to 1997, he was also
XOs Chief Executive Officer. From 1974 to 1994, Mr. McCaw served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc., which he built into the nations leading provider of cellular services in more than 100
U.S. cities, until the company was sold to AT&T in 1994.
Qualifications and Skills:
Mr. McCaw brings to our Board of
Directors demonstrated leadership skills and operating experience, including those acquired during more than 30 years of serving as a senior executive and director of Clearwire, XO, Nextel and McCaw Cellular Communications. As a former director of
public and private companies in the telecommunications industry, Mr. McCaw also brings to the Company broad-based business experience and financial acumen.
Lee E. Mikles
Became
Director:
April 2014
Mr. Mikles was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Pendrell in June 2015 following his
service as Interim Chief Executive Officer and President from November 2014 to June 2015. He has served as a director of FutureFuel Corp., a manufacturer of custom and performance chemicals and biofuels, since 2005. He also served as Future
Fuels Chief Executive Officer from 2005 to January 2013, its president from 2005 to January 2015, and its principal financial officer from 2005 to 2008. He served as chairman of Mikles/Miller Management, Inc., a registered investment adviser
and home to the Kodiak family of funds, between 1992 and 2005 and was chairman of Mikles/Miller Securities, LLC, a registered broker-dealer, between 1999 and 2005. Mr. Mikles has served on the boards of directors of Pacific Capital Bankcorp.,
Official Payments Corporation, Coastcast Corporation, Nelnet, Inc., Imperial Bank and Imperial Bancorp.
Qualifications and
Skills:
Mr. Mikles brings to our Board of Directors extensive business, finance and investment experience. In addition, his experience as a senior executive and director of private and public companies, his active involvement in
strategic planning and his significant financial and investment experience make him well suited to assist the Company in the oversight of our future strategic business and investment opportunities.
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R. Gerard Salemme
Became Director:
June 2010 (also served from May 2002 through December 2008)
Mr. Salemme has served as a consultant to the Company since February 2015. Mr. Salemme was our Executive Vice President and Chief
Strategy Officer from March 2011 to February 2015. He has also served on the Board of Directors of EarthLink, Inc., a Leading IT services and communications provider, since October 2013 and is a Partner in Eagle River Partners, LLC, a private
investment firm. Mr. Salemme has over 30 years of experience in business and government, having served as Executive Vice President-Strategy, Policy and External Affairs of Clearwire from 2004 to 2010, and as Senior Vice President, External
Affairs of XO. Prior to joining XO, Mr. Salemme held senior executive positions with AT&T Corporation and McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. He also held the position of Senior Telecommunications Policy Analyst for the U.S. House of
Representatives Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance from 1987 to 1991 and served as Chief of staff to Congressman Ed Markey of Massachusetts from 1976 to 1984.
Qualifications and Skills:
Mr. Salemme brings to our Board of Directors significant experience in business and government,
including experience gained as a senior executive officer with Clearwire, XO and AT&T, which provides him with the management experience to assist in the oversight of our operations and strategic objectives. He is familiar with our operations
and history, having served on our Board of Directors from 2002 to 2008 and as an executive officer from March 2011 to February 2015. He has also served on the Boards of Directors of a number of private companies.
Stuart M. Sloan
Became Director:
October 2010
Since 1984, Mr. Sloan has been a principal of Sloan Capital Companies LLC, a private investment company that serves as general partner in
the redevelopment of University Village, a nationally recognized regional center for upscale shopping in Seattle, Washington. From 1986 through 1999, Mr. Sloan was an owner and executive officer of Quality Food Centers, Inc., a grocery retailer
(QFC), which was acquired by The Fred Meyer Co. in 1997. Prior to QFC, from 1967 until 1984, Mr. Sloan owned in part and operated Schucks Auto Supply, Inc., a retail provider of automotive maintenance and repair products that
was sold to Pay n Save Corp in 1984. Mr. Sloan currently serves as a director of Anixter International, Inc., a global distributor of communications and security products, electrical and electronic wire and cable, fasteners and other
small parts. From 2003 until March 2011, Mr. Sloan served as a director of J. Crew Group, Inc., an apparel retailer. He is active, both personally and through his private foundation, in numerous civic, cultural, educational and other
philanthropic activities.
Qualifications and Skills:
Mr. Sloans extensive management experience, along with his
service on numerous Boards of Directors, provides him with the experience to assist in the oversight of our operations and strategic objectives. For this reason, the Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Sloan to serve as a member of the
Nominating and Governance Committee. His direct involvement, over the span of decades, with management, personnel management and employee incentives makes him particularly well suited to assist with compensation issues and other human resource
matters. As such, the Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Sloan to serve as a member of the Compensation Committee.
H. Brian
Thompson
Became Director:
May 2007
Since 2006, Mr. Thompson has been Executive Chairman of GTT Communications, Inc., a leading global cloud network provider to
multinational clients. Mr. Thompson continues to head his own private equity investment and advisory firm, Universal Telecommunications, Inc. From 2002 to 2007, Mr. Thompson was Chairman of Comsat International, one of the largest
independent telecommunications operators serving all of Latin America. He also served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc. from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Thompson was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of LCI
International, Inc. a telecommunications company, from 1991 until its merger with Qwest Communications International Inc. in 1998. Mr. Thompson became Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Qwest until his resignation in December 1998.
Mr. Thompson previously served as Executive Vice President of MCI Communications Corporation, a telecommunications company, from 1981 to 1990, and prior to MCI was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, a global management
consulting firm, where he specialized in the management of telecommunications. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Penske Automotive Group, an international automotive retailer, and Sonus Networks, Inc., a provider of IP
network solutions. He serves as a member of the Irish Prime Ministers Ireland-America Economic Advisory Board, and from January 1999 to March 1999, he served as Non-Executive Chairman of Telecom Eireann, Irelands incumbent telephone
company. Mr. Thompson received his M.B.A. from Harvards Graduate School of Business and holds an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from the University of Massachusetts.
Qualifications and Skills:
Mr. Thompson brings to our Board of Directors significant experience in the telecommunications
industry, including experience as an Executive Chairman at GTT Communications, Inc. and Chairman at Comsat International. His executive officer experience at LCI International and MCI Communications Corporation provides him with the management
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experience to assist in the oversight of our operations and strategic objectives. He has served on the Board of Directors of a number of companies, including Axcelis Technologies, Inc. and Sonus
Networks, Inc. The Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Thompson to serve as chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of its Audit Committee.
Information Concerning our Executive Officers
The following is a list of the names and ages of our current executive officers, indicating all positions and offices held by each such person
and each such persons business experience during at least the past five years. All such persons have been elected to serve until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.
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Name
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Age
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Position Held with the Company
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Lee E. Mikles
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60
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Director; Chief Executive Officer and President
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Steven A. Ednie
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48
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Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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Timothy M. Dozois
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53
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Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary
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Set forth below is certain additional information concerning Messrs. Ednie and Dozois. Information concerning
Mr. Mikles has been provided above under the caption Information Concerning our Directors.
Steven A. Ednie
Mr. Ednie has served as our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since September 2014. Mr. Ednie is an experienced financial
executive with an extensive background in domestic and international accounting and tax matters, serving most recently as Chief Accounting Officer of Clearwire from October 2010 to April 2014, and as Vice President-Tax and Chief Tax Officer from
2004 to April 2014. Before joining Clearwire, Mr. Ednie served as the Director of Tax of Expedia, Inc., an Internet-based travel website company, from 2002 to 2004, as Executive DirectorTax and Chief Tax Officer of XO from 1997 to 2002,
and as Tax Manager of MIDCOM Communications, Inc., a telecommunications company, from 1996 to 1997. Mr. Ednie began his professional career at Coopers & Lybrand, LLP, an accounting firm, where he was a Senior Associate. Mr. Ednie
holds a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington.
Timothy M. Dozois
Mr. Dozois has served as our Corporate Counsel since 2010 and as our Corporate Secretary since April 2014. He also served as our Acting
General Counsel from 2010 to July 2012. From 1996 to 2010, Mr. Dozois engaged in the private practice of law as an equity partner of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, with a focus on securities law compliance, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and
technology licensing matters. Mr. Dozois has been an outside director of MacKenzie Realty Capital, Inc., a publicly listed real estate business development company, since January 2012, and an outside director of Pinnacle Healthcare, Inc., a
privately held operator of skilled nursing facilities, since July 2011. Mr. Dozois is a member of the Oregon State Bar Association. He received his B.S. in Financial Management from Oregon State University and his J.D from the University of
Oregon School of Law, where he was Order of the Coif.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) requires our executive officers, directors
and ten percent shareholders to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. The same persons are required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of such forms furnished to
us during the most recent fiscal year, we believe that all reports required by section 16(a) for transactions in the year ended December 31, 2015 were filed timely.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
We have
adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all officers, directors and employees. The Code of Conduct and Ethics is publicly available on our website located at www.pendrell.com, by clicking on Investors and then
Corporate Governance, or can be obtained without charge by written request to Pendrells Corporate Secretary at the address of Pendrells principal executive office. If the Company makes any substantive amendments to the Code
of Conduct and Ethics or grants any waiver from a provision of the Code of Conduct and Ethics to any executive officer or director, we will promptly disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver on our website.
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Shareholder Nominations and Recommendations for Director Candidates
We have not made any material changes to the procedures by which our shareholders may recommend nominees to our board of directors since we
last disclosed the procedures under the caption Shareholder Nominations and Recommendations for Director Candidates in our proxy statement for the 2015 annual meeting of shareholders filed with the SEC on April 30, 2015.
Audit Committee of the Board
We have a
standing Audit Committee of the Board of Directors comprised of Messrs. Emerson, Kauser, and Thompson. The Audit Committee provides oversight of our accounting and financial reporting processes and financial statement audits, reviews Pendrells
internal accounting procedures, and consults with and reviews the services provided by its independent auditors. All of the members of our Audit Committee are financially literate pursuant to Nasdaq rules, and our Board has designated
Mr. Emerson as the Audit Committee Financial Expert, as defined by the SEC and applicable listing rules. Applying the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the SEC, the Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is
independent.
Item 11.
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Executive Compensation.
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Compensation Discussion and
Analysis
This compensation discussion and analysis describes the compensation of our named executive officers in 2015, the principles
underlying our executive compensation program, and the manner by which those principles influenced our policies and decisions regarding the compensation of our named executive officers.
Our named executive officers for 2015 are listed in the
Summary Compensation Table
and include the following individuals:
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Lee E. Mikles, our Chief Executive Officer and President;
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Steven A. Ednie, our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;
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Timothy M. Dozois, our Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary;
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R. Gerard Salemme, our former Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer; and
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Scott G. Richardson, our former Vice President and Chief Product Officer.
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Executive Summary for 2015
Overview.
We experienced significant changes in our executive ranks in 2015. Mr. Mikles was appointed President and
Chief Executive Officer in June 2015 following his service as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from November 2014 to June 2015. In February 2015, Mr. Salemme left his position as Chief Strategy Officer to assume a consulting role.
Similarly, Mr. Richardson left his position as Chief Product Officer to become a consultant at the end of 2015. By year end, we had three executive officers, which is a number we deem appropriate for our current size and operations. In
connection with the reduction in size of our executive team, we implemented a plan to substantially reduce our costs and simplify our operations while retaining the resources we deem critical to the generation of revenue from our existing
intellectual property assets and the pursuit of new business opportunities. We divested certain businesses that did not generate reliable cash flow, we continued to abandon intellectual property assets that do not support our existing licensing
programs, we lowered our facilities costs, and we significantly reduced the size of our work force. We also established core objectives for our employees to coincide with our operational initiatives, which include expanding capacity, increasing
productivity, creating efficiencies and implementing tangible process improvements, and we made significant progress toward the achievement of these objectives.
Pay for Performance
. Consistent with our pay-for-performance philosophy, a substantial part of our executive compensation program
consists of performance-based compensation. During 2015, our named executive officers who participated in our annual performance-based cash incentive plan, which we also refer to as the 2015 Incentive Plan (the 2015 Incentive Plan), were
eligible to receive cash bonuses only upon achieving pre-established performance objectives, the majority of which were weighted toward Company financial objectives and the remainder of which were based on individual objectives. We also granted
performance-based equity awards to Mr. Mikles as the principal component of his CEO compensation package, whereby the awards will become eligible to vest only upon the achievement of corporate performance and/or stock price goals (subject to
continued service with us).
Financial Results.
Our financial results for 2015 reflected our focus on achieving revenue targets
and reducing costs. We exceeded our targets for budgeted revenue, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (AEBITDA), and non-variable cash expense by 0.2%, 62.4% and 17.4%, respectively. We also achieved
profit and loss objectives for individual cost centers within the Company.
