ROCKWELL MEDICAL, INC.
10-Ks and 10-Qs
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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
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Check the appropriate box:
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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 §240.14a-12
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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ROCKWELL MEDICAL, INC.
NOTICE OF 2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held May 20, 2025
To the Stockholders of Rockwell Medical, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Rockwell Medical, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held as a virtual stockholder meeting at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, on May 20, 2025, to consider and take action upon the following matters:
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(1)
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To elect the two Class I directors named in the proxy statement, each to serve for a three-year term expiring at the 2028 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified;
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(2)
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers;
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(3)
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To ratify the selection of EisnerAmper LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2025;
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(4)
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To approve an amendment and restatement of the Rockwell Medical, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan to, among other things, increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 5,000,000 shares; and
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(5)
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To transact any other business which 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 March 24, 2025 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, vote and submit a question during the meeting online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RMTI2025.
All stockholders as of the record date are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. WHETHER OR NOT YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD IN THE STAMPED AND ADDRESSED ENVELOPE ENCLOSED FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. Stockholders can help the Company avoid unnecessary expense and delay by promptly returning the enclosed proxy card. The business of the Annual Meeting to be acted upon by the stockholders cannot be transacted unless a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company is represented at the Annual Meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Megan Timmins
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Megan Timmins
Secretary
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Wixom, Michigan
April 14, 2025
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to Be Held on May 20, 2025.
This notice of meeting, the proxy statement, the proxy card and the Company’s 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes the Annual Report on Form 10-K, are available online at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RMTI2025. Stockholders may request a copy of the notice of meeting, the proxy statement, proxy card and 2024 Annual Report to Stockholders by contacting the Company at ir@rockwellmed.com or (800) 449-3353, or online at
http://www.rockwellmed.com.
ROCKWELL MEDICAL, INC.
30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, Michigan 48393
PROXY STATEMENT
2025 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 20, 2025
INTRODUCTION
This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is being furnished to stockholders by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Rockwell Medical, Inc. (the “Company”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders of the Company to be held on May 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and all adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Annual Meeting”) for the purposes set forth in the attached Notice of 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The Annual Meeting will be held as a virtual (online) meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, vote and submit a question during the meeting online at
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RMTI2025.
A proxy, in the enclosed form, which is properly executed, duly returned to the Company and not revoked, will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained therein. The shares represented by executed but unmarked proxies will be voted as follows:
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(1)
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FOR
the election of the two Class I directors nominated by our Board, each to serve for a three-year term expiring at the 2028 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified (“Proposal 1”);
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(2)
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FOR
the approval, on an advisory basis, of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers (“Proposal 2”); and
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(3)
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FOR
the ratification of the selection of EisnerAmper LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2025 (“Proposal 3”).
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(4)
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FOR
the amendment and restatement of the Rockwell Medical, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan, including an increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 5,000,000 shares (“Proposal 4”).
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With respect to such other business which may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof, votes will be cast in the discretion of the appointed proxies.
These proxy materials are first being sent or made available to stockholders on or about April 14, 2025. References in this Proxy Statement to the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” are references to Rockwell Medical, Inc.
It is important that your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, please sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it to us. If you own your shares through a broker, bank or other nominee, please return your voting instruction form to your broker, bank or nominee, or use the electronic voting means described below to vote your shares.
Why am I receiving these proxy materials?
You are receiving these proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement, the Notice of the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the 2024 Annual Report and the proxy card or voting instruction form, in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board for use at the Annual Meeting to be held on May 20, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and all adjournments or postponements thereof. The Annual Meeting will be held as a virtual (online) meeting. You may attend the Annual Meeting, vote and submit a question during the meeting by visiting
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RMTI2025
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Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?
Only stockholders of record of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, which we refer to as our common stock, at the close of business on March 24, 2025, the record date for the Annual Meeting, will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. As of the close of business on the record date, we had 34,174,687 shares of common stock outstanding, the only class of stock outstanding and entitled to vote. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted for a vote at the Annual Meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted toward the quorum requirement.
Valid proxies in the enclosed form which are timely returned and executed and dated in accordance with the instructions on the proxy will be voted as specified in the proxy. If no specification is made, the proxies will be voted “
FOR
” the director nominees listed in Proposal 1, and “
FOR
” Proposals 2, 3 and 4.
How do I vote if I hold my shares in “street name”?
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, then you are
not
legally a stockholder of record but, rather, are considered to own your shares in “street name” and you will need to direct your broker, bank or nominee, who is considered the stockholder of record of your shares, how to vote your shares.
If you hold your shares in street name as of the record date, the notice of meeting, the Proxy Statement, the 2024 Annual Report and a voting instruction form have been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or nominee. As the beneficial or “street name” owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee how to vote your shares by using the voting instruction form included in the mailing. If you are the beneficial owner and do not direct your broker, bank or nominee how to vote your shares, your broker, bank or nominee will only be able to vote your shares with respect to proposals considered to be “routine”. Your broker, bank or nominee is not entitled to vote your shares with respect to “non-routine” proposals, which we refer to as a “broker non-vote.” Whether a proposal is considered routine or non-routine is subject to stock exchange rules and final determination by the stock exchange. Even with respect to routine matters, some brokers are choosing not to exercise discretionary voting authority. As a result, we urge you to direct your broker, bank or nominee how to vote your shares on all proposals to ensure that your vote is counted.
A
street name holder
may provide instructions to their broker, bank or nominee on how to vote their shares in any of the following ways:
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By completing, signing and dating each voting instruction form received and returning it in the envelope provided; or
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By Internet at
www.proxyvote.com
and following the instructions outlined on the secure website (have your 16-digit control number available).
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How do I vote if I am a stockholder of record?
You are considered a stockholder of record if your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote your shares in either of the following ways:
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By signing and dating each proxy card you received and returning it in the envelope provided; or
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By attending the virtual Annual Meeting by visiting
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RMTI2025
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How Can I Participate in the Virtual Annual Meeting?
Stockholders of record as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting. To participate in the Annual Meeting, including to vote and ask questions during the meeting, stockholders of record should go to the meeting website at
www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/RMTI2025
, enter the 16-digit control number found on your proxy card or notice, and follow the instructions on the website. If your shares are held in street name and your voting instruction form or notice indicates that you may vote those shares through
www.proxyvote.com
, then you may access, participate in and vote at the Annual Meeting with the 16-digit access code indicated on that voting instruction form or notice. Otherwise, stockholders who hold their shares in street name should contact their bank, broker or other nominee (preferably at least five days before the Annual Meeting) and obtain a “legal proxy” in order to be able to attend, participate in or vote at the Annual Meeting.
We will endeavor to answer as many stockholder-submitted questions as time permits that comply with the Annual Meeting rules of conduct. We reserve the right to edit profanity or other inappropriate language and to exclude questions regarding topics that are not pertinent to meeting matters or Company business. If we receive substantially similar questions, we may group such questions together and provide a single response to avoid repetition.
The meeting webcast will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Online check-in will begin approximately 15 minutes before the meeting start time. We encourage you to allow ample time for check-in procedures. If you experience technical difficulties during the check-in process or during the meeting, please call the number listed on the meeting website for technical support. Additional information regarding the rules and procedures for participating in the Annual Meeting will be set forth in our meeting rules of conduct, which stockholders can view during the meeting at the meeting website.
What am I voting on?
The proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are as follows:
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(1)
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To elect the two Class I directors nominated by the Board, each to serve for a three-year term expiring at the 2028 annual meeting of stockholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified;
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(2)
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To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers;
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(3)
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To ratify the selection of EisnerAmper LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for 2025;
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(4)
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To approve an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan, including to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder by 5,000,000 shares.
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How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board recommends that you vote your shares of common stock “
FOR
” the director nominees listed in Proposal 1 and “
FOR
” Proposals 2, 3 and 4.
What votes are required by our stockholders on the Board’s proposals and how are votes counted?
Votes will be counted by the Inspector of Elections appointed for the Annual Meeting.
Proposal 1: Election of Class I Directors
In an uncontested election (
i.e.
, an election where the number of director nominees equals the number of director positions up for election), such as the one taking place at the Annual Meeting, directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast, meaning each director nominee must receive a greater number of shares of common stock voted “FOR” his election than the number of shares of common stock voted “AGAINST” his election in order to be elected. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
Proposal 2: Advisory Approval of Executive Compensation
The affirmative vote of the holders of shares of common stock representing a majority of the votes cast on the matter is required for the advisory approval of executive compensation. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
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Proposal 3: Ratification of Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The affirmative vote of the holders of shares of common stock representing a majority of the votes cast on the matter is required for the ratification of the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2025. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
Proposal 4: Approval of an Amendment and Restatement of the Company’s 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan
The affirmative vote of the holders of shares of common stock representing a majority of the votes cast on the matter is required for the approval of an amendment and restatement of the Company’s 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan. Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
Can I change my vote after I have mailed my proxy card?
A stockholder who has submitted a completed proxy may revoke it at any time before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by giving written notice of such revocation to our Secretary or by executing and delivering to the Secretary a later dated proxy. Attendance at the Annual Meeting by a stockholder who has submitted a proxy will not have the effect of revoking it unless such stockholder votes at the Annual Meeting or submits written notice of revocation to the Company’s Secretary before the proxy is voted.
Any written notice revoking a proxy, and any later dated proxy, must be received by the Company prior to the date of the Annual Meeting (unless delivered directly to the Company’s Secretary at the Annual Meeting) and should be sent to Rockwell Medical, Inc., 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393, Attention: Secretary.
What if another matter is properly brought before the Annual Meeting?
As of the date of filing this Proxy Statement, the Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies in the accompanying proxy card to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
We will pay the costs associated with the solicitation of proxies, including the preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of the proxy materials. We have retained InvestorCom LLC, at 19 Old Kings Highway S., Suite 130, Darien, CT 06820, to act as a proxy solicitor in connection with the Annual Meeting at a cost of $6,000 plus reasonable out-of-pocket and other expenses. If you have questions about the Annual Meeting, please contact InvestorCom at (203) 972-9300 or toll free at (877) 972-0090, or email them at info@investor-com.com.
In addition, our employees, officers and directors may solicit proxies in person or via telephone or the Internet. We will not pay additional compensation for any of these services. We may also reimburse brokers, fiduciaries or custodians for the cost of forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of shares of common stock held in “street name.”
How can I find out the voting results?
We expect to announce preliminary voting results at the Annual Meeting. Final voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) within 4 business days after the Annual Meeting.
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Who can help answer my questions?
If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting or how to vote or revoke your proxy, please contact Investor Com at:
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InvestorCom LLC
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19 Old Kings Highway S., Suite 130
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Darien, CT 06820
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Telephone:
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(203) 972-9300 or Toll Free (877) 972-0090
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Fax:
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(203) 884-8611
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E-mail:
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info@investor-com.com
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You also can contact us at:
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Rockwell Medical, Inc.
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30142 Wixom Road
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Wixom, MI 48393
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Telephone:
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(800) 449-3353
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E-mail:
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ir@rockwellmed.com
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4
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Background
Our Board is divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Each year, on a rotating basis and until their successor has been elected and qualified, the terms of office of the directors in one of the three classes expire. Successors to the class of directors whose terms have expired will be elected for a three-year term. The terms of each of the Class I Directors will expire at the Annual Meeting, the terms of each of the Class II Directors will expire at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders and the terms of each of the Class III Directors will expire at the 2027 annual meeting of stockholders, in each case upon the election and qualification of the applicable successors.
Set forth below are the names and certain information for each continuing member of the Board, including the nominees for election as Class I directors, as of March 1, 2025. The information presented includes each director’s and nominee’s principal occupation and business experience for the past five years, and the names of other public companies of which he or she has served as a director during the past five years. The information presented below regarding the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and skills of each director and nominee led our Nominating and Governance Committee and our Board to conclude that he or she should serve as a director. In addition, we believe that all of our directors and nominees possess the attributes or characteristics described in “Corporate Governance—Governance and Nominating Committee” that the Governance and Nominating Committee expects of each director. There are no family relationships among any of our directors, nominees for director, or executive officers.
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Name
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Age
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Position(s)
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Class I Directors:
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Allen Nissenson, MD
(1)(3)
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78
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Director
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John G. Cooper
(1)(2)
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Director
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Class II Director Nominees:
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Joan Lau, Ph.D.
(1)(2)
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54
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Director
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Mark H. Ravich
(2)(3)
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Director
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Andrea Heslin Smiley
(1)(3)
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Director
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Class III Directors:
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Mark Strobeck, Ph.D.
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President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
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Robert S. Radie
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61
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Chairman
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(1)
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Member of the Compensation Committee.
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(2)
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Member of the Audit Committee.
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(3)
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Member of the Nominating and Governance Committee.
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Nominees For Reelection to Our Board
Class I Director (Term Expiring 2025):
John G. Cooper
has been a director and Chair of the Audit Committee since September 2017. Mr. Cooper is currently principal of JGC Advisors, providing corporate development and financial advisory services to emerging life science companies, and serves on the strategic advisory board of IC Surgical, Inc. From 2001 to 2016, Mr. Cooper was a senior executive for Windtree Therapeutics Inc. (formerly Discovery Laboratories, Inc.), a publicly traded bio pharmaceutical company and the first to receive FDA approval for a synthetic peptide-containing surfactant to address premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome. At Discovery Labs, Mr. Cooper served as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors from 2013 to 2016, president and chief financial officer from 2010 to 2013, executive vice president and chief financial officer from 2002 to 2010 and senior vice president and chief financial officer from 2001 to 2002. Previously, Mr. Cooper served as senior vice president and chief financial officer at Chrysalis International Corporation, a public company providing drug development services to the biopharmaceutical industry, and DNX Corporation, a public life sciences company pioneering transgenic technology for xenotransplantation and biotherapeutic development. Previously, Mr. Cooper served as a financial executive at
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ENI Diagnostics, Inc., a public life sciences company (acquired by Pharmacia AB) that developed and commercialized the second FDA-approved blood diagnostic test for HIV and a financial analyst at CR Bard, Inc., a public medical device company. Mr. Cooper earned a certified public accountant credential in 1985 and his B.S. in Commerce from Rider University.
We believe that Mr. Cooper’s extensive executive management, finance and accounting, capital raising, strategic alliance, investor relations and governance experience with public companies in the life sciences industry qualifies him for service as a director and Chair of the Audit Committee of our Company.
Allen Nissenson, MD
has been a director since June 2020. Dr. Nissenson served as Emeritus Chief Medical Officer of DaVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita HealthCare Partners, a healthcare company, from January 2020 to January 2022. He previously served as Chief Medical Officer of DaVita Kidney Care from August 2008 to December 2019. Dr. Nissenson is also currently an Emeritus Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at University California Los Angeles, a public research university, where he previously served as Director of the Dialysis Program and Associate Dean. He has served on the board of directors of Angion Biomedica Corp., now Elicio Therapeutics, a late-stage biopharmaceutical company, since January 2020. He is a member of the Board of Directors of Dilaity Inc., a medical device company, and Innocura Nephrology, a national nephrology practice organization. He is the immediate past Chair of Kidney Care Partners and immediate past Co-Chair of the Kidney Care Quality Alliance. He is a former president of the Renal Physicians Association and current member of the Government Affairs Committee. Dr. Nissenson also previously served as President of the Southern California End-Stage Renal Disease Network, as well as Chair of the Medical Review Board. He also served as a Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow of the Institute of Medicine, working in the United States Senate with Senator Paul Wellstone. Dr. Nissenson earned his B.S. from Northwestern University and his M.D. from Northwestern University Medical School.
We believe Dr. Nissenson’s expertise in the renal health space and extensive experience as both a public company executive, clinician and professor, qualify him for service as a director of our Company.
Recommendation of the Board
Upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board, the Board has nominated each of Mr. Cooper and Dr. Nissenson for election as directors. Each of Mr. Cooper and Dr. Nissenson’s terms as a director will expire at the 2028 Annual Meeting as a Class I Director and upon the election and qualification of his successor subject to prior death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal. Each of Mr. Cooper and Dr. Nissenson currently serves as a Class I director and has indicated a willingness to continue to serve as a director.
Unless contrary instructions are given, the shares represented by a properly executed proxy will be voted FOR the election of each nominee. Should any of the nominees become unavailable to accept election as a director, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote the shares they represent for the election of such other person as the Board may recommend or the Board may decrease the size of the Board. Management has no reason to believe that any nominee is unavailable or will not serve if elected.
Information regarding the remainder of our Board, along with corporate governance information, can be found starting on Page
10
of this Proxy Statement.
Vote Required
In an uncontested election (
i.e.
, an election where the number of director nominees equals the number of director positions up for election), such as the one taking place at the Annual Meeting, directors are elected by a majority of the votes cast, meaning each director nominee must receive a greater number of shares of common stock voted “FOR” his or her election than the number of shares of common stock voted “AGAINST” his election in order to be elected.
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Under our Principles of Corporate Governance and Majority Voting Policy, any nominee who receives a greater number of votes “AGAINST” their election than votes “FOR” their election is expected to tender their resignation to the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee will then recommend to the Board whether to accept or reject the resignation offer, or whether other action should be taken. In determining whether to recommend that the Board accept any resignation offer, the Nominating and Governance Committee may consider all factors that the committee’s members believe are relevant. The Company will promptly disclose the Board’s decision-making process and decision regarding whether to accept a resignation offer in a Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. Nominees generally will not participate in the Nominating and Governance Committee’s or the Board’s considerations of the appropriateness of their continued service, but may otherwise remain active and engaged in all other Board-related activities, deliberations and decisions while consideration of such director’s resignation is ongoing.
Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR
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Information Relating to Our Continuing Directors
Class II Director
Nominees (Terms Expiring 2026):
Mark H. Ravich
has been a director since June 2017. Mr. Ravich currently serves as president of Tri-Star Management, Inc., a commercial real estate management and syndication company that he co-founded in 1998. From October 2010 through December 2022, Mr. Ravich served as a director of Dilon Technologies, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of medical imaging solutions. In addition, from February 2019 to March 2023, Mr. Ravich served as a director of BioVentrix Inc., a manufacturer of devices to improve and expand the treatments available for congestive heart failure. Previously, from 1990 until its sale in 1998, Mr. Ravich served as the chief executive officer and a director of Universal International, Inc., a wholesale retail company, where he also led its IPO. From February 2013 to 2018, Mr. Ravich served as a director of Orchard Paper Products Company, a national supplier of high quality consumer tissue products, as well as chairman of its governance committee and as a member of its audit committee. From June 2004 to 2018, Mr. Ravich served as a director of MR Instruments, Inc., an independent designer and manufacturer of advanced MRI Radiofrequency coils. From 1978 to 1990, Mr. Ravich was a developer of commercial real estate where he was involved with all aspects of development, finance, construction, marketing, leasing and management of various commercial, industrial, office and multi-family real estate projects. Mr. Ravich began his career in 1975 as an account officer at Citibank N.A., where he made real estate construction loans to national real estate developers. Mr. Ravich also currently serves as a board advisor to Scidera Inc., a provider of clinical laboratory testing services, and is the chief manager of various real estate entities. Mr. Ravich graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. and an M.B.A. degree with a major in finance.
We believe that Mr. Ravich’s experience as a member of a board of directors of a public company, financial expertise and experience as a senior leader of his own company qualify him for service as a director of our Company.
Andrea Heslin Smiley
has been a director since December 2020. Ms. Smiley currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Momentum Life Sciences (formerly, VMS BioMarketing), a provider of clinical educator solutions, which she joined in 2008 as Vice President, Strategic Marketing. Prior to joining Momentum Life Sciences, Ms. Smiley held several executive positions running therapeutic business units at Eli Lilly and Company and has extensive commercialization expertise. She served as a member of the board of directors of Zyla Life Sciences, a life sciences company, from April 2018 to May 2020, when Zyla Life Sciences merged with Assertio Holdings, Inc., at which time she joined the board of directors of Assertio Holdings, Inc. and served on the Assertio Board until December 2020. Ms. Smiley serves as a member of the board of directors of ATAI Life Sciences B.V., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, and as an advisor to Agent Capital, a venture capital firm. Ms. Smiley earned her B.A. in Economics from DePauw University.
We believe that Ms. Smiley’s more than 25 years of commercialization and management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry in both public and private companies qualify her for service as a director of our Company.
