CINEVERSE CORP.
10-Ks and 10-Qs
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE l4A
(Rule 14a-101)
Filed by the Registrant
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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Definitive Additional Materials
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Soliciting Material Under Rule l4a-l2
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CINEDIGM DIGITAL CINEMA CORP.
(Name of Registrant As Specified In Its Charter)
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N/A
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth in the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a) (2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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Date Filed:
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CINEDIGM DIGITAL CINEMA CORP.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held On September 19, 2013
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
We invite you to attend the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), which will be held on September 19, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., local time (the “Annual Meeting”), at the offices of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, 101 Park Avenue, 27
th
floor, New York, New York 10178. At the Annual Meeting, you will be asked to vote on the following proposals (as more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice):
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1.
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To elect eight (8) members of the Company’s Board of Directors to serve until the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (or until successors are elected or directors resign or are removed).
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To amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of the Company to Cinedigm Corp.
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To approve, by non-binding advisory vote, executive compensation.
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4. To recommend, by non-binding advisory vote, the frequency of executive compensation votes.
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To ratify the appointment of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.
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6.
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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Only stockholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 2013 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WE HOPE YOU WILL ATTEND THIS ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON. HOWEVER, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY VOTE YOUR SHARES VIA THE INTERNET OR THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER AS DESCRIBED IN THE ENCLOSED MATERIALS. IF YOU RECEIVED A PROXY CARD BY MAIL, PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IT IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IF YOU RECEIVED MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD, IT IS AN INDICATION THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REGISTERED IN MORE THAN ONE ACCOUNT. PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN
EACH
PROXY CARD YOU RECEIVE. IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTE IN PERSON, YOUR VOTE BY PROXY WILL NOT BE USED.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christopher J. McGurk
Chairman of the Board of Directors
New York, New York
Date:
August 2,
2013
CINEDIGM DIGITAL CINEMA CORP.
902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor
New York, New York 10010
_________________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
_________________________________
2013 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
SEPTEMBER 19, 2013
GENERAL
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to the stockholders of CINEDIGM DIGITAL CINEMA CORP. (the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”). The proxies are for use at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., local time, or at any adjournment thereof (the “Annual Meeting”). The Annual Meeting will be held at the offices of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP, 101 Park Avenue, 27
th
floor, New York, New York 10178. The Company’s telephone number is (212) 206-8600.
The shares represented by your proxy will be voted at the Annual Meeting as therein specified (if the proxy is properly executed and returned, and not revoked).
The shares represented by your proxy will be voted as indicated on your properly executed proxy. If no directions are given on the proxy, the shares represented by your proxy will be voted:
FOR the election of the director nominees named herein (Proposal One), unless you specifically withhold authority to vote for one or more of the director nominees, if you are a record holder of your shares. If you hold your shares through a broker in “street name,” your broker will not be allowed to vote on Proposal One unless you direct your broker as to such vote.
FOR amending the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to change the name of the Company to Cinedigm Corp. (Proposal Two).
FOR the approval of the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal Three).
FOR the approval of the non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of executive compensation votes (Proposal Four).
FOR ratifying the appointment of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014 (Proposal Five).
The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted to the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the shares they represent as the Board may recommend.
These proxy solicitation materials are first being mailed to the stockholders on or about August 2, 2013.
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VOTING SECURITIES
Stockholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 2013 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the Record Date, 52,981,677 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value (“Class A Common Stock”), were issued and outstanding.
Each holder of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one vote for each share of Class A Common Stock held as of the Record Date.
QUORUM; ABSTENTIONS; BROKER NON-VOTES
A majority of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock as of the Record Date must be present, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting in order to have the required quorum for the transaction of business. If the aggregate voting power of the shares of Common Stock present, in person and by proxy, at the Annual Meeting does not constitute the required quorum, the Annual Meeting may be adjourned to a subsequent date for the purpose of obtaining a quorum.
Shares of Common Stock that are voted “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” are treated as being present at the Annual Meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum. Shares that are voted “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” with respect to a matter will also be treated as shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting (the “Votes Cast”) with respect to such matter. Abstentions will be counted for purposes of quorum and will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” a proposal.
Broker non-votes (i.e., votes from shares of Common Stock held as of the Record Date by brokers or other custodians as to which the beneficial owners have given no voting instructions) will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, but will not be counted for purposes of determining the number of Votes Cast with respect to a particular proposal on which the broker has expressly not voted. Accordingly, broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of the voting on a proposal.
DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
In order for any stockholder proposal submitted pursuant to Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), to be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement to be issued in connection with the 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such stockholder proposal must be received by the Company no later than April 4, 2014. Any such stockholder proposal submitted, including any accompanying supporting statement, may not exceed 500 words, as per Rule 14a-8(d) of the Exchange Act. Any such stockholder proposals submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 promulgated under the Exchange Act, which a stockholder intends to bring forth at the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, will be untimely for purposes of Rule 14a-4 of the Exchange Act if received by the Company after June 18, 2014. All stockholder proposals must be made in writing addressed to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, at 902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor, New York, New York 10010.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before its use by delivering to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, a written notice of revocation, a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attending the Annual Meeting in and of itself will not constitute a revocation of a proxy.
DISSENTERS’ RIGHT OF APPRAISAL
Under Delaware General Corporation Law and the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation, stockholders are not entitled to any appraisal or similar rights of dissenters with respect to any of the proposals to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.
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SOLICITATION
Proxies may be solicited by certain of the Company’s directors, executive officers and regular employees, without additional compensation, in person, or by telephone, e-mail or facsimile. The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. The Company expects to reimburse brokerage firms, banks, custodians and other persons representing beneficial owners of shares of Common Stock for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding solicitation material to such beneficial owners.
Some banks, brokers and other record holders have begun the practice of “householding” notices, proxy statements and annual reports. “Householding” is the term used to describe the practice of delivering a single set of notices, proxy statements and annual reports to any household at which two or more stockholders reside if a company reasonably believes the stockholders are members of the same family. This procedure reduces the volume of duplicate information stockholders receive and also reduces a company’s printing and mailing costs. The Company will promptly deliver an additional copy of any such document to any stockholder who writes or calls the Company. Alternatively, if you share an address with another stockholder and have received multiple copies of our notices, proxy statements and annual reports, you may contact us to request delivery of a single copy of these materials. Any such written request should be directed to Investor Relations at 902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor, New York, New York 10010, (212) 206-8600.
AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS
Our proxy materials are primarily available to stockholders on the Internet, as permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). A Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will be mailed to shareholders beginning approximately August 2, 2013, and this Proxy Statement and form of proxy, together with our Annual Report on Form 10-K, are first being made available to shareholders beginning approximately August 2, 2013. The Annual Report, which has been posted along with this Proxy Statement, is not a part of the proxy solicitation materials. Upon receipt of a written request, the Company will furnish to any shareholder, without charge, a copy of such Annual Report (without exhibits). Upon request and payment of $0.10 (ten cents) per page, copies of any exhibit to such Annual Report will also be provided. Any such written request should be directed to the Company’s Secretary at 902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor, New York, New York 10010 or (212) 206-8600.
ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PROXY MATERIALS
This year we are pleased to again apply the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission rule that allows companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders primarily over the Internet. We believe this method should expedite receipt of your proxy materials, lower costs of our Annual Meeting and help conserve natural resources. We encourage you to vote via the Internet by following the links to the Proxy Statement and Annual Report, which are both available at
www.proxyvote.com
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PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board currently consists of eight (8) directors, all of whom have been nominated for re-election. The Board currently has two vacancies, for which the Nominating Committee is seeking to identify candidates. Stockholders and their proxies cannot vote for more than eight (8) persons at the Annual Meeting
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Each nominee has consented to being named as a nominee for election as a director and has agreed to serve if elected. At the Annual Meeting, directors will be elected to serve one-year terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are elected or until their earlier resignation or removal.
The directors shall be elected by a plurality of the Votes Cast at the Annual Meeting. A “plurality” means that the individuals who receive the largest number of Votes Cast are elected as directors up to the maximum number of directors to be elected at the Annual Meeting. If any nominee is not available for election at the time of the Annual Meeting (which is not anticipated), the proxy holders named in the proxy, unless specifically instructed otherwise in the proxy, will vote for the election of such other person as the existing Board may recommend, unless the Board
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decides to reduce the number of directors of the Company. Certain information about the nominees to the Company’s Board is set forth below.