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2015 Compensation Highlights
Summarized below are the highlights of our 2015 executive compensation program and related key events. Each is described more fully in later
sections of this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
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We designed a competitive compensation package for Mr. Mikles, who was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in June 2015 following his service as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer from
November 2014 to June 2015. Mr. Mikles compensation package consists almost exclusively of long-term equity incentive compensation, a majority of which is performance-based, to align his interests with those of our shareholders.
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In lieu of salary increases, we increased the performance-based cash incentive compensation targets by 3.5% for Messrs. Ednie and Dozois and 3% for Mr. Richardson in order to increase the performance-based portion
of their compensation. There were no salary increases awarded to any named executive officer in 2015.
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We awarded 2015 cash incentive awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan to Messrs. Ednie and Dozois at 93.5% and 97.5% of target, respectively, based on the achievement of 2015 stated corporate objectives and on individual
performance. Messrs. Mikles, Salemme, and Richardson were not eligible to receive cash incentive awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan.
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We awarded long-term equity compensation to Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson to reward individual contributions to our key strategic initiatives, align the interests of these executives with those of our
shareholders, encourage retention, and motivate these executives to enhance the long-term value of Pendrell.
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We entered into a retention agreement with each of Messrs. Salemme and Richardson in connection with their transitions from executive officer to consultant on February 16, 2015 and December 31, 2015,
respectively, pursuant to which each of these individuals is paid a monthly consulting fee. Mr. Salemme also received lump-sum payment of $455,000 in connection with his transition from executive officer to consultant.
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The advisory vote on executive compensation at our 2015 annual meeting of shareholders received approval from over 92% of the votes cast.
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Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
Our executive compensation program is designed to balance achievement of near-term results with positioning for long-term success by
encouraging executives to achieve key corporate and individual objectives. Pendrell believes that the skill, talent, judgment, and dedication of its executive officers are critical factors affecting the long-term value of our company. In furtherance
of this belief, the primary goals of our executive compensation program in 2015 were to (i) provide compensation at competitive levels in order to attract and retain qualified executives who can manage the evolution of our business and
contribute to our long-term success, (ii) motivate performance consistent with clearly defined corporate and individual performance goals, and (iii) provide incentives to help align the long-term interests of our executives with those of
our shareholders. We believe our executive compensation program provides a solid framework for implementing and maintaining a balanced approach to compensation, has been instrumental in helping us accomplish our business objectives, and is strongly
aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. In detail, our compensation program is designed to:
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provide a balance between fixed and variable compensation elements that encourage performance while discouraging excessive risk-taking;
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provide incentives that encourage our executives to appropriately balance short-term and long-term strategic goals;
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attract and retain individuals with the leadership abilities and skills to successfully execute our business strategy and build long-term shareholder value;
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encourage and reward outstanding initiative, achievement, and teamwork, and motivate individuals to perform at their highest level;
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reflect varying degrees of executive responsibility, accountability and impact on our business;
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provide compensation and incentive packages to our executives that are competitive with our peer companies;
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emphasize performance-based pay that aligns incentives with our strategic objectives; and
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provide a meaningful ownership stake to appropriately align executive interests with shareholder interests.
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Role of the Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight of our executive compensation program. Each director who
served on the Compensation Committee in 2015 continues to serve on the Compensation Committee as of the date of this discussion, is a non-employee director within the meaning of SEC Rule 16b-3, is an outside director within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and is an independent director under Nasdaq stock exchange listing rules. The Compensation Committees purpose is to discharge the Boards
responsibilities relating to executive compensation and to administer policies that govern our compensation and benefit programs. The Compensation Committee has overall responsibility for approving and evaluating our executive officer compensation
plans, policies, and programs, including:
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periodically reviewing and establishing the agreements with, and compensation of, our executive officers;
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establishing and periodically reviewing the operation and administration of our executive compensation programs;
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carrying out duties assigned to the Compensation Committee under any equity compensation plan or other incentive compensation plan, including granting equity awards to our executive officers; and
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performing other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
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The Compensation Committee may
delegate authority to subcommittees, retain or terminate compensation consultants, and obtain advice and assistance from internal or external legal, accounting or other advisers. The Compensation Committee may also consider recommendations of the
Chief Executive Officer, but has final authority to set compensation amounts or awards for our named executive officers.
Say on Pay
Feedback from Shareholders
Shareholders holding more than 92% of the votes cast at our 2015 annual meeting of shareholders
approved, on an advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee considered the results of the 2015 vote and, based in part on the significant shareholder support, made no changes to our executive
compensation policies or decisions as a result of the vote. As in prior years, and consistent with the 2011 decision of the Companys shareholders to hold annual say-on-pay votes, we will hold an advisory vote on executive compensation at our
2016 annual meeting of shareholders.
Role of Compensation Committee Consultants in Compensation Decisions
The Compensation Committee periodically engages independent compensation consultants to provide assistance and advice as it discharges its
responsibilities. Compensation consultants may review our compensation programs to confirm consistency with our executive compensation philosophy and objectives, may advise the Compensation Committee on emerging trends and issues related to the
compensation of executive officers, and may recommend peer group and market data as reference points for executive compensation decisions. In 2015, the Compensation Committee retained Board Advisory, LLC (Board Advisory) as its
independent third party consultant to assist with the establishment of the compensation of Mr. Mikles, our Chief Executive Officer and President. Before engaging Board Advisory, the Compensation Committee determined that Board Advisory is
independent of the Company under independence guidelines established by the SEC and Nasdaq, and that the retention of Board Advisory did not give rise to any conflict of interest.
Role of Management in Compensation Decisions
Our Chief Executive Officer and President periodically assesses the performance of our executive officers (other than himself) and makes
recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding the compensation of these executive officers. In early 2015, Mr. Mikles assessed the contributions of our executive officers toward the achievement of our business and strategic objectives
in 2014, as well as each executive officers effectiveness in overseeing the function for which the executive officer is responsible. In lieu of increases in annual base salary, Mr. Mikles recommended that the Compensation Committee
increase the cash incentive target compensation for these executives to increase the portion of their compensation that is performance-based. He also made recommendations regarding 2015 performance goals for these executive officers, and in July
2015 he recommended the granting of long-term equity incentive awards to Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson. In January 2016, Mr. Mikles assessed the individual performance of Messrs. Ednie and Dozois for 2015 and the contributions of these
executives to our 2015 business and strategic
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objectives, and thereafter made recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding cash incentive awards for Messrs. Ednie and Dozois pursuant to the 2015 Incentive Plan. Mr. Mikles did
not make recommendations regarding his own compensation, nor was he present for any executive sessions or discussions regarding his own compensation.
Peer Companies and Benchmarking
The Compensation Committee considers multiple data sources when assessing and constructing compensation programs, including competitive market
data. However, the Committee does not set or maintain compensation at certain target percentiles within a peer group, nor does the Committee rely solely on market data. Instead, the Committee exercises discretion when making decisions regarding our
compensation programs and the performance assessment process, with the goal of rapidly responding to and adjusting for an evolving business environment and the value delivered by our executive officers.
In addition to competitive market data, the Compensation Committee considers a variety of other factors when establishing compensation
programs, including general market conditions, internal equity, individual responsibilities, and individuals recent or expected future contributions. The Compensation Committee also looks to our human resources staff to periodically assess
executive compensation data from compensation consultants or salary surveys.
Mr. Mikles.
Effective June 1, 2015, the Board of
Directors appointed Mr. Mikles as our Chief Executive Officer and President following his service as Interim Chief Executive Officer and President from November 19, 2014 to June 1, 2015. In establishing compensation for
Mr. Mikles upon his transition from interim status, our Compensation Committee considered the total direct compensation of chief executive officers in a group of 11 companies in the technology and intellectual property sector (the
Compensation Peer Group). Our human resources staff and the Compensation Committee selected these companies based on a number of factors, including revenue, industry, stage of development, and market capitalization. The companies in the
Compensation Peer Group are:
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Acacia Research Corporation
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Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
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DTS, Inc.
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Immersion Corporation
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InterDigital, Inc.
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Rambus Inc.
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Rovi Corporation
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RPX Corporation
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Tessera Technologies, Inc.
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TiVO Inc.
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VirnetX Holding Corporation
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Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson.
The Compensation Peer Group was used for the purpose of
comparing the 2015 cash compensation of Messrs. Ednie and Dozois to the market. The Radford Global Technology Survey for technology companies with revenues between $200 million and $500 million (the Radford Survey) was used to compare
the 2015 cash compensation of Mr. Richardson to the market. These resources are widely utilized by similarly situated companies in determining executive compensation levels. The Compensation Committee also considers each executives
experience, skills, role, and responsibilities when it determines the compensation of each executive.
Mr. Ednies annual base
salary for 2015 was slightly above the 50
th
percentile of the annual base salaries of chief financial officers in the Compensation Peer Group. His total target cash compensation for 2015 was
established between the 50
th
and 60
th
percentiles of the total target cash compensation for chief financial officers in the Compensation Peer
Group. Mr. Dozois annual base salary and total target cash compensation for 2015 were below the 50
th
percentile of the annual base salaries and total target cash compensation of
individuals serving as general counsel for the companies in the Compensation Peer Group. Mr. Richardsons annual base salary for 2015 was at the 50
th
percentile of the annual base
salaries of similarly situated executives in the Radford Survey, and his total target cash compensation for 2015 was below the 50
th
percentile as reflected in the Radford Survey.
The Radford Survey was used to compare the competitive annual long-term value of the equity incentive awards granted to each of Messrs. Ednie,
Dozois, and Richardson in July 2015. The comparison assumed a price of $1.25 per share for the Companys Class A common stock and a 50% Black Scholes value. The equity awards granted to Mr. Ednie were significantly below the 50
th
percentile as compared to chief financial officers in the Compensation Peer Group, however, the Compensation Committee considered the size of the equity awards granted to Mr. Ednie at the time
of his hiring in September 2014 when determining the size of the equity awards granted to Mr. Ednie in 2015. The equity awards granted to Mr. Dozois were below the 50
th
percentile and
the equity awards granted to Mr. Richardson were at the 50
th
percentile as compared to similarly situated executives in the Radford Survey. The equity awards granted to Messrs. Ednie, Dozois,
and Richardson in July 2015 are described under the caption
Long-term Equity Incentive Awards
in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
Our Compensation Committee does not rigidly apply competitive compensation data. Actual cash compensation paid to any particular executive may
be above or below the targeted range due to a number of factors, including but not limited to Company and individual performance, differences in responsibilities between executives at peer companies, an executives prior experience and
experience and tenure with the Company, and contributions relative to other executives at the Company. The value of equity
11
compensation awards to particular executives may be above or below competitive market data due to a number of factors, including those listed above, as well as perceived limitations in the
compensation survey data as it relates to equity compensation, an executives potential future contributions to us, an executives expected tenure, and the retention value, or holding power, of existing equity compensation awards.
Elements of Compensation
Our 2015 executive compensation program for Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson consisted of the following primary elements: base salary,
short-term performance-based cash incentive compensation, and long-term equity incentive compensation awards. The 2015 compensation for Mr. Mikles consisted primarily of long-term equity incentive awards (the Equity Awards), a
majority of which are performance-based. The 2015 compensation for Mr. Salemme consisted primarily of consulting fees and a retention award as described in a retention agreement between the Company and Mr. Salemme dated February 16,
2015 (the Salemme Agreement). The Salemme Agreement is further described under the caption
Other Compensation-Employment, Severance and Change in Control Arrangements-Mr. Salemme
of this Compensation Discussion
and Analysis.
Each element of our executive compensation program is designed to achieve one or more of our performance, retention, and
alignment goals as described below. These elements provide incentives to encourage our executives to appropriately balance their focus between our short-term and long-term strategic goals.
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Element
|
|
Designed to Reward
|
|
Relationship to Compensation Philosophy
|
Annual Base Salary
|
|
Executive officers experience, responsibilities, and contributions to the Company
|
|
Attract and retain talented executives through competitive pay programs that ensure a fixed level of annual cash compensation for our executives
|
|
|
|
Short-term Performance-based Cash Incentives
|
|
Achievement of corporate and individual performance goals
|
|
Motivate executives to achieve and exceed annual business and individual objectives that we believe are important to our long-term success
|
|
|
|
Long-term Equity Incentives
(options and stock awards)
|
|
Increased shareholder value through the achievement of long-term strategic goals such as revenue growth, return on invested capital, and stock price appreciation
|
|
Align executive and shareholder interests to optimize shareholder return; motivate executives to achieve and exceed business objectives; encourage retention through multi-year vesting
|
Each executives compensation, including the mix of cash compensation, equity awards and compensation
that is performance-based, ultimately reflects the Compensation Committees business judgment in consideration of these factors and shareholder interests.