Joan Lau, Ph.D.
has been a director since October 2023. Since 2016, Dr. Lau has served as Chief Executive Officer of Spirovant Sciences Inc. (formerly Talee Bio prior to its acquisition), a company focused on the discovery and development of gene therapies for respiratory diseases, which she founded. Since 2013, Dr. Lau has been co-founder and partner of Militia Hill Ventures, a firm that creates and builds innovative life science entities. Dr. Lau also serves as trustee of the Brandywine Realty Trust (BDN), a publicly-traded, full-service, integrated real estate company, Universal Display Corporation, a publicly traded company, since March 2024, and as a director of RiboNova, Inc., a private company. She previously served as a director of Renovacor, Inc. Dr. Lau is also a trustee of the Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. and the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Lau earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Philadelphia, a PhD in Medical Neuroscience from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and a BSE in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania.
We believe that Dr. Lau’s extensive scientific knowledge, management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, financial experience, including with regard to capital markets, and regulatory expertise qualify her for service as a director of our Company.
Class III Directors (Terms Expiring 2027):
Mark Strobeck, Ph.D.
Mark Strobeck, Ph.D. has served as our President, CEO and a director since July 2022. He served as Managing Director of Aquilo Partners, LP, a life sciences investment bank, from May 2021 to
8
June 2022. He previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Assertio Holdings, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, from May 2020 to December 2020. Prior to that, Dr. Strobeck was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Zyla Life Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, from September 2015 through its merger with Assertio Holdings, Inc. in May 2020, and previously served as Zyla’s Chief Business Officer from January 2014 to September 2015. Before his employment at Zyla, he served as Zyla’s advisor from June 2012 to December 2013. From January 2012 to December 2013, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a director of Corridor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceuticals company, which was acquired by AstraZeneca plc in 2014. From December 2010 to October 2011, Dr. Strobeck served as Chief Business Officer of Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company acquired by Sanofi Pasteur in the fourth quarter of 2011. From June 2010 to November 2010 and October 2011 to January 2012, Dr. Strobeck worked as a consultant. From January 2008 to May 2010, Dr. Strobeck served as Chief Business Officer of Trevena, Inc., a pharmaceutical company. Prior to joining Trevena, Dr. Strobeck held management roles at GlaxoSmithKline plc, a pharmaceuticals company, and venture capital firms SR One Limited and EuclidSR Partners, L.P. Dr. Strobeck has served on the Board of Directors of Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. since June 2023. He also served on the board of directors of Horse Power For Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with cancer, from 2012 to 2024. Dr. Strobeck received his B.S. in Biology from St. Lawrence University and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Biophysics from the University of Cincinnati, and completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.
We believe that Dr. Strobeck’s role as Chief Executive Officer and President of our Company and his extensive scientific knowledge, coupled with his extensive management experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, and experience in the capital markets qualify him for service as a director of our Company.
Robert S. Radie
has been a director since March 2020 and Chairman of the Board since April 2022. Mr. Radie has served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the board of directors of Neuraptive Therapeutics, Inc., a private, clinical stage company focused on improving outcomes in traumatic peripheral nerve injury, since June 2020. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Zyla Life Sciences, a life sciences company, from March 2012 to October 2019. From November 2010 to October 2011, Mr. Radie served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Topaz Pharmaceuticals Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company. From March 2009 to November 2010, Mr. Radie served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Transmolecular, Inc., a biotechnology company, after serving as a consultant to Transmolecular from December 2008 through March 2009. From September 2007 to September 2008, Mr. Radie served as the Chief Business Officer of Prestwick Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company. Before joining Prestwick, Mr. Radie served in senior management positions with a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Morphotek, Inc., Vicuron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company. Mr. Radie has been a member of the board of directors ValSource Inc. since October 2020 and has also served as a director of Orcosa Inc since Jan of 2024. He previously served as a member of the board of directors of Paratek Pharmaceuticals from November 2014 to September 2023,Veloxis Pharmaceuticals A/S from June 2016 to February 2020 and Affinium Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. from July 2012 to March 2014. He also served as a Director for Life Science PA, an industry advocacy group in Pennsylvania. Previously, he served as a director of Horse Power for Life, a nonprofit organization of to improving the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with cancer from 2006 through 2024. Mr. Radie received his B.S. in Chemistry from Boston College.
We believe that Mr. Radie’s prior executive management, finance, commercialization, capital raising, investor relations and public company experience in the life sciences industry qualifies him for service as a director of our Company.
9
Independence
Except as may otherwise be permitted by Nasdaq Stock Market rules, our Principles of Corporate Governance provide that a majority of the Board shall be independent directors. An “independent” director is a director who meets the Nasdaq Stock Market definition of independence, as determined by the Board. Based on the absence of any material relationship between each such director and the Company, other than in their capacities as directors and stockholders, the Board has determined that each of Messrs. Cooper, Radie and Ravich, and Drs. Lau and Nissenson and Ms. Smiley (representing all current directors other than Dr. Strobeck, who also serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer) are independent, as independence is defined in the applicable Nasdaq Stock Market and SEC rules.
Board Leadership Structure
Our Principles of Corporate Governance provide that the Board will elect a Chairman of the Board, who is not the CEO of the Company. In the event that there is a need for a lead independent director, the Board will appoint a lead independent director. Our Board believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders to separate the role of Chairman of the Board from the role of Chief Executive Officer. Our Board believes that this separate leadership structure enhances the accountability of our Chief Executive Officer to our Board, strengthens our Board’s independence from management and ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of the Company. In addition, our Board believes that separating these roles allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus his efforts on operating our business and managing our Company in the best interests of our stockholders, while the Chairman provides guidance to the Chief Executive Officer and, in consultation with management, helps to set the agenda for Board meetings and establishes priorities and procedures for the work of the full Board. The Chairman presides over meetings of the full Board. Mr. Radie serves as Chairman of the Board and Dr. Strobeck serves as the Company’s President and CEO, as well as a Class III Director.
Our Board believes that the current Board leadership structure is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders at this time. Our Board recognizes that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times and that, depending on the circumstances, other leadership models, such as combining the Chairperson and CEO roles, might be appropriate. Accordingly, our Board periodically reviews its leadership structure.
Meetings and Committees of the Board
During 2024, the Board held ten meetings. Each current director attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board and committees of which they were a member in 2024. It is the Board’s policy that, absent any unusual circumstances, all director nominees standing for election will attend the Annual Meeting. Our 2024 annual meeting of stockholders was conducted virtually, with all of the then-sitting directors attending the meeting. In addition to formal Board meetings, the Board members have frequent informal discussions and conferences with management throughout the year.
Audit Committee
We have an Audit Committee which is composed of Messrs. Cooper (Chair) and Ravich and Dr. Lau. The Audit Committee held seven meetings in 2024. The Board has determined that Mr. Cooper, who is the Chairman of the Audit Committee, is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by applicable SEC rules. In addition, the Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is independent as independence for audit committee members is defined in applicable Nasdaq Stock Market and SEC rules. The Audit Committee has a written charter setting forth the responsibilities of the committee, a copy of which is available on the “Investors” section of our website at
www.rockwellmed.com
. The charter provides that the Audit Committee will assist the Board in its oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices of the Company.
The functions of the Audit Committee include, among other things, (1) monitoring the adequacy of the Company’s internal controls, (2) engaging and overseeing the work of the registered public accounting firm engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attest services for us, including the conduct of the annual audit and overseeing the independence of such firm, (3) overseeing our independent accountants’ relationship with the Company, (4) reviewing the audited financial statements and the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 1301 with management and the independent accountants,
10
including their judgments about the quality of our accounting principles, applications and practices, (5) recommending to the Board whether our current audited financial statements should be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, (6) reviewing with management and our independent accountants our quarterly financial information before we file our Forms 10-Q, (7) reviewing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting and compliance matters, (8) reviewing related party transactions required to be disclosed in our proxy statement for potential conflict of interest situations and, where appropriate, approving such transactions, (9) monitoring with management the status of pending litigation and investigations, and (10) overseeing the Company’s compliance functions.
Audit Committee Report
Our Audit Committee has:
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Reviewed and discussed with management our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024;
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Discussed with our independent accountants the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC;
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Received the written disclosures and the letter from our independent accountants required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence; and
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Discussed with our independent accountants the independent accountants’ independence.
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Based on its review and discussions described above, our Audit Committee recommended to our Board that our audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 as filed with the SEC.
Management is responsible for our financial reporting process, including its system of internal control, and for the preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our independent accountants are responsible for auditing those financial statements. Our Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and review these processes. Our Audit Committee has relied, without independent verification, on management’s representation that our financial statements have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and on the representations of our independent accountants included in their report on our financial statements.
By the Audit Committee:
John G. Cooper (Chairman)
Joan Lau, Ph.D.
Mark Ravich
Compensation Committee
We have a Compensation Committee which is composed of Ms. Smiley (Chair), Mr. Cooper and Drs. Lau and Nissenson. The Compensation Committee held seven meetings in 2024. The Compensation Committee has a written charter setting forth the responsibilities of the committee, a copy of which is posted on the “Investors” section of our website at
www.rockwellmed.com
. Pursuant to the charter, the Compensation Committee is generally responsible for (1) overseeing, reviewing and approving all compensation and benefits for executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, (2) assessing the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and reviewing the performance recommendations of the executive officers who report to the Chief Executive Officer, (3) establishing performance objectives of the Company, (4) making recommendations to the Board for director compensation, (5) overseeing and administering the stock compensation program, (6) overseeing the development and implementation of our compensation and employee benefit plans and discharging its responsibilities under such plans, (7) reporting to the Board on our compensation policies, programs and plans, (8) approving other employee compensation and benefit programs where Board action is necessary or appropriate, and (9) overseeing the assessment of risks related to the Company’s compensation policies and programs. Except to the extent prohibited by Nasdaq Stock Market rules and state law, our Compensation Committee may delegate its authority to subcommittees when it deems appropriate and in the best interests of the Company.
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Pursuant to its authority under its charter to retain compensation consultants, the Compensation Committee engaged Compensia, Inc. (“Compensia”), an executive compensation consulting firm, to act as its independent advisor with respect to compensation decisions. We utilize Compensia to conduct a comprehensive review and benchmarking of overall executive and director compensation programs. All services provided by Compensia to the Compensation Committee are conducted under the direction and authority of the Compensation Committee, and all work performed by Compensia must be pre-approved by the Compensation Committee. Compensia does not provide any other services to the Company and does not own any shares of the Company’s stock. There are no personal or business relationships between the Compensia consultants and any executive of the Company. In addition, there are no personal relationships between the Compensia consultants and any member of the Compensation Committee. Compensia maintains a detailed conflict of interest policy in order to ensure that the compensation committees for which it works receive conflict-free advice.
Nominating and Governance Committee
We have a Nominating and Governance Committee which is composed of Dr. Nissenson (Chair), Mr. Ravich and Ms. Smiley. The Nominating and Governance Committee held one meeting in 2024. The Nominating and Governance Committee has a written charter setting forth the responsibilities of the committee, a copy of which is posted on the “Investors” section of our website at
www.rockwellmed.com
. Pursuant to the charter, the Nominating and Governance Committee is generally responsible for (1) oversight of the corporate governance of the Company, (2) recommending appropriate corporate governance practices, (3) identifying individuals qualified to become directors and selecting, or recommending that the Board select, the candidates for all directorships to be filled by the Board or by the stockholders, (4) oversight of the evaluation of the Board and its committees, and (5) evaluating the charters of our Board’s committees and the principles of our Board.
In identifying candidates for director, our Nominating and Governance Committee will consider suggestions from incumbent directors, management or others, including stockholders. Our Nominating and Governance Committee may retain the services of a consultant from time to time to identify qualified candidates for director. Our Nominating and Governance Committee reviews all candidates in the same manner without regard to who suggested the candidate. In selecting candidates, our Nominating and Governance Committee will consider all factors it believes appropriate, which may include (1) ensuring that the Board, as a whole, is diverse and consists of individuals with various and relevant career experience, technical skill, industry knowledge and experience, financial expertise, local or community ties, and (2) individual qualifications, including strength of character, mature judgment, familiarity with our business and industry, especially the life sciences industry, independence of thought and an ability to work collegially. Although it has no formal policy with regard to diversity, our Nominating and Governance Committee, with respect to diversity, considers such factors as differences of viewpoint, education, skill and other individual qualities and attributes that contribute to board heterogeneity. The Board and Nominating and Governance Committee assess their effectiveness in this regard annually.
Director Time Commitments
While Board members benefit from service on the boards of other companies and such service is encouraged, under the Principles of Corporate Governance, directors are expected to limit the number of other boards on which they serve so as not to interfere with their service as a director of the Company. In this regard, the Company has adopted specific limits on the number of other public company boards upon which a director may sit. Ordinarily, directors may not serve on the boards of more than five public companies and directors who are executive officers of public companies may not serve on the board of more than of more than one other public company, in addition to the Company’s Board. As part of the annual director nomination process, the Nominating and Governance Committee considers directors’ adherence to these expectations, and directors are expected to obtain the approval of the Nominating and Governance Committee before accepting a seat on the board of another for-profit organization.
Nominations of Directors
Nominees for director that are proposed by stockholders must be proposed pursuant to timely notice in writing to our Secretary, at Rockwell Medical, Inc., 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393, as provided in our bylaws. The requirements for proposing director candidates, as set forth in our bylaws, are described below.
Stockholders proposing director nominees for election at the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders must provide written notice of such intention, along with the other information required by our bylaws, to our Secretary at our
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principal executive offices no earlier than the close of business on November 15, 2025 and no later than December 15, 2025. If the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders date is significantly advanced or delayed from the first anniversary of the date of the Annual Meeting, then the notice and information must be given not later than the 120th day before the meeting or, if later, the 10th day after the first public disclosure of the date of the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders. With respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders, such notice must be given in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws no earlier than the close of business on the 150th day before and not later than the close of business on the 120th day before the date of such special meeting or, if later, the 10th day after the first public disclosure of the date of such special meeting. A proponent must also update the information provided in or with the notice at the times specified by our bylaws. Nominees for director pursuant to a notice which is not timely given or does not contain the information required by our bylaws or which is not delivered in compliance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws will not be considered at the stockholders meeting. In addition to giving notice pursuant to the advance notice provisions of the Company’s bylaws, a stockholder who intends to solicit proxies in support of nominees submitted under these advance notice provisions must also provide the notice required under Rule 14a-19, the SEC’s universal proxy rule, to the Secretary of the Company regarding such intent no later than March 23, 2026.
Only persons who are stockholders both as of the giving of notice and the date of the stockholders meeting and who are eligible to vote at the stockholders meeting are eligible to nominate directors. The nominating stockholder (or his qualified representative) must attend the stockholders meeting and present the proposed nominee in order for the proposed nominee to be considered.
The Board has not established specific, minimum qualifications for recommended nominees or specific qualities or skills for one or more of our directors to possess. The Board uses a subjective process for identifying and evaluating candidates for nomination as a director, based on the information available to, and the subjective judgments of, the members of the Board and our then current needs. The Board does not believe there would be any difference in the manner in which it evaluates candidates based on whether the candidate is recommended by a stockholder.
Board Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board has an active role, as a whole and also at the committee level, in overseeing management of the Company’s enterprise risks. While our Board oversees the Company’s enterprise risk management and establishes policies, Company management is responsible for day-to-day enterprise risk management processes. The Board and its committees provide enterprise risk management oversight function through regular, periodic reporting from and discussions with management appropriate to the nature and magnitude of the particular enterprise risk. Our Audit Committee oversees management of financial risks, risks associated with conflicts of interest and cybersecurity risks. Our Compensation Committee oversees management of risks relating to executive compensation plans and arrangements. While each committee is responsible for evaluating certain risks and overseeing management of those risks, the entire Board is regularly informed about those risks. In addition, management’s role is to evaluate and assess business risks and to inform the Board of its evaluation of such business risks periodically. Our Chief Compliance Officer is responsible for our internal compliance program and reports to our Audit Committee.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
Our Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer or controller. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics contains written standards that we believe are reasonably designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote:
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Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
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Full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the SEC and in other public communications we make;
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Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations;
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The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics to the appropriate person or persons or through the Company’s anonymous whistleblower hotline; and
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Accountability for adherence to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.
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Principles of Corporate Governance
Our Board has adopted our Principles of Corporate Governance, which are reviewed annually by our Board and the Nominating Committee. These Principles of Corporate Governance, along with our Certificate of Incorporation, Bylaws and the charters of our Board’s committees, and our Disclosure Committee, form the framework for the governance of our Company. These principles include principal board responsibilities, our Majority Voting Policy, Claw-back Policy, Lead Independent Director Charter (if a lead independent director is appointed), the Board’s policy against hedging and pledging our shares of common stock, insider trading policy, and stock ownership guidelines. Our Principles of Corporate Governance, as currently in effect, are available on our website at
www.rockwellmed.com
through the “Investors” page.
Compensation Committee Interlocks
None of the members of our Compensation Committee has at any time during the prior three years been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers who served in 2024 currently serves, or in the past fiscal year has served, as a member of the board or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board or Compensation Committee.
Stockholder Communications with the Board
Our Board has a process for our stockholders to send communications to our Board or Audit Committee, including complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters. Communications may be sent to our Board, our Audit Committee or specific directors by regular mail to the attention of our Board, our Audit Committee or specific directors, at our principal executive offices at 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393. All of these communications will be initially reviewed by our Secretary (1) to filter out communications that the Secretary deems are not appropriate for the directors, such as communications offering to buy or sell products or services, and (2) to sort and relay the remainder (unedited) to the appropriate directors.
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The executive officers of the Company are elected or appointed annually and serve as executive officers of the Company at the pleasure of our Board. Certain information regarding our executive officers who are not directors, as of March 1, 2025, is set forth below.
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Name
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Age
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Position(s)
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Mark Strobeck, Ph.D.
(1)
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54
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President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
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Megan Timmins
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52
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Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
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Jesse Neri
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47
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
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Timothy Chole
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51
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Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
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(1) For Dr. Strobeck’s biographical information, see “Nominees For Reelection to Our Board” above.
Megan Timmins
has served as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since September 2022 and previously served as our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from August 2021 to September 2022. Prior to that, she was an independent consultant from February 2021 to August 2021 and from May 2020 to January 2021, she served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Assertio Holdings, Inc. (successor by merger to Zyla Life Sciences), a commercial pharmaceutical company. From March 2018 to January 2021, she served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Zyla, a life sciences company, and as Zyla’s Secretary from June 2018 to January 2021. From September 2017 to March 2018, she served as Zyla’s Vice President and Acting General Counsel. From October 2016 to August 2018, Ms. Timmins served as Zyla’s Deputy General Counsel and from April 2016 to October 2016, she served as a consultant at Zyla. Prior to that, she served in positions of increasing responsibility at Aramark, most recently as Vice President, Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from January 2011 until March 2015. Ms. Timmins received her B.A. in Government and Economics from the University of Notre Dame and her J.D. from the William and Mary Law School.
Jesse Neri
has been our Chief Financial Officer since December 2024 and our Senior Vice President, Finance, since October 2023. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Neri was the Executive Director of Finance at Hemavant Sciences and Aruvant Sciences, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical companies that are members of the Roivant portfolio, from August 2021 to October 2023. From May 2020 to August 2021, Mr. Neri was a self-employed consultant. Mr. Neri served as Senior Vice President of Finance at Zyla Life Sciences, a pharmaceutical company, from January 2020 to May 2020, as Vice President of Finance of Zyla from March 2019 to January 2020 and prior to that, as Executive Director, Financial Planning and Analysis and prior to that, as Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to Zyla, Mr. Neri served as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at Symphony Health Solutions. He started his career at Ellucian, a leading ERP software provider for higher education institutions, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility. Mr. Neri received a B.S., Business Administration of Finance from Villanova University and an M.B.A. from Drexel University LeBow School of Business.