Christopher J. McGurk
,
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, has been the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since January 2011. Mr. McGurk was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Overture Films from 2006 until 2010 and also the Chief Executive Officer of Anchor Bay Entertainment, which distributed Overture Films’ products to the home entertainment industry. From 1999 to 2005, Mr. McGurk was Vice Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (“MGM”), acting as the company’s lead operating executive until MGM was sold for approximately $5 billion to a consortium of investors. Mr. McGurk joined MGM from Universal Pictures, where he served in various executive capacities, including President and Chief Operating Officer, from 1996 to 1999. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. McGurk served in several senior executive roles at The Walt Disney Studios, including Studios Chief Financial Officer and President of The Walt Disney Motion Picture Group. Mr. McGurk currently serves as a director of BRE Properties, Inc. and has previously served on the boards of DivX Inc., DIC Entertainment, Pricegrabber.com, LLC and MGM Studios, Inc. Mr. McGurk’s extensive career in various sectors of the theatrical production and exhibition industry will provide the company with the benefits of his knowledge of and experience in this field, as well as his wide-spread contacts within the industry.
Adam M. Mizel
,
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, has been the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer since October, 2011. He had previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Strategy Officer since August 2009 and as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer from June 2010 through December 2010, and has been a member of the Board since March 2009. From 2005 to 2012, Mr. Mizel was the Managing Principal at Aquifer Capital Group, LLC. Previously, Mr. Mizel was Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Azimuth Trust, LLC, an alternative asset management firm from 2001 until 2005. Prior to that, he was a partner at Capital Z Partners, L.P., a private equity and alternative investment firm, and Managing Director at Zurich Centre Investments, Inc., the North American private equity unit of Zurich Financial Services Group. Mr. Mizel began his investment career at Morgan Stanley Capital Partners in 1991. Mr. Mizel, having investment experience in the Company’s and other industries, is familiar with relevant financing structures and the financial environment of the Company.
Gary S. Loffredo, 48,
has been the Company’s President of Digital Cinema, General Counsel and Secretary since October 2011. He had previously served as Senior Vice President -- Business Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary since 2000 and as Interim Co-Chief Executive Officer from June 2010 through December 2010, and has been a member of the Board since September 2000. From March 1999 to August 2000, he had been Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Cablevision Cinemas d/b/a Clearview Cinemas. At Cablevision Cinemas, Mr. Loffredo was responsible for all aspects of the legal function, including negotiating and drafting commercial agreements, with emphases on real estate, construction and lease contracts. He was also significantly involved in the business evaluation of Cablevision Cinemas’ transactional work, including site selection and analysis, negotiation and new theater construction oversight. Mr. Loffredo was an attorney at the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP from September 1992 to February 1999. Having been with the Company since its inception and with Clearview Cinemas prior thereto, Mr. Loffredo has over a decade of experience in the cinema exhibition industry, both on the movie theatre and studio sides, as well as legal training and general business experience, which skills and understanding are beneficial to the Company.
Peter C. Brown, 54,
has been a member of the Board since September 2010. He is Chairman of Grassmere Partners, LLC, a private investment firm, which he founded in 2009. Prior to founding Grassmere Partners, Mr. Brown served as Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of AMC Entertainment Inc. (“AMC”), one of the world’s leading theatrical exhibition companies, from July 1999 until his retirement in February 2009. He joined AMC in 1990 and served as AMC’s President from January 1997 to July 1999 and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 1991 to 1997. Mr. Brown founded Entertainment Properties Trust, served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 1997 to 2003 and is currently a director. Mr. Brown also serves as a director of CenturyLink. During the past five years, Mr. Brown served on the boards of National CineMedia, Inc. and Midway Games, Inc. Mr. Brown’s extensive experience in the theatrical exhibition and entertainment industry provides the Board with valuable knowledge and experience specifically compatible with the Company’s business.
Wayne L. Clevenger, 70,
has been a member of the Board since October 2001. He has more than 25 years of private equity investment experience. He has been a Managing Director of MidMark Equity Partners II, L.P. (“MidMark”), a private equity fund, since 1989. Mr. Clevenger was President of Lexington Investment Company
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from 1985 to 1989, and, previously, had been employed by DLJ Capital Corporation (Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette) and INCO Securities Corporation, the venture capital arm of INCO Limited. Mr. Clevenger served as a director of Clearview Cinema from May 1996 to December 1998. Mr. Clevenger has financial expertise and experience with the Company as it has developed with the digital cinema industry and, as such, is able to provide the Company with unique insight and guidance.
Matthew W. Finlay, 46,
has been a member of the Board since October 2001. Since 1997, Mr. Finlay has been a director of MidMark. Previously, he had been a Vice President with the New York merchant banking firm Juno Partners and its investment banking affiliate, Mille Capital, from 1995 to 1997. Mr. Finlay began his career in 1990 as an analyst with the investment banking firm Southport Partners. Mr. Finlay has financial expertise and experience with the Company as it has developed with the digital cinema industry and, as such, is able to provide the Company with unique insight and guidance.
Martin B. O’Connor II, 54,
has been a member of the Board since March 2010. Mr. O’Connor is the Managing Partner of the law firm of O’Connor, Morss & O’Connor, P.C., where he has practiced law since 1985. He focuses on advising his clients and their business interests regarding strategic planning, ownership and wealth management issues, as well as advising their family offices. His varied professional experiences have resulted in a practice representing individuals and entities in the financial, real estate, entertainment, sport and agricultural sectors. During the past five years, Mr. O’Connor served as a director of Rentrak Corporation and Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. He brings to the Board a varied range of legal and professional experience and working relationships with global brands.
Laura Nisonger Sims, 34,
has been a member of the Board since September 2009. Since 2008, Ms. Sims has been a principal of Sageview Capital L.P., whose affiliate, Sageview Capital Master, L.P., is one of the Company’s largest investors. Prior to joining Sageview, Ms. Sims was with TPG Capital L.P. from 2003 until 2006, where she focused on leveraged buyout transactions across a range of industries. Prior to joining TPG, Ms. Sims was an analyst at Goldman, Sachs & Co. in the Communications, Media and Entertainment group of the Investment Banking Division. Ms. Sims’ experience in investing in the entertainment industry, as well as her general financial and investment experience, is beneficial to the Board. In addition, as a principal of one of the Company’s largest investors, she brings to the Board the perspective of a major stakeholder.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES NAMED ABOVE.
PROPOSAL TWO
AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY’S CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO CHANGE THE NAME OF THE COMPANY TO CINEDIGM CORP.
The Board unanimously adopted a resolution to submit to a vote of shareholders a special resolution to change the name of the Company from “Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp.” to “Cinedigm Corp.” If shareholders approve this proposal, the change in the Company’s name will become effective promptly after the Annual Meeting upon the filing by the Company of an amendment, in the form of the amendment attached hereto as Appendix A, to its certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware reflecting the new name of the Company.
Purpose and Rationale for the Proposed Change of Name
The Company's new name is designed to better represent the Company's position in multiple aspects of the cinema and entertainment industries, rather than identifying the Company with the conversion from analog to digital cinema, as had previously been the Company’s focus. Now that the Company has substantially completed its digital cinema deployment phases, it has strengthened its position in other areas of the industry, including as a provider of software and content marketing and distribution, supporting and capitalizing on the conversion of the exhibition industry from film to digital technology and the accelerating shift in the home entertainment market to digital and video-on-demand services from physical goods such as DVDs. The Company provides a digital cinema platform that combines technology solutions, financial advice and guidance, and software services to content owners and distributors and to movie exhibitors, and believes that the name Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. no longer
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appropriately represents the Company. The new name would also allow for continued expansion, without limiting the image of the Company to the public, as new opportunities may emerge.
Effect of the Proposed Amendment
If approved by shareholders, the change in our name will not affect the validity or transferability of any existing share certificates that bear the name “Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp.” or the Company’s name prior thereto, “Access Integrated Technologies, Inc.” If the proposed name change is approved, shareholders with certificated shares should continue to hold their existing share certificates. The rights of shareholders holding certificated shares under existing share certificates and the number of shares represented by those certificates will remain unchanged. Direct registration accounts and any new share certificates that are issued after the name change becomes effective will bear the name “Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp.”
Our Class A Common Stock currently trades on The Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CIDM.” If the proposed name change is approved, our shares will continue to trade under this symbol. However, a new CUSIP number will be assigned to the Class A Common Stock shortly following the name change.
The name change will result in an immaterial cost to the Company.
If the proposal to change our name is not approved, our name and CUSIP number will remain unchanged.
This proposal requires approval by a majority of the Votes Cast at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE CHANGE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY FROM “CINEDIGM DIGITAL CINEMA CORP.” TO “CINEDIGM CORP.”
PROPOSAL THREE
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SEC rules adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, enacted in July 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enable our stockholders to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement.
As described in detail in the section entitled, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, we believe that executive compensation should be focused on promoting Company performance and stockholder value. To achieve these goals our executive compensation program emphasizes pay for performance and aligning the interests of our executives with those of our stockholders through the use of long-term incentives and the encouragement of equity ownership. In addition, our executive compensation program is designed to allow us to recruit, retain and motivate employees who play a significant role in our current and future success. Please read the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, the 2013 Summary Compensation Table and the other related tables and accompanying narrative for a detailed description of the fiscal year 2013 compensation of our named executive officers. We believe that the 2013 compensation of each of our named executive officers was reasonable and appropriate and aligned with the Company’s 2013 results and the achievement of the objectives of our executive compensation program.