With the exception of nominal monthly stipends to assist with commuting and/or lodging expenses incurred by Mr. Dozois, and for a portion
of 2015, Mr. Richardson, who reside outside the state of Washington, Pendrell has not established programs under which executive perquisites are offered. Mr. Richardsons stipend was discontinued effective August 1, 2015.
Pendrell does not offer guaranteed payouts under its cash incentive program or other benefit programs to its executives that are not provided to the general employee population.
2015 Executive Compensation
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and President
Mr. Mikles was appointed our Chief Executive Officer and President in June 2015, following his service as our Interim Chief Executive
Officer and President from November 2014 to June 2015. In May 2015, the Compensation Committee developed a proposed compensation package for Mr. Mikles (the CEO Compensation) that was almost exclusively comprised of long-term equity
incentive compensation, and engaged Board Advisory to evaluate the CEO Compensation. In evaluating the CEO Compensation, Board Advisory applied three methodologies in its analysis of whether the CEO Compensation was reasonable and competitive as
described below.
|
1.
|
A conservative valuation scenario for the Equity Awards was applied to assume a share price value for each award
of $1.00 per share, which was the approximate market value of a share of the Companys Class A common stock at the time the evaluation was conducted. The resulting total value of the Equity Awards was then divided by four years of vesting
time.
|
12
|
Board Advisory determined the annualized value of the CEO Compensation to be $3.26 million, or 17.4% above the median total direct compensation of $2.78 million for the Compensation Peer Group,
which Board Advisory deemed to be reasonable and competitive.
|
|
2.
|
A discount was applied to the value of the nonqualified stock options to account for the likelihood of performance goal achievement, which reduced the annualized value of the CEO Compensation to $2.36 million, or 15%
below the median total direct compensation for the Compensation Peer Group. Board Advisory also deemed the CEO Compensation to be reasonable and appropriate using this approach.
|
|
3.
|
Board Advisory compared the Equity Awards, which represent a 6.1% ownership stake in the Company, to the typical CEO ownership stake of 4% to 7% in early-stage start-up companies based on private equity and venture
capital compensation data. Board Advisory determined that the CEO Compensation is reasonable, particularly in light of the nominal cash component of the CEO Compensation.
|
The CEO Compensation includes:
|
|
|
An annual base salary of $6,000, which is sufficient to cover employee contributions to Company-sponsored healthcare plans and required tax withholding;
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified stock options for the purchase of 2,000,000 shares of Class A common stock that are scheduled to vest over four years;
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified stock options for the purchase of 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock that are scheduled to vest over four years, provided that the Company achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar year
under the Companys then-applicable incentive plan;
|
|
|
|
500,000 restricted shares that were scheduled to vest on January 1, 2016;
|
|
|
|
500,000 restricted shares that were scheduled to vest on February 15, 2016, but only to the extent the Company achieved its performance objectives under the 2015 Incentive Plan;
|
|
|
|
3,000,000 restricted stock units (RSUs) that are scheduled to vest over three years, with one-third vesting on each of January 1, 2017, January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019;
|
|
|
|
3,000,000 RSUs that are scheduled to vest over three years, with up to one-third vesting on each of February 15, 2017, February 15, 2018 and February 15, 2019, but only to the extent the Company
achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar year under its then-applicable incentive plan; and
|
|
|
|
2,000,000 RSUs that will fully vest when both of the following have occurred: (i) the average closing price of the Companys Class A common stock, measured over any period of 60 consecutive calendar days,
has reached or exceeded $3.00 per share (the Price Trigger) and (ii) the date is January 1, 2017 or later. If the Price Trigger is not achieved by December 31, 2019, then none of these RSUs will vest.
|
The foregoing equity awards are described in more detail under the caption
Long-Term Equity Compensation-Mr. Mikles
in
this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
After considering the analysis and recommendations of Board Advisory, the Compensation
Committee determined that the CEO Compensation was competitive, reasonable, and appropriate, particularly in light of its nominal cash component and the fact that a majority of the Equity Awards are performance-based. The Compensation Committee
believes that establishing most of Mr. Mikles compensation in the form of long-term equity incentive awards, a majority of which are performance-based, aligns Mr. Mikles interests with those of our shareholders, motivates him
to achieve corporate objectives, and encourages his retention through the additional element of time-based vesting. Based on these considerations and the analysis and recommendations of Board Advisory, in June 2015, the Compensation Committee
approved the CEO Compensation.
From time to time, Mr. Mikles utilizes private chartered aircraft for business travel in order to
avoid travel delays, work productively and efficiently while in transit, minimize time away from the office, and maximize time for business purposes while traveling. In 2015, the Compensation Committee approved the reimbursement of private chartered
aircraft expenses incurred by Mr. Mikles for Pendrell business travel subject to limits set forth in the Companys Travel and Reimbursement Policy. Reimbursement is
13
conditioned upon proper substantiation and documentation of business-related travel, including all documentation required (by the Internal Revenue Service or otherwise) to allow the Company to
deduct the corresponding travel expense, and compliance with such other requirements that the Compensation Committee may impose. Personal travel (that is, travel without a substantiated business-related purpose) is not eligible for reimbursement.
Compensation of Named Executive Officers Other than the CEO and President
General Considerations
In
establishing the 2015 compensation of our named executive officers other than our Chief Executive Officer and President, the Compensation Committee considered Mr. Mikles assessment of each executives fulfillment of his
responsibilities, demonstrated leadership, management experience and effectiveness, as well as overall company and individual performance. When translating performance to compensation, the Compensation Committee awarded cash incentive compensation
to eligible executives under the 2015 Incentive Plan based on the achievement of pre-established and objective financial performance goals, and exercised its discretion in assessing the individual performance of these executives. The following
describes the primary components of our 2015 executive compensation program.
Base Salary
We provide our executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate them for services to the Company, with the goal of
attracting and retaining the executive talent needed to run our business, and to mitigate the risks associated with variable cash incentive and equity incentive compensation. Base salaries for executives are determined based on position,
responsibility, experience, individual performance, overall company budgets, competitive market data, and internal equity issues. We believe that the salaries paid to our executives are sufficient to meet their essential commitments. Consequently,
our incentive compensation arrangements are intended to reward their performance if, and only to the extent that, performance objectives are achieved. The Compensation Committee generally reviews base salaries annually and makes adjustments from
time to time within the context of our overall compensation system. Base salary adjustments for executives are at the discretion of the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee did not adjust base salaries for our named executive officers during 2015, as Mr. Ednies salary was
determined in connection with his hire in September 2014, Mr. Salemmes service as Chief Strategy Officer concluded in February 2015 and he became a non-employee consultant to the Company, and Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson each
received increases in target cash incentive compensation in lieu of annual base salary adjustments. The Compensation Committee believes that emphasizing pay for performance motivates our executives to achieve important business objectives of the
Company and better aligns the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders.
The annualized base salaries of our named
executive officers at the end of 2015 are set forth below. Actual base salaries earned by our named executive officers in 2015 are reflected in the
Summary Compensation Table
.
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officer and Principal Position
|
|
2015 Annual
Base Salary
(as of 12/31/15)
|
|
Lee E. Mikles, Chief Executive Officer and President(1)
|
|
$
|
6,000
|
|
Steven A. Ednie, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
|
|
$
|
350,000
|
|
Timothy M. Dozois, Corporate Counsel and Corporate Secretary
|
|
$
|
280,675
|
|
R. Gerard Salemme, Former Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer(2)
|
|
$
|
|
|
Scott G. Richardson, Former Vice President and Chief Product Officer(3)
|
|
$
|
346,080
|
|
(1)
|
Mr. Mikles was appointed Chief Executive Officer and President effective June 1, 2015, following his service as Interim Chief Executive Officer and President effective November 19, 2014.
|
(2)
|
Mr. Salemme resigned from his position as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer effective February 15, 2015, after which date he became a consultant to the Company. From January 1, 2015
through February 15, 2015, Mr. Salemmes annual base salary was $424,360. Mr. Salemme earns compensation in his role as a consultant to the Company as described under the caption
Other Compensation-Employment, Severance
and Change in Control Arrangements-Mr. Salemme
in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
|
(3)
|
Mr. Richardson resigned from his position as Vice President and Chief Product Officer effective December 31, 2015. Mr. Richardson earns compensation in his role as a consultant to the Company as described
under the caption
Other Compensation-Employment, Severance and Change in Control Arrangements-Mr. Richardson
in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis.
|
14
Performance-based Cash Incentive Compensation
In March 2015, the Compensation Committee adopted the 2015 Incentive Plan for employees and executive officers other than the Chief Executive
Officer and President, whose compensation is primarily comprised of long-term equity incentive awards. The 2015 Incentive Plan was designed to reward participants for achievement against 2015 performance objectives, promote a strong connection
between employee contributions and the Companys financial performance at all levels of the organization, encourage and support achievement of the business objectives of the Company, and promote retention of Company employees. The 2015
Incentive Plan provided for cash and/or stock incentive awards, calculated as a percentage of annual base salary, based upon the achievement of specified Company objectives for 2015 that were aligned with expense control, revenue, AEBITDA, and
profit and loss objectives for individual cost centers within the Company, together with individual performance objectives. Awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan were not automatic and were dependent on the achievement of identified goals and
objectives. Notwithstanding the performance of individual executives, the Compensation Committee had discretion to increase or decrease payments under the 2015 Incentive Plan if certain factors warranted variation from the formula established under
the 2015 Incentive Plan. Participants were required to be employed by the Company on the date payments were made under the 2015 Incentive Plan in order to be eligible to receive awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan.
In February 2015, the Compensation Committee approved increases in the target performance-based cash incentive compensation for Messrs. Ednie,
Dozois, and Richardson in lieu of salary adjustments in order to increase emphasis on pay-for-performance. Effective January 1, 2015, the target annual cash incentive compensation for Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson, expressed as a
percentage of annual base salary, is as follows:
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Target Cash Incentive Award
as a Percentage of Annual Base Salary
|
Steven A. Ednie
|
|
53.5%
|
Timothy M. Dozois
|
|
36.5%
|
Scott G. Richardson
|
|
43.0%
|
Although Mr. Richardson participated in the 2015 Incentive Plan, he did not receive an incentive award
for 2015 because of his transition from employee to consultant effective December 31, 2015, prior to the payment of awards under the 2015 Incentive Plan. Mr. Salemme did not participate in the 2015 Incentive Plan due to his transition from
employee to consultant effective February 16, 2015; he did, however, receive a cash payment in 2015 in the amount of $455,000 as consideration for his agreement to relinquish all past and future benefits described in the employment letter
agreement dated July 1, 2011 between the Company and Mr. Salemme, as supplemented by addenda dated August 25, 2014 and January 1, 2015.
Performance Criteria.
The performance criteria for Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson pursuant to the 2015 Incentive Plan consisted
of both Company and individual performance objectives, with the achievement of Company objectives weighted at 85% and the achievement of individual objectives weighted at 15%. The performance criteria used to determine the individual payouts for
eligible named executive officers were as follows:
|
|
|
Company financial objectives, including:
|
|
|
|
Challenging expense control objectives, the achievement of which required us to substantially reduce year-over-year costs between 2014 and 2015;
|
|
|
|
AEBITDA objectives that required management to operate the business in a manner that moved the Company substantially closer to profitability than in prior years;
|
|
|
|
Revenue objectives as set forth in the Companys 2015 budget; and
|
|
|
|
Profit and loss objectives for each executives respective cost center that the Compensation Committee deemed to be challenging but achievable.
|
|
|
|
Individual performance goals established in each executives 2015 performance plan that align with our core objectives of expanding capacity, increasing productivity, creating efficiencies, implementing tangible
process improvements, and capitalizing on new opportunities.
|
The Compensation Committee established expense control and
AEBITDA goals to reward our executives for maintaining fiscal responsibility and implementing our cost reduction initiatives. The Compensation Committee established a revenue goal because we
15
consider revenue to be a key driver of our growth and success. The Compensation Committee established cost center profit and loss objectives to render each executive accountable for the corporate
function for which he is responsible. The Compensation Committee established individual performance objectives to motivate each executive to accomplish specific goals that are consistent with the Companys objectives of growth and strong
financial performance.
The following table shows (a) the Company performance objectives established under the 2015 Incentive Plan
for eligible named executive officers, the achievement of which contributes 85% to the target payout, (b) the individual performance objectives under the 2015 Incentive Plan, the achievement of which contributes 15% to the target payout, and
(c) the weighting of each objective.