Timothy Chole
has been our Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer since May 2024. He served as Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, from February 2021 to May 2024 and as our Vice President of Marketing from December 2019 to February 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Chole served as the Director of Product Marketing and Professional Education for hearing implants at Cochlear Americas from November 2016 to July 2019. Prior to that, he served in positions of increasing responsibility at Baxter International, Inc., most recently as the Global Marketing Director for Integrated Pharmacy Automation. Early in his career, Mr. Chole served as the marketing lead for the IV iron portfolio at Watson Pharmaceuticals (now Allergan), and later was the Global Marketing Director for AKI Therapy at Gambro AB (now Baxter International Inc.). His background includes global and U.S. sales, marketing leadership and market development roles. Mr. Chole received a Bachelor of Science degree in managerial economics from the University of California at Davis.
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Overview
The following table sets forth the total compensation paid to or earned by Dr. Strobeck, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Neri, our Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Timmins, our Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (the “NEOs”) during each of the last two years, or such shorter period during which they served as a named executive officer.
Summary Compensation Table
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Name and Principal Position
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Year
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Salary
($)
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Bonus
($)
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Stock
Awards
($)
(a)
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Option
Awards
($)
(a)
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Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(b)
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All Other
Compensation
($)
(c)
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Total
($)
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Mark Strobeck, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
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2024
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566,500
(e)
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—
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139,000
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138,378
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453,200
(g)
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13,800
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1,310,878
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2023
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565,865
(d)
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—
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75,987
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73,518
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330,000
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8,799
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1,054,169
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Jesse Neri
Chief Financial Officer
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2024
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300,000
(e)
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—
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46,329
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46,129
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135,000
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12,000
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539,458
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2023
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57,652
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84,000
(f)
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—
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93,542
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|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
235,194
|
||
|
Megan Timmins
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
412,000
(e)
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
69,500
|
|
|
69,189
|
|
|
185,400
|
|
|
13,800
|
|
|
749,889
|
|
|
2023
|
|
|
412,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
39,065
|
|
|
35,479
|
|
|
164,800
|
|
|
8,944
|
|
|
660,288
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
The amounts reported in this column represent grant date fair values of restricted stock unit grants computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and stock option grants determined using the Black Scholes option pricing model, excluding any forfeiture reserves, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. The assumptions used to determine fair value of the stock option grants for 2023 are:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Year Granted
|
|
|
Dividend Yield
|
|
|
Risk Free Rate
|
|
|
Volatility
|
|
|
Expected Term
|
|
Mark Strobeck
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
0.00%
|
|
|
4.31%
|
|
|
81.79%
|
|
|
5.6 Years
|
|
Jesse Neri
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
0.00%
|
|
|
4.31%
|
|
|
81.79%
|
|
|
5.6 Years
|
|
Megan Timmins
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
0.00%
|
|
|
4.31%
|
|
|
81.79%
|
|
|
5.6 Years
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
See “Annual Incentive Compensation” below for a description of the amounts included in this column.
|
|
(c)
|
Represents matching contributions under our 401(k) plan.
|
|
(d)
|
Dr. Strobeck’s 2023 base salary as reported in the 2024 Proxy Statement was understated by $635.
|
|
(e)
|
Dr. Strobeck, Mr. Neri and Ms. Timmins requested no base salary increase for 2024 to contribute to a larger pool for base salary increases for the Company’s other employees.
|
|
(f)
|
Pursuant to Mr. Neri’s Employment Agreement, in 2023, he received a guaranteed bonus equal to 80% of his target bonus.
|
|
(g)
|
80% of Dr. Strobeck’s bonus ($362,560) was paid upon approval, and 20% of Dr. Strobeck’s bonus ($90,640) is payable on July 29, 2026 or on a change in control transaction (if earlier), in each case provided that Dr. Strobeck remains an employee of the Company until such payment date.
|
Employment Agreements
Employment Agreement with Mark Strobeck
On June 21, 2022, in connection with Dr. Strobeck’s commencement of employment, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Strobeck pursuant to which he serves as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer (the “Strobeck Agreement”). The Strobeck Agreement provides that Dr. Strobeck will serve as an at-will employee. Dr. Strobeck receives an annualized base salary of $566,500. He is eligible to earn year-end performance bonuses with a target bonus opportunity of 80% of his base salary) and is eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans and programs generally available to the Company’s similarly situated senior executives. Dr. Strobeck is also eligible to receive annual long-term incentive grants consistent with similar practices for the Company’s senior executives, awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. In connection with his commencement of employment, he received an initial equity grant comprised of a time-based option to purchase up to 400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that vests in equal annual installments on each of the first four anniversaries of July 1, 2022 (the “Strobeck Initial Time-Based Options”).
Employment Agreement with Jesse Neri
On October 16, 2023, in connection with Mr. Neri’s commencement of employment, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Neri pursuant to which he was to serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President,
16
Finance (the “Neri Agreement”). In December 2024, he was named the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. The Neri Agreement provides that Mr. Neri will serve as an at-will employee. Mr. Neri receives an annualized base salary of $300,000 ($309,000 for 2025). Mr. Neri is eligible to earn year-end performance bonuses with a target bonus opportunity of 45% of his base salary and is eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans and programs generally available to the Company’s similarly situated senior executives. Mr. Neri is also eligible to receive annual long-term incentive grants consistent with similar practices for the Company’s senior executives, awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. In connection with his commencement of employment, he received an initial equity grant comprised of a time-based option to purchase up to 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that vests in equal installments on each of the first four anniversaries of October 16, 2023 (the “Neri Initial Time-Based Options”).
Employment Agreement with Megan Timmins
On July 21, 2021, in connection with Ms. Timmins’ commencement of employment, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Timmins pursuant to which she was to serve as the Company’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and currently serves as the Company’s Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary (the “Timmins Agreement”). The Timmins Agreement provides that Ms. Timmins will serve as an at-will employee. Ms. Timmins receives an annualized base salary of $412,000. She is eligible to earn year-end performance bonuses with a target bonus opportunity of 45% of her base salary and is eligible to participate in the employee benefit plans and programs generally available to the Company’s similarly situated senior executives. Ms. Timmins is also eligible to receive annual long-term incentive grants consistent with similar practices for the Company’s senior executives, awarded at the discretion of the Compensation Committee of the Board. In connection with her commencement of employment, she received an initial equity grant comprised of a time-based option to purchase up to 350,000 shares of the Company’s common stock that vests in equal installments on each of the second and fourth anniversaries of August 16, 2021 (the “Timmins Initial Time-Based Options”).
Annual Incentive Compensation
For purposes of determining 2024 annual Non-Equity Incentive compensation for the eligible named executive officers, the Board, upon recommendation of the Compensation Committee, approved a set of corporate and individual goals for each executive that would determine their respective payout, subject to Board discretion. Dr. Strobeck’s target bonus opportunity was 80% of base salary and Mr. Neri’s and Ms. Timmins’s target bonus opportunity was 45% of base salary.
The 2024 corporate goals focused on: (i) achieving certain financial objectives (including targets for GAAP revenue, gross margin, and adjusted EBITDA); and (ii) certain quality and operational objectives, including implementing automation and digital improvements in the Company’s manufacturing and delivery process and making certain information technology improvements. The 2024 corporate goals also contained stretch objectives related to business development initiatives. Attainment was based on a leverage curve that paid out between 75% and 125% of target.
The Board assessed the Company’s performance relative to the 2024 corporate goals and determined that such eligible NEOs achieved earned a total payout of 110% of target based on the award scaling under the leverage curve: (i) 92.5% of the financial objectives; (ii) 17.5% of the quality and operational objectives; and (iv) 0% of the stretch objectives. The Board reviewed each eligible NEOs performance relative to pre-established individual goals and determined the attainment on that portion of the bonus payout was earned at 100% of target. Given the Board’s assessment of the Company’s overall performance, it exercised negative discretion and reduced the approved bonus payouts to 100% of each NEOs target bonus amount. Dr. Strobeck received 80% of his bonus upon Board approval, with the remaining 20% to be paid on July 29, 2026 or a change in control of the Company (if earlier), in each case provided that Dr. Strobeck remains an employee of the Company until such payment date.
2024 Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation
In March 2024, Dr. Strobeck, Mr. Neri and Ms. Timmins each received a grant of 100,000, 33,330 and 50,000 restricted stock units, respectively. Also in March 2024, Dr. Strobeck, Mr. Neri and Ms. Timmins also received grants of 141,560, 47,190 and 70,780 stock options, respectively.
17
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2024 Year-End
The following table shows certain information regarding outstanding equity awards at December 31, 2024 for our NEOs:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Stock Awards
|
||||||||||||
|
Name
|
|
|
Grant Date
|
|
|
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
($)
(f)
|
|
Mark Strobeck
|
|
|
3/14/2024
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
141,560
(a)
|
|
|
1.39
|
|
|
3/14/2034
|
|
|
100,000
(d)
|
|
|
204,000
|
|
|
3/17/2023
|
|
|
33,733
|
|
|
43,372
(a)
|
|
|
1.37
|
|
|
3/17/2033
|
|
|
27,732
(e)
|
|
|
56,573
|
||
|
|
7/1/2022
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
200,000
(b)
|
|
|
1.28
|
|
|
7/1/2032
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
||
|
Jesse Neri
|
|
|
3/14/2024
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
47,190
(a)
|
|
|
1.39
|
|
|
3/14/2034
|
|
|
33,330
(d)
|
|
|
67,993
|
|
|
10/16/2023
|
|
|
18,750
|
|
|
56,250
(b)
|
|
|
1.88
|
|
|
10/16/2033
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
||
|
Megan Timmins
|
|
|
3/14/2024
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
70,780
(a)
|
|
|
1.39
|
|
|
3/14/2034
|
|
|
50,000
(d)
|
|
|
102,000
|
|
|
3/17/2023
|
|
|
16,279
|
|
|
20,931
(a)
|
|
|
1.37
|
|
|
3/17/2033
|
|
|
14,257
(e)
|
|
|
29,084
|
||
|
|
9/9/2022
|
|
|
40,000
|
|
|
40,000
(b)
|
|
|
1.66
|
|
|
9/9/2032
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
||
|
|
8/16/2021
|
|
|
15,909
|
|
|
15,909
(c)
|
|
|
6.71
|
|
|
8/16/2031
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
These options vest 25% on the first anniversary of the grant date, with the remainder vesting in equal monthly installments through the fourth anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.
|
|
(b)
|
These options vest 25% per year on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.
|
|
(c)
|
These options vest in two equal installments on the second and fourth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.
|
|
(d)
|
These restricted stock units vest in three equal installments on the first three anniversaries of March 14, 2024, subject to continued vesting through each such vesting date.
|
|
(e)
|
These restricted stock units vest in two equal installments on the first and second anniversaries of March 17, 2023, subject to continued service through each such vesting date.
|
|
(f)
|
Based on a price of $2.04, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on December 31, 2024.
|
Other Compensation
The Company offers a 401(k) plan for individual retirement savings opportunities available to all of our salaried employees on a non-discriminatory basis. For the 2024 plan year, the Company provided matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 3% of compensation deferred and 50% of the next 2% of compensation deferred. All matching contributions under the 401(k) plan are fully vested. The Company does not have other pension or retirement plans or deferred compensation arrangements for our NEOs.
Equity Award Grant Practices
Equity grants to certain newly hired employees are made at the next meeting of the Compensation Committee following the month they commence employment with the Company. Equity grants to newly hired officers or newly appointed directors are typically made upon commencement of employment or service, as the case may be. Where applicable, the exercise/grant price for an award will be equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date. Our equity incentive plan prohibits the repricing or exchange/cash out of equity awards without shareholder approval.
During 2024,
we did not time the disclosure of material nonpublic information for the purpose of affecting the value of executive compensation.
18
Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines
In 2017, our Board established formal stock ownership guidelines to further align our executive’s and stockholders’ economic interests and discourage inappropriate or excessive risk-taking. The Board reviewed and amended the guidelines in February 2023. Under the amended guidelines, our Chief Executive Officer is required to hold shares with a value equal to at least 3x his base salary by the later of the fifth anniversary of the date the guidelines became effective or the fifth anniversary of the executive’s first designation as an executive subject to the guidelines. Our Chief Executive Officer will be deemed to be in compliance with the guidelines if the value of shares he holds on any date during the calendar year equals or exceeds three times his base salary. After meeting the ownership guidelines, any subsequent decreases in the market value of shares will not be considered, as long as the executive remains at the same salary and/or title level and holds at least the same number of shares as they did when they met or exceeded the guidelines.
For purposes of these guidelines, the following securities will be counted in determining whether an executive owns the requisite number of shares: shares of common stock purchased by the executive, shares owned jointly with or separately by a member of the executive’s immediate family, shares held indirectly by entities formed for the benefit of the executive or his or her immediate family members or over which the executive has the ability to influence or direct investment decisions, outstanding shares held through the Company’s equity plans (other than performance shares which have not yet vested), and shares issuable upon vesting of time-vested restricted stock units settleable in shares of common stock, whether vested or unvested. Our Chief Executive Officer intends to be in compliance with the stock ownership requirements by the deadline applicable to him as set forth above. We will continue to review the guidelines relative to market on a periodic basis and make adjustments as needed to executives covered and ownership requirements.
Insider Trading, Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy
We have adopted insider trading policies and procedures (“
Insider Trading Policy
”) governing the purchase, sale and other transactions in Company securities by our directors, officers and employees, and other covered persons, that we believe are reasonably designed to promote compliance with insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and Nasdaq listing rules, as applicable. In addition, from time to time, the Company may engage in transactions in its own securities, including share issuances and repurchases. The Company’s practices with respect to share issuances and repurchases, which are overseen by the Finance and Legal Departments (and, if appropriate, approved by the Board or appropriate committee), are designed to promote compliance with applicable insider trading and other securities laws, rules, regulations and listing standards. Transactions pursuant to equity-based compensation arrangements are conducted in accordance with the terms of the plans and agreements.
Our Board has established an anti-hedging and anti-pledging policy as part of our Principles of Corporate Governance and Insider Trading Policy. This policy prohibits any of our directors or executive officers and certain of our employees from (a) pledging shares of common stock or derivative securities as collateral for a loan, (b) engaging in hedging transactions and other transactions involving derivative securities, and (c) placing standing and limit orders that will remain in place for longer than one trading day other than in compliance with Rule 10b5-1(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).
Incentive Compensation Clawback Policy
In 2017, our Board adopted an incentive compensation recoupment, or “clawback,” policy applicable to our executive officers. The Board revised the clawback policy in 2023 in accordance with Nasdaq rules. Under this policy, in the event the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement of the Company’s financial statements due to material non-compliance with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws (including any such correction that is material to the previously issued financial statements, or that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period), the Company will recover on a reasonably prompt basis the amount of any incentive-based compensation received by an executive officer during the recovery period that exceeds the amount that otherwise would have been received had it been determined based on the restated financial statements. “Incentive-Based Compensation” means any compensation granted, earned, or vested based in whole or in part on the Company’s attainment of a financial reporting measure that was received by a person (i) on or after October 2, 2023 and after the person began service as an executive officer, and (ii) who served as an executive officer at any time during the performance period for the incentive-based compensation. A financial reporting measure is (i) any measure that is determined and presented in
19
accordance with the accounting principles used in preparing the Company’s financial statements and any measure derived wholly or in part from such a measure, and (ii) any measure based in whole or in part on the Company’s stock price or total shareholder return.
Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control
Mark Strobeck
Under the Strobeck Agreement, upon a termination of Dr. Strobeck’s employment due to death or Disability (as defined therein), any equity awards held by Dr. Strobeck subject to time-based vesting conditions will accelerate and become fully vested. All stock options held by Dr. Strobeck that are exercisable as of the date of such termination, including any stock options that accelerate in connection with such termination, will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination and the expiration date of the stock options. Under the Strobeck Agreement, upon a termination of Dr. Strobeck’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Dr. Strobeck for Good Reason (each as defined therein), Dr. Strobeck will be entitled to receive, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release of claims in favor of the Company and compliance with certain restrictive covenants, (i) an amount equal to his base salary then in effect, payable in equal installments for a one-year period, (ii) a pro-rated bonus for the year of termination, based on achievement of actual performance for the full performance period and pro-rated based on the portion of the performance period Dr. Strobeck was employed prior to termination, payable in a lump sum after the completion of the full performance, (iii) reimbursement of COBRA coverage for up to one year (or, if sooner, until he receives substantially similar coverage from another employer), and (iv) the Strobeck Initial Time-Based Options will continue to vest for a period of one year and all stock options held by Dr. Strobeck that are exercisable as of the date of such termination and all stock options that become exercisable over the one-year period following such termination, will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination and the expiration date of the stock options. Under the Strobeck Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control (as defined therein), upon a termination of Dr. Strobeck’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason during the Effective Period (as defined therein), subject to his compliance with certain restrictive covenants, Dr. Strobeck will be entitled to receive (i) an amount equal to the sum of (A) 1.5 times his base salary then in effect plus (B) 100% of his annual target bonus, (ii) reimbursement of COBRA coverage for up to two years (or, if sooner, until he receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage) and (iii) any equity awards held by Dr. Strobeck subject to time-based vesting conditions will accelerate and become fully vested and all stock options held by Dr. Strobeck that are exercisable as of the date of such termination, including any stock options that accelerate in connection with such termination, will remain exercisable until the expiration date of the stock options.
In connection with the Strobeck Agreement, Dr. Strobeck also entered into the Company’s form of Employee Confidentiality, Assignment of Inventions, Non-Interference and Non-Competition Agreement.
Jesse Neri
Under the Neri Agreement, upon a termination of Mr. Neri’s employment due to death or Disability (as defined therein), any equity awards held by Mr. Neri subject to time-based vesting conditions (the “Time-Based Awards”) will accelerate and become fully vested. All stock options held by Mr. Neri that are exercisable as of the date of such termination, including any stock options that accelerate in connection with such termination, will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination and the expiration date of the stock options. Under the Neri Agreement, upon a termination of Mr. Neri’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Neri for Good Reason (each as defined therein), Mr. Neri will be entitled to receive, subject to his execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release of claims in favor of the Company and compliance with certain restrictive covenants, (i) an amount equal to his base salary then in effect, payable in equal installments for a one-year period, (ii) reimbursement of COBRA coverage for up to one year (or, if sooner, until he receives substantially similar coverage from another employer), and (iii) the Time-Based Awards will continue to vest for a period of one year and all stock options held by Mr. Neri that are exercisable as of the date of such termination and all stock options that become exercisable over the one-year period following such termination, will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination and the expiration date of the stock options. Under the Neri Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control (as defined therein), upon a termination of Mr. Neri’s employment by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Neri for Good Reason during the Effective Period (as defined therein), subject to his compliance with certain restrictive covenants, Mr. Neri will be entitled to receive (i) an amount equal to the sum of (A) 1.5 times his base salary then in effect plus (B) 100% of his annual target bonus, (ii) reimbursement of COBRA
20
coverage for up to one year (or, if sooner, until he receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage) and (iii) any Time-Based Awards will accelerate and become fully vested and all stock options held by Mr. Neri that are exercisable as of the date of such termination, including any stock options that accelerate in connection with such termination, will remain exercisable until the expiration date of the stock options.
In connection with the Neri Agreement, Mr. Neri also entered into the Company’s form of Employee Confidentiality, Assignment of Inventions, Non-Interference and Non-Competition Agreement.
Megan Timmins
Under the Timmins Agreement, upon a termination of Ms. Timmins’ employment due to death or Disability (as defined therein), any equity awards held by Ms. Timmins subject to time-based vesting conditions (the “Time-Based Awards”) will accelerate and become fully vested. All stock options held by Ms. Timmins that are exercisable as of the date of such termination, including any stock options that accelerate in connection with such termination, will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination and the expiration date of the stock options. Under the Timmins Agreement, upon a termination of Ms. Timmins’ employment by the Company without Cause or by Ms. Timmins for Good Reason (each as defined therein), Ms. Timmins will be entitled to receive, subject to her execution and non-revocation of a separation agreement and release of claims in favor of the Company and compliance with certain restrictive covenants, (i) an amount equal to her base salary then in effect, payable in equal installments for a one-year period, (ii) reimbursement of COBRA coverage for up to one year (or, if sooner, until she receives substantially similar coverage from another employer), and (iii) the Time-Based Awards will continue to vest for a period of one year and all stock options held by Ms. Timmins that are exercisable as of the date of such termination and all stock options that become exercisable over the one-year period following such termination, will remain exercisable until the earlier of one year following such termination and the expiration date of the stock options. Under the Timmins Agreement, in the event of a Change of Control (as defined therein), upon a termination of Ms. Timmins’ employment by the Company without Cause or by Ms. Timmins for Good Reason during the Effective Period (as defined therein), subject to her compliance with certain restrictive covenants, Ms. Timmins will be entitled to receive (i) an amount equal to the sum of (A) 1.5 times her base salary then in effect plus (B) 100% of her annual target bonus, (ii) reimbursement of COBRA coverage for up to one year (or, if sooner, until she receives substantially similar coverage from another employer or is no longer eligible for COBRA coverage) and (iii) any Time-Based Awards will accelerate and become fully vested and all stock options held by Ms. Timmins that are exercisable as of the date of such termination, including any stock options that accelerate in connection with such termination, will remain exercisable until the expiration date of the stock options.