The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation; rather, the vote relates to the overall compensation of our named executive officers. This vote is advisory only and is not binding on the Company or the Board. Although the vote is non-binding, our Board values the opinions of our stockholders and the Board and the Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions for our named executive officers.
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Accordingly, we ask our stockholders to vote in favor of the following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.”
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” APPROVING THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
PROPOSAL FOUR
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF FUTURE
NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SEC rules adopted pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act require that, not less frequently than once every three years, we include in the proxy materials for a meeting of stockholders where executive compensation disclosure is required by the SEC rules, an advisory resolution subject to a non-binding stockholder vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers. The approval of the resolution is included as Proposal Three in this Proxy Statement. The Dodd-Frank Act also requires that, not less frequently than once every six years, we enable our stockholders to vote to approve, on an advisory (non-binding) basis, the frequency (every one, two or three years) with which the non-binding advisory stockholder vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers should be conducted. In accordance with those rules we are requesting you vote to advise us as to whether you believe future votes to approve the compensation of our named executive officers should occur every one, two or three years, or whether you wish to abstain from voting on this proposal.
After careful consideration of this Proposal, our Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation that occurs every two years is the most appropriate alternative for the Company, and therefore our Board recommends that you vote for a two-year interval for future advisory votes on executive compensation.
In formulating its recommendation, our Board considered that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will allow our stockholders to provide us with their direct input on our compensation philosophy, policies and practices as disclosed in the proxy statement every year. Additionally, an annual advisory vote on executive compensation is consistent with our policy of respecting the views of our stockholders on corporate governance matters and our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices. We understand that our stockholders may have different views and we look forward to hearing from our stockholders on this Proposal.
You may cast your vote on your preferred voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years, or three years or you may abstain from voting in response to the resolution set forth below. Note that stockholders are not voting to approve or disapprove the recommendation of the Board. You are being asked only to express your preference for a one, two or three year frequency or to abstain from voting.
The option of one year, two years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be the frequency for the advisory vote on executive compensation that has been selected by stockholders. However, because this vote is advisory only and is not binding on the Board or the Company in any way, the Board may decide that it is in the best interests of our stockholders and the Company to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation more or less frequently than the option approved by our stockholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE OPTION OF ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS AS THE FREQUENCY WITH WHICH STOCKHOLDERS ARE PROVIDED A NON-BINDING ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION IN THE FUTURE.
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PROPOSAL FIVE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board has selected the firm of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, subject to ratification by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. EisnerAmper LLP has been our independent registered public accounting firm since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. A representative of EisnerAmper LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement, if desired, and respond to appropriate questions.
More information about our independent registered public accounting firm is available under the heading “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” on page 25 below.
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF EISNERAMPER LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2014.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board does not know of any other matters that may be brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any such other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, the proxies may use their own judgment to determine how to vote your shares.
MATTERS RELATING TO OUR GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
The Board oversees the Company’s risk management including understanding the risks the Company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, as well as understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The Board’s role in the Company’s risk oversight process includes receiving regular updates from members of senior management on areas of material risk to the Company, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, human resources, employment, and strategic risks.
The Company’s leadership structure consists of the combined role of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and a separate Lead Independent Director. Mr. Brown
currently serves as our Lead Independent Director. The Lead Independent Director’s responsibilities include presiding at all meetings of the Board at which the Chairman is not present, including executive sessions of the independent directors, serving as a liaison between the Chairman and the independent directors, reviewing information sent to the Board, consulting with the Nominating Committee with regard to the membership and performance evaluations of the Board and Board committee members, calling meetings of and setting agendas for the independent directors, and serving as liaison for communications with stockholders. The Board believes that the existence of a lead director supports strong corporate governance principles while deriving the benefit of having the Company’s Chief Executive Officer also serve as Chairman of the Board. The Board believes that this leadership structure enhances the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer’s ability to provide insight and direction on the Company’s strategic direction to both management and independent directors, and at the same time, with the support and oversight of a lead director, ensures that the appropriate level of independent oversight is applied to all management decisions. The Board believes that this structure ensures that the independent directors continue to effectively oversee management and provide effective oversight of key issues relating to strategy, risk and integrity without the need to split the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.
The Board intends to meet at least quarterly and the independent directors serving on the Board intend to meet in executive session (i.e., without the presence of any non-independent directors and management) at least twice a year immediately following regularly scheduled Board meetings. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013 (the “Last Fiscal Year”), the Board held six (6) meetings and the Board members acted seven (7) times by unanimous written consent in lieu of holding a meeting. Each current member of the Board, who was then serving, attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and of the committees of the Board on which they served in
8
the Last Fiscal Year. No individual may be nominated for election to the Board after his or her 73rd birthday. Messrs. Brown, Clevenger, Finlay and O’Connor and Ms. Sims are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Global Market (“Nasdaq”).
The Board currently does not provide a formal process for stockholders to send communications to the Board. In the opinion of the Board, it is appropriate for the Company not to have such a process in place because the Board believes there is currently not a need for a formal policy due to, among other things, the limited number of stockholders of the Company. While the Board will, from time to time, review the need for a formal policy, at the present time, stockholders who wish to contact the Board may do so by submitting any communications to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, 902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor, New York, New York 10010, with an instruction to forward the communication to a particular director or the Board as a whole. Mr. Loffredo will receive the correspondence and forward it to any individual director or directors to whom the communication is directed.
The Company does not currently have a policy in place regarding attendance by Board members at the Company’s annual meetings. However, each of the current directors
,
who was then serving, attended the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and each
director who is standing for re-election currently intends to attend this Annual Meeting.
The Board has three standing committees, consisting of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee consists of Messrs. Brown and Finlay and Ms. Sims. Mr. Finlay is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee held six (6) meetings in the Last Fiscal Year. The Audit Committee has met with the Company’s management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to review and help ensure the adequacy of its internal controls and to review the results and scope of the auditors’ engagement and other financial reporting and control matters. Mr. Finlay and Ms. Sims are financially literate, and Mr. Finlay and Ms. Sims are financially sophisticated, as those terms are defined under the rules of Nasdaq. Mr. Finlay and Ms. Sims
are also financial experts, as such term is defined under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Messrs. Brown and Finlay and Ms. Sims are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq.
The Audit Committee has adopted a formal written charter (the “Audit Charter”). The Audit Committee is responsible for ensuring that the Company has adequate internal controls and is required to meet with the Company’s auditors to review these internal controls and to discuss other financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee is also responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the auditors. Additionally, the Audit Committee is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions and other potential conflict of interest situations between the Company and its officers, directors, employees and principal stockholders. The Audit Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at
www.cinedigm.com
.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Brown and Clevenger. Mr. Clevenger is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee met seven (7) times during the Last Fiscal Year. The Compensation Committee approves the compensation package of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and
,
based on recommendation by the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer, approves the levels of compensation and benefits payable to the Company’s other executive officers, reviews general policy matters relating to employee compensation and benefits and recommends to the entire Board, for its approval, stock option and other equity-based award grants to its executive officers, employees and consultants and discretionary bonuses to its executive officers and employees. The Compensation Committee has the authority to appoint and delegate to a sub-committee the authority to make grants and administer bonus and compensation plans and programs. Messrs. Brown and Clevenger are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.
The Compensation Committee adopted a formal written charter (the “Compensation Charter”). The Compensation Charter sets forth the duties, authorities and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at
www.cinedigm.com
.
9
The Compensation Committee, when determining executive compensation (including under the executive compensation program, as discussed below under the heading Compensation Discussion and Analysis), evaluates the potential risks associated with the compensation policies and practices. The Compensation Committee believes that the Company’s compensation programs are designed with an appropriate balance of risk and reward in relation to the Company’s overall compensation philosophy and do not encourage excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. In general, the Company compensates its executives in a combination of cash, stock options. The stock options contain vesting provisions, typically of proportional annual vesting over a three-year period, which encourages the executives, on a long-term basis, to strive to enhance the value of such compensation as measured by the trading price of the Class A Common Stock. The Compensation Committee does not believe that this type of compensation encourages excessive or unnecessary risk-taking behavior. As a result, we do not believe that risks relating to our compensation policies and practices for our employees are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company intends to recapture compensation as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. However, there have been no instances where it needed to recapture any compensation.