Company Performance Objectives 85% of Target Payout
|
|
|
Objective
|
|
Weighting
|
Expense Control
|
|
40%
|
Revenue
|
|
40%
|
AEBITDA
|
|
10%
|
P&L Objectives
|
|
10%
|
Individual Performance Objectives 15% of Target Payout
|
|
|
Objective
|
|
Weighting
|
Fulfillment of the executives responsibilities within his specific function; the
executives contributions in support of company objectives; demonstrated leadership; management experience; achievement of core objectives
|
|
100%
|
The Compensation Committee measured individual performance of our eligible named executive officers for 2015
using a rating scale consisting of four tiers, each of which translates to an achievement range as set forth in the following table. An employee performing below expectations was not eligible for an incentive award regardless of the achievement of
Company performance objectives.
|
|
|
Rating
|
|
Achievement
Percentage Range
|
Exceeds Expectations
(consistently exceeds expectations in essential areas of
responsibility)
|
|
75% - 125%
|
Meets Expectations
(consistently meets expectations in essential areas of
responsibility)
|
|
35% - 65%
|
|
|
Needs Improvement/New in Role
(in position less than 90 days)
|
|
0% 40%
|
|
|
Below Expectations
(does not consistently meet expectations; failed in one or more areas of
responsibility)
|
|
0%
|
Performance Objectives and Actual Performance.
The Company performance objectives were determined based
on objectives in our 2015 operating plan. The following table shows the 2015 Company performance objectives and actual 2015 achievement:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Company Objective
|
|
Favorable
Variance to Budget
|
|
|
Achievement
Percentage
|
|
|
Plan Weighting
|
|
|
Payout
Percentage
|
|
Expense
|
|
|
17.4
|
%
|
|
|
110.0
|
%
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
|
|
55.0
|
%
|
Revenue
|
|
|
0.2
|
%
|
|
|
100.0
|
%
|
|
|
40
|
%
|
|
|
40.0
|
%
|
AEBITDA
|
|
|
62.4
|
%
|
|
|
175.0
|
%
|
|
|
10
|
%
|
|
|
17.5
|
%
|
|
|
|
Calcu
lated Company Performance Payout:
|
|
112.5%
|
*Actual Company Performance Payout:
|
|
100.0%
|
*
|
As described in the section captioned
Payout Structure
below, and pursuant to its discretionary authority under the 2015 Incentive Plan, the Compensation Committee determined that achievement against
the Company performance objectives for 2015 would be capped at 100%.
|
16
In addition, Messrs. Ednie and Dozois each had a component of their 2015 cash incentive payout
based on the achievement of profit and loss objectives for the cost center for which each of these executives is responsible. The cost center objectives had a plan weighting of 10%. Messrs. Ednie and Dozois each achieved their P&L target
objectives at a level of 100%.
In January 2016, the Compensation Committee and our Chief Executive Officer and President assessed the
individual performance of Messrs. Ednie and Dozois for 2015 as part of our company-wide performance evaluation process. In light of the considerations described above, the Compensation Committee and our Chief Executive Officer and President
determined that Mr. Ednies and Mr. Dozois bonus payments should be 93.5% and 97.5% of their respective targets.
Payout Structure.
The payout structure under the 2015 Incentive Plan was based on the achievement of Company and individual performance
objectives. The payout mechanics of the 2015 Incentive Plan based on the achievement of Company objectives were as follows:
Objective:
Meet or exceed 2015 budget for non-variable cash expenses*:
|
|
|
Variance to Expense Budget
|
|
Achievement Percentage
|
>30% over expense budget
|
|
30% (minimum)
|
30% over expense budget
|
|
60%
|
20% over expense budget
|
|
75%
|
10% over expense budget
|
|
90%
|
At expense budget
|
|
100%
|
10% under expense budget
|
|
110%
|
20% under expense budget
|
|
120%
|
30% under expense budget
|
|
130%
|
40% or > under expense budget
|
|
140%
|
*
|
Extraordinary expenses associated with unbudgeted initiatives may be excluded.
|
Objective:
Meet or exceed 2015 budget for revenue:
|
|
|
Percentage of Annual Revenue
|
|
Achievement Percentage
|
100% or less of target
|
|
50% (minimum)
|
101% - 116% of target
|
|
100%
|
116% - 144% of target
|
|
125%
|
144% - 197% of target
|
|
135%
|
197% or greater of target
|
|
150%
|
Objective: Meet or exceed 2015 budget for AEBITDA:
|
|
|
Variance from AEBITDA Target
|
|
Achievement Percentage
|
20% or greater adverse variance
|
|
20% (minimum)
|
12% - 19% adverse variance
|
|
50%
|
1% - 11% adverse variance
|
|
80%
|
0% - 13% favorable variance
|
|
90%
|
14% - 32% favorable variance
|
|
110%
|
33% - 57% favorable variance
|
|
135%
|
58% or more favorable variance
|
|
175%
|
Objective: Achieve favorable variance from 2015 cost center profit and loss budget:
|
|
|
P&L Target
|
|
Achievement Percentage
|
Unfavorable variance to budget
|
|
25%
|
Favorable variance to budget
|
|
125%
|
Notwithstanding these detailed economic parameters, payouts were not based solely on mathematical application.
The Compensation Committee exercised discretion to award less than the amounts calculated under the 2015 Incentive Plan primarily
17
because of the significant decline in the Companys value following the unsuccessful outcomes in the Companys 2015 patent infringement trials. Specifically, the Compensation Committee
determined that achievement against the Company performance objectives for 2015 would be capped at 100%.
The payments earned for
performance under the 2015 Incentive Plan by Messrs. Ednie and Dozois were therefore as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Target Payout
under 2015
Incentive Plan
(as a % of annual
base salary)
|
|
Actual Payout
under 2015
Incentive Plan
(as a % of annual
base salary)
|
|
Actual Payout
under 2015
Incentive Plan
(as a % of
target payout)
|
|
Actual Payout
under 2015
Incentive Plan ($)
|
|
Steven A. Ednie
|
|
53.5%
|
|
50.0%
|
|
93.5%
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
Timothy M. Dozois
|
|
36.5%
|
|
35.6%
|
|
97.5%
|
|
$
|
100,000
|
|
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
Our long-term incentive program is designed to attract a highly skilled and talented executive team, encourage long-term retention of executive
officers, motivate our executive officers to focus on long-term company performance, and to enable us to recognize efforts put forth by executives who contribute to the achievement of our business objectives. We believe the periodic vesting of
long-term equity incentive compensation, which is contingent upon continued employment and/or the achievement of specific performance criteria, directly aligns executive officer interests with our shareholders interests by rewarding the
creation and preservation of long-term shareholder value. In 2015, all awards of long-term equity incentive compensation were made pursuant to our 2012 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2012 Plan).
Mr. Mikles.
Mr. Mikles joined us as our Chief Executive Officer and President in June 2015 following his service as our
Interim Chief Executive Officer and President from November 2014 to June 2015. His employment offer letter provided for grants of both time-based and performance-based nonqualified stock options, restricted shares, and RSUs. The Compensation
Committee determined that the mix of time- and performance-based equity awards was appropriate to recruit and retain Mr. Mikles and to align his interests with the interests of our shareholders by motivating him to achieve Company performance
objectives.
Below is a description of each type of equity award granted to Mr. Mikles by the Compensation Committee in June 2015 and
the Compensation Committees rationale for granting each award.
Time-Based Nonqualified Stock Options
. A stock option is the
right of a recipient to purchase a specified number of shares of our Class A common stock at a price designated on the date of grant. Stock options have value only to the extent the price of our stock on the date of exercise exceeds the stock
price on the grant date. The Compensation Committee believes that stock options motivate our executive officers to improve and maintain Company performance, which in turn may drive stock price appreciation and increase the value of any unexercised
stock options. The Compensation Committee granted nonqualified stock options to Mr. Mikles for the purchase of 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock that will vest over four years, with 25% of the award vesting on each of
January 1, 2016, January 1, 2017, January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019. The Compensation Committee believes that this award aligns Mr. Mikles interests with those of our shareholders and encourages his
retention through time-based vesting.
Performance-Based Nonqualified Stock Options
. The Compensation Committee granted
nonqualified stock options to Mr. Mikles for the purchase of 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock that are scheduled to vest over four years, with 25% of the award vesting on each of February 15, 2016, February 15,
2017, February 15, 2018 and February 15, 2019, but only to the extent Pendrell meets its performance objectives for the preceding calendar year under its then-applicable incentive plan. If Pendrells performance achievement is less
than 100%, then the annual vesting will be limited to the extent to which Pendrell achieves its performance objectives. The Compensation Committee awarded these performance-based stock options to Mr. Mikles in order to establish a linkage
between Company performance in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 to the vesting of the award, which encourages Mr. Mikles to achieve Company performance objectives established for each of these years. In January 2016, the Compensation Committee
determined that the Company performance objectives under the 2015 Incentive Plan were achieved at a level of 100%, and therefore, 25% of the award vested on February 15, 2016.
Time-Based Restricted Shares.
Restricted shares are issued at the time the award is granted, however, the recipients rights in
the stock are restricted until the restrictions lapse and the shares vest. Once the vesting requirements are met, the recipient owns the shares outright. The Compensation Committee awarded 500,000 restricted shares to Mr. Mikles that vested on
January 1, 2016 to compensate him for his service as our Interim Chief Executive Officer and President from November 2014 to June 2015 and as our Chief Executive Officer and President through the remainder of 2015. The Compensation Committee
believes that aligning the interests of our executives with those of our shareholders through ownership of our common stock is an important consideration when awarding long-term equity incentive compensation to our executives.
18
Performance-Based Restricted Shares.
The Compensation Committee awarded 500,000
performance-based restricted shares to Mr. Mikles that were scheduled to vest on February 15, 2016, but only to the extent Pendrell achieved its performance objectives under the 2015 Incentive Plan. In granting this award, the Compensation
Committee desired to motivate Mr. Mikles to achieve the Companys performance objectives as set forth in the 2015 Incentive Plan. The award became fully vested on February 15, 2016 following the Compensation Committees
determination that Company performance objectives under the 2015 Incentive Plan had been achieved at a level of 100%.
Time-Based
RSUs.
An RSU, or restricted stock unit, is a grant valued in terms of Class A common stock, but shares of stock are not issued at the time the RSU is granted. After an RSU grant recipient satisfies applicable vesting requirements, shares of
Class A common stock are issued to the award recipient. The Compensation Committee granted 3,000,000 time-based RSUs to Mr. Mikles that are scheduled to vest over three years, with one-third vesting on each of January 1,
2017, January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019. The Compensation Committee believes that RSUs directly link executive officer interests with those of our shareholders because the value of these awards is tied to the market value of our
common stock, and encourage executive officer retention through time-based vesting.
Performance-Based RSUs
. The Compensation
Committee believes that the achievement of key corporate goals should directly and materially impact the total compensation opportunity for our executive officers in order to closely align their interests with those of our shareholders. Therefore,
the Compensation Committee granted 3,000,000 performance-based RSUs to Mr. Mikles, of which one-third of the award will vest on each of February 15, 2017, February 15, 2018 and February 15, 2019, but only to the extent
Pendrell achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar year under its then-applicable incentive plan. Any RSUs that do not vest on an annual vesting date because of Company performance achievement below 100% will be forfeited.
The Compensation Committee also granted 2,000,000 market-based RSUs that will fully vest when both of the following have occurred:
(i) the average closing price of Pendrells Class A common stock, measured over any period of 60 consecutive calendar days, has reached or exceeded $3.00 per share (the Price Trigger), and (ii) the date is
January 1, 2017 or later. If the Price Trigger is not achieved by December 31, 2019, then none of the RSUs will vest. If the Company terminates the employment of Mr. Mikles without Cause or Mr. Mikles resigns for Good Reason (as
such terms are defined in the employment letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Mikles) or Mr. Mikles employment is terminated for Good Reason before January 1, 2017, and the Price Trigger has been achieved prior to the
date of termination, the RSUs will immediately vest. The Compensation Committee granted this award in order to motivate Mr. Mikles to create shareholder value through stock price appreciation. The Compensation Committee believes these stock
price goals are aggressive but do not encourage risk-taking or require performance outside of what the Compensation Committee believes is reasonable for the Company.
All RSUs shall, at Mr. Mikles option, be immediately convertible into restricted shares, on a 1-for-1 basis (the Conversion
Shares), if: (i) Pendrell declares a dividend on its common stock; (ii) Pendrell or its shareholders enter into an agreement to merge or consolidate Pendrell with another entity, after which Pendrell is not the surviving entity, or
(iii) Pendrell undergoes a change in voting control such that Eagle River and its affiliates no longer own or control at least 51% of the voting power of Pendrell. Upon such conversion, Mr. Mikles will participate in the event that
triggered the conversion as though he owned the Conversion Shares immediately prior to such triggering event, but his Conversion Shares will be subject to the same vesting conditions that applied to the converted RSUs. If Mr. Mikles receives
dividends on account of Conversion Shares prior to the vesting of such Conversion Shares, and such Conversion Shares never vest, then Mr. Mikles will be required to repay to Pendrell the aggregate amount of dividends paid on such Conversion
Shares within thirty 30 days after it is determined that such Conversion Shares will not vest.