In connection with the Timmins Agreement, Ms. Timmins also entered into the Company’s form of Employee Confidentiality, Assignment of Inventions, Non-Interference and Non-Competition Agreement.
Long Term Incentive Plans
In addition to the severance benefits discussed above, the NEOs would receive certain benefits upon termination of employment that are provided to all salaried employees on a nondiscriminatory basis-accrued salary and 401(k) plan distributions.
In the event of a change of control, all unvested awards under the 2018 Plan do not accelerate automatically. However, if a participant’s employment terminates under certain qualifying circumstances (as described above for each NEO) after a change in control or if the surviving corporation does not assume our unvested awards, then the vesting of unvested awards will accelerate and be considered fully vested, provided that performance awards will only vest either to the extent the performance is met or assuming target performance, but pro-rated to reflect only the portion of the performance period that has lapsed, whichever is greater.
21
Pay Versus Performance
As required by Section 953(a) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, and Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K, we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive “compensation actually paid” and certain financial performance of the Company. For further information concerning the Company’s pay for performance philosophy and how the Company aligns executive compensation with the Company’s performance, refer to “Compensation of Executive Officers.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
(a)
|
|
|
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for Strobeck
(1)
(b)
|
|
|
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for Ellison
(1)
(c)
|
|
|
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Strobeck
(2)
(d)
|
|
|
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Ellison
(2)
(e)
|
|
|
Average
Summary
Compensation
Table Total
for Non-PEO
NEOs
(3)
(f)
|
|
|
Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Non-PEO
NEOs
(4)
(g)
|
|
|
Value of
Initial Fixed
$100
Investment
Based On
Total
Shareholder
Return
(5)
(h)
|
|
|
Net
Loss
(6)
(i) (in 000’s)
|
|
2024
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
($
|
|
2023
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
($
|
|
2022
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
($
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
The dollar amounts reported in columns (b) and (c) are the amounts reported for
|
|
(2)
|
The dollar amounts reported in columns (d) and (e) represent the amount of “compensation actually paid” to Dr. Strobeck and Dr. Ellison, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. In accordance with these rules, these amounts reflect “Total Compensation” as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table for each year, adjusted as shown below. Equity values are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and the valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of grant.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO
|
|
|
2024
|
|
Summary Compensation Table Total
|
|
|
$
|
|
Less, value of “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” reported in Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
($
|
|
Plus, year-end fair value of outstanding and unvested equity awards granted in the year
|
|
|
$
|
|
Plus, fair value as of vesting date of equity awards granted and vested in the year
|
|
|
|
|
Plus, year over year change in fair value of outstanding and unvested equity awards granted in prior years
|
|
|
$
|
|
Plus, year over year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the year
|
|
|
($
|
|
Less, prior year-end fair value for any equity awards forfeited in the year
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation Actually Paid to PEO
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3)
|
The dollar amounts reported in column (f) represent the average of the amounts reported for the Company’s named executive officers (NEOs) as a group (excluding Drs. Strobeck and Ellison) in the “Total” column of the Summary Compensation Table in each applicable year. The names of each of the NEOs included for these purposes in each applicable year are as follows: (i) for 2024, Megan Timmins and Jesse Neri; (ii) for 2023, Megan Timmins, Jesse Neri (3 months), Marc Hoffman (8 months) and Paul McGarry (9 months); and (iii) for 2022, Russell Skibsted (11 months), Megan Timmins and Marc Hoffman;. Unless otherwise indicated, the average amounts for each fiscal year are based on a full year of service for each NEO.
|
|
(4)
|
The dollar amounts reported in column (g) represent the average amount of “compensation actually paid” to the NEOs as a group (excluding Drs. Strobeck and Ellison), as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. In accordance with these rules, these amounts reflect average “Total Compensation” as set forth in the Summary Compensation Table for each year, adjusted as shown below. Equity values are calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and the valuation assumptions used to calculate fair values did not materially differ from those disclosed at the time of the grant
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs
|
|
|
2024
|
|
Average Summary Compensation Table Total
|
|
|
$
|
|
Less, average value of “Stock Awards” and “Option Awards” reported in Summary Compensation Table
|
|
|
($
|
|
Plus, average year-end fair value of outstanding and unvested equity awards granted in the year
|
|
|
$
|
|
Plus, average fair value as of vesting date of equity awards granted and vested in the year
|
|
|
|
|
Plus, average year over year change in fair value of outstanding and unvested equity awards granted in prior years
|
|
|
$
|
|
Plus, average year over year change in fair value of equity awards granted in prior years that vested in the year
|
|
|
$
|
|
Less, prior year-end fair value for any equity awards forfeited in the year
|
|
|
|
|
Average Compensation Actually Paid to Non-PEO NEOs
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
(5)
|
Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) is calculated by dividing (a) the sum of (i) the cumulative amount of dividends for the measurement period, assuming dividend reinvestment, and (ii) the difference between the Company’s share price at the end of each fiscal year shown and the beginning of the measurement period, by (b) the Company’s share price at the beginning of the measurement period. The beginning of the measurement period for each year in the table is December 31, 2021.
|
|
(6)
|
The dollar amounts reported represent the amount of net income reflected in the Company’s audited financial statements for the applicable year.
|
Description of Certain Relationships between Information Presented in the Pay versus Performance Table
While the Company utilizes several performance measures to align executive compensation with Company performance, all of those Company measures are not presented in the Pay versus Performance table. Moreover, the Company generally seeks to incentivize long-term performance, and therefore does not specifically align the Company’s performance measures with compensation that is actually paid (as computed in accordance with SEC rules) for a particular year. In accordance with SEC rules, the Company is providing the following descriptions of the relationships between information presented in the Pay versus Performance table.
Compensation Actually Paid and Cumulative TSR
Compensation Actually Paid and Net Loss
23
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
2024 Director Compensation
In considering the Company’s need to attract and retain qualified directors and to ensure that the Company compensates non-employee directors in line with market practice, we regularly review our director compensation program with our independent compensation consultant. Based on market benchmarking completed in 2023 by Compensia, the Compensation Committee adjusted our director compensation program effective for 2024. As described below, the Company compensates non-employee directors through a mix of cash retainer fees and equity grants that are subject to vesting.
|
(1)
|
Annual Board Service Cash Retainer: $45,000
|
|
(2)
|
Additional Annual Cash Retainer for Chairman of the Board: $40,000
|
|
(3)
|
Additional Annual Cash Retainers for Committee Chair Service: $20,000 for Audit, $15,000 for Compensation and $10,000 for Governance and Nominating
|
|
(4)
|
Additional Annual Cash Retainers for Committee Member Service (excluding Chairs): $10,000 for Audit, $7,500 for Compensation and $5,000 for Governance and Nominating
|
|
(5)
|
Annual Equity Grant: $100,000 in grant value, awarded 50% in stock options and 50% in restricted stock units (subject to adjustment based on share pool constraints)
|
In 2024, due to limited availability in the pool of shares reserved for issuance under the Company’s 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan and the low stock price, the Board determined to award each of our non-employee directors 36,111 restricted stock units. The restricted stock units, which had a grant date value of $65,000 on May 21, 2024, vest in full one year from the date of grant.
The following table sets forth certain information relating to the compensation for our non-employee directors for the last year:
2024 Director Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
|
Fees Earned or
Paid in cash
($)
|
|
|
Option
Awards
($)
|
|
|
Restricted Stock
Unit Awards
($)
(a)
|
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
John Cooper
|
|
|
72,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
137,500
|
|
Joan Lau, Ph.D.
|
|
|
62,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
127,500
|
|
Allen Nissenson, MD
|
|
|
62,500
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
127,500
|
|
Robert Radie
|
|
|
85,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
Mark H. Ravich
|
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
Andrea Heslin Smiley
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
65,000
|
|
|
130,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
The amount in the table represents the grant-date fair value of such restricted stock units determined in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.
|
The table below shows the number of unexercised options and stock appreciation rights and the number of shares of unvested restricted stock units and unvested restricted stock awards held by each of the non-employee directors at December 31, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
|
Options Held
|
|
|
Restricted
Stock Units
Held
|
|
|
Restricted
Stock Awards
Held
|
|
|
Stock
Appreciation
Rights Held
|
|
John Cooper
|
|
|
15,378
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,090
|
|
Joan Lau, Ph.D.
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Allen Nissenson, MD
|
|
|
9,772
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Robert Radie
|
|
|
10,274
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Mark H. Ravich
|
|
|
15,249
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Andrea Heslin Smiley
|
|
|
8,990
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director Stock Ownership Guidelines
The Board adopted formal stock ownership guidelines for its non-employee directors in 2017. In February 2023, the Compensation Committee engaged with Compensia to review the guidelines against market best practices. To
24
better align with market and the Company’s shareholders, the committee amended the guidelines to increase the ownership requirement from 1x to a value equal to 3x the annual Board service cash retainer. Non-employee directors must satisfy the applicable guidelines by the later of the fifth anniversary of when they joined the Board, or the fifth anniversary of when the guidelines were amended, which occurred in February 2023. Shares are counted toward the guideline in the same manner as described under “Compensation of Executive Officers–Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines.”
Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy
We have an anti-hedging and anti-pledging policy that applies to our directors. See “Compensation of Executive Officers–Anti-Hedging and Anti-Pledging Policy” for more information.
25
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
In accordance with Section 14A of the Exchange Act and related rules of the SEC, we are providing stockholders with an opportunity to vote on an advisory or non-binding resolution to approve the 2024 compensation of our NEOs as described in this Proxy Statement (sometimes referred to as “say on pay”). Consistent with the advisory vote of the stockholders in 2023, the Board has determined that the opportunity for such a vote will occur at every annual meeting of stockholders.
The Compensation Committee, comprised solely of independent directors, is responsible for our compensation policies and practices and has established a process for the review and approval of compensation programs and amounts awarded to our executive officers without encouraging excessive risk-taking. One of the key principles underlying our Compensation Committee’s compensation philosophy is pay for performance. We will continue to emphasize compensation arrangements that align the financial interests of our executives with the interests of long-term stockholders. We urge you to read the section of this Proxy Statement entitled “Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors” for a detailed discussion of our executive compensation practices and philosophy.
The Compensation Committee believes that the policies and procedures described in that section are effective in implementing our compensation philosophy. Therefore, we ask that you indicate your support for our executive compensation policies and practices as described in the tables and related narrative contained in this Proxy Statement by voting FOR the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to the Company’s NEOs as disclosed in “Compensation of Executive Officers,” including the compensation tables, and the related narrative disclosure in this Proxy Statement.
Vote Required
Approval of the compensation of our named executive officers in an advisory vote requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of common stock entitled to vote on the matter. Your vote is advisory and so will not be binding on the Board. However, the Board and the Compensation Committee value the opinion of stockholders and expect to take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation decisions to the extent they can determine the cause or causes of a negative vote.
Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE APPROVAL, ON AN ADVISORY BASIS, OF THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
26
RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2025
Proposal to Ratify Selection of Auditors for 2025
Our Board has engaged EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2025 and is seeking ratification of such selection by our stockholders at the Annual Meeting. EisnerAmper LLP has served as our independent auditor since 2023. Representatives of EisnerAmper LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
Independent Accountants
EisnerAmper LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The following table summarizes the total fees EisnerAmper LLP billed and expected to be billed to us for each of the last two fiscal years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2023
|
|
|
2024
|
|
Audit Fees
(a)
|
|
|
$525,460
|
|
|
$592,000
|
|
Audit-Related Fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
Consists of fees for the audit of our annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, review of our Form 10-K, review of our quarterly financial statements included in our Forms 10-Q, services provided in connection with our proxy statement and services in connection with other SEC filings (including comfort letters).
|
The Audit Committee of the Board does not consider the provision of the services described above by EisnerAmper LLP to be incompatible with the maintenance of EisnerAmper LLP’s independence.
Before EisnerAmper LLP is engaged by us to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement is approved by our Audit Committee. All of the services performed by EisnerAmper LLP for the Company during 2024 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
Recent Changes in Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Dismissal of Marcum LLP
Our Board conducted a competitive process to determine the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. Our Board invited several independent registered public accounting firms to participate in the process.
Following the review of proposals from the independent registered public accounting firms that participated in this process, on April 7, 2023, the Board, upon recommendation of the Audit Committee, dismissed Marcum as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, effective April 10, 2023.
The audit reports of Marcum on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, and the subsequent interim period preceding Marcum’s dismissal, there were (i) no “disagreements” as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, between the Company and Marcum on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, any of which that, if not resolved to Marcum’s satisfaction, would have caused Marcum to make reference to the subject matter of any such disagreement in connection with its reports for such years and interim period and (ii) no reportable events within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K during the two most recent fiscal years or the subsequent interim period.
27
Appointment of EisnerAmper LLP
On April 7, 2023, our Board appointed EisnerAmper LLP as its new independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2023, effective April 10, 2023. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, and the subsequent interim period through April 10, 2023, neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted with EisnerAmper LLP regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specific transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements and neither a written report nor oral advice was provided to the Company that EisnerAmper LLP concluded was an important factor considered by the Company in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue, (ii) any matter that was the subject of a disagreement within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K, or (iii) any reportable event within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.
Vote Required
Approval of the proposal to ratify the selection of EisnerAmper LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of common stock entitled to vote on the matter. We are not required to have stockholders ratify the selection of our independent registered public accounting firm. However, the Audit Committee is submitting its selection of EisnerAmper LLP to our stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice and to help us achieve the necessary quorum at our Annual Meeting. If our stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain EisnerAmper LLP. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company and our stockholders.
Broker non-votes, if any, and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE RATIFICATION OF EISNERAMPER LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2025.
28
PROPOSAL TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE 2018 PLAN
Summary
The Board is asking you to approve an amendment and restatement of the Amended and Restated Rockwell Medical, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2018 Plan”) to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance thereunder, to extend the term of the 2018 Plan, to change the minimum vesting requirement to make it clear that it does not apply in the case of substitute awards in connection with a merger, and to change the provision related to the treatment of equity on a Change in Control to provide the Company with greater flexibility. If stockholders approve this proposal, the number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the 2018 Plan will be increased by an additional 5,000,000 shares, the term of the 2018 Plan would extend to May 20, 2035, and the Plan would provide that the board can determine whether to accelerate vesting of equity on a Change in Control and establish what would happen if the board does not make a specific determination regarding such treatment at the time of a change in control.
On March 3, 2025, the Board approved the amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan, including the proposed increase to the shares issuable thereunder, subject to stockholder approval.
As of March 3, 2025, (i) a total of 1,884,747 shares of our common stock were then subject to outstanding options granted under the 2018 Plan; (ii) 584,309 shares of our common stock were then subject to unvested restricted stock awards and unvested restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2018 Plan; and (iii) 294,686 shares were available for new award grants under the 2018 Plan (without taking into account the 5,000,000 shares that would be added to the 2018 Plan if stockholders approve this proposal). As of March 3, 2025, the average weighted per share exercise price of all outstanding stock options granted under the 2018 Plan was $10.05 and the weighted average remaining contractual term was 8.07 years. If stockholders approve this proposal, we currently expect the number of additional shares being requested for approval will be sufficient to meet our expected needs through the end of 2024 based on our historical grant practices and performance. If stockholders do not approve this proposal, we will continue to have the authority to grant awards under the 2018 Plan, but the proposed 5,000,000 share increase in the 2018 Plan share limit will not be effective and could result in a serious disruption of our compensation programs and will limit our ability to provide retention incentives to our executives and other employees and to our directors.
The Board considers the equity program to be critical to aligning executives and employees with stockholders during this period when the Company is focused on its business strategy. Equity awards are a significant component of total compensation for our directors, executive officers and other employees and are vital to our ability to attract and retain outstanding and highly skilled individuals in the extremely competitive labor markets in which we must compete. As we see equity as a long-term vehicle, we have not taken action to address the outstanding stock options that are underwater at current stock price levels and providing limited value to our employees. If stockholders do not approve the proposal, we would need to grant cash and other non-equity rewards to these individuals. We believe that such alternative forms of compensation do not align employee interests with those of stockholders as efficiently as equity-based awards, and we feel it is important to provide compensation that continues to effectively align employees with stockholders and which provides a total compensation package that is competitive with other companies. We strongly believe that the approval of this proposal is instrumental to our continued success. In addition, while our burn rate calculation is based on total shares outstanding, we also have 3,750,000 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $5.13 per share and 191,096 shares issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $1.83 per share. While these warrants have not been exercised to date, they could be at any time, which would significantly increase our total shares outstanding by 3,941,096 shares (assuming the exercise of all outstanding warrants).
Please see the discussion below under “Specific Benefits under the 2018 Plan” and “Aggregate Past Grants Under the 2018 Plan” for detailed information on certain awards that we granted that are contingent on stockholder approval of this 2018 Plan proposal, as well as past awards granted under the 2018 Plan.
Award Burn Rate
The following table presents information regarding our net burn rate for the past three complete fiscal years, with average annual net burn rate over such three years being 3.65%. For this purpose, the “net burn rate” for any one particular fiscal year means the total number of shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise or payment, as the case may be, of the equity-based awards granted by us under all equity compensation plans in that fiscal year,
29
less the total number of such shares canceled, terminated or forfeited in the fiscal year without the awards having become vested or paid, as the case may be, divided by our weighted average number of basic shares of common stock issued and outstanding during that particular fiscal year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024
|
|
|
2023
|
|
|
2022
|
|
Options granted
|
|
|
584,410
|
|
|
497,245
|
|
|
898,659
|
|
Restricted stock unit awards granted
|
|
|
516,656
|
|
|
313,065
|
|
|
125,000
|
|
Less: shares subject to canceled, terminated or forfeited awards
|
|
|
20,742
|
|
|
429,709
|
|
|
232,346
|
|
Net shares granted
|
|
|
1,080,324
|
|
|
380,601
|
|
|
791,313
|
|
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding
|
|
|
31,058,539
|
|
|
20,762,077
|
|
|
9,866,844
|
|
Net burn rate
(1)(2)
|
|
|
3.48%
|
|
|
1.83%
|
|
|
8.02%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
Net burn rate is equal to (x) divided by (y), where (x) is equal to the sum of total options granted during the fiscal year, plus the total restricted stock unit awards granted during the fiscal year, minus the total number of shares subject to stock options and restricted stock unit awards canceled, terminated or forfeited during the fiscal year without the awards having become vested or paid, as the case may be, and where (y) is equal to our weighted average basic common shares outstanding for each respective year.
|
|
(2)
|
For the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, our average annual net burn rate using the methodology described in note (1) above was 3.65%.
|
We currently expect that the additional shares requested for the 2018 Plan under this proposal would provide us with flexibility to continue to grant equity-based awards through the end of 2026, assuming a level of grants consistent with the number of equity-based awards granted during 2024 and usual levels of shares becoming available for new awards as a result of forfeitures of outstanding awards throughout the projected period. This also takes into consideration the current stock price, which determines the value of awards and the number of shares used in each award. However, this is only an estimate, in our management’s judgment, based on current circumstances. The total number of shares that are awarded under the 2018 Plan in any one year or from year to year may change based on any number of variables, including, without limitation, the value of our common stock (since higher stock prices generally require that fewer shares be issued to produce awards of the same grant date fair value), changes in competitors’ compensation practices or changes in compensation practices in the market generally, changes in the number of our employees, changes in the number of our directors and officers, acquisition activity and the potential need to grant awards to new employees in connection with acquisitions, the need to attract, retain and incentivize key talent, the types of awards we grant, and how we choose to balance total compensation between cash and equity-based awards. The type and terms of awards granted may also change in any one year or from year to year based on any number of variables, including, without limitation, changes in competitors’ compensation practices or changes in compensation practices generally, and the need to attract, retain and incentivize key talent.