During the Last Fiscal Year, the Compensation Committee engaged Aon Hewitt, a compensation consulting firm. The consultant met with the Compensation Committee multiple times during the Last Fiscal Year and provided guidance for cash and equity bonus compensation to executive officers and directors, which the Compensation Committee considered in reaching its determinations of such compensation. In addition, the consultant was available to respond to specific inquiries throughout the year.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee consists of Messrs. Brown, Clevenger and O’Connor and Ms. Sims. Mr. O’Connor is the Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee held three (3) meetings during the Last Fiscal Year. The Nominating Committee evaluates and approves nominations for annual election to, and to fill any vacancies in, the Board and recommends to the Board the directors to serve on committees of the Board. The Nominating Committee also approves the compensation package of the Company’s directors. Messrs. Brown, Clevenger and O’Connor and Ms. Sims are considered “independent” under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq.
The Nominating Committee adopted a formal written charter (the “Nominating Charter”). The Nominating Charter sets forth the duties and responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and the general skills and characteristics that the Nominating Committee employs to determine the individuals to nominate for election to the Board. The Nominating Charter is available on the Company’s Internet website at
www.cinedigm.com
.
The Nominating Committee will consider any candidates recommended by stockholders. In considering a candidate submitted by stockholders, the Nominating Committee will take into consideration the needs of the Board and the qualifications of the candidate. Nevertheless, the Board may choose not to consider an unsolicited recommendation if no vacancy exists on the Board and/or the Board does not perceive a need to increase the size of the Board. Stockholders should submit any recommendations of director candidates for the Company’s 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to the Company’s Secretary, Mr. Loffredo, at 902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor, New York, New York 10010 in accordance with the procedures set forth above under the heading “Deadline for Receipt of Stockholder Proposals to be Presented at Next Annual Meeting.”
There are no specific minimum qualifications that the Nominating Committee believes must be met by a Nominating Committee-recommended director nominee. However, the Nominating Committee believes that director candidates should, among other things, possess high degrees of integrity and honesty; have literacy in financial and business matters; have no material affiliations with direct competitors, suppliers or vendors of the Company; and preferably have experience in the Company’s business and other relevant business fields (for example, finance, accounting, law and banking). The Nominating Committee considers diversity together with the other factors considered when evaluating candidates but does not have a specific policy in place with respect to diversity.
Members of the Nominating Committee meet in advance of each of the Company’s annual meetings of stockholders to identify and evaluate the skills and characteristics of each director candidate for nomination for election as a director of the Company. The Nominating Committee reviews the candidates in accordance with the skills and qualifications set forth in the Nominating Charter and the rules of the Nasdaq. There are no differences in the
10
manner in which the Nominating Committee evaluates director nominees based on whether or not the nominee is recommended by a stockholder.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics applicable to all members of the Board, executive officers and employees. Such code of ethics is available on our Internet website,
www.cinedigm.com
. We intend to disclose any amendment to, or waiver of, a provision of our code of ethics by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC.
11
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
As of July 22, 2013, the Company’s directors, executive officers and principal stockholders beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in the aggregate, approximately 47.0% of its outstanding Class A Common. These stockholders have significant influence over the Company’s business affairs, with the ability to control matters requiring approval by the Company’s stockholders, including the two proposals set forth in this Proxy Statement as well as approvals of mergers or other business combinations.
The following table sets forth as of July 22, 2013, certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as to (i) each person known by the Company to beneficially own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company’s directors, (iii) each of the Company’s Named Executives (as defined below) and (iv) all of the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group.
| CLASS A COMMON STOCK | ||||||
|
Shares Beneficially Owned (b)
|
||||||
| Name (a) |
Number
|
Percent
|
||||
|
Christopher J. McGurk
|
3,199,615 |
(c)
|
5.7% | |||
|
Adam M. Mizel
|
1,145,708 |
(d)
|
2.1% | |||
|
Gary S. Loffredo
|
644,795 |
(e)
|
1.2% | |||
|
Peter C. Brown
|
615,725 |
(f)
|
1.2% | |||
|
Wayne L. Clevenger
c/o MidMark Equity Partners II, L.P.,
177 Madison Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
|
2,283,561 |
(g)
|
4.3% | |||
|
Matthew W. Finlay
c/o MidMark Equity Partners II, L.P.,
177 Madison Avenue
Morristown, NJ 07960
|
2,261,975 |
(h)
|
4.3% | |||
|
Martin B. O’Connor II
|
167,541 | * | ||||
|
Laura Nisonger Sims
c/o Sageview Capital Master, L.P.
245 Lytton Avenue, Suite 250
Palo Alto, CA 94301
|
— | * | ||||
|
Federated Investors, Inc.
Federated Investors Tower
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3779
|
6,232,425 |
(i)(l)
|
11.8% | |||
|
Ronald L. Chez
291 E. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60611
|
3,874,891 |
(l)
|
7.3% | |||
|
Sageview Capital Master, L.P.
245 Lytton Avenue, Suite 250
Palo Alto, CA 94301
|
16,216,109 |
(j)
|
23.5% | |||
|
All directors and executive officers as a group
(8 persons)
|
8,105,359 |
(k)
|
14.2% | |||
____________
|
*
|
Less than 1%
|
|
(a)
|
Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of each person named in the table is c/o Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., 902 Broadway, 9
th
Floor, New York, New York 10010.
|
|
(b)
|
Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 52,981,677 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding as of July 22, 2013 together with all applicable options, warrants and other securities convertible into shares of our
|
12
Class A Common Stock for such stockholder. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC, and includes voting and investment power with respect to shares. Shares of Class A Common Stock subject to options, warrants or other convertible securities exercisable within 60 days after July 22, 2013 are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the person holding such options, warrants or other convertible securities, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Except as otherwise noted, the named beneficial owner has the sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares of Common Stock shown.
|
(c)
|
Includes 3,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options that may be acquired upon exercise of such options.
|
|
(d)
|
Includes 700,000 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options that may be acquired upon exercise of such options.
|
|
(e)
|
Includes 454,795 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options that may be acquired upon exercise of such options.
|
|
(f)
|
Includes 528,382 shares owned by Grassmere Partners LLC, of which Mr. Brown is Chairman. Mr. Brown disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
|
|
(g)
|
Mr. Clevenger is a managing director of MidMark and of MidMark Investments, Inc. (“MidMark Investments”) and a managing member of MidMark Advisors II, LLC. Includes 30,000 shares of Class A Common Stock owned directly, 80,000
shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options that may be acquired upon exercise of such options held by MidMark Investments and 2,213,561 shares owned by MidMark. Other then the 30,000 shares first described, Mr. Clevenger disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
|
|
(h)
|
Mr. Finlay is a director of MidMark and of MidMark Investments. Includes 8,414 shares of Class A Common Stock owned directly, 80,000 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options that may be acquired upon exercise of such options held by MidMark Investments and 2,213,561 shares owned by MidMark. Other then the 8,414 shares first described, Mr. Finlay disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares except to the extent of any pecuniary interest therein.
|
|
(i)
|
Federated Investors, Inc. (“Federated”) is the indirect parent holding company of Federated Equity Management Company of Pennsylvania and Federated Global Investment Management Corp., both of which act as investment advisors to registered investment companies and separate accounts that own shares, and Federated Kaufman Small Cap Fund and AST Federated Aggressive Growth Portfolio, both of which own shares. Federated is owned by the Voting Shares Irrevocable Trust, of which John F. Donahue, Rhodora J. Donahue and J. Christopher Donahue are trustees. Each trustee disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares.
|
|
(j)
|
Includes 16,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock subject to issuance upon exercise of currently exercisable warrants owned by Sageview Capital Master Fund, L.P. (“Sageview Master”). Sageview Capital Partners (A), L.P. (“Sageview A”), Sageview Capital Partners (B), L.P. (“Sageview B”) and Sageview Capital Partners (C) (Master), L.P. (“Sageview C”) are the sole shareholders of Sageview Master. Sageview Capital GenPar, Ltd. (“Sageview Ltd.”) is the sole general partner of each of Sageview A, Sageview B and Sageview C. Sageview Capital GenPar, L.P. (“Sageview GenPar”) is the sole shareholder of Sageview Ltd. Sageview Capital MGP, LLC (“Sageview MGP”) is the sole general partner of Sageview GenPar. Edward A. Gilhuly and Scott M. Stuart are managing and controlling persons of Sageview MGP. Messrs. Gilhuly and Stuart have shared voting and dispositive power with respect to the securities beneficially owned by Sageview Master. Each of Sageview A, Sageview B, Sageview C, Sageview Ltd., Sageview GenPar, Sageview MGP and Messrs. Gilhuly and Stuart disclaims beneficial ownership of such securities, except to the extent of its or his pecuniary interest therein, if any.
|
|
(k)
|
Includes 4,234,795 shares of Class A Common Stock underlying options that may be acquired upon exercise of such options.
|
|
(l)
|
Based on the numbers of shares reported in the most recent Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G, as amended, if applicable, and filed by such stockholder with the SEC through July 22
,
2013 and information provided by the holder or otherwise known to the Company.
|
EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Executive Officers
The Company’s executive officers are Christopher J. McGurk, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Gary S. Loffredo, President of Digital Cinema, General Counsel, Secretary and a member of the Board, and Adam
13
M. Mizel, Chief Operating Officer and Chief
Financial Officer
and a member of the Board. Biographical information for Messrs. McGurk, Mizel and Loffredo is included above in Proposal One.