If the Company terminates
Mr. Mikles employment without Cause or he resigns or is terminated for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in the employment letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Mikles), and if Mr. Mikles executes and delivers to the
Company a separation agreement in a form acceptable to Pendrell that includes a full release of claims, then any time-based or performance-based stock options, restricted shares, or RSUs that would have vested within twelve months after such
employment termination will vest, with the time-based options, restricted shares, and RSUs vesting immediately. The performance-based stock options, restricted shares, and RSUs that cannot be measured as of the date of employment termination (i.e.
because Pendrell performance has not yet been measured), will vest on the date that performance is measured, which will be no later than the next succeeding February 15.
Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson
. In July 2015, the Compensation Committee awarded nonqualified stock options and RSUs to each of
Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson. In determining the size of the awards granted to each of these executives, the Compensation Committee considered the potential retention value of their existing long-term equity compensation awards, their
opportunity to benefit from future equity appreciation, the vested versus unvested equity holdings of each executive, the tenure of each executive, and the role of each executive in supporting the Companys key strategic initiatives. With
respect to Mr. Ednie, the
19
Compensation Committee considered the fact that he had received significant long-term equity incentive compensation awards at the time of his hire in September 2014. Of the total awards granted
to each of Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson, the Compensation Committee determined to grant 90% of the awards in the form of nonqualified stock options and 10% in the form of RSUs to motivate executives to focus on increasing shareholder value
through stock price appreciation. The stock options and RSUs vest over three years, with 50% of the awards vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date and 25% of the awards vesting on each of the second and third anniversaries of the grant
date. The Compensation Committee established a total award pool for all employees equal to approximately 1% of our outstanding capital stock and considered that equity awards had not been granted to employees over the previous 17 months, with the
exception of Mr. Ednie, who received long-term equity incentive awards in connection with his hire in September 2014. The Compensation Committee assessed the overall proposed awards as meaningful, motivational, and reasonable.
The nonqualified stock options and RSUs granted to Messrs. Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson represented approximately 1%, 8%, and 5%,
respectively, of the total award pool. The Compensation Committee determined that this allocation of the total award pool to these executives appropriately reflected their roles in supporting the Companys current initiatives, their tenure, and
the motivational and retentive value of the awards.
The nonqualified stock options and restricted stock unit awards granted to Messrs.
Ednie, Dozois, and Richardson in July 2015 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Options
|
|
|
Number of Restricted Stock Units
|
|
Mr. Ednie
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
Mr. Dozois
|
|
|
180,000
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
Mr. Richardson
|
|
|
108,000
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
All options were granted with an exercise price equal to the closing price of our Class A common stock on
the grant date.
As a consultant to the Company, Mr. Richardson will retain and continue to vest in his outstanding equity awards
through the duration of his relationship with us. While Mr. Salemme did not receive equity awards in 2015, he continues to serve as a consultant and member of our Board of Directors and will also retain and continue to vest in his outstanding
equity awards through the duration of his relationship with us.
The grant date fair value of long-term equity compensation awards is not
necessarily reflective of actual compensation realized by an executive in a specific year or even the ultimate value of the awards. Accordingly, our
Summary Compensation Table
should be read in conjunction with our
2015
Options Exercised and Stock Vested Table
, which includes more information on compensation actually realized by our named executive officers in 2015.
Compensation Mix
For 2015, the mix of the total compensation elements for each of our named executive officers was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent of Total 2015 Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
Named Executive Officer
|
|
Base Salary and Other
Compensation(1)
|
|
|
Annual Cash
Incentive
Compensation(2)
|
|
|
Equity and
Long-Term
Incentive Awards
|
|
Mr. Mikles
|
|
|
1
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
99
|
%
|
Mr. Ednie
|
|
|
65
|
%
|
|
|
31
|
%
|
|
|
4
|
%
|
Mr. Dozois
|
|
|
57
|
%
|
|
|
18
|
%
|
|
|
25
|
%
|
Mr. Salemme
|
|
|
100
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Richardson
|
|
|
83
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17
|
%
|
(1)
|
Percentages shown in this column reflect (a) for Mr. Mikles, prorated salary earned for a partial year of service as Chief Executive Officer and President between June 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015;
and (b) for Mr. Salemme (i) salary earned between January 1, 2015 and February 15, 2015, (ii) a retention payment made in connection with his transition from an employee to a consultant effective February 16, 2015,
following his resignation as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, and (iii) compensation earned as a consultant between February 16, 2015 and December 31, 2015.
|
(2)
|
Messrs. Mikles, Salemme, and Richardson were not eligible to receive cash incentive compensation payments for 2015.
|
20
Other Compensation
Employment, Severance and Change in Control Arrangements
Each of our executive officers is employed on an at will basis, which means that his employment may be terminated at any time, at
the election of either the executive officer or Pendrell, for any reason or no reason, with or without any advance notice. We issued employment letters to each of our named executive officers at the time of hire that contain general employment
terms. The employment letters for Messrs. Mikles, Ednie, Dozois, Salemme, and Richardson describe certain benefits payable in connection with a termination of employment under certain circumstances, such as termination without cause or
for good reason. The employment letter for Mr. Mikles includes additional severance and change in control benefits applicable to his long-term equity incentive awards as described above under the caption
Long-term Equity
Incentive Compensation-Mr. Mikles
in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis. These severance benefits are intended to provide competitive compensation and to ensure that key executives are focused on our goals and objectives, as
well as the interests of our shareholders, by removing uncertainties related to unexpected termination of employment. The named executive officers are also subject to the confidentiality, noncompetition, and non-solicitation obligations set forth in
our standard employee inventions agreement, some of which survive termination of employment.
All equity awards granted to our executive
officers and non-executive employees under our 2000 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, provide for 100% vesting acceleration upon a change in control if the equity obligation is not assumed, continued, or substituted by the acquiring
company. Conversely, under our 2012 Plan, the vesting of an equity award accelerates upon a change of control only if such acceleration is contemplated by the agreement evidencing the award. The vesting of an equity award granted pursuant to the
2012 Plan may also be accelerated in the event of certain sales or dispositions of assets or securities, mergers, consolidations or similar transactions, unless otherwise provided in the agreement evidencing an equity award or any other written
agreement between us and the holder of such equity award, or unless otherwise expressly provided by the plan administrator of the 2012 Plan at the time an equity award is granted.
We entered into a Retention Agreement with each of Messrs. Salemme and Richardson in February 2015 and December 2015, respectively, in
connection with their transitions from employees to independent consultants. These agreements are described below.
Mr. Salemme.
Effective February 15, 2015, Mr. Salemme completed his service as our Executive Vice
President and Chief Strategy Officer and became a non-employee consultant to the Company. He also continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors. The Salemme Agreement describes the terms of Mr. Salemmes employment termination
and his consulting relationship, and supersedes Mr. Salemmes Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated July 1, 2011, as supplemented by addenda dated August 25, 2014 and January 1, 2015. Under the Salemme
Agreement, Mr. Salemme relinquished any termination benefits under his Employment Letter and agreed to identify and assess business opportunities and provide strategic advice for the Company, for which he will: (i) be paid a monthly
consulting fee of $20,000, (ii) receive a lump sum payment of $455,000, (iii) retain and continue to vest in his outstanding equity awards through the first anniversary of the termination of the Salemme Agreement, and (iv) receive an
additional future lump sum payment of $455,000 if the Company terminates the Salemme Agreement without Cause (as defined in the Salemme Agreement), or if Mr. Salemme terminates the Salemme Agreement for Good Reason (as defined in the Salemme
Agreement). Mr. Salemme will retain and continue to vest in his outstanding equity awards through the duration of his relationship with the Company as a member of its Board of Directors and as a consultant to the Company.
Mr. Richardson.
Effective December 31, 2015, Mr. Richardson completed his service as our Vice
President and Chief Product Officer and became a non-employee consultant to the Company. The Company and Mr. Richardson entered into a retention agreement (the Richardson Agreement) that describes the terms of
Mr. Richardsons employment termination and his consulting relationship with the Company, and which supersedes Mr. Richardsons Amended and Restated Employment Letter Agreement dated July 11, 2012, as supplemented by addenda
dated January 1, 2015 and February 25, 2015. Under the Richardson Agreement, Mr. Richardson will provide strategic advice regarding certain product initiatives, and identify and assess business opportunities for which he will be paid
a monthly consulting fee of $15,000. Mr. Richardson will retain and continue to vest in his outstanding equity awards through December 31, 2016, or through the duration of his consulting relationship with the Company should it extend
beyond December 31, 2016.
Benefits
We believe benefits are part of a competitive compensation package to attract and retain employees, including executives. Our executive
officers are eligible to participate in the same benefit programs offered to other employees. These programs include medical, dental, vision, group life, accidental death and dismemberment, and disability insurance; an elective health care savings
account; a transportation subsidy or paid parking, as applicable; paid time off; and holiday pay.
21
Our employees, including our named executive officers, are also eligible to participate in our
401(k) savings plan, a tax-qualified retirement savings plan pursuant to which all U.S.-based employees are able to contribute a portion of their cash compensation (including base salary and overtime pay) on a before-tax basis, up to the limit
prescribed each year by the Internal Revenue Service. We match 100% of the first 3% of pay and 50% of the next 2% of pay that is contributed to the 401(k) savings plan. All employee contributions and matching contributions made by us to the 401(k)
savings plan are fully vested upon contribution.
Our executive officers participate in the benefit programs described above on the same
basis as our other employees. We have no defined benefit pension plans or supplemental retirement plans for executives.
Perquisites
and Personal Benefits
We may offer other benefits to our employees and executive officers from time to time, which benefits are
typically offered to help us compete more effectively to attract or retain an executive officer.
In April 2013, the Compensation
Committee adopted a Pre-Approval Policy for Nominal Payments pursuant to which the Compensation Committee delegated authority to each of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Compensation Committee to approve certain nominal payments
to our executive officers from time to time. Our Chief Executive Officer is authorized to approve nominal payments to our executive officers (not including the CEO) up to an aggregate amount of $10,000 per year, per executive officer. The Chairman
of the Compensation Committee is authorized to approve nominal payments to our executive officers up to an aggregate amount of $25,000 per year, per executive officer (when aggregated with any nominal payments approved by the CEO). These payments
may include, without limitation, relocation assistance, transportation benefits, length of service awards, achievement awards, and certain other payments.
As negotiated at the time of hire and reflected in their employment offer letters, we have provided compensation to each of Messrs. Dozois and
Richardson, who are based outside the state of Washington, to assist with commuting and/or lodging expenses incurred by these executives in connection with their frequent travel to our headquarters in Kirkland, Washington. Effective January 2013,
this compensation is paid in the form of a monthly stipend in the amount of (i) $1,920 for Mr. Dozois to assist with commuting expenses, and (ii) $3,200 for Mr. Richardson to assist with commuting and lodging expenses. These
amounts have been reported as taxable income to Messrs. Dozois and Richardson. Mr. Richardsons stipend was discontinued effective August 1, 2015. There were no other perquisites provided to any named executive officer in 2015.
Taxation of Parachute Payments and Deferred Compensation
Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code provide that executive officers and directors who hold significant equity interests and certain other
service providers may be subject to an excise tax if they receive payments or benefits in connection with a change in control that exceeds certain prescribed limits, and that we, or a successor, may forfeit a deduction on the amounts subject to this
additional tax. Section 409A of the Code (Section 409A) also imposes additional significant taxes on the individual in the event that an executive officer, director or other service provider receives deferred
compensation that does not meet the requirements of Section 409A. We do not provide any executive officer, including any named executive officer, with a gross-up or other reimbursement payment for any liability that he or she
might owe as a result of the application of Sections 280G or 4999 of the Code. The employment letters with our current named executive officers allow us to accelerate severance payments to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A.
Other Policies and Considerations
Assessment of Risk in our Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee periodically assesses our compensation program to monitor and mitigate risk. This ongoing assessment includes
consideration of the primary design features of the compensation plans, monitoring compliance with our code of ethics, structuring executives pay to include both fixed and variable compensation, and retaining broad discretion over the award of
annual performance-based cash incentive compensation. The Compensation Committee believes that the annual and long-term equity incentive compensation programs for our executive officers appropriately focus these individuals on our current and future
business needs without encouraging undue risk-taking, and that our compensation policies and practices for all employees, including named executive officers, do not create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.
Stock Ownership Guidelines
We currently do not require our executive officers to own a particular amount of our stock. The Compensation Committee is satisfied that stock
and other equity holdings of our executive officers are sufficient at this time to provide appropriate motivation and to align the long-term interests of our executives with those of our shareholders. However, we may in the future require our
executive officers to own a particular amount of our stock.