Dilution
The following table shows the total number of shares of our common stock that were (i) subject to unvested restricted stock unit awards granted under the 2018 Plan, (ii) subject to outstanding stock options granted under the 2018 Plan and (iii) available for new award grants under the 2018 Plan as of December 31, 2024. In this Proposal 4, the number of shares of our common stock subject to awards granted during any particular period or outstanding on any particular date is presented based on the actual number of shares of our common stock covered by those awards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
2024
|
|
Shares subject to unvested restricted stock unit awards
|
|
|
584,309
|
|
Shares subject to outstanding stock options
|
|
|
1,886,247
|
|
Shares available for new award grants under the 2018 Plan
|
|
|
294,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
To help assess the potential dilutive impact of this proposal, the number of shares of our common stock outstanding as at the end of each of the last three fiscal years is as follows: 12,163,673 shares outstanding at the end of fiscal year 2022, 23,130,607 shares outstanding at the end of fiscal year 2023, and 34,056,920 shares outstanding at the end of fiscal year 2024. There were 34,174,687 shares of our common stock outstanding as of March 24, 2025. Although our dilution discussions are based on total shares outstanding, we have 3,750,000 shares issuable upon
30
exercise of outstanding warrants at an exercise price of $5.13 per share and warrants to purchase 191,096 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.83 per share. While these warrants have not been exercised to date, they could be at any time, which would significantly increase our total shares outstanding.
The closing market price of our common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market on March 24, 2025 was $1.26.
The Board believes that approval of the amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan, including the proposed increase to the shares reserved for issuance thereunder, will promote our interests and those of our stockholders and will help us continue to be able to attract, motivate, retain and reward persons important to our success. All members of the Board and all of our executive officers are eligible for awards under the 2018 Plan and thus have a personal interest in the approval of the proposed amendment and restatement of the 2018 Plan.
Vote Required
Approval of the proposal to approve an amendment to the Company’s 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan requires the affirmative vote of the holders of shares of common stock representing a majority of the votes cast on the matter. Broker non-votes and abstentions will not be counted as votes cast on the matter and will have no effect on the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S
2018 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
31
Summary Description of the 2018 Plan
The following description of the 2018 Plan is not intended to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the complete text of the 2018 Plan, as proposed to be amended and restated, a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A and is incorporated by reference herein. Stockholders are urged to read the 2018 Plan in its entirety.
Shares Subject to the 2018 Plan
Subject to approval of this proposal, we have reserved an aggregate of 7,618,182 common shares to be awarded under the 2018 Plan, all of which may be granted as incentive stock options under Code Section 422. The number of common shares reserved under the 2018 Plan is depleted by one share for each option, stock appreciation right, and any other share that is subject to an award other than an option or stock appreciation right (
i.e.
, restricted stock or performance shares).
The 2018 Plan includes a provision that none of the following may be added back to the share reserve under the 2018 Plan: (i) the full number of shares not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding option, stock appreciation right or restricted stock unit, regardless of the number of shares actually used to make such settlement; (ii) shares used to pay the exercise price or for settlement of any award; (iii) shares used to satisfy withholding taxes related to the vesting, exercise or settlement of any award; and (iv) shares repurchased on the open market by the Company with the proceeds of the option exercise price. If any shares awarded under the 2018 Plan are forfeited, cancelled, expire or otherwise terminate without issuance of such shares, then the underlying common shares will be recredited to the share reserve and become available again for grant under the 2018 Plan. To prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants under the 2018 Plan, appropriate adjustments will be made by the Committee if any change is made to our outstanding common shares by reason of any merger, statutory share exchange, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, dividend or distribution, stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off or similar transaction or other change in corporate structure affecting our common shares or its value.
Participants
All employees, directors and certain consultants who are selected by the Committee in its discretion from time to time are eligible to participate in the 2018 Plan. Approximately 240 employees and 6 independent directors are currently eligible to participate in the 2018 Plan. The Committee may condition the grant of an award to an individual under the 2018 Plan by requiring that the individual become an employee, director or consultant; provided, that the date of the grant of the award will be deemed to be the date that the individual legally becomes an employee, director or consultant.
Types of Plan Awards and Limits
The Committee may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance-based cash or stock awards under the 2018 Plan. The terms of each award will be set forth in a written agreement with the recipient, but all such awards will be generally subject to a one-year minimum vesting requirement.
Stock Options.
The Committee may grant incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options. No option may be exercised after the tenth anniversary of the date the option was granted. The exercise price of any option granted under the 2018 Plan may not be less than the fair market value of our common shares on the grant date. Payment upon exercise may be made (1) by cash or check, (2) by tendering common shares to the Company, which are withheld from the shares that would otherwise be issued upon exercise of the option being exercised or are freely owned and held by the participant, (3) pursuant to a broker assisted cashless exercise, (4) by delivery of other consideration approved by the Committee with a fair market value equal to the exercise price or (5) by other means determined by the Committee. A payment method involving delivery or withholding of common shares may not be used if it would violate applicable law, would result in adverse accounting consequences for the Company or is not approved by the Company and reflected in the applicable written agreement with the recipient. Options constituting incentive stock options may be granted only to employees of the Company and are subject to additional limitations imposed by the Code. Dividend equivalents may not be granted with respect to stock options.
Stock Appreciation Rights.
The Committee may grant stock appreciation rights pursuant to such terms and conditions as the Committee determines. No stock appreciation right may be granted with a term of more than ten years from the grant date. The base price may not be less than the fair market value of the common shares on
32
the grant date. Upon exercise of a stock appreciation right, the participant will have the right to receive the excess of the aggregate fair market value of the underlying shares on the exercise date over the aggregate base price for the portion of the right being exercised, payable by the Company in cash or common shares. Dividend equivalents may not be granted with respect to stock appreciation rights.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.
The Committee may grant shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units pursuant to such terms and conditions as the Committee determines. The restricted stock and restricted stock units will be subject to such restrictions on transferability and alienation and other restrictions as the Committee may impose. The Committee may require payment of consideration for restricted stock granted under the 2018 Plan, which payment may be made by the same methods permitted for stock option exercises discussed above as specified in the grant agreement. Recipients of issued and outstanding restricted stock otherwise have the same rights as other shareholders, although holders of restricted stock shall be required to appoint proxies of the Company to vote the holder’s restricted stock in accordance with the Board’s recommendations and may not be paid any dividends before the restricted stock vests. Restricted stock units are payable in common shares or cash as of the vesting date and must be paid no later than two and a half months after the end of the year in which the vesting date occurs in accordance with applicable tax rules. Dividend and dividend equivalents may not be paid or accrued on restricted stock and restricted stock units until the award vests.
Performance Awards.
The Committee may grant performance awards on terms and conditions that the Committee determines. Performance awards consist of the right to receive cash, common shares or other property. The written agreement for each grant will specify the performance goals, the period over which the goals are to be attained, the payment schedule if the goals are attained and other terms as the Committee determines. In the case of performance shares, the participant will have the right to receive legended stock certificates subject to restrictions on transferability (or the shares may be issued in equivalent book entry form). To the extent these shares are issued and outstanding, a participant will be required to appoint proxies of the Company to vote the holder’s shares in accordance with the Board’s recommendations. In the case of performance units, the participant will receive an agreement that specifies the performance goals that must be satisfied prior to the Company issuing payment, which may be cash, common shares or other property. Performance awards must be paid no later than two and a half months after the end of the year in which vesting occurs in accordance with applicable tax rules. If any performance award includes the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents, then such dividends and dividend equivalents may not be paid until the award vests.
Incentive Awards.
The Committee may grant incentive awards on terms and conditions that the Committee determines. The determination for granting incentive awards may be based on the attainment of performance levels of the Company as established by the Committee. Incentive awards will be paid in cash, common shares or other property and will be based upon a percentage of the participant’s base salary for the fiscal year, a fixed dollar amount or some other formula determined by the Committee. Payments will be made within two and a half months after the end of the fiscal year in which the award is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. If any incentive award includes the right to receive dividends or dividend equivalents then such dividends and dividend equivalents may not be paid until the award vests.
Termination of Employment or Services
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights.
Unless otherwise provided in the related grant agreement, then, in general, if a participant’s employment or services with the Company or a subsidiary is terminated for any reason prior to the date that an option or stock appreciation right becomes vested, the right to exercise the option or stock appreciation right terminates and all rights cease unless otherwise provided in the grant agreement. If an option or stock appreciation right becomes vested prior to termination of employment or services for any reason other than the participant’s death or disability, then the participant has the right to exercise the option or stock appreciation right to the extent it was exercisable upon termination before the earlier of three months after termination or the expiration of the option or stock appreciation right unless otherwise provided in the related grant agreement. If termination is due to the participant’s death or disability, then the participant or his or her estate may exercise the option or stock appreciation right to the extent it was exercisable upon termination until its expiration date, subject to any limitations in the grant agreement. All options and stock appreciation rights are generally subject to a one-year minimum vesting requirement. If a participant’s termination of employment or service occurs due to death, disability, retirement or termination without cause, the Committee may provide for the continued vesting of the award until such award becomes fully vested. In addition, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of any option or stock appreciation right.
33
Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Awards and Incentive Awards.
Unless otherwise provided in the related grant agreement, if a participant terminates employment or services with the Company or a subsidiary for any reason, any portion of a restricted stock award, restricted stock unit award, performance award or incentive award that is not yet vested is generally forfeited to the Company (subject to a refund by the Company of any purchase price paid by the participant). All restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance awards and incentive awards are subject to a one-year minimum vesting requirement. If a participant’s termination of employment or service due to death, disability, retirement or termination without cause, the Committee may provide for the continued vesting of the award until such award becomes fully vested. In addition, the Committee may accelerate the vesting of any restricted stock, restricted stock unit, performance award, and/or incentive award.
Limitations on Transfer of Awards
In general, no award under the 2018 Plan is transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Stock options and stock appreciation rights may only be exercised by the participant during his or her lifetime. However, a participant may assign or transfer an award, other than an incentive stock option, with the consent of the Committee. All common shares subject to an award will contain a legend restricting the transferability of the shares pursuant to the terms of the 2018 Plan, which can be removed when the restrictions have terminated, lapsed or been satisfied. If the shares are issued in book entry form, a notation to the same restrictive effect as the legend will be placed on the transfer agent’s books.
2018 Plan Termination and Amendment
If the 2018 Plan is approved, no new awards may be granted under the 2018 Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the date of stockholder approval. The Board may terminate or amend the 2018 Plan or the granting of any awards under the 2018 Plan at any time and the Committee may amend the terms of outstanding awards, but shareholder approval will be required for any amendment that materially increases benefits under the 2018 Plan, increases the common shares available under the 2018 Plan (except pursuant to the automatic adjustment provisions of the 2018 Plan), changes the eligibility provisions or modifies the 2018 Plan in a manner requiring shareholder approval under any applicable stock exchange rule. An amendment to the 2018 Plan will not, without the consent of the participant, materially and adversely affect the participant’s outstanding awards except to qualify the awards for exemption under Section 409A of the Code, bring the 2018 Plan into compliance with Section 409A of the Code, or as provided in the grant agreement.
Change in Control of the Company
In the event of a change in control of the Company as defined in the 2018 Plan:
|
•
|
In the event of a change in control, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Board may take one or more of the following actions with respect to each outstanding award, contingent upon the closing or completion of the change in control: (1) arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the award or to substitute a similar award for the award; (2) arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company in respect of common stock issued pursuant to the award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation; (3) accelerate the vesting, in whole or in part, of the award to a date prior to the effective time of such change in control with such award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the change in control, and with such exercise reversed if the change in control does not become effective; (4) arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Company with respect to the award; (5) cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the change in control, in exchange for cash consideration; (6) cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the award, to the extent not vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the change in control, in exchange for a payment.
|
If the Board does not take action, then the Plan defaults to the following:
|
•
|
If the successor or surviving entity (or parent thereof) (the “Survivor”) so agrees, some or all outstanding awards under the 2018 Plan may be assumed, or replaced with the same type of award with similar terms and conditions, by the Survivor. If applicable, each award which is assumed by the Survivor will be appropriately adjusted, immediately after such change in control, to apply to the number and class of
|
34
securities which would have been issuable to the participant upon the consummation of such change in control had the award been exercised, vested or earned immediately prior to such change in control, and other appropriate adjustments in the terms and conditions of the award shall be made.
|
•
|
Upon the participant’s termination of employment by the Survivor without cause, or by the participant for good reason, in either case within 24 months following the change in control, all of the participant’s awards that are in effect as of the date of the termination will become vested in full or deemed earned in full (if applicable, based on the level of achievement of the performance goals met prior to the date of the change in control or assuming that the performance goals had been met at target at the time of such termination, prorated based on the elapsed portion of the performance period as of the date of termination, whichever is greater) effective on the date of such termination.
|
To the extent the Survivor does not assume the awards or issue replacement awards as provided above, then immediately prior to the date of the change in control or the participant’s termination of employment by the Survivor without cause, or by the participant for good reason, whichever occurs first:
|
•
|
each then-unvested stock option or stock appreciation right that is then held by a participant who is employed by or in the service of the Company or one of our subsidiaries will become fully vested, and, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, all stock options and stock appreciation rights will be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess of the change in control price (as determined by the Committee) of the common shares covered by the stock option or stock appreciation right over the exercise or grant price of such common shares under the award;
|
|
•
|
shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (that are not performance awards) that are not vested will vest;
|
|
•
|
all performance awards and all incentive awards that are earned but not yet paid will be paid, and all performance awards and incentive awards for which the performance period has not expired will be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the amount that would have been due under such awards, valued either based on the level of achievement of the performance goals or assuming that the performance goals had been met at target, but prorated based on the elapsed portion of the performance period as of the date of the change in control, whichever is greater; and
|
|
•
|
all other awards that are not vested will vest and, if an amount is payable under such vested award, then such amount will be paid in cash based on the value of the award.
|
2018 Plan Administration
The Board has delegated administration of the 2018 Plan to the Committee. The Committee has the discretionary power to select participants who will receive awards, to make awards under the 2018 Plan (subject to the approval of the Board), to determine the terms and conditions of awards (subject to the limitations in the 2018 Plan) and to determine whether such terms and conditions have been satisfied. The Committee also has broad discretionary power to, among other things, interpret the terms of the 2018 Plan and establish rules and regulations for the administration of the 2018 Plan. The Board and the Committee may delegate administration to any sub committee thereof, and may delegate to one or more officers the authority to grant awards under the 2018 Plan to certain employees in accordance with the provisions of the 2018 Plan.
Except in connection with certain corporate transactions involving a change in control, the Committee and the Board are not permitted to cancel outstanding options or stock appreciation rights and grant new awards as substitutes under the 2018 Plan, amend outstanding options or stock appreciation rights to reduce the exercise price below the fair market value of the common shares on the original grant date or exchange outstanding options or stock appreciation rights for cash or other awards if the exercise price per share of such options or stock appreciation rights is greater than the fair market value per share as of the date of exchange, in each case without shareholder approval. In addition, the Committee and the Board may not grant an option or a stock appreciation right with a grant date that is earlier than the date the Committee takes action to approve such award.
35
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax consequences relating to the grant and exercise of awards under the 2018 Plan and the subsequent sale of common shares that will be acquired under the 2018 Plan. Federal income tax laws and regulations are technical in nature and their application may vary in individual circumstances.
Nonqualified Stock Options
There will be no federal income tax consequences to a participant or to the Company upon the grant of a nonqualified stock option. When the participant exercises a nonqualified option, he or she will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the option shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price, and we will be allowed a corresponding tax deduction subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any gain that a participant realizes when the participant later sells or disposes of the option shares will be short-term or long-term capital gain, depending on how long the participant held the shares.
Incentive Stock Options
There will be no federal income tax consequences to a participant or to the Company upon the grant of an incentive stock option. If the participant holds the option shares for the required holding period of at least two years after the date the option was granted and one year after exercise of the option, the difference between the exercise price and the amount realized upon sale or disposition of the option shares will be long-term capital gain or loss, and we will not be entitled to a federal income tax deduction. If the participant disposes of the option shares in a sale, exchange, or other disqualifying disposition before the required holding period ends, the participant will recognize taxable ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the exercise price and the lesser of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise or the disposition price, and we will be allowed a federal income tax deduction equal to such amount, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any amount received by the participant in excess of the fair market value on the exercise date will be taxed to the participant as capital gain, and we will receive no corresponding deduction. While the exercise of an incentive stock option does not result in current taxable income, the excess of the fair market value of the option shares at the time of exercise over the exercise price will be a tax preference item that could subject a participant to alternative minimum tax in the year of exercise.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The participant will not recognize income, and we will not be allowed a tax deduction, at the time a stock appreciation right is granted. When the participant exercises the stock appreciation right, the cash or fair market value of any common shares received will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income, and we will be allowed a federal income tax deduction equal to such amount, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code.
Restricted Stock Awards
Unless a participant makes an election to accelerate recognition of income to the grant date as described below, the participant will not recognize income, and we will not be allowed a tax deduction, at the time a restricted stock award is granted. When the restrictions applicable to the restricted stock lapse, the participant will recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the common shares as of that date, less any amount paid for the restricted stock, and we will be allowed a corresponding tax deduction, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any future appreciation in the restricted stock will be taxable to the participant at capital gains rates upon disposition of the shares.
If the participant files an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within thirty days after the grant date, the participant will recognize ordinary income as of the grant date equal to the fair market value of the restricted stock as of that date, less any amount paid for the restricted stock, and we will be allowed a corresponding tax deduction at that time, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. Any future appreciation in the restricted stock will be taxable to the participant at capital gains rates upon disposition of the shares. However, if the restricted stock is later forfeited, such participant will not be able to recover the tax previously paid pursuant to the Section 83(b) election.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards, Performance Awards and Incentive Awards
A participant will not recognize income, and we will not be allowed a tax deduction, at the time a restricted stock unit award, performance award or incentive award is granted. When a participant receives payment under any such
36
award, the amount of cash received and the fair market value of any common shares received will be ordinary income to the participant, and we will be allowed a corresponding tax deduction at that time, subject to any applicable limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code.
Code Section 409A
Section 409A of the Code provides specific rules regarding the payment of “deferred compensation,” which includes payment under traditional deferred compensation plans, as well as payment pursuant to certain equity-based awards. If the requirements of Section 409A are not complied with, holders of equity awards may be taxed earlier than would otherwise be the case (e.g., at the time of vesting instead of the time of payment or exercise) and may be subject to an additional 20% income tax and, potentially, interest and other penalties. The Company has sought to structure the 2018 Plan, and it expects to seek to structure awards granted thereunder, to either comply with Section 409A or to be exempt from Section 409A.
Section 162(m) Limit on Deductibility of Compensation
Code Section 162(m) establishes a $1 million deduction limit on compensation the Company pays to each of its “covered employees” during any year. “Covered employees” are the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer, three other highest paid officers for the year, and any individual who was a “covered employee” for any prior year, starting with 2017.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table summarizes our compensation plans, including individual compensation arrangements, under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of December 31, 2024:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Category
|
|
|
Number of
securities to be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
|
|
|
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
|
|
|
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column
(a))
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
|
|
|
1,848,242
|
|
|
$4.70
|
|
|
294,686
|
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
|
|
|
623,204
|
|
|
2.53
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total
|
|
|
2,471,446
|
|
|
$3.98
|
|
|
294,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specific Benefits Under the 2018 Plan
The Compensation Committee has not approved any stock option and restricted stock unit awards under the 2018 Plan that are contingent on stockholder approval of this proposal.
All Other Employees
If the proposed amendments to the 2018 Plan had been in effect in fiscal year 2024, we expect that our award grants for fiscal year 2024 would not have been substantially different from those actually made in that year. For information regarding stock-based awards granted to our named executive officers during fiscal year 2024, see “Compensation of Executive Officers.”
Aggregate Past Grants Under the 2018 Plan
The actual amount of awards to be granted under the 2018 Plan is not determinable in advance because the size and type of awards to be made in any year is determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The following table sets forth, with respect to the individuals and groups named below: the aggregate number of shares subject to options granted under the 2018 Plan (whether or not outstanding, vested, or forfeited, as applicable) as of March 24, 2025 and the aggregate number of shares subject to awards of restricted stock units granted under the 2018 Plan whether or not outstanding, vested, or forfeited, as applicable as of March 24, 2025.
