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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant☒ Filed by a Party other than the Registrant☐
Check the appropriate box:
|
☐ |
Preliminary Proxy Statement |
|
☐ |
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
|
☒ |
Definitive Proxy Statement |
|
☐ |
Definitive Additional Materials |
|
☐ |
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(Name of person(s) filing proxy statement, if other than the registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):
|
☒ |
No fee required. |
|
☐ |
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials |
|
☐ |
Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules14a-6(i)(1)and0-11 |
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated:
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) will be held in the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, 1550 Lamar, Suite 2000, Houston, Texas 77010, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 9:00a.m. (Central Time), for the following purposes:
|
(1) |
To elect the seven director nominees named in the accompanying proxy statement to serve on the Company’s board of directors. |
|
(2) |
To vote on a non-binding advisory resolution regarding the compensation of Named Executive Officers. |
|
(3) |
To ratify the selection of Moss Adams LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. |
|
(4) |
To vote on an amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to enable shareholders to amend the Company’s Bylaws. |
|
(5) |
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on July25, 2024, as the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive this notice and to vote at the meeting.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting.
This notice and the accompanying proxy materials have been sent to you by order of the Board of Directors.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
/s/ Alex LaRue |
|
|
ALEX LARUE Secretary |
July 26, 2024
Longview, Texas
IMPORTANT
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please sign and date the enclosed white proxy card and mail it in the enclosed envelope to assure representation of your shares. If you attend the meeting, you may vote either in person or by your proxy.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
SHAREHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 18, 2024
The accompanying proxy statement, a form of proxy card and a copy of our 2024 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at http://www.friedmanindustries.com/investors/proxy/. This website is not a forum for voting and presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials. Shareholders are encouraged to access and review the proxy materials before voting.
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
PROXY STATEMENT
For Annual Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held on September 18, 2024
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”), 1121 Judson Road, Suite 124, Longview, Texas 75601 (telephone number 903-758-3431) to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 9:00a.m. (Central Time) on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 (the “Annual Meeting”), in the offices of Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP, 1550 Lamar, Suite 2000, Houston, Texas 77010, for the purposes set forth in the foregoing notice of the meeting. Properly executed proxies received in time for the meeting will be voted as directed therein, unless revoked in the manner provided hereinafter. As to any matter for which no choice has been specified in a proxy, other than as specifically set forth herein, the shares represented thereby will be voted by the persons named in the proxy (i)for the election as director of all of the nominees listed herein, (ii)for the non-binding, advisory resolution regarding the compensation of Named Executive Officers, (iii) for the ratification of the selection of Moss Adams LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, (iv) for the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to enable shareholders to amend the Company’s Bylaws and (v)in the discretion of such persons in connection with any other business that may properly come before the meeting. If the enclosed form of proxy is executed and returned, it may nevertheless be revoked by the shareholder at any time before it is exercised pursuant to either the shareholder’s execution and return of a subsequent proxy or the shareholder’s voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
At the close of business on July25, 2024, there were 6,969,695shares of our common stock, $1.00 par value (“Common Stock”), entitled to vote. Holders of record of Common Stock on such date will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters to come before the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
The holders of a majority of the total shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the record date that are present in person or represented by proxy will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. In addition to any shares represented by shareholders who attend the meeting in person, the shares held by each shareholder who signs and returns the enclosed form of proxy will be counted for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting.
Our Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended March31, 2024, including financial statements, is enclosed with this proxy statement. This proxy statement is being mailed on or about August 5, 2024, to shareholders of record as of July25, 2024.
PROPOSAL 1:
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The persons who are elected directors will hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected and shall qualify. The Board of Directors consists of seven members.
It is intended that the persons appointed as proxies to act on behalf of shareholders in the enclosed proxy will vote for the election of the seven nominees named below. The management of the Company does not contemplate that any of such nominees will become unavailable to serve as a director. However, should any nominee be unable to serve as a director or become unavailable for any reason, proxies which do not withhold authority to vote for that nominee may be voted for another nominee to be selected by the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors.
The enclosed form of proxy provides a means for shareholders to vote for all of the nominees for director listed therein, to withhold authority to vote for one or more of such nominees or to withhold authority to vote for all of such nominees. If you hold shares of our Common Stock through a broker-dealer, bank nominee, custodian or other securities intermediary, the intermediary will not vote those shares for the election of any nominee for director unless you give the intermediary specific voting instructions on a timely basis directing the intermediary to vote for such nominee .
Each director nominee receiving a plurality of votes cast for will be elected as a director. Broker non-votes and withheld votes will have no effect on the plurality vote regarding election of directors.