22
Policies Regarding Granting of Equity Awards
We do not have any program, plan, or obligation that requires the granting of stock options or other equity awards to any executive officer on
specified dates, or that requires the named executive officers to hold stock options, restricted stock, or RSUs beyond their vesting dates. All stock options are granted with exercise prices that are equal to the last sale price of our Class A
common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the respective date of grant. We do not have either a policy or practice in place to grant equity awards that are timed to precede or follow the release or withholding of material nonpublic
information. The Compensation Committee typically grants equity awards to executive officers at its scheduled meetings or by unanimous written consent. The Compensation Committee may authorize the future grant of an equity award to an executive
officer in advance of the commencement of such officers employment by us, in which case the Compensation Committees approval of the award is subject to and effective on the date of hire or on the 15
th
day of the month that falls on or follows an executive officers employment start date.
Our Board of Directors has authorized our Chief Executive Officer, who is also a member of our Board of Directors, to grant equity awards to
certain newly hired employees and consultants, subject to certain limitations, as follows:
|
|
|
the awards will be granted on the 15
th
day of the month that falls on or follows an individuals employment start date;
|
|
|
|
the individual cannot report directly to the Chief Executive Officer or be subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 (a) of the Exchange Act;
|
|
|
|
the total number of shares granted under all awards to an individual during a single period may not exceed certain levels, as approved in advance by the Compensation Committee;
|
|
|
|
the total number of shares granted under all awards by the Chief Executive Officer during a calendar year may not exceed 1,000,000 shares; and
|
|
|
|
each stock option must have an exercise price equal to the closing share price on the date of grant.
|
Tax and Accounting Implications
Tax Deductibility of Executive Compensation.
Section 162(m) of the Code (Section 162(m)) generally disallows an
income tax deduction to publicly traded companies for compensation over $1.0 million paid to the chief executive officer or any of the other named executive officers, unless it qualifies as performance-based compensation, as defined in
Section 162(m). Stock options granted under our equity plans will qualify as performance-based compensation and be exempt from the Section 162(m) deductibility limit provided these stock options are approved by the Compensation Committee
and granted in compliance with the requirements of Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee believes that in certain circumstances factors other than tax deductibility take precedence when determining the forms and levels of executive
compensation most appropriate and in the best interests of us and our shareholders. Given our changing focus, as well as the competitive market for outstanding executives, the Compensation Committee believes that it is important for it to retain the
flexibility to design compensation programs consistent with our overall executive compensation program, even if some executive compensation is not fully deductible by us. Accordingly, the Compensation Committee may from time to time approve elements
of compensation for certain officers that are not fully deductible, and reserves the right to do so in the future when appropriate.
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the requirements of
Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation Stock Compensation. Under the fair value provisions of this statement, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award.
Policies on Hedging Economic Risk
No director or officer designated by our Board of Directors as a reporting person or insider may engage in any transaction
involving our securities or securities of certain companies with whom we transact business (including a stock plan transaction such as an option exercise, a gift, a loan or pledge or hedge, a contribution to a trust, or any other transfer), without
first obtaining pre-clearance of the transaction from our legal department.
Recovery of Incentive-Based Compensation
We recognize that our compensation program will be subject to the forthcoming amendments to stock exchange listing standards required by
Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which requires that stock exchange listing standards be amended to require issuers to adopt a policy providing for the recovery from any current or former executive officer of any incentive-based compensation
(including stock options) awarded during the three-year period prior to an accounting restatement resulting from material noncompliance of the issuer with financial reporting requirements. We intend to adopt such a clawback policy which
complies with all applicable standards when such rules become available.
23
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for fiscal 2015. Based on this
review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in Pendrells annual report on Form 10-K and proxy statement relating to the 2016 annual meeting
of shareholders.
|
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
|
|
Mr. H. Brian Thompson, Chair
|
Mr. Stuart M. Sloan
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following
table sets forth information regarding compensation earned by our named executive officers during 2015, 2014, and 2013, whether or not such amounts were paid in such year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Salary
($)(1)
|
|
|
Bonus
($)(2)
|
|
|
Stock
Awards
($)(3)
|
|
|
Option
Awards
($)(3)
|
|
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(4)
|
|
|
All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
|
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
Lee E. Mikles(6)
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,860,000
|
|
|
|
1,591,325
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
8,454,855
|
|
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
107,909
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,066
|
|
|
|
155,975
|
|
and President
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven E. Ednie(7)
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
350,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,585
|
|
|
|
19,062
|
|
|
|
175,000
|
|
|
|
11,440
|
|
|
|
560,087
|
|
Vice President and
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
110,160
|
|
|
|
37,217
|
|
|
|
395,000
|
|
|
|
351,044
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
893,631
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy M. Dozois(8)
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
280,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,200
|
|
|
|
108,924
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
|
|
|
34,648
|
|
|
|
550,447
|
|
Corporate Counsel and
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
277,778
|
|
|
|
62,520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163,273
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,448
|
|
|
|
538,019
|
|
Corporate Secretary
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Gerard Salemme
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
53,045
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
676,055
|
|
|
|
729,100
|
|
Former Chief Strategy Officer,
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
422,815
|
|
|
|
286,443
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
306,137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,408
|
|
|
|
1,026,803
|
|
Executive Vice President
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
411,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
123,600
|
|
|
|
11,208
|
|
|
|
545,808
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Scott G. Richardson(9)
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
360,324
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,720
|
|
|
|
65,354
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,008
|
|
|
|
475,406
|
|
Former Vice President and
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
344,820
|
|
|
|
83,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
204,092
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,808
|
|
|
|
681,779
|
|
Chief Product Officer
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The amount reported in this column for Mr. Richardson for 2015 includes $14,244 paid in respect of accrued but unused paid time off.
|
(2)
|
The amounts reported in this column represent discretionary cash incentive compensation that was based on performance in 2014.
|
(3)
|
Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures, of awards granted in the year shown, computed in accordance with applicable accounting guidance for stock and option awards
granted during each year, rather than an amount paid to or realized by an executive officer. These equity grants are described in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis under the caption
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
and in the
2015 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
and
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015
tables below. We have disclosed the assumptions made in the valuation of the restricted
stock and option awards under Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The amounts reported do not reflect the compensation actually received by our
named executive officers. There can be no assurance that stock options will be exercised (in which case no value will be realized by the individual) or that the value on vesting of exercise will approximate the compensation expense recognized by the
Company.
|
24
(4)
|
The amounts reported in this column represent cash incentive compensation that is based on performance in 2015 with respect to Messrs. Ednie and Dozois and 2013 with respect to Mr. Salemme.
|
(5)
|
Amounts reported for 2013, 2014 and 2015 that represent
All Other Compensation
for each of the named executive officers are described in the table below captioned
Detail of
All Other Compensation in the Summary Compensation Table.
|
(6)
|
Mr. Mikles was designated as a named executive officer of Pendrell in 2014. In 2014, Mr. Mikles was compensated pursuant to the Companys Board Compensation Policy, as further described under the
caption
Director Compensation.
|
(7)
|
Mr. Ednie joined us as our Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on September 8, 2014.
|
(8)
|
Mr. Dozois was designated as a named executive officer of Pendrell in 2014.
|
(9)
|
Mr. Richardson was designated as a named executive officer of Pendrell in 2014.
|
Detail
of All Other Compensation in the Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Company
Contribution
401(k) Plan
($)(1)
|
|
|
Term Life
Insurance
Premium
($)
|
|
|
Director
Service Fees
($)(2)
|
|
|
Consulting
Fees
($)
|
|
|
Retention
Payment
($)(3)
|
|
|
Taxable
Commuting
and Housing
Benefits
($)
|
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
Mr. Mikles
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,066
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,066
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Ednie
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
10,600
|
|
|
|
840
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,440
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Dozois
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
10,600
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,040
|
|
|
|
34,648
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
10,400
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,040
|
|
|
|
34,448
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Salemme
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
10,600
|
|
|
|
455
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
210,000
|
|
|
|
455,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
676,055
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
10,400
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,408
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
10,200
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Richardson
|
|
|
2015
|
|
|
|
10,600
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,400
|
|
|
|
34,008
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
|
10,400
|
|
|
|
1,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,400
|
|
|
|
49,808
|
|
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Under the Companys 401(k) plan, the Company matches 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of pay that is contributed to the plan. Matching contributions by the Company are immediately vested.
|
(2)
|
Represents compensation paid to Mr. Mikles for service as a non-employee director on the Companys Board of Directors.
|
(3)
|
Pursuant to a retention agreement between the Company and Mr. Salemme, upon Mr. Salemmes transition from an employee of the Company to a consultant, Mr. Salemme received a lump sum payment of
$455,000 as consideration for relinquishing any termination benefits contemplated by his employment agreement with the Company.
|
25
2015 Grants of Plan-Based Awards
The following table provides information concerning the equity awards and cash incentive compensation earned by each of our named executive
officers in 2015.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non-
Equity Incentive Plan Awards(1)
|
|
|
Estimated Future Payouts Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(2)
|
|
|
All
Other:
Stock
Awards:
Number
of
Shares of
Stock
or
|
|
|
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
|
|
|
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
|
|
|
Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
|
|
Name
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
Approval
Date
|
|
Threshold
($)
|
|
|
Target
($)
|
|
|
Maximum
($)
|
|
|
Threshold
(#)
|
|
|
Target
(#)
|
|
|
Maximum
(#)
|
|
|
Units
(#)
|
|
|
Options
(#)(3)
|
|
|
Awards
($/Sh)
|
|
|
Awards
($)(4)
|
|
Mr. Mikles(5)
|
|
06/15/15(8)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
|
318,265
|
|
|
|
06/15/15(9)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
670,000
|
|
|
|
06/15/15(10)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
06/15/15(11)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,500,000
|
|
|
|
06/15/15(12)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
|
1,273,060
|
|
|
|
06/15/15(13)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
670,000
|
|
|
|
06/15/15(14)
|
|
06/08/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,020,000
|
|
Mr. Ednie
|
|
|
|
03/12/15
|
|
|
58,094
|
|
|
|
187,250
|
|
|
|
267,487
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/24/15(15)
|
|
07/24/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,585
|
|
|
|
07/24/15(15)
|
|
07/24/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,500
|
|
|
|
1.31
|
|
|
|
19,062
|
|
Mr. Dozois
|
|
|
|
03/12/15
|
|
|
31,784
|
|
|
|
102,446
|
|
|
|
146,345
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/24/15(15)
|
|
07/24/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,200
|
|
|
|
07/24/15(15)
|
|
07/24/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,000
|
|
|
|
1.31
|
|
|
|
108,924
|
|
Mr. Salemme(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Richardson(7)
|
|
|
|
03/12/15
|
|
|
46,170
|
|
|
|
148,814
|
|
|
|
212,581
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07/24/15(15)
|
|
07/24/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,720
|
|
|
|
07/24/15(15)
|
|
07/24/15
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108,000
|
|
|
|
1.31
|
|
|
|
65,354
|
|
(1)
|
The amounts reported in these columns represent the threshold, target and maximum amounts of performance-based cash incentive compensation that might have been paid to each named executive officer under the 2015
Incentive Plan. The actual amounts paid for 2015 are shown in the
Non-Equity Incentive Compensation
column of the
Summary Compensation Table.