37
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Individual or Group
|
|
|
Number of
Options
Granted
(#)
|
|
|
Number of Shares
Subject to Stock
Awards Granted
(#)
|
|
Mark Strobeck
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
|
618,665
|
|
|
155,465
|
|
Jesse Neri
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
|
122,190
|
|
|
33,330
|
|
Megan Timmins
Chief Legal Officer and Secretary
|
|
|
219,808
|
|
|
78,515
|
|
All current executive officers as a group
|
|
|
1,132,660
|
|
|
326,305
|
|
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group
|
|
|
84,663
|
|
|
529,710
|
|
Each nominee for election as a director
|
|
|
25,510
|
|
|
188,046
|
|
Each associate of any of the foregoing
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Each other person who received or is to receive 5 percent of such options, warrants or rights
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
All current employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group
|
|
|
1,168,073
|
|
|
207,760
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Registration of Securities
The Company intends to file a registration on Form S-8 to register the additional shares requested in August 2025.
38
The following table sets forth information regarding the ownership of shares of common stock as of March 24, 2025 (unless otherwise indicated) with respect to:
|
•
|
each director and each of the Company’s NEOs;
|
|
•
|
all current directors and executive officers as a group; and
|
|
•
|
each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the shares of common stock outstanding on March 24, 2025.
|
As of March 24, 2025, there were 34,174,687 shares of Company common stock outstanding. The number of shares beneficially owned is determined under rules of the SEC and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any shares which the individual has the right to acquire on March 24, 2025 or within sixty days thereafter through the exercise of any stock option or other right. The persons named in the table have sole voting power and sole dispositive power with respect to the shares of common stock beneficially owned, except as otherwise noted below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner
|
|
|
Amount and
Nature of
Beneficial
Ownership
(a)
|
|
|
Percent of Class
|
|
Directors and Named Executive Officers
(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John G. Cooper
|
|
|
107,516
|
|
|
*
|
|
Joan Lau, Ph.D.
|
|
|
88,111
|
|
|
*
|
|
Allen Nissenson, M.D.
|
|
|
99,056
|
|
|
*
|
|
Robert S. Radie
|
|
|
100,486
|
|
|
*
|
|
Mark H. Ravich
(c)
|
|
|
113,040
|
|
|
*
|
|
Andrea Heslin Smiley
|
|
|
97,740
|
|
|
*
|
|
Mark Strobeck, Ph.D.
|
|
|
358,415
|
|
|
1.0%
|
|
Megan Timmins
|
|
|
137,391
|
|
|
*
|
|
Jesse Neri
|
|
|
41,658
|
|
|
*
|
|
All directors and current executive officers as a group (10 persons)
|
|
|
1,268,296
|
|
|
3.6%
|
|
Greater than 5% Beneficial Holders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Irrevocable Larson Family Investment Trust
(d)
|
|
|
3,470,000
|
|
|
10.2%
|
|
Armistice Capital Master Fund, Ltd.
(e)
|
|
|
3,249,178
|
|
|
9.9%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
Less than 1%.
|
|
(a)
|
Includes shares that may be acquired upon exercise of restricted stock units and stock options within 60 days from March 25, 2025, as set forth in the table below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name
|
|
|
RSUs
|
|
|
Option Shares
|
|
John G. Cooper
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
12,066
|
|
Joan Lau, Ph.D.
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
25,000
|
|
Allen Nissenson, M.D.
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
6,460
|
|
Robert S. Radie
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
6,962
|
|
Mark H. Ravich
(d)
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
11,937
|
|
Andrea Heslin Smiley
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
5,678
|
|
Mark Strobeck, Ph.D.
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
273,943
|
|
Megan Timmins
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
92,209
|
|
Jesse Neri
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
30,548
|
|
All directors and current executive officers as a group (10 persons)
|
|
|
216,666
|
|
|
554,913
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(b)
|
The address of all current directors and officers is c/o Rockwell Medical, Inc., 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, Michigan 48393.
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|
(c)
|
Includes 2,272 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Ravich as the trustee of trusts.
|
|
(d)
|
Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on December 17, 2024 reflecting ownership as of December 12, 2024. The address for the Irrevocable Larson Family Investment Trust is 3608 Lexington Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205.
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(e)
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Based on Company records and the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 14, 2025 reflecting ownership as of December 31, 2024. Consists of shares, shares underlying warrants and prefunded warrants, the exercise of which is subject to a beneficial ownership limitation of 9.99% of the outstanding common stock. By virtue of their Joint Filing Agreement, dated February 14, 2023, Armistice Capital, LLC and Steven Boyd affirm their membership in a group under SEC Rule 13d-5(b) and the group is deemed to beneficially own all of the shares beneficially owned by the group members. The address for Armistice Capital, LLC and Steven Boyd is 510 Madison Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10022.
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39
Related Party Transactions
We do not have any transaction or series of similar transactions since January 1, 2023, or any currently proposed transaction, to which we were or are a party in which:
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•
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the amount involved exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120,000 or one percent of the average of our total assets at year end for the last two years; and
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•
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any of our directors or executive officers, any beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities or any member of their immediate family had or will have a direct or indirect material interest.
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Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to such securities.
Related Party Transactions Policies
Pursuant to its charter, our Audit Committee is charged with monitoring and reviewing transactions and relationships involving independence and potential conflicts of interest with respect to our directors and executive officers. To the extent any such transactions are proposed, they would be subject to approval by our Audit Committee in accordance with applicable law and the Nasdaq Stock Market rules, which require that any such transactions required to be disclosed in our proxy statement be approved by a committee of independent directors of our Board. In addition, our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics generally requires directors and employees to avoid conflicts of interest. Our Related Party Transactions Policy sets forth the process by which a related party transaction is disclosed, considered and approved.
40
Annual Report
A copy of our Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2024, which includes our Annual Report Form 10-K, accompanies this Proxy Statement. We have filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K with the SEC.
We will provide, without charge, to each person being solicited by this Proxy Statement, upon the written request of any such person, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
All such requests should be directed to Rockwell Medical’s Investor Relations Department via email at IR@rockwellmed.com or via postal mail at Rockwell Medical, Inc, Attention: Investor Relations, 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393.
Stockholder Proposals
Any proposal by a stockholder of the Company to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement for the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders must be received by our Secretary by the close of business on December 15, 2025. Such proposals should be addressed to him or her at our principal executive offices and should satisfy the informational requirements applicable to stockholder proposals contained in the relevant SEC rules and our bylaws. If the date for the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders is significantly different than the first anniversary of the Annual Meeting, Rule 14a-8 of the SEC provides for an adjustment to the notice period described above.
For stockholder proposals not sought to be included in our proxy statement, our bylaws provide that, in order to be properly brought before the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, written notice of such proposal, along with the information required by our bylaws, must be received by our Secretary at our principal executive offices no earlier than the close of business on November 15, 2025 and no later than December 15, 2025. If the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders date has been significantly advanced or delayed from the first anniversary of the date of the Annual Meeting, then notice of such proposal must be given not later than the 120th day before the meeting or, if later, the 10th day after the first public disclosure of the date of the Annual Meeting. A proponent must also update the information provided in or with the notice at the times specified in our bylaws.
Only persons who are stockholders both as of the giving of notice and the date of the stockholders meeting and who are eligible to vote at the stockholders meeting are eligible to propose business to be brought before a stockholders meeting. The proposing stockholder (or the stockholder’s qualified representative) must attend the stockholders meeting in person and present the proposed business in order for the proposed business to be considered.
Householding
We have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” Under this procedure, certain stockholders of record who have the same address and last name will receive only one copy of our notice of annual meeting of stockholders, proxy statement, and accompanying documents, unless one or more of these stockholders notifies us that they wish to continue receiving individual copies. This procedure is intended to reduce our printing costs and postage fees.
Stockholders who participate in householding will continue to receive separate proxy cards. Also, householding will not in any way affect other mailings.
If you are eligible for householding, but you and other stockholders of record with whom you share an address currently receive multiple copies of the notice of annual meeting of stockholders, proxy statement and accompanying documents, or if you hold shares of common stock in more than one account, and in either case you wish to receive only a single copy of each of these documents for your household, please contact the Company’s Secretary at 30142 Wixom Road, Wixom, MI 48393, or by telephone at (248) 960-9009.
If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of the notice of annual meeting of stockholders, proxy statement and the accompanying documents (or if you do not wish to participate in householding and prefer to receive separate copies of these documents in the future), please contact the Company’s Secretary as indicated above and we will promptly them provide them to you.
Beneficial owners can request information about householding from their banks, brokers or other holders of record.
41
Other Business
Neither we nor the members of our Board intend to bring before the Annual Meeting any matters other than those set forth in the notice of Annual Meeting, and we and they have no present knowledge that any other matters will be presented for action at the Annual Meeting by others. If any other matters properly come before such Annual Meeting in accordance with our Bylaws, however, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgment.
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By Order of the Board of Directors,
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/s/ Megan Timmins
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Wixom, Michigan
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Megan Timmins
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April 14, 2025
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Secretary
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42
Appendix A
ROCKWELL MEDICAL, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2018 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
1.1
Establishment
. On April 13, 2018, the Board initially adopted the Rockwell Medical, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan, subject to the approval of shareholders at the Corporation's 2018 annual meeting of shareholders. The plan was first amended and restated effective May 18, 2020, further amended and restated effective November 10, 2021, further amended and restated effective May 9, 2022, further amended and restated effective May 23, 2023, and further amended and restated effective [May 20, 2025].
1.2
Purpose
. The purpose of the Plan is to (a) promote the best interests of the Corporation and its shareholders by encouraging Employees, Directors and Consultants of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries to acquire an ownership interest in the Corporation by granting stock-based Awards, thus aligning their economic interests with those of the Corporation's shareholders, and (b) enhance the ability of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries to attract, motivate and retain qualified Employees, Directors and Consultants.
1.3
Plan Duration
. The Plan, as currently amended and restated, became effective on [May 20, 2025] and shall continue in effect until its termination by the Board; provided, however, that no new Awards may be granted on or after [May 20, 2035].
1.4
Definitions and Interpretations
. Whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used, they shall be understood to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Article and Section references in the Plan shall be to Articles and Sections of the Plan unless otherwise noted. As used in this Plan, the following terms have the meaning described below:
(a) “
Agreement
” means the written document that sets forth the terms of a Participant's Award.
(b) “
Award
” means any form of Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Award, Incentive Award or other award granted under the Plan.
(c) “
Board
” means the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
(d) “
Cause
” means (i) if a Participant is a party to a written employment agreement with the Corporation or a Subsidiary, “Cause” as defined in such agreement, as in effect from time to time, and (ii) in all other cases, (A) a Participant's continued failure to substantially perform Participant's duties to the Corporation or its Subsidiaries (other than as a result of Disability) for a period of 10 days following written notice by the Corporation to Participant of such failure, (B) dishonesty in the performance of Participant's duties, (C) Participant's conviction of, or plea of nolo contendere to, a crime constituting (x) a felony under the laws of the United States or any state thereof, or (y) a misdemeanor involving a crime of embezzlement, theft, dishonesty, or moral turpitude, (D) Participant's willful malfeasance or willful misconduct in connection with Participant's duties to the Corporation or any Subsidiary, or any act or omission which is injurious to the financial condition or business reputation of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries, or (E) Participant's breach of any non-compete, confidentiality or intellectual property obligations to the Corporation or its Subsidiaries.
(e) “
Change in Control
” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) If the Corporation consolidates with or merges into any other corporation or other entity that is not controlled by or under common control with the Corporation, and the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving entity of such consolidation or merger;
(ii) If the Corporation permits any other corporation or other entity that is not controlled by or under common control with the Corporation to consolidate with or merge into the Corporation and the Corporation is the continuing or surviving entity but, in connection with such consolidation or merger the shareholders of the Corporation immediately prior to such transaction cease to own at least 50% of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation immediately following the transaction or the Common Stock is changed into or exchanged for stock or other securities of any other corporation or other entity or cash or any other assets;
(iii) If the Corporation dissolves or liquidates;
A-1
(iv) If the Corporation effects a share exchange, capital reorganization or reclassification transaction in such a way that (A) holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities, cash or other assets with respect to or in exchange for the Common Stock, and (B) (x) neither the Common Stock nor the consideration received in such transaction is a class of equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act following such transaction or (y) a majority of members on the Board are replaced in connection with such transaction;
(v) If any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as determined in accordance with Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of Common Stock possessing thirty-five percent (35%) or more of the total outstanding voting power of the Common Stock;
(vi) If a majority of members on the Board are replaced during any 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board prior to the date of the appointment or election (provided that for purposes of this paragraph, the term Corporation refers solely to the “relevant” corporation, as defined in Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder, for which no other corporation is a majority shareholder); or
(vii) If there is a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the Corporation's assets, which shall occur on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as determined in accordance with Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Corporation that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than forty percent (40%) of the total gross fair market value of all of the assets of the Corporation immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions, as determined by the Board. For this purpose, gross fair market value means the value of the assets of the Corporation, or the value of the assets being disposed of, determined by the Board without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets.
As used in this paragraph, the term “person” shall include individuals and entities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of an Award (A) that is considered deferred compensation subject to the provisions of Code Section 409A, or (B) with respect to which the Corporation permits a deferral election, the definition of “Change in Control” shall be deemed amended to conform to the requirements of Code Section 409A to the extent necessary for such Awards and deferral elections to comply with Code Section 409A.
(f) “
Change in Control Price
” shall mean the per share price paid or deemed paid for the outstanding Common Stock in the Change in Control transaction, as determined by the Board.
(g) “
Change in Control Termination
” means a termination of an Employee Participant's employment by the Corporation without “Cause” or, if the Employee is a party to a written employment agreement with the Corporation, by Employee for “good reason” (as defined in such agreement as in effect from time to time), which termination occurs after the execution of an agreement to which the Corporation is a party pursuant to which a Change in Control has occurred or will occur (upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement) but, if a Change in Control has occurred pursuant thereto, not more than two years after such Change in Control, and if a Change in Control has not yet occurred pursuant thereto, while such agreement remains executory.
(h) “
Code
” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(i) “
Committee
” means the Compensation Committee of the Board, or any other committee or sub-committee of the Board, designated by the Board from time to time, comprised solely of two or more Directors who are “non-employee directors,” as defined in Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act and “independent directors” for purposes of the rules and regulations of the Stock Exchange. However, the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify under any of these requirements shall not invalidate any Award made by the Committee if the Award is otherwise validly made under the Plan. The members of the Committee shall be appointed by, and may be changed at any time and from time to time, at the discretion of the Board.
(j) “
Common Stock
” means shares of the Corporation's authorized common stock.
A-2
(k) “
Consultant
” means a consultant or advisor (other than as an Employee or Director) to the Corporation or a Subsidiary; provided that such person is an individual who (1) renders bona fide services that are not in connection with the offer and sale of the Corporation's securities in a capital-raising transaction, and (2) does not promote or maintain a market for the Corporation's securities.
(l) “
Corporation
” means Rockwell Medical, Inc., a Delaware corporation.
(m) “
Director
” means an individual, other than an Employee, who has been elected or appointed to serve as a member of the Board.
(n) “
Disability
” means total and permanent disability, as defined in Code Section 22(e); provided, however, that for purposes of a Code Section 409A distribution event, “disability” shall be defined under Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder.
(o) “
Employee
” means an individual who has an “employment relationship” with the Corporation or a Subsidiary, as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.421-1(h), and the term “employment” means employment with the Corporation or a Subsidiary.
(p) “
Exchange Act
” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
(q) “
Fair Market Value
” means for purposes of determining the value of Common Stock on the Grant Date, the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the Stock Exchange on the Grant Date. In the event that there are no Common Stock transactions reported on the Stock Exchange on such date, the Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the immediately preceding date on which there were Common Stock transactions reported on the Stock Exchange. Unless otherwise specified in the Plan, “Fair Market Value” for purposes of determining the value of Common Stock on the date of exercise or Vesting means the closing price per share of the Common Stock on the Stock Exchange on the last date preceding the date of exercise or Vesting on which there were Common Stock transactions reported on the Stock Exchange. If the Common Stock is not listed on a Stock Exchange on the relevant date, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Board in good faith and in accordance with Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder.
(r) “
Grant Date
” means the date on which the Board grants an Award, or such later effective grant date as shall be designated by the Board or as set forth in a Participant's Agreement.
(s) “
Incentive Award
” means an Award that is granted in accordance with Article VI.
(t) “
Incentive Stock Option
” means an Option granted pursuant to Article II that is intended to meet the requirements of Code Section 422.
(u) “
Nonqualified Stock Option
” means an Option granted pursuant to Article II that is not an Incentive Stock Option.
(v) “
Officer
” means a person who is an officer of the Corporation within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
(w) “
Option
” means either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
(x) “
Participant
” means an Employee, Director or Consultant who is designated by the Board to participate in the Plan or otherwise receives an Award.
(y) “
Performance Award
” means any Award of Performance Shares or Performance Units granted pursuant to Article V.
(z) “
Performance Goals
” means the measures of performance of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries selected by the Board to determine a Participant's entitlement to a Performance Award under the Plan.
(aa) “
Performance Share
” means any grant pursuant to Article V and Section 5.2(b)(i).
(bb) “
Performance Unit
” means any grant pursuant to Article V and Section 5.2(b)(ii).
(cc) “
Plan
” means the Amended and Restated Rockwell Medical, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan, the terms of which are set forth herein, and any amendments thereto.
A-3
(dd) “
Restriction Period
” means the period of time during which a Participant's Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Unit is subject to a risk of forfeiture and/or and is nontransferable.
(ee) “
Restricted Stock
” means Common Stock granted pursuant to Article IV that is subject to a Restriction Period.
(ff) “
Restricted Stock Unit
” means a right granted pursuant to Article IV to receive Restricted Stock, Common Stock or cash.
(gg) “
Securities Act
” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.
(hh) “
Stock Appreciation Right
” means the right to receive a cash or Common Stock payment from the Corporation, in accordance with Article III of the Plan.
(ii) “
Stock Exchange
” means the principal national securities exchange on which the Common Stock is listed for trading, or, if the Common Stock is not listed for trading on a national securities exchange, such other recognized trading market upon which the largest number of shares of Common Stock has been traded in the aggregate during the last 20 days before the applicable date.
(jj) “
Subsidiary
” means a corporation or other entity defined in Code Section 424(f).
(kk) “
Substitute Awards
” shall mean Awards granted or shares issued by the Corporation in assumption of, or in substitution or exchange for, Awards previously granted, or the right or obligation to make future Awards, by a company acquired by the Corporation or any Subsidiary or with which the Corporation or any Subsidiary combines.
(ll) “
Vested
” or “
Vesting
” means the extent to which an Award granted or issued hereunder has become exercisable or upon termination or lapse of any applicable Restriction Period in accordance with the Plan and the terms of any respective Agreement pursuant to which such Award was granted or issued, or has become payable in whole or in part due to the satisfaction of Performance Goal(s) set forth in the respective Agreement pursuant to which such Award was granted or issued.
1.5
Administration.
(a) The Plan and all Agreements thereunder shall be administered by the Board. The Board may delegate administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees, as provided in Section 1.5(c).
(b) The Board shall, in its discretion, interpret the Plan and all Agreements thereunder, prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and all Agreements thereunder, and make all other determinations necessary or advisable for its/their administration. The decision of the Board (or a duly authorized Committee, subcommittee or Officer exercising powers delegated by the Board under this Section 1.5) on any question concerning the interpretation of the Plan and all Agreements thereunder or its/their administration with respect to any Award granted under the Plan shall be final and binding upon all Participants. No member of the Board (or a duly authorized Committee, subcommittee or Officer exercising powers delegated by the Board under this Section 1.5) shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder. In addition to any other powers set forth in the Plan and subject to Code Section 409A and the provisions of the Plan, the Board shall have the full and final power and authority, in its discretion to:
(i) Subject to Section 11.6, (x) amend, modify, or cancel any Award, or to waive any restrictions or conditions applicable to any shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant thereto and (y) accelerate, in whole or in part, or extend, in whole or in part, the time during which an Award may be exercised or vest, or at which cash or shares of Common Stock may be issued;
(ii) Authorize, in conjunction with any applicable deferred compensation plan of the Corporation, that the receipt of cash or Common Stock subject to any Award under this Plan may be deferred under the terms and conditions of such deferred compensation plan;
(iii) Determine the terms and conditions of Awards granted to Participants and whether such terms and conditions have been satisfied; and
A-4
(iv) Establish such other Awards, besides those specifically enumerated in the Plan, which the Board determines are consistent with the Plan's purposes.