The following table sets forth the names of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors, the principal occupation or employment of each of the nominees, the period during which each nominee has served as a director of the Company and the age of each nominee:
|
Nominee |
Principal Occupation and Business Experience for more than the Last Five Years |
Director
|
Age |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Mike Taylor |
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 2019; formerly Interim President and Interim Chief Executive Officer since February 2019; formerly retired; formerly President, Cargill Metals Supply Chain (steel processing and distribution), The Woodlands, Texas |
2016 |
65 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Durga D. Agrawal |
President, Piping Technology Products, Inc. (pipe fabrication), Houston, Texas |
2006 |
79 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Max Reichenthal |
President, Texas Iron and Metal (steel product sales), Houston, Texas |
2008 |
66 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Sandy Scott |
Retired; Current director on the boards of Terra Nova Solutions, Rowland Inc., CEDA International, DWD International LLC and Goodwill of Houston; formerly Chief Executive Officer, Sprint Industrial Holdings (rental equipment and transportation company), Houston, Texas |
2022 |
60 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Tim Stevenson |
Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Metal Edge Partners (metals price risk management and strategic advisory services), Plymouth, Minnesota; formerly Managing Director, Cargill Risk Management (price risk management services), Hopkins, Minnesota; formerly North American Lead of Derivatives and Analysis, Cargill, Inc. (steel processor), Hopkins, Minnesota |
2019 |
57 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
Sharon Taylor |
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Martin Midstream Partners LP and Martin Resource Management Corporation (terminalling, processing, transportation, storage and packaging services for petroleum products and by-products); formerly Director of Finance and Investor Relations, Martin Midstream Partners LP; formerly Business Analyst –Finance, Martin Midstream Partners LP, Kilgore, Texas |
2022 |
59 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
JoeL. Williams |
Partner, Pozmantier, Williams Stone Insurance Consultants, LLC (insurance and risk management consultants), Houston, Texas |
2000 |
78 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
• |
We have a majority of independent directors: Six out of the seven directors meet the criteria for independence required by NYSE – American; Mr. Taylor is deemed not to be independent. |
|
• |
All committees are composed solely of independent directors: Our Audit, Compensation and Nominating Committees are each composed solely of independent directors. |
With respect to the oversight of the Company’s risk, the Company’s executive officers supervise the day-to-day risk management responsibilities and in turn report, when necessary, to the Audit Committee with respect to financial and operational risk and to the full Board with respect to risks associated with the Company’s overall strategy.
Attendance at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The Board of Directors holds a regular meeting in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Directors are encouraged to and generally attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was attended by all of the directors in place at that time.
Communications with the Board
Shareholders may contact our directors individually, a committee of the Board of Directors, the independent directors of the Board of Directors as a group or the Board of Directors generally by mailing the communication to Friedman Industries, Incorporated, Shareholder Communications, P.O. Box2192, Longview, Texas 75606, to the attention of the Corporate Secretary. Communications that are intended specifically for the independent directors should be sent to the same address, to the attention of the Presiding Director of the Executive Sessions.
Proposals submitted by shareholders for inclusion in our annual proxy statement will not be considered shareholder communications under this policy and shall be handled in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by the SEC and the procedures described below in this proxy statement.
Investor Information
To obtain a printed copy of our Code of Conduct and Ethics or the charter for the Audit Committee or the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors or to obtain directions to our Annual Meeting, send a request to us in care of Investor Relations, P.O.Box2192, Longview, Texas75606.
Clawback Policy
We have adopted a Clawback Policy that is designed to comply with Section 10D of the Exchange Act and the requirements of NYSE – American. This policy applies to our current and former executive officers. In the event we are required to prepare an accounting restatement of our financial statements due to our material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, the Board of Directors will require us to seek reimbursement or forfeiture reasonably promptly of any erroneously awarded incentive compensation received by any covered executive during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date on which we are required to prepare an accounting restatement and during an applicable transition period.
Director Compensation
For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, directors were paid $9,000 per quarter. In addition, the Chairman and members of the Audit Committee received $3,000 and $2,250, respectively, per quarter. Mr. Taylor did not receive any compensation for serving as a director.
Except for Mr. Taylor, who is a Named Executive Officer (as defined in “Executive Compensation” below), the following table summarizes compensation paid to each director during the fiscal year ended March31, 2024.
