In addition to cost savings to us, when you authorize a proxy to vote your shares via the Internet or by telephone prior to the Annual Meeting date, your proxy authorization is recorded immediately and there is no risk that postal delays will cause your vote by proxy to arrive late and, therefore, not be counted. For further instructions on authorizing a proxy to vote your shares, see your proxy card. You may also vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. If you virtually attend the Annual Meeting, you may submit your vote during the Annual Meeting, and any previous votes that you submitted by mail or authorized by Internet or telephone will be superseded by the vote that you cast during the Annual Meeting.
How will proxies be voted?
Shares represented by valid proxies will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions given. If the proxy card is signed and returned without any directions given, the shares will be voted “FOR” the election of each of the nominees for director named in the proxy and “FOR” the ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
The Board of Directors does not intend to present, and has no information indicating that others will present, any business at the Annual Meeting other than as set forth in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. However, if other matters requiring the vote of our stockholders come before the Annual Meeting, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
How can I change my vote or revoke a proxy?
You have the unconditional right to revoke your proxy at any time prior to the voting thereof by (i) submitting a later-dated proxy either via the Internet, by telephone, or in the mail to our proxy solicitor at the following address: Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc., 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717; or (ii) by attending the Annual Meeting and voting virtually. No written revocation of your proxy shall be effective, however, unless and until it is received at or prior to the Annual Meeting.
What if I return my proxy card but do not mark it to show how I am voting?
If your proxy card is signed and returned without specifying your choices, your shares will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.
What vote is required to approve each item?
Election of Director Nominees. There is no cumulative voting in the election of our directors. Each director is elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast “FOR” or “AGAINST” such director at the Annual Meeting. Each share may be voted for as many individuals as there are directors to be elected and for whose election the share is entitled to be voted. Any shares not voted (whether by abstention, broker non-vote or otherwise) will have no impact on the vote. Abstentions will not be included in determining the number of votes cast, and, as a result, will have no effect on the election of nominees.
Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present virtually or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal. Abstentions will not be included in determining the number of votes cast, and, as a result, will have no effect on the election of nominees.
Approval of the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present virtually or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting and entitled to vote on the proposal.
What is a “broker non-vote”?
A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker who holds shares for the beneficial owner does not vote on a non-routine proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting authority for that non-routine proposal and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares.
What constitutes a “quorum”?
The presence at the Annual Meeting, virtually or represented by proxy, of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the Annual Meeting constitutes a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted as present for the purpose of establishing a quorum.