These awards are described in further detail in the Compensation
Discussion and Analysis in the section entitled
Performance-based Cash Incentive Compensation.
|
(2)
|
The amounts reported in these columns represent the threshold, target and maximum amounts of performance-based equity awards granted to Mr. Mikles in 2015. The awards are described in further detail in the
Compensation Discussion and Analysis in the section entitled
Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation.
|
(3)
|
There is no threshold payout for the performance-based and market-based equity incentive awards granted to Mr. Mikles in 2015.
|
(4)
|
The amounts reported in this column reflect the aggregate grant date fair value, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures, of the awards granted in 2015, determined in accordance with financial statement reporting
rules rather than an amount paid to or realized by the executive officer. For a discussion of valuation assumptions, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2015. The option exercise price has not been deducted from the amounts indicated above. Regardless of the value placed on a stock option on the grant date, the actual value of the option will depend on the market value of Pendrell
Class A common stock at such date in the future when the option is exercised. The proceeds to be paid to the individual following the exercise of the option do not include the option exercise price.
|
(5)
|
Mr. Mikles did not participate in the 2015 Incentive Plan.
|
(6)
|
Mr. Salemme did not participate in the 2015 Incentive Plan because of his transition from employee to consultant effective February 16, 2015.
|
(7)
|
Mr. Richardson did not receive an incentive award pursuant to the 2015 Incentive Plan because of his transition from employee to consultant effective December 31, 2015, prior to the payment of awards under the
2015 Incentive Plan.
|
(8)
|
The stock options vest in four equal annual installments beginning February 15, 2016, but only to the extent Pendrell achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar year under its then-applicable
incentive plan. If Pendrells performance achievement is less than 100%, then the annual vesting will be limited to the extent to which Pendrell achieves its performance objectives. Any stock options that do not vest on an annual vesting date
due to Pendrell performance achievement below 100% will expire.
|
(9)
|
The performance-based restricted stock award was scheduled to vest on February 15, 2016, but only to the extent Pendrell achieved its performance objectives under its 2015 Incentive Plan. Pendrells 2015
performance objectives were achieved at a level of 100%, and 100% of the restricted shares vested on February 15, 2016.
|
(10)
|
The performance-based restricted stock units vest in three equal annual installments beginning February 15, 2017, but only to the extent Pendrell achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar under
its then-applicable incentive plan. If Pendrells performance achievement is less than 100%, then the annual vesting will be limited to the extent to which Pendrell achieves its performance objectives. Any restricted stock units that do not
vest on an annual vesting date due to Pendrell performance achievement below 100% will be forfeited.
|
26
(11)
|
The restricted stock units will fully vest when both of the following have occurred: (i) the average closing share price of the Companys Class A common stock for any 60 consecutive calendar days, as
reported on Nasdaq, is $3.00 or higher (the Mikles Price Trigger), and (ii) the date is January 1, 2017 or later. If the Mikles Price Trigger is not achieved by December 31, 2019, then none of the restricted stock units
will vest.
|
(12)
|
The stock options vest in four equal annual installments beginning January 1, 2016.
|
(13)
|
The restricted stock award vested as to 100% of the shares on January 1, 2016.
|
(14)
|
The restricted stock units vest in three equal annual installments beginning January 1, 2017.
|
(15)
|
The stock options and restricted stock units vest as to 50% of the shares on July 24, 2016, 25% of the shares on July 24, 2017, and 25% on July 24, 2018.
|
27
Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2015
The following table shows certain information regarding outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2015, for the named executive officers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable
|
|
|
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
|
|
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
|
|
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
|
Number
of
Share
of Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
|
|
|
Market
Value of
Shares of
Stock
That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#)
|
|
|
Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
Value
of
Unearned
Shares
That
Have Not
Vested
($)(1)
|
|
Mr. Mikles
|
|
|
18,750
|
(2)
|
|
|
56,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.76
|
|
|
04/10/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,000
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.27
|
|
|
10/01/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
06/15/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
(5)
|
|
|
|
|
1.34
|
|
|
06/15/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
(6)
|
|
|
250,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
(7)
|
|
|
1,503,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000
|
(8)
|
|
|
250,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000,000
|
(9)
|
|
|
1,503,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000,000
|
(10)
|
|
|
1,002,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Ednie
|
|
|
125,000
|
(11)
|
|
|
375,000
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.31
|
|
|
09/15/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,500
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.31
|
|
|
07/24/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
187,500
|
(11)
|
|
|
93,956
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,500
|
(12)
|
|
|
1,754
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
150,000
|
(13)
|
|
|
75,165
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Dozois
|
|
|
150,000
|
(14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.78
|
|
|
07/15/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500
|
(15)
|
|
|
2,500
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.64
|
|
|
02/15/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,500
|
(16)
|
|
|
37,500
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.21
|
|
|
08/24/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
(17)
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.52
|
|
|
02/28/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,000
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.31
|
|
|
07/24/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
(15)
|
|
|
2,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,250
|
(16)
|
|
|
3,132
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
(12)
|
|
|
10,022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
|
(18)
|
|
|
37,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500
|
(19)
|
|
|
6,264
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Salemme
|
|
|
30,000
|
(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.85
|
|
|
10/01/16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.90
|
|
|
10/03/16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.50
|
|
|
10/01/17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.01
|
|
|
10/01/18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100,000
|
(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.61
|
|
|
06/30/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,000
|
(20)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.63
|
|
|
10/01/20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
400,000
|
(21)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.93
|
|
|
03/04/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
700,000
|
(14)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.78
|
|
|
07/15/21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,500
|
(15)
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.64
|
|
|
02/15/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
281,250
|
(16)
|
|
|
93,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.21
|
|
|
08/24/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,750
|
(17)
|
|
|
281,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.52
|
|
|
02/28/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,000
|
(15)
|
|
|
12,528
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,625
|
(16)
|
|
|
7,830
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,000
|
(18)
|
|
|
175,385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,250
|
(19)
|
|
|
15,659
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Richardson
|
|
|
168,750
|
(22)
|
|
|
56,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.24
|
|
|
08/15/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182,811
|
(16)
|
|
|
60,939
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.21
|
|
|
08/24/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500
|
(17)
|
|
|
187,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.52
|
|
|
02/28/24
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
108,000
|
(12)
|
|
|
|
|
1.31
|
|
|
07/24/25
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,157
|
(16)
|
|
|
5,090
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,000
|
(12)
|
|
|
6,013
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
75,000
|
(18)
|
|
|
37,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,312
|
(19)
|
|
|
10,178
|
|
(1)
|
Represents the closing price of a share of our Class A common stock on December 31, 2015 ($0.5011) multiplied by the number of shares or units that have not vested.
|
28
(2)
|
Reflects stock options granted pursuant to the Companys Board Compensation Policy in connection with services provided as a director prior to appointment as an executive officer. The stock options vest in four
equal annual installments beginning April 10, 2015.
|
(3)
|
Reflects stock options granted pursuant to the Companys Board Compensation Policy in connection with services provided as a director prior to appointment as an executive officer. The stock options vested as to
100% of the shares on October 1, 2015.
|
(4)
|
The stock options vest in four equal annual installments beginning January 1, 2016.
|
(5)
|
The stock options vest in four equal annual installments beginning February 15, 2016, but only to the extent Pendrell achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar year under its then-applicable
incentive plan. If Pendrells performance achievement is less than 100%, then the annual vesting will be limited to the extent to which Pendrell achieves its performance objectives. Any stock options that do not vest on an annual vesting date
due to Pendrell performance achievement below 100% will expire.
|
(6)
|
The restricted stock award vested as to 100% of the shares on January 1, 2016.
|
(7)
|
The restricted stock units vest in three equal annual installments beginning January 1, 2017.
|
(8)
|
The performance-based restricted stock award was scheduled to vest on February 15, 2016, but only to the extent Pendrell achieved its performance objectives under its 2015 Incentive Plan. Pendrells 2015
performance objectives were achieved at a level of 100%, and 100% of the restricted shares vested on February 15, 2016.
|
(9)
|
The performance-based restricted stock units vest in three equal annual installments beginning February 15, 2017, but only to the extent Pendrell achieves its performance objectives for the preceding calendar under
its then-applicable incentive plan. If Pendrells performance achievement is less than 100%, then the annual vesting will be limited to the extent to which Pendrell achieves its performance objectives. Any restricted stock units that do not
vest on an annual vesting date due to Pendrell achievement below 100% will be forfeited.
|
(10)
|
The restricted stock units will fully vest when both of the following have occurred: (i) the average closing share price of the Companys Class A common stock for any 60 consecutive calendar days, as
reported on Nasdaq, is $3.00 or higher (the Mikles Price Trigger), and (ii) the date is January 1, 2017 or later. If the Mikles Price Trigger is not achieved by December 31, 2019, then none of the restricted stock units
will vest.
|
(11)
|
The stock options and restricted stock units vest in four equal annual installments beginning September 15, 2015.
|
(12)
|
The stock options and restricted stock units vest as to 50% of the shares on July 24, 2016, 25% of the shares on July 24, 2017, and 25% on July 24, 2018.
|
(13)
|
The restricted stock units will fully vest when both of the following have occurred: (i) the average closing price of Class A common stock, measured over any 60 consecutive calendar days, as reported on
Nasdaq, has reached or exceeded $3.00 per share (the Price Trigger), and (ii) the first anniversary of the grant date has occurred (the Anniversary Date). If the Price Trigger is not achieved by the third Anniversary
Date, then none of the shares will vest.
|
(14)
|
The stock options vested in four equal annual installments beginning June 17, 2012 and were fully vested at December 31, 2015.
|
(15)
|
The stock options and restricted stock award vest in four equal annual installments beginning February 15, 2013.
|
(16)
|
The stock options and restricted stock units vest in four equal annual installments beginning August 24, 2013.
|
(17)
|
The stock options vest in four equal annual installments beginning February 28, 2015.
|
(18)
|
The performance-based restricted stock awards will vest on the earlier of (i) when the Companys trailing 12-month net income reaches $100 million, and (ii) when the average closing share price of the
Companys Class A common stock for any 60 consecutive calendar days, as reported on Nasdaq, is $3.00 or higher. If any one of, or all of, the performance targets are not met within seven years, the unvested awards will be forfeited.
|
(19)
|
The restricted stock units will vest when the average closing share price of the Companys Class A common stock for any 60 consecutive calendar days, as reported on Nasdaq, is $3.00 or higher. If the
performance target is not met within four years, the unvested restricted stock units will be forfeited.
|
(20)
|
Reflects stock options granted in connection with services provided as a director prior to joining the Company as an executive officer. The stock options vested in four equal annual installments and were fully vested at
December 31, 2015.
|
(21)
|
The stock options vested in four equal annual installments beginning March 4, 2012 and were fully vested at December 31, 2015.
|
(22)
|
The stock options vest in four equal annual installments beginning August 15, 2013.
|
29
2015 Option Exercises and Stock Vested
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
|
|
|
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)(1)
|
|
|
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)(2)
|
|
|
Value Realized
on Vesting
($)(3)
|
|
Mr. Mikles
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Ednie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500
|
|
|
|
85,625
|
|
Mr. Dozois
|
|
|
30,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,250
|
|
|
|
13,925
|
|
Mr. Salemme
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103,125
|
|
|
|
113,063
|
|
Mr. Richardson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,156
|
|
|
|
13,609
|
|
(1)
|
Represents the fair market value of the shares acquired upon the exercise of the options on the date of exercise, net of the exercise price associated with acquiring the shares.
|
(2)
|
Represents the aggregate number of shares vesting, prior to any withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations.
|
(3)
|
Represents the number of shares vesting multiplied by the fair market value of Pendrell Class A common stock on the vesting date.
|
Pension Benefits
During 2015, we did not
provide pension benefits for any named executive officer.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
During 2015, we did not provide non-qualified deferred compensation benefits for any named executive officer.
2015 Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
The following table reflects the amount of compensation that would have been payable to each of the named executive officers in the event of
the termination of such executives employment under certain circumstances, assuming that (1) the triggering event took place on December 31, 2015, the last business day of the 2015 fiscal year, (2) the price per share of our
Class A common stock was $0.5011, which was the closing market price on December 31, 2015, and (3) that all cash payments are made in a lump sum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in Control
|
|
|
Employment Termination Events(1)
|
|
|
|
Accelerated Vesting
of Equity Awards
|
|
|
Severance
Payment
|
|
|
Accelerated Vesting
of Equity Awards
|
|
Mr. Mikles(2)
|
|
$
|
501,100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
501,100
|
|
Mr. Ednie(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Dozois(4)
|
|
$
|
37,583
|
|
|
$
|
280,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Salemme(5)
|
|
$
|
175,385
|
|
|
$
|
455,000
|
|
|
$
|
20,358
|
|
Mr. Richardson(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
173,040
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Messrs. Mikles, Ednie, Dozois, Salemme, and Richardson are or were entitled to certain payments in the event their employment or consulting relationship is or was terminated under certain circumstances as described
below. Each executive officer employed by the Company is also subject to certain non-competition and non-solicitation obligations for one year following termination of employment, in addition to confidentiality and non-disparagement obligations.