(c) The Board may delegate some or all of the administration of the Plan to a Committee or Committees. If administration of the Plan is delegated to a Committee, the Committee will have, in connection with the administration of the Plan, the powers theretofore possessed by the Board that have been delegated to the Committee, including the power to delegate to a subcommittee of the Committee any of the administrative powers the Committee is authorized to exercise (and references in this Plan to the Board will thereafter be to the Committee or subcommittee). Any delegation of administrative powers will be reflected in resolutions, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, adopted from time to time by the Board or Committee (as applicable). The Committee may, at any time, abolish the subcommittee and/or revest in the Committee any powers delegated to any subcommittee. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, delegation of authority by the Board to a Committee, or to an Officer or employee pursuant to Section 1.5(d), does not limit the authority of the Board, which may continue to exercise any authority so delegated and may concurrently administer the Plan with the Committee and may, at any time, revest in the Board some or all of the powers previously delegated. The Board has delegated administration of the Plan to the Compensation Committee, who will serve for such period of time as the Board may specify and whom the Board may remove at any time.
(d) The Board may delegate to one (1) or more Officers the authority to do one or both of the following, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law: (i) designate Employees who are not Officers to be recipients of Awards and the terms of such Awards; and (ii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be subject to such Awards granted to such Employees; provided, however, that the Board resolutions regarding such delegation will specify the following: (1) the total number of shares of Common Stock that may be subject to the Awards granted by such Officer, (2) the time period during which such Awards may be granted and the time period during which the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of an Award may be issued, (3) a minimum amount of consideration (if any) for which such Awards may be issued and a minimum amount of consideration for the shares of Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of an Award, and (4) that such Officer may not grant an Award to himself or herself. Any such Awards will be granted on a form that is substantially the same as the form of Agreement approved by the Committee or the Board for use in connection with such Awards, unless otherwise provided for in the resolutions approving the delegation authority.
1.6
Participants
. Participants in the Plan shall be such Employees, Directors and Consultants of the Corporation and its Subsidiaries as the Board in its discretion may select from time to time. The Board may grant Awards to an individual upon the condition that the individual become an Employee, Director or Consultant of the Corporation or of a Subsidiary, provided that the Grant Date of the Award shall be deemed to be the date that the individual legally becomes an Employee, Director or Consultant, as applicable.
1.7
Stock Reserve.
(a) The Corporation has reserved [7,618,182] shares of the Corporation's Common Stock for issuance pursuant to stock-based Awards. Up to [7,618,182] of the reserved shares may be granted as Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. All amounts in this Section 1.7 shall be adjusted, as applicable, in accordance with Section 10.1. Subject to the other provisions in this Section 1.7, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved under this Section 1.7(a) shall be depleted by the maximum number of shares of Common Stock, if any, that may be payable under an Award as determined on the Grant Date; provided that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock shall be depleted by one share for each share subject to an Option or Stock Appreciation Right (that will be settled in shares), and shall be depleted by one share of Common Stock for each share subject to an Award that will be settled in shares of Common Stock other than an Option or Stock Appreciation Right. For purposes of determining the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under this Plan, any fractional share shall be rounded to the next highest full share.
(b) The shares of Common Stock subject to any portion of an Award that is forfeited, cancelled, or expires or otherwise terminates without issuance of such shares, or is settled for cash or otherwise does not result in the issuance of all or a portion of the shares subject to such Award shall, to the extent of such forfeiture, cancellation, expiration, termination, cash settlement or non-issuance, be recredited to the Plan's reserve (according to the same ratio as such shares reduced the Plan's reserve according to Section 1.7(a)) and shall again be available for issuance pursuant to Awards under the Plan.
A-5
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, the following shares of Common Stock, however, may not again be made available for issuance as Awards under the Plan: (i) the full number of shares not issued or delivered as a result of the net settlement of an outstanding Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Restricted Stock Unit, regardless of the number of shares actually used to make such settlement; (ii) shares used to pay the exercise price or for settlement of any Award; (iii) shares used to satisfy withholding taxes related to the Vesting, exercise or settlement of any Award; and (iv) shares repurchased on the open market by the Corporation with the proceeds of the Option exercise price.
(d) Substitute Awards shall not reduce the shares reserved for issuance under the Plan or authorized for grant to a Participant in any fiscal year. Additionally, in the event that a company acquired by the Corporation or any Subsidiary or with which the Corporation or any Subsidiary combines has shares available under a pre-existing plan approved by shareholders of such acquired company and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or combination, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such pre-existing plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, using the exchange ratio or other adjustment or valuation ratio or formula used in such acquisition or combination to determine the consideration payable to the holders of common stock of the acquired company) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the shares authorized for issuance under the Plan; provided that Awards using such available shares shall not be made after the date awards or grants could no longer have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan, absent the acquisition or combination, and shall only be made to individuals who were not Employees, Directors of the Corporation or its Subsidiaries prior to such acquisition or combination.
1.8
Repricing
. Except as provided in Section 10.1, without the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock cast in person or by proxy at a meeting of the shareholders of the Corporation at which a quorum representing a majority of all outstanding shares is present or represented by proxy, neither the Board nor the Committee shall approve a program providing for (a) the cancellation of outstanding Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights and the grant in substitution therefor of any new Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights under the Plan having a lower exercise price than the Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Stock on the original Grant Date, (b) the amendment of outstanding Options and/or Stock Appreciation Rights to reduce the exercise price thereof below the Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Stock on the original Grant Date, or (c) the exchange of outstanding Options or Stock Appreciation Rights for cash or other Awards if the exercise price per share of such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights is greater than the Fair Market Value per share as of the date of exchange. This Section shall not be construed to apply to “issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) applies,” within the meaning of Code Section 424.
1.9
Backdating.
Neither the Board nor the Committee may grant an Option or a Stock Appreciation Right with a Grant Date that is effective prior to the date the Board or Committee takes action to approve such Award.
II. STOCK OPTIONS
2.1
Grant of Options
. The Board, at any time and from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, may grant Options to such Participants and for such number of shares of Common Stock as it shall designate, and shall determine the general terms and conditions, which shall be set forth in a Participant's Agreement. Any Participant may hold more than one Option under the Plan and any other plan of the Corporation or Subsidiary. No Option granted hereunder may be exercised after the tenth anniversary of the Grant Date. The Board may designate any Option granted as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option, or the Board may designate a portion of an Option as an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
2.2
Incentive Stock Options
. Any Option intended to constitute an Incentive Stock Option shall comply with the requirements of this Section 2.2. An Incentive Stock Option may only be granted to an Employee. No Incentive Stock Option shall be granted with an exercise price below the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the Grant Date nor with an exercise term that extends beyond ten years from the Grant Date. An Incentive Stock Option shall not be granted to any Participant who owns (within the meaning of Code Section 424(d)) stock of the Corporation or any Subsidiary possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Corporation or a Subsidiary unless, at the Grant Date, the exercise price for the Option is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the shares subject to the Option and the Option, at the Grant Date and by its terms, is not exercisable more than five years after the Grant Date. The aggregate Fair Market Value of the underlying Common Stock (determined at the Grant Date) as to which Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan (including a plan of a Subsidiary) may first be exercised by a Participant in any one calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. To the extent
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that an Option intended to constitute an Incentive Stock Option shall violate the foregoing $100,000 limitation (or any other limitation set forth in Code Section 422), the portion of the Option that exceeds the $100,000 limitation (or violates any other Code Section 422 limitation) shall be deemed to constitute a Nonqualified Stock Option.
2.3
Exercise Price
. The Board shall determine the per share exercise price for each Option granted under the Plan. No Option may be granted with an exercise price below 100% of the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the Grant Date.
2.4
Payment for Option Shares.
(a) The exercise price for shares of Common Stock to be acquired upon exercise of an Option granted hereunder shall be paid in full in cash or by personal check, bank draft or money order at the time of exercise; provided, however, that if the Corporation so approves at the time the Option is exercised and to the extent provided in the applicable Agreement, payment may be made by (i) tendering shares of Common Stock to the Corporation, which are withheld from the Option being exercised in a “net exercise” transaction, or are freely owned and held by the Participant independent of any restrictions or hypothecations; (ii) delivery to the Corporation of a properly executed exercise notice, acceptable to the Corporation, together with irrevocable instructions to the Participant's broker to deliver to the Corporation sufficient cash to pay the exercise price and any applicable income and employment withholding taxes, in accordance with a written agreement between the Corporation and the brokerage firm; (iii) delivery of other consideration approved by the Board having a Fair Market Value on the exercise date equal to the total exercise price; (iv) other means determined by the Board; or (v) any combination of the foregoing.
(b) “Net exercise,” as such term is used in the Plan, shall mean an exercise of an Option pursuant to which, upon delivery to the Corporation of written notice of exercise, the consideration received in payment for the exercise of the Option shall be the cancellation of a portion of the Option and the Corporation shall become obligated to issue the “net number” of shares of Common Stock determined according to the following formula:
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((A × B) – (A × C))
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B
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For purposes of the foregoing formula:
A = the total number of shares with respect to which such Option is then being exercised (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include both the number of shares to be issued to the exercising Participant and the number of shares subject to the portion of the Option to be cancelled in payment of the exercise price).
B = the Stock Exchange closing price for the Common Stock on the last date on which there were Common Stock transactions preceding the date of the Corporation's receipt of the exercise notice.
C = the exercise price in effect at the time of such exercise.
If the foregoing formula would yield a number of shares to be issued that is not a whole number, any such fraction shall be rounded down and disregarded. The shares underlying the exercised portion of the Option that are not issued pursuant to the foregoing formula, along with the corresponding portion of the Option, shall be considered cancelled and no longer subject to exercise.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may not be exercised by delivery to or withholding by the Corporation of shares of Common Stock to the extent that such delivery or withholding (i) would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law or regulation (including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), (ii) if there is a substantial likelihood that the use of such form of payment would result in adverse accounting treatment to the Corporation under generally accepted accounting principles, or (iii) is not approved by the Corporation and reflected in the applicable Agreement. Until a Participant has been issued a certificate or certificates for the shares of Common Stock so purchased (or the book entry representing such shares has been made and such shares have been deposited with the appropriate registered book-entry custodian), he or she shall possess no rights as a record holder with respect to any such shares.
III. STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS
3.1
Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights
. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted, held and exercised in such form and upon such general terms and conditions as determined by the Board. A Stock Appreciation Right may
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be granted to a Participant with respect to such number of shares of Common Stock of the Corporation as the Board may determine. No Stock Appreciation Right shall be granted with an exercise term that extends beyond ten years from the Grant Date.
3.2
Base Price
. The Board shall determine the per share base price for each Stock Appreciation Right granted under the Plan; provided, however, that the base price of a Stock Appreciation Right shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Stock Appreciation Right on the Grant Date.
3.3
Exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights
. A Stock Appreciation Right shall be deemed exercised upon receipt by the Corporation of written notice of exercise from the Participant.
3.4
Stock Appreciation Right Payment
. Upon exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, a Participant shall be entitled to payment from the Corporation, in cash, shares, or partly in each (as determined by the Board in accordance with any applicable terms of the Participant's Agreement), of an amount equal to the difference between (a) the aggregate Fair Market Value on the exercise date for the specified number of shares of Common Stock being exercised, and (b) the aggregate base price for the specified number of shares of Common Stock being exercised.
IV. RESTRICTED STOCK AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS
4.1
Grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, the Board, at any time and from time to time, may grant Awards of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units under the Plan to such Participants and in such amounts as it shall determine.
4.2
Terms of Awards
. Each Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Agreement that shall specify the terms of the restrictions, including the Restriction Period, the number of shares of Common Stock or units subject to the Award, the exercise price for the shares of Restricted Stock, if any, the form of consideration that may be used to pay the exercise price of the Restricted Stock, including those specified in Section 2.4, and such other general terms and conditions, including whether the Restricted Stock is subject to achievement of Performance Goals, as the Board shall determine.
4.3
Transferability
. Except as provided in this Article IV and Section 11.3 of the Plan, the shares of Common Stock subject to an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted hereunder may not be transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated until the termination of the applicable Restriction Period or for such period of time as shall be established by the Board and specified in the applicable Agreement, or upon the earlier satisfaction of other conditions as specified by the Board in its sole discretion and as set forth in the applicable Agreement.
4.4
Other Restrictions
. The Board shall impose such other restrictions on any shares of Common Stock subject to an Award of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units under the Plan as it may deem advisable, including restrictions under applicable federal or state securities laws, and the issuance of a legended certificate of Common Stock representing such shares to give appropriate notice of such restrictions (or, if issued in book entry form, a notation with similar restrictive effect with respect to the book entry representing such shares) pursuant to Section 11.3(b).
4.5
Voting Rights
. During the time Restricted Stock is subject to the Restriction Period, to the extent not prohibited by law, the Participant's Agreement shall require the Participant to appoint each of the Corporation's chief executive officer and/or corporate secretary as proxies, each with the power to appoint a substitute, authorizing each of them to represent and to vote the Participant's Restricted Stock in accordance with the Board's recommendations on all matters that are submitted to a shareholder vote (such appointment being irrevocable and coupled with an interest and extending until the expiration of the Restriction Period).
4.6
Settlement of Restricted Stock Unit Awards
. If a Restricted Stock Unit Award is payable in Common Stock, the Corporation shall issue to a Participant on the date on which Restricted Stock Units subject to the Participant's Award Vest or on such other date determined by the Board, in its discretion, and set forth in the Agreement, one share of Common Stock and/or any other new, substituted or additional securities or other property pursuant to an adjustment described in Section 10.1 for each Restricted Stock Unit then becoming Vested or otherwise to be settled on such date, subject to the withholding of applicable taxes. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, any Restricted Stock Unit Award, whether settled in Common Stock, cash or other property, shall be paid no later than two and a half months after the later of the end of the fiscal or calendar year in which the Award Vests.
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V. PERFORMANCE AWARDS
5.1
Grant of Performance Awards
. The Board, in its discretion, may grant Performance Awards to Participants and may determine, on an individual or group basis, the Performance Goal(s) to be attained pursuant to each Performance Award.
5.2
Terms of Performance Awards.
(a) Performance Awards shall consist of rights to receive cash, Common Stock, other property or a combination thereof, if designated Performance Goal(s) are achieved. The terms of a Participant's Performance Award shall be set forth in a Participant's Agreement. Each Agreement shall specify the Performance Goal(s) applicable to a particular Participant or group of Participants, the period over which the targeted Performance Goal(s) are to be attained, the payment schedule if the Performance Goal(s) are attained, and any other terms as the Board shall determine and conditions applicable to an individual Performance Award.
(b) Performance Awards may be granted as Performance Shares or Performance Units, at the discretion of the Board. Performance Awards shall be paid no later than two and a half months after the later of the end of the fiscal or calendar year in which the Performance Award is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.
(i) In the case of Performance Shares, a legended certificate of Common Stock shall be issued in the Participant's name, restricted from transfer prior to the satisfaction of the designated Performance Goal(s) and restrictions (or shares may be issued in book entry form with a notation having similar restrictive effect with respect to the book entry representing such shares), as determined by the Board and specified in the Participant's Agreement. Prior to satisfaction of the designated Performance Goal(s) and restrictions, to the extent not prohibited by law, the Participant's Agreement shall require the Participant to appoint each of the Corporation's chief executive officer and/or corporate secretary as proxies, each with the power to appoint a substitute, authorizing each of them to represent and to vote the Participant's Performance Shares in accordance with the Board's recommendations on all matters that are submitted to a shareholder vote (such appointment being irrevocable and coupled with an interest and extending until such time as the Performance Goal(s) and other restrictions on the Performance Shares have been satisfied).
(ii) In the case of Performance Units, the Participant shall receive an Agreement from the Board that specifies the Performance Goal(s) and restrictions that must be satisfied before the Corporation shall issue the payment, which may be cash, a designated number of shares of Common Stock, other property, or a combination thereof. In the event of a dividend or distribution paid in shares of Common Stock or any other event described in Article X, appropriate adjustments shall be made in the Participant's Performance Unit Award so that it represents the right to receive upon settlement any and all new, substituted or additional securities or other property (other than normal cash dividends) to which the Participant would be entitled by reason of the shares of Common Stock issuable upon settlement of the Performance Unit Award, and all such new, substituted or additional securities or other property shall be immediately subject to the same restrictions as are applicable to the Performance Unit Award.
VI. INCENTIVE AWARDS
6.1
Grant of Incentive Awards.
(a) The Board, at its discretion, may grant Incentive Awards to such Participants as it may designate from time to time. The terms of a Participant's Incentive Award shall be set forth in the Participant's Agreement and/or in any separate program(s) authorized by the Board. Each Agreement and/or separate program shall specify such other terms and conditions as the Board shall determine.
(b) The determination of Incentive Awards for a given year or years may be based upon the attainment of specified levels of Performance Goals related to the Corporation or Subsidiary performance as determined at the discretion of the Board.
(c) The Board shall (i) select those Participants who shall be eligible to receive an Incentive Award, (ii) determine the performance period, (iii) determine target levels (including minimum and maximum levels) of Performance Goals, and (iv) determine the level of Incentive Award to be paid to each selected Participant upon the achievement of each Performance Goal.
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6.2
Payment of Incentive Awards.
(a) Incentive Awards shall be paid in cash, shares of Common Stock or other property, at the discretion of the Board. Payments shall be made no later than two and a half months after the later of the end of the fiscal or calendar year in which the Incentive Award is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.
(b) The amount of an Incentive Award to be paid upon the attainment of each targeted Performance Goal shall equal a percentage of a Participant's base salary for the fiscal year, a fixed dollar amount, or pursuant to such other formula, as determined by the Board or as set forth in the Participant's Agreement.
VII. DIVIDENDS NO DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS
(a) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any dividends or other distributions paid with respect to issued and outstanding Restricted Stock or Performance Shares until such time as the Restricted Stock or Performance Shares Vest.
(b) No Award may be granted under the Plan that provides for payment of “dividend equivalents” or any similar right to receive cash dividends or other distributions paid with respect to a share of Common Stock prior to the time such Award Vests, and no dividend equivalents or similar rights may ever be granted with respect to an Option, a Share Appreciation Right, or any Award other than a “full value” Award.
VIII. MINIMUM VESTING PERIOD
8.1
General Rule.
Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, except as provided in Section 8.2, no portion of any Award granted to any Participant shall Vest prior to the twelve (12)-month anniversary of the Grant Date.
8.2
Exceptions.
Notwithstanding Section 8.1:
(a) The Board may grant Awards to Participants that are not subject to the twelve (12)-month minimum vesting period,
provided
that such Awards in the aggregate do not exceed five percent (5%) of the total number of shares reserved pursuant to Section 1.7(a).
(b) The Board may grant Awards that are not subject to the twelve (12)-month minimum vesting period in connection with a merger or other acquisition as a substitute or replacement award for awards held by grantees of the acquired business.
(c) For purposes of Awards granted to Directors, “twelve (12)-months” may mean the period of time from one annual shareholders meeting to the next annual shareholders meeting, provided that such period of time is not less than fifty (50) weeks.
(d) The Board may accelerate the Vesting of any Award (i) in accordance with Section 1.5(b)(i), or (ii) in accordance with Section 10.2.
IX. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT OR SERVICES
9.1
Options and Stock Appreciation Rights
. Unless otherwise provided in a Participant's Agreement and subject to Article VIII:
(a) If, prior to the date when an Option or Stock Appreciation Right first becomes Vested, a Participant's employment or services with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, the Participant's right to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall terminate and all rights thereunder shall cease.