Related Party Transactions
In August 2009, the Company issued a promissory note for $75,000,000 to an affiliate of Sageview, which note was later amended in May 2010. Subject to certain adjustments, interest on the note is 8% per annum to be accrued as an increase in the aggregate principal amount of the note and 7% per annum paid in cash. In addition to the note, the Company issued to Sageview warrants to purchase 16,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. Under the terms of the note, Sageview was entitled to designate two nominees for election to the Board at each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders, subject to the loss of such designation rights upon certain reductions in the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the note and the beneficial ownership of shares of Class A Common Stock by Sageview. During fiscal 2013, the largest aggregate amount of principal outstanding under the note was $99.3 million, and no principal and $6.1 million in interest was paid in cash. On March 1, 2013, the note was paid in full and ceased to be outstanding. All of the warrants remain outstanding. Ms. Sims, a former nominee of Sageview pursuant to its designation rights, has remained on the Board and is currently a nominee for election at the Annual Meeting. Ms. Sims is a principal of Sageview, as more specifically described in Proposal 1, Election of Directors.
The Audit Committee, pursuant to its charter, it is responsible for the review and oversight of all related party transactions
and other potential conflict of interest situations
, by review in advance or ratification afterward. The Audit Committee charter does not set forth specific standards to be applied; rather, the Audit Committee reviews each transaction individually on a case-by-case, facts and circumstances basis.
COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives and Compensation Program Overview
Cinedigm’s executive compensation philosophy is focused on enabling the Company to hire and retain qualified and motivated executives, while meeting its business needs and objectives. To be consistent with this philosophy, the executive compensation program (the “Compensation Program”) has been designed around the following objectives:
|
•
|
Provide competitive compensation levels to enable the recruitment and retention of highly qualified executives.
|
|
•
|
Design incentive programs that strengthen the link between pay and corporate performance to encourage and reward excellence and contributions that further Cinedigm’s success.
|
|
•
|
Align the interests of executives with those of shareholders through grants of equity-based compensation that also provide opportunities for ongoing executive ownership.
|
An overriding principle in delivering on these objectives is to ensure that compensation decisions are made in the Company’s best financial interests such that incentive awards are both affordable and reasonable, taking into account Company performance and considering the interests of all stakeholders. Going forward, the Company faces the challenges of continuing to grow in a new and evolving market against the backdrop of continued challenging economic conditions.
As the Company has evolved, so too has the Compensation Program. Going forward, the Company is focused on improving both shareholder returns and its cash position. To help achieve this goal, the Compensation Program was restructured in 2008 to reward the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) for achieving strategic goals and increasing shareholder value and to create a formal performance-based Management Annual Incentive Plan (MAIP) to establish specific target award levels and performance metrics. The plan is predicated on attaining goals that are critical to Cinedigm’s future success and is designed to reward the level of collaboration across divisions and segments required to achieve corporate financial goals. Performance did not meet threshold in fiscal 2013. As a result, bonuses were not paid to the NEOs and other participants in the MAIP, although certain other participants who are not NEOs received discretionary bonuses as permitted under the MAIP.
14
The Compensation Program consists of base salary, annual incentives, and long-term equity compensation. In addition, all NEOs receive some modest personal benefits and perquisites. Retirement benefits are accumulated through the Company’s 401(k) plan which is open to all employees. The Company does not provide supplemental retirement benefits for NEOs. All three of our NEOs have employment agreements. Each of the NEO employment agreements is due to expire within the next 12 months, and the Compensation Committee is currently engaged in discussions relating to the renewal of these agreements.
The Compensation Committee annually reviews the executive compensation elements and assesses the integrity of the Compensation Program as a whole to ensure that it continues to be aligned with the Company’s compensation objectives and supports the attainment of Company goals. Periodically, the Company reviews competitive compensation levels, mix of pay, and practices to ensure all Compensation Program features continue to be in line with the market, while still reflecting the unique needs of our business model. Additionally, in response to business and talent needs, executive management brings compensation proposals to the Compensation Committee, which then reviews the proposal and either approves or denies them.
The Compensation Committee has engaged Aon Hewitt with the purpose of guiding the Company with respect to company-wide compensation, including bonuses, incentives and compensation for new hires and various benefits.
Competitive Positioning and Mix of Pay
Competitive Assessment
The primary source of peer data for executives is a customized peer group developed to reflect competitors for business and talent. An initial peer group of six companies was established as part of a comprehensive competitive assessment undertaken by the Compensation Committee (working with an outside consulting firm, HR+Survey Solutions, LLC) at the end of 2007.
The Compensation Committee updated its peer group given changes in the market. The new peer group was expanded to include more companies, particularly those of comparable scale to Cinedigm (with a median revenue of $234 million), similar, but smaller, media businesses, and some technology/software companies. Companies removed from the peer group either too large or too small to be relevant in comparison to Cinedigm. The revisions increase the number of peers from 6 to 12, reflected in the chart below.
PEER GROUP FOR 2012/2013 FISCAL YEAR
|
Avid Technology
|
Dts Inc.
|
|
Demand Media Inc.
|
Harmonic Inc.
|
|
Dg Fastchannel Inc.
|
Limelight Networks Inc.
|
|
Dial Global
|
RealD
|
|
Digimarc Corp.
|
Rentrack Corp.
|
|
Digital River
|
Seachange International
|
The Compensation Committee has not defined a target pay positioning for the CEO or other NEOs, nor does it commit to providing a specific percentile or pay range. In the most recent competitive assessment analysis (conducted early 2013), the former CEO’s total direct compensation (total cash compensation plus long-term incentives and equity awards) was 33% below the peer group median. The Compensation Committee viewed such positioning as reasonably appropriate because of Cinedigm’s size relative to the peer group and its performance during the fiscal year.
The other NEOs’ compensation was assessed in 2013; pay positioning for those roles is also conservative relative to the peer group median for the same reasons as noted in the CEO discussion above. While it is the belief of the Compensation Committee that the available talent pool to fill these positions is broader than the pool for the CEO and therefore, that their pay levels, and potential opportunity for wealth creation through stock grants, are robust enough to retain and motivate them.
15
As the company’s performance improves and the business stabilizes, the competitiveness of Cinedigm’s executive compensation for NEO’s should improve.
Pay Mix
The Company’s pay philosophy has been evolving from an emphasis on fixed pay to one that believes a substantial portion of each executive’s compensation should be at risk and dependent upon performance. Starting in 2009, the Company began to deliver a greater proportion of total compensation through variable elements for the other NEOs. While the Compensation Committee has not adopted a targeted mix of either long-term to short-term, fixed to variable, or equity and non-equity compensation, they have taken steps to increase the portion of variable compensation. Steps in this direction include the introduction of the Management Annual Incentive Plan and more regular equity grants.
Elements of Compensation
Base Salary
Base salaries are fixed compensation with the primary function of aiding in attraction and retention. These salaries are reviewed annually, as well as at the time of a promotion or other change in responsibilities. Any increases are based on an evaluation of the previous year’s performance of the Company and the executive, the relative strategic importance of the position, market conditions, and competitive pay levels (though, as noted earlier, the Compensation Committee does not target a specific percentile or range). None of the NEOs received a salary increase during fiscal year 2013.
NEO salaries will remain at current levels throughout the new fiscal year, with no salary increases planned, unless an increase is determined as a result of the negotiated renewal of an NEO’s employment agreement. The decision to maintain salaries at current levels and forgo salary increases reflects the Compensation Committee’s plan to deliver a greater proportion of compensation through variable components over time.
Annual Incentive Awards
Commencing with the 2010 fiscal year, the Compensation Committee implemented a formal annual incentive plan. This plan was used for the 2013 fiscal year and was expanded to cover thirty Cinedigm executives including the NEOs. The plan established threshold and maximum levels of incentive awards defined as a percentage of a participant’s salary.
|
Executive Officer
|
Threshold MAIP as a
Percent of Salary
|
Target MAIP as a
Percent of Salary
|
Maximum MAIP as a
Percent of Salary
|
|
Chris McGurk
|
37.5%
|
75%
|
150%
|
|
Adam M. Mizel
|
25%
|
50%
|
100%
|
|
Gary S. Loffredo
|
25%
|
50%
|
100%
|
Payouts were determined based on achievement of consolidated adjusted EBITDA and other Company performance targets. Participants who were part of a specific business segment or division could have their payout modified by the business segment or division’s performance as determined on a discretionary basis. We do not disclose segment and division targets, or individual goals, as we believe that such disclosure would result in competitive harm. Based on our experience in the segments and divisions, we believe these targets were set sufficiently high to provide incentive to achieve a high level of performance. We believe it is difficult, although not unattainable, for the targets to be reached and, therefore, no more likely than unlikely that the targets will be reached. Payouts could also be modified, by a maximum of -25% for individual performance for NEOs.