Director Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2024
|
Name |
Fees Earned or
|
All Other
|
Total
| |||||||||||||||||||
|
Durga Agrawal |
36,000 | 10,000 | 46,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Max Reichenthal |
45,000 | 10,000 | 55,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Sandy Scott |
36,000 | 10,000 | 46,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Joel Spira (2) |
46,500 | 10,000 | 56,500 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Tim Stevenson |
45,000 | 10,000 | 55,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Sharon Taylor |
46,500 | 10,000 | 56,500 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
Joe L. Williams |
36,000 | 10,000 | 46,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
|
(1) |
All other compensation consists of restricted stock awards issued to directors during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. |
|
(2) |
Mr. Spira is a member of the Board of Directors as of the distribution of this proxy statement but the Board of Directors voted to reduce the number of directors from eight to seven with Mr. Spira not being listed as a director nominee in this proxy statement. |
Related Party Transactions
During fiscal year 2024, the Company purchased approximately $22.8 million of steel inventory from Metal One Corporation (“Metal One”). Metal One was classified as a related party due to their ownership of more than 5% of the Company’s outstanding common stock until falling below 5% ownership in December 2023 when the Company repurchased 400,041 shares of the Company’s common stock from Metal One for an aggregate repurchase price of approximately $5.1 million. The steel purchases from Metal One were made pursuant to a supply arrangement that is common within the Company’s industry and includes a market-based pricing structure. During fiscal year 2024, the Company recorded sales of approximately $294,000 to Piping Technology Products where Mr. Agrawal serves as President. The Company has concluded Mr. Agrawal still qualifies as independent director. There were no other transactions in fiscal year 2024 with related persons which required disclosure pursuant to Item404(a) of Regulation S-K (17 CFR Part 229).
Policies and Procedures with Respect to Approval of Related Party Transactions
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has adopted a written policy with respect to related party transactions to document procedures pursuant to which such transactions are reviewed, approved or ratified. The policy applies to any transaction between us and any related party other than transactions (i)available to all employees generally or (ii)involving less than $5,000 when aggregated with all similar transactions. The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing, approving and ratifying any related party transaction. In general, the policy prohibits all related party transactions although the Audit Committee may approve related party transactions (A)in exceptional circumstances where the situation is urgent and no reasonable alternatives exist, (B)when the benefit is unique and significant or (C)the economic value to us is highly compelling over an extended period.
Committees of the Board of Directors and Meeting Attendance
During fiscal year 2024, the Board of Directors met four times.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee which currently consists of Ms. Taylor (Chair) and Messrs. Reichenthal, Spira and Stevenson. The Audit Committee discusses with the independent accountants and management our financial statements and the scope of the audit examinations, reviews with the independent accountants the audit budget, receives and reviews the audit report submitted by the independent accountants, reviews with the independent accountants internal accounting and control procedures and engages our independent auditor. The Audit Committee’s responsibilities to the Board of Directors are further detailed in the Second Amended and Restated Charter of the Audit Committee, as amended, which is attached as AppendixA to this proxy statement. The Audit Committee met five times in fiscal year 2024.
The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee currently composed of Ms. Scott and Messrs. Agrawal, Reichenthal (Chair), Stevenson and Williams. The Compensation Committee considers and recommends for approval by the Board of Directors adjustments to the compensation of our executive officers and the implementation of any compensation program. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers any stock option or stock plan of the Company pursuant to the terms of such plan. As permitted by the rules of the NYSE – American, the Compensation Committee does not currently operate under a charter. The Compensation Committee met three times in fiscal year 2024.
The Board of Directors has a Nominating Committee currently composed of Mses. Scott (Chair) and Taylor and Messrs. Reichenthal, Stevenson and Williams, each of whom is independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the NYSE – American. Nominees to the Board of Directors are proposed by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee’s responsibilities are further detailed in the Charter of the Nominating Committee which is attached as AppendixB to this proxy statement. The Nominating Committee will consider appropriately qualified nominees timely recommended by shareholders in the same manner as it evaluates other potential director nominees. The Nominating Committee met one time in fiscal year 2024.
During the fiscal year ended March31, 2024, no director attended fewer than 75% of the combined meetings of the Board of Directors and of any committee of which such director was a member.
Audit Committee Qualifications
The Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that all members of the Audit Committee are independent in accordance with the applicable rules of the NYSE – American and Rule10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. The Board also has determined that each of the members of the Audit Committee is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. In addition, the Board has determined that Ms.Taylor meets the financial sophistication requirements set forth in the applicable rules of the NYSE – American and qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as that term is defined in the rules promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.
Audit Committee Report
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed with our management and Moss Adams LLP (“Moss Adams”), our independent auditor, the audits of the Company’s financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting contained in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended March31, 2024. The Audit Committee has also discussed with our independent auditor the matters required to be discussed pursuant to AS 1301: Communications with Audit Committees.
The Audit Committee received and has discussed the written disclosures and letters from Moss Adams required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence and has discussed with Moss Adams its independence in connection with its audits of our most recent financial statements as of fiscal year-end. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of non-audit services to the Company by Moss Adams is compatible with maintaining that firm’s independence.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended the inclusion of the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form10-K for the fiscal year ended March31, 2024.