Also, the Company has historically paid out accrued but unused paid time off to employees upon termination of employment.
|
(2)
|
If the Company terminates Mr. Mikles without Cause, or if he is terminated or resigns from the Company for
Good Reason (as such terms are described below), upon a release of claims provided by Mr. Mikles, any time-based or performance-based
|
30
|
options, restricted shares, or RSUs that would have vested within twelve months after such employment termination shall vest, with the time-based options, restricted shares, and RSUs vesting
immediately. The performance-based options, restricted shares, and RSUs that cannot be measured as of the date of employment termination (i.e., because Pendrell performance has not yet been measured) will vest on the date that performance is
measured, which shall be no later than the next succeeding February 15. In addition, if the Company terminates Mr. Mikles without Cause, or if he is terminated or resigns from the Company for Good Reason before January 1, 2017 and the
performance criteria applicable to 2,000,000 RSUs granted to Mr. Mikles on June 15, 2015 have been achieved prior to Mr. Mikles termination date, then these RSUs will immediately vest.
|
(3)
|
Mr. Ednies severance payment is equal to 50% of his annual base salary ($350,000 at December 31, 2015) and will be paid in the event of Mr. Ednies involuntary termination without Cause (as
described below).
|
(4)
|
Mr. Dozois severance payment is equal to his annual base salary ($280,675 at December 31, 2015) and will be paid in the event of the involuntary termination of his employment other than for Cause or his
resignation for Good Reason (as such terms are described below).
|
(5)
|
In February 2015, the Company and Mr. Salemme entered into the Salemme Agreement which supersedes Mr. Salemmes employment agreement with the Company. Under the Salemme Agreement, if the Company
terminates the Salemme Agreement without Cause (as described below), or if Mr. Salemme terminates the Salemme Agreement for Good Reason (as described below), then Mr. Salemme will (a) receive a lump sum payment of $455,000, and
(b) continue to vest in any outstanding equity awards through the first anniversary of the termination date. Regardless of whether the Salemme Agreement terminates, Mr. Salemme will retain and continue to vest in his outstanding equity
awards through the duration of his relationship with the Company as a member of its Board of Directors or as a consultant to the Company.
|
(6)
|
In December 2015, the Company and Mr. Richardson entered into the Richardson Agreement which supersedes Mr. Richardsons employment agreement with the Company. The severance payment set forth in the above
table and described in Mr. Richardsons employment letter with the Company was equal to 50% of his annual base salary ($346,080 at December 31, 2015) and would have been paid if the Company elected to enforce the noncompetition
provisions of the Employee Intellectual Property Agreement between the Company and Mr. Richardson in the event of Mr. Richardsons involuntary termination of employment for any reason other than for Cause (as described below).
Pursuant to the Richardson Agreement, if the Company terminates the Richardson Agreement without Cause prior to December 31, 2016, Mr. Richardson will (a) receive a lump sum payment equal to the amount that would otherwise have been
payable if the consulting relationship had continued through December 31, 2016, which payment would be calculated based on the consulting fee described in the Richardson Agreement ($15,000 per month), and (b) continue to vest in any
then-outstanding equity awards through December 31, 2016 . Upon Mr. Richardsons transition from an employee to a consultant effective December 31, 2015, Mr. Richardson was paid $14,244 for accrued but unused paid time off.
|
Change in Control
All equity awards granted to our named executive officers and non-executive employees under the 2000 Plan provide for 100% vesting acceleration
in the event the Company is subject to a change in control and the equity obligation is not assumed, continued or substituted by the acquiring company. Under the 2012 Plan, the vesting of an equity award may accelerate upon a change of control only
if acceleration is contemplated by the agreement evidencing an award. The vesting of an equity award granted pursuant to the 2012 Plan may also be accelerated by the plan administrator in the event of certain corporate transactions, including
certain sales or dispositions of assets or securities, mergers, consolidations or similar transactions unless otherwise provided in the agreement evidencing an equity award or any other written agreement between the Company and the holder of such
equity award, or unless otherwise expressly provided by the plan administrator of the 2012 Plan at the time an equity award is granted.
Termination
Messrs. Mikles, Ednie, Dozois, Salemme, and Richardson each have certain severance provisions in their employment or retention letter
agreements that may be triggered upon termination of their respective employment or consulting relationship with the Company, as described below.
Lee E. Mikles.
Mr. Mikles employment is at-will, and he is subject to termination with or without Cause (as described
below). However, if we terminate Mr. Mikles without Cause, or if he is terminated or resigns from the Company for Good Reason (as such terms are described below), upon a release of claims provided by Mr. Mikles, any time-based or
performance-based options, restricted shares, or RSUs that would have vested within twelve months after such employment termination shall vest, with the time-based options, restricted shares, and RSUs vesting immediately. The performance-based
options, restricted shares, and RSUs that cannot be measured as of the date of employment termination (i.e., because Pendrell performance has not yet been measured) will vest on the date that performance is measured, which shall be no later than the
next succeeding February 15. In addition, if the Company terminates Mr. Mikles without Cause, or if he is terminated or resigns from the Company for Good Reason before January 1, 2017 and the performance criteria applicable to
2,000,000 RSUs granted to Mr. Mikles on June 15, 2015 have been achieved prior to Mr. Mikles termination date, then these RSUs will immediately vest.
31
Steven A. Ednie
. Mr. Ednies employment is at will, and he is subject to
termination with or without Cause (as described below). However, if we terminate Mr. Ednies employment without Cause, upon a release of claims provided by Mr. Ednie, he is entitled to payment of an amount equal to 50% of his annual
base salary then in effect (which was $350,000 at December 31, 2015).
Timothy M. Dozois
. Mr. Dozois employment is
at will, and he is subject to termination with or without Cause. If we terminate Mr. Dozois employment without Cause, or if he resigns from the Company for Good Reason (as such terms are described below), upon a release of claims provided
by Mr. Dozois, he is entitled to payment of an amount equal to his annual base salary then in effect (which was $280,675 at December 31, 2015).
R. Gerard Salemme
. If the Company terminates the Salemme Agreement without Cause, or if Mr. Salemme terminates the Salemme
Agreement for Good Reason, then Mr. Salemme will (a) receive a lump sum payment of $455,000, and (b) continue to vest in any outstanding equity awards through the first anniversary of the termination date. Mr. Salemme will retain
and continue to vest in his outstanding equity awards through the duration of his relationship with the Company as a member of its Board of Directors and as a consultant to the Company.
Scott G. Richardson
. If the Company terminates the Richardson Agreement without Cause prior to December 31, 2016,
Mr. Richardson will (a) receive a lump sum payment equal to the amount that would otherwise have been payable if the consulting relationship had continued through December 31, 2016, which payment would be calculated based on the
consulting fee described in the Richardson Agreement ($15,000 per month), and (b) continue to vest in any then-outstanding equity awards through December 31, 2016.
Certain Defined Terms
Cause.
For purposes of the arrangements described above, Cause means dismissal due to willful material misconduct or failure
to effectively discharge duties, conviction or confession of a crime punishable by law (except minor violations), the performance of an illegal act while purporting to act in the Companys behalf, or engaging in activities directly in
competition or antithetical to the best interests of the Company.
Good Reason.
For purposes of the arrangements with Messrs.
Mikles, Dozois, and Salemme, Good Reason has the meanings set forth below.
Mr. Mikles.
Resignation by Mr. Mikles for Good Reason means, without Mr. Mikles consent, (i) a relocation of Mr. Mikles principal office to a location more than 30 miles away from his current office that increases the
distance from his principal office to his residence, not undertaken at his direction or with his agreement, (ii) a change in reporting relationship to someone other than the current Executive Chairman of the Companys Board of Directors,
or (iii) a change in voting control of the Company such that Eagle River and its affiliates no longer own or control at least 51% of the Companys voting power. Termination for Good Reason means termination of employment by
reason of death or disability that renders Mr. Mikles incapable of performing the duties described in his employment agreement with the Company for a period of time that is reasonably expected to exceed eight weeks.
Mr. Dozois.
Good Reason means, without Mr. Dozois consent, a reduction of salary not
agreed to by Mr. Dozois, or a material diminution of other employee benefits, other than any employee benefits approved by the Board of Directors and implemented in a non-discriminatory fashion with respect to all participating employees, and
subject to the terms and provisions set forth in the employment letter agreement between the Company and Mr. Dozois.
Mr. Salemme.
Good Reason means Mr. Salemmes involuntary removal from the Companys
Board of Directors, a change in Mr. Salemmes reporting relationship to someone other than the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, or an ownership change at the Company as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
In 2015, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors was composed of Messrs. Sloan and Thompson. Neither member of the Compensation
Committee is, or was during 2015, an officer or employee of Pendrell, and none of the Companys executive officers serves, or during 2015 served, as a member of a compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions)
of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of Pendrells Compensation Committee. Neither member of the Compensation Committee is a former officer of the Company, nor does any executive officer of the Company serve
as a director of any entity that is in any manner affiliated with a member of the Compensation Committee.
32
Overview of Director Compensation Program
Our Board of Directors Compensation Policy (the Policy) provides for (i) an annual retainer, paid quarterly, to the Chairman
of our Board of Directors and each of our independent directors, and (ii) an additional retainer for committee service, paid quarterly, to each of our independent directors serving on a committee (other than the Chairman of the Board), as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Board of Directors and Committee Service
|
|
Annual
Retainer
|
|
Chairman of the Board of Directors
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
Independent Director
|
|
$
|
50,000
|
|
Audit Committee Chair
|
|
$
|
20,000
|
|
Compensation Committee Chair
|
|
$
|
20,000
|
|
Nominating and Governance Committee Chair
|
|
$
|
15,000
|
|
Audit Committee Member (non-Chair)
|
|
$
|
8,000
|
|
Compensation Committee Member (non-Chair)
|
|
$
|
8,000
|
|
Nominating and Governance Committee Member (non-Chair)
|
|
$
|
8,000
|
|
The annual retainer earned by our Chairman of the Board and each of our independent directors is paid in four
equal quarterly installments on or about the first day of July, October, January, and April to those directors who served on our Board of Directors through the end of the preceding quarter. Non-employee directors are also reimbursed for reasonable
travel and accommodation expenses incurred in connection with Company business.
The Policy also provides for the grant of stock options
to our independent directors. At the time of their appointment to the Board of Directors, all independent directors receive an initial option to purchase 75,000 shares of Class A common stock that vests in four equal annual installments. In
addition, all independent directors receive an annual option to purchase 60,000 shares of Class A common stock that fully vests on the one-year anniversary of the grant date. All options granted to the independent directors have an exercise
price equal to the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the grant date and have a term of ten years.
To further align
the interests of our directors with the interests of our shareholders, our Chairman of the Board and our independent directors may elect to receive all or part of their cash retainer in the form of Class A common stock. The number of shares
issued is equal to the amount of the retainer that the director elects to receive in stock divided by the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock (the closing price of our stock as reported on NASDAQ) on the final business day of
the quarter for which payment is earned. Only whole numbers of shares of Class A common stock are issued; fractional shares are paid in cash.
2015 Director Compensation
The table
below sets forth certain information regarding the compensation earned by, or awarded to, our Chairman of the Board and each independent director who served on our Board of Directors in 2015. Messrs. Mikles and Salemme did not receive additional
compensation for their services as directors of the Company in 2015, as Mr. Mikles is an employee of the Company and Mr. Salemme was an employee of and/or consultant to the Company in 2015.
We also reimburse directors for reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred in connection with Company business, the values of which
are not included in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned(1)
|
|
|
Option
Awards
(2)(3)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Richard P. Emerson
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
|
$
|
18,822
|
|
|
$
|
88,822
|
|
Nicolas Kauser
|
|
$
|
73,000
|
|
|
$
|
18,822
|
|
|
$
|
91,822
|
|
Craig O. McCaw
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
Stuart M. Sloan
|
|
$
|
66,000
|
|
|
$
|
18,822
|
|
|
$
|
84,822
|
|
H. Brian Thompson
|
|
$
|
78,000
|
|
|
$
|
18,822
|
|
|
$
|
96,822
|
|
(1)
|
Directors may elect to receive all, or a portion of, their cash compensation in the form of stock. The amounts in the Fees Earned column represent the amounts paid to directors in cash, unless otherwise
indicated as follows:
|
33
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned
|
|
Name
|
|
Fees Paid
in Cash
|
|
|
Stock Issued in
Lieu
of Cash
(#)
|
|
|
Value of Stock
(4)
|
|
|
Total
|
|
Richard P. Emerson
|
|
$
|
35,003
|
|
|
|
42,729
|
|
|
$
|
34,997
|
|
|
$
|
70,000
|
|
Nicolas Kauser
|
|
$
|
36,502
|
|
|
|
44,561
|
|
|
$
|
36,498
|
|
|
$
|
73,000
|
|
Craig O. McCaw
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
305,226
|
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
|
$
|
250,000
|
|
Stuart M. Sloan
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
80,578
|
|
|
$
|
66,000
|
|
|
$
|
66,000
|
|
H. Brian Thompson
|
|
$
|
39,002
|
|
|
|
47,614
|
|
|
$
|
38,998
|
|
|
$
|
78,000
|
|
(2)
|
Amounts reported reflect the grant date fair value, excluding the effect of estimated forfeitures, of each stock option granted during 2015 computed in accordance with ASC 718. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial
statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for the assumptions underlying the grant date fair value.
|
(3)
|
The aggregate number of outstanding stock options held by each director who is not an employee of, or consultant to, the Company (representing unexercised stock options, both vested and unvested) at December 31,
2015, is as follows:
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
Number of Shares Subject
to Outstanding
Option Awards
|
Richard P. Emerson
|
|
450,000
|
Nicolas Kauser
|
|
460,000
|
Craig O. McCaw
|
|
150,000
|
Stuart M. Sloan
|
|
425,000
|
H. Brian Thompson
|
|
620,000
|
(4)
|
The Value of Stock column reflects the value of the stock issued in lieu of cash based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the last trading day of the quarter in which the fees were
earned.
|