For the 2013 fiscal year, the threshold financial goals were not met; therefore, annual incentives under the MAIP were not earned by NEOs.
16
The Committee did approve payments to Adam Mizel and Gary Loffredo in the amounts of $100,000 and $70,000, respectively, to recognize and reward them for the successful refinancing of certain Company debt.
Restricted Unit Awards
No RSUs are currently outstanding for any NEOs.
Long-Term Incentive Awards
The Compensation Committee annually considers long-term incentive awards, for which it has the authority to grant a variety of equity-based awards. The primary objective of such awards is to align the interests of executives with those of shareholders by increasing executive ownership and fostering a long-term focus. In recent years, such awards have been made after fiscal year end in order to permit consideration of year-end performance.
Long-term incentive awards for the NEOs have historically consisted of stock options and on occasion RSUs. These grants were designed to aid in retention, provide a discretionary reward for performance, increase executive ownership, and focus NEOs on improving share price. No long-term incentive grants were made to any NEOs in fiscal 2013.
Mr. McGurk’s Compensation Arrangements
Mr. McGurk joined Cinedigm in January 2011 as CEO and Chairman of the Board. Accordingly, Mr. McGurk’s compensation package was created in line with the Company’s current compensation philosophy of a base salary coupled with variable compensation including a large portion of equity-based compensation, through stock options, linked to stock price performance. When negotiating Mr. McGurk’s employment agreement, the Company sought for salary and bonus amounts that were in line with peer group amounts and that would provide incentive for Mr. McGurk with a view toward increasing stockholder value. The Company determined that stock options would align Mr. McGurk’s interests with stockholders and, further, that the escalating exercise price structure of the options (the options are grouped in three tranches which have exercise prices of $1.50, $3.00 and $5.00 per share, respectively) would provide a strong incentive for Mr. McGurk to improve stock performance.
A summary of Mr. McGurk’s compensation package is located under the heading “Employment agreements and arrangements between the Company and Named Executives” beginning on page 19.
Personal Benefits and Perquisites
In addition to the benefits provided to all employees and grandfathered benefits (provided to all employees hired before January 1, 2005), NEOs are eligible for an annual physical and supplemental life insurance coverage of $200,000.
It is the Company’s policy to provide minimal and modest perquisites to the NEOs, including for all but Mr. McGurk an automobile allowance.
Employment Agreements for other NEOs
The Company provides an employment agreement to Mr. Mizel and Mr. Loffredo, as a means of inducing them to join the Company as well as for retention during periods of uncertainty and operational challenge. Additionally, the employment agreements include non-compete and non-solicitation provisions. The provisions for severance benefits are at typical competitive levels. See page 20 for a description of the material terms of Mr. Mizel’s and Mr. Loffredo’s employment agreements.
17
Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Company does not maintain formal stock ownership guidelines.
Policy on Deductibility of Compensation
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the deductibility of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to certain executive officers named in this proxy statement, unless certain requirements are met. No element of the Company’s compensation, including the annual incentive awards and restricted stock, meets these requirements. Given the Company’s net operating losses, Section 162(m) is not currently a material factor in designing compensation.
Recapture Policy
The Company intends to recapture compensation as currently required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and as may be required when the rules under Dodd-Frank become effective. However, there have been no instances where it needed to recapture any compensation.
Restriction on Speculative Transactions
The Company’s Insider Trading and Disclosure Policy restricts employees and directors of the Company from engaging in speculative transactions in Company securities, including short sales, and discourages employees and directors of the Company from engaging in hedging transactions, including “cashless” collars, forward sales, and equity swaps, that may indirectly involve short sales. Pre-clearance by the Company is required for any such transaction.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The following report does not constitute soliciting material and is not considered filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis that precedes this Report as required by Item 402(b) of the SEC’s Regulation S-K. Based on its review and discussions with management, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board the inclusion of the Compensation Discussion and Analysis in this Proxy Statement.
The Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses the philosophy, principles, and policies underlying the Company’s compensation programs that were in effect during the Last Fiscal Year and which will be applicable going forward until amended.
Respectfully submitted,
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Wayne L. Clevenger, Chairman
Peter C. Brown
THE FOREGOING COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT SHALL NOT BE “SOLICITING MATERIAL” OR BE DEEMED FILED WITH THE SEC, NOR SHALL SUCH INFORMATION BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES IT BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH FILING.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation received by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and its two other most highly compensated individuals who were serving as executive officers at
18
the end of the Last Fiscal Year, for services rendered in all capacities during the Last Fiscal Year (the “Named Executives”).
|
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
||||||||
|
Name and Principal Position(s)
|
Year
|
Salary ($)
|
Stock Awards ($)(1)
|
Option Awards ($)(2)
|
Nonequity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)(3)
|
All Other Compensation ($)(4)
|
Total ($)
|
|
|
Christopher J. McGurk
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman
|
2013
2012
2011
|
600,000
600,000
150,000
|
—
—
112,500
|
(5)
|
—
—
3,637,947
|
—
601,200
—
|
28,235
15,607
2,500
|
628,235
1,216,807
3,902,947
|
|
Adam M. Mizel
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer
|
2013
2012
2011
|
375,000
375,000
375,000
|
—
—
100,000
|
(6)
|
—
436,664
—
|
100,000
250,500
—
|
31,416
28,563
14,788
|
506,416
1,090,727
489,788
|
|
Gary S. Loffredo
President Digital Cinema,
General Counsel and Secretary
|
2013
2012
2011
|
315,000
315,000
315,000
|
—
—
100,000
|
(6)
|
—
261,998
58,141
|
70,000
210,420
—
|
38,256
30,684
18,073
|
423,256
818,102
491,214
|
|
(1)
|
The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 2 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on June 20, 2013 (the “Form 10-K”).
|
|
(2)
|
The amounts in this column reflect the grant date fair value for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts are included in footnote 2 to the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013, included in the Form 10-K.
|
|
(3)
|
The amounts in this column reflect amounts earned under annual incentive awards. See page 16 for a description of the material terms of the annual incentive plan for each Named Executive.
|
|
(4)
|
Includes automobile allowances, additional life insurance premiums paid by the Company, certain medical expenses paid by the Company and the premiums for group term life insurance paid by the Company for each Named Executive as follows for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013: for Mr. McGurk, $0, $718, $26,227 and $1,290, for Mr. Mizel, $12,000, $718, $18,398 and $300, and for Mr. Loffredo, $11,845, $718, $25,243 and $450.
|
|
(5)
|
Reflects the value of Class A Common Stock issued that was earned during fiscal 2011, pursuant to the terms of an employment agreement with Mr. McGurk.
|
|
(6)
|
Reflects the value of Class A Common Stock issued subsequent to March 31, 2011 that were earned during fiscal 2011.
|
Employment agreements and arrangements between the Company and Named Executives
Christopher J. McGurk
. On December 23, 2010, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. McGurk (the “McGurk Employment Agreement”), pursuant to which Mr. McGurk serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The term of the Employment Agreement commenced on January 3, 2011 and will end on March 31, 2014. Pursuant to the McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk receives an annual base salary of
19
$600,000. In addition, Mr. McGurk received a bonus of $112,500, payable in shares of Class A Common Stock, on March 31, 2011, and will be eligible for bonuses for each of the fiscal years ending March 31, 2012 through March 31, 2014, with the target bonus for such years of $450,000, which bonuses shall be based on Company performance with goals to be established annually by the Compensation Committee. If the Company terminates Mr. McGurk’s employment without cause or he resigns with good reason (as these terms are defined in the McGurk Employment Agreement), the McGurk Employment Agreement provides that he is entitled to continued payment of his base salary (and earned bonus) through March 31, 2014, as well as the accelerated vesting of any unvested options granted to him under the McGurk Employment Agreement. However, if the Company terminates Mr. McGurk’s employment without cause or he resigns with good reason following a change in control of the Company, the McGurk Employment Agreement provides that he is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary (and earned bonus) times the greater of (i) two or (ii) the number of months remaining under his employment term divided by 12, as well as the accelerated vesting of any unvested options granted to him under the McGurk Employment Agreement. Also pursuant to the McGurk Employment Agreement, Mr. McGurk received an inducement grant of non-statutory options to purchase 4,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock (the “Options”). The Options are grouped in three tranches, consisting of Options for 1,500,000 shares having an exercise price of $1.50 per share, Options for 2,500,000 shares having an exercise price of $3.00 per share and Options for 500,000 shares having an exercise price of $5.00 per share. One-third of the Options in each tranche vest on December 23 of each of 2011, 2012 and 2013 and all of the Options have a term of ten (10) years.