The information in the foregoing three paragraphs shall not be deemed to be soliciting material, or to be filed with the SEC or subject to Regulation14A or 14C under the Exchange Act or to liabilities under Section18 of the Exchange Act nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate these paragraphs by reference.
|
Max Reichenthal |
||
|
Joel Spira Tim Stevenson Sharon Taylor |
Procedures and Processes for Determining Executive and Director Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and recommending to the full Board of Directors the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and our other Named Executive Officers. The Committee also reviews and discusses with the Chief Executive Officer, and recommends to the full Board of Directors, the compensation for all other officers of the Company. The Committee may retain compensation consultants or other advisers it deems appropriate. Based on the Committee’s analysis of relevant data, the Committee determines its recommendation regarding the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer during an executive session of the Committee at which the Chief Executive Officer is not present. Our Chief Executive Officer makes recommendations regarding the compensation of our other executive officers and other officers to the Committee. The Committee considers the recommendations, discusses the recommendations with our Chief Executive Officer, may discuss the matter in executive session and then makes recommendations to the full Board of Directors. The final determination as to the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and all other officers of the Company is made by the full Board of Directors based on the recommendations of the Committee.
The Board of Directors, or an authorized committee thereof, may from time-to-time review and determine the form and amount of director compensation, including cash, equity-based awards and other director compensation to maintain a transparent and readily understandable compensation program which ensures that the directors continue to receive fair and appropriate compensation for the time commitment required to discharge their duties as directors for a company of our size.
PROPOSAL 2:
ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
At the meeting, the shareholders will vote on a non-binding, advisory resolution regarding the compensation of the Company’s Named Executive Officers.
We believe that our compensation policies and procedures are competitive, focused on pay-for-performance and strongly aligned with the long-term interests of our shareholders. This advisory shareholder vote, commonly known as “Say-on-Pay”, gives you as a shareholder the opportunity to endorse or not endorse the compensation we pay our Named Executive Officers through voting for or against the following resolution:
“Resolved, that the shareholders approve the compensation of the Company ’ s Named Executive Officers as disclosed in the Company ’ s 2024 proxy statement pursuant to the disclosure rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which disclosure includes the Summary Compensation Table and related discussion). ”
Because your vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Company or the Board of Directors. However, the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. Additionally, your advisory vote will not be construed (i)as overruling a decision by the Company or the Board of Directors, (ii)to create or imply any change to the fiduciary duties of the Company or the Board of Directors, (iii)to create or imply any additional fiduciary duties for the Company or the Board of Directors or (iv)to restrict or limit the ability of shareholders to make proposals for inclusion in proxy materials related to executive compensation.
Vote Required for Approval
In order to be approved, Proposal No.2 must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting, by person or proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions with respect to the approval of this proposal will have the effect of a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be treated as shares that are represented at the meeting for the purposes of this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal.
The Board of Directors recommends voting “ FOR ” this proposal.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information regarding compensation paid for services rendered during the fiscal years ended March31, 2024 and March31, 2023, to each of our executive officers, including our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer (collectively, the “Named Executive Officers”):
Summary Compensation Table for Fiscal Year 2024
|
Name and Principal Position |
Year |
Salary
|
Bonus
|
Stock Awards
|
All Other
|
Total
| ||||||||||||||||
|
Michael J. Taylor |
2024 |
389,996 | 1,211,538 | — | 12,990 | 1,614,524 | ||||||||||||||||
|
President Chief Executive Officer |
2023 |
279,996 | 809,369 | — | 4,165 | 1,093,530 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Alex LaRue |
2024 |
244,166 | 437,212 | — | 12,203 | 693,581 | ||||||||||||||||
|
Chief Financial Officer — Secretary Treasurer |
2023 |
180,000 | 539,577 | — | 7,470 | 727,047 | ||||||||||||||||
|
(1) |
Represents base salary. |
|
(2) |
Includes bonuses based on Company performance and Christmas bonuses, each of which is paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors. |
|
(3) |
Reflects the aggregate grant date fair value for stock awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. |
|
(4) |
Reflects contributions by the Company to the Friedman Industries, Inc. Employees’ Retirement and 401(k) Plan for the benefit of the Named Executive Officers and cash dividends received related to restricted shares awarded under the Company’s restricted stock plan. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2024
|
Option Awards |
Stock Awards |
||||||||
|
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) |
Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) (3) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value Of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) |
|
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
(d) |
(e) |
(f) |
(g) |
(h) |
(i) |
(j) |
|
Michael J. Taylor |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
20,000 (1) |
$374,800 |
____ |
____ |
|
Alex LaRue |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
____ |
2,000 (2) |
$37,480 |
____ |
____ |
|
(1) |
The unvested stock awards for Mr. Taylor will vest in 10,000 share increments on April 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025. |
|
(2) |
The unvested stock awards for Mr. LaRue will vest in 1,000 share increments on April 1, 2024 and April 1, 2025. |
|
(3) |
Based on the closing price of our common stock on March 28, 2024 (last trading day before our fiscal year-end March 31, 2024) of $18.74. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The table below sets forth the following information as of March 31, 2024 for all equity compensation plans, including those previously approved by our shareholders.