(b) If, on or after the date when an Option or Stock Appreciation Right first becomes Vested, a Participant's employment or services with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason other than death or Disability, the Participant shall have the right, within the earlier of (i) the expiration of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right, and (ii) three (3) months after termination of employment or services, as applicable, to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right to the extent that it was Vested and exercisable and unexercised on the date of the Participant's termination of employment or services, subject to any other limitation on the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right in effect on the date of exercise.
(c) If, on or after the date when an Option or Stock Appreciation Right first becomes Vested, a Participant's employment or services with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated due to the Participant's
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death while the Option or Stock Appreciation Right is still exercisable, the person or persons to whom the Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall have been transferred by will or the laws of descent and distribution, shall have the right within the exercise period specified in the Participant's Agreement to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right to the extent that it was exercisable and unexercised on the Participant's date of death, subject to any other limitation on exercise in effect on the date of exercise. The beneficial tax treatment of an Incentive Stock Option may be forfeited if the Option is exercised more than one year after a Participant's date of death.
(d) If, on or after the date when an Option or Stock Appreciation Right first becomes Vested, a Participant's employment or services with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated due to the Participant's Disability, the Participant shall have the right, within the exercise period specified in the Participant's Agreement, to exercise the Option or Stock Appreciation Right to the extent that it was exercisable and unexercised on the date of the Participant's termination of employment or services due to Disability, subject to any other limitation on the exercise of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right in effect on the date of exercise. If the Participant dies after termination of employment or services, as applicable, while the Option or Stock Appreciation Right is still exercisable, the Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercisable in accordance with the terms of Section 9.1(c).
(e) For the avoidance of doubt, the Board, at the time of a Participant's termination of employment or services, subject to Sections 2.1 and 3.1, Article VIII and Code Section 409A, may extend the term of a Vested Option or a Vested Stock Appreciation Right.
(f) Shares subject to Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that are not exercised in accordance with the provisions of (a) through (e) above shall expire and be forfeited by the Participant as of their expiration date.
9.2
Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Unit Awards, Performance Awards and Incentive Awards
. With respect to any Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Award or Incentive Award, unless otherwise provided in a Participant's Agreement and subject to Article VIII:
(a) If a Participant's employment or services with the Corporation or a Subsidiary is terminated for any reason, any portion of such Award that is not yet Vested shall terminate and be forfeited by the Participant.
(b) If, with respect to a Restricted Stock Award or Restricted Stock Unit Award, the terminated Participant was required to pay a purchase price for any Restricted Stock subject to such Award, other than the performance of services, the Corporation shall have the option to repurchase any shares of Restricted Stock acquired by the Participant which are still subject to the Restriction Period for the purchase price paid by the Participant.
9.3
Other Provisions
. The transfer of an Employee from one corporation to another among the Corporation and any of its Subsidiaries, or a leave of absence under the leave policy of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries, or applicable state or federal law, shall not be a termination of employment for purposes of the Plan, unless a provision to the contrary is expressly stated by the Board in the Employee's Agreement issued under the Plan. The Board may, subject to any additional conditions it may require, provide for continued Vesting of an Award in the event of a Participant's termination of employment or service due to death, Disability, qualifying retirement (as determined by the Board), or termination without Cause, or the Board may accelerate the Vesting of any Award in in accordance with Section 1.5(b)(i).
X. ADJUSTMENTS AND CHANGE IN CONTROL
10.1
Adjustments
. In the event of a merger, statutory share exchange, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, dividend or distribution (whether in cash, shares or other property), stock split, reverse stock split, spin-off or similar transaction or other change in corporate structure affecting the Common Stock or the value thereof, such adjustments and other substitutions shall be made to the Plan and Awards as the Board, in its sole discretion, deems equitable or appropriate, including adjustments in the aggregate number, class and kind of securities that may be delivered under the Plan and, in the aggregate or to any one Participant, in the number, class, kind and option or exercise price of securities subject to outstanding Awards granted under the Plan (including, if the Board deems appropriate, the substitution of cash, similar options to purchase the shares of, or other awards denominated in the shares of, another company, or other property, as the Board may determine to be appropriate in its sole discretion). Any of the foregoing adjustments may provide for the elimination of any fractional share which might otherwise become subject to any Award.
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10.2
Change in Control.
(a) Upon a Change in Control, in the absence of any affirmative determination by the Board regarding the treatment of outstanding Awards in accordance with Section 10.2(b), then each outstanding Award will be assumed, or replaced with the same type of award with similar terms and conditions, by the successor or surviving corporation (or parent thereof) in the Change in Control transaction. If applicable, each Award which is assumed by the successor or surviving corporation (or parent thereof) shall be appropriately adjusted, immediately after such Change in Control, to apply to the number and class of securities which would have been issuable to the Participant upon the consummation of such Change in Control had the Award been exercised, Vested or earned immediately prior to such Change in Control, and such other appropriate adjustments in the terms and conditions of the Award shall be made. Upon the Participant's Change in Control Termination following the Change in Control, all of the Participant's Awards that are in effect (including any replacement awards) as of the date of such termination shall be Vested in full or deemed earned in full (if applicable, based on (A) the level of achievement of the Performance Goals that had been met on the date immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control Termination or (B) assuming that the Performance Goals had been met at target at the time of such Change in Control Termination, but prorated based on the elapsed portion of the performance period as of the date of the Change in Control Termination, whichever shall result in the greater amount) effective on the date of such Change in Control Termination. If, however, the purchaser, successor or surviving entity (or parent thereof) to the Corporation in the Change in Control transaction does not assume the Awards or issue replacement awards (including, for the avoidance of doubt, by reason of Participant's Change in Control Termination that occurs prior to or concurrent with the Change if Control), then immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control or the date of the Participant's Change in Control Termination, whichever occurs first: (1) each Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is then held by a Participant who is employed by or in the service of the Corporation or a Subsidiary shall become immediately and fully Vested, and, unless otherwise determined by the Board, all Options and Stock Appreciation Rights shall be cancelled on the date of the Change in Control in exchange for a cash payment equal to the excess of the Change in Control Price of the shares of Common Stock covered by the Option or Stock Appreciation Right that is so cancelled over the exercise or grant price of such shares under the Award; provided, however, that all Options and Stock Appreciation Rights that have an exercise or grant price that is greater than the Change in Control Price shall be cancelled for no consideration; (2) Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (that are not Performance Awards) that are not then Vested shall Vest; (3) All Performance Awards and all Incentive Awards that are earned but not yet paid shall be paid, and all Performance Awards and Incentive Awards for which the performance period has not expired shall be cancelled in exchange for a cash payment equal to the amount that would have been due under such Award(s), valued either (A) based on the level of achievement of the Performance Goals that had been met on the date immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control or (B) assuming that the Performance Goals had been met at target at the time of such Change in Control, but prorated based on the elapsed portion of the performance period as of the date of the Change in Control, whichever shall result in the greater amount. For purposes of the foregoing, if the value of an Award is based on the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock, Fair Market Value shall be deemed to mean the Change in Control Price.
(b) The following provisions will apply to Awards in the event of a Change in Control unless otherwise provided in the instrument evidencing the Award or any other written agreement between the Corporation or any of its affiliates and the Participant or unless otherwise expressly provided by the Board at the time of grant of an Award. In the event of a Change in Control, then, notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Board will take one or more of the following actions with respect to each outstanding Award, contingent upon the closing or completion of the Change in Control:
(i) arrange for the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company) to assume or continue the Award or to substitute a similar award for the Award (including, but not limited to, an award to acquire the same consideration per share paid to the stockholders of the Corporation pursuant to the Change in Control);
(ii) arrange for the assignment of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Corporation in respect of Common Stock issued pursuant to the Award to the surviving corporation or acquiring corporation (or the surviving or acquiring corporation’s parent company);
(iii) accelerate the Vesting, in whole or in part, of the Award (and, if applicable, the time at which the Award may be exercised) to a date prior to the effective time of such Change in Control as the Board
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will determine (or, if the Board will not determine such a date, to the date that is 5 days prior to the effective date of the Change in Control), with such Award terminating if not exercised (if applicable) at or prior to the effective time of the Change in Control, and with such exercise reversed if the Change in Control does not become effective;
(iv) arrange for the lapse, in whole or in part, of any reacquisition or repurchase rights held by the Corporation with respect to the Award;
(v) cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Award, to the extent not Vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the Change in Control, in exchange for such cash consideration, if any, as the Board, in its reasonable determination, may consider appropriate as an approximation of the value of the canceled Award, taking into account the value of the Common Stock subject to the canceled Award, the possibility that the Award might not otherwise Vest in full, and such other factors as the Board deems relevant;
(vi) cancel or arrange for the cancellation of the Award, to the extent not Vested or not exercised prior to the effective time of the Change in Control, in exchange for a payment, in such form as may be determined by the Board equal to the excess, if any, of (A) the value in the Change in Control of the property the Participant would have received upon the exercise of the Award immediately prior to the effective time of the Change in Control, over (B) any exercise price payable by such holder in connection with such exercise.
The Board need not take the same action or actions with respect to all Awards or portions thereof or with respect to all Participants. The Board may take different actions with respect to the Vested and not yet Vested portions of an Award.
XI. MISCELLANEOUS
11.1
Partial Exercise/Fractional Shares
. The Board may permit, and shall establish procedures for, the partial exercise of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights granted under the Plan. No fractional shares shall be issued in connection with the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or payment of a Performance Award, Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, or Incentive Award; instead, the Fair Market Value of the fractional shares shall be paid in cash, or at the discretion of the Board, the number of shares shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of shares and any fractional shares shall be disregarded.
11.2
Rights Prior to Issuance of Shares.
No Participant shall have any rights as a shareholder with respect to shares covered by an Award until the issuance of a stock certificate for such shares or electronic transfer to the Participant (or book entry representing such shares has been made and such shares have been deposited with the appropriate registered book-entry custodian). No adjustment shall be made for dividends or other rights with respect to such shares for which the record date is prior to the date the certificate is issued or the shares are electronically delivered to the Participant's brokerage account (or book entry is made).
11.3
Non Assignability; Certificate Legend; Removal.
(a) Except as described below or as otherwise determined by the Board in a Participant's Agreement, no Award shall be transferable by a Participant except by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and an Option or Stock Appreciation Right shall be exercised only by a Participant during the lifetime of the Participant. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may assign or transfer an Award that is not an Incentive Stock Option with the consent of the Board (each transferee thereof, a “Permitted Assignee”); provided that such Permitted Assignee shall be bound by and subject to all of the terms and conditions of the Plan and any Agreement relating to the transferred Award and shall execute an agreement satisfactory to the Corporation evidencing such obligations; and provided further that such Participant shall remain bound by the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(b) Each certificate representing shares of Common Stock subject to an Award, to the extent a certificate is issued, shall bear the following legend:
The sale or other transfer of the shares of stock represented by this certificate, whether voluntary, involuntary or by operation of law, is subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth in the Rockwell Medical, Inc. 2018 Long Term Incentive Plan (“Plan”), rules and administrative guidelines adopted pursuant to such Plan and an Agreement issued under such Plan. A copy of the Plan, such rules and such Agreement may be obtained from the Secretary of Rockwell Medical, Inc. If shares are issued
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in book entry form, a notation to the same restrictive effect as the legend above shall be placed on the transfer agent's books in connection with such shares.
(c) Subject to applicable federal and state securities laws, issued shares of Common Stock subject to an Award shall become freely transferable by the Participant after all applicable restrictions, limitations, performance requirements or other conditions have terminated, expired, lapsed or been satisfied. Once such issued shares of Common Stock are released from such restrictions, limitations, performance requirements or other conditions, the Participant shall be entitled to have the legend required by this Section 11.3 removed from the applicable Common Stock certificate (or notation removed from such book entry).
11.4
Securities Laws.
(a) Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, the Corporation's obligation to sell and deliver Common Stock pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or deliver Common Stock pursuant to a Restricted Stock Award, Restricted Stock Unit Award, Performance Award or Incentive Award is subject to such compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations applying to the authorization, issuance or sale of securities as the Corporation deems necessary or advisable. The Corporation shall not be required to sell and deliver or issue Common Stock unless and until it receives satisfactory assurance that the issuance or transfer of such shares shall not violate any of the provisions of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder or those of the Stock Exchange or any stock exchange on which the Common Stock may be listed, the provisions of any other applicable laws governing the sale of securities, or that there has been compliance with the provisions of such acts, rules, regulations and laws.
(b) The Board may impose such restrictions on any shares of Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or the grant of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or the payment of a Performance Award or Incentive Award under the Plan as it may deem advisable, including restrictions (i) under applicable federal securities laws; (ii) under the requirements of the Stock Exchange; and (iii) under any blue sky or other applicable state securities laws.
11.5
Withholding Taxes.
(a) The Corporation shall have the right to withhold from a Participant's compensation or require a Participant to remit sufficient funds to satisfy applicable withholding for income and employment taxes upon the exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right or the Vesting or payment of any Award, or disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired under any Award. Alternatively, if the Corporation so approves and to the extent provided in the Participant's Agreement, the Participant may, in order to fulfill the withholding obligation, tender shares of Common Stock or have shares of stock withheld from the exercise or Vested portion of the Award, provided the shares tendered or withheld have an aggregate Fair Market Value sufficient to satisfy in whole or in part the applicable withholding taxes. Other payment methods set forth in Section 2.4 may also be utilized to satisfy any applicable withholding requirements if the Corporation approves such form of payment and to the extent provided in the Participant's Agreement. The Corporation may not withhold more shares than are necessary to meet tax withholding obligations owed by Participant.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant may not use shares of Common Stock to satisfy the withholding requirements to the extent that (i) there is a substantial likelihood that the use of such form of payment or the timing of such form of payment would subject the Participant to a substantial risk of liability under Section 16 of the Exchange Act; (ii) such withholding would constitute a violation of the provisions of any law or regulation (including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002); (iii) there is a substantial likelihood that the use of such form of payment would result in adverse accounting treatment to the Corporation under generally accepted accounting principles; or (iv) the Corporation does not approve such form of payment and does not provide such payment option in the Participant's Agreement.
11.6
Termination and Amendment.
(a) The Board may terminate the Plan, or the granting of Awards under the Plan, at any time.
(b) The Board may amend or modify the Plan at any time and from time to time, and may amend or modify the terms of an outstanding Agreement at any time and from time to time, but no amendment or modification, without the approval of the shareholders of the Corporation, shall (i) materially increase the
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benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan; (ii) increase the amount of Common Stock for which Awards may be made under the Plan, except as permitted under Sections 1.7 and Section 10.1; or (iii) change the provisions relating to the eligibility of individuals to whom Awards may be made under the Plan. In addition, if the Corporation's Common Stock is listed on a Stock Exchange, the Board may not amend the Plan in a manner requiring approval of the shareholders of the Corporation under the rules of the Stock Exchange without obtaining the approval of the shareholders.
(c) No amendment, modification, or termination of the Plan or an outstanding Agreement shall in any manner materially and adversely affect any then outstanding Award under the Plan without the consent of the Participant holding such Award, except as set forth in any Agreement relating to the Award, as set forth in Sections 10.2 or 11.9, or to bring the Plan and/or an Award into compliance with the requirements of Code Section 409A or to qualify for an exemption under Code Section 409A.
11.7
Code Section 409A
. It is intended that Awards granted under the Plan shall be exempt from or in compliance with Code Section 409A, and the provisions of the Plan and all Agreements are to be construed accordingly. The Board reserves the right to amend the terms of the Plan and the right to amend any outstanding Agreement if necessary either to exempt such Award from Code Section 409A or comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A, as applicable. However, unless otherwise specified herein or in a Participant's Agreement, in no event shall the Corporation or a Subsidiary be responsible for any tax or penalty under Code Section 409A owed by a Participant or beneficiary with regard to an Award payment. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, all or part of an Award payment to a Participant who is determined to constitute a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder) at the time of separation from service, shall be delayed (if then required) under Code Section 409A, and paid in an aggregated lump sum on the first business day following the date that is six months after the date of the Participant's separation from service, or the date of the Participant's death, if earlier; any remaining payments shall be paid on their regularly scheduled payment dates. For purposes of the Plan and any Agreement, the terms “separation from service” or “termination of employment” (or variations thereof) shall be synonymous with the meaning given to the term “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder.
11.8
Effect on Employment or Services
. Neither the adoption of the Plan nor the granting of any Award pursuant to the Plan shall be deemed to create any right in any individual to be retained or continued in the employment or services of the Corporation or a Subsidiary.
11.9
Severability
. If any one or more of the provisions (or any part thereof) of this Plan or of any Agreement issued hereunder, shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such provision shall be modified (without requiring the consent of any Participant) so as to make it valid, legal and enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions (or any part thereof) of the Plan or of any Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The Board may, without the consent of any Participant, and in a manner determined necessary solely in the discretion of the Board, amend the Plan and any outstanding Agreement as the Corporation deems necessary to ensure the Plan and all Awards remain valid, legal or enforceable in all respects.
11.10
Beneficiary Designation
. Except as otherwise designated in a Participant's Agreement, and subject to local laws and procedures, each Participant may file a written beneficiary designation with the Corporation stating who is to receive any benefit under the Plan or any Agreement to which the Participant is entitled in the event of such Participant's death before receipt of any or all of a Plan benefit. Each designation shall revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, be in a form prescribed by the Corporation, and become effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Corporation during the Participant's lifetime. If a Participant dies without an effective beneficiary designation for a beneficiary who is living at the time of the Participant's death, the Corporation shall pay any remaining unpaid benefits to the Participant's legal representative.
11.11
Unfunded Obligation
. A Participant shall have the status of a general unsecured creditor of the Corporation. Any amounts payable to a Participant pursuant to the Plan or any Agreement shall be unfunded and unsecured obligations for all purposes. The Corporation shall not be required to segregate any monies from its general funds, or to create any trusts, or establish any special accounts with respect to such obligations. The Corporation shall retain at all times beneficial ownership of any investments, including trust investments, which the Corporation may make to fulfill its payment obligations hereunder. Any investments or the creation or maintenance of any trust or any Participant account shall not create or constitute a trust or fiduciary relationship between the Board, the Committee
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or the Corporation on the one hand, and any Participant on the other hand, or otherwise create any Vested or beneficial interest in any Participant or the Participant's creditors in any assets of the Corporation. A Participant shall have no claim against the Corporation for any changes in the value of any assets which may be invested or reinvested by the Corporation with respect to the Plan.
11.12
Approval of Plan
. The Plan shall be subject to the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the votes cast on a proposal to approve the Plan at a duly held meeting of shareholders of the Corporation held within 12 months after adoption of the Plan by the Board. No Award granted under the Plan may be exercised or paid in whole or in part unless the Plan has been approved by the shareholders as provided herein. If not approved by shareholders within such 12-month period, the Plan and any Awards granted under the Plan shall be null and void, with no further force or effect.
11.13
Clawback/Recovery
. All Awards granted under the Plan will be subject to recoupment in accordance with any clawback policy that the Corporation is required to adopt pursuant to the listing standards of any national securities exchange or association on which the Corporation’s securities are listed or as is otherwise required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or other applicable law. In addition, the Board may impose such other clawback, recovery or recoupment provisions in an Award document as the Board determines necessary or appropriate, including, but not limited to, a reacquisition right in respect of previously acquired shares of Common Stock or other cash or property upon the occurrence of Cause. No recovery of compensation under such a clawback policy will be an event giving rise to a right to resign for “good reason” or “constructive termination” (or similar term) under any agreement with the Corporation or an affiliate.
11.14
Governing Law; Limitation on Actions
. Except to the extent governed by applicable federal law, the validity, interpretation, construction and performance of the Plan and Agreements under the Plan, shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflict of law rules. Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this Plan, any Award or any Agreement (including, but not limited to, claims brought by any shareholders of the Corporation, any Participant, or any other person having an interest in the Plan, any Agreement, or any Award) must be brought within one year (365 days) after the day the complaining party first knew or should have known of the events giving rise to the complaint, and may only be brought and determined in a Delaware state or federal court.
DATE APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: [March 3, 2025]
DATE APPROVED BY STOCKHOLDERS: [May 20, 2025]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERSPROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORSDIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICECORPORATE GOVERNANCEEXECUTIVE OFFICERSCOMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERSPROPOSAL 2 ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF OUR NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERSPROPOSAL 3 RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR 2025PROPOSAL 4 PROPOSAL TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE 2018 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLANSECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENTCERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONSOTHER MATTERS