Adam M. Mizel
.
On October 19, 2011, the company entered into an employment agreement with Adam M. Mizel (the “Mizel Employment Agreement), which superseded the employment agreement between them dated August 11, 2009 (the “Previous Mizel Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Mizel Employment Agreement, Mr. Mizel serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The term of the Mizel Employment Agreement commenced on October 3, 2011 and will end on August 31, 2013. Pursuant to both the Mizel Employment Agreement and the Previous Mizel Employment Agreement, Mr. Mizel receives an annual base salary of $375,000, subject to increase for subsequent years at the Compensation Committee’s discretion, and will be eligible for a bonus based on overall Company performance with goals to be established by the Compensation Committee. Also pursuant to the Previous Mizel Employment Agreement, Mr. Mizel received a grant of options to purchase 450,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, which options have an exercise price of $1.37 and vest on the third anniversary of the date of grant or earlier if certain Class A Common Stock price targets are achieved, and have a term of six (6) years. In August 2011, Mr. Mizel received a grant of options to purchase 500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, which options have an exercise price of $1.49 as to 375,000 options and $3.00 as to 175,000 options, and a term of ten (10) years, and the options vest in quarters on August 17 of each of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, and have a term of ten (10) years. The Mizel Employment Agreement further provides that Mr. Mizel is entitled to participate in all benefit plans provided to senior executives of the Company. If the Company terminates Mr. Mizel’s employment without cause or he resigns with good reason (as these terms are defined in the Mizel Employment Agreement), the Mizel Employment Agreement provides that he is entitled to continued payment of his base salary (and earned bonus) for 12 months following his termination as well as the accelerated vesting of any unvested options granted to him under the Mizel Employment Agreement. However, if the Company terminates Mr. Mizel’s employment without cause or he resigns with good reason following a change in control of the Company, the Mizel Employment Agreement provides that he is entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his base salary (and earned bonus) times the greater of (i) two or (ii) the number of months remaining under his employment term divided by 12,
as well as the accelerated vesting of any unvested options granted to him under the Mizel Employment Agreement.
Gary S. Loffredo.
On October 19, 2011, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Gary S. Loffredo (the “Loffredo Employment Agreement”), which superseded the severance agreement between them dated September 10, 2010. Pursuant to the Loffredo Employment Agreement, Mr. Loffredo serves as the President of Digital Cinema, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company. The term of the Loffredo Employment Agreement commenced on October 3, 2011 and will end on October 3, 2013. Pursuant to the Loffredo Employment Agreement, Mr. Loffredo receives an annual base salary of $315,000, subject to increase for subsequent years at the Compensation Committee’s discretion, and will be eligible for a bonus based on overall Company performance with goals to be established by the Compensation Committee. The Loffredo Employment Agreement further provides that Mr. Loffredo is entitled to participate in all benefit plans provided to senior executives of the Company. If the Company terminates Mr. Loffredo’s employment without cause or he resigns with good reason (as these terms are
20
defined in the Loffredo Employment Agreement), the Loffredo Employment Agreement provides that he is entitled to continued payment of his base salary (and earned bonus) for 12 months following his termination.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth certain information, as of March 31, 2013, regarding the shares of Cinedigm’s Class A Common Stock authorized for issuance under Cinedigm’s equity compensation plan.
|
Plan
|
Number of shares of common stock
issuable upon exercise of outstanding
options and restricted stock units (1)
|
Weighted average of
exercise price of
outstanding options
|
Number of shares
of common stock remaining
available for future issuance
|
|
|
Cinedigm Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan (“the Plan”) approved by shareholders
|
4,069,108
|
$2.16
|
3,082,612
|
|
|
Cinedigm compensation plans not approved by shareholders (2)
|
4,500,000
|
$2.72
|
—
|
|
(1)
|
Shares of Cinedigm Class A Common Stock.
|
|
(2)
|
Reflects stock options granted to Mr. McGurk which were not granted under the Plan. Of such options, 1/3 in each tranche vests on December 23 of each of 2011, 2012 and 2013. See the description of the McGurk Employment Agreement above for more details on the material terms of such grant.
|
Our Board originally adopted the Plan on June 1, 2000 and our shareholders approved the Plan by written consent in July 2000. Certain terms of the Plan were last amended and approved by our shareholders on September 14, 2010. Under the Plan, we may grant incentive and non-statutory stock options, stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs)
,
stock appreciation rights, performance awards and other equity-based awards to our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The primary purpose of the Plan is to enable us to attract, retain and motivate our employees, non-employee directors and consultants. During the Last Fiscal Year, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock authorized for issuance under the Plan was reduced from 7,000,000 to 6,300,000 and then increased to 9,300,000. The term of the Plan expires on June 1, 2020.
As of March 31, 2013, there were 4,053,000 stock options outstanding to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock, RSUs covering 16,108 shares of Class A Common Stock that may be settled in cash or shares of Class A Common Stock or a combination thereof, at the Company’s discretion and there were 2,881,112 shares of Class A Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan.
As of July 22, 2013, stock options outstanding covering 3,758,790 shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock had been granted under the Plan. During the Last Fiscal Year, no stock options were exercised.
Options granted under the Plan expire ten years following the date of grant (or such shorter period of time as may be provided in a stock option agreement or five years in the case of incentive stock options granted to stockholders who own greater than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company) and are subject to restrictions on transfer. Options granted under the Plan generally vest over periods up to three years. The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, and may be amended or terminated by the Board, although no amendment or termination may adversely affect the right of any individual with respect to any outstanding option without the consent of such individual. The Plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options with exercise prices of not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive
21
stock options granted to stockholders of more than 10% of the total combined voting power of the Company must have exercise prices of not less than 110% of the fair market value of the Company’s Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. Incentive and non-statutory stock options granted under the Plan are subject to vesting provisions, and exercise is generally subject to the continuous service of the optionee, except for consultants. The exercise prices and vesting periods (if any) for non-statutory options may be set at the discretion of the Board or the Compensation Committee. Upon a change of control of the Company, all options (incentive and non-statutory) that have not previously vested will vest immediately and become fully exercisable. Options covering no more than 500,000 shares may be granted to one participant during any calendar year unless pursuant to a multi-year award, in which case no more than options covering 500,000 shares per year of the award may be granted, and during which period no additional options may be granted to such participant.
Grants of restricted stock and restricted stock units are subject to vesting requirements, generally vesting over periods up to three years, determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in notices to the participants. Grants of stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units shall not exceed 40% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the Plan.
Stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) consist of the right to the monetary equivalent of the increase in value of a specified number of shares over a specified period of time. Upon exercise, SARs may be paid in cash or shares of Class A Common Stock or a combination thereof. Grants of SARs are subject to vesting requirements, similar to those of stock options, determined by the Compensation Committee and set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants. RSUs shall be similar to restricted stock except that no Class A Common Stock is actually awarded to the Participant on the grant date of the RSUs and the Compensation Committee shall have the discretion to pay such RSUs upon vesting in cash or shares of Class A Common Stock or a combination thereof.
Performance awards consist of awards of stock and other equity-based awards that are valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on, the market value of the Class A Common Stock, or other securities of the Company, and may be paid in shares of Class A Common Stock, cash or another form of property as the Compensation Committee may determine. Grants of performance awards shall entitle participants to receive an award if the measures of performance established by the Committee are met. Such measures shall be established by the Compensation Committee but the relevant measurement period for any performance award must be at least 12 months. Grants of performance awards shall not cover the issuance of shares that would exceed 20% of the total number of shares available to be issued under the Plan, and no more than 500,000 shares pursuant to any performance awards shall be granted to one participant in a calendar year unless pursuant to a multi-year award. The terms of grants of performance awards would be set forth in agreements between the Company and the participants. Our Class A Common Stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol “CIDM”.
There were no grants of stock options or restricted stock made under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan to the Company’s Named Executives during the Last Fiscal Year.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning outstanding equity awards of the Company’s Named Executives at the end of the Last Fiscal Year. All outstanding stock awards reported in this table represent restricted stock that vests in equal annual installments over three years. At the end of the Last Fiscal Year, there were no unearned equity awards under performance-based plans.