|
Equity Compensation Plan Table |
||||||||
|
Plan Category |
Number of
|
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans |
|||||
|
Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Security Holders |
- |
- |
117,998 |
|||||
|
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Security Holders |
- |
- |
- |
|||||
|
Total |
- |
- |
117,998 |
|||||
|
Year (1) |
Summary Compensation Table Total for PEO ($) |
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO ($) (2) |
Average Summary Compensation Table Total for Non-PEO NEOs ($) |
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs ($) (2) |
Value of Initial Fixed $100 Investment Based on Total Shareholder Return ($) |
Net Earnings ($) |
|
2024 |
1,614,524 |
1,693,724 |
693,581 |
701,501 |
231.64 |
17,345,000 |
|
2023 |
1,093,530 |
1,166,430 |
727,047 |
734,337 |
140.17 |
21,344,000 |
|
2022 |
1,484,015 |
1,513,515 |
990,778 |
1,071,728 |
108.90 |
14,066,000 |
(1) For each fiscal year shown, our principal executive officers, or PEOs and our remaining NEOs or Non-PEO NEOs, represent the following individuals:
|
Year |
PEOs |
Non-PEO NEOs |
|
2024 |
Michael J. Taylor |
Alex LaRue |
|
2023 |
Michael J. Taylor |
Alex LaRue |
|
2022 |
Michael J. Taylor |
Alex LaRue |
(2) Amounts represent compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs for the relevant fiscal year as determined under Item 402(v)(2)(iii) of Regulation S-K to calculate “compensation actually paid”, which include the following adjustments:
|
Compensation actually paid to PEO and average compensation actually paid to Non-PEO NEOs |
|
As Reported in Summary Compensation Table(a) |
Equity Award Adjustments |
||||||
|
Year |
Total Compensation ($) |
Deduct Stock and Option Awards ($) |
Add Fair Value as of Year End of Awards Granted During Year that Remain Outstanding and Unvested as of Year End (b) ($) |
Add Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Awards Granted in Prior Year that Remain Outstanding and Unvested as of Year End (c) ($) |
Add Fair Value as of Vesting Date of Awards Granted During Year that Vested During Year (d) ($) |
Add Year over Year Change in Fair Value of Awards Granted in Prior Year that Vest During Year (e) ($) |
Compensation “ Actually Paid ” (f) ($) |
|
PEO |
|||||||
|
2024 |
1,614,524 |
- |
- |
74,000 |
- |
5,200 |
1,693,724 |
|
2023 |
1,093,530 |
- |
- |
50,600 |
- |
22,300 |
1,166,430 |
|
2022 |
1,484,015 |
- |
- |
28,800 |
- |
700 |
1,513,515 |
|
Non-PEO NEOs |
|||||||
|
2024 |
693,581 |
- |
- |
7,400 |
- |
520 |
701,501 |
|
2023 |
727,047 |
- |
- |
5,060 |
- |
2,230 |
734,337 |
|
2022 |
990,778 |
- |
- |
2,880 |
- |
78,070 |
1,071,728 |
|
(a) |
Reflects, for our PEO, the applicable amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table and for the Non-PEO NEOs, the average of the applicable amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table in each of the fiscal years indicated. |
|
(b) |
Reflects either (i) the fair value, with respect to our PEO, or (ii) the average of the fair value, with respect to the Non-PEO NEOs, in each case as of March 31 of the covered fiscal year of awards granted in the covered fiscal year that remained outstanding and unvested (in whole or in part) as of the end of the covered fiscal year. |
|
(c) |
Reflects either (i) the change in fair value, with respect to our PEO, or (ii) the average of the change in fair value, with respect to the Non-PEO NEOs, in each case from March 31 of the prior fiscal year to March 31 of the covered fiscal year of awards granted in a prior fiscal year that remained outstanding and unvested (in whole or in part) as of the end of the covered fiscal year. |
|
(d) |
Reflects either (i) the fair value, with respect to our PEO, or (ii) the average of the fair value, with respect to the Non-PEO NEOs, in each case, as of the day awards became vested in the covered fiscal year, when such awards were also granted in the covered fiscal year. |
|
(e) |
Reflects either (i) the change in fair value, with respect to our PEO, or (ii) the average of the change in fair value, with respect to the Non-PEO NEOs, in each case from March 31 of the prior fiscal year to the day awards became vested in the covered fiscal year, when such awards were granted in a prior fiscal year. |
|
(f) |
Reflects, for our PEO, the total compensation actually paid and for the Non-PEO NEOs, the average total compensation actually paid in each of the fiscal years indicated. |
Relationship Between Pay and Financial Performance Measures
The graph below compares the compensation actually paid to our PEO and the average of the compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, with our cumulative total shareholder return, or TSR, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022. TSR amounts reported in the graph assume an initial fixed investment of $100.
The graph below compares the compensation actually paid to our PEOs and the average of the compensation actually paid to our Non-PEO NEOs, with our net income, for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.
DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS
Under the Exchange Act, our directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders must report to the SEC certain transactions involving Common Stock. Based solely on a review of the copies of the reports required pursuant to Section16(a) of the Exchange Act that have been furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that these filing requirements have been satisfied for the fiscal year ended March31, 2024.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by directors, nominees for director, Named Executive Officers, executive officers and directors as a group and persons who owned of record more than 5% of the outstanding Common Stock as of July25, 2024:
|
Name |
Amount and
|
Percentage
| ||||||
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP |
552,968(b) |
7.9% |
||||||
|
6300 Bee Cave Road, Building One |
||||||||
|
Austin, Texas 78746 |
||||||||
|
Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation |
374,782(c) |
5.4% |
||||||
|
800 Third Avenue |
||||||||
|
New York, New York 10022 |
||||||||
|
De Lisle Partners LLP. |
408,127(d) |
5.9% |
||||||
|
3 Firs Lane |
||||||||
|
Poole |
||||||||
|
BH14 8JG |
||||||||
|
United Kingdom |
||||||||
|
Tontine Asset Associates, LLC. |
374,327(e) |
5.4% |
||||||
|
1 Sound Shore Drive, Suite 304 |
||||||||
|
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 |
||||||||
|
Mike Taylor |
157,154 |
2.3% |
||||||
|
Durga D. Agrawal |
26,504 |
* |
||||||
|
Max Reichenthal |
26,761 |
* | ||||||
|
Sandy Scott |
6,741 |
* | ||||||
|
Joel Spira |
16,504 |
* | ||||||
|
Tim Stevenson |
26,504 |
* | ||||||
|
Sharon Taylor |
6,041 |
* | ||||||
|
JoeL. Williams |
31,574 |
* | ||||||
|
Alex LaRue |
22,611 |
* | ||||||
|
Officers and directors as a group (9persons) |
320,394 |
4.6% |
||||||
|
* |
Less than 1%. |
|
(a) |
Based upon information obtained from the officers, directors, director nominees and beneficial owners. Includes all shares beneficially owned according to the definition of “beneficial ownership” in the rules promulgated under the Exchange Act. Except as otherwise indicated, the indicated person has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares. |
|
(b) |
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 9, 2024 by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”). Dimensional is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 552,968 shares of the Common Stock as of December 29, 2023. |
|
(c) |
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2024 by Renaissance Technologies Holdings Corporation (“Renaissance”). Renaissance is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 374,782 shares of the Common Stock as of December 29, 2023. |
|
(d) |
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on May 1, 2024 by De Lisle Partners LLP (“De Lisle”). De Lisle is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 408,127 shares of the Common Stock as of May 1, 2024. |
|
(e) |
Based upon information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2024 by Tontine Asset Associates LLC (“Tontine”). Tontine is deemed to have beneficial ownership of 374,327 shares of the Common Stock as of December 31, 2023. |
PROPOSAL 3:
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has approved the appointment of Moss Adams LLP (“Moss Adams”) as independent auditor for the fiscal year ending March31, 2025. The Audit Committee and the Board seek to have the shareholders ratify the Audit Committee's appointment of Moss Adams. In recommending ratification by the shareholders of such engagement, the Board is acting upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, which has satisfied itself as to Moss Adams’ independence, professional competence and standing. As a matter of good corporate governance, we are asking shareholders to ratify this appointment. Our Audit Committee continually monitors the services and fees of the independent registered public accounting firm and even if the appointment is ratified by our shareholders, the Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of our Company and our shareholders. One or more representatives of Moss Adamsare expected to attend the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement at the Annual Meeting if they wish to do so and be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.
Audit Fees
In fiscal years 2024 and 2023, we retained Moss Adams to provide services and incurred fees therefor as indicated in the following table:
|
2024
|
2023
| |||||||
|
Audit Fees (1) |
$ | 818,300 | $ | 445,000 | ||||
|
Audit-Related Fees |
— | — | ||||||
|
Tax Fees |
— | — | ||||||
|
All Other Fees |
— | — | ||||||
|
Total Fees |
$ | 818,300 | $ | 445,000 | ||||
|
(1) |
Includes fees and expenses incurred related to the fiscal year audit and interim reviews, notwithstanding when the fees and expenses were billed or when the services were rendered. |
The Audit Committee has implemented pre-approval policies and procedures for all audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent public accountants to us. With regard to all permissible non-audit services, the Audit Committee has designated the Chairman of the Audit Committee to approve in advance the provision by the independent public accountants of such services.
There were no services approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the deminimis exception in paragraph(c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule2-01 of RegulationS-X (17CFR Part210) during fiscal year 2024.
Vote Required for Approval
In order to be approved, Proposal No.3 must receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes represented at the meeting, by person or proxy and entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions with respect to the approval of this proposal will have the effect of a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be treated as shares that are represented at the meeting for the purposes of this proposal and will have no effect on the outcome of the vote on this proposal. If the selection of Moss Adamsis not ratified, the Audit Committee will consider whether we should select another independent registered public accounting firm.
The Board of Directors recommends voting “ FOR ” this proposal.
PROPOSAL 4:
AMENDMENT OF THE COMPANY ’ S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO ALLOW SHAREHOLDERS TO AMEND THE COMPANY ’ S BYLAWS
The Board of Directors has approved and voted to recommend that the shareholders of the Company approve the amendment of our Articles of Incorporation, as amended (the “Amendment”) to enable the shareholders to amend the Company’s bylaws by adding the following new article:
“ARTICLE TWELVE
In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the board of directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend, or repeal bylaws of the corporation. Any adoption, amendment, or repeal of the bylaws of the corporation by the board of directors shall require the approval of a majority of the entire board of directors. The shareholders shall also have the power to adopt, amend, or repeal the bylaws of the corporation; provided, however, that, in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of shares of the corporation required by law or by the Articles of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least seventy-five 75% of the voting power of all of the then outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote, voting together as a single class shall be required to adopt, amend, or repeal any provision of the bylaws of the corporation.”
The Amendment will be implemented if shareholders approve Proposal 4. If Proposal 4 is approved, the Company will file a Certificate of Amendment with the Texas Secretary of State setting forth the Amendments that will become effective upon filing with the Texas Secretary of State.
Vote Required for Approval
In order to be approved, Proposal No.4 must receive the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting. Abstentions and Broker non-votes will count as votes against this proposal.
The Board of Directors recommends voting “ FOR ” this proposal.
PROPOSALS OF SHAREHOLDERS
Proposals of shareholders intended to be included in our proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must be received at our principal executive offices at 1121 Judson Road, Suite 124, Longview, Texas 75601 on or before April 7, 2025. Proposals from shareholders for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders received at our principal executive offices before May 6, 2025 or after June 20, 2025, will be considered untimely. In addition, if applicable, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Company’s nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than June 20, 2025.
GENERAL
Management knows of no other matter to be presented at the meeting. If any other matter should be presented upon which a vote may properly be taken, it is intended that shares represented by the proxies in the accompanying form will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the best judgment of the person or persons voting such shares.
The cost of solicitation of proxies in the accompanying form will be paid by us. In addition to solicitation by use of the mails, certain of our directors, officers and regular employees may solicit the return of proxies by telephone, facsimile or personal interviews.
Some banks, brokers and other nominee record holders may be participating in the practice of “householding” proxy statements. This means that only one copy of this proxy statement may have been sent to multiple shareholders in your household. We will promptly deliver a separate copy of the document to you if you call or write us at the following address or phone number: P.O. Box 2192, Longview, Texas 75606, phone: 903-758-3431, Attention: Investor Relations. If you want to receive separate copies of our proxy statements in the future, or if you are receiving multiple copies and would like to receive only one copy for your household, you should contact your bank, broker or other nominee record holder, or you may contact us at the above address and phone number.
Appendix A
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) has established an Audit Committee (the “Committee”). This Second Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter (the “Charter”) sets forth certain matters with respect to the Committee.
I. Structure and Qualifications
The Committee shall consist of not less than three directors elected by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and each member shall meet the definition of independent and all other requirements adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the NYSE – American.
II. Compensation
Fees for serving as a member of the Board or on any committee of the Board are the only compensation a Committee member may receive from the Company.
III. Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least once per fiscal quarter. The Committee shall meet periodically with management and representatives of the independent auditor in separate executive sessions in furtherance of its purposes.