22
|
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT MARCH 31, 2013
|
|||||||||||||||
|
OPTION AWARDS (1)
|
STOCK AWARDS
|
||||||||||||||
|
Name
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options Exercisable (#)
|
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised
Options Unexercisable
(#)
|
Option Exercise Price
($)
|
Option
Expiration
Date
|
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
(#)
|
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested
($)
|
|||||||||
|
Christopher J.
|
—
|
1,500,000
|
(2)
|
1.50
|
12/23/2020
|
||||||||||
|
McGurk
|
—
|
2,500,000
|
(2)
|
3.00
|
12/23/2020
|
||||||||||
|
|
—
|
500,000
|
(2)
|
5.00
|
12/23/2020
|
||||||||||
|
Adam M. Mizel
|
—
|
450,000
|
(3)
|
1.37
|
8/11/2019
|
||||||||||
|
|
—
|
375,000
|
(11)
|
1.49
|
8/17/2021
|
||||||||||
|
|
—
|
125,000
|
(11)
|
3.00
|
8/17/2021
|
||||||||||
|
Gary S. Loffredo
|
50,000
|
(9)
|
5.00
|
11/4/2013
|
|||||||||||
|
|
40,000
|
(10)
|
3.60
|
1/13/2015
|
|||||||||||
|
|
10,000
|
(4)
|
10.25
|
3/8/2016
|
|||||||||||
|
|
10,000
|
(5)
|
5.16
|
10/18/2017
|
|||||||||||
|
|
40,000
|
(6)
|
1.37
|
8/11/2019
|
|||||||||||
|
|
—
|
90,000
|
(7)
|
1.37
|
10/21/2019
|
||||||||||
|
|
—
|
64,795
|
(8)
|
1.40
|
6/11/2020
|
||||||||||
|
|
—
|
225,000
|
(11)
|
1.49
|
8/17/2021
|
||||||||||
|
|
—
|
75,000
|
(11)
|
3.00
|
8/17/2021
|
||||||||||
|
(1)
|
Reflects stock options granted under the Company’s Second Amended and Restated 2000 Equity Incentive Plan, except options granted to Mr. McGurk.
|
|
(2)
|
Reflects stock options not granted under the Plan. Of such options, 1/3 in each tranche will vest on December 23 of each of 2011, 2012 and 2013.
|
|
(3)
|
Such options vested on August 11, 2012.
|
|
(4)
|
Such options vested on September 14, 2006.
|
|
(5)
|
Of such options, 1/3 vested on October 18 of each 2008, 2009 and 2010.
|
|
(6)
|
Such options were issued in exchange for the termination of the AccessDM options and vested upon issuance on August 11, 2009.
|
|
(7)
|
Such options vested on October 21, 2012.
|
|
(8)
|
Of such total options, 1/3 vested on June 11 of each 2011, 2012 and 2013.
|
|
(9)
|
Of such options, 1/3 vested on November 4 of each of 2004 and 2005 and 1/3 vested on September 14, 2006.
|
|
(10)
|
Such options vested on December 1, 2005.
|
23
|
(11)
|
Of such total options, 1/4 will vest on August 17 of each 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
|
Directors
The following table sets forth certain information concerning compensation received by the Company’s Directors for services rendered as a director during the Last Fiscal Year.
|
Name
|
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash
($)
|
Stock Awards ($)
|
Total
($)
|
|||||||||
|
Peter C. Brown
|
23,000 | 50,000 | 73,000 | |||||||||
|
Wayne L. Clevenger (1)
|
13,000 | 50,000 | 63,000 | |||||||||
|
Matthew W. Finlay (1)
|
13,000 | 50,000 | 63,000 | |||||||||
|
Martin B. O’Connor
|
13,000 | 50,000 | 63,000 | |||||||||
|
Laura Nisonger Sims (2)
|
13,000 | 50,000 | 63,000 | |||||||||
|
(1)
|
Such payments were paid to MidMark Investments.
|
|
(2)
|
Such payments were paid to Sageview Capital.
|
Each director who is not an employee of the Company is compensated for services as a director by receiving an annual cash retainer for Board service of $8,000; an annual stock retainer of $50,000 in Common Stock (based on grant date stock price); a committee retainer of $1,000 for participation on one or more committees (maximum of $1,000); and a per meeting fee for in-person attendance at Board meetings of $1,000. In addition to the cash and stock retainers paid to all non-employee Directors for Board service, the Lead Independent Director receives a fixed amount to be determined by the Nominating and Governance Committee, in lieu of committee fees. Additional compensation as a chairperson is paid if the Lead Independent Director chairs a committee. The Company requires that Directors agree to retain 100% of their net after tax shares received for board service until separation from the Company. In addition, the Directors are reimbursed by the Company for expenses of traveling on Company business, which to date has consisted of attending Board and Committee meetings.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of its Common Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Commission and to furnish the Company with copies of all such reports they file. Based on the Company’s review of the copies of such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting persons, the Company believes that none of its directors, executive officers or persons who beneficially own more than 10% of the Company’s Common Stock failed to comply with Section 16(a) reporting requirements in the Company’s Last Fiscal Year, except for Messrs. Clevenger, Finlay and Loffredo, each of whom failed to timely file one Form 4 regarding one transaction each.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee oversees the Company’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements in the Form 10-K, including a discussion of the acceptability of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the matters required to be discussed by Statements on Auditing Standards (SAS 61), as may be modified or supplemented, and their judgments as to the acceptability of the
24
Company’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
In addition, the Audit Committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm their independence from management and the Company, including receiving the written disclosures and letter from the independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, as may be modified or supplemented, and has considered the compatibility of any non-audit services with the auditors’ independence.
The Audit Committee discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit. The Audit Committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.
In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board, and the Board approved, that the audited financial statements be included in the Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013 for filing with the SEC.
Respectfully submitted,
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
Matthew W. Finlay, Chairman
Peter C. Brown
Laura Nisonger Sims
THE FOREGOING AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT SHALL NOT BE “SOLICITING MATERIAL” OR BE DEEMED “FILED” WITH THE SEC, NOR SHALL SUCH INFORMATION BE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO ANY FILING UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR THE EXCHANGE ACT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATES IT BY REFERENCE INTO SUCH FILING.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
EisnerAmper LLP served as the independent registered public accounting firm to audit the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005 and the Board has appointed EisnerAmper LLP to do so again for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014.
The Company’s Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for pre-approving all non-audit work performed by EisnerAmper LLP for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. In determining whether to approve a particular audit or permitted non-audit service, the Audit Committee will consider, among other things, whether the service is consistent with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee will also consider whether the independent registered public accounting firm is best positioned to provide the most effective and efficient service to our Company and whether the service might be expected to enhance our ability to manage or control risk or improve audit quality. Specifically, the Audit Committee has pre-approved the use of EisnerAmper LLP for detailed, specific types of services within the following categories of non-audit services: acquisition due diligence and audit services; tax services; and reviews and procedures that the Company requests Eisner to undertake on matters not required by laws or regulations. In each case, the Audit Committee has required management to obtain specific pre-approval from the Audit Committee for any engagements.
The aggregate fees billed for professional services by EisnerAmper LLP for these various services were:
25
|
For the fiscal years ended
March 31,
|
||||||
|
Type of Fees
|
2013
|
2012
|
||||
|
(1) Audit Fees
|
$
|
428,469
|
$
|
461,662
|
||
|
(2) Audit-Related Fees
|
—
|
—
|
||||
|
(3) Tax Fees
|
—
|
—
|
||||
|
(4) All Other Fees
|
—
|
—
|
||||
|
$
|
428,469
|
$
|
461,662
|
|||
In the above table, in accordance with the SEC’s definitions and rules, “audit fees” are fees the Company paid EisnerAmper LLP for professional services for the audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 included in Form 10-K and review of consolidated financial statements incorporated by reference into Form S-3 and Form S-8 and included in Form 10-Qs and for services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements; “audit-related fees” are fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s consolidated financial statements; “tax fees” are fees for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning; and “all other fees” are fees for any services not included in the first three categories. All of the services set forth in sections (1) through (4) above were approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with the Audit Committee Charter.
For the fiscal years ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company retained a firm other than EisnerAmper LLP for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.
26
Appendix A
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
CINEDIGM DIGITAL CINEMA CORP.
The undersigned, being the Chief Executive Officer of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp., a Delaware corporation (the “Corporation”), pursuant to Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the “DGCL”), does hereby certify as follows:
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1.
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Pursuant to a unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”), the Board adopted resolutions (the “Amending Resolutions”) to further amend the Corporation’s Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, as filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 14, 2003 (together with any subsequent amendments and certificates of designations, the “Certificate of Incorporation”);
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2.
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Pursuant to a majority vote of the Corporation’s Shareholders in accordance with Section 242 of the DGCL, the holders of the Corporation’s outstanding capital stock voted in favor of the Amending Resolutions; and
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3.
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The Amending Resolutions were duly adopted in accordance with Section 242 of the DGCL.
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NOW, THEREFORE, to effect the Amending Resolutions:
1. All references to “Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp.” in the Certificate of Incorporation shall be deleted and the phrase “Cinedigm Corp.” shall be inserted in their place.
2. Article First of the Certificate of Incorporation shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced as follows:
A-1
“FIRST:
Name
: The name of the Corporation is:
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“Cinedigm Corp.”
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. to be signed by [name], [title] , this _____ day of _________, 2013, who acknowledges that the foregoing is the act and deed of the Corporation and that the facts stated herein are true.
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By:
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Name:
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Title:
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A-2
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