IV. Responsibilities
The Board has delegated the following authority to the Committee:
|
1. |
The Committee shall have the sole authority to select, engage, evaluate, retain, and, when appropriate, terminate the independent auditor of the Company as well as approve all audit engagement fees and terms and all non-audit engagements with independent public accountants. The Committee shall consult with management regarding such engagements but shall not delegate these responsibilities thereto; provided, however, that, in addition to those permissible non-audit services pre-approved by the Committee, pre-approvals of further permissible non-audit services may be delegated to a single member of the Committee, provided such approvals are reviewed with the Committee at its next meeting. The Committee shall be directly responsible for the oversight of the work of the independent auditor for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work and the independent auditor shall report directly to the Committee. |
|
2. |
The Committee shall review with the independent auditor the planned scope of its examination and the results thereof. |
|
3. |
The Committee shall review with the independent auditor any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response thereto, and, upon the request of the Committee, the independent auditor shall provide to the Committee copies of all written communications to Company management in any way related to such problems or difficulties. |
|
4. |
The Committee shall review any financial reporting issues and practices, including changes in or adoption of accounting principles and disclosure practices having a material impact on the obligations or financial statements of the Company. |
|
5. |
The Committee shall review filings made with the SEC when such review is required by the SEC. |
|
6. |
The Committee shall review disclosures made by the Company’s principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers regarding compliance with their certification obligations as required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and the rules promulgated thereunder, including: (a) the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and evaluations thereof; and (b) internal controls for financial reporting and evaluations thereof. |
|
7. |
The Committee shall review and discuss the annual and quarterly financial statements with management and the independent auditor prior to release to the public. |
|
8. |
The Committee shall recommend whether the audited financial statements should be included in the Company’s annual reports. |
|
9. |
The Committee shall obtain and review, at least annually, a formal written statement from the Company’s independent auditor delineating: (a) the independent auditor’s internal quality-control procedures; (b) any issues raised by the most recent quality-control review, or peer review, of the firm and the procedures or solutions used to address them; and (c) all relationships between the independent auditor and the Company. |
|
10. |
The Committee shall inquire of management and the independent auditor to assure that the independent auditor has not engaged in any prohibited activities within the provisions of section 10A(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. |
|
11. |
The Committee shall review and consider the independence of the independent auditor. |
|
12. |
The Committee shall set hiring policies for employees or former employees of the independent auditor. |
|
13. |
The Committee shall ensure that the lead audit partner of the independent auditor and that firm’s audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit are rotated at least every five years as required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended. |
|
14. |
The Committee shall establish procedures for: (a) the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received from any third party by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters; and (b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. |
|
15. |
The Committee may obtain advice and assistance from outside legal, accounting or other advisors, as appropriate. Pursuant to approval of this Charter, no further requirement of Board approval for such engagements is required. |
|
16. |
The Committee shall review and oversee any related party transactions between the Company and any of its directors or executive officers. |
|
17. |
The Committee may hold such other conferences and conduct such other reviews with the independent auditor or with management as may be desired either by the Committee or the independent auditor. |
|
18. |
The Committee shall report regularly to the Board and submit to the Board any recommendations the Committee may have from time to time. |
|
19. |
The Committee shall review and reassess this Charter annually and conduct an annual review of the work of the Committee, including review of: (a) major issues regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentations; (b) analyses prepared by management or the independent auditor setting forth significant financial reporting issues and judgments made in connection with the preparation of the financial statements; (c) the effect of regulatory and accounting initiatives, as well as off-balance sheet structures, if any, on the financial statements of the Company; and (d) earnings press releases. |
|
20. |
The Committee, from time to time, may adopt rules and make provisions as deemed appropriate for (a) the conduct of its meetings; (b) considering, acting upon and recording matters within its authority; and (c) making such reports to the Board as it may deem appropriate, giving due consideration to the Committee’s need to treat certain matters confidentially, provided only that such rules and provisions do not conflict with the articles of incorporation or the bylaws of the Company. |
Appendix B
FRIEDMAN INDUSTRIES, INCORPORATED
CHARTER OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Friedman Industries, Incorporated (the “Company”) has established a Nominating Committee (the “Committee”). This Charter sets forth certain matters with respect to the Committee.
I. Structure and Qualifications
The Committee shall consist of at least three directors appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) and each member shall meet the definition of independence and all other requirements adopted from time to time by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) or the NYSE – American.
II. Meetings
The Committee shall meet at least one time each year and otherwise as frequently and at such times as necessary to carry out its responsibilities.
III. Responsibilities
The Board has delegated the following authority to the Committee:
|
1. |
The Committee shall work together with the Chairman of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer to identify and consider candidates to be nominated for election as directors. In connection therewith, the Committee shall consider that a majority of the members of the Board must qualify as independent as defined by NYSE – American. In addition, the Committee shall consider the following qualifications in assessing director candidates: |
|
(a) |
An understanding of business and financial affairs and the complexities of a business organization; |
|
(b) |
A record of competence and accomplishments through leadership in industry, education, the professions or government; |
|
(c) |
A genuine interest in representing all of the shareholders and the interest of the Company overall; |
|
(d) |
A willingness to maintain a committed relationship with the Company as a director; |
|
(e) |
A willingness and ability to spend the necessary time required to function effectively as a director; |
|
(f) |
A reputation for honesty and integrity; and |
|
(g) |
Such other additional qualifications as the Committee may establish from time to time, taking into account the composition and expertise of the entire Board. |
|
2. |
The Committee shall recommend to the Board (i) the nominees for directors to be elected at the Company’s annual meeting and (ii) individuals to be elected to fill any vacancies occurring on the Board from time to time. |
|
3. |
The Committee shall review potential conflicts of interest of directors which might interfere with Board service. |
|
4. |
The Committee shall make determinations, with the advice of legal counsel, concerning the “independence” of Board members for corporate governance purposes and to make other determinations as required under SEC and NYSE – American rules and regulations. |
|
5. |
The Committee shall review the appropriateness of continued Board membership of a director who experiences a change in employment, board membership of another company or other relevant matter. |
|
6. |
The Committee shall perform such other functions as required by law or SEC or NYSE – American requirements. |
|
7. |
The Committee shall report to the Board at least annually and at the Board meeting immediately following each meeting of the Committee |
